Understanding the Differences Between Redispersible Polymer Powder and Resin Powder

With the continuous development of the construction materials and fine chemicals industries, Redispersible Polymer Powder (RDP) and Resin Powder have gained increasing 

market attention. Although both materials appear as free-flowing white or light-colored powders, they differ fundamentally in composition, performance, and application fields.

1. Different Composition and Production Processes

Redispersible Polymer Powder is produced by spray drying water-based polymer emulsions—such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, acrylic copolymers, or styrene-acrylate 

copolymers—into powder form. A key feature of RDP is its ability to re-disperse into a stable emulsion when mixed with water, restoring the original properties of the liquid polymer.

In contrast, Resin Powder typically refers to thermoplastic or thermosetting resins, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polyester (PES), obtained through polymerization 

or physical modification processes. Some resin powders are soluble, while others are not redispersible. They are mainly used to enhance mechanical properties, abrasion resistance, or 

surface characteristics of finished products.

2. Significant Differences in Performance Characteristics

The standout feature of Redispersible Polymer Powder is its excellent redispersibility, allowing it to form continuous and uniform polymer films within mortar systems. This significantly 

improves bond strength, flexibility, water resistance, and crack resistance. RDP is widely used in dry-mix mortars, tile adhesives, External Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS/ETICS), and 

other construction applications.

Resin powders, depending on their specific type, generally emphasize properties like heat resistance, abrasion resistance, lubricity, or chemical stability. They are mainly used in powder 

coatings, injection molding modifications, and specialized coating systems.

3. Clear Differences in Application Fields

Redispersible Polymer Powder is primarily applied in the building materials sector, including tile adhesives, repair mortars, self-leveling compounds, and waterproof mortars. It serves as 

a bridge combining the strengths of inorganic binders and organic polymers, enhancing adhesion, flexibility, water resistance, and crack resistance.

Resin Powders, on the other hand, are mainly used in industrial fields such as coatings, plastics, fiber-reinforced composites (FRP), and 3D printing. They often act as matrix resins or functional 

modifiers, enhancing the overall physical, mechanical, and surface properties of products.

4. Material Selection Must Match Actual Needs

Industry experts emphasize that although both are polymer powders, users must thoroughly understand their system requirements and avoid confusion when selecting materials. 

Particularly in the field of dry-mix mortars, mistakenly using non-redispersible resin powders instead of RDP can lead to adhesion failures, cracking, and serious quality issues.

Name: Cecilia.Wang

E-Mail:cecilia.wang@jtdf-rdp.com

Mobile:+86 190 3451 3486（Whatsapp）