An alumina borate whisker with Bi(OH)(3)-Sn(OH)(4) was prepared using a chemical method. The thermal decomposition of Bi(OH)(3) and the evolution process of Bi2O3 (decomposition products of Bi(OH)(3)) as well as the thermal stability of the whiskers with coatings were described in detail. It was found that the whiskers are an important factor for accelerating the crystallization and decomposition of Bi(OH)(3). The presence of the whiskers reduced the transition temperature of alpha-gamma Bi2O3, but enhanced the transition temperature of gamma-delta Bi2O3. The reaction between the whiskers and Bi2O3 is responsible for the phenomena. In addition, it can be found that the presence of whisker does not change the thermal process of mixed Bi(OH)(3)Sn-center dot(OH)(4). (C) 2011 Elsevier BM. All rights reserved.