Objective To improve the tribological properties of the NiCr / Cr3 C2 composite coatings by adding hBN into the coatings as lubrication. Methods The NiCr / Cr3 C2 -10% hBN composite powder was prepared by the technology of chemical and metallurgical coating, spray granulation and solid state alloying. The coating was prepared by atmospheric plasma-spray technology using the prepared powder. The microstructure, phase composition and tribological properties from room temperature to 800 ℃ of coating were studied by SEM, XED and high-temperature tribometer. The tribonlogical mechanism of the APS sprayed NiCr / Cr3 C2 -10% hBN composite coatings were investigated at room temperature, 400 ℃ and 800 ℃ . Results The NiCr / Cr3 C2 -10% hBN composite coatings consisted of elongated lamellae and the tensile strength of the coating was 24 MPa. The porosity of the coating was (8. 47± 0. 5)% . The friction coefficient and wear rate of the coating firstly increased and then decreased with the increasing of temperature. The friction coefficient and wear rate of the coating were 0. 59 and 9. 2×10 -4 mm3 / (N·m) at 400 ℃ , 0. 45 and 4. 1×10 -4 mm3/ (N·m) at 800 ℃ , respectively, which was due to the formation of hBN lubricant film and metallic oxide at high temperature. The abrasive mechanism of the NiCr / Cr3 C2 -10% hBN composite coatings was dominated by brittle crack at room temperature, mixed brittle crack, plastic deformation and mild adhensive wear at 400 ℃ , and it was characterized by plastic deformation, oxidation, adhesive wear and as well as coating transfer to the coupled pin at 800 ℃ . Conclusion The NiCr / Cr3 C2 -10% hBN composite coating exhibited excellent wear-resistant performance at both low and high temperature.