EP3276073A1 - Remplissage de gazon artificiel comprenant des fibres naturelles revetues - Google Patents

Remplissage de gazon artificiel comprenant des fibres naturelles revetues Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3276073A1
EP3276073A1 EP16207159.1A EP16207159A EP3276073A1 EP 3276073 A1 EP3276073 A1 EP 3276073A1 EP 16207159 A EP16207159 A EP 16207159A EP 3276073 A1 EP3276073 A1 EP 3276073A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
artificial turf
fiber
natural fiber
pigment
type
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP16207159.1A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Jörg Siekmann
Stephan Sick
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Melos GmbH
Original Assignee
Melos GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from EP16181508.9A external-priority patent/EP3276078B1/fr
Priority claimed from EP16204504.1A external-priority patent/EP3336252A1/fr
Priority claimed from EP16204500.9A external-priority patent/EP3336251A1/fr
Application filed by Melos GmbH filed Critical Melos GmbH
Priority to MA045767A priority Critical patent/MA45767A/fr
Priority to AU2017304474A priority patent/AU2017304474B2/en
Priority to US16/316,914 priority patent/US20190292731A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2017/068546 priority patent/WO2018019735A1/fr
Priority to NZ749350A priority patent/NZ749350A/en
Priority to JP2019501429A priority patent/JP2019525983A/ja
Priority to CN201780042782.7A priority patent/CN109477293A/zh
Priority to CA3027790A priority patent/CA3027790A1/fr
Priority to KR1020197000807A priority patent/KR20190016574A/ko
Priority to EP17740037.1A priority patent/EP3491184A1/fr
Publication of EP3276073A1 publication Critical patent/EP3276073A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C13/00—Pavings or foundations specially adapted for playgrounds or sports grounds; Drainage, irrigation or heating of sports grounds
    • E01C13/08—Surfaces simulating grass ; Grass-grown sports grounds
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06N—WALL, FLOOR, OR LIKE COVERING MATERIALS, e.g. LINOLEUM, OILCLOTH, ARTIFICIAL LEATHER, ROOFING FELT, CONSISTING OF A FIBROUS WEB COATED WITH A LAYER OF MACROMOLECULAR MATERIAL; FLEXIBLE SHEET MATERIAL NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06N7/00—Flexible sheet materials not otherwise provided for, e.g. textile threads, filaments, yarns or tow, glued on macromolecular material
    • D06N7/0063—Floor covering on textile basis comprising a fibrous top layer being coated at the back with at least one polymer layer, e.g. carpets, rugs, synthetic turf
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06M—TREATMENT, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN CLASS D06, OF FIBRES, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR FIBROUS GOODS MADE FROM SUCH MATERIALS
    • D06M15/00—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics, or fibrous goods made from such materials, with macromolecular compounds; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment
    • D06M15/19—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics, or fibrous goods made from such materials, with macromolecular compounds; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment with synthetic macromolecular compounds
    • D06M15/37—Macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
    • D06M15/564—Polyureas, polyurethanes or other polymers having ureide or urethane links; Precondensation products forming them
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06M—TREATMENT, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN CLASS D06, OF FIBRES, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR FIBROUS GOODS MADE FROM SUCH MATERIALS
    • D06M2101/00—Chemical constitution of the fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, to be treated
    • D06M2101/02—Natural fibres, other than mineral fibres
    • D06M2101/04—Vegetal fibres
    • D06M2101/06—Vegetal fibres cellulosic
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
    • D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
    • D10B2505/00—Industrial
    • D10B2505/20—Industrial for civil engineering, e.g. geotextiles
    • D10B2505/202—Artificial grass

Definitions

  • the invention relates to artificial turf and methods for the manufacture of artificial turf infill.
  • Artificial turf or artificial grass is surface that is made up of fibers which is used to replace grass.
  • the structure of the artificial turf is designed such that the artificial turf has an appearance which resembles grass.
  • artificial turf is used as a surface for sports such as soccer, American football, rugby, tennis, golf, for playing fields, or exercise fields.
  • artificial turf is frequently used for landscaping applications.
