Electroless deposition of Ni-Zn-P layers was studied on steel electrodes by varying the bath temperature (40-90 degrees C), pH and chemical composition. The deposition parameters were optimized. Alloys containing 70-86 wt % Ni, 6-20 wt % Zn and 6-10 wt % P are obtained at 20 mu m h(-1) and 85 degrees C. Corrosion measurements were performed in aerated 5% sodium chloride solution, the corrosion potential and current density are, respectively, -0.49 V/SCE and 2.6 mu A cm(-2).