Origin

• David Chaney led the team responsible for inventing artificial turf in 1960. This team was based out of the North Carolina University's School of Textiles.
  
  

First Appearance

• Artificial turf gained its popularity from its first major use, which was in the Astrodome in Houston in 1965. Since then, it has become very popular for a number of applications.
  
  

Materials

• High quality artificial turf has a plastic tire cord for the backing and cushioning, which the artificial blades of grass are attached to. The actual "blades" are composed of nylon and polypropylene.
  
  

Function

• Artificial turf is mainly used to replace grass in arenas, stadiums and fields used for sports. These would otherwise have been too difficult or expensive to keep up on their own.
  
  

Other Applications

• Residential homes also use artificial turf more often, especially in summer or winter homes, which are not cared for throughout the year. Commercial areas in recent years have also begun implementing artificial turf.
  
  

Warning

• Abrasions are commonly received from contact with artificial turf, which is more rough than regular grass. These can cause infections in athletes who may continue to play after being injured.