We report the single-step preparation
of controllably cross-linked
poly(divinylbenzene) (PDVB) and poly(4-vinylpyridine-co-divinylbenzene) thin films using initiated chemical vapor deposition
(iCVD). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-based methods for
quantifying film composition and degree of cross-linking are elucidated;
the validity of these methods is assessed using X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy and nanoindentation. The extent of reaction of divinylbenzene
(DVB) pendant vinyl bonds in homo- and copolymer films is unaffected
by changes in initiator concentration, suggesting that bond reactivity,
rather than radical concentration, is the limiting factor. Analysis
of film step coverage (S) over high aspect ratio
(AR) features and sticking probability calculations lend insight into
the reactivity of both monomers and explain the extreme conformality
of PDVB films (S = 0.87 ± 0.02 at AR = 4.7).
In addition, the incorporation and cross-linking of DVB moieties in
the copolymer are extremely reproducible and can be used to tune the
elastic moduli of the films from 3.4 to 5.8 GPa.