  • Artificial turf may be manufactured using techniques for manufacturing carpets. For example artificial turf fibers which have the appearance of grass blades may be tufted or attached to a backing. Often times artificial turf infill is placed between the artificial turf fibers. Artificial turf infill is a granular material that covers the bottom portion of the artificial turf fibers. The use of artificial turf infill may have a number of advantages. For example, artificial turf infill may help the artificial turf fibers stand up straight. Artificial turf infill may also absorb impact from walking or running and provide an experience similar to being on real turf. The artificial turf infill may also help to keep the artificial turf carpet flat and in place by weighting it down.
  • the invention provides for a method of manufacturing artificial turf infill, a method of manufacturing artificial turf, and artificial turf in the independent claims. Embodiments are given in the dependent claims.
  • the invention provides for a method of manufacturing artificial turf infill.
  • the method comprises first providing a base composition comprising a natural fiber, a at least one first type of of pigment, and a fluid binding agent.
  • the fluid binding agent comprises at least one type of polymer component.
  • the natural fiber comprises any one of the following: hemp fiber, burlap fiber, sisal fiber, elephant grass, cotton, coconut fiber, and combinations thereof.
  • the at least one first type of of pigment may be an individual pigment or it may also be a combination or mixture of different pigments.
  • the at least one first type of pigment may be a green pigmentation used for coloring artificial turf infill that is a mixture of green, white, yellow, and black pigments.
  • the method further comprises mixing the base composition.
  • the method further comprises adding water and a catalyst to the base composition during the mixing of the base composition to cure the fluid binding agent and the at least one first type of of pigment into a base coating of the natural fiber.
  • base in base coating is intended as a label to identify the coating of the natural fiber.
  • base as used herein is therefore not intended to have a specific meaning outside of its use as a label in the context of the coating of the natural fiber.
  • a “base coating” as understood herein is a coating that may or may not form a base for one or more additional coatings.
  • the method may be beneficial because it may provide for a means of partially coating the natural fiber.
  • the natural fibers are able to absorb and desorb water. It may be beneficial before a sporting event or game to spray water onto the artificial turf infill for it to absorb water. As the sunlight or hot air heats the artificial turf infill it may then desorb or evaporate water keeping the surface of an artificial turf cool. The amount of time that the artificial turf infill is able to retain water may be controlled by only partially covering the artificial turf infill.
  • a further advantage may be that the base coating provides protection for the natural fiber and helps it hold together. This may provide for an artificial turf infill which lasts for a longer period.
  • the pigment provides a more natural color for the artificial turf infill. For example a brown or a green color may be used. If the natural fibers are brown colored the inclusion of a green pigment may be beneficial in that the artificial turf infill has both brown and green color and therefore makes the resulting artificial turf look more realistic or lifelike.
  • hemp may also be beneficial because hemp is naturally resistant to fungi in comparison with coconut fibers. Hemp also has the benefit of being very skin friendly. Hemp is less abrasive and/or prickly than many other natural fibers such as wood chips or coconut fibers.
  • the natural fiber consists of any one of the following: hemp fiber, burlap fiber, sisal fiber, elephant grass, cotton, coconut fiber, and combinations thereof.
  • the natural fiber consists of any one of the following: hemp fiber, burlap fiber, and sisal fiber, and combinations thereof.
  • hemp fiber, burlap fiber, and sisal fiber may be beneficial because these fibers provide superior water absorption properties as well as an increased resistance to decay due to funguses.
  • the method further comprises providing a subsequent composition comprising the natural fiber with the base coating, the at least one second type of pigment and the fluid binding agent.
  • the method further comprises mixing the subsequent composition.
  • the method further comprises adding water and the catalyst to the subsequent composition during the mixing of the subsequent composition to cure the fluid binding agent and the at least one second type of pigment into a subsequent coating of the natural fiber.
  • the at least one second type of pigment and the at least one first type of pigment may be identical or they may be different. If they are the same then the coating of the natural fiber will be of a uniform color. If the at least one second type of pigment and the at least one first type of pigments are different colors then the two colors can be chosen so that the resulting artificial turf infill has a more natural and earth like appearance.
  • the coverage is each only 90% of the surface of the natural fiber.
  • the base coating After the base coating has been deposited, roughly 10% of each granule of the natural fiber would be uncoated. There would be small surface defects. Deposition of the subsequent coating would then also cover 90% of the surface.
  • the interaction between the fibers or particles of the natural fiber is essentially a random process, one can expect that 90% of the defects that were exposed after the deposition of the base coating are coated in this case.
