Effects of heat treatment processes on microstructure and creep properties of a high nitrogen 15Cr-15Ni austenitic heat resistant stainless steel

► CTMT induced elongated clusters of fine (Nb,Cr,Fe)(C,N) particles. ► Hot rolling in MTMT induced evenly distributed fine (Nb,Cr,Fe)(C,N). ► Number and distribution of Cu precipitates not affected by hot rolling. ► Distribution homogeneity of fine (Nb,Cr,Fe)(C,N) promotes creep strength increase. ► Finer grain size structure promotes lower creep ductility.