This work investigates some of the unique properties that can be achieved by combining materials with positive and negative thermal expansion coefficients. In the experiments, different mixtures of MCrAlY, WO 3 , and Y 2 O 3 powders are deposited on stainless steel substrates by laser cladding and HVOF spraying. To facilitate the formation of negative expansion coefficient particles in a positive expansion coefficient matrix, nucleation centers are created by ion implantation followed by heat treating. SEM examination and XRD analysis of the coatings obtained confirm the viability of the processing approach.