WO2020142232A1

WO2020142232A1 - Artificial turf having siloxane polymer containing turf infill and compositions for making such turf infill

Info

Publication number: WO2020142232A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/067365
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eduardo Alvarez; Miguel Alberto de Jesus PRIETO
Original assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2019-01-03
Filing date: 2019-12-19
Publication date: 2020-07-09
Anticipated expiration: 2021-07-03
Also published as: AR117506A1

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an artificial turf comprising a substrate having a plurality of filiform formations extending from the substrate and a particulate filling material between the filiform formations to maintain the filiform formations in a substantially upright position wherein the particulate filling material comprises an elastomeric polymer, at least one of an inorganic filler or a hard thermoplastic, a siloxane polymer, and, optionally, an oil.

Description

ARTIFICIAL TURF HAVING SILOXANE POLYMER CONTAINING TURF INFILL

AND COMPOSITIONS FOR MAKING SUCH TURF INFILL

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit ofU.S. Application No. 19382004.0, filed on January 3, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The field of this invention is infill for artificial turf and compositions useful in making such infill.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Artificial turf is often used to provide ground coverings for sports facilities, such as football or soccer fields, and sometimes for decorative use. A common structure for this artificial turf, particularly for sports fields, includes a sheet-like substrate with a plurality of filiform formations (i.e., synthetic grass blades or turf yam or turf blade of grass) extending from the substrate for simulating the grassy sward of natural turf and a particulate filling material, or infill, dispersed between the filiform formations so as to keep the filiform formations themselves in a substantially upright condition. Specifically, the above synthetic-grass covering is characterized in that the particulate filling material (infill) is constituted by a substantially homogeneous mass of a granular material chosen in the group constituted by polyolefin-based materials and by vinyl polymer- based materials.

[0003] Various materials have been used for the infill including recycled rubber, elastomeric materials, polyolefins or vinyl polymers, and thermoplastic polyurethanes. See e.g. EP1371779B1, EP1647577, US7585555, and US 7754308. Fillers may be included to lower cost or even to help with temperature control of the artificial turf (see e.g.

W02010/025868A1).

[0004] CN 105295284 discloses a turf blade of grass formed from a PP pipe compound comprising SEBS rubber, softening plasticizer, polyolefin elastomer, ethylene propylene diene rubber, acrylic resin, calcium carbonate, antioxidant, light stabilize and processing aids. The processing aid is at least one of low molecule esters, polysiloxane-based, metal soap, the compound esters of stearic acid, amides.

[0005] A main concern of artificial turf is the ability of the pitch to withstand environmental and playing factors while maintaining its original performance and quality. In particular the infill granules are subjected to constant abrasion and degradation. This can lead to a loss of granulation and therefore shock absorption and dimensional stability over time.

[0006] Thus, a need exists for artificial turf and turf infill having high rebound with good durability and abrasion resistance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Disclosed herein is a simulated grass structure comprising a substrate having a plurality of filiform formations extending from the substrate and having a particulate filling material (or infill) between the filiform formations wherein the particulate filling material comprises an elastomeric polymer, a siloxane polymer, at least one of an inorganic filler and a hard thermoplastic polymer. The particulate filling material can further comprise an oil.

[0008] Also disclosed herein are compositions useful in making artificial turf infill comprising an elastomeric polymer, a siloxane polymer, at least one of an inorganic filler and a hard thermoplastic polymer. The composition and/or particulate filling material can further comprise an oil. Also, disclosed herein is particulate filling materials comprising such composition.

[0009] The above composition surprisingly shows improved abrasion resistance at similar hardness compared to compositions not including the siloxane polymer. Thus, these compositions will be uniquely useful as turf infill.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Disclosed herein are artificial turf having a specific turf infill and the composition useful in making that turf infill.

[0011] Unless stated to the contrary, implicit from the context, or customary in the art, all parts and percents are based on weight, all temperatures are in ° C, and all test methods are current as of the filing date of this disclosure.

