HK40005631A - Artificial turf infill comprising natural fibers embedded in a vulcanized portion - Google Patents

Description

Artificial turf infill with natural fibres embedded in a vulcanised section

Technical Field

The present invention relates to artificial turf, in particular artificial turf with an infill and infill for artificial turf.

Background

Artificial turf or lawn is a surface consisting of fibres for replacing grass. The structure of the artificial turf is designed such that the artificial turf has an appearance resembling grass. Artificial turf is commonly used as a surface for sports (e.g. soccer, american football, rugby, tennis, golf), for sports fields or playgrounds. Furthermore, artificial turf is often used for landscaping applications.

Artificial turf can be manufactured using the techniques used to manufacture carpets. For example, the artificial turf fibers having the appearance of grass blades may be flocked or otherwise secured to the backing. Typically, artificial turf infill is placed between the artificial turf fibres. The artificial turf infill is a granular material covering the bottom part of the fibres of the artificial turf. The use of artificial turf infill can have a number of advantages. For example, the artificial turf infill can help the artificial turf fibers to stand upright. The artificial turf infill may also absorb the impact of walking or running and provide an experience similar to that obtained on real turf. The artificial turf infill may also be held flat and in place by weighting the artificial turf carpet.

European patent EP 2206833 a1 discloses a method for producing a particulate filler material for synthetic grass structures, which envisages providing a block of thermoplastic material with a filler consisting of a coconut-based material, the block of thermoplastic material being granulated with the filler consisting of a coconut-based material to obtain the above-mentioned particulate filler material. Preferably, the thermoplastic material is in particulate form and the coconut-based material is in particulate form (fibrous, ground and/or shredded). The mixture obtained by mixing the thermoplastic material and the coconut-based material is preferably heated to soften the thermoplastic material and correspondingly form a thermoplastic material matrix incorporating the coconut-based material as filler.

Disclosure of Invention

Artificial turf, a method and an artificial turf infill are provided in the independent claims of the invention. Embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

In one aspect, the present invention provides artificial turf comprising artificial turf infill. The artificial turf infill comprises a composite infill component. The composite filler component comprises natural fibers and a vulcanized portion. The natural fibers are at least partially embedded in the cured portion. The combination of natural fibers and a vulcanized part in the artificial turf infill may provide several advantages. One potential advantage is that natural fibers can reduce the cost of the artificial turf infill. Natural fibers are suitable filler materials and can be used to reduce the amount of vulcanized part used.

The natural fibers include any of the following materials: hemp fibers, sisal fibers, cotton fibers, sisal fibers, elephant grass fibers, cellulose fibers, and combinations thereof.

Having the natural fibers embedded in the cured part may have the following advantages: the natural fibres do not become unmixed with the rest of the artificial turf infill. For example, if the natural fibers and the vulcanized part are loosely mixed together over a period of time and exposed to, for example, rain and water, the natural fibers may exhibit a tendency to tend toward the top of the vulcanized part and separate out. Having the natural fibers at least partially embedded in the cured portion may prevent the above-mentioned problems. Another potential advantage is that natural fibers have a relatively high specific heat compared to other materials commonly used for artificial turf infill. The use of natural fibers may help to reduce heating of the artificial turf and the entire artificial turf infill if the artificial turf is exposed to warm air or sunlight. This may make the playing surface more secure and comfortable. Another potential advantage is that natural fibers have high water absorbency and are therefore able to retain large amounts of water. Water may be sprayed or sprinkled onto the artificial turf prior to playing/racing on the artificial turf. The water contained in the natural fibers can slowly evaporate during play/competition, helping to keep the entire artificial turf surface cool during play/competition.

The natural fibers may comprise fibers. Each of these fibers (or some of these fibers) is only partially embedded in the cured portion. The fibers which are only partially embedded in the vulcanized part are actually divided into two parts in the longitudinal direction of the fibers, wherein one part of the fibers is embedded in the vulcanized part and the other part of the fibers is not embedded in the vulcanized part. In other words, the other part protrudes from the vulcanized part. According to industry practice, the other part projecting from the vulcanized part is called the free end. At least some of the portions protruding from the cured portion may be longer than their corresponding portions embedded in the cured portion.

