Microstructural stability of ODS steel after very long-term creep test

Abstract Microstructure of 9Cr oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) tempered martensitic steel (TMS) cladding and 12Cr-ODS ferritic steel cladding after very long-term internal pressurized creep tests was observed. The creep test conditions were 700°C for 46,504 h and 750°C for 45,550 h for 9Cr-ODS TMS and 700°C for 30,116 h for 12Cr-ODS ferritic steel. The stability of martensite and ferrite matrix structure, including carbide distribution, dislocation density, and lath boundary, and that of nano-particle distribution were investigated. It was confirmed that the nano-particles were stably present during the high-temperature and very long-term stress loading environment, contributing to the prevention of matrix structure degradation. The results of observation are consistent with the fact that the 9Cr-ODS TMS and 12Cr-ODS ferritic steel exhibit excellent creep strength and show no reduction in the slope of the stress versus time to rupture curve over a significantly extended period of time in the creep test.