The microstructure and mechanical properties of detonation gun sprayed NiCrAlY+CeO2 alloy coatings deposited on superalloys were investigated. The morphologies of the coatings were characterized by using the techniques such as optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive analysis. The coating depicts the formation of dendritic structure and the microstructural refinement in the coating was due to ceria. Average porosity on three substrates was less than 0.58% and surface roughness of the coatings was in the range of 6.17-6.94 mu m. Average bond strength and microhardness of the coatings were found to be 58 MPa and 697-920 Hv, respectively. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.