The performance of several composite coatings sliding against ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene was evaluated in 3 h screening tests. The most promising coatings were then selected to run in 48 h wear tests, both dry and in the presence of distilled water. Composite coatings containing particles of Al 2O 3 and Cu and of 18-8 stainless steel and Al 2O 3 in epoxy matrices exhibited thermal, frictional and surface wear characteristics similar to those seen when 316 stainless steel was run against ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.