The microstructural evolution of Ti1-xSix cathode surfaces (x=0, 0.1, 0.2) used in reactive cathodic arc evaporation has been investigated by analytical electron microscopy and x-ray diffractometry. The results show that the reactive arc operated in N-2 atmosphere induces a 2-12 mu m thick N-containing converted layer consisting of nanosized grains in the two-phase Ti and Ti5Si3 cathode surface. The formation mechanism of this layer is proposed to be surface nitriding and redeposition of macroparticles formed during the deposition process. The surface roughness of the worn Ti1-xSix cathodes increases with increasing Si content, up to 20 at. %, due to preferential erosion of Ti5Si3. (C) 2010 American Vacuum Society. [DOI: 10.1116/1.3330767]