Infill Types and Their Benefits
Artificial grass isn’t just about the blades; another crucial component is the infill, the material placed among the blades of artificial grass. The infill is designed to provide stability, improve performance, aid in drainage, and even help with heat reduction. With different types of infill available in the market, each offers specific benefits that cater to a variety of needs and applications.
One of the most common types of infill is silica sand. This is a very durable infill that’s chemically inert, non-toxic, and relatively affordable. It provides excellent stability, ensuring that the grass blades stand up straight, even under heavy foot traffic. Silica sand also doesn’t absorb heat like other materials, making it a popular choice for sunny climates.
Another popular infill option is crumb rubber, often made from recycled tyres. It provides excellent durability and resilience, helps to create a softer surface, and is excellent for sports applications due to its impact absorption properties. However, there have been some health and environmental concerns raised about crumb rubber, leading to a search for alternatives.
One such alternative is organic infills like coconut fibres (coir) or cork. These natural materials are environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and renewable. They are also excellent at temperature regulation, not heating up as much as sand or rubber, making them perfect for areas where children or pets might play. However, they can be more expensive and require a bit more maintenance than other infill types.
Zeofill, a type of zeolite, is another infill option. It is popular in pet-friendly turf installations as it naturally absorbs and neutralizes ammonia odours. It also doesn’t heat up as much as some other infill materials, making it a comfortable choice in warm climates.
The latest trend in the market is TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) and EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) infills. These are non-toxic, reusable, and recyclable, making them a safe and sustainable choice. They provide excellent performance characteristics, including durability, UV resistance, and elasticity, which is especially beneficial in sports applications.
Understanding the different types of infill and their benefits allows you to make an informed decision based on your specific needs, whether it’s for a sports field, a backyard, a playground, or a pet area. It also underlines the versatility of artificial grass systems, with different components that can be customized for optimal results. Whether it’s silica sand for its durability and heat resistance, crumb rubber for its impact absorption, organic infills for their environmental benefits, or newer options like TPE and EPDM for their safety and sustainability, the right infill can significantly enhance the performance and lifespan of your artificial grass.