Influence of Microstructural Changes in Creep Resistant Steel after Long-Term Creep Tests on the Shape of the Polarization Curves

Creep resistance of the steel depends on chemical and structural composition and structural stability. Therefore it is necessary to check microstructural changes in material during the long-term service, however the necessary material analyses are generally destructive. The submitted contribution describes non-destructive electrochemical method for detection of some microstructural changes taking place during creep exposures. The shape of polarization curves are correlated to the microstructure of CB2 steel, the most promissing (9-12) %Cr martensitic steel for the cast components. The dynamic polarization curves were measured using samples in as received conditions and after long-term creep tests at 650°C. Microstructure was analysed using light and electron microscopy. The microstructure of the CB2 steel changed during creep exposures. In polarization curves additional peak appeared in the main passivation region and the curve shape changed also in the secondary passivation region. The curve changed in dependence on precipitation and growth of Laves phase particles.