Golf ball

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to materials for forming a golf ball. Certain layers of the golf ball may include a functionalized graphene oxide that improves the performance of the golf ball.

Description

[0001] GOLF BALL

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 582,140, filed September 12, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] This disclosure relates to a golf ball, and more particularly to materials for forming the golf ball and methods of making the same.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] Disclosed herein is a golfball having improved properties. In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a golf ball comprising a polymeric material including a functionalized graphene oxide. In some embodiments, the golfball may be constructed from a number of various layers. For example, the golf ball may comprise core, a cover layer, and a mantle layer being located between and interconnecting the core and the cover layer.

[0008] The core may be arranged to extend radially from a central axis of the golf ball. In some embodiments, the core comprises a first polymeric material. The cover layer may comprise a second polymeric material and is located spaced apart from the core. The cover layer may be configured to locate the core therein. In some embodiments, the mantle layer comprises a third polymeric material and is configured to extend and interconnect the core and cover layer.

[0009] In some embodiments, the core, the cover layer, or the mantle layer may comprise the functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide material is present at about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the polymeric material of the layer.

[0010] In some embodiments, a golf ball comprises a core arranged to extend radially from a central axis; a cover layer located spaced apart from the core and configured to locate the core therein; and a mantle layer being located between the core and the cover layer, and wherein the mantle layer is configured to extend between and interconnect the core and the cover layer; wherein at least one of the core, the cover layer, or the mantle layer is formed from a polymeric material comprising an ionomer, a blend of ionomers, or a thermoplastic urethane, and a functionalized graphene oxide material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary golf ball;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the golf ball from FIG. 1 ; and

[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of a golf ball.

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Before the present disclosure is further described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended clauses.

[0016] For the sake of brevity, the disclosures of the publications cited in this specification, including patents, are herein incorporated by reference. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties. If a definition set forth in this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in a patent, application, or other publication that is herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth in this section prevails over the definition incorporated herein by reference.

[0017] As used herein and in the appended clauses, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the clauses may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of clause elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

[0018] As used herein, the terms “including,” “containing,” and “comprising” are used in their open, non-limiting sense.

[0019] To provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative expressions given herein are not qualified with the term “about.” It is understood that, whether the term “about” is used explicitly or not, every quantity given herein is meant to refer to the actual given value, and it is also meant to refer to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred based on the ordinary skill in the art, including equivalents and approximations due to the experimental and / or measurement conditions for such given value, for example ± 10%, 5%, or 1%. Whenever a yield is given as a percentage, such yield refers to a mass of the entity for which the yield is given with respect to the maximum amount of the same entity that could be obtained under the particular stoichiometric conditions. Concentrations given as percentages refer to mass ratios, unless indicated differently.

[0020] It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. All combinations of the embodiments pertaining to the chemical groups represented by the variables are specifically embraced by the present disclosure and are disclosed herein just as if each and every combination was individually and explicitly disclosed, to the extent that such combinations embrace compounds that are stable compounds (i.e., compounds that can be isolated, characterized, and tested for the desired mechanical properties). In addition, all subcombinations of the chemical groups listed in the embodiments describing such variables are also specifically embraced by the present disclosure and are disclosed herein just as if each and every such sub-combination of chemical groups was individually and explicitly disclosed herein.

[0021] A golf ball 10 comprises a core 12, a mantle layer 14, and a cover layer 16, as shown in Figs. 1-3. Each of the core, the mantle layer 14, and the cover layer 16 comprise a polymeric material, and at least one of the core 12, the mantle layer 14, and the cover layer 16 comprises a functionalized graphene oxide material. In illustrative embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide material cooperates with the polymeric material, for example an ionomer, to provide improved properties such as ball emissivity, flight trajectory, flight accuracy, durability, abrasion resistance, and flight distance. In illustrative embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide material cooperates with the polymeric material, for example a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), to provide improved properties such as ball emissivity, flight trajectory, flight accuracy, durability, abrasion resistance, and flight distance. In some embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide material is included in more than one layer, for example in the core 12 and the mantle layer 14. In some embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide material is included in one layer, for example the mantle layer 14. In some embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide material is included in one layer, for example the cover layer 16.

