A fullerene styrene maleic anhydride ternary copolymer was synthesized. It is soluble in water and of spherical shape with an average diameter of about 83 nm. As an additive for a base stock (a triethanolamine solution of mass fraction 2%), the fullerene copolymer was able to raise load carrying capacity and reduce the friction coeffient considerably. It is soluble in water and of spherical shape with an average diameter of about 83 nm. As an additive for a base stock (a triethanolamine solution of mass fraction 2%), the fullerene copolymer was able to raise load carrying capacity and reduce the friction coeffient.