Effect of creep temperature on Z-phase formation in heat-resistant 9% Cr-3% Co martensitic steel

Abstract

The Z-phase (CrVN) precipitation in a 9% Cr-3% Co martensitic steel during creep at 923 K and 948 K has been investigated with aim to establish the effect of temperature on the nucleation mechanism of these particles and their coarsening behavior. Ostwald ripening of VX carbonitrides strongly affects these processes. An increase in creep temperature significantly accelerates the transformation of the nanoscale MX carbonitrides into the Zphase particles causing the Z-phase nucleation in a shorter tim