A new synthesis route, based on internal oxidation reactions in multiphase alloys, is proposed for the controlled production of near-surface, complex ceramic-ceramic or ceramic-metallic composite structures. Using this approach, a microdispersion of a complex nitride perovskite, Cr3PtN, was formed in Cr2N or Cr(Pt) by internal nitridation of a two-phase Cr(Pt) + Cr3Pt precursor alloy. A framework for use of this phenomenon to synthesize island micro- (and potentially meso- or nano-) composite functional surface structures is presented.