the nano-sized ceramics (Si3N4, SiC, Y2O3 and Al2O3) have been used as strengthening agents for the 316L stainless steel. The reference 316L and two different composites (0.33 wt% and 1 wt%) from each additive (9 different composites in total) have been prepared by powder metallurgy.   The attrition milling produced a significant morphological transformation of the globular 316L starting powders and provided a homogeneous distribution of the nanoceramic particles. The XRD results confirmed that the 316L steel was an austenitic γ-Fe3Ni2. The formation of a ferrite α-Fe phase was detected after milling in some composites; this last was transformed to the austenitic γ-Fe3Ni2 during the sintering process.  The results show that the addition of nanoceramics increased the composite's microhardness and flexural strength of the 316L significantly. A simultaneous transgranular and intergranular fracture behavior has been observed after the 3 points bending test of the 316L/1wt% SiC composite. the friction coefficient of the sintered composites was decreased in comparison with the reference 316L.  the Si3N4 and SiC composites show the best mechanical properties compared to the produced composites. The investigation of the sintered Si3N4 and SiC composites by TEM confirmed the distribution of the ceramic particles on the grain’s boundaries.