The effects of TiC on the mechanical and corrosion properties of a TiC reinforced Ti5Si3 nanocomposite coatings were investigated in comparison to a Ti5Si3 nanocrystalline coating. The addition of TiC can substantially improve the fracture toughness of the Ti5Si3-based nanocomposite coating. The electrochemical behavior and electronic properties of the passive film on the TiC reinforced Ti5Si3 nanocomposite coating in a naturally aerated 0.5 mol l(-1) H2SO4 solution were characterized by various electrochemical analytical techniques. The results indicate that corrosion resistance of the TiC reinforced Ti5Si3 nanocomposite coating is comparable to the Ti5Si3 nanocrystalline coating, but significantly higher than that of the uncoated Ti-6Al-4V. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.