The thermal decomposition at volatilization temperatures of polybutadiene samples with different initial microstructures was investigated i. vac. and under nitrogen atmosphere by thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal volatilization analysis and infrared spectroscopy. The decomposition of cis-1,4-, trans-1,4- and random polybutadienes occurs in two stages, whereas only one stage is shown by 1,2-polybutadiene. Chemical changes and amounts of weight loss in the first degradation stage are dependent on the sample heating rates. The volatile degradation products were collected, fractionated and compared for the different polymers.