Ni-P/nano-WC composite coatings were treated by electrical contact strengthening (ECS).
Metallurgically bonded composite coatings with low porosities and fine grains were obtained after ECS.
The coating microhardness increased with increasing contact current.
The microhardness distribution of the Ni-P/nano-WC composite coating became more uniform after 20 kA ECS.
The wear resistance of the Ni-P/nano-WC composite coating increased with increasing contact current.