A novel absorbing composite based on MoSi2-Si3N4 has been investigated to be used in high temperature solar selective coating applications. Simulation of the reflectance from the complex dielectric permittivity of the components has allowed the optimization of its optical characteristics. The sputtering deposited whole multilayer stacks, formed by a metallic infrared reflector, a double absorber composite and an antireflective layer, show optical performances as good as those obtained from similar composites such as Mo-Si3N4 but with improved stability in moderate vacuum at temperatures up to 600 degrees C. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.