Abstract
The mechanical properties of single crystals of MgO were measured from 600° to 1700° C using the mutual indentation hardness technique. This method, which involves pressing together two similar crossed specimens, overcomes the problem of finding materials sufficiently rigid and chemically stable for use as indenters in conventional quasi‐static methods of indentation hardness testing. By this means the hardness of the hardest materials can be measured at very high homologous temperatures. Yield strengths at known strains are obtained from the hardness measurements and are presented. The form of the hardness impression very well depicts changes in the mode of deformation of MgO over different temperature ranges. Creep processes affect the measurements; a creep analysis can be applied, and from this activation energies for the creep mechanism are obtained.

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