Artificial Ganoderma

Abstract

To provide an artificial turf that can stably fix a photocatalytic substance to the surface of the artificial turf and exhibit an environmental purification function for a long period of time. [Solution] The artificial turf (1) according to the present invention is structured with grass blades (10) made of resin and a base layer (20) that supports the grass blades. A photocatalytic layer (10a) made of spear-shaped titanium dioxide particles derived from a peroxotitanium-based coating agent is formed on the surface of the grass blades (10). The high aspect ratio structure of the spear-shaped titanium dioxide particles creates an anchoring effect on the grass blade surface, significantly improving the mechanical adhesion and abrasion resistance of the photocatalytic layer (10a).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an artificial turf with a photocatalytic material fixed thereto. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, demand for artificial turf has been increasing due to the promotion of greening in urban areas and as an alternative to natural turf in sports fields and other facilities. Compared to natural turf, artificial turf has the advantages of lower maintenance costs, superior durability, and the ability to maintain a consistent quality regardless of season or weather conditions. Meanwhile, as environmental problems such as air pollution and the urban heat island effect become more serious, the development of materials with environmental purification functions is progressing. Among these, photocatalytic substances are used in a variety of environmental purification materials because they have the ability to decompose organic matter under irradiation with ultraviolet or visible light and to prevent dirt adhesion due to their hydrophilic properties.

[0003] Conventionally, techniques for fixing photocatalytic substances to the exterior walls of buildings and road paving materials have been widely known, and techniques for fixing photocatalytic substances to artificial turf have also been reported. As an example of a technology for applying photocatalytic substances to artificial turf, Patent Document 1 discloses an artificial turf system comprising a backing member, a plurality of fibers operably attached to the backing member, a filler layer containing particulate matter dispersed among the plurality of fibers in the vicinity of the backing member, and a cleaning component operably attached to at least a portion of the filler layer, the cleaning component being photosensitive. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses an artificial turf equipped with antibacterial artificial turf yarn made of polyamide resin containing zinc oxide fine particles whose particle surfaces have been coated with a coupling agent. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2009-528459 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-239923 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 both involve fixing particulate photocatalytic substances (e.g., titanium oxide or zinc oxide) to the turf blades (fibers or yarns) of artificial turf. However, technology for firmly and stably fixing photocatalytic substances to the surface of artificial turf has not been fully established, and there are issues with adhesion and durability in particular. This problem is particularly pronounced in artificial turf used in outdoor sports facilities such as baseball and soccer fields, where it is subjected to heavy foot pressure, friction, and ball impacts over long periods of time.

[0006] As such, the reality is that the effect of the photocatalyst cannot be maintained for a long period of time in the environment in which artificial turf is used. Under these circumstances, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide artificial turf that can stably fix photocatalytic substances to the surface of artificial turf and perform environmental purification functions for a long period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a result of extensive research to solve the above problems, the inventors of the present invention discovered that the following invention meets the above objectives, leading to the present invention.

[0008] That is, the present invention relates to the following inventions. <1> Artificial turf comprising grass blades made of resin and a base layer supporting the grass blades, and a photocatalyst layer in which titanium oxide particles are laminated and fixed to the surface of the grass blades, the photocatalyst layer being substantially free of binder components. <2> The titanium oxide particles are titanium oxide particles derived from a peroxotitanium-based coating agent. <1> The artificial turf described in <3> The titanium oxide particles are spear-shaped titanium oxide particles. <1> or <2> The artificial turf described in <4> The shape of the grass blades is a monofilament yarn made of thread-like fibers, a monotape yarn having a tape-like shape, or a hybrid composite yarn combining these. <1> from <3> The artificial turf according to any one of the preceding items. <5> The pile made of the grass blades has a curl pile structure in which the yarn is crimped. <1> from <4> The artificial turf according to any one of the preceding items. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a photocatalytic substance can be stably fixed to the surface of artificial turf, providing artificial turf that can perform environmental purification functions for a long period of time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram (perspective view) showing the configuration of an artificial turf according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the artificial turf of the present invention and an enlarged view of the grass blades. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention will be described in detail below using examples, etc., but the present invention is not limited to the examples below and can be modified as desired without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In this specification, the symbol "~" is used to indicate that the numerical value or physical quantity before and after it is included. In addition, in this specification, the expression "A and / or B" includes "A only," "B only," and "both A and B."

