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A quantitative metallographic study was performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to describe the microstructural changes in a 12% chromium steel (X 20 CrMoV 12 1) during creep at 650°C. The creep experiments were conducted under constant load conditions corresponding to initial stresses of 175 and 80 N/mm2. The heat treatment for this steel consists of austenitizing followed by tempering which results in a high density of free dislocations within small elongated subgrains with carbides on or very near some of the subgrain boundaries. During creep, the mean subgrain size increases for both the high and low stress levels. Carbide particle coarsening is observed for the low stress level. These processes result in a softening of the microstructure during creep deformation.

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