[0022] In some embodiments, a golf ball comprises a core, a cover layer comprising a polymeric material, the cover layer being located spaced apart from the core and configured to locate the core therein; and a mantle layer, the mantle layer being located between the core and the cover layer, and configured to extend between and interconnect the core and the cover layer; wherein the polymeric material of the cover layer comprises a functionalized graphene oxide material and either: (i) an ionomer or a blend of ionomers; or (ii) a thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative example of a golf ball 10 comprising a cover layer 16, wherein the cover layer 16 includes dimpling. The dimpling shown on the cover layer 16 in FIG. 1 is non-limiting and other patterns of dimpling are consider to be encompassed in this disclosure. FIG. 1 also shows a central axis Al.

[0024] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show illustrative examples of a golf ball 10 constructed from a number of layers. In FIG. 2, a cross section of a golf ball 10 is shown comprising a core 12 arranged and extending radially from a central axis A 1. A cover layer 16 may be located spaced apart from the core 12 and configured to locate the core 12 therein. A mantle layer 14 may be located between the core 12 and the cover layer 16. In some embodiments, the mantle layer 14 is configured to extend between and interconnect the core 12 and the cover layer 16. The core 12 may be constructed from one or more layers, for example, the core 12 may be formed from two, three, four, or more layers or sublayers. Similarly, the mantle 14 may be constructed from one or more layers or sublayers, for example, mantle 14 layer may be constructed from two, three, four, or more layers. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the golf ball 10 may comprise a core 12 having one or more layers and / or a mantle layer 14 formed from one or more layers. While FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 exemplify a golf ball having three and five layers, respectively, this disclosure contemplates and encompasses a golf ball having two, four, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more layers.

[0025] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the golf ball 110. The core 112 comprises an inner core 118 and an outer core 120. The outer core 120 is configured to locate the inner core 1 18 therein. In some embodiments, the outer core 120 extends between and interconnects the inner core 118 and the mantle layer 114, as shown in FIG. 3. The inner core 118 may have a similar thickness to that of the outer core 120. In some embodiments, the inner core 118 has a smaller thickness relative to the outer core 120. In some embodiments, the inner core 118 has a larger thickness relative to the outer core 120.

[0026] Similarly, the mantle layer 114 may comprise a first sublayer 122 and a second sublayer 124. The first sublayer 122 may be located between the second sublayer 124 and the core 112. In some embodiments, the first sublayer 122 is located between the second sublayer 124 and the outer core 120, as shown in FIG. 3. The second sublayer 124 is located between the cover layer 116 and the first sublayer 122. In some embodiments, the first sublayer 122 may have a similar thickness to that of the second sublayer 124. In some embodiments, the first sublayer 122 has a thickness less than the thickness of the second sublayer 124. In some embodiments, the first sublayer 122 has a thickness greater than the thickness of the second sublayer 124. In some illustrative embodiments, each layer of the golf ball (10, 110) may have preferred thicknesses. For example, in some preferred embodiments, the golf ball (10, 110) has a diameter of about 1.680 inches (42.67 millimeters) and preferably weighs about 1.62 ounces (45.93 grams).

[0027] The following detailed description applies to the several contemplated embodiments, and particularly to both illustrative embodiments of the golf ball (10, 110), such that when, for example, the core 12 is described it may also pertain to the core 112. The core (12, 112) comprises a polymeric material (sometimes called a first polymeric material). In some embodiments, the polymeric material of core (12, 112) comprises a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the core (12, 112) comprises an ionomer and optionally a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the core (12, 112) comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane and optionally a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the core (12, 112) is a rubber (e.g., polybutadiene) or a blend or rubbers. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of core (12, 112) does not include a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of core (12, 112) comprises an ionomer. The polymeric material of core (12, 112) may comprise a blend of ionomers. In certain embodiments, the polymeric material of core (12, 112) comprises an ionomer and a functionalized graphene oxide material. In certain embodiments, the polymeric material of core (12, 112) comprises thermoplastic polyurethane and a functionalized graphene oxide material. Alternatively, the core (12, 112) may be formed from a hollow shell of the polymeric material, wherein the polymeric material of the shell may or may not include the functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the core (12, 1 12) is a solid sphere of a rubber (e.g., polybutadiene) or a blend or rubbers.

