The TiCN coating were successfully fabricated by reactive plasma spraying. The microstructure of coating was characterized by scanning electron micrograph (SEM)

X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The mechanical and tribological properties of coatings were evaluated by Vickers microhardness tests

nanoindentation tester and block-on-ring tribometer. Results showed that the main phases are TiC

0.7

N

0.3

and TiN with some amount of amorphous graphite and CN

x

phase. There are some Ti

2

O due to the plasm spraying carried out in atmosphere. The coating exhibits typical thermal spray spreading out morphology and a good bonding status between the coating and substrate w

as obtained. The microhardness value of coating still exceeds 1000HV

0.2

which is higher than that of substrate and bond coat. Due to the H

3

/E

2

of coating is greater than 0.1

it indicated that TiCN coating possessed a high resistance of plastic deformation and excellent wear resistance.