Thermally Treated Olive Pit Infill for Artificial Turf
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial turf infills made from synthetic materials like rubber and elastic particles pose environmental concerns due to migration into waterways and lack effective solutions for long-term performance in varying weather conditions, particularly in terms of biodegradation and microbial resistance.
Innovation Solution
A thermally treated olive pit material with a bimodal size distribution, combined with microporous zeolite particles and other bio-based materials, is used as infill, which is free of synthetic components, providing enhanced durability, antimicrobial resistance, and improved traction and energy absorption characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synthetic materials like rubber and elastic particles are used as infill, then the artificial turf provides good performance characteristics, but the materials can find their way into waterways and water reservoirs causing environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from synthetic rubber/elastic particles to thermally treated olive pit material, transforming the infill from a harmful synthetic material to a biodegradable organic material that maintains performance while eliminating environmental pollution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses organic olive pit material that is biodegradable and can be replaced naturally, contrasting with permanent synthetic materials that persist in the environment and cause pollution in waterways
2Object-affected harmful factors
If organic materials like vegetable matter or cellulosic fiber are used as infill, then environmental pollution is reduced, but the infill lacks durability and resistance to biodegradation in moist and wet conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal treatment to the olive pit material, changing its physical and chemical parameters to achieve durability and resistance to biodegradation while maintaining its organic, environmentally friendly nature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material by combining thermally treated olive pit material with sand and/or zeolite, achieving both environmental friendliness and enhanced durability through the synergistic properties of the composite
3Object-affected harmful factors
If organic particles are used as infill, then environmental friendliness is improved, but the infill shows increased biodegradation and susceptibility to microbial infestations in moist and wet conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thermal treatment to change the chemical parameters of the olive pit material, reducing its susceptibility to biodegradation and microbial infestations while preserving its organic composition and environmental benefits
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 offers a sustainable, environmentally friendly infill that maintains performance over extended periods, reduces biodegradation, and enhances resistance to microbial infestations, while providing stable foot traction and energy restitution, suitable for professional sports fields and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
The thermally treated olive pit material has a bimodal size distribution... The olive pit fragments may be in an amount of at least 80.0 wt%... of the thermally treated olive pit material
Implementation Method 2
The thermally treated olive pit material has a bimodal size distribution with a major mode and a minor mode. The major mode comprises olive pit fragments and has a peak between 0.5 mm to 4.0 mm... The minor mode comprises olive pit particles having a size less than 63 μm
Data Source
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AI summary
An artificial turf infill comprising a thermally treated olive pit material. The thermally treated olive pit material exhibits exceptional antimicrobial resistance and biodegradation resistance in moist and humid conditions. In some embodiments, the thermally treated olive pit material comprises olive pit fragments that have been heated to a sufficiently high temperature to chemically modify the structure/composition of the hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin components and render them resistant to biodegradation in moist/humid environment.