Semirenewable Polyamides Containing Disulfide Bonds: Synthesis, Degradation, Self-Healing, and Triboelectric Properties

We report here the synthesis, degradation, and properties of polyamides containing disulfide bonds. The polyamides have been prepared using a two-step melt polycondensation process from 4,4'-dithiodibutyric acid and bioderived Priamine. The degradation of these polymers has been investigated using a combination of tools, such as visible light photocatalysis, and UV-mediated degradation. The chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of these polymers were also studied. The disulfide-containing polymers exhibit elastomeric and self-healing properties while showing high thermal stability. Furthermore, the novel application of these unique tribopositive polymers as self-repairable triboelectric nanogenerators for energy harvesting has also been demonstrated.