[0012] The present invention relates to artificial turf (hereinafter referred to as "artificial turf of the present invention") that has grass blades made of resin and a base layer that supports the grass blades, and has a photocatalytic layer on the surface of the grass blades where titanium oxide particles are laminated and fixed, and the photocatalytic layer is substantially free of binder components.

[0013] In the artificial turf of this invention, "grass blades" refer to thin, elongated pieces made of resin and formed to resemble the blades of natural grass. The grass blades may be single- or multi-layered and comprise monofilaments or tape-shaped filaments made of thermoplastic resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, or polyester. Furthermore, the grass blades may be colored in a single color or multiple colors and may have a cross-sectional shape such as linear, crimped, or wavy. The thickness, width, density, and erection angle of the grass blades are appropriately determined depending on the application and design.

[0014] In the artificial turf of this invention, the "base layer" refers to a layer structure that includes a base fabric on which the turf yarns that make up the grass blades are planted, and a functional layer laminated on the top and / or bottom of the base fabric. The "functional layer" is a layer that provides at least one function depending on the application, such as reinforcement, drainage, elasticity, heat insulation, anti-slip, or adhesion.

[0015] The artificial turf of the present invention has a photocatalytic layer in which titanium oxide particles are laminated and fixed to the surface of the turf blades, and one of its characteristics is that the photocatalytic layer does not contain a binder component. In this specification, "substantially free of organic binder components" refers to a state in which, even if trace impurities derived from raw materials, solvent residues, surfactants, and other accompanying components inevitably remain in the photocatalyst layer, these do not substantially affect the binding function of the photocatalyst layer. Also, "binder component" refers to a material whose main component is an organic polymer such as acrylic, urethane, styrene, epoxy, polyester, or silicone, and whose main function after drying or curing is to bind particles. In this specification, the term "laminated" refers to a state in which titanium dioxide particles are stacked in multiple layers on the surface of the grass blade, forming a continuous or quasi-continuous coating area. The term "laminated" here includes adhesion, cross-linking, sintering, or bonding through an inorganic network, and does not prevent the existence of localized voids.

[0016] When titanium dioxide is fixed using binders such as silica or resins as in the past, the titanium dioxide particles embedded in the binder are not easily exposed to light, and do not substantially contribute to the photocatalytic reaction, which can result in insufficient photocatalytic activity.In contrast, the artificial turf of this invention does not use binders, so the titanium dioxide particles are kept exposed, and even when layered, they are easily exposed to light, and the photocatalytic activity is not hindered.

[0017] In the artificial turf of the present invention, it is preferable that the titanium oxide particles are titanium oxide particles derived from a peroxotitanium-based coating agent. Peroxotitanium coating agents function as a binder, allowing for the deposition of pure titanium oxide particles on the substrate surface, free of organic matter or binders. Furthermore, by simply drying at room temperature, highly adhesive and highly transparent photocatalysts can be easily applied. In addition, the coating is responsive to visible light, and its organic matter decomposition and surface hydrophilization under visible light irradiation further improve antifouling, self-cleaning, and antibacterial properties.

[0018] Furthermore, the peroxotitanium-based coating agent can produce titanium oxide particles in a spear-like shape. In this specification, the term "spear-like shape" refers to a shape in which the primary particles of titanium oxide are elongated in the longitudinal direction and have a sharpened needle-like or spear-like outer shape. This shape includes particles in which the longitudinal direction of the particles is clearly distinguishable and which have an appearance that shows superior extensibility in the lateral direction. Spear-shaped titanium oxide particles have high adhesion due to friction (anchor effect) that occurs between the substrate (grass blades) and the titanium oxide particles, and between the titanium oxide particles themselves, making it possible to form a photocatalyst layer that is firmly adhered to the surface of the grass blades.

[0019] The artificial turf of the present invention can be produced by spraying or dipping the surface of the turf, preferably made of resin, with a peroxotitanium-based coating agent, followed by drying. Details of the peroxotitanium-based coating agent will be described later.