[0012] The term“composition,” as used herein, refers to a mixture of materials which comprises the composition, as well as reaction products and decomposition products formed from the materials of the composition.

[0013] “Polymer” means a polymeric compound prepared by polymerizing monomers, whether of the same or a different type. The generic term polymer thus embraces the term homopolymer (employed to refer to polymers prepared from only one type of monomer, with the understanding that trace amounts of impurities can be incorporated into the polymer structure), and the term interpolymer as defined hereinafter. Trace amounts of impurities (for example, catalyst residues) may be incorporated into and/or within the polymer. A polymer may be a single polymer, a polymer blend or a polymer mixture, including mixtures of polymers that are formed in situ during polymerization.

[0014] The term“interpolymer,” as used herein, refers to polymers prepared by the polymerization of at least two different types of monomers. The generic term interpolymer thus includes copolymers (employed to refer to polymers prepared from two different types of monomers), and polymers prepared from more than two different types of monomers.

[0015] The terms“olefin-based polymer” or“polyolefin”, as used herein, refer to a polymer that comprises, in polymerized form, a majority amount of olefin monomer, for example ethylene or propylene (based on the weight of the polymer), and optionally may comprise one or more comonomers.

[0016] The term,“ethylene/a-olefm interpolymer,” as used herein, refers to an interpolymer that comprises, in polymerized form, a majority amount (>50 mol %) of units derived from ethylene monomer, and the remaining units derived from one or more a-olefms. Typical a-olefms used in forming ethylene/a-olefm interpolymers are C3-C10 alkenes.

[0017] The term,“ethylene/a-olefm copolymer,” or“ethylene/alpha-olefm” as used herein, refers to a copolymer that comprises, in polymerized form, a majority amount (>50 mol%) of ethylene monomer, and an a-olefm, as the only two monomer types.

[0018] The term“a-olefm”, as used herein, refers to an alkene having a double bond at the primary or alpha (a) position.

[0019] The terms“comprising,”“including,”“having,” and their derivatives, are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional component, step or procedure, whether or not the same is specifically disclosed. In order to avoid any doubt, all compositions claimed through use of the term“comprising” may include any additional additive, adjuvant, or compound, whether polymeric or otherwise, unless stated to the contrary. In contrast, the term,“consisting essentially of’ excludes from the scope of any succeeding recitation any other component, step or procedure, excepting those that are not essential to operability. The term“consisting of’ excludes any component, step or procedure not specifically delineated or listed. The compositions discussed herein as comprising may can be compositions consisting essentially of or consisting of the components listed.

[0020] “Polyethylene” or“ethylene-based polymer” shall mean polymers comprising a majority amount (>50 mol %) of units which have been derived from ethylene monomer. This includes polyethylene homopolymers or copolymers (meaning units derived from two or more comonomers). Common forms of polyethylene known in the art include Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE); Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE); Ultra Low Density Polyethylene (ULDPE); Very Low Density Polyethylene (VLDPE); single-site catalyzed Linear Low Density Polyethylene, including both linear and substantially linear low density resins (m-LLDPE); Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE); and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). These polyethylene materials are generally known in the art; however, the following descriptions may be helpful in understanding the differences between some of these different polyethylene resins.

[0021] The term“LDPE” may also be referred to as“high pressure ethylene polymer” or“highly branched polyethylene” and is defined to mean that the polymer is partly or entirely homo-polymerized or copolymerized in autoclave or tubular reactors at pressures above 14,500 psi (100 MPa) with the use of free-radical initiators, such as peroxides (see for example US 4,599,392, which is hereby incorporated by reference). LDPE resins typically have a density in the range of 0.916 to 0.935 g/cm³.

