Oxidation of nano-multilayered CrN/AlMgSiN thin films between 600 and 900 °C in air

► CrN/AlMgSiN films were deposited on steels by cathodic arc plasma deposition. ► They displayed good oxidation resistance at 600-800 °C by forming Cr2O3 scales. ► They however failed at 900 °C because of the oxidation of Fe at the film surface.