Dextrin adhesives are manufactured by dry-roasting starch in the presence of an acid catalyst. Through treatments with heat and acid, the starch molecules are hydrolyzed into small fragments, and then repolymerized into highly branched, readily soluble polymer molecules of moderate size. corn starch or Tapioca Starch are commonly used because of its low cost and ready availability.

Unlike starch, dextrin are soluble in water. The severity of the heat and acid treatment determines the degree of solubility, which is the basis for classifying dextrins. Finished dextrin are very fine powder varying in color from pure white to brown.

The differences are determined by the roasting time and the temperature and amount of catalyst used. The below Table describes the properties of these dextrin adhesives.