Nanosized TiO2 particles have been prepared by top down approach using mechanical milling with high energy planetary ball mill at 250 rpm for different extents of time (5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 h). Electroless (EL) Ni-P-TiO2 nanocomposite coatings were developed using alkaline bath containing milled TiO2 nanoparticles (4 g/l). The results show that, the morphology of TiO2 particles milled for 40 h exhibit irregular shape with a particle diameter in the range of 33-45 nm. Wear studies of the coatings with 30 mu m thickness were investigated using 1, 1.5 and 2 N loads with 0.1 and 0.2 m/s rotation speeds. The Ni-P-TiO2 nanocomposite coatings exhibit the enhanced hardness and wear resistance as compared to that of Ni-P alloy coatings. Also the composite after heat treatment at 400 degrees C for 1 h in argon atmosphere showed improved hardness (1010 VHN) and wear resistance (1.5e-06 mm(3)/N m). (C) 2014 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B. V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.