Hybrid Infill:The best of nature and technology.

Infill

NEW!

32

THE BEST OF NATURE AND TECHNOLOGY

Perfect natural grass is wonderful but usually found only in the world’s top leagues. The best solution for many other levels of sport is artificial turf! With the new Hybrid Infill, artificial pitches now come closer than ever to matching the performance of carefully manicured grass pitches – both in terms of their sports functionality and natural properties. Hybrid Infill combines the positive attributes of natural materials with the advantages of high performance infills. This is the new Hybrid Infill. The best of nature and technology.

T E C H N O L O GY | E F F I C I E N C Y | P E R F O R M A N C EN AT U R E | E C O L O G Y | S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y

54

1. Water absorption

2. Complete saturation with water

3. Water release and evaporative cooling

01COOLING EFFECT

Hybrid Infill: The first infill with integrated cooling.

KEY FACTS:

» Hybrid Infill’s integrated natural fibres absorb water.» When fully saturated, Hybrid Infill binds over

500ml water/kg.» The water is released via natural evaporation.

It cools the surrounding area by up to 15°C.» The brown pigment also reflects the sun’s rays and

reduces the heat absorbed by the pitch.

Reflection of heat and light

It’s a process dictated by nature: water is absorbed and stored when it isdamp, only to be released again for cooling purposes when conditions arewarm and dry.

We have used the same principle: the natural fibres incorporated in the polymer matrix are hygroscopic1 and support the absorption of moisture. They create numerous pores all over the surface of the granules which enable moisture to penetrate for subsequent storage. Our Hybrid Infill absorbs moisture from the environment. A short rain shower, fine droplets of morning dew or atmospheric humidity are quite sufficient.

Of course the artificial turf pitch can also be deliberately watered with aview to exploiting the resultant benefits for the artificial turf system.

1 Hygroscopy, a term used in chemistry and physics, means the ability of a substance to attract and hold water molecules from the surrounding environment (generally in the form of water vapour from the atmosphere).

+

76

Water penetrates the Hybrid Infill granules through the many pores in its surface. Here, it is bound in the material by natural fibres.

Hybrid Infill can absorb more than half its own weight in water.

One kilogram of infill stores more than 500ml of water. Each square metre of artificial turf is therefore capable of binding over 2 litres of moisture2, without affecting drainage.

Reliably stores moisture. Natural cooling effect.

Water absorption

The high amount of water has the capacity to provide a significant cooling effect. As soon as the ambient temperature and humidity permit natural evaporation to begin, the Hybrid Infill starts to release the stored water through its pores. Each droplet of water requires a certain amount of energy to evaporate. It takes this energy in the form of heat from its surroundings – creating a cooler micro-climate. The effect has been tested and proven in cooperation with the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences.

Evaporative cooling and light reflection. Optimum temperature reduction.

Reflection of heat and light

Water release and evaporative cooling

The pigments used in the Hybrid Infill make an additional contribution to improving the temperature profile. The designers deliberately avoided using a pure brown pigment. Instead, they used a sophisticated blend of pigments, of which titanium dioxide is just one of many components. As a result, the granule has a brighter colour. Not only does this solution look attractive, it also offers better thermal properties: the special pigment blend complements the cooling process in reducing the surface temperature of the pitch more effectively than a purely brown pigment.

Special colour pigments give additional support

Complete saturation with water

2 Water is absorbed until the granule is fully saturated. (Calculation for 4kg/m2 Hybrid Infill.)

Water storage capacity

Conventional InfillWith 4kg of Hybrid Infill per m²

and a water storage capacity of

55 % by weight, the artificial

turf system binds 2.2 litres of

liquid per m².< 0.5

litres/m22.2

litres/m2

Process: In partnership with the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, a series of experiments were performed in a specially designed climate chamber. The aim was to test the water absorption properties and the evaporative cooling effect.Source: Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences

Hybrid Infill

Temperature reduction

Conventional InfillThe evaporative cooling effect

of the Hybrid Infill can lower

temperatures by up to 15°C.

Process: In partnership with the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, a series of experiments were performed in a specially designed climate chamber. The aim was to test the water absorption properties and the evaporative cooling effect.Source: Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences

Hybrid Infill

60°C

50°C

40°C

60°C

50°C

40°C

-15°C

Temperature comparison of colour pigments

Process: Melos infill tester, non-contact temperature measurement, infrared heating, dry material. Source: Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences

Hybrid InfillConventional Infill

ColourRAL9005 65°C

Colour RAL8024 62°C

98

02NATURAL PLAY

Hybrid Infill: For artificial turf with a truly natural feel.

KEY FACTS:

» Movement and pressure activate the water storage.

» A thin film of water forms on the fibres of the artificial turf.

» Lower friction for better play.» Improved sports functionality.

Hybrid Infill’s moisture storage properties also have a positive effect on the sports functionality of the artificial turf system. The infill granules are in continuous contact with the artificial turf and release moisture, e.g. when a player runs over the turf. This reduces the friction of the pitch. The ball moves faster and sliding or direct tackles feel much more comfortable. There is less friction on the skin and the game becomes more natural.

1110

03ELASTICITY

Elasticity and durability. Genuine“performance infill”. Infill granules have to be tough to survive in the real world. Above all,

their elastic properties are extremely important: perfect bounce, good grip for changing direction, a firm footing and the right degree of rotational resistance when shooting as well as effective cushioning for sliding tackles and falls.

Hybrid Infill offers a high and enduring level of elasticity as well as excellent shape retention. An innovation for the feel of natural play on artificial turf – a material which supports fluent movements and is gentle on joints and ligaments.

