A new field of phase diagrams of stationary nonequilibrium states

Abstract Diamond is a metastable phase, while graphite is the stable phase in low pressure equilibrium phase diagrams of carbon. There seemed to be no way to get diamond from graphite under low pressures. However, a new activated low pressure diamond deposition process has emerged. A new concept of phase diagrams of stationary nonequilibrium states on the basis of nonequilibrium thermodynamics can be used for explanation of the “thermodynamic paradox” that the diamond growth with graphite etching takes place under activated low pressure. The agreement between CALPHAD prediction and experiments is excellent.