Filling material for turf and method for obtaining such filling material

Abstract

A filling material (10) for a human model or a hybrid artificial and natural turf for sports or decorative use, comprising a dry or substantially dry uncoated material layer or film coated ear axis plant material, having a water content of less than 30%, in particular less than 20%.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a filling material for both man-made turf and hybrid turf. Man-made turf refers to turf formed from synthetic grass, also known as artificial grass, while hybrid turf refers to turf that includes both synthetic grass and natural grass.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a turf obtained by using the aforementioned filling material.

[0003] Description of the prior art

[0004] As is known, artificial turf is essentially formed from a mat made of plastic material, to which blades (also called "ribs") of synthetic material (usually polyester or polypropylene) with lengths between 3 cm and 10 cm are attached by sewing, gluing, or other systems to form synthetic turf. The blades of synthetic material are woven into the mat by known methods that allow the blades, which are close to each other, to bend as needed.

[0005] Typically, infill material, also known simply as "filler," is distributed within the blades made of synthetic materials. This filler material is usually in granular form and is selected based on both the type of sport the synthetic turf is intended for (e.g., football, hockey, cricket, rugby) and the type of climate and environmental conditions most commonly encountered at the installation site.

[0006] As is known, infill materials primarily provide drainage by regulating the discharge of rainwater or irrigation water, thus protecting the mat and ensuring the long-term durability of artificial turf. However, infill materials primarily impart mechanical, physical, and technical properties similar to, and in some cases even superior to, natural grass turf. Specifically, the most important properties of infill materials are ground elasticity for the user, ball bounce, the ability to absorb impacts upon falls, tensile and torsional resistance to forces generated by shoes, compressive strength, permeability to external objects, and the ability to absorb and drain water during weather and environmental events.

[0007] Drainage of synthetic turf is typically achieved by a bottom layer of "stabilizing filler," usually composed of sand. Conversely, the resilience of the turf is usually ensured by rubber granules or "performance filler" concentrated in the upper portion of the turf. Examples of such filler materials are described in US2002 / 081399.

[0008] Artificial turf is typically laid on a base element capable of drainage. Examples of such base elements provide a first and second sheet of synthetic material, which typically comprises two layers of perforated nonwoven fabric, usually polyester, with a material in the form of granules or mesh or twisted filaments, such as a material made of nylon, disposed between the two layers.

[0009] In addition, there are hybrid turf, which means that the aforementioned leaves are made from synthetic grass and the leaves are made from natural grass obtained from at least one plant species, thus forming a natural grass turf. In this way, the turf has an appearance very similar to natural grass turf, but with specific characteristics, particularly the ability to withstand environmental conditions that are not entirely favorable. An example of this type of hybrid turf is described in EP1781859.

[0010] However, existing technologies for natural materials have some drawbacks.

[0011] First, due to environmental reasons, the materials used to make turf infill (both synthetic and synthetic / natural blends) are usually plant materials. These plant materials inevitably undergo biodegradation due to the action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Therefore, over time, the materials deteriorate completely and inevitably lose their function.

[0012] Existing technology products, especially over time, particularly under the conditions of annual temperature and humidity changes, and due to the use of turf, are prone to rapid loss of product performance, especially elasticity and drainage capacity, thus increasing the risk of water accumulation. This necessitates the complete removal of turf and replacement of base components, which consumes a lot of time and effort, or the frequent use of new plant materials with the same properties to restore degraded plant materials.

[0013] CA3099390 describes a prior art product that partially addresses the aforementioned shortcomings. This document describes a filling material for turf in synthetic grass, comprising a stable filler formed from uncoated grain cob plant material. Specifically, the grain cob plant material described in CA3099390 has a moisture content equal to or substantially equal to that of the surrounding environment. CA3099390 does not mention the initial moisture content of the plant material, meaning the moisture content when the plant material is distributed on the artificial turf. Therefore, references to the water absorption capacity of CA3099390 refer to the product under working conditions. More precisely, CA3099390 describes the plant material losing moisture during hot and dry seasons, allowing it to reach a water absorption capacity of 138% during the subsequent rainy season. Since CA3099390 makes no mention of the initial moisture content of the plant material, this initial moisture content will be the initial moisture content of the surrounding environment. Therefore, plant materials will have a high volume both during packaging and during transportation, resulting in higher costs for transporting them from the production site to the installation site. Summary of the Invention

[0014] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a filling material for both artificial turf and artificial-natural hybrid turf that is high-performance and can overcome the shortcomings of the aforementioned prior art filling materials.

