Artificial turf yarn

Abstract

An artificial turf comprising a turf yarn prepared from an ethylene-based polymer composition comprising less than or equal to 100 percent by weight of the units derived from ethylene; and less than 30 percent by weight of units derived from one or more α-olefin comonomers; wherein said ethylene-based polymer composition is characterized by having a Comonomer Distribution Constant of equal to or greater than 40, a vinyl unsaturation of less than 100 vinyls per one million carbon atoms present in the backbone of the ethylene-based polymer composition; a zero shear viscosity ratio (ZSVR) equal to or greater than 1.75; a density in the range of 0.915 to 0.930 g / cm3, a melt index (12) in the range of from 0.8 to 5 g / 10 minutes, a molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) in the range of from 2 to 3.6, and a molecular weight distribution (Mz / Mw) equal to or less than 3; and wherein the turf yarn exhibits one or more of the following properties (a) shrink of less than 4.8%, and (b) curl of less than 0.5 is provided.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The instant invention relates artificial turf.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Artificial turf yarn prepared from polyethylene at densities of about 0.900 g / cm3 typically exhibit higher shrink values than those prepared from polyethylene having densities of about 0.935g / cm3. Lower density polyethylene provides the turf yarn with higher durability, softness, and resiliency. Turf yarns prepared from lower density polyethylene also exhibit higher shrink. Turf yarns with high shrink shorten when the tufted carpet is coated with a polyurethane or latex backing, thereby reducing the pile height. In order to compensate for shrink, longer yarns are tufted to account for the length reduction caused by high shrink. Residual shrink in the yarn reflects potential energy and stresses in the material which can be released by heat or time in the installed artificial turf, which can cause yarn breaks or curling.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0003]The instant invention is an artifi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is an artificial turf and how it is made. The turf is made from a special type of plastic that has specific properties. The plastic has a certain way of being organized that makes it durable and elastic. The turf also has a way of being organized that makes it look natural. This invention is not the first artificial turf, but it is a new process for making it that results in better properties. The result is an artificial turf that is more durable and looks better.

Problems solved by technology

Residual shrink in the yarn reflects potential energy and stresses in the material which can be released by heat or time in the installed artificial turf, which can cause yarn breaks or curling.

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