Initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) is a technique used to synthesize polymer thin films and coatings from the vapor phase in situ on solid substrates via free-radical mechanisms. It is a solventless, low-temperature process capable of forming very thin conformal layers on complex architectures. By implementing a combinatorial approach that examines five initiation temperatures simultaneously, we have realized at least a five-fold increase in efficiency. The combinatorial films were compared to a series of blanket films deposited over the same conditions to ensure the combinatorial system provided the same information. Direct synthesis from the vapor phase allows for in situ control of film morphology, molecular weight and crosslinking, and the combinatorial system decreases the time required to find the relationship between these interrelated properties. Some coatings were tested for antimicrobial performance against E. coli and B. subtilis. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.