The fiber portions that are not embedded in the cured portion can promote water absorption because they are fully exposed to water or moisture. The water absorbed by the free ends of the fibres that are not embedded in the vulcanized portion can be further dispersed into the remaining part of the fibres embedded in the vulcanized portion, for example due to capillary action. Thus, the free ends of the fibers may facilitate water absorption. The overhanging end may further promote evaporation of water from the fiber because the entire surface of the overhanging end is exposed to air. In addition, the embedded portion of the fiber can serve as a reservoir for water in the free end portion of the fiber.

In another embodiment, the weight percentage of fibers that are only partially embedded in the cured portion is at least 10% of the total weight of natural fibers including fibers that are only partially embedded in the cured portion and fibers that are fully embedded in the cured portion.

In another embodiment, the weight percentage of fibers that are only partially embedded in the cured portion is at least 5% of the total weight of natural fibers including fibers that are only partially embedded in the cured portion and fibers that are fully embedded in the cured portion.

In another embodiment, the natural fiber is comprised of any one of: hemp fibers, sisal fibers, cotton fibers, sisal fibers, elephant grass fibers, cellulose fibers, and combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the composite filler component comprises 10% to 40% by weight natural fibers.

Artificial turf according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composite infill component comprises from 15% to 25% by weight of natural fibres.

Artificial turf according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composite infill component comprises 17 to 23% by weight of natural fibres.

In another embodiment, the cured portion comprises the cure of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (M-grade) rubber (EPDM) particulates, mineral oil, and sulfur. As used herein, mineral oil includes clear colorless oils composed primarily of alkanes and cycloalkanes.

One potential advantage is that the listed natural fibers are compatible with the vulcanization process. For example, these natural fibers can withstand a vulcanization process performed at 180 ℃. In addition, these natural fibers have a relatively low lignin content. This makes it compatible with the vulcanization process. Other fibers (e.g., wool or coconut) have high lignin content. It may cause adverse reactions during vulcanization, resulting in their very strong odor. One advantage of using a vulcanization process is that the bond between the natural fibers and the vulcanized part is very strong. Wool and/or coconut fibers may adhere to the filler material, but they may not be as durable as natural fibers embedded in the vulcanized part.

The use of hemp may also be advantageous because hemp is naturally resistant to fungi compared to coconut fiber. Cannabis also has the advantage of being very skin friendly. Hemp is less abrasive and/or stinging than other natural fibers, such as wood chips or coconut fibers.

The use of hemp as a filler material may also be advantageous because of its excellent damping and shock absorbing properties. According to one embodiment, players who fall on artificial turf with infill may in some cases be less vulnerable than if they fall on artificial turf mainly with infill based on coconut fibres.

In another embodiment, the cured portion further comprises a filler material. The use of filler materials may be advantageous because it may be useful to reduce the cost of using EPDM particulates.

In another embodiment, the filler material comprises any one of the following materials: kaolin, chalk, and combinations thereof. The use of these materials is advantageous because it is compatible with the vulcanization process, and also when natural fibers are present.

In another embodiment, the composite filler part comprises 15% to 25% by weight EPDM particulates.

In another embodiment, the composite filler component comprises 23% to 36% by weight mineral oil.

In another embodiment, the composite filler component comprises 50% to 55% by weight of the filler material.

In another embodiment, the cured portion has a serrated surface. The presence of a serrated surface may be advantageous as it helps to keep the artificial turf infill in a fixed position relative to the rest of the infill material.

In another embodiment, the natural fibers have a maximum diameter of 1 millimeter.

In another embodiment, the natural fibers have a maximum length of 0.3 centimeters.

In another embodiment, the natural fibers have a maximum length of 0.5 centimeters.

In another embodiment, the natural fibers have a maximum length of 1 centimeter.

In another embodiment, the sulfur moiety further comprises a polyethylene-based dye and a compatibilizer. The use of polyethylene-based dyes and compatibilizers may be advantageous because polyethylene-based dyes may impart a realistic appearance or color to the artificial turf infill.

The cured portion further comprises any one of the following materials: a sulfiding catalyst and mercaptobenzothiazole. The use of any of these components in the vulcanised part may improve the quality of the artificial turf infill obtained.

