Approximate reading time: 4 minutes
Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are two petroleum-derived plastics that are very common in our daily lives. A simple glance around your home will reveal that many plastic products are made with these materials. They are quite similar to each other, and sometimes it's difficult to tell them apart. However, they offer very specific qualities and uses.
Artificial turf is one such product. Depending on the model, you'll find it's made of PE, PP, or a combination of both. Each of these polymers offers different properties, and therefore, its use and application vary.
Polyethylene (PE) is a polymer of ethylene. It is the most widely used plastic in the world and can be found in any plastic bag, cling film, containers, packaging, toys, and even protective helmets.
It is characterized by its high resistance to low temperatures, impacts, and wear. Furthermore, it adapts to any surface and is flexible. Thanks to these qualities, it can be applied to a multitude of products, providing a wide variety of properties and uses.
What is Polypropylene (PP)?
Polypropylene (PP) is a polymer of propylene. This type of plastic is used to manufacture adhesive tapes, packaging boxes, construction materials, rearview mirrors, household appliances, and more.
This material is characterized by its high resistance to high temperatures. However, it does not offer as much flexibility or adaptability to shapes. On the contrary, it is harder and more resistant.
Advantages of PP and PE applied to artificial turf
Let's begin by analyzing the advantages of polypropylene for artificial turf:
- Color. This polymer has a whitish tone, making it easier to color than PE. This allows for a green hue that closely mimics natural grass.
- Resistance. High temperatures and abrasive components are not a problem for this material as it possesses great resistance.
- Breakage. Because it is not as flexible as PE, it is less likely to deteriorate or break due to friction from furniture or foot traffic.
- Humidity. PP withstands water very well and does not absorb moisture, so it is perfect for preventing mold from growing on artificial grass.
- Recycling. This is a material that can be recycled very well to give it another use over time.
On the other hand, we have the advantages of polyethylene for synthetic turf:
- Resistance. In the case of PE, it withstands low temperatures very well, making it perfect for artificial grass installed in cold areas, as it will not deteriorate.
- Flexibility. It is a very flexible and elastic material. This is how artificial grass adapts and recovers its upright position after being stepped on.
- Durability. It is a very resistant and durable material, giving the artificial grass a very long lifespan, exceeding 10 years.
- Lightweight. PE is lightweight and does not permanently deform, resulting in a soft surface on artificial turf.
- Recycling. Over the years, you can easily recycle your PE artificial grass, giving it another life.
Comparative table between PE and PP
| Feature | Polyethylene (PE) | Polypropylene (PP) |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | High | Average |
| Heat resistance | Average | High |
| Soft to the touch | High | Average |
| Durability | High | Medium-High |
| Color and brightness | Natural, less shine | Brighter |
In our artificial grass catalog, we've perfected a strategic combination of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) that maximizes the advantages of both materials. This technological fusion allows us to offer products with an optimal balance of naturalness, durability, and comfort. Discover why this combination makes all the difference and how it directly benefits your garden or outdoor space.
The advantage of the PE+PP combination
In general, in combined PE and PP models, PP is used for the curled filaments. These are the filaments closest to the backing, or the layer to which the synthetic fibers are attached. These filaments are typically dyed brown and green. Their main function is to give the artificial turf a natural look and consistency. Thanks to the strength and rigidity of this polymer, it is ideal for this type of filament.
However, the remaining filaments are made of PE. These are the filaments that need to be softer because they are the ones that will be in direct contact with the feet or bodies of people or pets. Furthermore, these filaments need flexibility to adapt and return to their original position after being stepped on.
Unlike products made exclusively from a single material, our artificial grass with mixed technology offers:
- Greater naturalness: The PE fibers on the surface provide a look and feel similar to natural grass, while the PP filaments at the base perfectly mimic the soil structure.
- Superior durability: PP reinforces high-wear areas, while PE maintains the aesthetic appearance for longer.
- Better value for money: We optimize each material where it is most needed, avoiding unnecessary costs without sacrificing quality.
- Adaptability to different uses: This combination allows our products to work exceptionally well in both decorative areas and high-traffic zones.
This is how you get the most out of both materials and take advantage of the properties of each one.
Products with PE+PP
Due to the numerous advantages of combining PE and PP in synthetic turf, many of our models are manufactured using this innovation. Examples include the following models:
Artificial Grass, Artificial Grass by the Cut, Artificial Grass for Balconies, Artificial Grass for Outdoors, Artificial Grass for Cats, Artificial Grass for Gyms, Artificial Grass for Indoors, Artificial Grass for Gardens, Artificial Grass for Pets, Artificial Grass for Patios, Artificial Grass for Dogs, Artificial Grass for Pools, Artificial Grass for Terraces, Artificial Grass Deals
The original price was: €13.05.11,98€The current price is: €11.98. VAT includedAdd to cart CompareArtificial Grass, Artificial Grass by the Cut, Artificial Grass for Balconies, Artificial Grass for Outdoors, Artificial Grass for Cats, Artificial Grass for Indoors, Artificial Grass for Gardens, Artificial Grass for Pets, Artificial Grass for Patios, Artificial Grass for Dogs, Artificial Grass for Pools, Artificial Grass for Terraces, Artificial Grass Deals
The original price was: €21.23.16,34€The current price is: €16.34. VAT includedAdd to cart CompareArtificial Grass, Artificial Grass by the Cut, Artificial Grass for Balconies, Artificial Grass for Outdoors, Artificial Grass for Cats, Artificial Grass for Indoors, Artificial Grass for Gardens, Artificial Grass for Pets, Artificial Grass for Patios, Artificial Grass for Dogs, Artificial Grass for Pools, Artificial Grass for Terraces, Artificial Grass Deals
The original price was: €18.79.15,13€The current price is: €15.13. VAT includedAdd to cart Compare
UV resistance of PE and PP
The sun resistance of the materials used to manufacture artificial turf is essential to guarantee a long lifespan. Synthetic grass is generally installed in areas highly exposed to sunlight, so it's important that it has adequate protection.
To improve UV resistance, many manufacturers add UV stabilizers and antioxidants during the manufacturing process to extend the lifespan of synthetic turf. This treatment during the manufacturing process results in a better and longer-lasting product.
Polyethylene is more resistant to sunlight and, being more flexible, is less prone to cracking. However, polypropylene is more brittle and less resistant. Therefore, PP is used in the fibers closest to the backing, where its exposure to sunlight is less.
If you are looking to buy quality artificial grass and need advice, do not hesitate to contact us by phone at 664 07 49 90 or via email hola@jardinvertical.es