Oxidation behaviour and tribological properties of arc-evaporated ZrAlN hard coatings

► Synthesis of ZrAlN coatings by cathodic arc-evaporation with varying Al content. ► Analysis of oxides formed after annealing in ambient air. ► Ball-on-disc tests performed to evaluate the tribological properties. ► Higher oxidation resistance for coatings with higher Al content. ► Comparison of oxidation and wear resistance with other MeAlN coatings.