Three hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) metal nitrate complexes such as [M(H2O)4(H2O-HMTA)2](NO3)·4H2O (where M=Co, Ni and Zn) have been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Their thermal decomposition have been studied by using dynamic, isothermal thermogravimery (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). Kinetics of thermal decomposition was undertaken by applying model-fitting as well as isoconversional methods. The possible pathways of thermolysis have also been proposed. Ignition delay measurements have been carried out to investigate the response of these complexes under condition of rapid heating.