Flux-cored wires with different La2O3 additives were developed. The microstructures of the hardfacing coatings were observed by optical microscopy (OM) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The phase structures were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The hardness, wear resistance and friction coefficient of the hardfacing coatings were measured by Rockwell hardness tester, unilateral abrasive belt wear testing machine and CETR reciprocating wear testing machine, respectively. At last, the worn morphologies of the hardfacing coatings were observed by FESEM. The results indicate that, the microstructures of the hardfacing coatings consist of needle-like martensite, high alloy matensite and retained austenite. With the increase of La2O3 additive, the high alloy matensite dissolves in the matrix gradually and the amount of retained austenite is not changed basically after it is increased firstly. When La2O3 addition is 0.70 wt.%, the grain size of the hardfacing coating is the smallest, which is 18 pin and the average hardness is the highest. Unidirectional abrasive belt wear test shows that the high alloy martensite can be as wear-resistance phase during the wear process of the hardfacing coatings. When the La2O3 addition is 0.35 wt.%, the unidirectional wear resistance of the hardfacing coating is the highest. Reciprocating wear test shows that with the increase of the La2O3 additives, the friction coefficient is decreased and the reciprocating wear resistance is increased. When La2O3 addition is 0.70 wt.% the reciprocating wear resistance is the highest. (C) 2014 Elsevier BY. All rights reserved.