UV-Resistant: The ability of a material to resist ultraviolet (UV) light or sunlight.
If you’re considering artificial grass for your home, business, or organization, you’ll want to ensure you get the most out of your investment. Like any material that’s exposed to the sun for prolonged periods, synthetic grass is susceptible to damage from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. Fortunately. modern turf products are equipped with UV-resistant additives that are incorporated into turf products during the manufacturing process.
The intensity of UV radiation increases with higher sun exposure, meaning that areas with more direct sunlight can cause more damage to your turf. The level of UV radiation varies depending on the time of day and location. If you live in an area with low UV radiation levels, your turf will be less susceptible to damage compared to those living in equatorial zones, sunny latitudes, or areas with thin air that receive higher annual sun exposure.
Just like our skin, artificial grass needs extra protection to combat aging. UV radiation can damage the molecular makeup of certain materials, leading to faster deterioration. Choose high-quality UV-protected artificial turf to ensure longevity and resistance against UV radiation. Below we’ll explore this topic in more detail to give you a complete understanding of UV-stabilizers and why they’re incorporated into artificial grass.
When plastics are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, they either absorb it or produce free radicals that harm the material’s mechanical properties. Apart from a decrease in mechanical strength, exposure to UV radiation can lead to the following effects in plastics that have low UV resistance:
Not all plastics are created equal when it comes to UV resistance. Some plastics, known as UV-resistant plastics, naturally have a built-in defense mechanism against UV degradation. On the other hand, there are plastics that need a little help in the form of additives to enhance their UV resistance. These are called UV-stabilized plastics. Interestingly enough, neither polypropylene nor nylon falls into the category of naturally UV-resistant plastics. This means that they require those special additives to improve their UV resistance.
To create UV-resistant plastics, an essential step in the manufacturing process involves incorporating UV absorbers and stabilizers. These chemical compounds work by absorbing UV radiation and converting it into harmless heat, effectively preventing it from reaching the polymer chains. This process helps maintain the plastic’s structural integrity and reduces the risk of degradation.
Blockers – Fillers like titanium oxide or carbon black pigments can act as UV radiation blockers. These pigments help prevent the UV rays from reaching the polymers that make up the plastic used to manufacture artificial grass and thus prolong the material’s lifespan.
Absorbers – Absorbers work by absorbing UV radiation and then converting it into heat. Typical organic absorbers include benzophenones and benzotriazoles. Benzotriazoles can be introduced in concentrations as low as 0.5% by volume and still significantly increase UV resistance.
Stabilizers – Stabilizers work by trapping any free radicals that get formed. This then minimizes subsequent degradation of the intermolecular bonds within the plastic. Stabilizers are also known as scavengers because they “scavenge” and collect any free radicals. Among the most common are the hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS).
Oftentimes, all three types of additives are introduced into the plastic to improve its UV resistance on multiple fronts. Manufacturers have the flexibility to customize the type and concentration of these additives to suit specific applications and UV exposure conditions.
UV-Resistant artificial turf refers to synthetic grass products that have built-in protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. UV resistance is crucial to preserving the appearance and quality of artificial grass. When exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light, synthetic turf fibers can experience discoloration or degradation. This is because UV light initiates a process called “photooxidative degradation,” which breaks down polymer chains and eventually leads to complete material degradation.
To counter these effects, modern, high-quality artificial grass products incorporate UV stabilizers. These additives, included in the resin before the synthetic blades are formed, provide resistance against UV rays and prevent UV degradation. By directly integrating the stabilizers into the blade material, they become a part of the molecular structure of the turf fibers. UV stabilizers are incorporated into synthetic turf along with other enhancements like antimicrobial protection. Making these additives part of the physical structure of turf fibers ensures that they remain effective throughout the lifespan of the turf and do not wear away or wash off.