[0020] The artificial turf of this invention has the following features: (1) The photocatalytic material titanium dioxide can be firmly and uniformly fixed to the surface of the grass blades, making it resistant to wear, impact, and repeated foot pressure, and maintaining stable photocatalytic performance for a long period of time. This allows it to be used in large sports facilities and other facilities, where it is possible to prevent harmful substances (NOx) in the environment from being absorbed. x It has excellent decomposition performance for pollutants such as VOCs. (2) By using a visible light-responsive photocatalyst, the photocatalytic action can be exerted under a wide range of lighting conditions, regardless of whether ultraviolet light is irradiated or not, whether day or night, indoors or outdoors. (3) A photocatalytic layer with high adhesion to grass blades can be formed through a simple coating process using spray coating or dipping, making it highly productive and suitable for industrial mass production. (4) The surface can be given antibacterial, stain-resistant, and self-cleaning properties without compromising the flexibility, weather resistance, and design of the grass blades, effectively preventing deterioration of appearance and the adhesion of dirt even during long-term outdoor use.

[0021] The artificial turf of this invention has photocatalytic substances firmly fixed to the surface of the turf blades, so it can maintain excellent performance for a long period of time even in outdoor environments and can be widely used in the following various fields. (1) Public facilities: By laying it in parks, school grounds, sports fields, playgrounds, etc., it is possible to maintain a clean environment with excellent stain-resistant and antibacterial properties for a long period of time. (2) Sports facilities: Even in environments where the surface is frequently stepped on and worn, such as soccer fields, tennis courts, and golf driving ranges, the photocatalytic material peels off little, demonstrating stable performance. (3) Commercial facilities: In rooftop greening and landscape decoration of shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, etc., it maintains beauty for a long time while also providing anti-fouling and deodorizing effects. (4) Housing: By using it in gardens, verandas, interior decorations, etc., it provides a comfortable living environment that is easy to clean and has antibacterial properties. (5) Infrastructure greening: By applying this technology to green areas along roads and railways, harmful substances such as exhaust gases can be decomposed and removed, contributing to environmental improvement. (6) Industrial facilities: In greening and landscaping of factories and business premises, durability and cleanliness are both achieved, reducing the burden of maintenance.

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be freely modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in the embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In addition, in all drawings, similar components are designated by similar symbols, and their explanations are omitted where appropriate.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram (perspective view) showing the configuration of an artificial turf according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view thereof. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the artificial turf 1 according to the present invention has a structure comprising grass blades 10 made of resin and a base layer 20 that supports the grass blades. As shown in Figure 2 (enlarged view), a photocatalytic layer 10a is formed on the surface of the grass blade 10, and this layer provides environmental purification functions. The photocatalytic layer 10a has the function of decomposing harmful substances in the atmosphere (nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, etc.) when irradiated with visible light or ultraviolet light, and also has antibacterial, antifungal, and self-cleaning properties.

[0024] Each of the components that make up the artificial turf 1 will be described in detail below.

[0025] (grass leaves) The grass blades 10 are made from thermoplastic resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon, and refer to the "yarn," the fiber itself before being planted in the base fabric. The yarns are formed into filaments consisting of single fibers or multiple fibers, and their cross-sectional shape is appropriately selected based on resilience and visual realism, such as V-shaped, U-shaped, or hollow cross-section. The pile performance (resilience, tactile feel, and visibility), described below, is determined by the physical properties and cross-sectional design of the yarn. This allows for the creation of an artificial turf structure with excellent design and functionality.

[0026] The yarns are classified into split yarns, which are made by cutting and dividing a film-like material, monofilament yarns made of a single thread-like fiber, monotape yarns with a tape-like shape, and hybrid composite yarns that combine these, and any of these yarns can be applied to this invention. The "cross-sectional thickness (blade thickness)" of a monofilament yarn refers to the thickness dimension (minimum wall thickness) of the blade-shaped yarn cross section, which is typically about 80 to 250 μm. The "thickness" of a tape yarn refers to the thickness dimension of a strip-shaped film yarn obtained by extrusion molding or stretching, which is typically about 60 to 150 μm. These dimensions indicate a flat cross-sectional structure in which the thickness direction is smaller than the width direction dimension of the yarn (approximately 2 to 8 mm), and determine the balance between the mechanical strength and flexibility of the yarn.

