Synthetic Turf Infill Composition for Cooler, Non-Toxic Elasticity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing synthetic turf infill materials, particularly those using rubber granules, pose environmental concerns due to toxic substances, are non-biodegradable, and can accumulate heat, leading to discomfort and issues with wind dispersal.
Innovation Solution
An infill material composed predominantly of defibrated arboreus material resistant to microbial digestion, combined with cereal husks and ground cork, providing high elasticity and drainage while being biodegradable and non-flammable, with a controlled layer of sand for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rubber granules (ground spent tires or synthetic elastomers) are used as infill material, then the synthetic turf gains high elasticity and mechanical resistance, but it introduces toxic substances (heavy metals, solvents) that are harmful to the environment and human health
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes rubber granules (both waste tires and synthetic elastomers) from the infill material composition entirely, extracting the harmful component while maintaining the desired mechanical properties through alternative natural materials like cork, wood fibers, and rice husks
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite infill material composed of multiple natural components (cork 20-40%, wood fibers 30-60%, rice husks 5-20%, sand 10-30%) that collectively provide the elasticity and mechanical resistance previously achieved only by rubber granules
2Strength
If elastomeric material is used as infill, then the synthetic turf gains mechanical characteristics, but it cannot retain much water and accumulates heat, creating discomfort to players in hot seasons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the infill material by replacing rubber with natural materials that have lower heat retention properties. The specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity are inherently different in natural materials, reducing heat accumulation and improving player comfort in hot conditions
3Strength
If ground spent tires are used as infill material, then the synthetic turf gains elasticity, but it creates environmental pollution and complicates the dismantling and disposal of spent turfs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of using waste materials into a benefit by selecting natural materials (cork, wood fibers, rice husks) that are either by-products of other industries or naturally occurring substances. These materials are biodegradable and non-toxic, transforming the infill from an environmental hazard into an environmentally friendly component
4Temperature
If a light granular material layer is placed above ground spent tires to reflect sunlight, then the turf heating is reduced, but the light layer can be easily blown away by wind during sports matches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reflective function with the structural infill materials themselves. The cork, wood fibers, and rice husks in the infill material provide both the light color for sunlight reflection and sufficient weight to resist wind, eliminating the need for a separate vulnerable surface layer
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 achieves high elasticity and drainage, reduces environmental impact, prevents heat accumulation, and minimizes wind dispersal, enhancing player comfort and turf durability.
Implementation Method 1
providing high elasticity and drainage
Implementation Method 2
provides a draining action by adjusting the drainage of rainwater or of irrigation water
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Synthetic turf (1) comprising a mat (2) equipped with a first face (2a), which in use is arranged next to a surface (50) to coat, and with a second face (2b) opposite to the first face (2a). The synthetic turf (1) comprises, furthermore, a plurality of filaments (3) knitted to the mat (2) and made of a synthetic material. Above the second face (2b) of the mat (2), furthermore, an infill material (10) is present that is arranged all around the filaments (3) of artificial material. The infill material (10) comprises, in particular at least one layer (15) consisting of a mixture of a predetermined amount of cereal husks, such as rice husks, husks of wheat, husks of rye, husks of oat, husks of spelt, or a combination thereof, and of at least one defibrated arboreus material which is resistant to microbial digestion, such as a loose final product from raw material based on coir, or sawdust of a wood obtained by a raw material with high content of lignin, such as Teck pulp material, Mahogany pulp material, Iroko pulp material, or a combination thereof (Fig.1).