  • the result of doing two coatings is then an artificial turf infill that is 99% coated with only minor amounts of defects, where the natural fiber is not coated with either the base coating or the subsequent coating. This effect may be used to control how quickly water can evaporate from the natural fiber, and thus control how long the cooling effect of this evaporation will be active.
  • Improving the coverage of the natural fiber may be beneficial in several different situations. For example, it may be desirable to color the artificial turf infill the same or a similar color as fibers or tufts, which are used to manufacture an artificial turf carpet. This may provide a more realistic-looking play surface or playfield. Another advantage is that the elastomeric natural fiber may be better coated and may therefore have superior wear qualities or may even be better isolated from the environment.
  • the natural fiber comprises fibers with a length less than 5 mm long.
  • the natural fiber comprises fibers with a length less than 1.5 mm long.
  • the natural fiber comprises fibers with a length less than 2.5 mm long.
  • the curing of the base coating and the curing of the subsequent coating is a polymerization process.
  • the term 'cure' or 'curing' may be replaced with polymerization.
  • the subsequent coating at least partially covers the base coating.
  • the base coating only partially covers the natural fiber.
  • the subsequent coating only partially covers the base coating.
  • the natural fiber with the base coating and the subsequent coating is re-coated at least one time by performing the following sequence.
  • the first step in the sequence is provide a subsequent composition by adding at least one additive and the fluid binding agent to the natural fiber that has already been coated with the base coating and the subsequent coating.
  • the next step in the sequence is to mix the subsequent composition.
  • the next step in the sequence is to add water and the catalyst to the subsequent composition during the mixing of the subsequent composition to cure the fluid binding agent and the at least one additive into a further coating.
  • the natural fiber with the further coating is provided then as the artificial turf infill. This embodiment may be beneficial because an additional functional coating or layer may be put on the natural fiber.
  • the natural fiber may be coated a third or more times to improve the coverage and the coating of the natural fiber. Again, this effect may be used to control how quickly water can evaporate from the natural fiber, and thus control how long the cooling effect of this evaporation will be active.
  • This embodiment may also be beneficial because it may enable the deposition of so-called functional layers or additives, which may add to the utility or wear or usefulness of the artificial turf infill.
  • the PU catalyst is partially or completely water soluble and is of the group: secondary amine, tertiary amine, a metal organo catalyst
  • liquid PU component is based on an NCO terminal polymer which might be a pre-polymer, a polymeric isocyanate, an oligomeric isocyanate, a monomer and a mixture hereof.
  • liquid PU component is based on an aromatic diisocyanate of the group toluene diisocyanate and/or 2,2'-Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and/or 2,4'-Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and/or 4,4'-Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate.
  • liquid PU component is based on an aliphatic diisocyanate of the group hexamethylene disiocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate and 1,4-cyclohexyldisiocyanate.
  • liquid PU component is based on methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) isomer mixture.
  • MDI methylene diphenyl diisocyanate
  • the hydroxyl component for the production of the PU is out of the group polyether polyol or polyester polyol.
  • the hydroxyl component is based on a polyetherpolyol of the molecular weight 500 to 10000.
  • the polyetherpolyol has a molecular weight of 1500- 6000. In a very preferred embodiment the molecular weight is in the range of 2000- 4000.
  • the at least one additive comprises the at least one first and/or second type of pigment.
  • the at least one additive further comprises a flame retardant like aluminum trihydrate, magnesium hydroxide turning a by itself burnable or flammable elastomeric material into a flame retardant infill material.
  • this flame retardant additives creates an intumescent coating and is based on intumescent component comprising ammonium polyphosphate or exfoliated graphite or a mixture hereof.
  • the at least one additive further comprises zeolite.
  • zeolite may be beneficial because then the surface of the artificial turf infill may be able to absorb or de-absorb water. For example before a football game, which is scheduled to be held in the sun or in hot conditions, water may be sprayed onto the artificial turf and the zeolite may absorb an amount of water. As the sun or hot air heats the artificial turf infill during the game, the evaporation of water may cool the playing surface for the players and make the use of the artificial turf more pleasant.
  • the at least one additive further comprises methylcellulose, which may be beneficial in a similar way like zeolite for absorbing and desorbing of water, rendering a cooling effect at hot climatic conditions.
  • the at least one additive further comprises an antibacterial agent.
  • the at least one additive further comprises silver.
  • Silver may be beneficial as an antibacterial agent.
  • the at least one additive further comprises chitosan, showing natural antibacterial properties.
