Cathodic arc deposited (Cr,Six)N coatings: From solid solution to nanocomposite structure

► Nanocomposite phase formation is analyzed as a function of silicon content. ► Dual-phase coating (Cr,Six)N is compared to CrN “mono-phase”. ► Nanocomposite phase stability is studied at elevated temperatures. ► Hardness stability at high temperature illustrates the high durability of coatings.