[0028] In some embodiments, the inner core 118 and the outer core 120 comprise a polymeric material (sometimes called the first polymeric material), which may comprise an ionomer. In some embodiments, the inner core 118 and the outer core 120 comprise a polymeric material (sometimes called the first polymeric material), which may comprise a rubber or may be entirely rubber or a blend or rubbers. In some embodiments, the inner core 118 and the outer core 120 comprise a polymeric material (sometimes called the first polymeric material), which may comprise thermoplastic polyurethane. The polymeric material of the inner core 118, the polymeric material of the outer core 120, or both may comprise one or more ionomers. The polymeric material of the inner core 118, the polymeric material of the outer core 120, or both may comprise thermoplastic polyurethane. In certain embodiments, the polymeric material of the outer core 120 comprises a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the inner core 118 comprises a functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0029] In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the inner core 118 comprises a rubber (e.g., polybutadiene) or may comprise a blend of rubbers.

[0030] In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the inner core 118 comprises an ionomer and optionally includes a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the inner core 118 comprises one or more ionomers and a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the inner core 118 does not comprise a functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0031] In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the inner core 118 comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane and optionally includes a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the inner core 118 comprises thermoplastic polyurethane and a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the inner core 118 does not comprise a functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0032] In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the outer core 120 comprises an ionomer and may optionally include a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the outer core 120 comprises one or more ionomers and a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the outer core 120 does not comprise a functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0033] In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the outer core 120 comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane and may optionally include a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the outer core 120 comprises thermoplastic polyurethane and a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the outer core 120 does not comprise a functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0034] In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the outer core 120 comprises a rubber (e.g., polybutadiene) or may comprise a blend of rubbers.

[0035] In some embodiments, the core 112 includes an inner core 118 formed from a polymeric material comprising a first ionomer and optionally a functionalized graphene oxide material; and an outer core 120 formed from a polymeric material comprising a second ionomer and optionally a functionalized graphene oxide material. The first ionomer may be identical or different from the second ionomer.

