Cement: Difference Between OPC and PPC

A cement is a binder, a substance used for construction that sets, hardens, and adheres to other materials to bind them together.Normally there are two types of Cements used for construction purposes:

1) OPC cement

2) PPC Cement.

PPC (Portland Pozzolana Cement.)

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.

OPC Cement	PPC Cement
OPC is the acronym commonly used in reference to Portland Cement (or Ordinary Portland Cement, which explains the “O” in the acronym).	PPC refers to a form of Portland Cement which is Portland Pozzolana Cement. PPC is produced when pozzuolans are used in the mixture.
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.
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.
33 Grade, 43 Grade, and 53 Grade OPC cement are available.	No specified grade of PPC cement is available.
Setting time is 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 is 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.
OPC is Costlier than PPC.	PPC is Cheaper than OPC.
It has lower resistance against alkalis, sulphates, chlorides etc.	It has higher resistance against alkalis, sulphates, chlorides etc.
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.