In non-infill artificial turf systems, straight fibers (responsible for support and shape) and curly fibers (responsible for cushioning and elasticity) are not independent elements but work together in a complementary balance. Poor matching can lead to overly hard fields, fiber collapse, or insufficient shock absorption, all of which affect user experience. This article explores the logic behind combining straight and curly fibers across three dimensions—application scenarios, performance requirements, and weaving techniques—supported by real-world cases and VivaTurf’s custom non-infill turf solutions.
1. Scenario-Based Matching: Proportions Adapted to Different Applications
The ratio of straight to curly fibers is primarily dictated by where the turf will be used—sports fields, children’s areas, or landscapes—each requiring a different balance of support and cushioning.
Sports Applications (Straight 70–80%, Curly 20–30%)
Sports fields such as football, basketball, and tennis courts prioritize “stability + precise feedback.” Straight fibers must remain upright to ensure ball roll accuracy and athlete footing, while curly fibers provide essential cushioning to reduce joint stress.
Details: Heavy straight fibers (9,000–13,000 dtex) with mid-to-high pile height (30–50mm) ensure durability and support. Curly fibers (5,500–8,000 dtex, 2–3 curls/cm) add controlled elasticity.
Case: A community football pitch in Hangzhou installed VivaTurf’s “75% straight + 25% curly” design. After one year of daily use, field flatness met match standards, with players noting controllable ball speed and safe, slip-free movement.Children’s Play Areas (Curly 40–50%, Straight 50–60%)
Kindergartens and playgrounds require “maximum cushioning + fall protection.” Curly fibers provide softness and shock absorption, while straight fibers stabilize the surface and prevent over-fluffing that can trap dirt.
Details: High-curl fibers (3–4 curls/cm, 4,000–5,500 dtex) paired with softer straight fibers (6,000–8,000 dtex, 20–30mm height).
Case: In a Beijing kindergarten, VivaTurf’s “45% curly + 55% straight” mix achieved a 62% shock absorption rate, reducing fall impact forces by 60% compared to all-straight turf. Independent testing confirmed safety compliance.Landscape Applications (Balanced: Straight 50–60%, Curly 40–50%)
Landscapes, courtyards, and decorative areas require “natural aesthetics + moderate durability.” Straight fibers maintain neat form, while curly fibers add softness and mimic natural grass layering.
Details: Medium-weight straight fibers (5,500–7,000 dtex, 15–25mm) combined with fine, low-curl fibers (0.15mm diameter, 15mm height) enhance visual realism.
Case: In Suzhou, a residential garden using VivaTurf’s “55% straight + 45% curly” system achieved a layered natural look with minimal upkeep.
2. Performance-Based Fine-Tuning: Height, Weight, and Density Coordination
Once the core ratio is set, performance can be refined through adjustments in fiber height, dtex weight, and tuft density.
Height Matching: Curly fibers should be 1/3–2/3 the height of straight fibers. This ensures straight fibers stay upright while curly fibers provide lift from below. For sports, 35mm straight paired with 20mm curly achieves ideal stability; for children, 25mm straight with 18mm curly increases softness. Heights above 80% risk overpowering straight fibers.
Weight Matching (dtex): Straight fibers should be heavier than curly fibers to maintain structural support. The ideal difference is 2,000–5,000 dtex. VivaTurf testing showed that when straight fibers were 3,000–4,000 dtex stronger than curly, fields lasted 30% longer without flattening.
Density Matching: Turf tuft density ensures balanced fiber distribution. Sports fields require 21,000–26,250 tufts/m², with curly fibers no less than 20% of the total. Children’s play areas demand ultra-high density (50,000–60,000 tufts/m²), with curly fibers providing enhanced shock absorption.
3. Weaving Technology: Structural Synergy in Fiber Combination
How straight and curly fibers are tufted together determines performance longevity.
Mixed Tufting (Straight and Curly in the Same Cluster)
Best for high-frequency use, this method tightly integrates fibers for uniform strength. VivaTurf’s “3 straight + 2 curly” design recorded less than 0.1% tuft loss after 100,000 wear cycles, outperforming the industry average of 0.3%.Row-Based Tufting (Separate Straight and Curly Rows)
Ideal for landscapes or multifunctional areas, this technique creates differentiated zones: straight rows for structure (paths, edges) and curly rows for comfort (recreation zones). A Shanghai residential project used VivaTurf’s “two straight rows + one curly row” layout to balance aesthetics and usability.
VivaTurf Customization: Beyond Fixed Ratios
VivaTurf does not provide one-size-fits-all ratios but instead tailors designs based on scenario, performance goals, and budget.
Scenario-Based Custom Plans: For a community football pitch with 4+ hours daily use, VivaTurf recommends “75% straight + 25% curly, 35mm/10,000 dtex straight + 20mm/6,000 dtex curly, mixed tufting.” For a kindergarten on a budget, “40% curly + 60% straight, 22mm/7,000 dtex straight + 18mm/4,500 dtex curly, row tufting” ensures safety while controlling cost.
Process Innovation: VivaTurf’s layered tufting technology places curly fibers in the lower layer and straight fibers on top, extending turf lifespan by 2–3 years compared to traditional blends.
Lifecycle Assurance: VivaTurf provides performance simulations before installation and one-year free inspections after, ensuring fiber matching remains effective in real-world use. By 2024, more than 500 projects across China—including football fields, kindergartens, and residential landscapes—have benefited from VivaTurf’s customized fiber-matching solutions.
The art of combining straight and curly fibers in non-infill turf is not about fixed formulas but about achieving the best balance for each scenario. With its scientific approach to ratios, performance adjustments, and weaving techniques, VivaTurf ensures every installation delivers durability, safety, and natural aesthetics—without compromise.