PPC cement full form is Portland Pozzolana Cement.
OPC cement full form is Ordinary Portland Cement.
Both PPC and OPC cement is used in construction. PPC cement is a variant of OPC cement. These two types of cement differ 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 OPC and PPC cement differences are written below.
Difference Between OPC and PPC Cement
In the following table the main differences between OPC and PPC cement are given:
| Sources | OPC Cement | PPC Cement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Definition/ Components | A mixture of limestone and other raw materials like argillaceous, calcareous, and gypsum is prepared and then grinded to prepare OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement). | PPC (Portland Pozzolana Cement) is prepared by adding Pozzolanic materials to OPC. So, the main components are OPC clinker, gypsum, and pozzolanic materials (15~35%) which include calcined clay, volcanic ash, fly ash, or silica fumes. |
| 2 | Strength | Initial strength is higher than PPC. | PPC concrete has higher strength than OPC concrete 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 | OPC concrete is less durable in aggressive weather. | PPC concrete is 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 issues 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 the final setting time is 280 minutes. Its faster setting time helps faster construction. | The setting time of PPC portland is higher than OPC. Its initial setting time is 30 minutes and the 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 in 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, sulfates, chlorides, etc. | It has higher resistance against alkalis, sulfates, chlorides, etc. |