Design of a new generation of 12% chromium steels

Research Project, 2014 – 2018

Z-phase strengthening is the only possible solution today to achieve good creep and corrosion resistance at 650°C for 9–12% Cr steels. Research on this new generation of steels was initiated in Denmark and Sweden (DTU, Chalmers and Siemens). The proposed project is a renewal of our successful KME 510 project, where we proved that the novel concept of using Z-phase as a strengthening phase is feasible. These steels will enable higher steam temperatures and pressures, and thermal efficiency of power plants. They also open the possibility to replace austenitic steels in superheaters with martensitic steels, thus improving the operating flexibility. In this project, we plan to continue the work of developing Z-phase strengthened 12% Cr steels. The focus is to fine tune the chemical composition and heat treatment to further improve long-term creep resistance, and to make them more economically viable. This project will co-finance a Ph.D student (licentiate in 2015, and Ph.D in 2018).