Currently, we know that synthetic turf has various uses, including sports and home applications. This mixture of materials has been present for more than 50 years, which is why today we are going to review how artificial turf has changed over the years.
How Artificial Turf Has Changed
According to records, this material was first used in 1964 and became famous for the Astrodome (1965), the iconic multi-purpose stadium of the Houston Astros and the Oilers. At that time, it was installed on sports fields for baseball and American football, both outdoors and in covered spaces.
During the 60s and 70s, this first-generation synthetic turf (AstroTurf) was made of polyamide, lacked rigidity, had no filling, the fibers were short and thinner. Its popularity was due to intensive use, which required a low-cost and low-maintenance material.
Second Generation
By the late 70s and early 80s, it was used for field hockey pitches and soccer practice. A polypropylene-based product had already been developed, but the new version had slightly longer fibers and was filled with sand to prevent slipping and flattening.
It could also contain rubber, which allowed the ball to have a more consistent bounce. The development of this material was just beginning and was characterized by its hardness, abrasiveness, inappropriate dimensional stability, and could wear out faster than any natural surface.
Third Generation
An important part of how artificial turf has changed can be found in 1997, when this new evolution appears. It was a more natural product, made of low-abrasion polystyrene, longer fibers (up to 60 mm), the inclusion of monofilament, with or without filling, greater cushioning and durability.
From this version appeared the decorative artificial turf, which has become so popular for its softness, low cost and lower maintenance. Due to its new qualities and its continuous development, even FIFA is endorsing the use of this material for important competitions and its applications have continued to expand.
In our eagerness to promote it, we have summarized how artificial turf has changed so that you can better understand its versatility, applications, durability and quality.
