Electrodeposition of nanocomposite gamma -alumina-nickel was examined using citrate and chloride electrolytes with rotating cylinder electrodes. Ultrafine alumina was detected in the nickel matrices and was found to depend on the applied current density. The particle incorporation rate dependence on the applied d.c. current density varied for the different electrolytes. In the chloride baths, higher particle concentrations were found in the deposits plated at low current densities compared to higher values. However, the opposite trend was noted for the citrate electrolyte where an increase in particle deposit content was observed with an increase in applied current density. Additionally, the nickel anodic behaviour was examined in order to devise a pulse-reverse (PR) plating method. PR deposition lead to an enhancement in the gamma -alumina deposit concentration compared to DC plating in chloride electrolytes.