[0036] In some embodiments, the core 112 includes an inner core 118 formed from a polymeric material comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and optionally a functionalized graphene oxide material; and an outer core 120 formed from a polymeric material comprising thermoplastic polyurethane and optionally a functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0037] In some embodiments, the core 112 includes an inner core 118 formed from a polymeric material comprising a rubber (e.g., polybutadiene) or a blend or rubbers; and an outer core 120 formed from a polymeric material comprising thermoplastic polyurethane and optionally a functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0038] In some embodiments, the cover layer 16 comprises a polymeric material (sometimes called a second polymeric material). In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the cover layer 16 optionally comprises a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the cover layer 16 comprises an ionomer and a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the cover layer 16 comprises a blend of ionomers (e.g., two or more ionomers). In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the cover layer 16 comprises thermoplastic polyurethane and a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the cover layer 16 comprises thermoplastic polyurethane and does not include a functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0039] In some embodiments, the cover layer 16 comprises a second polymeric material that does not include a functionalized graphene oxide material. The second polymeric material may be identical to the first polymeric material. Alternatively, the second polymeric material may be different to the first polymeric material. For example, the first polymeric material may comprise a first ionomer and a functionalized graphene oxide material, and the second polymeric material may comprise a first ionomer and exclude a functionalized graphene oxide material. Alternatively, the first polymeric material comprises a first ionomer and optionally a functionalized graphene oxide material, and the second polymeric material comprises a second ionomer and optionally the functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0040] In some embodiments, the mantle layer 14 comprises a polymeric material (sometimes called a third polymeric material). In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the mantle layer 14 comprises an ionomer and optionally comprises a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the mantle layer 14 comprises a blend of ionomers (e.g., two or more ionomers). In some embodiments, the mantle layer 14 is formed from a third polymeric material comprising an ionomer and a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the mantle layer 14 comprises thermoplastic polyurethane and optionally comprises a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the mantle layer 14 comprises thermoplastic polyurethane and a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the third polymeric material does not include a functionalized graphene oxide material. The third polymeric material may be identical to either the first polymeric material or the second polymeric material. Alternatively, the third polymeric material may be different from both the first polymeric material and the second polymeric material. The difference between the third polymeric material and the first and second polymeric material may be based on the type of ionomer present in the polymeric materials, the presences of a functionalized graphene oxide material, or both.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first sublayer 122 and the second sublayer 124 comprise a polymeric material (sometimes called the third polymeric material). In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the first sublayer 122, the second sublayer 124, or both optionally comprise a functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0042] In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the first sublayer 122 comprises an ionomer and may optionally comprise a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the first sublayer 122 comprises one or more ionomers and optionally a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the first sublayer 122 comprises thermoplastic polyurethane and may optionally comprise a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the first sublayer 122 comprises thermoplastic polyurethane and a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the first sublayer 122 does not comprise a functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0043] In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the second sublayer 124 comprises an ionomer and may optionally comprise a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the second sublayer 124 comprises one or more ionomers and optionally a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the second sublayer 124 comprises thermoplastic polyurethane and may optionally comprise a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the second sublayer 124 does not include a functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0044] In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the first sublayer 122 comprises a first ionomer and optionally a functionalized graphene oxide material, and the polymeric material of the second sublayer 124 comprises a second ionomer and optionally a functionalized graphene oxide material. The first ionomer of the polymeric material of the first sublayer 122 may be identical or different from the second ionomer of the polymeric material of the second sublayer 124. In some embodiments, a golf ball 110 comprises (i) a core 112 having an inner core 118 and an outer core 120, wherein the inner core 118 is formed from a polymeric material including a first ionomer, and wherein the outer core 120 is formed from a polymeric material including a second ionomer; (ii) a mantle layer 114 having a first sublayer 122 and a second sublayer 124, wherein the first sublayer 122 is formed from a polymeric material comprising a third ionomer, and wherein the second sublayer 124 is formed from a polymeric material comprising a fourth ionomer; and (iii) a cover layer 1 16 formed from a polymeric material comprising fifth ionomer, and wherein at least one of the polymeric material of the inner core 118, the outer core 120, the first sublayer 122, the second sublayer 124, or the cover layer 116 comprises a functionalized graphene oxide material. The first ionomer may be identical to one or more of the second ionomer, the third ionomer, the fourth ionomer, or the fifth ionomer. Alternatively, the first ionomer may be different from the second ionomer, the third ionomer, the fourth ionomer, and the fifth ionomer.

