In this study, a novel method was developed for surface modification of CNTs through a pressureless spark plasma sintering. TiC:CNT mixing ratio was changed in the range of 1:2-5:2 to find the optimum ratio. Thereafter, by changing the amount of nanotubes in the optimal mixing ratio (4:2), the effect of modified-CNT content (0.5-5 wt%) on the mechanical and tribological properties was investigated. The composite sample containing 1.5 wt% modified-CNT, with the mixing ratio of 4:2, showed the greatest properties. The results showed that microhardness, nanohardness and Young's modulus of the sample have the highest values of 97.61 HV, 0.93 GPa and 100.48 GPa, respectively. In addition, mean friction coefficient of 0.22 and wear weight loss of 7.4 mg were obtained for the composite. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.