Objective Fe-based B₄C composite clad coating was prepared on the surface of Q235 steel by plasma cladding-injection process, and its wear resistance was studied. Methods The microstructure and dry-sliding wear behavior of the clad layer were investigated by means of optical microscopy( OM) , scanning electron microscopy( SEM) , energy dispersive spectrometry ( EDS) and ball-on-disc wear experiments. Results The experimental results showed that when the B₄C accounted for 18% of the quality of the main body cladding material, the surface of the clad coating was smooth, without cracks. In addition, the plasma cladding-injecting coating had a compact texture, a low dilution rate and a good metallurgical bonding with carbon steel substrate, and there was a bright white transition layer in the interface. During the dissolving of the surface of the B₄C ceramic particles, borides of Fe and Cr were formed. The wear resistance test showed that the plasma cladding-injecting coating had high wear resistance, which was twenty-two times that of the 42CrMo steel, and forty-one times that of the 16Mn steel. Conclusion The plasma cladding-injection B₄C process was beneficial to enhance the bonding force between the B₄C and the cladding layer, and improve the hardness and wear resistance of the plasma cladding-injecting coating.