[0045] In some embodiments, the polymeric material of the inner core 118 comprises one or more ionomers, the polymeric material of the outer core 120 comprises one or more ionomers, the polymeric material of the first sublayer 122 comprises one or more ionomers, and the polymeric material of the second sublayer 124 comprises one or more ionomers, wherein at least one of the polymeric material of the inner core 118, the polymeric material of the outer core 120, the polymeric material of the first sublayer 122, or the polymeric material of the second sublayer 124 comprises a functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0046] In some embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide material is present in the polymeric material (e.g., of one of the layers such the mantle layer, the cover layer, or both) between about 0.01% and about 2% by weight or about 0.01% and about 1.5% by weight. The functionalized graphene oxide material may be present in an amount of at least about 0.01 % by weight of the polymeric material, for example in the mantle layer, the cover layer, or both. In some embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide material may be present in an amount up to about 5% or up to about 2% by weight of the polymeric material, for example in the mantle layer, the cover layer, or both. The functionalized graphene oxide material may be present in the polymeric material, for example in the mantle layer, the cover layer, or both, between about 0.01% and about 5%, about 0.02% and about 5%, about 0.03% to about 5%, about 0.04% and about 5%, about 0.05% and about 5%, about 0.06% and about 5%, about 0.07% and about 5%, about 0.08% and about 5%, about 0.09% and about 5%, or about 0.1% and about 5%. The functionalized graphene oxide material may be present in the polymeric material, for example in the mantle layer, the cover layer, or both, between about 0.01% and about 2%, about 0.02% and about 2%, about 0.03% to about 2%, about 0.04% and about 2%, about 0.05% and about 2%, about 0.06% and about 2%, about 0.07% and about 2%, about 0.08% and about 2%, about 0.09% and about 2%, or about 0.1% and about 2%. The functionalized graphene oxide material may be present in the polymeric material, for example in the mantle layer, the cover layer, or both, between about 0.1% and about 5%, about 0.2% and about 5%, about 0.3% to about 5%, about 0.4% and about 5%, about 0.5% and about 5%, about 0.6% and about 5%, about 0.7% and about 5%, about 0.8% and about 5%, about 0.9% and about 5%, about 1% and about 5%, about 1.1 % and about 5%, about 1.2% and about 5%, about 1.3% and about 5%, about 1.4% and about 5%, about 1.5% and about 5%, about 1.6% and about 5%, about 1.7% and about 5%, about 1.8% and about 5%, about 1.9% and about 5%, about 2% and about 5%, about 2.1% and about 5%, about 2.2% and about 5%, about 2.3% and about 5%, about 2.4% and about 5%, about 2.5% and about 5%, about 2.6% and about 5%, about 2.7% and about 5%, about 2.8% and about 5%, about 2.9% and about 5%, about 3% and about 5%, about 3.1% and about 5%, about 3.2% and about 5%, about 3.3% and about 5%, about 3.4% and about 5%, about 3.5% and about 5%, about 3.6% and about 5%, about 3.7% and about 5%, about 3.8% and about 5%, about 3.9% and about 5%, about 4% and about 5%, about 4.1% and about 5%, about 4.2% and about 5%, about 4.3% and about 5%, about 4.4% and about 5%, about 4.5% and about 5%, about 4.6% and about 5%, about 4.7% and about 5%, about 4.8% and about 5%, or about 4.9% and about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide material is present in the polymeric material, for example in the mantle layer, the cover layer, or both, between about 0. 1 % and about 5%, about 0.1% and about 4.9%, about 0.1% and about 4.8%, about 0.1% and about 4.7%, about 0.1% and about 4.6%, about 0.1% and about 4.5%, about 0.1% and about 4.4%, about 0.1% and about 4.3%, about 0.1% and about 4.2%, about 0.1% and about 4.1%, about 0.1% and about 4%, about 0.1% and about 3.9%, about 0.1% and about 3.8%, about 0.1% and about 3.7%, about 0.1% and about 3.6%, about 0.1 % and about 3.5%, about 0.1 % and about 3.4%, about 0.1 % and about 3.3%, about 0.1% and about 3.2%, about 0.1% and about 3.1%, about 0.1% and about 3%, about 0.1% and about 2.9%, about 0.1% and about 2.8%, about 0.1% and about 2.7%, about 0.1% and about 2.6%, about 0.1% and about 2.5%, about 0.1% and about 2.4%, about 0.1% and about 2.3%, about 0.1% and about 2.2%, about 0.1% and about 2.1%, about 0.1% and about 2%, about 0.1% and about 1.9%, about 0.1% and about 1.8%, about 0.1% and about 1.7%, about 0.1% and about 1.6%, about 0.1% and about 1.5%, about 0.1% and about 1.4%, about 0.1% and about 1.3%, about 0.3% and about 1.2%, about 0.1% and about 1.1%, about 0.1% and about 1 %, about 0. 1 % and about 0.9%, about 0. 1 % and about 0.8%, about 0.1% and about 0.7%, about 0.1% and about 0.6%, about 0.1% and about 0.5%, about 0.1 % and about 0.4%, about 0.1% and about 0.3%, or about 0.1% and about 0.2% by weight.

