Reduction of thermal energy absorption by artificial turf materials

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Field Turf is a company that actually invented artificial turf. Over the years, the company has revolutionized the use of synthetic materials to produced large surface area fields, especially for sports and athletics. Since 1988, several products have been developed and distributed worldwide. The popularity of the material comes from its low maintenance costs and can sustain heavy uses. Although synthetic turf has several advantages, the main problem associated with its use is the high temperatures generated, especially in sunny region and during summer time. Synthetic materials have a tendency of low heat dissipation and field surface temperature can easily rise up to 90C due to prolong exposition of intense sun radiation. In order to decrease surface temperature, several solutions have been proposed by competitors. At the moment different technologies using water (sprayed/accumulated) evaporation to lower the surface temperature have been patented but this type of solution has limitations due to the high humidity produced and has limited applicability in regions where water supplies are scarce. This project aims at determining how to remove heat without using cooling fluids (water or else), at a reasonable cost and in a way that it sustains heavy uses (rugged). A literature review on the different possibilities to reflect and/or dissipate the absorbed energy to lower surface temperature will be conducted. An experimental setup will be developed to measure the temperature increase of currently marketed artificial turf materials when submitted to different environmental conditions. It includes a thermal infrared camera to measure surface temperature of various samples over time. The proposed setup is new and does not exist on the shelf. Recommendations on possible ways to modify the materials based on a literature review and the measurement campaign will be formulated. Material modifications will be explored in the future based on the conclusions drawn in this research grant. This research will contribute to commercialization of a new product. It would allow the company to increase market share and competitiveness, to increase their R&D staff at the head office in Montreal, and to consolidate the Canadian know-how and expertise in advanced materials.