Artificial turf is a synthetic surface designed to replicate natural grass. The original styles of artificial grass had a texture similar to a low-pile carpet, but advancements in the manufacturing process have produced softer, more durable synthetic turf. Here are details about the materials manufacturers use when constructing synthetic grass:
Components of Synthetic Turf
Artificial turf comprises several layers, all of which contribute to the turf’s durability, comfort, and useability. The main components of the turf are the fibers, infill, and backing. Here are details on what each component is made of:
Turf Yarn
Turf yarn refers to the visible fibers on synthetic turf, made from polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon and cut to look like blades of grass. Polyethylene has a soft texture that perfectly mimics the feel of natural grass. The material is UV-resistant, which helps maintain the vibrant color of artificial grass, even after prolonged sun exposure. Polypropylene is an affordable alternative to polyethylene with high weather-resistance abilities and durability. Artificial turf made from polypropylene requires little maintenance, making it ideal for large spaces that can be costly to maintain. Nylon is another choice for turf yarn, and it is popular for its durability.
Manufacturers create thin sheets from fiber material, which they then cut into strips or extrude through molds to form turf fibers of different shapes. Some manufacturers add UV stabilizers to the materials before cutting them into fibers to make the synthetic turf even more resistant to sun damage.
Infill
Infill sits between the turf fibers, keeping them upright. This material provides extra cushioning to synthetic turf, enhancing safety during high-impact activities such as running or jumping. Here are several types of infill that manufacturers utilize on synthetic turf:
Silica Sand
Silica sand, while being a cost-effective infill derived from quartz, may not be the most ideal choice due to its abrasive nature and tendency to retain moisture, potentially leading to mold and mildew growth. Considering alternative infill options may help in ensuring better long-term performance and maintenance of the surface.
Crumb Rubber
Crumb rubber is another infill option made from recycled rubber tires. This type of infill is popular in artificial grass in sports fields and playgrounds due to its excellent shock absorption and cushioning properties. Its bouncy quality also increases your turf’s resistance to high traffic. On the downside, the rubber can trap heat, making fields warmer than usual.
Envirofill
Envirofill is a combination of rounded silica sand and thermoplastic elastomers. Thanks to its rounded shape, this infill is less abrasive than regular silica sand. It’s also environmentally friendly because silica sand, its main component, is a naturally occurring mineral. Manufacturers have also added antimicrobial ingredients to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. With Envirofill, you get antimicrobial, environmentally friendly, and safe synthetic turf.
Backing
The backing in artificial grass holds all the other components together. There are two layers in turf backing: the primary layer and the secondary layer. The primary layer consists of woven polypropylene layers, providing the structure for the synthetic turf fibers. Manufacturers tuft the turf yarn into the primary backing to create artificial grass thatches. The secondary backing is a layer of latex or polyurethane applied to the primary backing using adhesives to lock the turf fibers in place. Manufacturers check whether the stitching of the thatches after tufting is secure before applying the secondary backing.
Choose Artificial Turf From the Best Manufacturers
Synthetic turf is an excellent solution that allows you to enjoy the aesthetic appearance and functionality of natural grass with minimal maintenance. There are many artificial grass brands, which can make it challenging to decide which turf is the best. Knowing the materials used to make synthetic turf and their properties can help you decide which brand of synthetic turf to buy. Get your artificial turf from a reliable manufacturer that uses high-quality materials.
