Sports and recreational surfaces specialist XL Generation (CH-6304 Zug; www.xlgeneration.com) has specified “Neopolen P” foam from BASF (D-67056 Ludwigshafen; www.basf.com) as an artificial padding for use under its artificial “XL Turf”. This is claimed to be the first entirely artificial surface that dispenses with the use of sand and rubber as a base material.

The expanded polypropylene underbase supports the “Thiolon Grass” polyethylene artificial turf manufactured from fibres produced by Ten Cate (NL-7600 GD Almelo; www.tencate.com). The manufacturer claims that the base, which is capable of withstanding repeated mechanical impact, makes the surface material more comfortable to play on and helps prevent sports-related injuries.

The underbase of “XL Turf” is made of “Neopolen P”, a polypropylene
foam produced by BASF, and it serves to enhance the safety of the players
(Photo: BASF)

According to BASF, there is no permanent material deformation or breakage from impacts during play and the underbase retains its energy absorption properties. “XL Turf” has a service life of 15 years. The playing surface is weather resistant and is supplied in tongue-and-groove panels that can be easily transported and installed.

During the development of the turf, XL Generation aimed to match the optimum playing properties specified by the European Football Association (UEFA) for grass pitches. Following a successful pilot project, UEFA has approved the surface for use in European football competitions from the 2005/2006 season. Scottish premier league football club Dunfermline Athletic, one of six stadiums that took part in the UEFA pilot project, has been using the “XL Turf” surface for about a year at its East End Park stadium.

“Neopolen P” in artificial turf of XL Generation is already being used within
the scope of a UEFA pilot project (Photo: BASF)