RDP in Construction: The Polymer Redefining Mortar Performance

For centuries, the essential recipe for mortar—a blend of cement, sand, and water—remained largely unchanged. Today, a microscopic 

ingredient is driving a macro-scale revolution in construction performance, durability, and efficiency. Redispersible Polymer Powder (RDP), 

a key polymer additive, is fundamentally redefining what modern mortar can achieve.

Conventional cementitious mortars, while strong in compression, suffer from inherent weaknesses: low flexibility, poor adhesion to certain 

substrates, and a tendency to crack under thermal stress or dynamic loads. These limitations can compromise water resistance, lead to premature 

failure in thin-bed applications like tile adhesives, and increase long-term maintenance costs.

The RDP Solution: A Polymer Bridge Within the Matrix

RDP is a free-flowing, white powder produced by spray-drying specialized polymer dispersions, typically based on vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE), acrylic, 

or styrene-butadiene copolymers. Its magic lies in its "redispersibility": when mixed with water on-site, the powder particles re-form a stable polymer emulsion.

During the hydration process of cement, this polymer coalesces to form a continuous, flexible film that binds itself to the hydrate phases (like calcium 

silicate hydrate, C-S-H) and aggregates. This creates a cohesive, polymer-modified cementitious composite with a dual binding system: the rigid, mineral 

bond from the cement and the elastic, adhesive bond from the polymer.

Superior Adhesion & Cohesion: Dramatically increases tensile adhesion strength to challenging substrates like EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) insulation 

boards, old concrete, and ceramics, reducing delamination risks.

Enhanced Flexibility & Crack Bridging: The polymer network improves deformability and elastic modulus, allowing mortars to absorb stresses from 

substrate movement without fracturing.

Improved Water Resistance & Durability: The polymer film reduces capillary porosity and water ingress, enhancing freeze-thaw resistance and protecting 

against efflorescence and carbonation.

Optimized Workability & Open Time: Improves rheology, making mortars more user-friendly with extended adjustability time for tiles and better anti-sag 

properties in vertical applications.

Driving Innovation Across Applications

External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS): RDP is critical in base coat and adhesive mortars for securing insulation, ensuring long-term system integrity.

Tile Fixing & Flooring: Enables high-performance thin-bed adhesives with non-slump characteristics and flexible grouts that resist cracking.

Self-Leveling Underlayments (SLU): Provides the necessary flow, rapid hardening, and high flexural strength for modern floor preparations.

Repair & Restoration Mortars: Offers excellent substrate compatibility and durability for rehabilitating aging structures.

Name: Cecilia.Wang

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

Mobile:+86 190 3451 3486（Whatsapp）