Microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of CrWN films deposited by DC magnetron sputtering

► W co-deposited into CrN coating by magnetron sputtering. ► A nanocomposite microstructure formed and exhibited a low surface roughness. ► With maximum hardness of 25 GPa at 24 at.%W. ► A variable coefficient of friction between 0.15 and 0.3, which depends on the W contents.