X-ray Diffraction and IR-Spectroscopic Study of Poly-p-Xylylene-Cadmium Sulfide Nanocomposite Films

Polymer nanocomposite films based on poly-p-xylylene with cadmium sulfide (CdS) as a filler are studied by X-ray diffraction and IR-spectroscopy. The films are synthesized by gas-phase polymerization on the surface by the codeposition of a p-xylylene monomer and CdS vapors, have a thickness of ~0.2, ~0.5, ~1, and ~1.5 µm and contain 5–90 vol % CdS. The effect of the filler content and film thickness on the polymer matrix and filler structure is shown. The predominant orientation of the polymer matrix and CdS nanoparticles is detected in some films. The differences in the chemical composition of films caused by their partial oxidation upon contact with air after synthesis are revealed. The possible influence of the resulting oxidation products on the formation of the CdS nanoparticles’ structure is discussed.