[0027] The yarns do not form piles by themselves, but are planted in a base fabric and made to stand up to form a "pile." In this specification, "pile" refers to a pile structure in which yarns are planted in a base fabric and made to stand up. Pile height is set according to the application and is generally classified as follows. Note that Figures 1 and 2 show long-pile artificial turf, but either type can be used for the artificial turf of this invention. (1) Long pile artificial turf: With a pile height of 35 to 60 mm, it has the look and feel of natural grass and is primarily used in outdoor sports facilities such as soccer fields, rugby fields, and golf driving ranges. (2) Medium-pile artificial turf (for baseball fields): The pile height is 20-40mm, and it often has a curled pile structure where the yarn is crimped (curled). The curled pile holds and covers the filler layer, recreating the ball's natural bounce and ensuring the playability unique to baseball. It is mainly used in baseball stadiums and multi-purpose stadiums. (3) Short pile artificial turf: With a pile height of 10 to 30 mm, it is highly resistant to wear and has excellent durability. It is mainly used for tennis courts, futsal courts, school facilities, pedestrian spaces, etc.

[0028] In particular, monofilament yarn is preferred for use in sports facilities such as soccer fields and rugby fields as the yarn that makes up the pile. Monofilament yarns are resistant to repeated loads such as twisting and tension, and by using polyethylene (PE) material, which is resistant to heat and weather changes, high durability can be ensured. Furthermore, the monofilament structure provides excellent strength and rigidity, achieving an appearance and performance similar to that of natural turf. In other words, the pile formed by this yarn has a single, smooth blade shape that stabilizes the ball's roll and provides excellent playability. In addition, the flexible pile surface reduces strain on the player's legs and absorbs impact during tackles, achieving both comfort and safety.

[0029] On the other hand, artificial turf installed in baseball fields is preferably made by crimping (curling) the yarn, resulting in curled pile. The curled pile envelops the infill layer, suppressing the scattering of infill when the ball bounces and preventing the infill from running off during rain. Furthermore, the interaction between the curled pile and the infill reproduces the unique bounce of a baseball, achieving a natural bounce when catching or throwing a ground ball. This allows for appropriate adjustment of the infill composition to ensure playability and comfort suited to the characteristics of the game.

[0030] (base material layer) The base material layer 20 is a base material for supporting the grass blades 10, and has a layered structure including a base fabric 21 with grass yarns planted in it, and a functional layer 22 laminated on the upper and / or lower surfaces of the base fabric. That is, in this embodiment, the "base material layer" refers to a layer structure including a base fabric 21 and a functional layer 22 provided on the upper and / or lower surface of the base fabric.

[0031] (base fabric) Support holes (not shown) are formed in the base fabric 21, and the grass blades 10 are planted in the base fabric 21 by inserting them through the support holes. Alternatively, an adhesive layer may be provided to fix the grass blades in place. The base fabric 21 may be made of any material that has sufficient tensile strength and dimensional stability, such as polypropylene, polyester, nonwoven fabric, or a composite of these. The thickness of the base fabric (primary base fabric) is, for example, about 0.6 to 1.2 mm, and when a secondary base fabric is laminated as necessary, the total thickness can be about 0.8 to 1.5 mm.

[0032] (functional layer) The functional layer 22 is a layer laminated on the upper and / or lower surface of the base fabric 21, and functions as a layer for improving the performance of the base material layer. As shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, the functional layer 22 is formed on the lower surface side of the base fabric 21, but it can also be formed on the upper surface side as needed. Also, different functional layers may be provided on both the upper and lower surfaces to impart composite performance.

