A new field of phase diagrams of stationary nonequilibrium states

Diamond is a metastable phase, while graphite is the stable phase in low pr essure equilibrium phase diagrams of carbon. There seemed to be no way to g et diamond from graphite under low pressures. However, a new activated low pressure diamond deposition process has emerged. A new concept of phase dia grams of stationary nonequilibrium states on the basis of nonequilibrium th ermodynamics can be used for explanation of the "thermodynamic paradox" tha t the diamond growth with graphite etching takes place under activated low pressure. The agreement between CALPHAD prediction and experiments is excel lent.