MONDO

Mondo artificial turf systems are a result of five years of studies in Mondo’s internal research and development facilities supported by and in collaboration with the Institute for Biomechanics of Valencia (IBV), the Laboratory of Ergonomics and Biomechanics of the University of Pavia and some of Europe’s top professional soccer teams, Juventus F.C. and A.S. Roma.

Thanks to the company's research studies, Mondo has created a new and completely innovative Artificial Turf System which reproduces all the characteristics of a well maintained natural grass playing field in good weather conditions with an infill material that offers maximum safety with superior dynamic performance without the problems inherent to natural turf fields:

• High maintenance costs
• Risk of injuries due to the poor conditions of the field

COMPARATIVE TESTING

A number of well-maintained natural turf playing field were tested to have a perfect understanding of the characteristics of natural turf.

Data transmission

• Sensor connected to the shoe’s stud.
• Movements on natural turf.
• The data collected by the sensor are downloaded in the computer.

• Measuring system for impact forces as per DIN Standard 18035.
• Determination of rotational resistance.
• Determination of skin / surface friction.

MONDO ROBOT

Mondo engineered a robot to simulate an athlete’s biomechanical movements on a natural grass field in order to be able to compare the biomechanical properties of a natural grass field versus a synthetic turf field.

TEST VALUES FOR SHOCK ABSORPTION AND ENERGY RETURN

Mondo’s goal is to ensure that the Mondoturf systems deliver the appropriate amount of shock absorption and energy return, the key elements in determining the feel and dynamic performance experienced on a natural turf field.

RESULTS

The graph demonstrates the response of a weight dropped from a predetermined and set height. In each case, the weight hits the surface causing the system to deform (determining shock absorption). The weight is subsequently projected back into the air by a registered level of energy return. The amount of energy return is represented by the height of the blue arcs. This cycle is repeated until the weight movement has terminated.

Kg/f - Kilograms of force
(mm/10) - decimals

MONDOTURF ECOFILL®

NATURAL TURF

The graphs for natural turf and Mondoturf Ecofill® are virtually identical.

The graphs for artificial turf filled with recycle tires and with EPDM rubber show an excessive amount of energy return with the weight rebounding at least 3 times more on the surface.

SAFETY TEST: VIBRATION LEVELS / FIELD STABILITY

Studies have demonstrated that there is a direct correlation between the level of vibration on the body and the risk of injuries on a turf field. The level of vibrations also determines the level of comfort and stability for the athlete on the surface, increasing or impairing efficiency and performance.

Acceleration is the most important parameter to analyze the response of the body to the vibrations.
 

Sensors Data is transferred from the sensors to electronic recording equipment.

METHODOLOGY

• Sensors are placed in strategic parts of the athlete’s body.
• A course was set with two offset borders of cones on each side of a natural grass field.
• This course required many acceleration/deceleration movements and stop/start actions.
• Data was transferred from sensors detailing vibration levels.
• Study was repeated on alternate surfaces.

RESULTS

The results replicate the performance standard of natural turf.

Time vs. Amplitude of energy readings

NORMALIZED INTEGRAL

Integral calculus of the raw results

Natural grass
Maximum value expressed by the frequency: 1 Hz (very safe)

Mondoturf Ecofill®
Maximum value expressed by the frequency: 2 Hz (very safe)

Artificial turf with reground tires and sand (SBR)
Maximum value expressed by the frequency: 18 Hz (potentially dangerous)
 

3NX LAST GENERATION OF FIBER

Thanks to its comparative analysis on 11 different types of fibers, Mondo was able to develop 3NX, the last generation fiber that sensibly improved:

• Resiliency
• Softness
• Mechanical characteristics of the yarn
• Durability
   

AN OPTIMIZED COMPOSITE

Testing different chemical combinations, Mondo’s research and development centre, in cooperation with the Institute of Biomechanics of Valencia and the Technological Institute of Aragon, set about finding the best composite to use for the extrusion of the fibre.

The result was a composite that has the mechanical and thermal characteristics needed to improve molecular alignment and orientation, guaranteeing the long-term consistency of the fibre’s technical characteristics.

Furthermore a new ultraviolet (UV) protector additive is incorporated in the yarn extrusion process with the aim of improving resistance to atmospheric agents such as UV rays, giving greater protection to the polyethylene and also safeguarding the fibre’s colour for a longer period of time.

AN INNOVATIVE SECTION SHAPE

Mondo was convinced that the improvements in fibre’s chemical qualities could be matched with improvements in dimensional memory and capacity for recovery.
Therefore, after analysing the deforming capacity of monofilament fibres, Mondo compared the elastic memory of seven different yarns with four different cross-sections.

Also considering test values for friction and tear resistance, Mondo developed a new monofilament with a new cross-section shape characterised by three spines – Mondoturf  3NX.
 

3NX is designed to ensure

• Same playing characteristics as a well maintained natural grass field
• Superior dynamic performance
• Durability
• Resiliency
• Softness

The extra thickness of the spines mean they can withstand wearing better, preventing splits in the fibre.
 

TEST HOMOLOGATION

BALL INTERACTION – SURFACE

• Vertical ball bounce
• Angular bounce
• Rolling of the ball

PLAYER’S INTERACTION – SURFACE

• Shock absorption
• Vertical deformation
• Rotational traction
• Linear friction and stud deceleration
• Linear friction and stud flow

RESISTANCE TO WEAR AND AGEING

• Effects of ageing after environmental life cycle
• Resistance to tuft tear
• Resistance to tearing of the primary backing in both directions
• Resistance to abrasion (with Lisport)

IDENTIFICATION OF THE PRODUCT

• Weight per unit area
• Stitches per unit area
• Length of fibre