The thermal behavior of five bituminous coal samples was investigated in non-isothermal condition by thermal analysis. The integral method was used in the analysis of TGA data in order to determine the decomposition kinetics. The main region of the sample's weight loss, arising from the conversion of organic matter to gas, occurred within the temperature range 400-600 degreesC. The thermal parameters derived from TG and DTG curves were correlated with petrographic, proximate and ultimate analyses data. The results indicated that H/C ratio, fuel ratio, mean vitrinite reflectance and petrofactor could be qualitatively used in the prediction of the TG and burning behavior of various rank bituminous coals. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.