In this study, structural and oxidation behavior of WC-Co coatings was analyzed during atmospheric heat treatment process between 150 degrees C and 1100 degrees C. Two types of WC-12%Co coatings with different particle size and morphology were deposited on steel substrates using Air Plasma Spraying. The coated samples were heat treated in atmosphere in different temperatures between 500 and 1100 degrees C. Microstructural evaluation, X-ray diffraction analysis and microhardness testing were performed before and after heat treatment. In this case, the results showed that, regarding increase hardness of coating samples based on increasing applied temperature, coatings kept their properties up to 500 degrees C. In addition, by increasing heat treatment temperature up to 1100 degrees C, oxidation process in coated layer accelerated and caused coating detachment from the coating-substrate interface. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.