Abstract <p>Since the surface hardening becomes an increasingly severe alternative with respect to design changes introduced for to improve the efficiency of internal combustion engines, different types of coatings for some components of internal combustion engines have been proposed and tested. One type of the most important components of the unit is represented by engine valves that in the course of operation are affected by a combined thermal, mechanical, corrosion and wear impact, which can lead to a complete failure of the engine. The active surfaces of the valves have been coated by means of an atmospheric plasma spraying technique with the use of such two powders as Ni–Al (nickel aluminide) and YSZ (zirconium dioxide). The microstructural analysis of these layers have been carried out, as well as observations regarding the potentialities of their use as heat-protective and antioxidant coatings for engine valves.</p>