Difference Between OPC and PPC Cement | 16 Differences

Development is all around the world. These days development is measured with the development in the infrastructure. Infrastructure development is defined as the construction of new and big projects like highways, tunnels, bridges, airports hydroelectric Projects etc. These are the structure that increases the value of the nation. For the construction a major binding material that is used is cement. Mainly cement comes in many types according to the requirements. In this article, we will discuss the major two types of cement which are OPC and PPC. Here we will discuss the difference between OPC and PPC cement. Properties of these cements, which one is better OPC and PPC. And the comparison between OPC and PPC.

PPC Cement vs OPC Cement

Parameters	OPC	PPC
Definition	OPC stand for the Ordinary Portland Cement.	PPC Stands for the Pozzolana Portland Cement.
Material Composition	OPC contains limestone, Argillaceous, calcareous and gypsum to grind in a powder form. The main material of the OPC is limestone.	PPC is manufactured by the addition of the pozzolana material in the OPC cement in the ratio of 30% according to the weight of the cement. Pozzolana is the material that is formed due to the volcanic eruption. This material contains 80% of the clay materials.
Standards	OPC 53: IS 12269 is used. For 43 grade IS 8112 is used. And for 33 grade IS 269 is used	For PPC IS 1489(Part1 & 2 )1991 is used
Eco-friendly	The material used in the manufacturing of the OPC is available naturally but in the manufacturing process, co2 is released by the getting process. In this manner, this is less eco friendly than the PPC.	PPC is manufactured by the Pozollana material which is Fly ash and other waste material of the industries. Manufacturing of PPC also reduces the waste from the industrial area. So PPC is more eco friendly than OPC.
Grades	OPC is available in three different grades which makes it more efficient according to cost and the strength requirements of the work. Available grades of OPC are 33,43,53.	PPC does not come in the grades. It is available only in one form. The available variety of the PPC gains strength equal to OPC 33 Grade.
Cost	The cost of the OPC is slightly higher than the PPC. Its cost is increased due to the Limestone.	PPC is cheaper than OPC. This is cheaper due to the use of pozzolana material.
Durability	Concrete made by the OPC is less durable than the PPC.	Concrete made by the PPC is more durable than the OPC. The durability factor of PPC is increased by the pozzolana materials
Heat of Hydration	Opc Produces more heat of hydration than the PPC.	PPC produces Less heat of hydration than the OPC.
Fitness	OPC is less finner than PPC.	PPC is more finner than OPC
Workability	The concrete made by the OPC is less workable than the PPC.	Concrete made by the PPC is more workable than the OPC. The workability is increased due to the pozzolanic materials.
Mass concrete	OPC produces higher heat of hydration. So it is not suitable for mass concreting.	PPC produces lower heat of hydration. So this cement is suitable for mass concreting.
Strength	The initial strength of the OPC is higher than the PPC. But it gains strength in short term.	The initial strength of the PPC is lesser than the OPC but it gains strength with time.
Chemical resistant	OPC is less resistant to chemical attacks due to the presence of sulphates and alkalies.	PPC is more resistant to chemical attacks.
Aggressive weathers	Not much favourable for the aggressive weathers.	Very favourable for the aggressive weather.
Shrinkage cracks	More shrinkage cracks due to the heat of hydration.	Less shrinkage cracks due to low heat of hydration.
Curing Period	The minimum curing period is not less than 7 days.	The minimum curing period will not be less the 14 days.

OPC cement

OPC cement stands for ordinary portland cement. This cement is manufactured by the grinding of limestone, and other materials like calcareous, gypsum, argillaceous into a powder form. The major composition of the OPC is limestone. Most of the materials which are used in the OPC cement is available naturally. This cement is also eco-friendly. The manufacturing process of the OPC is considered less pollution the PPC manufacturing.

The cost of OPC is a little high than the PPC cement due to limestone. The initial strength of the OPC is higher than the PPC cement. The minimum curing period of OPC is 7 days.

Ordinary Portland Cement: Ordinary Portland cement is the most commonly used type of cement that is available in the market these days. It is also called OPC or grey cement and plays an important role in every construction project.

It is hydrated calcium carbonate, with a very similar chemical composition to that of limestone. It is the second most used cement in the construction industry. It will be used for many construction purposes like building, bridges and so on.

Ordinary Portland Cement can be used in different ways like self-hardening concrete, pre-mixed concrete and etc. It is mainly used in the construction industry for making highways, railway tracks, buildings, dams and so on. In any project, cement plays a vital role.

