The effect of pyridine on coatings morphology, composition and crystallographic orientation during electrodeposition of Ni-W layers from citrate-ammonia media onto copper substrate was investigated using SEM/EDS and XRD. The obtained Ni-W-Pyr layers were smoother, more compact and with finer grain size. Furthermore, deposited film gives good crystalline structure with (2 0 0), (1 1 1) and (3 1 1) preferred orientations. Corrosion mechanisms and stability in 5 h of immersion into 3% NaCl of various coatings were discussed in the consideration of electrical conductivity, microhardness, porosity, and inhibition efficiency. (C) 2012 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.