PVA Turf Base Layer Biodegradable Fibers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The disposal of used hybrid turf base layers is complicated due to the non-biodegradable synthetic fibers that are mixed with mineral and organic components, leading to costly and laborious waste management.
Innovation Solution
A base layer with reinforcing fibers made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) that are stable under normal environmental conditions but become biodegradable when exceeding a specific activation threshold, such as temperature or humidity, allowing for complete degradation and disposal without plastic residue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If non-biodegradable synthetic fibers are used in the base layer, then the mechanical strength and durability of the hybrid turf are improved, but the disposal complexity and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting fibers with specific biodegradability characteristics that remain stable under normal environmental conditions (pH 4-10, temperature -20°C to +80°C, UV exposure) but degrade under specific disposal conditions. The fiber composition and structural parameters are optimized to maintain mechanical strength during use while enabling controlled degradation afterward, resolving the contradiction between durability and disposal ease.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If non-biodegradable synthetic fibers are used in the base layer, then the durability of the hybrid turf is improved, but the environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the synthetic fibers to create a dual-state material: stable under service conditions but degradable under disposal conditions. The fibers are designed with specific molecular structures and compositions that resist degradation during turf usage (maintaining durability) but break down when exposed to specific environmental factors like elevated temperature, moisture, or microbial activity during disposal, thereby eliminating environmental harm.
3Strength
If non-biodegradable synthetic fibers are used in the base layer, then the mechanical support is improved, but the loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by designing fibers that transition from a non-degradable state during use to a degradable state during disposal. The fibers maintain their mechanical support function under normal environmental parameters (pH 4-10, temperature -20°C to +80°C) but are formulated to decompose when exposed to specific disposal conditions such as elevated temperatures, increased moisture, or specific microbial environments, thereby preventing plastic waste accumulation.
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 base layer provides long-lasting mechanical support to hybrid sports turf while ensuring that the fibers can be safely and efficiently degraded after use, simplifying disposal and allowing for the reuse of organic and mineral materials in nature.
Implementation Method 1
The reinforcing fibers are made of a plastic material which is essentially not biodegradable under the environmental conditions when used as a base layer in the soil or otherwise under conditions during normal use of the hybrid turf (e.g. temperatures, humidity/water content, radiation, in particular UV-Radiation)
Implementation Method 2
the reinforcement fibers have an activation threshold above which the reinforcement fibers are essentially completely biodegradable, the activation threshold being a temperature higher than 50°C
Implementation Method 3
a specific humidity or concentration of water or other liquids in the vicinity of the reinforcement fibers can also form this activation threshold. Exceeding such a combined activation threshold, formed from a temperature and a water content, then initially leads to the absorption of water in the reinforcement fibers. This water absorption causes the molecules of the plastic that make up the reinforcement fibers to split.
Implementation Method 4
The further decomposition of the fission products then takes place by other mechanisms. The further decomposition can take place, for example, by saprobionts. These are organisms that feed on dead material and break it down, reshape it and crush it.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The application relates to a base layer for turf which incorporates reinforcing fibers (2) made of plastic, these reinforcing fibers being essentially non-biodegradable under the ambient conditions when used as a base layer in the soil. Furthermore, a process for the treatment of a base layer is also described.