Composite coating of Ni-Co/Al2O3 was deposited in Ce-2(SO4)(3) containing electrolyte by pulse reverse current (PRC) method. The effect of Ce-2(SO4)(3) in electrolyte on morphology, microstructure, composition, micro-hardness and residual macrostress of composite coating was investigated. The results indicates that with addition of Ce-2(SO4)(3) in electrolyte, the composite coating becomes uniform, compact and possesses finer grains the composite content of Al2O3 is enhanced, the micro-hardness of composite coating is improved, while the residual macrostress is decreased. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.