The sprayed particles of metallic and cermet wires were collected to analyze the atomization state of the particles in arc spraying forming, the microstructure and properties of metallic and ceramic coatings were investigated and compared. Particle size analyzer was used for quantifying particle size. The XRD, SEM and optical microscope(OM) were used to analyze the phase composition and microstructure of the particles and coatings. From the experimental results, some difference of particle characteristics was established between the spraying metallic and ceramic cored wires, and the microstructure and properties of coatings depend strongly on the particles behaviors. The result shows that Fe-TiB2/Al2O3 composite coating has a high potential for abrasive wear applications.