In another embodiment, the vulcanized part comprises a cavity formed by tearing the natural fibers from the vulcanized part. This may be advantageous as it may make the surface of the cured portion more irregular and enable it to better interlock with other portions of the artificial turf infill, and/or also make it have a larger surface area to hold water when it is wetted, thereby keeping it cool.

In another embodiment, the diameter of the vulcanized part is 0.5 to 5 mm.

In another embodiment, the diameter of the vulcanized part is 0.7 to 4 mm.

In another embodiment, the diameter of the vulcanized part is 0.8 to 3 mm.

In another embodiment, the artificial turf comprises artificial turf carpet.

In another embodiment, the artificial turf surface further comprises a sprinkler system. The inclusion of a sprinkler system may be advantageous because it may provide a convenient way to wet the artificial turf surface with water. Natural fibers can retain some water and can slowly evaporate the water, thereby keeping the artificial turf cool even in intense sunlight.

In another embodiment, the natural fibers comprise fibers having a length of 0.01 millimeters to 5 millimeters long.

In another embodiment, the natural fibers comprise fibers having a length of 0.01 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters long.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for at least partially manufacturing an artificial turf surface. The method comprises the following steps: the components are mixed to form a masterbatch. The plurality of components includes EPDM particulates, natural fibers, sulfur, and mineral oil. The method further comprises the following steps: the masterbatch is formed into a sheet. The board used herein comprises a compressed masterbatch. The method further includes curing the board. The method further includes pelletizing the sheet to provide an artificial turf infill. During the pelletizing process, the vulcanized board can be shredded into smaller pieces that form the vulcanized part. When the board is vulcanized, the natural fibers are randomly dispersed in the vulcanized board. By pelletizing, some of the natural fibers will be torn from a portion of the vulcanized part. In most cases, at least a portion of the natural fibers will adhere to the vulcanized part.

The method further includes mounting the synthetic turf carpet to a surface. The artificial turf carpet comprises pile. The method further includes spreading the artificial turf filler within the pile.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises: the natural fibers are milled in mineral oil prior to adding the natural fibers to the masterbatch. Milling natural fibers in mineral oil can provide several advantages. A great advantage is that natural fibres are less likely to be ground into very small fractions, such as dust. Thus, grinding them in mineral oil helps to produce artificial turf infill with intact natural fibers that are more uniform and have been reduced in size. The mineral oil is the same mineral oil that can be used in producing the sulfurized part. Thus, mineral oil meets two requirements in this manufacturing process. The method further comprises the following steps: adding to the masterbatch any of the following materials: filler material, dye dissolved in polyethylene, polyethylene compatibilizer, vulcanization catalyst and/or mercaptobenzothiazole, and combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the pelletizing of the plate comprises grinding, cutting and/or shredding of the plate.

In another embodiment, the artificial turf infill comprises a composite infill component. The composite filler component comprises natural fibers and a vulcanized portion. The natural fibers are at least partially embedded in the cured portion. The vulcanization portion includes the vulcanization of the EPDM pellets, mineral oil, and sulfur.

It is to be understood that one or more of the above-described embodiments of the invention may be combined, as long as the combined embodiments are not mutually exclusive.

Drawings

In the following embodiments, the invention is explained in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows one example of a composite filler component;

FIG. 2 shows another example of a composite filler component;

FIG. 3 shows another example of a composite filler component;

FIG. 4 is a photograph of another example of a composite filler component;

FIG. 5 depicts a dimensional distribution map for the composite filler component of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 depicts a graph showing the increase in water absorption and the decrease in temperature of the composite packing of FIG. 5;

fig. 7 shows an artificial turf carpet for artificial turf manufacture;

figure 8 shows an artificial turf;

FIG. 9 shows a flow chart illustrating a method of manufacturing a composite filler component; and

figure 10 shows an artificial turf with an automatic sprinkler system.

