Materials can be processed by grinding not only for comminution, but also to obtain a variety of structures (amorphous, nanophased), fine mixing of phases, alloys and to directly synthesize compounds such as carbides. Nanocomposites can also be synthesized by reduction, exchange and mixing reactions driven by grinding, as well as by combining the above processes. Large scale economical production of such materials is feasible by grinding in mills designed for that purpose. The mechanical properties of materials are enhanced by the nanophase structure.