What is the Composition of Artificial Turf?

When walking across a vibrant football field or strolling through a landscaped park, most people rarely realize that artificial turf is far more than just synthetic grass. In fact, the composition of artificial turf is a sophisticated system that blends material science, sports engineering, and environmental design.

 

From professional stadiums and rooftop gardens to school playgrounds and commercial landscapes, the application scenarios for artificial turf have expanded dramatically. But what makes a truly durable and high-performance artificial turf system? The answer lies in its components-each playing a critical role, like precision-engineered parts in a complex machine.

 

 

A Complete Overview of the Core Components in an Artificial Turf System

A high-quality turf system is not just about what meets the eye. The true composition of artificial turf includes three essential components that work together:

• Artificial Turf Fibers (Surface Grass Blades): Usually made from polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), these fibers offer flexibility, UV resistance, and high wear performance-ensuring both comfort and durability.
• Backing System (Primary Backing + Coating): This layer secures the fibers and supports structural integrity. It's the invisible framework holding everything together.
• Infill Materials (Quartz Sand, Rubber Granules): Infill helps grass blades stay upright and adds shock absorption, drainage, and player safety features-essential for performance and longevity.

 

Turf Fibers

As the only component visible to the naked eye, turf fibers heavily influence appearance and on-field performance.

 

Material Types

• PE (Polyethylene): Used in over 75% of turf systems worldwide, known for its softness and durability-ideal for football fields and residential lawns.
• PP (Polypropylene): More rigid and cost-effective, commonly found in decorative or multi-purpose courts.
• Nylon: First-gen turf fiber-high elasticity but expensive, occasionally used in pro-level baseball fields.

 

Fiber Types

• Monofilament Yarn: Realistic look, excellent resilience under pressure.
• Fibrillated Yarn: Budget-friendly, commonly used in playgrounds and community areas.
• C/M-Shaped Profile Design: Enhances rebound and anti-crush capability, standard in professional-grade sports turf.

 

Performance Parameters

• Pile Height: 50±5mm for standard football fields-directly impacts joint stress for athletes.
• Dtex (Fiber Thickness): ≥14,000 dtex ensures long-term anti-flattening over 8 years.
• UV Resistance: Minimum 8000 hours (DIN53387 certified) is essential for hot climates like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
• When walking across a vibrant football field or strolling through a landscaped park, most people rarely realize that artificial turf is far more than just synthetic grass. In fact, the composition of artificial turf is a sophisticated system that blends material science, sports engineering, and environmental design.

 

From professional stadiums and rooftop gardens to school playgrounds and commercial landscapes, the application scenarios for artificial turf have expanded dramatically. But what makes a truly durable and high-performance artificial turf system? The answer lies in its components-each playing a critical role, like precision-engineered parts in a complex machine.

 

A Complete Overview of the Core Components in an Artificial Turf System

A high-quality turf system is not just about what meets the eye. The true composition of artificial turf includes three essential components that work together:

• Artificial Turf Fibers (Surface Grass Blades): Usually made from polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), these fibers offer flexibility, UV resistance, and high wear performance-ensuring both comfort and durability.
• Backing System (Primary Backing + Coating): This layer secures the fibers and supports structural integrity. It's the invisible framework holding everything together.
• Infill Materials (Quartz Sand, Rubber Granules): Infill helps grass blades stay upright and adds shock absorption, drainage, and player safety features-essential for performance and longevity.

 

Turf Fibers

As the only component visible to the naked eye, turf fibers heavily influence appearance and on-field performance.

 

Material Types

PE (Polyethylene): Used in over 75% of turf systems worldwide, known for its softness and durability-ideal for football fields and residential lawns.

PP (Polypropylene): More rigid and cost-effective, commonly found in decorative or multi-purpose courts.

Nylon: First-gen turf fiber-high elasticity but expensive, occasionally used in pro-level baseball fields.

 

Fiber Types

Monofilament Yarn: Realistic look, excellent resilience under pressure.

Fibrillated Yarn: Budget-friendly, commonly used in playgrounds and community areas.

C/M-Shaped Profile Design: Enhances rebound and anti-crush capability; standard in professional-grade sports turf.

 

Performance Parameters

Pile Height: 50±5mm for standard football fields-directly impacts joint stress for athletes.

Dtex (Fiber Thickness): ≥14,000 dtex ensures long-term anti-flattening over 8 years.

UV Resistance: Minimum 8000 hours (DIN53387 certified) is essential for hot climates like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

 

The Backing System: The Hidden Structural Backbone

When athletes sprint and pivot, the real defense against turf displacement is the backing system, often underestimated but absolutely critical in the overall composition of artificial turf.

 

Backing Materials

PP UV-Stabilized Fabric: Protects against ground moisture intrusion.

PET Reinforced Layer: Enhances fiber bonding strength.

Special Mesh Fabric: Provides anti-tear strength along vertical lines.

 

Coating Options

SBR Latex: Low cost.

PU Coating: 30% pricier but non-toxic, hydrolysis-resistant, and long-lasting-ideal for premium venues.

Emerging Trend: Eco-Friendly Non-Coated Backings

 

Brands like Linwoo's ECO SUPER DRAINAGE use physical structures to hold fibers without chemical adhesives, offering sustainable alternatives for green projects.

 

Infill System: Comfort, Safety, and Performance in One Layer

Often called the "functional heart" of turf systems, infill directly affects sports safety, shock absorption, and even environmental outcomes.

 

Infill Types

Quartz Sand (0.4–0.8mm): Stabilizes turf base and enables drainage ≥30L/min·m².

Rubber Granules:

• SBR: Recycled from tires, cost-effective but may contain heavy metals.
• EPDM: Clean and safe, preferred for sensitive applications.
• TPE: Recyclable thermoplastic elastomer-premium and eco-friendly.

 

Non-Infill Systems Rising in Popularity

High-density yarn (≥9450 stitches/m²) and crimped fibers replace infill materials. Though 25% more expensive initially, they eliminate microplastic migration and offer easier maintenance-ideal for rooftop greenery.

 

Safety Use Cases

• Rugby Fields: 30% EPDM infill recommended for ≥65% shock absorption.
• Kindergartens: TPE granules ensure zero heavy metal leaching.
• Football Pitches: FIFA requires rubber infill ≥40mm in depth.

 

When we deconstruct the composition of artificial turf, it becomes evident that premium turf performance is a result of smart engineering, material synergy, and sustainability. Every layer-from UV-treated fibers to VOC-free backing and impact-absorbing infill-plays a vital role.

 

✅ Linwoo's Expert Recommendations:

• Sports Fields: Use the "PE Fibers + PU Backing + Sand & Rubber Infill" golden trio.
• Commercial Landscapes: Consider infill-free solutions for 40% lower maintenance costs.
• High-UV Zones: Always verify UV testing certificates of ≥8000 hours.

 

With the global artificial turf market growing at 19.6% annually, the demand for well-engineered systems continues to rise. At Linwoo, we bring 10+ years of expertise to help you build your next maintenance-free football pitch or child-safe green playground. Feel free to contact our team for a free estimate, free samples or more information.