Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have been successfully modified by polystyrene, poly(epsilon-caprolactone), and their block copolymers by addition reaction of the alkoxyamine-terminated precursors. Polymer-modified MWNTs are easily dispersed in good solvents for the grafted polymer, such as toluene and THF. This observation has been confirmed by TEM analysis. The grafting ratio of polystyrene chains at the surface of MWNTs depends on the polymer molecular weight. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.