  • the at least one additive further comprises an IR reflective pigment.
  • the use of the IR reflective pigments as mixed metal oxides may be beneficial because it may reflect infrared light. This may reduce the heating of the artificial turf infill.
  • a specific advantage may be that in this case the comparably expensive and precious pigments are merely on the surface of the infill natural fibers.
  • the at least one first and/or second type of pigment comprises an inorganic pigment, an organic pigment or mixtures thereof.
  • the at least one first and/or second type of pigment comprises any one of the following: iron oxide, iron oxide hydroxide, chromium(III) oxide, a copper Phthalocyanine pigment, a nickel azopigment, titanium oxide and combinations thereof.
  • the at least one type of additive is hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) which is able to protect the PU coating as well as the elastic and/ or compression resilient natural fiber against UV degradation.
  • HALS hindered amine light stabilizer
  • the at least one type of additive is a thermostabilizing agent, protecting the elastic and/ or compression resilient natural fiber against thermal degradation.
  • the at least one type of additive is an anti-freeze/ deicing additive of the group: sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium formate, potassium formate or a mixture hereof.
  • the additive is migrating into the neighborhood of the natural fiber and by this inhibits the formation of ice by freezing humidity between the infill natural fiber particles.
  • the fluid binding agent further comprises any one of the following: a surfactant, a polyurethane aliphatic isocyanate, a polyurethane aromatic isocyanate, zeolite, an antibacterial agent, silver, IR reflective pigment, and combinations thereof.
  • the polymer component comprises any one of the following: at least one type of monomer, at least one type of partially polymerized polymer, and combinations thereof.
  • the polymer component is cured into at least one type of polyurethane by the water and the catalyst.
  • the polymer component could be methylene diphenyl diisocyanate.
  • the polymer component could also comprise polyols.
  • the catalyst comprises any one of the following: an amine catalyst and a metal organic catalyst.
  • the method further comprises drying the subsequent composition before providing the natural fiber as the artificial turf infill.
  • the base composition may also be possible to dry the base composition after coating the natural fiber with the base coating; however, it is not necessary.
  • the water, which is leftover from the formation of the base coating on the elastic and /or compression resilient natural fiber may be used in the reaction of the subsequent composition.
  • the method is at least partially performed in a flow reactor.
  • the natural fiber is slowly moved along a linear sequential path, where the natural fibers are generally mixed and moved along.
  • the benefit of using a flow reactor is that the artificial turf infill may be produced on a continuous basis.
  • the method is at least partially performed as a batch process.
  • the base coating is formed on the natural fiber during an initial or base batch and the subsequent coating is formed on the natural fiber during a subsequent batch. Forming the base coating and the subsequent coating in separate batches may be beneficial because it may enable precise control over the formation of the base and subsequent coatings.
  • the invention provides for a method of manufacturing artificial turf.
  • the method comprises installing an artificial turf carpet.
  • the artificial turf carpet comprises multiple artificial turf fiber tufts.
  • the artificial turf carpet may be a tufted artificial turf carpet.
  • There may be a backing which has tufts of artificial grass fibers tufted into it.
  • the method further comprises providing the artificial turf by spreading a layer of artificial turf infill between the multiple artificial turf fiber tufts.
  • the artificial turf infill comprises a natural fiber.
  • the natural fiber comprises at least two outer coatings. Each of the two outer coatings comprises at least one first and/or second type of pigment and a binding agent.
  • the binding agent comprises at least one type of polyurethane polymer. This method may be beneficial because the artificial turf infill may be more completely covered with the two outer coatings. This may for instance provide superior optical appearance of the artificial turf infill. It may also provide better wear and longevity of the artificial turf infill.
  • the artificial turf comprises natural fiber.
  • the natural fiber comprises any one of the following: hemp fiber, burlap fiber, sisal fiber, and combinations thereof.
  • the natural fiber comprises at least one outer coating.
  • the at least one outer coating comprises at least one first type of pigment and a binding agent.
  • the binding agent comprises at least one type of polyurethane polymer.
  • the at least one outer coating may be the
  • the natural fiber consists of any one of the following: hemp fiber, burlap fiber, sisal fiber, and combinations thereof.
  • the invention provides for an artificial turf.
  • the artificial turf comprises an artificial turf carpet.
  • the artificial turf carpet comprises multiple artificial turf fiber tufts.
  • the artificial turf further comprises the artificial turf infill according to an embodiment.
