Effect of Biodegradable Dextrin LU-1400-2 on Selected Properties of Cement Mortars

This paper presents the results of a study on the effect of fully biodegradable modified starch in the form of LU-1400-2 dextrin (denoted d2) and two commercial plasticizers P1 and P2 on selected properties of cement mortars. The studied cement mortar was enriched with 0.25%, 0.30%, 0.35%, and 0.40% d2 dextrin, relative to the weight of the cement. The tests carried out indicate that the addition of dextrin to cement mortars results in an increase in strength (a 9% increase was observed with 0.25% dextrin) and liquefaction of the mixtures. However, commercial plasticizers were found to decrease compressive strength. Starch derivatives are a type of natural plasticizer that is more environmentally sustainable than other types. They are produced from renewable sources, such as plants, and their production generates less waste and involves low greenhouse gas emissions. They are produced from renewable sources, such as plants, and their production generates less waste and involves low greenhouse gas emissions. Preliminary studies suggest that dextrins have great potential as natural plasticizers. The increasing popularity of natural plasticizers in the chemical and construction industries is due to a growing interest in sustainability and concern about the harmful effects of traditional chemical plasticizers.