PVP–HA–alumina nanocomposites were produced by hot pressing of sol-gel synthesized nanostructure powders. X-ray diffraction was used for the characterization of synthesized powders. Microstructure and morphology were monitored by scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were studied by Vickers hardness and compression tests. Results showed that HA and alumina powders were synthesized after sol-gel and post annealing at 100 and 1,200 °C with the mean grain size of 88 and 30 nm, respectively. All samples had porosity less than 8 % after hot pressing. Maximum hardness of 135 kg mm−2 was obtained for PVP-20HA-5Alumina composite. Maximum fracture stress (61 MPa) and toughness (3.45 J) were procured for PVP-20HA-10Alumina composite. In general, the combination of high pressure (90 MPa) with low temperature (140 °C) had the best effect on mechanical properties.