Phase formation under a direct current was analysed for a binary system with a non-equilibrium vacancy distribution. It was shown that the non-equilibrium vacancy distribution diminished the effect of electromigration upon the phase-formation process. That is, if the electric current augmented phase growth, the resultant vacancy concentration gradient delayed it. If the current opposed phase growth, the vacancy concentration gradient maintained it. A comparative analysis was presented which involved results obtained within Gösele & Tu theory (taking into account the finiteness of the reaction rate at interfaces).

The Cooperative Effect of Electromigration and Non-Equilibrium Vacancies on Reactive Phase Growth. S.V.Kornienko, A.M.Gusak: Philosophical Magazine, 2009, 89[6], 525-34