A Novel Quantitative Method for the Determination of Wear in an Installed Synthetic Turf System.

This study focuses on the initial development of an image analysis methodology for quantifying the wear and degradation of synthetic sports turf, post installation, where the carpet/infill system is subjected to systemic abrasion and wear from play and maintenance. The pilot study images the surface of polypropylene fibres, which have been agitated with differing sand infill types, with a scanning electron microscope. The resultant images were analysed to determine the degradation of the extrusion features evident in virgin fibre, and it was found that there was significant, quantifiable wear of the turf fibres after seven days with all test sands. The image data for fibres between 7 and 28 days was dependent upon sand type. Further development of the technique is required for determining the next stage of wear – characterized by pitting of the fibre surface by the sand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]