BCN films were deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) from chloridic precursors in an industrial-scale d.c. plasma CVD plant, where the power density (pd) at the substrate was varied, and the as-deposited films were analysed with respect to composition, structure and elastic properties. We find, independent of the power density applied to the substrate, evidence for sp 2 coordinated boron, which is consistent with the formation of a hexagonal or a rhombohedral BCN. Based on electron microscopy and electron diffraction we suggest a change in film texture from an orientation where the c-axis is parallel to the substrate surface at pd=0.5 W/cm 2 to a more randomly oriented polycrystalline structure at pd=2 W/cm 2. As the power density was increased a reduction in compressive stress was measured which may be a consequence of defect annihilation and subsequent relaxation. Furthermore, the texture–stress relationship suggested here is consistent with published thermodynamic calculations. The elastic modulus decreases from 115 to 40 GPa as the power density at the substrate is increased. This can be understood by the suggested change in texture as a consequence of the large elastic anisotropy of sp 2 coordinated BCN.