SiC particle reinforced A15056 composite coatings were prepared by cold spraying using initial powders containing 15, 30, 45 and 60 vol.% SiC. Effects of SiC content in the coating on microstructure, mechanical property and wear behavior of the coatings were studied. Experimental results show that the SiC particles in the coating improve the deformation of A15056 particles and also increase the hardness of the coating. The cohesion strength of the composite coatings firstly increases and then decreases with the increase of SiC content in the coatings as a result of comprehensive effects of the SiC particles on improving the deformation of A15056 particles and on reducing the effective contact area between the A15056 particles. Finally, tribological tests show that the SiC particle and its content in the coatings would greatly influence the tribological behavior of the coatings. The worn tracks suggest that the delaminating wear is the wear mechanism of the A15056 and A15056/SiCp coatings at the present tribological condition. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.