Chloe Zhang
Artificial turf, also known as fake grass, synthetic turf, or faux lawn, is a surface made of synthetic grass-like fibres. It is commonly used in sporting applications, such as football pitches and hockey fields, as well as in residential landscaping. The use of artificial turf in sports dates back to the 1970s and 1980s, with the first artificial turf being developed in 1965 using nylon fibres. Today, artificial grass is made from a variety of materials, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon, each offering unique advantages and disadvantages. While artificial turf provides durability and low maintenance, there are also environmental concerns regarding the use of plastic and microplastics in artificial grass products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Names | Artificial turf, fake grass, synthetic turf, faux lawn, AstroTurf, ChemGrass, plastic pitches, grass mat, grass carpet, grass rug |
| History | The first artificial grass was developed in 1965 and was made of nylon fibres. |
| Use Cases | Artificial turf is used in sports fields, especially in hockey fields and association football, as well as in residential lawns. |
| Benefits | Artificial turf is durable, low-maintenance, and can withstand adverse weather conditions. It does not burn in hot weather, degrade in heavy rains or snow, and does not require watering, fertilizing, or mowing. |
| Concerns | Artificial turf may cause more wear and tear on players' bodies due to its lack of give compared to natural grass fields. It has also raised environmental concerns due to its plastic content and potential for contributing to microplastic pollution. |
| Materials | Polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, and other synthetic fibres. |
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What You'll Learn
Artificial turf/grass
Artificial turf, also known as artificial grass, is a surface made of synthetic fibres designed to resemble natural grass. It is commonly used in sports arenas, residential lawns, and commercial landscapes. Artificial turf was first installed in 1964 at the Moses Brown School in Providence, Rhode Island, but it gained prominence in 1966 when AstroTurf was installed in the Houston Astrodome, an indoor stadium.
Artificial grass is constructed similarly to carpet, with a solid backing and machine-stitched blades. The synthetic grass blades are typically made from polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon to mimic the texture and colour of real grass. Modern artificial turf may also include a brown thatch to replicate the appearance of dead grass on a natural lawn.
One of the primary advantages of artificial turf is its durability. It can withstand heavy use, extreme weather conditions, and is unaffected by weeds. Artificial turf requires no irrigation, fertiliser, or mowing, resulting in significant water and cost savings for consumers. It also eliminates the need for landscapers and lawn care equipment, further reducing expenses and environmental emissions.
However, artificial turf has some disadvantages. It may increase the risk of injury during athletic competitions due to its harder surface. Additionally, there are health and environmental concerns associated with the petroleum and toxic chemicals used in its manufacturing. Despite these drawbacks, artificial turf remains a popular choice for landscaping and sports applications due to its low maintenance and durability.
Over time, artificial turf has evolved with improved technology, becoming more affordable and aesthetically pleasing. Modern synthetic turf differs significantly from its original version, with advancements in structure, component quality, and maintenance practices.
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AstroTurf
The original AstroTurf product was developed by Monsanto and first installed under the name
Today, AstroTurf is owned by SportGroup, a global sports surfacing company with manufacturing facilities around the world. AstroTurf has been installed in over 30,000 synthetic turf fields and running tracks across more than 70 countries, including in major sports leagues such as the NFL, MLB, and CFL. It has also gained popularity for residential and commercial landscaping due to its aesthetic appeal and low maintenance requirements, especially in areas with water restrictions.
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ChemGrass
Artificial turf, or synthetic grass, is a surface made of grass-like synthetic fibres. The first artificial grass was developed in 1965 under the name "ChemGrass". ChemGrass was made of nylon fibres, a synthetic fibre created by DuPont that can be made into a variety of products, including clothing. ChemGrass was later rebranded by Monsanto as AstroTurf, a name coined during the late 20th century when artificial turf became popular.