[0015] Specifically, the purpose of this invention is to provide a turf filling material that can maintain its properties at the time of installation for a long period of time, thereby avoiding frequent routine or non-routine maintenance interventions to restore lost material.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a filling material for turf that has a reduced volume, thereby significantly reducing transportation costs.

[0017] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a filler material having the above-mentioned advantages.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a filler material for turf that has a high water absorption capacity when distributed on the target turf.

[0019] These and other objectives are achieved by a filler material for turf comprising uncoated grain cob plant material, characterized in that the grain cob plant material is dry or substantially dry uncoated grain cob plant material with a moisture content of less than 30%.

[0020] Specifically, the moisture content of the aforementioned uncoated grain axis plant material is maintained from the time it is introduced into the storage bag or container until it is distributed to the site of use as filler material for the target turf.

[0021] It should be noted that the aforementioned uncoated or un-coated corn cob plant material with a moisture content of less than 30% has been tested in the laboratory to measure its water absorption capacity. More specifically, 50 grams of dry or substantially dry uncoated or un-coated corn cob plant material was placed in an oven until a moisture content of less than 30%, specifically approximately 29.5%, was obtained, and this plant material was then introduced into a container with a diameter of 5.7 cm. Water was added to the container, and the plant material was given sufficient time to absorb the water. The total weight of the added and absorbed water was measured; therefore, the ratio between the weight of the plant material (specifically, the corn cob, i.e., 50 g) and the weight of the added and absorbed water was approximately 112 g. In this way, measurements were taken on the dry or substantially dry uncoated or un-coated corn cob plant material, and the results showed a water absorption capacity greater than 220%.

[0022] Other features and related embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0023] Specifically, the aforementioned dry or substantially dry uncoated grain spike plant material may have a moisture content of less than 20%.

[0024] Preferably, the dried or substantially dried uncoated grain axis plant material may have a moisture content of less than 10%.

[0025] In one anticipated embodiment, the aforementioned dry or substantially dry uncoated grain axis plant material may have a moisture content of less than 5%, particularly less than 3%, advantageously less than 2%, and preferably less than 1%.

[0026] Specifically, the aforementioned dry or substantially dry uncoated or unfilm-coated millet cob plant material is obtained through the ensiling of millet cob plant material. More specifically, the aforementioned dry or substantially dry uncoated or unfilm-coated millet cob plant material is obtained by loading a predetermined amount of millet cob plant material with an initial moisture content (particularly greater than 60%) into a silo.

[0027] Advantageously, a predetermined airflow at a predetermined temperature can be supplied to the silo, thereby reducing the moisture content of the grain cob plant material from the initial moisture content to a predetermined final moisture content of less than 30%, advantageously less than 20%, and preferably less than 10%.

[0028] Specifically, the grain spike plant material is subjected to a drying process that facilitates ventilation and drying.

[0029] Advantageously, the aforementioned dry or substantially dry uncoated grain axis plant material has a pH value of less than or equal to 5, meaning pH ≤ 5, advantageously less than or equal to 4.5, meaning pH ≤ 4.5, and preferably less than or equal to 4, meaning pH ≤ 4.

[0030] Specifically, the aforementioned dry or substantially dry uncoated grain cob plant material has a particle size ranging from 0.3 mm to 8.0 mm.

[0031] More specifically, the aforementioned dried or substantially dried, uncoated grain axis plant material has an advantageous particle size between 0.5 mm and 5.0 mm, preferably between 0.7 mm and 3.5 mm. In one embodiment of the invention, the particle size may be between 0.8 mm and 3.2 mm.

[0032] Specifically, the above-mentioned grain cob plant material having a moisture content of less than 30% can be used as a stabilizing filler for turf production.

[0033] In one anticipated embodiment, the aforementioned stabilizing filler may include the aforementioned grain cob plant material having a moisture content of less than 30%.

[0034] According to another aspect of the invention, the filler material for turf comprises dry or substantially dry uncoated grain cob plant material without a coating layer or film, and has a moisture content of less than 30%.

