The thermal degradation of poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB)/glass ceramic, PVB/Ag, and PVB/glass ceramic/Ag composites was investigated with thermogravimetric analysis in nitrogen and air. Thermogravimetric data revealed that the compositions of both inorganic materials in air could greatly influence the thermal degradation of PVB. The degradation reactions of PVB/ceramic and PVB/Ag composites began earlier and accelerated rapidly at lower temperatures. The overall degradation period was obviously shortened for the thermal degradation of PVB/Ag in air, whereas a longer time was required for the PVB/ceramic composite than for PVB. Moreover, dual effects of ceramic and Ag on the thermal degradation of PVB were observed for PVB/ceramic/Ag composites. In addition, the catalytic effects of ceramic and Ag on the degradation reaction of PVB in air were verified with a kinetic analysis. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.