A device for twisting a flat, fibrillated strip for producing artificial turf is disclosed. The device includes a hollow shaft having a central axis of rotation, a deflecting element that is mounted on the hollow shaft and that has a swing region, and a limiting element that is disposed on the hollow shaft. The hollow shaft allows the strip to be continuously passed through a hollow space of the hollow shaft. The deflecting element includes a swing pivot that is offset from the central axis. When the hollow shaft is rotated around its central axis, the swing region of the deflecting element is swung outward from the central axis to a swung-out position. As a result, the strip is rested against the swing region. When the deflecting element is in its swung-out position, the strip is rested against the limiting element that limits the outward deflection of the strip.

An artificial turf filament comprising one or more ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers having a density of from 0.900 to 0.955 g/cc and a melt index, I2, as measured in accordance with ASTM D1238 (at 190 C. and 2.16 kg), of from 0.1 g/10 min to 20 g/10 min; an ethoxylated alcohol having the formula, R.sub.1(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.xOH, where x is an integer from 2 to 10 and R1 is a straight or branched chain alkyl of 20 to 50 carbon atoms; and a functionalized ethylene-based polymer.

The invention provides for method for forming an artificial turf infill material. The method comprises selecting from a zeolite ore a microporous zeolite mineral using a selection criterion on specific surface area of the mineral, thereby providing the artificial turf infill material.

An artificial turf filament comprising one or more ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers having a density of from 0.900 to 0.955 g/cc and a melt index, I2, as measured in accordance with ASTM D1238 (at 190 C. and 2.16 kg), of from 0.1 g/10 min to 20 g/10 min; an ethoxylated alcohol having the formula, R.sub.1(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.xOH, where x is an integer from 2 to 10 and R1 is a straight or branched chain alkyl of 20 to 50 carbon atoms; and a chemical foaming agent.

An artificial turf system is for installation over a receiving surface. The artificial turf system comprises a flexible sheet member to be laid over the receiving surface via its lower surface. It comprises first yarns having a first melting point; second yarns, distinct from the first yarns and having a second melting point; and third yarns, having a third melting point, with all yarns extending upwardly from the upper surface of the sheet member. The third melting point is lower than the first and second melting point. The artificial turf system undergoes a heat treatment at a temperature higher that the third melting point prior to installation through which third yarns at least partially fuse with part of one of the first yarns and the second yarns. Further described is a method of manufacturing the artificial turf system.

An artificial turf includes translucent thatch yarn fibers and opaque face yarn fibers that are integrated in a carrier.

The present invention relates to a fabric, such as a backing suitable for tufted carpets or artificial turf, comprising slit films, tapes or monofilaments, said slit film, tape or monofilament comprising at least 70% by weight of a metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene composition based on the total weight of the slit film, tape or monofilament. The metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene composition comprised in the slit film, tape or monofilament is a metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene composition comprises: a) at least 45% by weight based on the total weight of the metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene composition of a metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene A, wherein said metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene A has a density of at most 0.918 g/cm.sup.3, and a melt index MI2 of at most 4.0 g/10 min; and b) at least 25% by weight based on the total weight of the metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene composition of a metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene B, wherein said metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene B has a density which is higher than the density of said metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene A; and a melt index MI2 which is higher than the melt index MI2 said metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene A.

The invention further relates to processes for manufacturing said fabric, such as processes for manufacturing a backing suitable for artificial turf, processes for manufacturing the slit film, tape or monofilament and to articles, e.g. a (woven) fabric, comprising said slit film, tape or monofilament obtained by said processes.

A playing surface assembly that defines at least a portion of a playing surface. The playing surface assembly has a backing, a plurality of reinforcement elements secured to and extending upwardly from the backing, and an infill material defining a top surface of the playing surface assembly. Each reinforcement element has a top end and a reveal distance corresponding to a vertical spacing between the top surface of the playing surface assembly and the top end of the reinforcement element. The reveal distance of each reinforcement element is less than 0.5 inches. In use, the reinforcement elements restrict lateral and vertical migration of the infill material, and the infill material is the primary source of performance characteristics of the playing surface assembly.

An artificial turf simulating grass including a layer of dispersed non-uniform, polyvinyl chloride-based particulates having non-symmetrical shapes and different sizes.

Disclosed are artificial turfs having a nonwoven backing layer and a plurality of turf fibers extending through the nonwoven backing layer such that a face side portion of the turf fibers extends from the face side of the nonwoven backing layer and a back side portion of the turf fibers extends from the back side of the nonwoven backing layer, wherein at least a portion of the back side portion of turf fibers are bonded to themselves. Also disclosed herein are the methods of making the same.