For the preparation of high-quality polymeric carbon nanocomposites, it is required that carbon nanotubes are fully compatible with matrix polymers. For this purpose, amino-functionalized multiple-walled carbon nanotubes (a-MWNTs) were synthesized. the a-MWNTs/polymide nanocomposite films were prepared through in situ polymerization. According to the spectroscopy characterizations, the a-MWNTs were homogeneously dispersed in the nanocomposite films as the acid-functionalized MWNTs. The mechanical properties of the polyimide composite were also studied. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 110:701-705, 2008