[0035] According to another aspect of the invention, a turf comprises:

[0036] - A mat having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface;

[0037] - Multiple blades made of synthetic material are fixed to the mat, the multiple blades made of synthetic material protruding from the second surface to form a synthetic turf;

[0038] - Filling material, which is distributed on the second surface of the pad;

[0039] The filling material comprises dry or substantially dry uncoated grain cob plant material with a moisture content of less than 30%.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the filler material may include, from bottom to top:

[0041] - A first layer or stabilizing filler disposed on the second surface of the mat;

[0042] - A second layer or performance filler comprising dry or substantially dry uncoated material layer or film-coated grain axis plant material with a moisture content of less than 30%.

[0043] Specifically, the moisture content of the dried or substantially dried, uncoated grain axis plant material may be less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, for example less than 5%.

[0044] Specifically, the aforementioned stabilizing filler may include a predetermined amount of sand, advantageously siliceous sand.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned stabilizing filler may have the following composition:

[0046] -10% to 70% sand, especially siliceous sand;

[0047] -90% to 30% of the said grain axis plant material with low moisture content.

[0048] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing turf includes the following steps:

[0049] - A mat is placed on which a plurality of blades made of synthetic material are fixed, the mat having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the plurality of blades made of synthetic material protruding from the second surface;

[0050] - Distribute infill material on the second surface of the mat to obtain turf, said infill material comprising uncoated grain axis plant material;

[0051] The rice spike plant material is dry or substantially dry uncoated rice spike plant material with a moisture content of less than 30%.

[0052] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for obtaining a turf filler comprising uncoated grain cob plant material, the method comprising subjecting the uncoated grain cob plant material to a drying step to reduce the moisture content to less than 30%, advantageously less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, more preferably less than 3%, for example less than 1%.

[0053] In one embodiment of the invention, the drying step is carried out by subjecting a predetermined amount of the rice spike plant material having an initial moisture content of more than 30% to a silage step.

[0054] Specifically, the above-mentioned method for obtaining dry or substantially dry uncoated grain cob plant material includes subjecting a predetermined amount of uncoated grain cob plant material having a moisture content of more than 30%, advantageously more than 60%, preferably more than 80%, to an ensiling step.

[0055] Specifically, the silage process includes the following steps:

[0056] - Load a predetermined amount of uncoated grain cob plant material with a moisture content of more than 30% into the silo;

[0057] - An airflow is supplied to the silo to at least partially dry the uncoated grain cob plant material until a dry or substantially dry uncoated grain cob plant material with a moisture content of less than 30% is obtained.

[0058] Specifically, prior to the loading step, a screening step is provided to separate the smaller portions with a particle size of less than 500 μm that are discarded from the larger portions with a particle size of greater than 500 μm that are loaded into the silo.

[0059] More specifically, the screening step described above is performed after the grinding or milling step of the grain cob plant material. For example, the grinding step described above can be performed in a grinding mill, preferably a hammer mill.

[0060] Specifically, the aforementioned airflow can be an airflow with a temperature higher than 25°C, advantageously higher than 30°C, and preferably higher than 60°C.

[0061] More specifically, the airflow may have less than 20% moisture, advantageously less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, for example less than 3%.

[0062] Specifically, prior to the silage step described above, a rounding step can be provided to round the uncoated grain cob plant material, thereby obtaining rounded uncoated grain cob plant material.

[0063] The infill material contains dry or substantially dry grain axis-based plant material, preferably at least in the performance filler, so as to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages of prior art turf.

[0064] Specifically, the cob plant material, preferably the corn cob of maize, has the particular characteristic of absorbing large amounts of water and "swelling," and then releasing the absorbed water into the surrounding environment during drier and warmer periods, thus shrinking. Therefore, the cob acts as the "lungs" of the synthetic turf incorporating the cob, because, as expected above, the cob absorbs excess water or moisture, increases in volume, and then gradually shrinks by releasing moisture when climatic conditions become drier and ambient temperatures rise. The cob actually has high porosity and undergoes alternating cycles of expansion and compression, or in any case, reduces in volume. Therefore, the entire infill material, especially performance fillers, undergoes decompaction operations, keeping the infill material loose and maintaining the physical properties of the filler substantially intact over time.

[0065] In addition to the above, dry or substantially dry materials formed from corn cobs, especially corn cobs, are able to absorb a greater amount of moisture, such as during rain or irrigation interventions, compared to corn cob materials typically used for similar purposes. When corn cob materials are installed in filler materials, they have a moisture content greater than 60%, and sometimes even higher than 80%.

[0066] Therefore, dried or substantially dried grain cob material is then able to release a significant amount of water during the warmer seasons, thus providing thermal balance to the turf. This property makes it possible to prevent overheating of the filler during the warmer seasons, especially overheating of any plastic material with elastomeric properties.

