Ni–based composite coatings with different amounts of TiO 2 –ZnO were fabricated by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) to protect GH4169 superalloy substrates against excess wear and friction at elevated tempera-tures. In addition, the influence of the simultaneous addition of the oxides on the microstructure, microhardness,and wear behaviour was investigated. According to the results, the simultaneous addition of TiO 2 /ZnO provides anti-friction and wear inhibition over 600 °C. In particular at 800 °C, the TiO 2 –ZnO/Ni–5wt.%Al composite coating (10 wt% TiO 2 and 10 wt% ZnO were incorporated within Ni–5wt.%Al matrix) exhibits a superior lubricity and wear resistance compared to the Ni–5wt.%Al based coatings. The XRD, Raman, and TEM characterisations reveal the formation of a glaze oxide layer consisting of NiO, TiO 2 , ZnO and the in-situ production of ternary oxide (Zn 2 TiO 4 ), which was primarily responsible for the tribological performance of the sliding wear
contacts at the specific temperature.