Effect of MgO content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe–Cr–Ni/MgO composites produced by reactive hot pressing

Fe–Cr–Ni/MgO (17.0–34.9 wt.%) composites were produced by reactive hot pressing at 600 °C/30 MPa/2 h. The composites comprised predominantly of Cr0.7Fe0.36Ni2.9, CrFe and MgO phases. The Fe–Cr–Ni/MgO (17.0 wt.%) composite had the optimal mechanical properties: 5.09 GPa for Vickers hardness, 412 MPa for bending strength and 11.6 MPa m1/2 for fracture toughness, respectively.