Effect of Blending Polyethylene Turf by Polymethyl Methacrylate and Polyamide on Generation of Electrostatic Charge

ABSTRACTOne of the major drawbacks of polyethylene (PE) artificial turf is the generation of high values of electrostatic charge (ESC) during the contact and separation as well as sliding of rubber against the turf. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyamide (PA) gain positive ESC when they rub rubber, while PE is negatively charged. The aim of the present study is to reduce the negative ESC generated from rubbing PE fibers on rubber by blending by yarns or textile of PMMA and PA that gain positive ESC. PP and metallic substrates like steel and copper sheets were tested. It was found that copper substrate represented the lowest ESC values, while PP substrate displayed the highest values. Besides, grounding the metallic substrate caused significant ESC reduction. PE fibers blended by PMMA yarns drastically decreased ESC regardless the material of the substrate. In addition to that, it was observed that increasing the ratio of PA yarns blending PE turf decreased ESC, while PA textiles in form of ribbons experienced more reduction in ESC because the flexibility of the turf enables for extra deformation of turf leading to an increase in the contact area. Finally, the value of ESC can be minimized by the control of the content of PA textile.