[0022] The term“LLDPE”, includes both resin made using the traditional Ziegler- Natta catalyst systems and chromium-based catalyst systems as well as single-site catalysts, including, but not limited to, bis-metallocene catalysts (sometimes referred to as“m- LLDPE”) and constrained geometry catalysts, and includes linear, substantially linear or heterogeneous polyethylene copolymers or homopolymers. LLDPEs contain less long chain branching than LDPEs and includes the substantially linear ethylene polymers which are further defined in U.S. Patent 5,272,236, U.S. Patent 5,278,272, U.S. Patent 5,582,923 and US Patent 5,733, 155; the homogeneously branched linear ethylene polymer compositions such as those in U.S. Patent No. 3,645,992; the heterogeneously branched ethylene polymers such as those prepared according to the process disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,076,698; and/or blends thereof (such as those disclosed in US 3,914,342 or US 5,854,045). The LLDPEs can be made via gas-phase, solution-phase or slurry polymerization or any combination thereof, using any type of reactor or reactor configuration known in the art.

[0023] The term“HDPE” refers to polyethylenes having densities greater than about 0.935 g/cm³ and up to about 0.970 g/cm³, which are generally prepared with Ziegler-Natta catalysts, chrome catalysts or single-site catalysts including, but not limited to, bis- metallocene catalysts and constrained geometry catalysts.

[0024] “Blend”,“polymer blend” and like terms mean a composition of two or more polymers. Such a blend may or may not be miscible. Such a blend may or may not be phase separated. Such a blend may or may not contain one or more domain configurations, as determined from transmission electron spectroscopy, light scattering, x-ray scattering, and any other method known in the art. Blends are not laminates, but one or more layers of a laminate may contain a blend. Such blends can be prepared as dry blends, formed in situ (e.g., in a reactor), melt blends, or using other techniques known to those of skill in the art.

[0025] “Polypropylene” means polymers comprising greater than 50% by weight of units which have been derived from propylene monomer. This includes polypropylene homopolymers or copolymers (meaning units derived from two or more comonomers).

Common forms of polypropylene known in the art include homopolymer polypropylene (hPP), random copolymer polypropylene (rcPP), impact copolymer polypropylene (hPP + at least one elastomeric impact modifier) (ICPP) or high impact polypropylene (HIPP), high melt strength polypropylene (HMS-PP), isotactic polypropylene (iPP), syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP), and combinations thereof.

The artificial turf

[0026] The artificial turf can be of any conventional structure of such turf that uses infill or particulate material. The infill can assist in keeping blades upright. The infill can provide other performance properties such as cushioning.

[0027] For example, the artificial turf can include a substrate to which synthetic grass fibers, yarns, or blades (referred to herein as filiform) are attached. The substrate can be a sheet or film like material. It may for example a thermoplastic material. It can be woven or non-woven or a solid film or sheet. The filiforms (i.e. synthetic grass fibers) are elongated objects, or fibers or blades attached to the substrate and protruding upward from the substrate. Synthetic grass fibers can be synthetic extruded fibers (monofilaments) or (slit-film) tapes. The fibers can be arranged in bundles, preferably in bundles of monofilaments. For example, one bundle may contain 4 to 20 fibers. The synthetic grass fibers can be manufactured from materials chosen from the list comprising polypropylene (PP); any variant of polyethylene (PE) including low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), and high density polyethylene (HDPE)); polyester (PET); and polyamide (PA). For example, the synthetic grass fibers manufactured from LLDPE can provide good softness and resiliency. The synthetic grass fibers used in the artificial turf of the present invention can further comprise additives selected from, but not limited to, the group of infrared reflectants, UV stabilizers, anti-oxidants, fire-retardants, matting agents, luminescent compounds

(phosphorescent or fluorescent compounds), fillers (e.g. chalk, talk), processing aids. The synthetic grass fibers can have a cross-section selected from, but not limited to, a rectangular, a diamond- shape, a round, an elliptical, a multilobal (Y, X), a C-shaped, a V-shaped, a W- shaped, a S-shaped or a W-shaped cross-section, and have dimensions of e.g. 50-500 micrometer thickness and 0.5-5.0 mm width. The synthetic grass fibers can further comprise a backbone nerve, and/or a micro-textured surface to resemble grass blade nerves to further improve the resemblance to natural grass blades. The synthetic grass fibers are typically in a green color e.g. a uni-color or a mixed shade of green and other colors. The synthetic grass fibers can be tufted or woven through the backing. For example, the fibers can be tufted through the backing substrate. The synthetic grass fibers can be formed in loop piles or cut piles. The filiforms can extend from the substrate for a length of about 20 or 30 to about 60 or 50 mm.

