Abstract: The Ni-W-ZrO₂ coating on an aluminum alloy substrate was prepared by pulse electrodeposition. The cross-sectional morphology of the composite coating as well as its elemental distribution,surface hardness,corrosion resistance and high temperature oxidation resistance were characterized by uisng scanning electron microscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,Vickers hardness,electrochemical workstation and Muffle furnace. The effect of the addition amount of Y(NO₃)₃ on the performance of the composite coating was investigated. The results show that the composite coating had a neat cross-sectional surface morphology,a homogeneous composition distribution and a good adhesion to the substrate. The ZrO₂ particles were well-distributed in Ni-W matrix. The composite coating had a thickness of 130 μm. The introduction of Y(NO₃)₃ into precusor of the composite coating resulted in a obvious enhancement of coating hardness,corrosion resistance and high temperature oxidation resistance. The Ni-W-ZrO₂ coating exhibited the best omprehensive mechanical performance by process optimization using 1.5 g/L Y(NO₃)₃.