Ni bars were electroplated with RuO2 or Tio(2)-reinforced Ni-p Ni-Co or Ni-Co-P-matrix composite layers from resp. baths at 40 degrees C and cathode current d. 1.5 A/dm(2) and then studied for chem. and phase compns., surface morphol, polarization behavior (voltamperometry) and corrosion resistance. The RuO2-reinforced composite layers showed the lowest overpotentials of H-2 release (abs. value 0.098-0.104 V at current d. 100 A/m(2)). The reinforcement resulted however in a substantial drop of the corrosion resistance of the layers.