Developing UV-Resistant PLA Artificial Turf: Addressing Environmental Concerns in Synthetic Grass Production
Gregory Kim
Korea International School, Seoul, South Korea
Publication date: November 20, 2025
Korea International School, Seoul, South Korea
Publication date: November 20, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2025II04
ABSTRACT
Artificial turf is widely used in sports and landscaping. However, it presents environmental issues due to its non-biodegradable plastic materials. These plastics cause microplastic pollution and heat retention. To address this issue, this study examines the development of UV-resistant artificial turf utilizing polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable and sustainable bioplastic material. A 3D blueprint was designed using Tinkercad and 3D printed with a Creality 3D printer to optimize the durability and density. The final prototype showed a modular 10 cm x 10 cm grid with 24 x 24 PLA blades for mimicking the grass textures. Additionally, UV resistance was tested over a three-week period. The UV resistance test result showed that no statistically significant degradation was observed (p = 0.879), indicating high UV stability. Overall, this study suggests the potential of PLA-based artificial turf as a novel alternative to conventional synthetic grass. This application is suitable for outdoor use, addressing environmental issues caused by plastic materials.
Artificial turf is widely used in sports and landscaping. However, it presents environmental issues due to its non-biodegradable plastic materials. These plastics cause microplastic pollution and heat retention. To address this issue, this study examines the development of UV-resistant artificial turf utilizing polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable and sustainable bioplastic material. A 3D blueprint was designed using Tinkercad and 3D printed with a Creality 3D printer to optimize the durability and density. The final prototype showed a modular 10 cm x 10 cm grid with 24 x 24 PLA blades for mimicking the grass textures. Additionally, UV resistance was tested over a three-week period. The UV resistance test result showed that no statistically significant degradation was observed (p = 0.879), indicating high UV stability. Overall, this study suggests the potential of PLA-based artificial turf as a novel alternative to conventional synthetic grass. This application is suitable for outdoor use, addressing environmental issues caused by plastic materials.
