Starch, as a natural polymer, has received great attention
recently as a possible alternative to petroleum-based
polymers. It has the advantages of being renewable, biodegradable,
abundantly available and low in costs. However,
the microstructure of starches is much more complex
than that of conventional polymers, because
starches are synthesized to meet the natural requirements
of plants. In practice, native starches are not simply
suitable for any specific application