[0028] In addition to the substrate and the synthetic grass or filiforms, the artificial turf includes particulate filling material (infill). The infill can be located on the substrate.

The infill can be located between the filiforms. The infill can serve to support the filiforms (e.g. in a substantially upright position to simulate grass blades). The infill can having an average particle sizes of at least 1 mm to about 5 or to about 4 or to about 3 mm. The infill can extend from the surface of the substrate for at least 5 or at leastlO mm to about 30 or to about 20 mm to support the filiform. Average particle size can be determined by“Procedure to determine the particle size distribution of granulated infill materials (FIFA method 20)”. The composition for use as turf infill

[0029] The composition disclosed herein as useful as an infill turf grass includes an elastomeric polymer, at least one of inorganic filler and a hard thermoplastic polymer and a siloxane polymer. The composition can further comprises one or more of an oil and colorant. The composition is resilient to contact with people and objects and if used outside is resilient to variations in temperature, humidity, water exposure, freezing, and sunlight.

[0030] The elastomeric polymer can be any elastomer that can be blended with other polymers and which is resilient to the conditions under which it will be used. The

elastomeric polymer can be a styrene butadiene rubber, a styrene ethylene butylene rubber, a styrene ethylene propylene rubber, a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic copolyester, a thermoplastic polyamide or combinations thereof. For example, the elastomeric polymer can be a styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) block copolymer, a styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS) block copolymer, or an ethylene/alpha-olefm polymer composition or combinations thereof.

[0031] As another more specific example, the elastomeric polymer can be an ethylene/alpha-olefm polymer composition having a density (according to ISOl 183-1 Ed. 2012) less than 0.900 g/cm³ and a melt index (12) (according to ISOl 133-1 Ex. 2011 (of less than 15.0 or 10.0 or 5.0 or 3.0 g/10 min and at least 0.1 g/10 min. The ethylene/alpha-olefm polymer composition can have a crystallinity of less than 35%. The ethylene/alpha-olefm polymer composition can have a crystallinity of at least 10%. Crystallinity can be measured by dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC) (according to ISOl 1357-1 Ed. 2013). The alpha olefin used in making the ethylene/alpha-olefm can be 1-octene. Commercially available examples of such ethylene/alpha-olefm polymers include INFUSE™ or ENGAGE™ polymers from The Dow Chemical Company. The amount of elastomeric polymer in the composition can at least 5, or at least 10, weight percent and no more than 50, no more than 40, or no more than 30, weight percent based on total weight of the composition.

[0032] Either or both of an inorganic filler and a hard thermoplastic polymer can be useful in controlling the hardness of the particulate filling material. Examples of inorganic fillers include calcium carbonate, sodium bentonite, calcium bentonite, aluminum

trihydroxide, barium sulfate, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium trihydroxide, diatomaceous earth, dolomite, glass beads, ceramic beads, kaolin, mica, perlite, natural silica, synthetic silica, wollastonite, calcite, whiskers, or combinations thereof. The inorganic filler can be in substantially spherical, elliptical, plate-like or whisker form. The median particle size, D50, of the inorganic filler can at least 1, at least 5, at least 10, at least 20 up to 150, up to 130, up to 100, or up to 80 microns. Particle size can be determined, for example, by ASTM E2980-15:“Standard test methods for estimating average particle size of powders using air permeability. Test method 1 : inorganic materials”. The amount of inorganic filler, when used, can be at least 30 or at least 40 and no more than 80 or no more than 70 weight percent based on total weight of the composition.