While some minor fading may occur naturally over time when artificial grass is exposed to outdoor elements, quality turf with UV resistance exhibits minimal fading, even when evaluated over a decade or more. With proper care and maintenance, high-quality artificial grass can maintain its vibrant green color for many years, allowing you to enjoy a natural-looking landscape for the long term.
The UV-resistant additives are integrated during the manufacturing process and become part of the molecular structure of the turf. By directly integrating the stabilizers into the blade material, they become a part of the molecular structure of the turf fibers. Making these additives part of the physical structure of turf fibers, ensures that they remain effective throughout the lifespan of the turf and do not wear away or wash off.
The treated turf product is exposed to UVA & UVB rays from the sun which causes “Photooxidative Degradation” which occurs when ultraviolet radiation coming from an the Sun collapses chemical bonds within a polymer. Products or materials that are made from polymers may experience chalking, cracking, fading, or rapid deterioration when they are not protected with UV stabilizers.
The UV stabilizer additives consist of “Blockers” to deflect UV rays, “Absorbers” to convert UV rays into heat, and “Stabilizers” that trap free radicals formed by the UV rays. UV absorbers are additives that absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, preventing it from degrading turf fibers. They are effective against both UV-B and UV-A radiation.
Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (HALS) or “Stabilizers” for simplicity, inhibit the degradation reactions triggered by UV radiation. They work by scavenging free radicals formed during the degradation process, interrupting the chain reactions that lead to polymer breakdown. HALS are particularly effective against UV-A radiation and provide long-lasting protection.
UV-resistant turf is protected from the sun’s damaging rays. This is especially valuable for applications where the turf is exposed to the sun for prolonged periods of time. Artificial turf producers rely on polymer additives to improve physical property retention and chemical resistance, especially for polyethylene (PE) grass yarns used in artificial turf applications. This helps to significantly extend the lifespan of an artificial turf product, while also ensuring that it maintains its lush, vibrant color, smooth texture, durability, and resiliency.
The sun is the natural nemesis of all things plastic, and that includes patio furniture, toys, and, of course, artificial turf. Most untreated synthetic turf surfaces are composed of nylon, polyurethane, or polypropylene – all varying forms of plastic. However, with UV-treated artificial grass, each blade is shielded from the sun’s rays, ensuring your lawn stays vibrantly green for a longer duration. So, embrace the power of UV protection and enjoy a lush and evergreen lawn!
Excessive sunlight exposure can lead to the deterioration of the fibers or individual blades of your synthetic grass. Over time, this can be further exacerbated by foot traffic and heavy use, causing your artificial turf to degrade and lose its true-to-life, realistic appearance. Fortunately, UV-resistant artificial turf employs advanced technologies that fortify the blades, enabling them to withstand the elements and prolonging the beauty of your synthetic grass lawn.
Artificial grass subjected to UV radiation can suffer from various issues like fading, embrittlement, and fiberizing. This is particularly true for outdoor artificial grass that endures harsh weather conditions and intense sunlight. To ensure the longevity of your artificial turf, it is vital to consider the guaranteed level of UV resistance when purchasing. Look for a warranty that includes UV stability, safeguarding the product from aging. Remember, protecting your artificial grass from the harmful effects of UV radiation is key in maintaining its quality and durability.
Artificial turf lawns come with varying degrees of tensile strength, which measures their ability to withstand wear and tear. However, UV rays can weaken the tensile strength of untreated artificial grass, making it more prone to breakage. This is particularly important to note for sports turf and artificial turf putting greens. To combat this issue, UV-resistant artificial grass is ideal for outdoor applications where prolonged exposure to the sun is unavoidable like lawns, sports fields, playgrounds, etc.
Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause untreated artificial turf to break down, leading to stretching and sagging. This sagging creates wrinkles, which pose a threat to the safety of your family and guests who spend time on your artificial grass lawn. To ensure their safety, it is crucial to opt for artificial grass that is protected from the harmful and damaging effects of UV rays. By doing so, you’ll ensure the structural integrity of your synthetic turf while also providing a secure environment for your loved ones.
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