Structure and properties of dispersion-strengthened CrMgO, CrY2O3, CrY and CrCu condensates

Abstract Two-phase condensates of chromium with a dispersed phase of MgO, Y 2 O 3 , yttrium or copper were prepared by condensation from a vapor phase. A study of their structure, microhardness and mechanical properties as a function of the dispersant indicated the presence of a minimum in the hardness and of a maximum in the mechanical properties such as the tensile strength and the ductility at a critical concentration of the dispersant. At this concentration the average crystallite size of the matrix was equal to the mean free path between the dispersed particles. The yttrium- and yttria-containing condensates exhibited a better resistance to oxidation than that of pure chromium.