[0067] In addition, dried or nearly dried grain cob material has high resistance to biodegradation, especially due to its high lignin content.

[0068] Specifically, the term "sand" refers to materials with a mineral composition, such as silica sand, pumice sand, volcanic gravel, zeolite, vermiculite, and sand.

[0069] Specifically, the mat may be provided with multiple drainage holes arranged to allow the first and second surfaces to communicate with each other, thereby allowing water to flow under the mat. Attached Figure Description

[0070] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are exemplary and not restrictive, wherein:

[0071] Figure 1 shows, in an illustrative manner, a cross-sectional view of a possible embodiment of turf obtained according to the invention by using a filling material;

[0072] - Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the infill material used for the turf in Figure 1 in an illustrative manner;

[0073] - Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the turf in Figure 1 is shown in an illustrative manner;

[0074] - Figure 4 A side view of a possible silo is shown in an illustrative manner. This silo can be used for the ensiling of millet cob plant material to obtain dry or substantially dry millet cob plant material without a coating layer or film coating.

[0075] - Figure 5 A side view of a possible alternative embodiment of a silo is shown in an illustrative manner. The silo can be used for ensiling millet cob plant material to obtain dry or substantially dry millet cob plant material without a coating layer or film coating.

[0076] - Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the turf in Figure 1 is shown in an illustrative manner;

[0077] - Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the turf in Figure 1 is shown in an illustrative manner;

[0078] - Figure 8 A side perspective view of a possible container is shown in an illustrative manner, into which dried or substantially dried grain plant material according to the invention can be introduced for transfer.

[0079] Figure 9 shows, in an illustrative manner, a side view of a possible apparatus according to the invention for rounding dry or substantially dry grain spike plant material;

[0080] Figure 10 shows an enlarged view of dried or substantially dried grain spike plant material being fed into the apparatus for performing the rounding process of Figure 9;

[0081] - Figure 11 shows an enlarged view of the dried or substantially dried and rounded ear of grain plant material leaving the apparatus for rounding treatment shown in Figure 9;

[0082] - Figure 12 The possible layout of an apparatus for processing uncoated grain axis plant material is illustrated in a schematic manner. This apparatus is capable of performing the main steps of the method according to the invention for obtaining rounded, dried or substantially dried uncoated grain axis plant material.

[0083] - Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of another possible embodiment of turf obtained according to the invention by using an infill material is shown in an illustrated manner.

[0084] - Figure 14The diagram illustrates how to obtain [something] by using the same grain axis plant material alone or with other materials. Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of an alternative implementation scheme for turf. Detailed Implementation

[0085] Referring to Figure 1, the turf 1 according to the invention includes a mat 2 having a surface 2a and an opposite surface 2b, the surface 2a being arranged adjacent to the surface to be coated during use. The turf 1 also includes a plurality of blades or bristles 3 made of a synthetic material (such as polyester), which are fixed to the mat 2, for example by gluing or sewing. Above the surface 2b of the mat 2, there is also a filler material 10 arranged between the blades 3 made of synthetic material. Once the filler material 10 is distributed on the mat 2, the bristles made of synthetic material can protrude from it, with a length between 1 cm and 20 cm, advantageously between 2 cm and 15 cm.

[0086] The filling material 10 comprises uncoated grain cob plant material without a coating layer or film. In one possible embodiment, the grain may be corn, and therefore the grain cob is a "corn cob".

[0087] Specifically, the grain cob plant material is not coated with a coating material film so that it can absorb and release moisture, and thus alternately undergo the aforementioned cycle of increasing and decreasing volume, which, as mentioned above, is crucial to avoid excessive overheating of the material forming the performance filler. Furthermore, the grain cob plant material according to the invention is dry or substantially dry and has a moisture content of less than 30%, advantageously less than 20%, and preferably less than 10%.

[0088] Dry or substantially dry uncoated or uncoated grain axis plant material used as infill for turf exhibits high resistance to biodegradation, particularly due to its high lignin content. This allows for the avoidance of frequent regeneration within the grain axis plant material infill, ensuring that the turf retains the properties imparted by the grain axis plant material.

