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Desarrollo y evaluación de placas de corcho-resina biodegradable para sustitución de microplásticos en superficies deportivas.: Investigación y documentación de la viabilidad técnica de la bioproducción de materiales alternativos
Summary
This project developed and tested 27 formulations of cork-resin composite plates as biodegradable replacements for rubber infill and cushioning bases in synthetic turf, finding that fine cork with 85% PVA resin delivered superior impact absorption compared to conventional rubber systems. Synthetic turf is a major source of microplastic pollution from tire rubber crumb, and this biodegradable cork alternative offers a viable path to eliminating that contamination pathway from sports facilities.
Synthetic turf has been widely adopted in sports facilities due to its durability and low maintenance compared to natural grass. However, its traditional composition, including petroleum-derived plastic materials and recycled rubber infill, poses significant environmental and health drawbacks, such as microplastic accumulation, high heat retention, and recycling difficulty. Conventional systems also rely on structural bases made of synthetic polymers or inert materials with low biodegradability. This project aimed to develop a viable and environmentally friendly alternative. The proposed solution focused on manufacturing and evaluating structural plates made of cork agglomerated with biodegradable resins, intended to replace the cushioning base layers. Our objectives were clear: to find a natural alternative that offers similar physical and mechanical properties to rubber, ensuring safety in sports practice. The experimental methodology evaluated 27 formulations of cork-resin plates, varying cork granulometry, resin type (PVA, Polyester, Epoxy), and binder proportion. The results demonstrated that the optimal formulation, f ine cork (1-2 mm) with 85% PVA resin, provides impact absorption capacity superior to traditional rubber systems, positioning these plates as a highly promising alternative for the ecological transition of sports surfaces.