The role of Laves phase on microstructure evolution and creep strength of novel 9%Cr heat resistant steels

► Alloy design of 9%Cr creep steels supported by thermodynamic modeling. ► Influence of Laves phase formation and growth kinetics on creep strength at 650 °C. ► Quantitative microstructure evolution at different creep stages characterized by STEM. ► Kinetic modeling of Laves phase growth carried out by DICTRA.