Biodegradable Infill Material for Synthetic Turf
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infill materials for synthetic turf surfaces, particularly those made from plant materials and thermoplastic polymers, face issues with performance degradation, water retention, and environmental sustainability, leading to increased wear, injury risk, and pollution concerns.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable infill material composed of a polymeric matrix made from materials like polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) combined with a reinforcing plant filler, processed into fibrous particles with a sponge-like structure to enhance mechanical stability and water retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If plant materials are used as infill material, then environmental sustainability is improved, but performance properties and durability deteriorate due to deformation and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining biodegradable polymeric materials (such as PLA, PBAT, PHA) with plant-based fillers (such as wood flour, bamboo powder, rice husk) to create an infill material that integrates the environmental benefits of plant materials with the structural stability and durability of synthetic polymers, resolving the contradiction between sustainability and performance
2Reliability
If thermoplastic polymeric materials are used as infill material, then performance properties and durability are improved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates due to non-biodegradability and pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting specific biodegradable polymeric materials (PLA, PBAT, PHA, PLGA) with controlled degradation rates and combining them in specific ratios with plant fillers, thereby adjusting the material parameters to achieve both adequate performance during service life and environmental sustainability through biodegradation after disposal
3Stability of the object's composition
If plant material with low water-retaining properties is used, then structural stability is improved, but overheating and injury risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials where the polymeric matrix provides structural stability while the plant-based fillers contribute water-retaining properties through their cellular structures and hydrophilic groups, creating a balanced system that maintains both structural integrity and thermal regulation capabilities
4Temperature
If plant material with excessive water-retaining properties is used, then cooling effect is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates due to weakening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the water-retaining capacity of plant materials through selection of specific plant sources, particle size distribution, and treatment methods, while adjusting the polymeric matrix composition to provide sufficient mechanical strength to counterbalance the weakening effect of high water content
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a sustainable, eco-friendly infill material with improved mechanical properties, reduced wear, and enhanced comfort, while ensuring rapid biodegradability and minimal environmental impact, maintaining performance over time and replicating the feel of natural grass.
Implementation Method 1
the water-retaining properties of the infill material are strongly dependent on the water-retaining properties of the specific plant material, in particular its hygroscopicity (i.e., the ability to absorb humidity in the air)
Implementation Method 2
its hydrophilicity (i.e., the ability to absorb water in liquid form, e.g., rain or actively sprayed on the mat)
Implementation Method 3
Biodegradation is a process of breakdown of a material/substance performed by the action of microorganisms (such as bacteria and/or fungi). Typically, the biodegradation comprise three steps: i) biodeterioration which modifies the mechanical, physical and/or chemical properties of the material/substance... ii) bio-fragmentation which is the breaking of the polymeric chains of the material/substance into oligomers (short polymeric chains having low molecular weight) and monomers
Data Source
AI summary
Infill material (200) for a synthetic turf surface (400), the infill material (200) comprising a plurality of particles (201) each one comprising: —a polymeric matrix made of a polymeric material selected in the group: polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA), poly-(2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate), poly-ethylene-glycol (PEG), chitosan, hyaluronic acid, a poly-hydroxy-alkanoate (PHA), or combinations thereof; —a reinforcing filler made of a plant material dispersed in the polymeric matrix.