Chemical and microstructural characterization of (Y or Zr)-doped CrAlN coatings

► Microstructural and chemical characterization of CrAlN films and changes induced by oxidation. ► Thermal stability study by TEM/EELS during in situ annealing inside the microscope. ► Improved oxidation resistance of Y-doped CrAlN coatings versus Zr. ► Fundamental understanding of the protective effect and role of Y in the oxide scale.