[0089] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the filler material 10 is provided as a single layer of uncoated or substantially dried grain cob plant material, having a moisture content of less than 30%, advantageously less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, for example less than 5%. Specifically, the dried or substantially dried grain cob material of the filler material 10 (shown as an enlarged view in Figure 2) enables a self-compacting operation that allows the filler material 10 to remain loose, and on the other hand, keeps the physical properties of the material (particularly drainage and elastic properties) almost unchanged.

[0090] exist Figure 3 In embodiments of the present invention, in addition to leaves made of synthetic materials (such as polyester or polypropylene), turf 1 also provides leaves made of natural grass, meaning that plant species 4 advantageously take root at least partially above mat 2 to form a turf of natural grass. Thus, in this case, turf 1 is a hybrid synthetic-natural turf.

[0091] Specifically, the aforementioned dry or substantially dry uncoated or uncoated grain cob plant material can be obtained by subjecting a defined amount of uncoated or uncoated grain cob plant material to a "silage" process. More specifically, the aforementioned dry or substantially dry material can be obtained by accumulating a defined amount of grain cob plant material in a defined area with an initial defined moisture content (e.g., greater than 60% to 70%), covering or leaving uncovered the resulting pile with defined bulk material, for a predetermined period of time, until the aforementioned dryness level is achieved, meaning that the grain cob plant material has a moisture content of less than 30%, advantageously less than 20%, and preferably less than 10%.

[0092] In one embodiment of the invention, such as Figure 4 As illustrated in the diagram, the silage step can be carried out by advantageously loading a defined amount of moistened grain cob plant material 5, or in any case having a moisture content greater than 60%, into a silo 100 via a loading pipe 110, the silo being made of, for example, metal or plastic material.

[0093] Advantageously, such as Figure 5 As illustrated in the diagram, at a predetermined temperature, a defined airflow, preferably dry air, is supplied to the silo 100 through one or more supply pipes 105, thereby reducing the moisture content of the grain cob plant material from the initial moisture content to a predetermined final moisture content of less than 30%, advantageously less than 20%, and preferably less than 10%. Specifically, the grain cob plant material produced in this manner undergoes a ventilated drying process.

[0094] Advantageously, at the end of the above treatment, the pH of the dried or substantially dried uncoated grain axis plant material is ≤5, advantageously ≤4.5, and preferably ≤4.

[0095] Specifically, the aforementioned dried or substantially dried uncoated grain cob plant material can be used to obtain at least one performance filler for turf.

[0096] Specifically, silage can be carried out to store a predetermined amount of grain plant material with a moisture content or moisture content greater than 30%, for example greater than 60%, in a closed container, particularly a silo or bin, for example provided with containment walls, or simply by piling the material in a storage area and, when necessary, sealing it with a large block of material preferably made of plastic to isolate it from the air.

[0097] Specifically, silos can be arranged to isolate the grain cob plant material from the external environment. In this way, the oxygen supply is blocked, and the oxygen naturally present inside the grain cob plant material block is utilized by aerobic bacteria during the first stage of silage maturation.

[0098] More specifically, the pH may drop to values ​​between 4 and 5, i.e., 4 ≤ pH ≤ 5, especially after aerobic acetic acid fermentation. The acidification of the environment inside the silo leads to the growth of lactic acid bacteria, which carry out lactic acid fermentation, causing the pH to reach or even fall below 4.

[0099] Specifically, the above-mentioned grain axis plant material having a moisture content of less than 30% in the filling material has a particle size between 0.3 mm and 8.0 mm.

[0100] More specifically, the above-mentioned grain cob plant material having less than 30% moisture in the filling material has an advantageously contained particle size between 0.5 mm and 5.0 mm.

[0101] In one embodiment of the invention, at least 70% by volume, advantageously at least 80% by volume, of the filler material 10 may be formed from the aforementioned dried or substantially dried uncoated grain cob plant material. In one embodiment of the invention, as described above, the filler material 10 may be formed solely from the aforementioned dried or substantially dried uncoated grain cob plant material.

[0102] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As illustrated in the diagram, the filler material 10 may include, from bottom to top, a first layer 11 or stabilizing filler, and at least a second layer 12 or performance layer positioned above the first layer 11. This second layer or performance layer may comprise dry or substantially dry uncoated material layer or film-coated grain axis plant material, or may be entirely composed of dry or substantially dry uncoated material layer or film-coated grain axis plant material, or substantially (especially at least 70% by volume) composed of dry or substantially dry uncoated material layer or film-coated grain axis plant material, as specifically described above.

