CHEM 121 glossary
Polyamide
A condensation polymer whose repeat units are joined by amide links, –CO–NH–, formed from a carboxylic acid (or acid chloride) and an amine. N–H···O=C hydrogen bonds between neighbouring chains make polyamides strong and high-melting.
Example
Proteins are natural polyamides: amino acids joined by amide (peptide) links. Kevlar is a synthetic one whose rigid, hydrogen-bonded chains make it strong enough for bulletproof vests.