Grades of the OPC cement

OPC cement is available in three grades. These grades are divided on the basis of their strength. These grades are 33 Grade, 43 Grade, 53 Grades. These grades of OPC cement gain strength after the curing period of 28 days. For example 53 grade cement gain strength 530 kg/sq cm. 43 Grade achieve strength 430 kg/sq cm and 33 grade gain strength 330 kg/sq cm after 28 days. On the basis of their strength, their uses are classified.

Difference between OPC grade 53 and 43.

1. The main difference between both the grades is their strength after 28 days. 53 grade achieve 530 kg/sq cm and 43 Grade gains 430 kg/sq cm.
2. Grade 53 cement is used where construction grows very fast like bridges, roads, big buildings and for cold weather concreting. On the other hand, 43 Grade of OPC is used for the general purpose.
3. 53 grade of OPC has quick setting properties, and it attains quick strength. But the strength of the OPC 53-grade increased only up to 28 days. On the other hand, OPC 43 Grade has a lower initial setting time but the main advantage of this cement is it gains strength over a period of time.
4. Grade 53 releases higher heat of hydration so it needs good care for curing. While 43 Grade doesn’t release too much heat or hydration.
5. OPC grade 53 is costlier than the OPC 43 grade of cement.

PPC Cement

PPC stands for pozzolana Portland cement. PPC cement is manufactured by the adding of pozzolana material like volcanic ash and fly ash in the OPC cement with respect to 15% to 35% by weight. PPC Cement is very eco-friendly because it consumes industrial waste like bf slag and fly ash. It is cheaper than the OPC because limestone is replaced by the pozzolana which is very cheaper than the limestones.

PPC cement gains strength with time. This cement is very suitable for underwater works or marines and sewages pipes. Because this cement is highly resistant to sulphates. PPC is very suitable for mass concreting. It develops very little shrinkage cracking. The durability of the PPC cement is quite high than the OPC. The workability of the PPC cement is very high than the OPC.

Grades of the PPC

PPC cement does not come in the grades. PPC cement is considered as per IS codes IS 1489(part 1 and 2 ) 1991. Roughly PPC cement is matching the strength of OPC 33 grade.

Main Difference between OPC and PPC

1. Material composition:- OPC contains limestone, Argillaceous, calcareous and gypsum to grind in a powder form. The main material of the OPC is limestone. PPC is manufactured by the addition of the pozzolana material in the OPC cement in the ratio of 30% according to the weight of the cement. Pozzolana is the material that is formed due to volcanic eruptions. This material contains 80% of clay.
2. Grades: OPC is available in three different grades which makes it more efficient according to cost and the strength requirements of the work. Available grades of OPC are 33,43,53. PPC does not come in the grades. It is available only in one form. The available variety of the PPC gains strength equal to OPC 33 Grade.
3. The heat of Hydration: Opc Produces more heat of hydration than the PPC. PPC produces Less heat of hydration than the OPC.
4. Strength: Initial strength of the OPC is higher than the PPC. But it gains strength for the short term. The initial strength of the PPC is lesser than the OPC but it gains strength with time.
5. Chemical resistance: OPC is less resistant to chemical attacks due to the presence of sulphates and alkalies. PPC is more resistant to chemical attacks.
6. OPC Aggressive weathers: Not much favourable for the aggressive weathers. PPC is very favourable for the aggressive weather.
7. Curing Period: Minimum curing period is not less than 7 days OPC. The minimum curing period will not be less than 14 days for PPC.
8. Cost:- The cost of the OPC is slightly higher than the PPC. Its cost is increased due to the Limestone. PPC is cheaper than OPC. This is cheaper due to the use of pozzolana material.

Which cement is best OPC and PPC

Both types of cement have their properties and strength. These days cement are used as per the requirements of the structure. Before choosing the cement all parameters are checked like weather condition, Temperature, the purpose of the structure, loads etc. For example, the structures like road bridges and other structures are made for use immediately after the construction. For this kind of structure, OPC is the best choice because it gains strength very quickly.

on the other hand, PPC is used where mass concreting and chemical attacks are very common things. At such places, PPC is used. Generally, PPC is used for house construction. PPC is cheaper than the OPC so to reduce the cost of the project or house PPC is the best choice. For initial strength, OPC is a good choice. PPC is good for places where is a danger of chemical attacks.

This is all about the difference between OPC and PPC. We hope you understand the topic very well. Now you will be able to do differentiate between OPC and PPC. Please feel free to comment on us.