Antibacterial and mold-resistant agent for artificial turf
Artificial turf has expanded from professional sports fields to various scenarios such as campuses, kindergartens, community landscapes, and garden decorations due to its advantages of maintenance-free, strong weather resistance, and all-day availability. Artificial turf is composed of grass fibers, base fabric, and back adhesive layer. The grass fibers are mainly made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyamide (PA) materials, while the back adhesive layer is mostly made of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) or polyurethane (PU) rubber.
However, one issue that has been long overlooked in the use of artificial turf is the proliferation of microorganisms - a problem that affects the turf's hygiene. Rainwater, dew, sweat, and organic debris accumulate between the grass fibers, creating ideal conditions for the rapid reproduction of bacteria and molds in a warm and humid environment. When microorganisms grow on the grass fibers, they not only produce odors but also may cause degradation, discoloration, and reduced strength of the fibers, shortening the lifespan of the turf. The back adhesive layer, if eroded by microorganisms, may become sticky, fall off, or detach the fibers, seriously affecting the lifespan of the turf and the safety of sports activities.
Adding special antibacterial and mold-resistant agents during the production of grass fibers and back adhesive layers is a core technical path for upgrading the industry's quality. Tianwei Chemical in Dalian has launched a dedicated antibacterial and mold-resistant solution for artificial turf's grass fibers and back adhesive layers, based on the core technology of silver-zinc composite slow-release technology. The antibacterial rate is ≥99%, and the mold resistance level can reach 0, helping artificial turf products meet increasingly strict industry standards.
01 Why do artificial turf require special antibacterial and mold-resistant agents?
The microbial risks faced by artificial turf
The microbial problems of artificial turf stem from its usage environment and structural characteristics:
Wet environment and accumulation of organic matter: Outdoor artificial turf is exposed to rainwater and dew for a long time, and sports fields are frequently in contact with athletes' sweat. The gaps between the grass fibers and the porous structure of the back adhesive layer are prone to retain water and organic debris, creating ideal conditions for the reproduction of microorganisms.
Microbial erosion of grass fibers: When microorganisms grow on the grass fibers, they not only produce odors but also may cause degradation, discoloration, and reduced strength of the fibers, shortening the lifespan of the turf.
Microbial risk of the back adhesive layer: The back adhesive layer (SBR, PU, etc.) contains organic components and is prone to mold growth in a humid environment, leading to sticky,脱落， and detachment of the adhesive layer， seriously affecting the structural stability of the turf.
Hygiene requirements in public scenarios： Activity areas in kindergartens,school sports fields,and community fitness areas have higher hygiene requirements for the turf surface.
Industry standards and testing requirements
The anti-mold and antibacterial performance of artificial turf has been included as a hard indicator in procurement and acceptance:
Mold resistance standards: According to the standard, test for black penicillium, green wood mold,ball-shaped sclerotium mold,budding short filament mold， and rope-shaped penicillium species， and the mold resistance level needs to reach 0.
