Research project on the abrasion resistance of synthetic surfaces in outdoor sports areas
Issues of sustainability, environmental protection and climate action are becoming increasingly important these days. And this is absolutely justified given the noticeable changes taking place on our planet. In this context, microplastics are a major problem. Microplastics are small to tiny plastic particles that are released into nature and the environment at some point after production. They are everywhere: in the oceans, in the clouds, in animals and even in the human body. While many of the problems associated with microplastics are now well known, there are still many more that cannot be predicted.
Microplastics are classified into primary and secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics are defined as tiny plastic particles that are intentionally added to a product. They can be found in a wide range of drugstore products and cosmetics, but also in rubber granules used as infill material in synthetic turf sports fields. The EU has committed to combating primary microplastics by introducing new legislation that will almost entirely ban the addition of microplastics in the manufacture of products in the coming years. Secondary microplastics, conversely, are produced by abrasion and the use of plastic products. Anyone can see this by examining their own footwear. The part of the sole that has ‘worn off’ since purchase has in fact been ground down to tiny plastic particles. These are secondary microplastics. They are usually not visible to the naked eye, but they are there all the same. Each person has several grams of microplastics in their body – the potential health implications are as yet unclear.
Secondary microplastics are to be avoided
Preventing or at least greatly reducing the formation of secondary microplastics will be a major challenge in the future. In addition to car tyres and footwear, synthetic surfaces for outdoor sports areas must also be considered. Of course, EN 14877 has long since defined abrasion resistance as a property to be tested. However, it is not primarily about environmental protection, but about ensuring that the sports surface provides a certain level of durability and safety in use. The relevant test is used to determine the extent of abrasion that occurs under a given load. Limit values must be adhered to. So far, so good. However, is the test procedure really realistic? And is there any indication of how much microplastic can be produced over time? And are the limit values still appropriate in this context? This may well be called into question.
ISP GmbH – Institut für Sportstättenprüfung has decided to address this issue by developing a new test method for the abrasion resistance of synthetic surfaces for outdoor sports areas as part of a research project. The objective of the project is to be able to realistically determine the actual abrasion. For this is the only way to estimate the amount secondary microplastics produced over time. More extensive abrasion testing also presents additional possibilities. For instance, it is possible to test whether the sports performance and protective function are maintained following a process of gradual abrasion over time. Again, the question is how long these properties will be maintained in the event of extensive abrasion that has taken place over an extended period of time. In addition, the actual quantities of abrasion are to be measured in order to better visualise the extent of secondary microplastics produced. This information can be used to define new, lower limits for abrasion if necessary.
ServicesHave your products tested.
As a seasoned testing laboratory, ISP GmbH – Institut für Sportstättenprüfung naturally has the experience and expertise to develop an independent test procedure, including the requisite test apparatus for assessing abrasion resistance. It is to be hoped that, in due course, the test method and the corresponding requirements will be incorporated into DIN 14877 or the World Athletics regulations.
This could also be used to more effectively avoid secondary microplastics, which would benefit both athletes and the environment.
Contact us
We will be happy to advise you on the procedure and background to testing synthetic surfaces.
Synthetic surfaces
| Sports | Test criteria |
|---|---|
| Athletics | Sports function |
| Basketball | Protective function |
| Hockey | Technical properties |
| Tennis | Environmental compatibility |