Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) nanocomposites with poly(methyl methacrylate) were prepared via both an in situ bulk polymerization and a suspension polymerization using a radical initiator of 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN). Prior to the synthesis, the MWNT was purified in an acidic solution to remove impurities such as metallic catalysts and amorphous carbons. The AIBN induced PMMA was grafted on the MWNT, which was confirmed by a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR). The composite morphology of the MWNT was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrical characteristics were further examined via both a four-probe method and a rotational rheometer equipped with a high voltage generator. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.