The complex [Sm(p-MBA)3phen]2 (p-MBA, p-methylbenzoate; phen, 1,10-phenanthroline) was prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV spectra. The thermal decomposition process of [Sm(p-MBA)3phen]2 was studied under a static air atmosphere by TG-DTG and IR techniques. Thermal decomposition kinetics was investigated employing a newly proposed method, together with the integral isoconversional non-linear method. Meanwhile, the thermodynamic parameters (△H≠, AG≠ and △S≠) were also calculated. The lifetime equation at mass-loss of 10% was deduced as lnτ= -24.7825+18070.43/T by isothermal thermogravimetric analysis.