Golf ball incorporating metallic film and method of making

Abstract

A golf ball of the invention comprises: a substrate layer formed from at least one of a thermoset or thermoplastic composition and having an outer surface that is pre-modified with a catalytic coating; a metallic film that is formed about the outer surface by contacting the catalytic coating with a mixture comprising: (i) at least one aqueous and / or organic aerosol comprising at least one metal in cationic / oxidizing form; and (ii) at least one reducing agent; and a subsequent layer surrounding the metallic film and formed from at least one of a thermoset composition or a thermoplastic composition. Alternatively, the outer surface is not pre-modified. The subsequent layer may be formed about the metallic film or in some embodiments may surround a coating layer that is disposed between the metallic film and the subsequent layer.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]Durable golf balls exhibiting excellent adhesion between adjacent layers and being manufacturable simply and cost effectively, and methods of making such golf balls.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Golf balls are made in a variety of constructions and compositions. Generally, a core is surrounded by a cover, with at least one intermediate layer optionally disposed there between. Examples of conventional golf ball materials range from balata to polybutadiene, ionomer resins, polyurethanes, and / or polyureas. Typically, outer layers are formed about the spherical outer surface of an inner golf ball component via compression molding, casting, or injection molding.[0003]Golf ball manufacturers continuously experiment with constructions and material formulations in order to target and improve aerodynamic and / or inertial properties and achieve desired feel without sacrificing durability. In this regard, metallic layers / films have rarely been incorporated in golf...