In this study, the effect of nano-yttrium oxide particles on the mechanical properties of pure magnesium at elevated temperatures is investigated. Mg/Y2O3 (2 wt%/0.7 vol%) bulk composite was synthesised via a powder metallurgy technique incorporating microwave sintering and hot extrusion. Tensile properties and Brinell hardness behavior of pure Mg and composite samples in the 25-250 °C temperature range were investigated. Both tensile and yield strengths of pure Mg and Mg/Y2O3 composite samples decreased with an increase in testing temperature. The elongation to failure, however, increased up to 200 °C. At all temperatures, the overall mechanical response of the composite samples was found to be superior compared to pure magnesium and this is primarily attributed to the presence of Y2O3 particles in the magnesium matrix. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.