Are you new to artificial grass? Are you considering artificial grass as a business because of its huge market, but you know little about it? In this article, you will learn more about artificial grass and how to choose the materials for it. Read now！
In this article, you will know:
Three materials of artificial grass
Artificial grass currently available on the market is usually made of nylon, polyethylene and polypropylene. Now let us look at the differences between these three materials.
1. Nylon artificial grass
Nylon is a thermoplastic and silky material that can often be mixed with a variety of additives to achieve many different properties. Artificial grass was first used in the Astroturf in Houston in the late 1960s. The artificial grass, named Astroturf after the stadium, is made of nylon PA (polyamide) and is actually a thick layer of the carpet. More than half a century later, there are still many people who choose nylon artificial turf because of its qualities.
- Advantages
- Extremely durable: Nylon grass can be returned to its original position after being trampled.
- UV resistance: Thanks to nylon, artificial grass can remain in constant sunlight without fading.
- Heat resistance: Nylon is the most heat-resistant of the three materials, with a melting point of about 460 ℉ 238℃.
- High abrasion resistance: Nylon is not easily damaged by friction, so it has the longest service life of the three materials.
- Disadvantages
- Turf burn: Nylon can easily cause skin burns when the athlete slides into the base Disadvantages
- Hygroscopic: Although nylon is waterproof, it is hygroscopic and swells when exposed to moisture and deteriorates quickly. Therefore, nylon turf is not suitable for pets.
- Turf burns: Nylon can easily cause skin burns when the athlete slips into the surface due to its abrasion resistance.
- High cost: Nylon turf is expensive to produce and is the most expensive of the three materials.
- Slight staining due to acid dyes: The good news is that these stains are well covered by the green dye contained in most types of nylon.
2. Polypropylene artificial grass
Unlike nylon, of which there are only two types, polypropylene is an umbrella term for a group of polymers whose properties can vary depending on their specific composition. It was first polymerised in 1951 by scientists J. Paul Hogan and Robert Banks. Then Polypropylene turf was first introduced in the 1970s and is still used in a number of artificial grass products today.
- Advantages
- Thin and soft: Polypropylene is the thinnest and softest of the three materials.
- High melting point: Polypropylene has a melting point of 320-331℉, 160 -166℃.
- Resistance to moisture absorption: Polypropylene is highly resistant to moisture absorption, making it ideal for pets and backings.
- Cost-effective: Polypropylene is the most cost-effective of the three materials to manufacture.
- Disadvantages
- Low elasticity: Polypropylene is easily crushed.
- No abrasion resistance: Polypropylene is not as abrasion resistant as polyethylene or nylon and does not last as long.
- Reflective properties: polished polypropylene surface that facilitates sliding underfoot and looks heavy like natural grass
- No UV resistance: Polypropylene has little resistance to UV light and therefore tends to fade and has a shortened lifespan
3. Polyethylene artificial grass
Polyethylene is the most widely consumed type of plastic in the world. In the late 1990s, third-generation artificial turf sports surfaces were developed for contact sports. Polyethylene is both the youngest artificial turf product and the most widely used plastic in the artificial turf industry.
- Advantages
- Great simulation: polyethylene turf looks most like real grass.
- Extremely resistant to water absorption: this property of polyethylene makes it ideal for pet lawns.
- Moderate softness and abrasion resistance: polyethylene is softer than nylon, but more durable than polypropylene. As a result, turf burn is minimal and maintenance costs are very low.
- High toughness: Polyethylene is not hard, but it bends well and bounces back easily.
- Low melting point: Polyethylene has a melting point of 248 – 266℉, 120 – 130 ℃.
- No UV resistance: Polyethylene is as susceptible to UV degradation as polypropylene, and if a polyethylene lawn is not stabilized with UV stabilizers, it can easily fade and become brittle in the sun.
How to choose the right type of artificial grass for your projects?
Based on the properties of the three materials, we have listed the best turf materials for different application scenarios.
| Best | Suitable | |
| Low Use Applications： front garden, ornamental lawns | Polypropylene Polyethylene | Nylon/polyethylene combination |
| Medium Use Applications： back gardens, artificial grass for dogs | Nylon/polyethylene combination | Polypropylene Polyethylene |
| Heavy Use Applications： public areas, playgrounds, commercial use | Nylon/polyethylene combination | Polypropylene Polyethylene |
1. Projects suitable for nylon grass
Thanks to its abrasion resistance and high elasticity, nylon can withstand a lot of friction, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas. Of course, it is also the best choice for sports turf, where sliding movements should be avoided as much as possible to prevent injuries to athletes. Nylon turf can also be installed on roofs, patios, backyards, etc. due to its UV and heat resistance.
2. Projects suitable for polypropylene grass
Polypropylene is a popular material for putting greens at home due to its softer roll. And because it’s lightweight, flexible and affordable, it’s suitable for creative projects indoors or outdoors.
3. Projects suitable for polyethylene grass
This material makes for the most lifelike grass. Not surprisingly, it is perfect for homeowners who want a beautiful surface for their front and back yards. Polyethylene is soft and very flexible, and when combined with nylon, artificial grass becomes extra durable, making it a great choice for sports fields. Its soft, realistic and non-hygroscopic properties also make it ideal for pets
Now, I hope you are fully aware of that how to choose the materials for artificial grass. I would be happy if this article would help you with your business as Sunwing Artificial Plants has been prioritizing providing value to our clients. If there is anything you are confused about, please feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer. Welcome to contact us thru sales@plantsartificial.com.