[0033] The hard thermoplastic polymer can any thermoplastic that is harder than the elastomeric polymer. The hard thermoplastic polymer can be a high density polyethylene or a polypropylene. The hard thermoplastic polymer can be a polymer (preferably a polyolefin) having a density of more than 0.91 or 0.92 or 0.93 g/cm³. For example, the hard

thermoplastic can be a high density polyethylene with a density of 0.940 to 0.970 g/cm³ and a melt index (12) of 0.1 to 20 g/10 min as measured according to ASTM D1238 (at 190 °C and 2.16 kg). The amount of the hard thermoplastic polymer, when used, can be at least 0.1 or at least 1 and no more than 20 or 15 or 10% by weight based on total weight of the composition. The polysiloxane may be any siloxane which is useful in blends with other polymers. The siloxane polymer can be polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The PDMS can have a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 10,000, at least 50,000, or at least 100,000 and no more than 500,000, no more than 450,000, or no more than 400,000 g/mol as measured by Gel Permeation Chromatography. For example, weight average molecular weight (Mw) and number average molecular weight (Mn) can be measured by GPC (Viscotek™ GPC Max) using a triple detection capability. The Viscotek™ TDA305 unit is equipped with a differential refractometer, an online differential pressure viscometer, and low angle light scattering (LALS: 7° and 90° angles of detection). The mobile phase is Toluene HPLC grade. The columns are two PL Gel Mixed C from Varian - (7.5 * 300 mm, 5 pm particle size) and a PL Gel Guard column from Varian - (7.5 * 300 mm) 5 fractom Injection volume with a flow of 1 mL/min and a run time of 37 min. The column and detector temperature is 40°C. The software used is Omnisec 4.6.1 (Viscotek™). The detectors are calibrated by injection of a narrow polystyrene standard (Mw 68,100 g/mol) of a known concentration. Correct run parameters are checked by using a narrow molecular weight distribution polystyrene standard (PS71K). The molecular weight averages must be within the Statistical Process Control (SPC) chart in order to validate the detectors calibration. Typical GPC³ precision and accuracy (which depends on the refractive index increment) are around 2-3%.

[0034] The PDMS components can comprise an ultrahigh molecular weight

(UHMW) PDMS component, a high molecular weight (HMW) PDMS component, or a blend of both. For example, the PDMS components can comprise a blend of an UHMW PDMS component and the HMW PDMS component. The UHMW PDMS component can have a Mn of from 150,000, from 200,000, or from 250,000 to 450,000, to 400,000, or to 350,000 g/mol. The HMW PDMS can have a Mn of from 10,000 to 100,000, to 50,000, to 25,000 g/mol, or to 20,000 g/mol.

[0035] The amount of the polysiloxane can be at least 0.1, at least 0.5, or at least 1 weight percent based on total weight of the composition. The amount of polysiloxane can be no more than 20, no more than 15, or no more than 10 weight percent based on total weight of the composition. The polysiloxane can for convenience be incorporated into the composition using a carrier polymer, e.g. in a master batch. For example, a polyolefin carrier polymer may be used. Examples of suitable polyolefin carriers include polyethylenes and polypropylenes. The polyethylene may be a linear low density polyethylene, a low density polyethylene, a high density polyethylene. For example, a carrier polyolefin may be compounded with the polysiloxane in weight ratios of carrier: polysiloxane of at least 20:80, at least 30:70, or at least 40:60 up to no more than 70:30 or no more than 60:40. The carrier may include other components such as polyamide. [0036] Addition of an oil can be helpful in controlling the hardness of the composition. The amount or oil can be 0 or can be at least 0.1, at leastl, at least 3, or at least 5 up to 20, up tol5, or up to 12 weight percent based on total weight of the composition. Examples of suitable oils include paraffinic oil, naphthenic oil, aromatic oil and combinations thereof.

[0037] In many applications it is desirable to include a colorant. Typically these colorants will be pigments in a polymeric carrier matrix. The weight ratio of pigment to carrier can be in the range of at least 10:90, at least20:80, or at least 30:70 up to 90: 10, up to 80:20, or up to 70:30. The amount of colorant (including its carrier if any is used) may be at least 0.1, at least 0.5, at least 1, at least or 2 and no more than 10, no more than 7, or no more than 5 weight percent based on total weight of the composition.

