NiCr alloy coatings with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 wt.% of La₂O₃ were deposited on 1045 carbon steel by a flame spraying and melting processing. Interface microstructure investigations of the coating/substrate systems were conducted by field emission gun scanning electron microscopy, with attached energy dispersive spectroscopy. The effect of La₂O₃ addition on the tribological properties of the coatings was investigated under dry sliding wear conditions. The result showed that the microstructure of the NiCr alloy coatings are refined with proper amounts of La₂O₃, and the microhardness and wear resistance of the coatings show best enhancement with 1.0% La₂O₃.