What is the difference between OPC and PPC Cement?

By Team WFMOctober 03 , 2017

What is PPC Cement & OPC Cement?

PPC Cement: Pozzolana is a natural or artificial material which contains silica in the reactive form.
Portland Pozzolana Cement is cement manufactured by combining Pozzolanic materials. This cement
comprises of OPC clinker, gypsum and pozzolanic materials in certain proportions. The Pozzolanic
materials include fly ash, volcanic ash, calcined clay or silica fumes. These materials are added within a
range of 15% to 35% by cement weight.

OPC Cement or Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is manufactured by grinding a mixture of limestone and
other raw materials like argillaceous, calcareous, gypsum to a powder. This cement is available in three
types of grades, such as OPC 33 grade, OPC 43 grade and OPC 53 grade. OPC is the most commonly
used cement in the world. This type of cement is preferred where fast pace of construction is done.
However, the making of OPC has reduced to a great extent as blended cement like PPC has advantages,
such as lower environmental pollution, energy consumption and more economical.

Difference Between OPC and PPC Cement

The main differences in their characteristics and uses are –

 Portland Pozzolana Cement is a variation of Ordinary Portland Cement. Pozzolana materials

namely fly ash, volcanic ash, are added to the OPC so that it becomes PPC. Pozzolana materials
are added to the cement in the ratio of 15% to 35% by weight.
 Both are ecofriendly materials but Pozzolana Cement uses natural and industrial waste thus
reducing the environmental pollution.

OPC
It has higher strength than PPC in the initial
stage.
It has high heat of hydration making it
unfavorable for mass concreting.
The presence of sulphates, alkalies,
chlorides, etc. is higher and less resistant than and free lime in its composition, which makes the concrete
PPC.
OPC is not favorable in aggressive weather.
OPC cement are available in three grades,
such as 33 Grade, 43 Grade, 53 Grade
It is slightly costlier than PPC.
PPC
The strength of PPC is good than OPC in long terms.
The hydration process is slower than OPC resulting low heat of
hydration. Therefore, it is suitable for mass concreting.
It has low percentage of sulphate alkalis, chlorides, magnesia
durable.
Show greater resistance to aggressive weather.
PPC is available in any specific grades.
Cheaper than OPC.

Conclusion: Both OPC and PPC are commonly used cements in construction. These days, PPC is used
as a substitute of OPC. PPC is a variation of OPC which adds a mixture of a pozzolanic material that
helps to enhance the strength of the concrete. PPC also brings down the amount of OPC requirement in
making concrete. Interestingly, it is a green material that contribute towards sustainable development.
Considering these factors, PPC has a slight edge over OPC. However, it is difficult to come to a definite
conclusion.
Related Article: What is Portland Pozzolana Cement?

OPC and PPC Grade

As per the classification of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), OPC comes in three different grades,
including 33 grade, 43 grade and 53 grade. Due to weak compressive strength, 33 grade is normally not
opted where high grade of concrete viz, M-20 and above is required. 43 grade is widely used for its
multiple applications. This grade is very popular in the construction industry. 53 grade has high strength
that can match the demand of strong concrete. However, the chemical composition of OPC 33, OPC 43
and OPC 53 grades is same though the higher grade cements are much stronger and long lasting.
Whereas the compressive strength of PPC matches the strength of 33 grade OPC at present, according
to BIS.

What is the difference between grade 43 and grade 53 cement?

Grade 43 and grade 53 cement indicate the maximum strength achieved after 28 days. These are the
most commonly used grades of cement and the differences between the two grades of cement are –

 Grade 53 cement achieves strength of 530kg/sq. cm. after 28 days while Grade 43 cement
achieves strength of 430kg/sq. cm. after 28 days.
 Grade 53 cement is used for fast paced construction like bridges, roads, multistoried buildings and
cold weather concrete. Grade 43 cement is used as the most widely used general purpose cement.
 Grade 53 cement has a very quick setting time and attains quick strength. The strength does not
increase much after 28 days. Grade 43 cement has a low initial strength but gains good strength
over a period of time.
 Grade 53 Cement sets fast and releases higher heat of hydration while Grade 43 Cement releases
very low heat of hydration. As a result there are chances of micro cracks which are not visible on
the surface in Grade 53 Cement and proper curing should be done.
 Grade 53 cement is slightly costlier than Grade 43 Cement.

Use of PPC and OPC

PPC is believed to be future product considering it various applications in the construction industry. They
are suitable to use in hostile environmental conditions. They can be reliably utilized in the construction of
marine structures, masonry mortars and plastering, hydraulic structures. Besides, they are popularly used
in mass concreting works, such as dykes, sewage pipes, dams, etc. PPC is also employed in all other
applications where OPC is used. However, OPC is the most commonly used cement worldwide. The cost
of production is not expensive making it the sought after cement in the building industry. They are widely
used for the construction of high-rise buildings, roads, dams, bridges, flyovers. Also, OPC is used for
making grouts and mortars. OPC is ideal for the construction of residential and industrial complexes.