[0047] In some embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide material is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 1.5%, about 0.05% to about 1.5%, about 0.1% to about 1.5%, about 0.5% to about 1.5%, about 0.7% to about 1.3%, about 1 % to about 2%, about 0.9% to about 1.8%, about 1% to about 5%, about 1% to about 4%, about 1% to about 3%, about 2% to about 5%, about 2% to about 4%, about 2.5% to about 4.5%, about 2.5% to about 3.5%, about 1.5% to about 3%, about 1.5% to about 2%, about 0.5% to about 5%, about 0.1% to about 1%, or about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of the polymeric material, for example in the mantle layer, the cover layer, or both.

[0048] In some embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide material is present in an amount of about 0.01%, about 0.05%, about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1%, about 1.1%, about 1.2%, about 1.3%, about 1.4%, about 1.5%, about 1.6%, about 1.7%, about 1.8%, about 1.9%, about 2%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, about 3%, about 3.1%, about 3.2%, about 3.3%, about 3.4%, about 3.5%, about 3.6%, about 3.7%, about 3.8%, about 3.9%, about 4%, about 4.1%, about 4.2%, about 4.3%, about 4.4%, about 4.5%, about 4.6%, about 4.7%, about 4.8%, about 4.9%, or about 5% by weight of the polymeric material, for example in the mantle layer, the cover layer, or both.

[0049] In some embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide material is present in the golf ball (e.g., golfball 10 or 110) between about 0. 1 % and about 2% by weight. The functionalized graphene oxide material may be present in an amount of at least about 0.1% by weight of the golf ball (e.g., golf ball 10 or 110). In some embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide material may be present in an amount up to about 5% by weight of the golf ball (e.g., golf ball 10 or 110). The functionalized graphene oxide material may be present in the golf ball (e.g., golf ball 10 or 1 10) between about 0.1 % and about 5%, about 0.2% and about 5%, about 0.3% to about 5%, about 0.4% and about 5%, about 0.5% and about 5%, about 0.6% and about 5%, about 0.7% and about 5%, about 0.8% and about 5%, about 0.9% and about 5%, about 1% and about 5%, about 1.1% and about 5%, about 1.2% and about 5%, about 1.3% and about 5%, about 1.4% and about 5%, about 1.5% and about 5%, about 1.6% and about 5%, about 1.7% and about 5%, about 1.8% and about 5%, about 1.9% and about 5%, about 2% and about 5%, about 2.1% and about 5%, about 2.2% and about 5%, about 2.3% and about 5%, about 2.4% and about 5%, about 2.5% and about 5%, about 2.6% and about 5%, about 2.7% and about 5%, about 2.8% and about 5%, about 2.9% and about 5%, about 3% and about 5%, about 3.1% and about 5%, about 3.2% and about 5%, about 3.3% and about 5%, about 3.4% and about 5%, about 3.5% and about 5%, about 3.6% and about 5%, about 3.7% and about 5%, about 3.8% and about 5%, about 3.9% and about 5%, about 4% and about 5%, about 4.1% and about 5%, about 4.2% and about 5%, about 4.3% and about 5%, about 4.4% and about 5%, about 4.5% and about 5%, about 4.6% and about 5%, about 4.7% and about 5%, about 4.8% and about 5%, or about 4.9% and about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide material is present in the golf ball (e.g., golf ball 10 or 110) between about 0.1% and about 5%, about 0.1% and about 4.9%, about 0.1% and about 4.8%, about 0.1% and about 4.7%, about 0.1% and about 4.6%, about 0.1% and about 4.5%, about 0.1% and about 4.4%, about 0.1% and about 4.3%, about 0.1% and about 4.2%, about 0.1% and about 4.1%, about 0.1% and about 4%, about 0.1% and about 3.9%, about 0.1% and about 3.8%, about 0.1% and about 3.7%, about 0.1% and about 3.6%, about 0.1% and about 3.5%, about 0.1% and about 3.4%, about 0.1% and about 3.3%, about 0.1% and about 3.2%, about 0.1% and about 3.1%, about 0.1% and about 3%, about 0.1% and about 2.9%, about 0.1% and about 2.8%, about 0.1% and about 2.7%, about 0.1% and about 2.6%, about 0.1% and about 2.5%, about 0.1% and about 2.4%, about 0.1% and about 2.3%, about 0.1% and about 2.2%, about 0.1% and about 2.1%, about 0.1% and about 2%, about 0.1% and about 1.9%, about 0.1% and about 1.8%, about 0.1% and about 1.7%, about 0.1% and about 1.6%, about 0.1 % and about 1.5%, about 0.1% and about 1.4%, about 0.1% and about 1.3%, about 0.3% and about 1.2%, about 0.1% and about 1.1%, about 0.1% and about 1%, about 0.1% and about 0.9%, about 0.1% and about 0.8%, about 0.1% and about 0.7%, about 0.1% and about 0.6%, about 0.1% and about 0.5%, about 0.1% and about 0.4%, about 0.1% and about 0.3%, or about 0.1% and about 0.2% by weight.

