PPC (Portland Pozzolana Cement) is a variant of OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement.) These two type of cement differs from each other in terms of component, strength, heat generation, the percentage of several components, durability, grades, cost, eco-friendly nature, application, setting time, curing period etc. The main differences between OPC and PPC are written below.
Difference Between OPC and PPC
In the following table the main differences between OPC and PPC cement are given:
| Sources | Shallow Foundation | Deep Foundation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Definition/ Components | A mixture of limestone and other raw materials like argillaceous, calcareous, gypsum is prepared and then grinded to prepare OPC. | PPC is prepared by adding Pozzolanic materials to OPC. So, the main components are OPC clinker, gypsum and pozzolanic materials (15~35%) which includes calcined clay, volcanic ash, fly ash or silica fumes. |
| 2 | Strength | Initial strength is higher than PPC. | PPC has higher strength than OPC over a longer period of time. |
| 3 | Heat of hydration | Generates more heat than PPC in hydration reaction which makes it less suitable for mass casting. | It has a slow hydration process and thus generates less heat than OPC. |
| 4 | Durability | Less durable in aggressive weather. | More durable in aggressive weather. |
| 5 | Cost | Costlier than PPC. | Cheaper than OPC. |
| 6 | Environmental Impact | Emits CO2 during the manufacturing process. | It constitutes industrial and natural waste which makes it eco-friendly. |
| 7 | Application/ uses | It is suitable where fast construction is required but not suitable for mass concreting due to heat issue as mentioned above. | It is suitable for all types of construction work. For example RCC casting of buildings, mass concreting for bridges and even plastering and other non-structural works. |
| 8 | Setting Time | Lower than PPC. Its initial setting time is 30 minutes and final setting time is 280 minutes. Its faster setting time helps faster construction. | Setting time of PPC us higher than OPC. Its initial setting time is 30 minutes and final setting time is 600 minutes. Its slower setting time helps to get better finishing. |
| 9 | Fineness | OPC has finiteness of 225 sq.m/kg. It has lower fineness than PPC. So, it has higher permeability resulting lower durability. | OPC has finiteness of 300 sq.m/kg. It has higher fineness than OPC. So, it has lower permeability resulting in higher durability. |
| 10 | Grades available | 33 Grade, 43 Grade, and 53 Grade OPC cement are available. | No specified grade of PPC cement is available. |
| 11 | Workability | Lower than PPC. | Higher than OPC. |
| 12 | Resistance against chemical attack | It has lower resistance against alkalis, sulphates, chlorides etc. | It has higher resistance against alkalis, sulphates, chlorides etc. |