Spontaneous polymerization to give conformal, uniform coatings on metals has been expanded to a series of different monomers. The monomer 4-fluoro maleimide, when copolymerized with styrene, a coupling agent, and a bis-maleimide crosslinker, imparts very low dielectric constant (2.4) to the coating while retaining high temperature resistance. Diethyl fumarate, with the same comonomers, enhances ductility and provides an adjustable glass transition temperature. Addition of glycidyl acrylate to the monomer system provides reactivity of the coating to epoxy resins. Kinetic studies using these monomers were consistent with the free radical polymerization mechanism. The rate of reaction seemed limited by the diffusion of species to the reaction site. Extent of incorporation of the new monomers into the chain backbone was verified, and adhesion and corrosion resistance properties examined. The data illustrate the versatility of the conformal, chrome free spontaneous polymerization process. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.