[0033] The functional layer 22 is a layer that provides at least one function depending on the application, such as reinforcement, drainage, elasticity, heat insulation, slip resistance, or adhesion. For example, it can be a layer that provides pile fixation (firmly fixes the turf yarn and prevents it from coming loose), structural strength (prevents deformation due to trampling or use), drainage function (efficiently drains rainwater), dimensional stability (suppresses expansion / contraction and deformation), or durability (ensuring strength to withstand long-term use). The thickness of the reinforcing layer (nonwoven fabric or glass fiber layer) can be, for example, approximately 0.2 to 0.8 mm, the thickness of the drainage mesh or water-permeable nonwoven fabric layer can be approximately 0.5 to 2.0 mm, the thickness of the elastic foam layer or shock pad layer can be approximately 8 to 20 mm, the thickness of the anti-slip coating layer can be approximately 20 to 200 μm, and the thickness of the heat-shielding coating layer can be approximately 5 to 50 μm.

[0034] The functional layer 22 is a layer that imparts auxiliary or additional functions to the base fabric 21, and its configuration can be variously configured depending on the application. Specifically, it is formed by laminating a single layer or multiple layers based on the performance requirements of the artificial turf (durability, drainage, elasticity, heat insulation, slip resistance, dimensional stability, etc.).

[0035] The functional layer 22 may be, for example, the following functional layer. To ensure mechanical strength and dimensional stability, a reinforcing layer made of glass fiber, nonwoven fabric, high-density polyethylene sheet, etc. can be provided. This layer suppresses deformation due to tread pressure or tensile stress, and makes it possible to maintain the flatness and stability of the entire base material layer even during long-term use. Additionally, a porous mesh layer or a water-permeable nonwoven fabric layer can be added to improve drainage performance. This allows water to be quickly drained throughout the entire artificial turf during rainfall, achieving a full-surface drainage structure that does not rely on drainage holes. Additionally, an elastic foam layer, a rubber chip layer, or a shock pad layer may be laminated to provide cushioning and shock absorption. These layers cushion the impact of falls and landings during sports play, increasing the safety and comfort of players. A heat-shielding layer can also be formed on the top surface to prevent the surface temperature from rising. The heat-shielding layer can be made of a resin coating containing infrared-reflecting pigments or a thin film containing thermally conductive fillers, which can help prevent temperature rises even during the hot summer months.

[0036] These layers can be used alone or in combination with a heat-shielding or anti-slip layer on top and a drainage or reinforcing layer on the bottom, providing both comfort for the surface and stability for the base layer.

[0037] In addition, a backing layer (backcoat layer) is commonly applied during the artificial turf manufacturing process. The backing layer consists of a primary backing and a secondary backing, and functions as a coating layer that firmly secures the pile to the base fabric and provides dimensional stability. The backing layer is made of materials such as polyurethane (PU), styrene-butadiene latex (SBR), or polyethylene (PE), and is applied using either a top-spray or bottom-coat method. The thickness of the backing layer (backcoat layer) can be, for example, about 0.5 to 1.5 mm, and if a secondary backing material is added as needed, the total layer thickness can be about 0.8 to 2.0 mm.

[0038] In some cases, functional layers are also included that work in conjunction with the infill layer. The functional layer, placed under the pile, helps to retain the infill, improves pile rise, stabilizes ball behavior, prevents slippage, and improves cushioning.

[0039] In this way, the functional layer 22 is not limited to a single purpose, but is provided on the top or bottom surface of the base fabric, or on both, and is designed as a layer that imparts a variety of performance depending on the application. This makes it possible to achieve a high level of durability, safety, comfort, and environmental adaptability for the artificial turf as a whole.

[0040] (Photocatalyst layer) The photocatalyst layer 10a is a layer formed by layering and adhering titanium oxide particles, a photocatalytic material, onto the surface of the grass blades 10. In the artificial turf 1 of this embodiment, the photocatalyst layer 10a is formed by layering spear-shaped titanium oxide particles derived from a peroxotitanium-based coating agent. The photocatalyst layer 10a is an inorganic film formed from a Ti-O-Ti network, and its film thickness, adhesion amount, and adhesion are controlled.

[0041] The thickness of the photocatalytic layer 10a is, for example, about 50 to 500 nm, preferably about 100 to 300 nm. The effective thickness that follows the minute irregularities on the substrate surface can be adjusted within the above range by adjusting the treatment conditions.

