dextrin

White Dextrin

Specifications:

  • Color: White to very light cream

  • Production method: Usually derived from refined starch through mild thermal or enzymatic hydrolysis

  • Structure: Contains short and nearly linear chains

  • Solubility: Very high in water

  • Taste and odor: Tasteless and odorless

Yellow Dextrin

Specifications:

  • Color: Light yellow to golden yellow (depending on heating intensity)

  • Production method: Heating starch in the presence of acid (such as hydrochloric acid) at 150–200 °C

  • Structure: More broken chains, sometimes branched

  • Solubility: Relatively high, depending on the degree of heating

  • Taste and odor: Slightly sharp or warm, especially in industrial grade

Applications:

  • Adhesive industry: Production of instant adhesives (fast-dry), carton adhesives, envelope, and paper glues

  • Paper industry: Improving gloss, strength, and surface uniformity

  • Drilling industry: Used as a viscosity control agent and stabilizer in drilling mud

Brown Dextrin

Specifications:

  • Color: Light brown to dark brown

  • Production method: More intense and prolonged thermal process compared to yellow dextrin (usually at temperatures above 200 °C)

  • Structure: Very short chains, sometimes with severe starch structure degradation

  • Solubility: May be partial or limited (in certain formulations)

  • Taste and odor: Characteristic odor caused by partial carbonization or Maillard reaction

What is Dextrin?

Dextrins are a group of short-chain polysaccharide carbohydrates that are obtained from the partial breakdown of starch. They are usually produced through thermal, acidic, or enzymatic hydrolysis processes on various starches such as corn, wheat, potato, and other plant sources.

Dextrin based on color:

Dextrins are generally divided into three main categories based on color:

  • White Dextrin
  • Yellow Dextrin
  • Brown Dextrin

Structure and Characteristics of Dextrin: 

Dextrins are composed of glucose polymers that have a lower molecular weight compared to the parent starch, resulting in shorter chains that may be branched or linear. This structure gives dextrins unique physical and chemical properties, including:

  • High solubility in water: Dextrins dissolve easily in water and form clear or semi-clear solutions.

  • Controllable viscosity: Depending on the degree of hydrolysis and the type of dextrin, the viscosity of its solutions can range from thin to thick.

  • Thermal and chemical stability: Dextrins show good resistance to heat and pH changes, making them suitable for diverse industrial applications.

Applications of Dextrin:

  • Food industry: Used as a binding agent, thickener, coating agent, and anti-caking agent in various products such as confectionery, beverages, and powdered materials.

  • Pharmaceutical industry: Serves as a drug carrier, stabilizer, and dispersing agent for active pharmaceutical ingredients.

  • Paper industry: Improves strength and quality of paper by increasing adhesion.

  • Adhesive industry: Production of fast-drying and strong adhesives.

  • Drilling industry: Used in drilling fluids to control viscosity and enhance stability under high-temperature conditions.

  • Textile and dyeing industry: Improves adhesion properties and color fixation.

Importance and Advantages:

  • Biocompatibility and biodegradability: Dextrins are derived from natural sources and are easily broken down by the environment.

  • Flexibility in application: Their physical and chemical properties can be adjusted during production processes, allowing for a wide range of uses.

  • Consumption safety: As food and pharmaceutical substances, dextrins are generally safe and have been approved by various regulatory authorities.

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