[0038] Additional optional additives can be used. Examples of such additional, optional additives include antioxidants, UV stabilizers, UV absorbers, curing agents, cross linking co-agents, boosters and retardants, processing aids, antistatic agents, nucleating agents, slip agents, plasticizers, lubricants, viscosity control agents, tackifiers, anti-blocking agents, acid scavengers, and meta deactivators. If an optional additive is used it is present in amounts less than 5, less than 4, less than 3, less than 2, or less than 1% by weight and the total amount of all the additives is less than 10, less than 8, less than 6, less than 4 or less than 2% by weight based on total weight of the composition. They can be used in amounts of at least 0.001, at least 0.01, or at least 0.1 % by weight based on total weight of the composition.

[0039] In addition the composition can comprise an additional polymer such as a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a polyamide or a polyester. The amount of this additional polymer is no more than 20, no more than 15, no more than 10, or no more than 5% by weight based on total weight of the composition. The amount of this additional optional polymer may be 0 or at least 1% by weight based on total weight of the composition.

[0040] The components of the composition may be combined and blended by known techniques such as kneading, internal mixers and extrusion blending.

[0041] The compositions disclosed herein can have density of at least 1.1, at least 1.2, at least 1.3, or at least 1.4 g/cm³. The compositions disclosed herein can have density of not more than 1.8 or not more than 1.7 g/cm³.

[0042] The compositions disclosed herein have good abrasion resistance as measured by ISO 4649 Ed. 2010 and can show weight losses of less than 530, less than 500, less than 450, or less than 400 mg. [0043] The composition can be formed into the particulate filling material by extruding and pelletizing and/or grinding.

[0044] The particulate filling material as described herein may be mixed with other granular infill materials such as other polymeric particles, recycled rubber, sand or the like. The weight ratio of the particulate filling material as described herein to the other granular infill materials can be at least 10:90, at least20:80, or at least 30:70 up to 95:5, up to 90: 10, up to 80:20, or up to 70:30.

EXAMPLES

Formulating the composition

[0045] Components as set forth in Table 1 together with 4% by Sicolen 95-133805 colorant from BASF are compounded on a Polylab mixer chamber with Banburry Rotors. The mixer volume is 379 cubic centimeters and it is filled at 72%. All percents are weight percents based on total weight of ingredients.

Testing and Results

[0046] The compounds are then compression molded into 2mm plaques according to ISO 293. Density is measured according to ISO 1183-1 (Method A, Ed. 2012), hardness shore A with 3 seconds testing time (ISO 868, Ed. 2003), abrasion resistance ISO 4649 Ed. 2010 and tensile elastomers (BS ISO 37 Ed 2012). Results are shown in Table 2.

Table 2. Summary of mechanical properties of inventive and comparative examples.

[0047] The compositions and methods can alternatively comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, any appropriate materials, steps, or components herein disclosed. The compositions, methods, and articles can additionally, or alternatively, be formulated so as to be devoid, or substantially free, of any materials (or species), steps, or components, that are otherwise not necessary to the achievement of the function or objectives of the compositions, methods, and articles.

[0048] For ranges, stated upper and lower limits can be combined to form ranges (e.g. “at least 1 or at least 2 weight percent” and“up to 10 or 5 weight percent” can be combined as the ranges“1 to 10 weight percent”, or“1 to 5 weight percent” or“2 to 10 weight percent” or“2 to 5 weight percent”). The terms“a” and“an” and“the” do not denote a limitation of quantity and are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0049] This disclosure further encompasses the following aspects.

[0050] Aspect 1. An artificial turf comprising a substrate having a plurality of filiform formations extending from the substrate and a particulate filling material between the filiform formations wherein the particulate filling material comprises an elastomeric polymer, at least one of an inorganic filler or a hard thermoplastic, a siloxane polymer, and, optionally, an oil.

