We report the surface modification of titania (TiO2) nanoparticles with azo-based radical initiator and vinyl (acrylate) polymerizable groups. This is achieved through the reaction of the surface hydroxyl groups of the titania with acid halides. Polymer (specifically, polystyrene) was grafted "from" the surface using the azo-modified titania, and "through" the surface of the vinyl-modified surface. Both conventional radical and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerizations were performed. The surface-modified titania and the polystyrene-titania nanocomposites were characterized using IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and gel permeation chromatography.