Crystallization-mediated clusterization-induced ultralong room-temperature phosphorescence in bio-based polyamide 56

Enabling thermoplastic polyamides with significant room temperature phosphorescent (RTP) performance holds great application potential, but remains challenging. Herein, we develop an efficient crystallization-mediated approach to fabricate RTP-active bio-based polyamide 56 (PA56) that simultaneously achieves an exceptional phosphorescence lifetime of 1.214 s and maintains robust mechanical properties with a tensile yield strength exceeding 80 MPa. Comprehensive characterization demonstrates that the material’s RTP characteristics can be precisely tuned through controlled crystallization, where the synergistic effects of electron-rich carbonyl group aggregation (functioning as phosphorescent centers) and interchain hydrogen-bonding networks effectively suppress non-radiative decay pathways. This crystallization-dependent modulation enables systematic optimization of PA56’s phosphorescent properties. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrate practical applications leveraging these unique RTP features, including advanced information encryption/anti-counterfeiting systems and innovative visualization techniques for real-time moisture monitoring and mechanical load assessment in PA56 products. This work establishes a general design strategy for engineering thermoplastic polyamides with tailorable phosphorescence, opening new avenues for smart material development.