A grinding roll includes a core comprising an external surface, and at least one wear resistant article adapted for use as a working surface that is removably attached to the external surface of the core. The at least one wear resistant article comprises a metal matrix composite comprising a plurality of inorganic particles dispersed in a metal matrix material comprising one of a metal and a metal alloy, and a plurality of hard elements interspersed in the metal matrix composite. The wear resistance of the metal matrix composite is less than the wear resistance of the hard elements.