You can convert an nParticle object to a polygonal mesh, which you can then treat like any other polygon.

To convert nParticles to a polygon mesh

1. In the scene view, select the nParticle object that you want to convert to a polygon mesh.

   To convert emitted nParticles, either emit some nParticles into the scene and select them, or select the nParticle object from the Outliner.

2. Select Modify > Convert > nParticle to Polygons.

   After your nParticle object is converted to a polygon object, Maya no longer displays the particles in the scene view. This reduces simulation time and makes it easier to see how your Output Mesh attribute adjustments affect the mesh. See nParticle output meshes.

   To make the nParticle object visible in the workspace, in the Object Display section of the nParticleShape node Attribute Editor, turn off Intermediate Object.