Next time you go to watch your favourite footy match take a closer look at the footy pitch. What looks like perfectly mowed, lush green grass on the footy pitch is not natural grass, but artificial grass.
Manufactured from synthetic materials like polypropylene or polyethylene, an artificial turf pitch can be used for various sports, including footy, hockey, baseball, athletics, tennis, & lots of more. FIFA & UEFA have endorsed these synthetic sports surfaces due to their features of durability, slip resistance, shock absorbency, & most importantly, their require for minimal maintenance. The artificial sports surfaces comprise a solid base, which is designed to offer stability to the top layer of synthetic “grass” fibres. The base also offers an effective drainage method, making the synthetic turf prepared for play in all climatic conditions. The top layer, also called the manmade grass carpet, is made of artificial grass fibres tufted onto a backing cloth & in -filled with sand or a combination of sand & rubber granules. However, some varieties of artificial sports pitches may not be in -filled with sand or rubber. These are known as water based sports pitches.
Yet another advantage offered by artificial sports surfaces is that their playing characteristics can be altered significantly by changing the length & density of the fibres. At the recreational level, a footy pitch featuring artificial grass with sand infill & needle-punch carpets is adequate. Such a footy pitch also has a shock pad beneath the top layer which protects the players from injuries.
On the other hand, elite level footy is played on third generation artificial grass. These "next generation" or "third generation" artificial grass surfaces are usually regarded as being about as safe to play as natural grass. In this case, the footy pitch comprises grass fibres that are made of a soft material known as polyethylene. These fibres are dressed with a combination of rubber crumbs & sand. Such a footy pitch offers the same playing qualities as that of natural grass. FIFA favours more thinly spaced longer fibres for their soccer turf.
Artificial grass is also used for making synthetic athletic surfaces. It consists of SBR granules blended with polyurethane binders in a special mixing machine which when applied to the surface creates a long lasting, porous, & uniform track. Such a slip resistant track offers more protection to athletes.
BY :ADEEL AHMED KARACHI