The aim of this study is to analyze the evolution of microstructural and room temperature mechanical properties of air plasma sprayed (APS) CoNiCrAlY coatings before and after early stage high-temperature oxidation. To this purpose, selected samples were isothermally heat treated at 1110 °C for different durations. Phase analysis and oxide scale characterization were performed using x-ray diffraction. Morphological and microstructural features of as-sprayed and oxidized CoNiCrAlY coatings were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. After heat treatment, a duplex oxide scale, composed of an inner α-Al2O3 layer and an outer spinel-type oxide layer, was observed on coating top-surface. The nanoindentation technique was employed to study the evolution of the mechanical properties. An increase in Young’s modulus and hardness with increasing the …