Description of the reference numerals

100 composite filler component

102 partially embedded natural fibers

102' embedded natural fibers

104 vulcanization part

106 rough surface

108 cavity

500 in mm

502 total percentage of

600 improvement of Water absorption

Temperature drop in degrees Celsius of 602

700 artificial turf carpet

702 backing

704 artificial turf fibre tuft

706 line interval

708 pile height

710 floor or floor

700 artificial turf

702 artificial turf infill

900 milling natural fibers in mineral oil

902 mixing multiple components to form a masterbatch

904 shaping the masterbatch into solid form

906 sulfurizing the solid form

908 pelletize the solid form to provide an artificial turf infill

1000 Water sprayer

1002 water

Detailed Description

Elements with the same reference number in the figures are equivalent elements or perform the same function. If the functions are the same, the previously discussed elements are not discussed in subsequent figures.

Fig. 1 to 4 show various examples of composite infill components for artificial turf. Fig. 1 shows a first example. There are natural fibers 102 at least partially embedded in the cured portion 104. The drawings in fig. 1 to 3 are cross-sectional views, and the drawing in fig. 4 is a photograph. In some examples, the composite filler component is prepared by tearing or grinding a larger vulcanized sheet of material. Some fibers may tear from some portions of the composite filler component at the time of manufacture. In fig. 1, there is a cavity 108 formed by pulling natural fibers from the cured portion 104 during the manufacturing process. The surface of the cured portion 104 may also be roughened 106 due to the manufacturing process.

In fig. 1, the natural fibers 102 have a volume that is several times smaller than the vulcanized part 104. The fibers 102 are only partially embedded in the cured portion 104. The fiber 102 has two portions 102a and 102 b. The boundaries between these portions, depicted by dashed lines, show the division of the fibers 102. The portion 102b is completely embedded in the cured portion 104. Portion 102a is not embedded in the curing portion 104. In other words, the portion 102a is an overhanging end of the fiber 102. The surfaces separating section 102b and section 102a are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fiber 102.

Fig. 2 shows another example, in which the cured portion 104 is much larger than the natural fibers 102, 102'. On the surface, it can be seen that there are a plurality of only partially embedded natural fibers 102. However, the cured portion 104 is so large that some of the fibers 102' are completely embedded in the cured portion 104. An advantage of using natural fibers 102, 102' is that they absorb water. This helps the artificial turf surface to look more realistic and softer and may also have the effect of storing water to reduce the temperature of the playing surface. Fibers fully embedded in the cured portion 104 cannot absorb water, however, the cost of natural fibers is significantly lower than the cost of the cured portion. The embedded natural fibers 102' may be used to reduce the cost of the composite filler component.

Fibers with a hollow overhang may facilitate water absorption and hair growth. The free ends of the fibers can absorb water or moisture in an efficient manner because the entire surface area (or a substantial portion of the surface area) of the free ends can be in full contact with the water or moisture. This is also effective for evaporation of water because the entire surface area (or a large portion of the surface area) of the free end is in contact with air. Furthermore, the embedded portion of the fiber with the free ends can be used as a water reservoir, for example due to capillary action.

Fig. 2 shows another example of how a partially embedded fiber can be divided into two parts. Unlike the fiber 102 shown in FIG. 1, the fiber 102c of FIG. 2 is divided longitudinally into two sections. The dashed lines in fig. 2 depict the divisions for illustrative purposes only. A portion 102e of the fibers 102c is embedded in the cured portion, while a portion 102d of the fibers 102c protrudes from the cured portion.

Fig. 3 shows an example in which the natural fibers 102 have a volume comparable to the vulcanized part 104.

Fig. 4 shows photographs of three composite filler parts 100. The composite part in the upper right corner corresponds to the situation in fig. 3. The volume of the cured portion 104 is comparable to the volume of the embedded natural fibers 102. Other composite filler components 102 are shown having much smaller natural fibers 102 partially exposed from the surface of the cured portion 104. The example shown in the photograph of fig. 4 is an example of a composite filler part made from vulcanized EPDM and 20% natural fiber.

Figure 5 shows a sieving curve showing the dimensions of the composite filler part manufactured as shown in figure 4. The x-axis shows the size distribution of the granules in millimeters and the y-axis shows the percentage of the total number of particles by weight. It can be seen that the majority of the composite filler fraction has a sieve size of 2 to 2.5 mm.

