Abstract. We consider homogenization of sequences of integral functionals with natural growth conditions. Some new bounds for the corresponding homogenized integrand are proved and discussed. These bounds are compared with the nonlinear bounds of Wiener and Hashin--Shtrikman type. We also point out conditions that make our bounds sharp.

AMS Subject Classification (1991): 35Q35, 35J20

Received March 24, 1997. (Registered under 2651/2009.)