Artificial turf is increasingly becoming popular around the world. The current generation of Artificial turf generally contains tall piles of fibrillated polyethylene (PE) fibres, with an infill mix (rubber and/or sand) to support the fibres and provide shock absorbency. This type of artificial turf is also usually tufted, resulting in a lower manufacturing cost than the original knitted, nylon-based artificial turf. In addition, the current generation of Artificial turfprovides enhancements for player comfort and appearance, whilst significantly decreasing the risk of abrasions. As with many new technologies, prices were originally high due to demand for the added benefits of the new generation of artificial turf.

Here are some key considerations when evaluating Artificial turf versus natural grass:

Use Artificial turf provides many more hours of use compared to natural grass
Maintenance Artificial turf has lower maintenance costs compared to natural grass
Investment The initial investment of Artificial turf is much higher than natural grass
Temperature Artificial turf can become quite a bit hotter than natural grass due to lack of moisture within the grass fibers. STI has products to offset this temperature increase
Sports Performance Clients want to make sure that the Artificial turf performs similar to natural turf. To understand this, we strongly recommend that clients obtain performance test reports when selecting a Artificial turf system. Many suppliers may have solid marketing programs but it is more important to obtain the test proof to support to advertised benefits.

If a client wishes to select the best artificial football turf, then it must consider the artificial turf that has been fully tested in an independent laboratory to meet both the athletic and durability performance needs of the client. After the purchase of the artificial turf is completed, then proper Artificial turf maintenance is required to ensure long-term enjoyment of the artificial turf.

Some additional information regarding Sport Performance to make sure the Artificial turf performs similar to Natural Grass includes:

Traditional product requirements of artificial turfs:
Measurement of shock absorbency
Tuft bind
Backing strength
All weather playability
UV protection
Low gloss to prevent sunlight glaring

New Focus of Artificial turf Tests Surface Interaction Requirements

Player / Surface Interaction Tests on Artificial Turf
The characteristics of a surface that a football player needs to play the game fall into several categories. The Artificial turftesting for player/surface interaction consists of shock absorbency, vertical deformation, slip resistance, traction and sliding distance.

Ball / Surface Interaction Tests
There are three categories that define the performance of a football on the artificial turf surface. The tests that measure these are vertical ball rebound, football roll and angled ball behavior.

Shock Absorption
Measures the impact absorption provided by the Artificial turfsurface to a player running or falling on it.

Vertical Deformation
Measures the stability of the artificial grass surface as a player runs across it.

Traction
Measures the interaction between the shoe sole and the artificial surface relating to the ability of a player to change direction.

Slip Resistance Scale
It is a measure of the ability of the studs to slide through the surface without causing the player to slip over

Slip Resistance Deceleration of artificial Grass
Measures the deceleration experienced by the players boot as it makes contact with the surface. If the deceleration is too high then damage to joints and ligaments may occur.

Vertical ball rebound
Measures how high the ball bounces when falling vertically

Ball roll
Measures how far the ball rolls on the artificial pitch

Angle ball behaviour
Measures how the ball rebounds from the artificial sports field surface when striking it at a shallow angle under dry and wet conditions.

Friction change
Measures the abrasiveness of the artificial turf surface to the players skin

Coefficient of friction
Measures the potential of a surface to cause a skin burn to the player. The higher the recorded coefficient of friction the greater is the potential that a skin burn will occur.

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