The thermal stability characteristics of multi-walled carbon nanotubes' (MWCNTs), which may represent a decomposition reaction during the production or utilization stage, involve concerns over unsafe or unknown properties. We analyzed the thermokinetic parameters of different scanning rates by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and then compared the results of thermokinetic parameters under various conditions by nth-order kinetic equations and kinetic model simulation of five kinds of kinetic algorithm. Experimental results obtained strongly depended on the reliability of the kinetic model applied, which is essentially defined by the proper choice of a mathematical model of a reaction and the correctness of the methods used for kinetics evaluation. By the five types of kinetic algorithm, we obtained a reasonable value for the Ea of MWCNTs on thermal decomposition. Finally, we established an effective and swift procedure for receiving information on thermal decomposition characteristics and decomposition reaction of MWCNTs that could be applied as an intrinsically safer design during normal or upset operation. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.