10. Curing Period – The curing period is the time taken to maintain satisfactory moisture content and temperature in freshly cast concrete for a definite period of time immediately following placement.

Curing Period of OPC – The normal minimum period for curing is above 7 days and it is 10 days when the weather is extreme. Curing Period of PPC – The normal minimum period for curing is above 10 days and it is 14 days when the weather is extreme.

So these are common differences between OPC and PPC cement. For those who find paragraphs hard to understand don’t worry we got it simplified for you. Following is a table showing the mentioned difference between OPC and PPC cement.

	OPC Cement	PPC Cement
Full form	Ordinary Portland Cement	Portland Pozzolana Cement
Raw Materials	Limestone, raw argillaceous, calcareous materials, gypsum	30% Pozzolana to Ordinary Portland Cement Clinkers
Durability	Slightly less Durable	Slightly more Durable
Initial Strength	Strong during the initial phase but gets weaker later on	Slightly weaker during the initial phase but gets stronger later on
Grades	OPC 44, OPC 43, OPV 53	Graded by Pozollonic Materials like Fly ash, Volcanic tuff, Rice Husk Ash, etc.
Heat of Hydration	Higher Heat during the phase of Hydration	Lower Heat during the phase of Hydration
Cost	Slightly Higher Cost	Slightly Lower Cost
Firmness and Permeability	225 Meter square per Kilogram	300 Meter square per Kilogram
Workability of Concrete	Hard to work but still can make good concrete	Easy to work with Concrete
Curing Period	Minimum curing Period of 7 Days during Normal Days Minimum curing Period of 10 Days in Harsh Weather	Minimum curing Period of 10 Days during Normal Days Minimum curing Period of 14 Days in Harsh Weather

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

What is PPC cement?

What Is PPC Cement? – PPC Cement is manufactured by grinding the OPC clinker with 10 to 25 percent of the pozzolanic material, As per the recent standards of manufacturing, it is about 35%, Pozzolana materials may be natural or artificial that have silica in them in a reactive form.

• PPC Cement also contains OPC clinker and gypsum along with pozzolanic materials.
• These pozzolanic materials include volcanic ash, calcined clay or silica fumes, and fly ash which makes around 15% to 35% of cement weight,
• Flyash is primarily used in PPC cement.
• Portland Pozzolana Cement is becoming a popular type of cement used in building construction.

PPC is made from pozzolanic material. Pozzolanic material history extended up to roman time.

What is OPC cement made of?

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.

What is the difference between grade 33 OPC and PPC?

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.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of OPC cement?

Advantages Of OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) –

Higher initial strength compared to PPCShorter curing period and as a result low curing costs.OPC has shorter setting time compared to PPC.It has great resistance to cracking and shrinkage but less resistant to chemical attacks.

: PPC Vs OPC Cement: What is the Difference?