The electroless Ni-polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite coatings were prepared by using CuSO4 as the stabilizing agent and cation or non-ionic fluorcarbon compounds as the surfactants in the plating bath. The effects of heat treatment temperature on the hardness, microstructure and tribiological properties of the coatings were investigated. On the basis of observing and analysing the coatings using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and electron probe microanalysis the mechanisms of friction and wear of the composite coatings were proposed. The results show that heat treatment at 200-degrees-C has only a slight effect on the friction and wear properties of the coating, whereas heat treatment at 400-degrees-C gives the highest hardness and the lowest wear rate. Moreover, the friction and wear properties of the coatings may be attributed mainly to scuffing and the formation of PTFE transfer film.