[0103] Conversely, the stabilizing filler 11 may be a layer of sand, particularly siliceous sand. In a foreseen alternative embodiment, the stabilizing filler 11 may comprise a layer of sand and a layer of dry or substantially dry uncoated or uncoated grain axis plant material. For example, the mixture of the aforementioned stabilizing fillers may contain between 20% and 80% by volume sand, and between 20% and 80% by volume dry or substantially dry uncoated or uncoated grain axis plant material.

[0104] The combined use of sand and dry or substantially dry uncoated or membrane-coated grain axis plant material enables the production of highly efficient drainage turf1. Furthermore, due to the properties of the grain axis plant material, compaction of the sand within the stabilizing filler is prevented, thus preventing waterlogging of the synthetic turf due to irrigation or rainfall. In other words, the presence of the grain axis plant material ensures the long-term maintenance of the drainage effectiveness of the sand layer.

[0105] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown in detail, the pad (or support) 2 may be provided with a drainage hole 8, the size of which allows the percolating water obtained through the drainage operation of the filling material 10 to flow.

[0106] exist Figure 8 As an example, a bag 50 is shown containing a predetermined amount of dried or substantially dried uncoated or uncoated grain axis plant material 6, which has a moisture content of less than 30%, particularly less than 20%, advantageously less than 10%, and preferably less than 5%. Specifically, the bag or "bulk bag" 50 is made of a waterproof material, such as polypropylene, advantageously formed from polypropylene yarn, in this way ensuring that once introduced into the bag or "bulk bag," the grain axis plant material according to the invention does not absorb moisture from the external environment, thereby maintaining the aforementioned desired moisture content, particularly less than 30%, more particularly less than 20%, advantageously less than 10%, and preferably less than 5%. More specifically, the passage from the drying equipment to the bag 50 can be achieved by, for example, an outer sheath 155 made of nylon, which ensures that the grain axis plant material does not absorb moisture when introduced into the bag 50. Therefore, when distributing the final product (referring to dried or substantially dried uncoated or uncoated grain axis plant material), the dried or substantially dried uncoated or uncoated grain axis plant material will have a desired moisture content, particularly less than 30%, advantageously less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, for example less than 5%, more preferably less than 1%.

[0107] As described above, dried or substantially dried uncoated or film-coated grain axis plant material can be used as a synthetic type (Figure 1) or a synthetic / natural hybrid type (Figure 1). Figure 3 The turf 1 has infill material 10 for both sports and decorative purposes.

[0108] Advantageously, the amount of dry or substantially dry, uncoated, uncoated grain cob plant material in the filler material 10 can be contained in 2 kg / m³. 2 Up to 15kg / m 2 The specific value depends on the height of the filling material 10.

[0109] like Figure 8 As illustrated in Figure 10, the rounding process can be performed by an apparatus for performing the rounding process. For example, the apparatus for performing the rounding process can be a rotary drum, particularly a rotary drum screen 250. In the latter case, the same apparatus performs both particle size selection (by using a sieve with sieve openings of a predetermined size) and rounding process. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the sieving step can be performed by a first device, and the rounding step can be performed by a second device different from the first device.

[0110] Regarding the rotary drum screen 250, it may be provided with a container body 251 into which the initial plant material 10 can be introduced, for example, by guiding it toward the inlet 254 provided in the container body 251 via a loading hopper 253. Within the rotary drum screen 250, a moving device 255 may be installed, such as an Archimedes screw, an endless screw, or an element with multiple blades. More specifically, the moving device 255 moves the uncoated or unfilm-coated grain cob plant material 10 and pushes it toward a perforated screen 256 arranged around it. The perforated screen 256 (e.g., cylindrical, substantially cylindrical, conical, or any tubular shape) is provided with holes of a predetermined size. During processing within the rotary drum screen 250, the uncoated or un-coated grain cob plant material 10 is rounded due to its impact on the inner wall of the screen 256 and displacement caused by the moving device 255. In this way, the size of the uncoated or un-coated grain cob plant material 10 is reduced until it can pass through the aforementioned holes 257 of a predetermined size. The rounded uncoated or un-coated grain cob plant material 10' with its reduced size (particularly smaller than the size of the holes 257) passes through the screen 256 and exits the receiving body 251 through the discharge hole 258. The rotary drum screen 250 may be equipped with a first motor 261 adapted to cause the displacement member 255 to rotate about the rotation axis 150 via a first motion transmission element 262 (e.g., a first drive belt). Furthermore, a second motor 263 may be provided, configured to rotate the screen 256 about the rotation axis 150 via a second motion transmission element 264 (e.g., a second drive belt).