  • the artificial turf infill is distributed between the artificial turf fiber tufts.
  • the artificial turf further comprises a sprinkler system.
  • a sprinkler system with the artificial turf may be beneficial because it may be used to automatically wet the artificial turf infill. For example this may be a convenient means of watering the artificial turf during a half time so that the artificial turf can be kept cooler during game play.
  • Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate the manufacture of an artificial turf using an artificial turf carpet and artificial turf infill.
  • an artificial turf carpet 100 can be seen.
  • the artificial turf carpet 100 comprises a backing 102.
  • the artificial turf carpet 100 shown in Fig. 1 is a tufted artificial turf carpet in this example.
  • the artificial turf carpet is formed by artificial turf fiber tufts 104 that are tufted into the backing 102.
  • the artificial turf fiber tufts 104 are tufted in rows. There is row spacing 106 between adjacent rows of tufts.
  • the artificial turf fiber tufts 104 also extent a distance above the backing 102.
  • the distance that the fibers 104 extend above the backing 102 is the pile height 108.
  • the artificial turf carpet 100 has been installed by placing or attaching it to the ground 110 or a floor.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates an artificial turf 200 manufactured from the artificial turf carpet 100 of Fig. 1 .
  • a infill 202 made up of natural fibers with at least one outer coating is used.
  • the at least one outer coating comprises at least one type of pigment and a binding agent, wherein the binding agent comprises at least one type of polyurethane polymer.
  • the natural fiber may for example be any one of the following: hemp fiber, burlap fiber, sisal fiber, elephant grass, cotton, coconut fiber, and combinations thereof.
  • Fig. 2 shows the artificial turf carpet 200 after artificial turf infill 202 has been spread out and distributed between the artificial turf fiber tufts 204.
  • Fig. 3 shows a flowchart which illustrates a method of manufacturing the artificial turf 200 shown in Fig. 2 .
  • the artificial turf carpet 100 is installed on a surface.
  • the artificial turf comprises multiple artificial turf fiber tufts.
  • the artificial turf 200 is provided by spreading a layer of the artificial turf infill 202 between the multiple artificial turf fiber tufts 104.
  • the artificial turf infill comprises natural fiber.
  • the natural fiber comprises any one of the following: hemp fiber, burlap fiber, sisal fiber, elephant grass, cotton, coconut fiber, and combinations thereof.
  • the natural fiber comprises at least one outer coating.
  • the at least one outer coating comprises at least one type of pigment and a binding agent.
  • the binding agent comprises at least one type of polyurethane polymer.
  • Fig. 4 shows a further example of the artificial turf 200.
  • an automatic sprinkler system 400 has been integrated into the artificial turf 200.
  • the sprinkler 400 is depicted as spraying water 402 on an upper surface of the artificial turf 200.
  • the use of an artificial sprinkler may be beneficial in combination with the infill component that comprises both the rubber natural fiber and the natural fiber.
  • the natural fiber may absorb water which through evaporation can help to keep the surface of the artificial turf 200 cool.
  • Fig. 5 shows an example of an artificial turf infill 202 manufactured from a natural fiber 500.
  • the view in Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views.
  • the natural fiber is shown as being partially coated with an outer coating 502.
  • the outer coating 502 is formed from at least one first type of pigment and a binding agent.
  • the binding agent comprises at least one type of polyurethane polymer.
  • the outer coating 502 may provide coloration which may help the artificial turf infill appear more realistic.
  • the outer coating 502 may also help serve to protect and keep the natural fiber 500 from breaking apart prematurely during use.
  • the openings 504 in the outer coating 502 provide access to the atmosphere for the natural fiber 500. This enables the natural fiber 500 to absorb and desorb water. For example when an artificial turf is wetted with for example the sprinkler shown in Fig. 4 the natural fiber can then absorb water.
  • the amount of openings 504 controls how quickly the artificial turf infill 202 will lose its water and its cooling effect.
  • Fig. 6 shows a further example of an artificial turf infill 202'.
  • the artificial turf infill 202' is again shown as a cross-sectional view of the natural fiber 500.
  • an additional subsequent coating 600 has been applied to the natural turf fiber 500.
  • the subsequent coating 600 is shown as covering some of the openings 504 that were present in Fig. 5 .
  • the subsequent coating 600 also partially covers some of the previously coated base coating 502.
