Reducing the Electrostatic Charge Generated From Sliding of Rubber on Polyethylene Artificial Turf

ABSTRACTArtificial football turfs are growing more popular as they offer a cheaper and carefree alternative for natural football turfs. The major drawback of the artificial turf is the high amount of electrostatic charge (ESC) generated from polyethylene (PE) artificial turfs that could have multiple negative effects on the quality of the turf and the safety of the players. The present study aims to reduce ESC generated by artificial turfs by blending PE fibers by polyurethane (PU) coated polypropylene (PP and PU coated PE) fibers. Besides, PE was blended by PU fibers and adhered to steel sheet film. It was found that, it is possible to reduce the intensity of ESC generated on the surface of the material by blending it with another one of opposite charge. The proposed turf generates lower ESC compared to PE turf. The proposal of adding PP fibers coated by PU reduced ESC generated by artificial turf. Coating 80% of the PE fibers in artificial turf seems to reduce significantly the ESC. Finally, blending PE turf by PU fibers can be recommended to be used instead of the PE turf to decrease ESC.