Figure 6 compares several properties of the composite filler component shown in figure 4 with a composite filler made only from EPDM. Figure 6 shows the increase in the water absorption capacity of the composite infill component and the consequent reduction in the temperature of the artificial turf surface exposed to sunlight. Figure 6 shows that adding 20% natural fiber to the filler component increases the water absorption by 59%. The surface may be wetted or moistened with a sprinkler before the artificial turf surface is used for playing, for example, a game/contest. The evaporation of water is used to help cool the playing surface when sunlight shines on the surface. On a typical day of sunny days, it can be seen that the temperature drop is about 25 ℃. In addition to absorbing water, the use of natural fibers also helps to reduce the temperature, since natural fibers have a relatively large specific heat compared to EPDM or polymers that can be used to make artificial turf. The natural fibers do not heat up very quickly and help to insulate the rest of the artificial turf from heat.

Fig. 7 and 8 show the manufacture of artificial turf using artificial turf carpet and artificial turf infill. In fig. 7, an artificial turf carpet 700 can be seen. The synthetic turf carpet 700 includes a backing 702. In this example, the artificial turf carpet 700 shown in fig. 7 is a flocked artificial turf carpet. The artificial turf carpet is formed by tufts 704 of artificial turf fibers flocked into a backing 702. Artificial turf fiber tufts 704 are flocked in rows. There is a row spacing 706 between adjacent cluster rows. Artificial turf fiber tufts 704 also extend a distance above the backing 702. The fibers 704 extend above the backing 702 a distance of pile height 708. In fig. 7, it can be seen that the artificial turf carpet 700 is installed by placing or attaching the artificial turf carpet 700 to the ground 710 or the floor.

To manufacture the artificial turf 800, an infill consisting of composite infill members 101 (as shown, for example, in fig. 1-4) is spread over the surface and distributed between the artificial turf fiber tufts 704. Fig. 8 shows the artificial turf carpet 700 after the artificial turf filler 802 has been spread and distributed between the artificial turf fiber tufts 704. The artificial turf infill 802 comprises a composite infill component 100.

Figure 9 shows a method of manufacturing a composite infill component for an artificial turf infill. First, in step 900, natural fibers are optionally combined with mineral oil, followed by milling. Milling of natural fibers with mineral oil may be advantageous because it prevents the natural fibers from generating a large amount of dust. Next, in step 902, the components are mixed to form a masterbatch. For example, the masterbatch may comprise: EPDM particulates, natural fibers, sulfur, and mineral oil. After the masterbatch is mixed, the masterbatch may be formed into a solid form 904. After being formed into a solid form, the solid form may be subjected to curing 906. Steps 904 and 906 may be performed simultaneously in some cases. For example, the masterbatch is placed in a plate vulcanizer (plate vulcanizer) and compressed. The masterbatch may also be extruded through an extruder that vulcanizes the masterbatch as it is extruded.

After the solid form is cured, granulation 908 is subsequently performed. For example, the solid form may be cut, chopped and/or ground to provide artificial turf infill. The artificial turf infill can then be used to make artificial turf as shown in figures 7 and 8.

Figure 10 shows another example of an artificial turf 800. In this example, the automatic sprinkler system 1000 is integrated into the artificial turf 800. The sprinkler 1000 is depicted as spraying water 1002 on the upper surface of the artificial turf 800. It may be advantageous to use a synthetic sprinkler in combination with a composite filler member comprising a vulcanized part and natural fibres. As shown in fig. 6, the water can help keep the surface of the artificial turf 700 cool.

Claims (28)

1. Artificial turf (700) comprising an artificial turf infill (702), wherein the artificial turf infill comprises a composite infill component (100) comprising natural fibres (102, 102') at least partially embedded in a cured portion and a cured portion (104), the natural fibres comprising any one of the following materials: hemp fibers, sisal fibers, cotton fibers, sisal fibers, elephant grass fibers, cellulose fibers, and combinations thereof.

2. The artificial turf of claim 1, wherein the vulcanization further comprises a filler material.

3. The artificial turf of claim 2, wherein the filler material comprises any one of the following materials: kaolin, chalk, and combinations thereof.

4. Artificial turf as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein any of the following conditions is fulfilled:

-the composite filler part comprises 15% to 25% by weight of EPDM particulates;

-the composite filler part comprises 23% to 26% by weight of mineral oil;

-the composite filler part comprises 50 to 55% by weight of filler material; and

-combinations of the above.

5. An artificial turf according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said vulcanized part has a serrated surface (106).

