Quantitative analysis of stability of 9%Cr steel microstructure after long-term ageing

Abstract

The paper presents the results of research on the microstructure of martensitic X10CrMoVNb9-1 (P91) and X13CrMoCo- VNbNB9-2-1 (PB2) steel subject to long-term ageing at the temperature of 620°C and holding times up to 30 000 hours. The microstructural tests of the examined steel types were performed using a scanning microscope Joel JSM - 6610LV and a transmission electron microscope TITAN 80 - 300. The stability of the microstructure of the investigated steels was analyzed using a quantitative analysis of an image, including measurements of the following: the density of dislocations inside martensite/subgrain laths, the width of martensite laths, and the mean diameter of precipitates. It has been concluded that during long-term ageing, the microaddition of boron in PB2 steel significantly influenced the slowing of the process of degradation of the martensitic steel microstructure, as a result of slowing the process of coagulation of M23C6 carbides and Laves phase. It had a favorable effect on the stabilization of lath microstructure as a result of retardation of the processes of recovery and polygonization of the matrix.