[0042] The particle size (primary particle size) of the titanium oxide particles constituting the photocatalyst layer 10a is, for example, in the range of about 5 to 50 nm, preferably about 10 to 30 nm, and by setting it in this range, a good balance between light absorption efficiency and transparency is achieved. Furthermore, when spear-shaped titanium dioxide particles are used, the aspect ratio (major axis / minor axis) is, for example, about 3 to 10, and preferably about 4 to 8. Such a high aspect ratio structure exerts an anchoring effect on the grass surface, significantly improving mechanical adhesion and abrasion resistance.

[0043] Titanium dioxide derived from peroxotitanium-based coating agents is a completely inorganic coating agent based on a neutral peroxotitanium complex and peroxo-modified anatase sol. It contains no organic substances or resin binders and can be used as a safe, neutral to weakly basic water-based coating agent. Drying at room temperature forms a highly transparent and highly adhesive titanium dioxide thin film, which self-adheres to the substrate, allowing for the production of a high-strength inorganic coating without the use of a resin binder.

[0044] Titanium oxide derived from peroxotitanium coating agents has a unique anatase structure with a wide exposed (101) crystal face, and exhibits extremely high photocatalytic activity due to the low probability of electron-hole recombination. Furthermore, since it undergoes oxidation reactions not only under ultraviolet light but also under visible and near-infrared light, it exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity not only outdoors under sunlight but also indoors under white LED lighting.

[0045] By applying titanium dioxide derived from peroxotitanium-based coating agents to artificial turf, photocatalytic activity is maintained even in environments with low UV intensity or under nighttime lighting, allowing for long-term antibacterial, deodorizing, and antifungal properties. The completely inorganic coating formed is resistant to UV degradation, protects the yarn surface, and prevents discoloration and embrittlement, extending its service life. Furthermore, its high transparency makes it easy to layer with existing heat-shielding coatings, and its response to near-infrared light also helps to suppress temperature increases in the summer.

[0046] In addition, peroxotitanium-based coating agents can be used as water-based or alcohol-based spray applications, and because they adhere strongly when dried at room temperature, they can be easily applied on-site after artificial turf installation, making it easy to apply them to existing artificial turf or for partial repairs, reducing maintenance costs and the environmental impact.

[0047] The photocatalytic layer 10a is formed, for example, by applying a peroxotitanium-based coating agent by a spray method or the like to the grass blades 10 that have been subjected to a predetermined pretreatment, and then subjecting the coating to a drying process.

[0048] There are no limitations on the peroxotitanium-based coating agent as long as it can form the desired photocatalytic layer. Suitable commercially available products include "Alitellas" manufactured by Nippon Nanotech Co., Ltd. and "Tenlite IC" manufactured by Takada Co., Ltd.

[0049] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the disclosed embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting. In particular, in the disclosed embodiments, matters not explicitly disclosed do not deviate from the scope of ordinary practice by those skilled in the art, and values ​​that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art are used. [Industrial Applicability]

[0050] The artificial turf of this invention stably fixes photocatalytic substances to the surface of the artificial turf, allowing it to maintain its environmental purification function for a long period of time. This has great industrial value in terms of reducing maintenance costs and reducing environmental impact. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1 Artificial grass 10 grass leaves 10a Photocatalytic layer 20 Base material layer 21 Base fabric 22 Functional Layer

Claims

1. The lawn has grass blades made of resin and a base layer that supports the grass blades, The artificial turf has a photocatalyst layer in which titanium oxide particles are laminated and fixed to the surface of the turf blades, and the photocatalyst layer is substantially free of binder components.

2. 2. The artificial turf according to claim 1, wherein the titanium oxide particles are titanium oxide particles derived from a peroxotitanium-based coating agent.

3. The artificial turf according to claim 1 , wherein the titanium oxide particles are spear-shaped titanium oxide particles.

4. 2. The artificial turf according to claim 1, wherein the blades of grass are in the form of monofilament yarns made of thread-like fibers, monotape yarns having a tape-like shape, or hybrid composite yarns that combine these.

5. 2. The artificial turf according to claim 1, wherein the pile formed by the grass blades has a curl pile structure obtained by crimping yarn.

Images