  • the subsequent coating 600 may comprise a second type of pigment and the binding agent.
  • the binding agent comprises at least one type of polyurethane polymer again.
  • the first and at least one second type of of pigments are identical. In other cases they may be two different colors. Using two colors that are the same may enable more uniform color coding of the natural fiber 500.
  • Using two different colors may enable a more lifelike appearance for the natural fiber 500. It can be seen that the number of openings 504 has been greatly reduced. This may provide for a means of controlling how exposed the natural fiber 500 is to the atmosphere. This may enable control of how quickly the artificial turf infill 202' loses water when it is exposed to heat and sunlight. This may have the effect of prolonging the cooling effect.
  • Fig. 7 shows a further example of an artificial turf infill 202" as illustrated by showing a further cross-sectional view of the natural fiber 500.
  • the artificial turf fiber 500 displayed in Fig. 7 is similar to that in Fig. 6 except an additional further coating 700 has been coated over the subsequent coating 600 and the base coating 502. It can be seen that the number of openings 504 has again been greatly reduced. If a sufficient number of coatings are used then the artificial turf fiber 500 may be completely encapsulated in coatings.
  • the further coating 700 may comprise at least one pigment and a binding agent where the binding agent comprises at least one type of polyurethane polymer.
  • the further coating, the subsequent coating 600 and/or the base coating 502 in all of the examples shown in 5, 6 and 7 may also comprise various functional additives or components. For example there may be components which are used to provide flame retardants, provide infrared reflection or other properties.
  • Fig. 8 shows a flowchart which illustrates a method for manufacturing the artificial turf infill 202 illustrated in Fig. 5 .
  • a base composition which comprises the natural fiber 500.
  • the base composition further comprises a at least one first type of of pigment which may be a collection of multiple pigments and a fluid binding agent.
  • the fluid binding agent comprises at least one type of polymer component.
  • the natural fiber comprises any one of the following: hemp fiber, burlap fiber, sisal fiber, elephant grass, cotton, coconut fiber, and combinations thereof.
  • the method further comprises mixing the base composition.
  • the method further comprises adding water and a catalyst to the base composition during the mixing of the base composition to cure the fluid binding agent and the at least one first type of of pigment into a base coating 502 of the natural fiber 500.
  • Fig. 9 shows a flowchart which illustrates a method of manufacturing artificial turf infill 202' shown in Fig. 6 .
  • the method of Fig. 9 includes the steps 800, 802, and 804 from Fig. 8 .
  • the method after performing step 804 further comprises providing a subsequent composition comprising the natural fiber 500 with the base coating 502.
  • the subsequent composition further comprises a at least one second type of of pigment which may be the same or different than the at least one first type of of pigment and the fluid binding agent.
  • the at least one second type of of pigment may also be a single pigment or formed from a collection of different pigments.
  • the method further comprises mixing the subsequent composition.
  • the method further comprises the step 904 of adding water and the catalyst to the subsequent composition during the mixing of the subsequent composition to cure the fluid binding agent and the at least one second type of of pigment into a subsequent coating 600 of the natural fiber 500.
  • the method then further comprises 906 providing the natural fiber with the subsequent coating as the artificial turf infill 202'.
  • Fig. 10 shows a flowchart which illustrates a method of manufacturing an artificial turf infill 202" such as illustrated in Fig. 7 .
  • the method illustrated in Fig. 10 uses the artificial turf infill 202' illustrated in Fig. 6 .
  • the method in Fig. 10 also includes the method steps of Fig. 9 .
  • step 906 the method further comprises providing 1000 a subsequent composition by adding at least one additive and the fluid binding agent to the natural fiber.
  • the method proceeds to step 1002 where the subsequent composition is mixed.
  • water and catalyst are added to the subsequent composition during the mixing of the subsequent composition to cure the fluid binding agent and the at least one additive into a further coating 700 of the natural fiber.
  • the method may end in step 1004 where the resulting artificial turf 202" infill is provided.
  • the addition of the subsequent coatings may be performed multiple times.
  • the arrow going from step 1004 to 1000 indicates that this process may be repeated as many times as is desired.
  • This step may be performed multiple times to add additional properties to the artificial turf infill such as greater coverage of openings 504 or even adding additional colors or functional coatings which may for instance be used to provide flame retardants, infrared reflective, antibacterial properties or even antifungal properties.
