Microstructure and thermal stability of corundum-type (Al0.5Cr0.5)2O3 solid solution coatings grown by cathodic arc evaporation

► (Al0.5Cr0.5)2O3 hard coatings grown by reactive cathodic evaporation ► Corundum and minor fraction of cubic (AlxCr1 − x)2O3 in the as-deposited state ► No evidence for spinodal decomposition of corundum-type (AlxCr1 − x)2O3 up to 1400 °C ► Cubic (AlxCr1 − x)2O3 transforms into corundum-type (AlxCr1 − x)2O3 during annealing