The oxidation stability and reaction kinetics of multi wall carbon nanotubes(MWCNTs), graphite and C 60 have been studied by TG DTA techniques. The maximum mass losses were found at 673 ℃(carbon nanotubes), 846 ℃(graphite) and 628 ℃(C 60 ), respectively, at a heating rate of 10 ℃/min . The apparent activation energy of the oxidation reaction of carbon nanotubes, graphite and C 60 are E (MWCNTs)=143 5 kJ/mol? E (graphite)=180 7 kJ/mol? E (C 60 )=90 9 kJ/mol, respectively. The reaction order of the oxidation reaction of carbon nanotubes, graphite and C 60 are n (MWCNTs)= 3/5? n (graphite)=1/2? n (C 60 )=1/2, respectively. In conclusion, graphite has the best resistance to oxidation, but C 60 the weakest.