The AIN particle reinforced aluminum matrix composites with 50% volume fraction were fabricated by squeeze-castingtechnology. The thermal expansion behavior and its response to thermal cycling were studied between 20C and400C. Compared with four theoretical models, the measured CTEs of the composite lie within the elastic boundsat lower temperature and elevated temperature, respectively. Strain hysteresis was observed between heating andcooling curves during cycling. This was attributed primarily to the anelastic behavior of the matrix induced by matrixresidual stresses.