  • Fig. 11 illustrates some equipment which may be used for manufacturing the artificial turf infill 202, 202', 202" as depicted in Figs. 5 through 7 .
  • the mixing vat can be used to perform any of the methods shown in Figs. 8 through 10 .
  • Fig. 11 depicts a mixing vat 1100.
  • the mixing vat has a rotatable shaft 1102 that is connected to a number of mixing paddles 1104.
  • the mixing vat 1100 is filled with natural fibers 500.
  • the natural fiber 500 can then be manufactured into artificial turf infill 202 by forming an base composition.
  • the base composition comprises the the natural fiber 500, optionally at least one first type of pigment, and a fluid binding agent.
  • the fluid binding agent may for example, comprises at least one type of polymer component.
  • step the base composition is mixed.
  • the mixing water and catalyst are added to the base composition to cure the fluid binding agent and the optional at least one type of pigment into an outer coating 502 that bonds to the surface of the natural fibers 500.
  • the artificial turf infills 202' and 202" as depicted in Figs. 6 and 7 can be performed by using the methods depicted in Figs. 9 and 10 .
  • the apparatus depicted in Fig. 11 may be used for manufacturing the artificial turf infill as batches. It is also possible to manufacture the artificial turf infill as a continuous process using a flow reactor.
  • Fig. 12 illustrates an example of a flow reactor 1200.
  • the example shown in Fig. 12 is illustrative and is not drawn to scale.
  • the flow reactor 1200 comprises a rotatable shaft 1202 that is connected to a screw conveyor 1204.
  • the screw conveyor 1204 is similar to an Archimedes screw, which is mounted horizontally.
  • the flow reactor 1200 is shown as being filled with natural fiber 500.
  • the at least one at least one first type of of pigment and the fluid binding agent are added to the natural fiber 504 and become mixed with it as the shaft 1202 is rotated. When they are thoroughly mixed, the natural fiber 1204 and the rubber natural fiber 1206 and the at least one first type of pigment and the fluid binding agent form an base composition 1220. This base composition 1220 is then transported beneath a first inlet for water and catalyst 1212. The water and catalyst may be added on a continual or intermittent basis at this inlet 1212.
  • the flow reactor may additional inlets so that additional layers or coatings can be applied.
  • Fig. 7 also depicts optional inlets 1214 and 1216.
  • the base composition 1220 is transported underneath the second inlet 1214 for at least one pigment and fluid binding agent. At this point more of the pigment and fluid binding agent are added and the base composition 1220 becomes the subsequent composition 1222.
  • the pigments used for the base composition and the subsequent composition may be identical or they may be different.
  • the subsequent composition 1222 is mixed and transported underneath the second inlet for water and catalyst 1216.
  • the water and catalyst are then mixed with the subsequent composition 1222 and over time are further transported to the end of the flow reactor 1220.
  • the subsequent coating 600 has formed on the natural fibers 500.
  • the artificial turf infill 202' exits the flow reactor 1200 at an outlet 1217.
  • the the natural fiber 500 is then artificial turf infill 202'.
  • the artificial turf infill 202' is then shown as entering into an optional dryer 1218.
  • the flow reactor may also be extended. For example if it is desired to put a third or fourth or even more coatings, the number of inlets in the flow reactor 1200 can simply be increased. This may involve moving the natural fiber at a different rotational rate or possibly even making the flow reactor 1200 longer.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Road Paving Structures (AREA)
  • Carpets (AREA)
  • Synthetic Leather, Interior Materials Or Flexible Sheet Materials (AREA)
  • Coating Of Shaped Articles Made Of Macromolecular Substances (AREA)
  • Application Of Or Painting With Fluid Materials (AREA)
EP16207159.1A 2016-07-27 2016-12-28 Remplissage de gazon artificiel comprenant des fibres naturelles revetues Withdrawn EP3276073A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP17740037.1A EP3491184A1 (fr) 2016-07-27 2017-07-21 Élément de remplissage de gazon artificiel avec une fibre naturelle revêtue
