Abstract <p>In this research, the development and analysis of nickel matrix coatings incorporating Al₂O₃, TiO₂, and WC reinforcing particles of varying submicron (600&#xa0;nm) and nano (50&#xa0;nm) dimensions were examined. All coatings underwent plating with different current cycles at two constant current densities of 4 and 8 A/dm². The findings indicated that in positive cycles, the concentration of reinforcing particles was significantly greater than in coatings produced with negative cycles. The highest recorded value was 42 vol%, while the lowest was 10 vol%. The quantity of Al₂O₃ particles was consistently higher (approximately 1.5 times) than that of TiO₂ and WC across all samples, attributed to their nano-scale and smaller sizes. Implementing a negative cycle during the coating process altered the morphology of the coatings from a cauliflower structure to a pyramidal. Also, it reduced the micron-sized cracks within the coating. Increasing the plating current density from 4 to 8 A/dm² not only enhanced the contribution of reinforcing particles but also led to increased agglomeration and cross-sectional cracking, which adversely affected wear and corrosion resistance. The high hardness (389 and 371 Vickers), compact and uniform morphology, along with the substantial presence of reinforcing particles in the nickel matrix, significantly improved the wear resistance of related samples. Furthermore, the effective distribution of reinforcing particles with fewer continuous structural cracks contributed to a reduction in corrosion current density (J_corr).</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>