Hi-Tech Turf

We all know that there are areas where grass does not easily grow. Imitations have been put in place to look like grass. Even in areas where grass maintenance is next to impossible use Synthetic Turf has been implemented. In the past, Synthetic Turf was only used in sports stadiums and arenas, but today you will find synthetic turf in residential lawns, playgrounds, swimming pool areas, golf courses, and so much more.  We have invited Ernest from Synthetic Turf Dallas to give us some history on synthetic turf and how hit has grown with technology over the years.

soccer ball turf

The invention or generally use of artificial turf is dated back into the year of the 1960s. Originally produced by a company known as Chemstrand, later renamed Monsanto Textiles Company. Its production lies in the usage of the process of manufacturing resembling the ones used in the carpet industry. When synthetic turf was first introduced, that is in the 1960s, in the construction of astrodome this is when it first gained a good attention. The main reason for introducing artificial turf was for the high cost of grass maintenance. However it has also come with a lot of drawbacks; it has limit life, requires periodic cleaning, use of petroleum, and safety concern among others.

The invention or generally use of artificial turf is dated back into the year of the 1960s. Originally produced by a company known as Chemstrand, later renamed Monsanto Textiles Company. Its production lies in the usage of the process of manufacturing resembling the ones used in the carpet industry. When synthetic turf was first introduced, that is in the 1960s, in the construction of astrodome this is when it first gained a good attention. The main reason for introducing artificial turf was for the high cost of grass maintenance. However it has also come with a lot of drawbacks; it has limit life, requires periodic cleaning, use of petroleum, and safety concern among others.

The invention or generally use of artificial turf is dated back into the year of the 1960s. Originally produced by a company known as Chemstrand, later renamed Monsanto Textiles Company. Its production lies in the usage of the process of manufacturing resembling the ones used in the carpet industry. When synthetic turf was first introduced, that is in the 1960s, in the construction of astrodome this is when it first gained a good attention. The main reason for introducing artificial turf was for the high cost of grass maintenance. However it has also come with a lot of drawbacks; it has limit life, requires periodic cleaning, use of petroleum, and safety concern among others.

turf chair
Due to the continued technological change, the implication Synthetic Turf as not remained to be rigid to this dynamic situation. It has undergone the generations of development; first generation, second generation, and the third generation.
First Generation
The first substantial attention of the synthetic turf was reported in the 1960s.  Products of manufacture were first brought forward by Monsanto and referred to Astroturf. This led to the genetic trademark during the later times of the 20th century.  This generation was characterized by short-piles without infill. This carpet was made of synthetic fiber: polypropylene.  This generation is what is commonly referred to as carpet. An example of this generation was Major League Baseball in Houston to replace the grass field. American Football also had a taste of this generation in 1968, Houston Oilers.
The Second Generation
This generation began in the late 1970s. Along the further development n Synthetic Turf. The generation was identified by longer turfs as compared to the earlier generation. Turfs were widely spaced apart. In order to create stability and firmness sand was spread between the fibers. This stage provides a flatter playing ground as compared to natural grass, giving a better ball controls. This generation was highly welcomed in the hockey pitches such now most Hockey games are played on synthetic fibers. This has led to a lot of changes hockey, for example, increased speed and also changing the shape of the hockey stick. However, for other sports such as soccer, the second generation is not suitable. For example, incase of sliding this can lead abrasion.
Third Generation Systems
This is the most commonly used today. You talk of class, this generation has it. It stands out that it cannot be compared to other generations. The turfs consist of much longer fibers. Instead, they are made of polyethylene which is softer and looks like a skin. The combination of fiber and infill confirms comfort in playing surface. Sliding tackles do not pose a challenge. The most notable sport being soccer. Which has been excellent, as a result of this third generation? This new generation looks more like natural grass.
Engineers are not sleeping since they are in constant improvement. The most recent development has been hybrid of filled turf and biological grass. In as much as it is not suitable for indoor applications.