[0051] Aspect 2. The artificial turf of aspect 1 wherein the oil is used and is selected from the group consisting of paraffinic oil, naphthenic oil, aromatic oil and combinations thereof.

[0052] Aspect 3. The artificial turf of any of the preceding aspects wherein the particulate filler materials comprise the hard thermoplastic polymer which is selected from high density polyethylene and polypropylene.

[0053] Aspect 4. The artificial turf of any of the preceding aspects wherein the elastomeric polymer is selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene- styrene (SBS), styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS), and ethylene/alpha-olefm resin having a density of less than 0.900 g/cc and a melt index (12) of less than 15.0 g/10 min.

[0054] Aspect 5. The artificial turf of any of the preceding aspects wherein the siloxane is a polydimethylsiloxane having a number average molecular weight of 10,000 to 500,000 g/mol, preferably 100,000 to 500,000 g/mol, as measured by gel permeation chromatography.

[0055] Aspect 6. The artificial turf of any of the preceding aspects wherein the hard thermoplastic is a high density polyethylene having a density 0.940 g/c to 0.970 g/cc and a melt index (12) of 0.1 g/10 min to 20 g/10 min as measured according to ASTM D1238 (at 190°C, 2.16 kg).

[0056] Aspect 7. The artificial turf of any of the preceding aspects wherein the inorganic filler is selected from calcium carbonate, sodium bentonite, calcium bentonite, aluminum trihydroxide, barium sulfate, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium trihydroxide, diatomaceous earth, dolomite, glass beads, ceramic beads, kaolin, mica, perlite, natural silica, synthetic silica, wollastonite, calcite, whiskers, or combinations thereof.

[0057] Aspect 8. The artificial turf of any one of the preceding aspects wherein the particulate filling material comprises 0.1 to 10 % of the hard thermoplastic, 10 to 50% of the elastomeric polymer, 30-80% of the inorganic filler, 0.1 to 15% of the oil and 0.5-15% of the siloxane based on total weight of the composition.

[0058] Aspect 9. A composition useful in turf infill comprising an elastomeric polymer, at least one of an inorganic filler or a hard thermoplastic selected from high density polyethylene and polypropylene, a polydimethylsiloxane polymer, and an oil. [0059] Aspect 10. The composition of aspect 9 wherein both the inorganic filler and the hard thermoplastic are present, the elastomeric polymer is selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS), and ethylene/alpha-olefin resin having a density of less than 0.900 g/cc and a melt index (12) of less than 15.0 g/10 min, the hard thermoplastic is a high density polyethylene having a density 0.940 g/c to 0.970 g/cc and a melt index (12) of 0.1 g/10 min to 20 g/10 min as measured according to ASTM D1238 (at 190°C, 2.16 kg), the polydimethylsiloxane has a number average molecular weight of 10,000 to 500,000 g/mol, preferably 100,000 to 500,000 g/mol, as measured by gel permeation chromatography.

[0060] Aspect 11. The composition of aspect 9 or 10 wherein the oil is selected from the group consisting of paraffinic oil, naphthenic oil, aromatic oil and combinations thereof.

[0061] Aspect 12. The composition of any one of aspects 9-11 wherein the inorganic filler is selected from calcium carbonate, sodium bentonite, calcium bentonite, aluminum trihydroxide, barium sulfate, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium trihydroxide, diatomaceous earth, dolomite, glass beads, ceramic beads, kaolin, mica, perlite, natural silica, synthetic silica, wollastonite, calcite, whiskers, or combinations thereof.

[0062] Aspect 13. The composition of any one of aspects 9-12 having 0.1 to 10 % of the hard thermoplastic, 10 to 50% of the elastomeric polymer, 30-80% of the inorganic filler, 0.1 to 15% of the oil and 0.5-15% of the polydimethylsiloxane polymer based on total weight of the composition.

[0063] Aspect 14. The composition of any of aspects 9-13 having an abrasion resistance as determined by weight loss using test IS04649 (Ed.2010) of less than 530 mg and a density greater than 1.1 g/cm3.