[0111] Furthermore, the rotary drum screen 250 may be provided with an outlet (not shown in the figure for simplicity), which is located at the end relative to the inlet 254, through which uncoated grain cob plant material 10, whose size is still larger than the holes 257 of the screen 256, is discharged for further processing. Specifically, the size of the aforementioned holes 257 of the screen 256 may be between 0.5 mm and 5.0 mm, advantageously between 0.6 mm and 4 mm, and preferably between 0.7 mm and 3.6 mm.

[0112] At the end of the rounding process, and simultaneously during sieving (if necessary), the aforementioned rounded, uncoated or un-coated grain cob plant material is obtained (a magnified view of which is shown in Figure 11). The rounded material thus obtained also helps increase the water absorption capacity of the dry or substantially dry uncoated or un-coated grain cob plant material, particularly because the fibers made of the material are closer together. Therefore, when the product absorbs water... Another disadvantage addressed by subjecting the initial uncoated or un-coated grain cob plant material to rounding treatment is avoiding potential damage due to cut edges or contours of the synthetic fibers in the turf it is intended to be grown, especially cut.

[0113] like Figure 12 As illustrated in the diagram, with the selected particle size (e.g., between 0.5 mm and 5 mm), the rounded, uncoated grain cob plant material 10' leaving the rounding treatment device 250 can be sent to the drying step, advantageously to the silage step, and thus supplied to the silo 100.

[0114] Specifically, the uncoated or unfilm-coated ear of grain plant material is advantageously rounded, containing 0.3 kg / dm³. 3 Up to 0.5 kg / dm 3 Preferably 0.35 kg / dm 3 Up to 0.55 kg / dm 3 The volume density.

[0115] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As illustrated in the diagram, the dried or substantially dried, rounded, uncoated grain axis plant material 10' obtained as described above can be introduced into the bag 50 at the end of the above production steps and distributed on a mat 2 provided with leaves made of synthetic grass 3 or a mixture of synthetic grass 3 and natural grass 4, similar to the above reference Figure 1 and... Figure 3 As described, to obtain the corresponding turf 1.

[0116] Similarly, dry or substantially dry, rounded, uncoated or uncoated corn cob plant material (specifically, corn 10') has been tested in the laboratory using a container in which approximately 50 grams of dry or substantially dry, uncoated or uncoated corn cob plant material with an initial moisture content of less than 30%, specifically approximately 29.5%. Water was added to the container and given time to absorb the water; the total weight of water absorbed was equal to 152 g, and therefore, the water absorption capacity of the plant material 10' is greater than 300%. Therefore, it is concluded that the plant material 10' obtained at the end of the above rounding process has a significantly higher water absorption capacity than the aforementioned plant material 10 with the same moisture content (30%), approximately 220%.

[0117] The above description of the specific embodiments will fully reveal the invention from a conceptual perspective, enabling others to modify and / or adapt them to various applications by applying present knowledge. Such embodiments require no further study and do not depart from the invention; therefore, it should be understood that such adaptations and modifications must be considered equivalent to the specific embodiments. Components and materials used to achieve the different functions described herein may have different properties without departing from the scope of the invention. It should be understood that the wording or terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and not for limitation.

Claims

1. A filling material (10) for turf, said filling material comprising uncoated grain cob plant material, characterized in that, The grain cob plant material is dry or substantially dry uncoated grain cob plant material without a coating layer or film, having a moisture content of less than 30%.

2. The infill material (10) for turf according to claim 1, wherein, The dried or substantially dried, uncoated grain axis plant material has a moisture content of less than 20%.

3. The infill material (10) for turf according to claim 1, wherein, The dried or substantially dried, uncoated grain axis plant material has a moisture content of less than 10%.

4. The infill material (10) for turf according to claim 1, wherein, The dried or substantially dried, uncoated grain axis plant material has a moisture content of less than 5%.

5. The infill material (10) for turf according to claim 1, wherein, The dried or substantially dried, uncoated grain axis plant material has a moisture content of less than 1%.

6. The infill material (10) for turf according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The dried or substantially dried uncoated grain axis plant material has a pH value of less than or equal to 5, meaning pH ≤ 5, advantageously less than or equal to 4.5, meaning pH ≤ 4.5, and preferably less than or equal to 4, meaning pH ≤ 4.

