In non-infill artificial turf systems, the fiber is the true performance core, defining touch, durability, realism, and lifespan. Unlike traditional infill turf, which relies on sand and rubber granules to enhance playability, non-infill turf demands far higher standards of fiber strength, elasticity, and weather resistance. After consulting industry suppliers, testing organizations, and leading manufacturer VivaTurf, three dominant fiber materials have been identified—polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and nylon (PA)—each with distinct characteristics and application suitability.
1. Mainstream Fiber Materials: Three Types with Clear Advantages
Non-infill turf fibers are primarily produced using PE, PP, and nylon. PE dominates the market with more than 70% share due to its balance of softness, realism, and cost-effectiveness. PP excels in abrasion resistance for high-frequency sports, while nylon represents the premium option for professional-level performance.
Polyethylene (PE): Balanced Performance and Market Leader
PE is the most widely used fiber for non-infill turf, offering softness, natural feel, and weather resistance. With anti-UV additives and wear-resistant modifiers, PE can withstand diverse environments. Its softness closely mimics natural grass (30–40 Shore A hardness), maintains flexibility at -30°C, and resists fading under prolonged sun exposure (≤5% over 5 years). PE fibers endure more than 30,000 cycles of foot traffic without collapse.
Best for: community gardens, playgrounds, schoolyards, and family lawns where comfort and safety are key. A Shanghai kindergarten using PE non-infill turf reported that after three years of daily play, fibers remained intact and parents noted that children experienced fewer injuries compared with traditional surfaces.
Cost: moderate, about 20–30 RMB per m², offering strong cost-performance balance.Polypropylene (PP): Superior Abrasion Resistance for Sports Use
PP fibers are harder (45–55 Shore A), with tensile strength ≥18N, and 1.2–1.5 times the wear resistance of PE. They can endure 50,000 cycles of intense use while maintaining structure. Lightweight density (0.9 g/cm³) reduces load on rooftops and suspended structures.
Best for: basketball courts, tennis courts, and community sports zones where durability under friction is essential. A Guangzhou community basketball court with PP non-infill turf has been used daily for over four years with fibers showing no significant wear, maintaining stable friction coefficients of 0.6–0.8 suitable for high-intensity sports.
Cost: similar to PE, about 22–32 RMB per m², fitting projects with limited budgets but high durability demands.Nylon (PA): Premium Choice for Professional Sports Venues
Nylon (PA6/PA66) fibers deliver unmatched strength, resilience, and long-term elasticity. Single-fiber tensile strength reaches ≥25N, with wear resistance 2–3 times that of PE, enduring over 100,000 cycles without flattening. With a 95% rebound rate, nylon achieves near-natural ball roll and bounce, meeting FIFA and FIH certification standards.
Best for: elite stadiums, professional training grounds, and international events requiring peak performance. For example, a professional football training base in Hangzhou adopted nylon non-infill turf with 25,000 tufts/m², where players reported passing accuracy and traction nearly identical to natural grass.
Cost: high, about 40–60 RMB per m², reserved for top-tier professional projects.
2. Key Technological Enhancements: From Core Performance to Functional Innovation
To expand functionality beyond basic properties, top brands like VivaTurf integrate advanced coatings and structural designs into fibers:
UV-Resistant Coatings: Nanoparticle TiO₂ coatings extend turf lifespan from 8 years to 10+ years in high-sunlight regions. VivaTurf’s PE fibers in Xinjiang projects retained over 90% of original green color after five years of exposure.
Antibacterial Additives: Silver-ion or antimicrobial masterbatches inhibit harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus by over 99%. VivaTurf’s kindergarten turf passed SGS testing with a 99.2% bacteria reduction rate within 24 hours.
Shaped Fiber Structures: Innovations such as double-S and wave-shaped cross-sections increase support and elasticity. VivaTurf’s mixed “curled + straight” fiber system improves cushioning and traction, achieving 60–65% shock absorption and a natural grass-like feel.
3. VivaTurf Non-Infill Turf: Customized Fiber Solutions for Every Application
As the pioneer of non-infill turf technology, VivaTurf offers PE, PP, and nylon product lines with precision matching for different scenarios.
Tailored Selection: From family gardens with soft PE fibers, to community sports with durable PP, to elite arenas with nylon—each project receives material-matching consultation.
Performance-Driven Innovation: PE fibers enhanced with nano-wear factors achieve tensile strength up to 18N, PP fibers feature triple-layer structures for strength and softness balance, and nylon fibers adopt advanced melt-spinning to reduce abrasiveness.
Full-Cycle Quality Control: From sourcing certified raw materials to conducting over ten rigorous tests—including low-temperature brittleness and high-heat resistance—VivaTurf ensures lasting reliability.
With over 500 successful installations across China—from community gardens in Beijing to elite football fields in Hangzhou—VivaTurf non-infill turf fibers demonstrate unmatched safety, performance, and durability. For project developers, choosing VivaTurf means not only acquiring advanced turf materials but also gaining full lifecycle services, ensuring long-term performance and value.