Nucleation-controlled multiphase transitions

Thermodynamics and kinetics of phase transitions in multiphase systems have been discussed. Thermodynamically admissible transitions have been identified and transition kinetics described in terms of the extended Kolmogoroff-Avrami-Evans model. Different combinations of transitions have been described as directed graphs. Graph nodes represented individual phases, graph edges--transitions. Superposition of parallel transitions in various mother phases, simultaneous transition of the same mother phase into different target phases, and successive (chain) transitions have been analyzed. Detailed solutions for a three-phase system consisting of one liquid phase and two polymorphic solid phases have been presented.