For the first time, Hybrid Infill successfully combines the elastic properties of a performance infill with a natural material.

Mechanical stress

Elastic shape retention

%Residual deformation

Residual deformation of Hybrid Infill

Process: DVR-ISA-Test 72h, 2 N/mm² Source: Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences

0%

35%

50%

75%

100%

Before the pressure test After the pressure test

43%

Process: DVR-ISA-Test 72h, 2 N/mm² Source: Osnabrück University of Applied

0%

35%

50%

75%

100%

Before the pressure test After the pressure test

66%

Residual deformation in comparison with natural cork

Cork does not respond elas-

tically to pressure and remains

permanently compressed.

The synthetic components

of the Hybrid Infill respond

elastically to pressure and

return to its shape when this

pressure is released.

%Residual deformation

1312

Hybrid Infill under the microscope

Hybrid Infill:Extreme cold, extreme heat, the game is always on.Infill granules are directly exposed to all weathers and have to perform perfectly in virtually every type of climate. Hybrid Infill is an outstanding infill granule – delivering consistent performance over many years.

Hybrid Infill’s ageing properties have been thoroughly tested. As well as standard industry tests, an established ageing technique – known as the “freeze-thaw test” – was used on infill granules for the first time.

KEY FACTS:

» Hybrid Infill is stable under demanding weather conditions.

» Hybrid Infill is frost-resistant.» The elastic hybrid rubber component

provides elasticity.» The material remains stable even at

high temperatures and UV levels.

04WEATHERINGSTABILITY

Temperature stability and weathering resistance

Frost-resistant and elastic

1514

05BULK DENSITY

Hybrid Infill:Clever equation – Less infill, more comfort.Hybrid Infill is exceptionally cost-effective in practical applications.Using the optimum bulk density should ensure the system properties remain stable over many years. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure consistent performance and safety. Typically, an infill quantity of 4 - 5 kg per m² is selected – depending on the system requirements, consulting approach and customer wishes.

KEY FACTS:

» Less material per square metre.» Greater material volume due

to better bulk density.» Lower costs and higher

performance.

Conventional Infill Hybrid Infill

Bulk density of Hybrid Infill

Outstanding playing comfort

and consistent performance.

1716

The weight of the granule does have a direct impact on the bulk density. However, makingthe most efficient use of material is far more complex equation. A philosophy based on theprinciple “the lighter, the better” does not produce the optimum infill density for an infillgranule. The key lies in balancing the material properties. An infill granule must not floatbut remain in position in the artificial turf even during heavy rain. For this reason, materialswhich are heavier than water – i.e. with a density greater than 1.0 g/cm³ – are the practicalchoice.

Optimum infill density Cost-effective use of materials.

Naturally renewable raw materials. Hygienic and healthy.

Hybrid Infill is based on proven and tested Melos infill technology combined with renewable raw materials. Melos pays particular attention to the origin and processing of all its materials, whether natural or synthetic. The natural materials are all manufactured in Europe and obtained from sustainable sources. They are not grown on land which would otherwise be used for food production. The natural raw materials for Hybrid Infill are generated during the production of natural materials used by industry and recycled for a variety of purposes.

Specific density comparison

WaterHybrid Infill is heavier than water

and does not float even during

heavy rain.

Process: DIN EN ISO 1183-1 Immersion

Hybrid Infill Cork

1.0

g/cm3

1.3

g/cm3

0.5

g/cm3

KEY FACTS:

» Optimum infill density.» Hybrid Infill is heavier than water

and does not float.

Every continent has different standards relating to the environment and occupational health and safety. We set our own extremely strict standards which go far beyond the requirements of official regulations – such as toy standards and water protection.

KEY FACTS:

Toy safety standard EN 71-3, safe to play

» complies with the toy safety standard EN 71-3.

» developed specifically for frequent contact with skin.

» pleasantly elastic, low dust levels, health-friendly.

» tested using the bio-availability of, e.g. zinc.

REACH Directive, clean and tested

» complies with the limit values for PAH in accordance with the REACH Directive (EC) No. 1907/2006, Annex XVII, Article 50.

Water protection, keeps our lakes and rivers clean

» specifically developed to protect surface, ground and drinking water.

» complies with the requirements of water protection zone III.

1918

Per formance whenever you need it.

Performance throughout the dayHybrid Infill: The natural fibres integrated into thepolymer matrix promote water absorption andmany advantages for the artificial turf system. Stable characteristics under all conditions,always highly elastic, environmentally-friendly,healthy and ready for great sport – only with HybridInfill. An innovation which supports natural playand is the state-of-the-art for artificial turfsystems.

THE TRUTHIS OUT ONTHE PITCH

Cooling effect Evaporative Cooling

Elasticity Weathering stability Bulk densityNatural playCooling effect Heat reflection

Integrated water storage for evaporative cooling.

Optimised colour pigments for additional cooling.

Moisture formaximum sportsfunctionality.

For fluentmovement andhealthy sport.

Top performanceand playability inall climate zones.

Ideal granule weight for cost-effective useof materials.

Adhesive

Recycling Granules

Coloured Granules

Polyure-thane

Artificial Turf

BinderPrimer

01 01 02 050403

Melos GmbH GranulesCable CompoundsCustomer SolutionsBismarckstrasse 4 – 1049324 Melle | GermanyPhone +49 54 22 94 47-0Fax +49 54 22 59 81info@melos-gmbh.comwww.melos-gmbh.com

Performanceand efficient use

of materials

Benefits theenvironment and

your health

Renewable rawmaterials

Waterabsorption

Temperaturereduction

5 good reasons to change now.

N AT U R E | E C O L O G Y | S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y