Provided are methods of producing polyamides from beta-lactones. The polyamides include bio-based polyamides that may be obtained, either in part or completely, from renewable sources.

Disclosed is a method of making -polypeptides. The method includes polymerizing -lactam-containing monomers in the presence of a base initiator and a co-initiator which is not a metal-containing molecule to yield the product -polypeptides. Specifically disclosed are methods wherein the base initiator is potassium t-butoxide, lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (LiN(TMS).sub.2), potassium bis(trimethyl-silyl)amide, and sodium ethoxide, and the reaction is carried out in a solvent such as chloroform, dichloromethane, dimethylsulfoxide, or tetrahydrofuran.

Disclosed is a method of making -polypeptides. The method includes polymerizing -lactam-containing monomers in the presence of a base initiator and a co-initiator which is not a metal-containing molecule to yield the product -polypeptides. Specifically disclosed are methods wherein the base initiator is potassium t-butoxide, lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (LiN(TMS).sub.2), potassium bis(trimethyl-silyl)amide, and sodium ethoxide, and the reaction is carried out in a solvent such as chloroform, dichloromethane, dimethylsulfoxide, or tetrahydrofuran.

Methods of producing a polyamide filaments and fibers are provided. The methods include providing a dual-terminated polyamide and spinning the dual-terminated polyamide at a speed of 3500 m/min to 8000 m/min to form a fiber. In one embodiment, the polyamide has an amine endgroup concentration of 25 mmol/kg to 40 mmol/kg and a carboxyl endgroup concentration of 18 mmol/kg to 50 mmol/kg. Fibers and yarns comprising polyamide filaments and fibers formed from the method are also disclosed.

Methods of producing a polyamide filaments and fibers are provided. The methods include providing a dual-terminated polyamide and spinning the dual-terminated polyamide at a speed of 3500 m/min to 8000 m/min to form a fiber. In one embodiment, the polyamide has an amine endgroup concentration of 25 mmol/kg to 40 mmol/kg and a carboxyl endgroup concentration of 18 mmol/kg to 50 mmol/kg. Fibers and yarns comprising polyamide filaments and fibers formed from the method are also disclosed.

Disclosed is a method of making -polypeptides. The method includes polymerizing -lactam-containing monomers in the presence of a base initiator and a co-initiator which is not a metal-containing molecule to yield the product -polypeptides. Specifically disclosed are methods wherein the base initiator is potassium t-butoxide, lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (LiN(TMS).sub.2), potassium bis(trimethyl-silyl)amide, and sodium ethoxide, and the reaction is carried out in a solvent such as chloroform, dichloromethane, dimethylsulfoxide, or tetrahydrofuran.

Disclosed is a method of making -polypeptides. The method includes polymerizing -lactam-containing monomers in the presence of a base initiator and a co-initiator which is not a metal-containing molecule to yield the product -polypeptides. Specifically disclosed are methods wherein the base initiator is potassium t-butoxide, lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (LiN(TMS).sub.2), potassium bis(trimethyl-silyl)amide, and sodium ethoxide, and the reaction is carried out in a solvent such as chloroform, dichloromethane, dimethylsulfoxide, or tetrahydrofuran.

Polyamides terminated at the amine end group, the carboxyl end group, or both the amine and carboxyl end groups. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to terminated polyamide polymers having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) from 22,000 Da to 56,000 Da and a formic acid viscosity (FAV) of less than 45.

Polyamides terminated at the amine end group, the carboxyl end group, or both the amine and carboxyl end groups. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to terminated polyamide polymers having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) from 22,000 Da to 56,000 Da and a formic acid viscosity (FAV) of less than 45.