7. The infill material (10) for turf according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The dried or substantially dried, uncoated grain axis plant material has a particle size between 0.5 mm and 5.0 mm.

8. The infill material (10) for turf according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The dried or substantially dried, uncoated grain axis plant material has a particle size between 0.7 mm and 3.5 mm.

9. The infill material (10) for turf according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The filler material is formed of at least 80% by volume of the dried or substantially dried uncoated grain axis plant material.

10. A type of turf (1), characterized in that, The turf includes: - Mat (2), the mat is provided with a first surface (2a) and a second surface (2b) opposite to the first surface (2a); - Multiple blades or bristles (3) made of synthetic material are fixed to the mat (2) and the multiple blades or bristles (3) made of synthetic material protrude from the second surface (2b) to form a synthetic turf; - The filling material (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is distributed on the second surface (2b) of the mat (2).

11. A method for obtaining a filler material (10) for turf, said filler material comprising uncoated grain cob plant material, characterized in that, The uncoated grain cob plant material is subjected to a drying step to reduce the moisture content to less than 30%.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The drying step is carried out by subjecting a predetermined amount of the rice spike plant material, having an initial moisture content of more than 30%, to a silage process.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The silage process includes the following steps: - Load the predetermined amount of the rice spike plant material with an initial moisture content of more than 30% into the silo (100); - An airflow at a predetermined temperature (T*) is supplied to the silo (100) to at least partially dry the uncoated grain cob plant material until the dried or substantially dried uncoated grain cob plant material with a moisture content of less than 30% is obtained.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The predetermined temperature (T*) is greater than 25°C.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The predetermined temperature (T*) is greater than 30°C.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The predetermined temperature (T*) is greater than 60°C.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein, Before the step of supplying the grain cob plant material into the silo, the uncoated material layer or film-coated grain cob plant material is subjected to a step of selecting the particle size, so that only the uncoated grain cob plant material with a particle size greater than 0.5 mm is loaded into the silo.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The selection step is used to select uncoated grain cob plant material with a particle size between 0.5 mm and 5.0 mm.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein, The step for selecting particle size is a sieving step.

20. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein, A rounding step is also provided for rounding the uncoated grain cob plant material to obtain rounded uncoated grain cob plant material, which is then supplied to the silo (100).

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, At least one step between the screening step and the rounding step is performed by a rotary drum screen (250).

22. The method according to one or more of claims 11 to 21, wherein, The dried or substantially dried uncoated grain cob plant material with a moisture content of less than 30% discharged from the silo (100) is introduced into a bag (50) made of waterproof material, thereby preventing the dried or substantially dried uncoated grain cob plant material from absorbing moisture from the external environment before use.

23. The method according to one or more of claims 11 to 22, wherein, The dried or substantially dried uncoated or uncoated grain axis plant material discharged from the silo (100) having a moisture content of less than 30% contains 0.3 kg / dm³ of material. 3 Up to 0.5 kg / dm 3 The volume density between.

24. A method for manufacturing turf (1), the method comprising the following steps: - Place a mat (2), on which a plurality of blades or bristles made of synthetic material are fixed, the mat (2) having a first surface (2a) and a second surface (2b) opposite to the first surface (2a), the plurality of blades or bristles (3) made of synthetic material protruding from the second surface (2b); - Distribute the filling material (10) on the second surface (2b) of the mat (2), the filling material (10) comprising grain cob plant material that is not coated with a coating material layer or film; The method is characterized in that the grain cob plant material is a dry or substantially dry grain cob plant material without a coating layer or film, having a moisture content of less than 30%.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the dry or substantially dry uncoated grain cob plant material is obtained by subjecting a predetermined amount of grain cob plant material having a moisture content greater than 30% to an ensiling step.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the silage step comprises the following steps: - Load the predetermined amount of the rice spike plant material with a moisture content of more than 30% into the silo (100); - An airflow is supplied to the silo (100) to at least partially dry the uncoated grain cob plant material until the uncoated grain cob plant material with a moisture content of less than 30% is obtained.

27. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein, Prior to the distribution step, the dried or substantially dried uncoated grain cob plant material is subjected to a step for reducing the particle size, thereby reducing the particle size to a value between 0.5 mm and 5.0 mm.

28. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein, Prior to the distribution step, the dried or substantially dried uncoated grain axis plant material is subjected to a rounding step to increase the water absorption capacity of the dried or substantially dried uncoated grain axis plant material.

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