Thin films of gadolinium oxide and organoceramic material in gadolinium hydroxide-poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) system were obtained via cathodic electrodeposition. By varying the current density, deposition time and electrolyte concentration, the amount of the deposited material could be controlled. The deposits were studied by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Formation of crystalline gadolinium oxide films from amorphous hydroxide precursor was observed at 600 degrees C. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.