KR1020197000807A KR20190016574A (ko) 2016-07-27 2017-07-21 천연 섬유가 코팅된 인공 잔디 충전재
CA3027790A CA3027790A1 (fr) 2016-07-27 2017-07-21 Element de remplissage de gazon artificiel avec une fibre naturelle revetue
MA045767A MA45767A (fr) 2016-07-27 2017-07-21 Élément de remplissage de gazon artificiel avec une fibre naturelle revêtue
AU2017304474A AU2017304474B2 (en) 2016-07-27 2017-07-21 Artificial turf infill with coated natural fiber
US16/316,914 US20190292731A1 (en) 2016-07-27 2017-07-21 Natural fiber coated artificial turf infill
PCT/EP2017/068546 WO2018019735A1 (fr) 2016-07-27 2017-07-21 Élément de remplissage de gazon artificiel avec une fibre naturelle revêtue
NZ749350A NZ749350A (en) 2016-07-27 2017-07-21 Artificial turf infill with coated natural fiber
JP2019501429A JP2019525983A (ja) 2016-07-27 2017-07-21 コーティングされた天然繊維を用いた人工芝インフィル
CN201780042782.7A CN109477293A (zh) 2016-07-27 2017-07-21 天然纤维涂覆的人造草皮填充物

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16181508.9A EP3276078B1 (fr) 2016-07-27 2016-07-27 Gazon artificiel avec matériau de remplissage composite
EP16204500.9A EP3336251A1 (fr) 2016-12-15 2016-12-15 Materiau de remplissage de gazon artificiel avec des fibres naturelles et des granulés de caoutchouc
EP16204504.1A EP3336252A1 (fr) 2016-12-15 2016-12-15 Materiau de remplissage de gazon artificiel comportant une partie vulcanisée et des fibres naturelles

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3276073A1 true EP3276073A1 (fr) 2018-01-31

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EP16207159.1A Withdrawn EP3276073A1 (fr) 2016-07-27 2016-12-28 Remplissage de gazon artificiel comprenant des fibres naturelles revetues
EP17740037.1A Withdrawn EP3491184A1 (fr) 2016-07-27 2017-07-21 Élément de remplissage de gazon artificiel avec une fibre naturelle revêtue

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17740037.1A Withdrawn EP3491184A1 (fr) 2016-07-27 2017-07-21 Élément de remplissage de gazon artificiel avec une fibre naturelle revêtue

Country Status (10)

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US (1) US20190292731A1 (fr)
EP (2) EP3276073A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2019525983A (fr)
KR (1) KR20190016574A (fr)
CN (1) CN109477293A (fr)
AU (1) AU2017304474B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA3027790A1 (fr)
MA (2) MA42227A (fr)
NZ (1) NZ749350A (fr)
WO (1) WO2018019735A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SG11202010750UA (en) 2018-06-11 2020-12-30 Ptt Global Chemical Public Co Ltd Waterborne sizing composition for treating natural fibers and a process to treat natural fibers by said composition
CA3133949A1 (fr) * 2019-03-20 2020-09-24 Roberto Nusca Procede et appareil pour le traitement d'un materiau vegetal a utiliser comme materiau de remplissage pour des gazons synthetiques et/ou naturels
KR102255047B1 (ko) * 2020-10-13 2021-05-24 에코텍 주식회사 미세플라스틱 저감용 인조잔디 술과 미세고무분말 저감용 충진재를 포함하는 인조 잔디 시스템 및 그 시공 방법
CN115943848B (zh) * 2022-09-19 2023-09-08 北京林业大学 边坡草皮保护方法及草皮存放机构

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EP2206833A1 (fr) 2009-01-12 2010-07-14 Mondo S.p.A. Méthode de production d'un matériau de remplissage pour gazon artificiel, ainsi que matériau de remplissage et gazon artificiel correspondants

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WO2004003281A2 (fr) * 2002-07-01 2004-01-08 E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Procede d'application de revetement permettant d'obtenir des effets de surface speciaux
EP2206833A1 (fr) 2009-01-12 2010-07-14 Mondo S.p.A. Méthode de production d'un matériau de remplissage pour gazon artificiel, ainsi que matériau de remplissage et gazon artificiel correspondants

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Publication number Publication date
WO2018019735A1 (fr) 2018-02-01
CN109477293A (zh) 2019-03-15
MA42227A (fr) 2018-05-02
KR20190016574A (ko) 2019-02-18
US20190292731A1 (en) 2019-09-26
JP2019525983A (ja) 2019-09-12
AU2017304474B2 (en) 2019-10-31
AU2017304474A1 (en) 2019-01-17
CA3027790A1 (fr) 2018-02-01
NZ749350A (en) 2020-07-31
MA45767A (fr) 2019-06-05
EP3491184A1 (fr) 2019-06-05

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