Understanding Laves phase precipitation induced embrittlement of modified 9Cr–1Mo steel

Precipitation of Laves phase in steels is often identified as the primary cause for the degradation of mechanical properties. Analytical electron microscopy and thermodynamic modelling have been used in this study to understand the Lave phase precipitation induced damage initiation process in modified 9Cr–1Mo steel, exposed to high temperature for 10,000 h. The results have suggested that in addition to void nucleation at the interface and de-cohesion, the limited plasticity of the Laves phase is also a predominant mechanism for crack initiation in this material. The thermodynamic propensity of Laves phase precipitation around the carbides and the underlying role of local chemistry have also been studied. Binary Laves phases have been found to be stabilized by ternary additions.