Modification of composites was a general method to improve their tribological behaviors. On the way to explore composites with enhanced tribological behaviors, we have successfully prepared hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric/phenolic composite filled with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) or MWCNTs modified by polystyrene (PS) with a grafting to method. The results of pin-on-disc type wear tests indicated tribological behaviors were improved both for hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric/phenolic composite filled with MWCNTs and MWCNTs-PS, especially for that of filled with MWCNTs-PS. And the probable reason was also discussed based on the characterization results. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012