High-performance thermotropic starch-based liquid crystalline polymer

► High-degree substitution of hydroxyl groups resided on starch with mesogens. ► Glassy and smectic with excellent thermal stability. ►Tensile strength of 37.9 ± 7.0 MPa. ► Young's modulus of 1.42 ± 0.14 GPa. ► New avenue for the engineering applications of starch.