In the structure of non-infill artificial grass, straight fibers often draw the most attention, but curly fibers—sometimes overlooked—play an equally crucial role. Unlike infill turf, which relies on sand or rubber granules to provide cushioning and stability, non-infill turf depends on the unique spiral design of curly fibers to deliver shock absorption, support, wear resistance, and enhanced comfort. This article breaks down the four core functions of curly fibers and highlights how VivaTurf’s non-infill grass technology leverages them to achieve high-performance surfaces across diverse applications.
1. Cushioning and Shock Absorption: Replacing Infill Granules
The most fundamental value of curly fibers is their ability to replicate the cushioning function of infill granules. Acting like miniature springs, the fibers deform under pressure to absorb impact and quickly rebound once the force is removed. This minimizes the hardness felt underfoot and reduces the risk of injuries from falls. Tests conducted by VivaTurf show that non-infill turf with curly fibers achieves an impact absorption rate of 55–65%, compared with only 35–40% for straight-fiber-only systems. For example, in a Beijing kindergarten, a blend of straight and curly fibers reduced impact force from a 50 cm fall by more than 60%, dramatically lowering injury risks. Curl density can also be tailored: denser curls maximize cushioning for children’s play areas, while moderate density balances shock absorption and foot traction in sports settings.
2. Structural Support: Preventing Fiber Collapse
Without infill granules to anchor them, straight fibers alone are prone to flattening after repeated use. Curly fibers provide lateral support, interlocking with surrounding fibers to create a mesh-like network that stabilizes the turf. In field testing, pure straight-fiber turf showed a 45% collapse rate after 100,000 steps, while mixed-fiber turf recorded only 12%. A community football field in Shenzhen using VivaTurf’s non-infill system with a 3:7 curly-to-straight ratio maintained over 85% uprightness after a year of heavy use. This structural resilience ensures the turf remains level, reducing tripping hazards and improving player confidence.
3. Enhanced Realism and Comfort: A Natural Grass Experience
Beyond performance, curly fibers significantly improve the look and feel of non-infill turf. Their spiral structure adds loft and softness, creating a plush, natural sensation underfoot compared to the rigidity of pure straight fibers. VivaTurf’s landscape turf series uses ultra-fine curly fibers with a high curl density, delivering a 50% improvement in surface softness—so comfortable that users report walking barefoot feels like stepping on natural grass. Visually, the inclusion of curly fibers creates depth and variation, mimicking the natural irregularity of real grass blades. High-end residential landscapes, such as a luxury community in Suzhou, have achieved less than 10% visual difference compared to natural lawns.
4. Durability and Longevity: Extending Turf Life
Non-infill turf must withstand heavy use, and curly fibers contribute by dispersing friction and reducing concentrated wear. Instead of placing all stress on straight fiber tips, curly fibers absorb and redistribute pressure, lowering breakage rates by 30–40% and extending service life by 2–3 years. In one case, a VivaTurf school playground in Hangzhou showed only an 8% fiber breakage rate after two years of six-hour daily use, compared to 25% in straight-fiber turf. Additionally, curly fibers are engineered with anti-aging additives, and their spiral form reduces direct UV exposure, further slowing degradation. In cold climates, such as northern China, VivaTurf projects maintained 80% curl integrity even at –30°C, while straight fibers showed brittle cracking in up to 15% of cases.
VivaTurf’s Custom-Engineered Curly Fiber Solutions
Rather than using generic curly fibers, VivaTurf tailors curl type, material, and blend ratio to suit specific applications:
Children’s spaces: High-density S-shaped curls with short pile height maximize cushioning and fall protection.
Sports fields: Medium-density wave-shaped curls with taller pile height balance shock absorption with energy return.
Landscapes: Fine, soft curls with medium density enhance softness and visual realism for gardens and courtyards.
VivaTurf also employs a layered mixing technique, positioning curly fibers in the mid-to-lower layers for support and shock absorption, while straight fibers dominate the surface for traction. With upgraded materials such as modified PE and anti-aging masterbatches, curly fibers offer 25% greater tensile strength and superior resistance to wear, dust accumulation, and environmental stress. By 2024, VivaTurf’s curly fiber non-infill systems had been successfully deployed in more than 400 projects nationwide, consistently delivering stable, long-lasting performance.
Conclusion
Though subtle in appearance, curly fibers are the backbone of non-infill artificial grass. They replace the role of infill granules, stabilize turf structure, enhance realism, and extend product lifespan. Choosing VivaTurf’s non-infill grass with advanced curly fiber technology ensures every field is safe, durable, and enjoyable—whether for children, athletes, or homeowners seeking natural beauty with low maintenance.