[0064] Aspect 15. A particulate filling material comprising the composition of any one of aspects 9-14, preferably having an average particle size of 1 to 5 mm.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An artificial turf comprising a substrate having a plurality of filiform formations extending from the substrate and a particulate filling material between the filiform formations wherein the particulate filling material comprises an elastomeric polymer, at least one of an inorganic filler or a hard thermoplastic, a siloxane polymer, and, optionally, an oil.

2. The artificial turf of claim 1 wherein the oil is used and is selected from the group consisting of paraffinic oil, naphthenic oil, aromatic oil and combinations thereof.

3. The artificial turf of any of the preceding claims wherein the particulate filler materials comprises the hard thermoplastic polymer which is selected from high density polyethylene and polypropylene.

4. The artificial turf of any of the preceding claims wherein the elastomeric polymer is selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), styrene- ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS), and ethylene/alpha-olefm resin having a density of less than 0.900 g/cc and a melt index (12) of less than 15.0 g/10 min.

5. The artificial turf of any of the preceding claims wherein the siloxane is a polydimethyl siloxane having a number average molecular weight of 10,000 to 500,000 g/mol, preferably 100,000 to 500,000 g/mol, as measured by gel permeation chromatography.

6. The artificial turf of any of the preceding claims wherein the hard

thermoplastic is a high density polyethylene having a density 0.940 g/c to 0.970 g/cc and a melt index (12) of 0.1 g/10 min to 20 g/10 min as measured according to ASTM D1238 (at 190°C, 2.16 kg).

7. The artificial turf of any of the preceding claims wherein the inorganic filler is selected from calcium carbonate, sodium bentonite, calcium bentonite, aluminum

trihydroxide, barium sulfate, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium trihydroxide, diatomaceous earth, dolomite, glass beads, ceramic beads, kaolin, mica, perlite, natural silica, synthetic silica, wollastonite, calcite, whiskers, or combinations thereof.

8. The artificial turf of any one of claims 2-7 wherein the particulate filling material comprises 0.1 to 10 % of the hard thermoplastic, 10 to 50% of the elastomeric polymer, 30-80% of the inorganic filler, 0.1 to 15% of the oil and 0.5-15% of the siloxane based on total weight of the composition.

9. A composition useful in turf infill comprising an elastomeric polymer, at least one of an inorganic filler or a hard thermoplastic selected from high density polyethylene and polypropylene, a polydimethylsiloxane polymer, and an oil.

10. The composition of claim 9 wherein both the inorganic filler and the hard thermoplastic are present, the elastomeric polymer is selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS), and ethylene/alpha-olefm resin having a density of less than 0.900 g/cc and a melt index (12) of less than 15.0 g/10 min, the hard thermoplastic is a high density polyethylene having a density 0.940 g/c to 0.970 g/cc and a melt index (12) of 0.1 g/10 min to 20 g/10 min as measured according to ASTM D1238 (at 190°C, 2.16 kg), the polydimethylsiloxane has a number average molecular weight of 10,000 to 500,000 g/mol, preferably 100,000 to 500,000 g/mol, as measured by gel permeation chromatography.

11. The composition of claim 9 or 10 wherein the oil is selected from the group consisting of paraffinic oil, naphthenic oil, aromatic oil and combinations thereof.

12. The composition of any one of claims 9-11 wherein the inorganic filler is selected from calcium carbonate, sodium bentonite, calcium bentonite, aluminum

13. The composition of any one of claims 9-12 having 0.1 to 10 % of the hard thermoplastic, 10 to 50% of the elastomeric polymer, 30-80% of the inorganic filler, 0.1 to 15% of the oil and 0.5-15% of the polydimethylsiloxane polymer based on total weight of the composition.

14. The composition of any of claims 9-13 having an abrasion resistance as determined by weight loss using test IS04649 (Ed.2010) of less than 530 mg and a density greater than 1.1 g / cm³.

15. A particulate filling material comprising the composition of any one of claims 9-14, preferably having an average particle size of 1 to 5 mm.