Objective To improve the dispersion of nano-silica in organic solvents and resin matrix. Methods Firstly, styrenemaleic anhydride copolymer (PSMA) was synthesized by common free radical polymerization. Then, the copolymer was reacted with propargyl alcohol to introduce multiple alkynyl groups. Nano-silica was firstly modified by silane coupling agent (KH560), then reacted with sodium azide to introduce azide groups. Finally, the copolymer (PSMA) with multiple alkynyl was grafted onto the surface of nano-silica via ‘click’ chemistry. Results The mass fraction of maleic anhydride in polymer was 26. 5% measured by neutralization titration. The number average molecular weight of the polymer was 36200 and the molecular weight distribution was 1. 39 analyzed by gel permeation chromatography. Analysis by IR ( FT-IR) indicated that there were multiple alkynyl on the copolymer, and multiple azide on the surface of nano-silica. After ‘click’ chemical reaction for 24 hours, the copolymer was grafted onto nano-silica with disappearance of characteristic absorption peaks of azide groups. Analysis of SEM and TG conformed that 32. 83% copolymer (PSMA) was grafted onto nano-silica, and scanning electron microscopy showed the dispersion was improved after the graft. Conclusion Copolymer (PSMA) with multiple active alkynyl groups can be grafted onto nano-silica via ‘click’ chemistry successfully with no occurrence of particle cross-linking, and the dispersion of nano-silica in organic solvents was improved obviously.