Using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), gas chromatography, Fourier-IR spectroscopy, and UV-vis spectrophotometry, the thermo-oxidative degradation of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) has been studied at temperatures of 60-300 degrees C. The kinetic regularities were analysed, and the activation energies of mass loss and the formation of gaseous products and functional groups were determined. The correlations of the activation energy of the first macroscopic stage determined by dynamic TGA and the activation energies of the chemical processes proceeding at 60-120 degrees C are discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.