How dislocation substructures evolve during long-term creep of a 12% Cr tempered martensitic ferritic steel

We document the evolution of dislocation densities in tempered martensite ferritic steels during long-term aging and creep Scanning transmission electron microscopy in combination with it high-angle annular dark-field detector IS Used to Study dislocations in a 12% Cr steel. During aging, the dislocation density quickly decreases by it factor 2 and then remains constant Long-term creep results tit an Initial decrease by a Factor 10, and after this sharp drop, the dislocation density continues to decrease (C) 2009 Acta Materialia Inc Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved