This paper investigates the erosion performance of electro-thermal explosion directional spraying (EEDS) cermet WC/Co coatings using an air solid particle erosion rig. The influences of the different parameters such as impact angle, impingement velocity, environment temperature, particle diameter, on the erosion property of the coatings were studied. The eroded surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and the erosion mechanisms were discussed. The structure and bond characters of the coatings were also determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and SEM. The results indicate that the EEDS WC/Co coatings are characterized by. ne grain structure, good metallurgical bond and brittle erosion character. The erosion rates of the coatings decrease with temperature increasing and increase with impact angle and impingement velocity increasing. At elevated temperature, the oxidation happens on the coatings surface, which affects the erosion behavior. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.