Microstructure Evolution of Super304H Austenitic Steel During Long-Term Creep at 700 °C

Creep tests of Super304H austenitic steel were carried out at 700 °C under different stresses. The samples were characterized by an optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results show that high-temperature creep promotes the precipitation of the M₂₃C₆, secondary MX carbide, σ phase, Cu-rich phase and Z phase. These fine precipitates improve both the matrix and grain boundary strength. Furthermore, the precipitation sequence of these second phases relates to the stress level during elevated temperature testing. The rapid precipitation of the σ phase is also observed at high stress levels, whereby fast growth at triangle boundaries notably deteriorates grain boundary strength. Conversely, the presence of dispersed fine MX precipitates under low-stress conditions during long-term creep should contribute significantly to microstructure stability and long-term creep strength. Despite the absence of homogeneous cavities observed on the grain boundary when subjected to creep for over 20,000 h, the decrease in grain boundary strength was explained from another aspect by analyzing the change in low angle grain boundary during creep.