Cr2N, CrN, and their mixtures (with desired fractions) have been prepared via self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) under a controlled nitrogen pressure, followed by hot isostatic pressing at 1300 degreesC and 196 MPa under an atmosphere of argon gas. The combustion temperature increased as the nitrogen pressure increased. Single-phase CrN was formed at 1040 degreesC under a pressure of 0.18 MPa, and single-phase CrN was formed at 1730 degreesC under a pressure of 2 MPa. The mechanical properties of the dense nitride ceramics (99.2% of the theoretical density) have been examined; the Vickers hardness (11.2 GPa. for CrN and 14.5 GPa for Cr2N) increased linearly as the fraction of Cr2N increased, whereas the fracture toughness (similar to4.7 MPa(.)m(1/2)) and bending strength (similar to 355 MPa) are constant, regardless of the fraction of Cr2N/CrN.