In our study, Ni/SiC functionally graded coatings have been obtained by electrochemical deposition of silicon carbide microparticles; (mean diameter 2 mu m) from nickel Watts baths with different concentrations of SiC particles in solution. The SiC particles were characterized by electroacustics technique in order to determine zeta potential and particle size. Moreover, the effect of the concentration of SiC particles in solution on the amount of SiC deposited in the nickel layer was investigated. Further experiments showed that the degree of particle incorporation provoked changes in the texture of the nickel matrix. The characterization of the coatings proved that the Ni/SiC graded composite coatings were bright and compact, presented good adhesion and improved the hardness and wear resistance of pure nickel electrodeposits. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.