Microstructure and mechanical properties of Ni-alloyed SiC coatings

► Transition metal Ni was introduced into SiC coatings with the purpose of an improvement in toughness of the SiC. ► SiCNi coatings have been prepared by non-reactive magnetron co-sputtering. ► All coatings are found to be dense and X-ray amorphous structure. ► A two-phase interconnected nanostructure is evident in the coating with 12.5 at.% Ni.