AstroTurf is made from a variety of human-made materials, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon. These plastics are built to last, potentially for centuries, and are extremely resistant to degradation from sunlight, mildew, and abrasion. Nylon, in particular, is highly resistant to UV radiation and heat, with a melting point of around 460 degrees Fahrenheit.
Artificial turf has become prevalent in sporting applications due to its durability and low maintenance. Unlike natural grass, artificial turf does not degrade in heavy rains or snow, and it does not burn in hot weather. It also does not need to be watered, fertilised, or mowed, saving time and money. However, artificial turf has been criticised for its environmental impact, as it is made from plastic and can be difficult to recycle.
The use of artificial turf in sports varies by region and sport. It is generally found in areas where maintaining natural grass is impractical due to cold climates or multi-purpose stadiums. In association football, artificial turf gained popularity in the 1980s but was abandoned by most clubs in the late 1990s due to high injury rates. In field hockey, artificial turf has been used since the 1970s, as it allows for the speed required in the sport.
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Plastic pitches
Artificial turf, or "plastic pitches" as they were often derisively called in England, are large surfaces of grass-like synthetic fibres. Artificial turf was first introduced in 1965 under the name "ChemGrass", and was later rebranded as AstroTurf.
AstroTurf is made from a variety of human-made materials, including polyethylene, polypropylene and nylon. These plastics are built to last, potentially for centuries, and while they can theoretically be recycled, the process is complex and rarely happens in practice. Polyethylene is the most commonly used material for grass fibres today due to its realistic appearance and low maintenance. Nylon, on the other hand, was the first material used for artificial grass and is still employed in some applications. It is highly resilient, abrasion-resistant, and has the highest melting point among the three options.
Artificial turf has become prevalent in sporting applications due to its durability and hassle-free maintenance. It can withstand adverse weather conditions, heavy usage, and does not degrade in rain or snow. This makes it ideal for sports stadiums, especially in cold climates or multi-purpose venues, where maintaining natural grass can be impractical.
However, artificial turf has faced criticism and concerns. In sports like association football, it has been linked to higher injury rates, potentially shortening athletes' careers. There are also environmental concerns, as artificial turf contributes significantly to microplastics in the environment, particularly in countries like Norway and Sweden. Despite its benefits, some have called for restrictions on its use, citing the potential harm it may cause to humans and other organisms.
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Synthetic turf
There are three main types of synthetic turf materials used today: nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene. Each material has unique properties that make it suitable for specific applications. Nylon, known for its resilience and durability, was the first material used for artificial grass. It is highly resistant to UV radiation, abrasion, and heat, making it a low-maintenance choice that retains its colour and shape. Polyethylene, on the other hand, is the most recent addition to artificial grass products and is the most commonly used material today. It is known for its realistic appearance, soft texture, and low maintenance, as it is highly resistant to water absorption and odour retention. Polypropylene, while less durable than polyethylene, offers a good balance between toughness and ductile strength.
The use of synthetic turf varies depending on the sport, location, and preferences of players and organisations. In football, for example, grass is generally preferred, but synthetic turf is found in areas with cold climates or multi-purpose stadiums where maintaining natural grass is impractical. As of 2021, 14 out of 30 NFL fields use artificial turf. However, a 2010 league survey revealed that 90% of players believed that artificial turf was more likely to shorten their careers due to the impact on their bodies.
Despite its practical advantages, synthetic turf has also raised environmental concerns. The rubber granulate from artificial turf infill is a significant source of microplastics in the environment, particularly in seawater. While the potential harm of this pollution to humans and other organisms is still unclear, it has prompted proposals to restrict the use of microplastic granules in sports fields.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic grass is called artificial turf, fake grass, synthetic turf, faux lawn, or AstroTurf.
AstroTurf is a popular name for artificial grass. It was coined in the late 20th century when artificial turf became popular. Monsanto developed the first artificial turf using ChemGrass and rebranded it as AstroTurf.
Artificial grass is made from a variety of human-made materials, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon. These plastics are built to last, potentially for centuries, and are generally extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear.
