Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), produced by arc-discharge method, were treated with oxidising inorganic acids. The surface modification of the oxidised nanotubes (o-MWCNTs) was achieved by refluxing the tubes with multi-functional amines. The functionalised nanotubes were embedded in the epoxy resin and the resulting composite was investigated by transmission-electron microscopy (TEM). The functionalisation led to a reduced agglomeration and evidences are given for improved interaction between the nanotubes and the epoxy resin. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.