6. Artificial turf according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the natural fibres have a maximum length selected from any of the following: 0.3 cm, 0.5 cm and 1 cm.

7. Artificial turf according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the vulcanized part further comprises a polyethylene based dye and a compatibilizer.

8. An artificial turf as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said vulcanised section further comprises any one of: a sulfiding catalyst, and mercaptobenzothiazole.

9. An artificial turf according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said vulcanized part comprises cavities (108) formed by tearing natural fibres from the vulcanized part.

10. Artificial turf as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diameter of the vulcanized part is between any one of the following: 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm; 0.7 mm to 4.0 mm; and 0.8 mm to 3.0 mm.

11. Artificial turf according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said artificial turf comprises an artificial turf carpet (700).

12. A synthetic turf according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sprinkler system (1000).

13. Artificial turf according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composite infill component comprises 10% to 40% by weight of natural fibres, in particular 15% to 25% of natural fibres, more in particular 17% to 23% of natural fibres.

14. Artificial turf according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the natural fibres comprise fibres having a length of 0.01 mm to 5 mm, more preferably 0.01 mm to 1.5 mm.

15. A method of at least partially manufacturing artificial turf, wherein the method comprises:

- (902) mixing a plurality of components to form a masterbatch, wherein the plurality of components comprises: EPDM particulates, natural fibers, sulfur, and mineral oil, wherein the natural fibers comprise any one of the following materials: hemp fibers, sisal fibers, cotton fibers, sisal fibers, elephant grass fibers, cellulose fibers, and combinations thereof;

- (904) shaping the masterbatch into solid form;

- (906) sulfiding the solid form; and

- (908) granulating the solid form to provide an artificial turf infill.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises:

-mounting a synthetic grass carpet on a surface (710), wherein the synthetic grass carpet comprises a pile (704); and

-spreading the artificial turf infill in the pile.

17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein the method further comprises: (900) the natural fibers are milled in mineral oil prior to adding the natural fibers to the masterbatch.

18. The method of claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the method further comprises: adding to the masterbatch any of the following materials:

-a filler material;

-a dye dissolved in PE;

-a PE compatibilizer;

-a sulfiding catalyst and/or mercaptobenzothiazole; and

-combinations thereof.

19. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the granulation of the plate comprises grinding, cutting and/or chopping of the plate.

20. Artificial turf infill (702) for use as infill for an artificial turf carpet (700), wherein the artificial turf infill comprises a composite infill component (100) comprising natural fibres (102, 102') and a vulcanised section (104) in which the natural fibres are at least partially embedded, the natural fibres comprising any one of the following materials: hemp fibers, sisal fibers, cotton fibers, sisal fibers, elephant grass fibers, cellulose fibers, and combinations thereof.

21. The method of any of claims 15-19, wherein the natural fibers (102') are at least partially embedded in the cured portion (104).

22. Artificial turf infill according to claim 20, artificial turf according to any of claims 1 to 14, or method according to claim 21, wherein some natural fibres (102) are only partially embedded in the cured portion.

23. Artificial turf infill according to claim 20 or 22, artificial turf according to any one of claims 1 to 14, or method according to claim 21, wherein said natural fibres comprise fibres (102) comprising a first portion (102b) embedded in a cured portion (104).

24. Artificial turf infill according to claim 23, artificial turf according to claim 23, or method according to claim 23, wherein said natural fibres comprise a second portion (102a) protruding from the vulcanized portion (104).

25. Artificial turf infill according to claim 24, artificial turf according to claim 24, or a method according to claim 24, wherein at least some of the second portions (102a) are longer than their respective first portions (102 b).

26. Artificial turf infill according to any one of claims 23 to 25, artificial turf according to any one of claims 23 to 25, or a method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the weight percentage of fibres (102) in the total weight of natural fibres (102, 102') is at least 10%.

27. Artificial turf infill according to any one of claims 23 to 25, artificial turf according to any one of claims 23 to 25, or a method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the weight percentage of fibres (102) in the total weight of natural fibres (102, 102') is at least 5%.

28. Artificial turf infill according to claim 20, artificial turf according to any of claims 1 to 14, or method according to claim 22, wherein said natural fibres comprise fibres having an overhanging end.