The paper reports on a new protective coating composed of polyanionic cellulose, Al and micro-additive Zr powders. The work has investigated a structure and phase composition of the composite coating. The study hasn't revealed any change of chemical composition in components of the overlay when coating and found macro-molecules of the polymer react with oxidic shells of particles due to hydrogen bonding. It has been established that adhesion strength of the coating increases 4 to 15 MPa when modifying an original suspension with zirconium micro-particles of less than 5 µm. The reason adhesion of the coating increases is reported to be agglomerates of Al and Zr fine fractions localized in hollows of the surface to be protected and on "adhesive-base" boundary.