Composite electroplating is a method allowing to co-deposit fine particles of metallic or non metallic compounds into the plated layers in order to improve the surface properties. The aim of the present work was to compare the performance of pure nickel and Ni-SiC nano-structured composite coatings as far as corrosion, wear and abrasion resistance were concerned. The characteristics of the coatings were assessed by scanning electron microscopy, micro, hardness test, Taber Abrader test, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and wear corrosion measurements. Additionally accelerated salt spray tests were performed. The results obtained in this study indicate that the co-deposition of nickel and SiC nano-particles leads to uniform deposits possessing better abrasion, wear and corrosion properties. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.