In this article, we report a novel method to synthesize polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposite. Chitin and PANI are dissolved in a common solvent, N,N-dimethyl acetamide, with 5% LiCl, and the solution is irradiated with 8 MeV electron beam for different doses, nano-particles of PANI in chitin is obtained. The characterization of the composite was done by UV-vis absorption spectrum, FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopic (SEM), and DC conductivity studies. UV-vis studies show conversion of emeraldine base form to leucoemaraldine base. FTIR studies show interaction between chitin and PANI. SEM analysis of irradiated composite shows formation of PANI particulates. Average particle size varies from approximate to 40 to approximate to 1000 nm. DC conductivity of blend improves on irradiation. One-dimensional variable range hopping conduction mechanism is dominating in the irradiated blend. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 121: 623-633, 2011