A series of functionalized C-60-fullerene/epoxy nanocomposites were prepared, and their respective ultimate tensile strengths were determined. The functionalization route of the fullerenes was performed using the Prato reaction, with modified amino acids, resulting in the formation of N-pyrrolidine rings across the [6,6] junctions. Characterization of the functionalized fullerenes was done using Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight (LDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were affected by the type of modified amino acid, the degree of functional group attachment, and the consequent degree of dispersion into the epoxy matrix. A specially blended diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy, having a low viscosity and high strain-to-failure was prepared by adding 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether to DGEBA. The lower viscosity blended epoxy allowed for easier mixing of the fullerenes. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 117: 1120-1126, 2010