The growing use and demand for petroleum-based plastics has caused environmental concerns and increased our dependence on foreign oil. The persistence of these indestructible materials in the environment, a shortage of landfill space, concerns over emissions during incineration, and increasing oil prices have encouraged efforts to develop biodegradable polymers and plastics from biorenewable resources. Biopolymers from renewable natural resources have gained much attention, because they are inexpensive and readily available.
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