Abstract: α-Fe-based composite coating reinforced by(Fe, Mo, W, Zr)C_0.7, (Fe, Mo, W, Ni)₂B, (Fe, Mo, W, Ni, Zr)(B, C) particles were prepared on the surface of Q235 steel by means of argon arc cladding technique with the pre-alloyed powder of Ni, Mo, Zr, WC and B₄C.The microstructure and properties of the coating were investigated by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, microhardness tester and friction and wear machine.The results indicate that the coating has excellent bonding between the coating and the Q235 steel substrate and is uniform, continuous and almost defect free.The particles are evenly distributed in the clad coating;composite coating has high hardness, which the average hardness of the coating is about HV1300.The argon arc clad composite coating has high hardness and excellent wear resistance under dry sliding wear test conditions, and the wear resistance of the coating is 14 times more than that of the matrix.