The relations of Mori-Tanaka (M-T) model for thermal expansion coefficients (CTEs) of composites are derived following a regular procedure to compare with other two different expressions of M-T model often used for modeling thermal properties of nanocomposites. It is verified that by correcting the related parameters mis-determined all the relations are consistent and can provide same predicting results. This clarifies the confused information in literature concerning the M T model on CTEs. Some issues are discussed and attentions are suggested in appropriate use of different relations of M T models. Comparisons of M T model with other related theory models on CTEs are made by numerical results, which show some advantages of M T relations over other models in applications. The related expressions of M T model on CTEs are summed up under self-consistent coordinate systems for convenience of practical use. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.