PANSTADIA & ARENA MANAGEMENT AUTUMN 2013
Smart Choices for the long run
Dow explains how yarn and backing solutions can help boost the lifespan and ease the recyclability of an artifi cial pitch, ultimately resulting in signifi cant savings.
T
o develop the right artifi cial turf surface that meets tough and different
performance demands is a common industry challenge. The complexity of the systems, athletes’ high expectations and the quality levels required by different sports governing bodies combined, raise the technology bar ever higher. Now, more than ever, the industry is faced with having to make smart decisions on getting the right solutions. For facility owners, this may mean choosing to invest in sport surfaces that have the technology that can offer a longer lifespan, are easily recycled at the end and help save maintenance costs in the meantime. Here’s how.
Tried and tested: polyethylene (PE) polymers for lasting yarn
A recent study on durability and reliability commissioned by Dow revealed that grass yarn has a very signifi cant impact on the lifetime performance of an artifi cial turf system. The study, conducted by the University of Ghent in Belgium using the Lisport test, compared artifi cial turf carpet samples having yarns made of butene-based linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and yarns made of octene-based LLDPE.
The results showed that yarns based on Butene LLDPE can withstand roughly only about 10,000 cycles before fi brillation becomes visible, a signifi cantly lower result than Octene-based LLDPE yarn, which did not show any visible traces of fi brillation when the test was stopped at 20,200 cycles (limit for FIFA 1 star requirement)1
.
In a similar test conducted by a leading turf manufacturer, yarn made with Octene-based PE resins from Dow exceeded 100,000 Lisport cycles, suggesting that Dow resins like ELITE help yarn withstand about ten times more wear than Butene-based PE. For a facility owner, choosing a suitable polyethylene yarn for pitches is important to obtaining a longer lifespan, less frequent renovation and refurbishment cycles, and ultimately an opportunity for cost savings.
An easily recyclable fully polyolefinic pitch with a longer lifespan
Beyond the yarn, Dow looked at improving the yarn’s tuft lock, a factor that has a critical impact on the lifespan of an artifi cial pitch. The tuft lock indicates how well the yarn is kept in place by the backing and is measured by the force required to pull a specifi ed bunch of yarn from the tufted carpet sample. Good tuft lock means that the yarn stays where it is needed rather than detaching and leaving bald patches, so the ball can keep rolling.
Recognising the value in enhancing tuft-lock, Dow transformed knowledge into a solution for strong tuft bind and dimensional stability, even in wet conditions, that ultimately helps enable a longer pitch life-span. What’s the technology? – An innovative Polyolefi n Dispersions technology for artifi cial turf backing sold under the brand HYPOD™.
Moreover, from an end of life perspective, having a Polyolefi n Dispersions backing also helps enable artifi cial turf system manufacturers to work with a complete Olefi ns-based system that is easily recyclable.
Next time facility owners are looking to invest in artifi cial turf systems that can offer a good balance between performance and business needs they’ll know that an improved yarn and an enhanced tuft lock can go a long way.
1
Dow tests commissioned from the University of Ghent, using Lisport testing method as specifi ed by FIFA 1 Star certifi cation.
Dow offers advanced technology components for sport surfaces. 92 PLAY SYNTHETIC TURF
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