Abstract: A structured chromium solids particles layer with a network of cracks in which solids particles are embedded, wherein the crack density is 10-250 per mm, the particle size of the solids particles lies in the range of from 0.01-10 ?m, the proportion of solids particles in the overall layer is 1-30 vol.-% and the chromium solids particles layer has a microstructure with depressions in the surface of the layer, wherein the proportion of the surface area accounted for by the depressions is 5-80%. A method for producing the structured chromium solids particles layer on a workpiece includes introducing the workpiece into an electrolyte containing a Cr(VI) compound and electrolytically depositing a chromium layer at a current density of 20-100 A/dm2 and a current yield of 12% or less and then reversing the current direction wherein the solid particles are embedded within the network of cracks.