Properties of MoS2 coatings can be improved by the codeposition of a small amount of titanium (Ti). In this study, MoS2-based composite coatings, which consisted of Ti or titanium nitride (TiN) and molybdenum disulfide, are synthesized by unbalanced plasma plating. Two forms of MoS2-based composite coatings have been developed: TiN-MoS2/Ti and TiN-MoS2/TiN coatings. The effect of Ti or TiN and processing parameters on properties of such coatings are investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dry drilling and turning tests are used to determine the structure, composition and tribological performance of MoS2-based coatings. Experimental results indicate that these MoS2-based composite coatings are considerably more wear-resistant and are less sensitive to atmospheric water vapor than pure MoS2 coatings. These coatings show excellent results when tested for a wide range of industrial turning and drilling applications. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.