[0050] In some embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide material is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 1.5%, about 0.5% to about 1.5%, about 0.7% to about 1.3%, about 1% to about 2%, about 0.9% to about 1.8%, about 1% to about 5%, about 1% to about 4%, about 1 % to about 3%, about 2% to about 5%, about 2% to about 4%, about 2.5% to about 4.5%, about 2.5% to about 3.5%, about 1.5% to about 3%, about 1.5% to about 2%, about 0.5% to about 5%, about 0.1% to about 1%, or about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of the golf ball (e.g., golf ball 10 or 110).

[0051] In some embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide material is present in an amount of about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1%, about 1.1%, about 1.2%, about 1.3%, about 1.4%, about 1.5%, about 1.6%, about 1.7%, about 1.8%, about 1.9%, about 2%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, about 3%, about 3.1%, about 3.2%, about 3.3%, about 3.4%, about 3.5%, about 3.6%, about 3.7%, about 3.8%, about 3.9%, about 4%, about 4.1%, about 4.2%, about 4.3%, about 4.4%, about 4.5%, about 4.6%, about 4.7%, about 4.8%, about 4.9%, or about 5% by weight of the golf ball (e.g., golf ball 10 or 110). When the polymeric material (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, etc.) of a layer (e.g., the core 12, the inner core 118, the outer core 120, the mantle layer 14, the first sublayer 122, etc.) includes a polymer (e.g., an ionomer) and a functionalized graphene oxide material, the two components may be present in the layer at a ratio of about 1 :1. In some embodiments, a layer (e.g., inner core 118, outer core 120, first sublayer 122, second sublayer 124, or cover layer 16) comprises a ratio of about 10,000:1, about 5000:1, about 2000:1, about 1000:1, about 500:1, about 200:1, about 100:1, about 90:1, about 80: 1, about 75: 1, about 70: 1, about 60: 1, about 50:1, about 40:1, about 30: 1, about 25: 1, about 20: 1, about 15: 1, about 10: 1, about 9: 1, about 8:1, about 7: 1, about 6:1, about 5: 1, about 4:1, about 3:1, about or 2: 1 of polymeric material to a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, a layer comprises a ratio of about 90: 10, about 80:20, about 75:25, about 70:30, about 60:40, or about 55:45 of a polymeric material to a functionalized graphene oxide material. In some embodiments, a layer comprises a ratio range of about 10,000: 1 to 10: 1, about 5000:1 to about 10: 1, about 2000:1 to about 10:1, about 1000: 1 to about 10:1, about 500:1 to about 5:1, about 200:1 to about 2:1, about 100:1 to about 1 :1, about 90:10 to 10: 1, about 80:20 to about 5:1, about 70:30 to about 5:1, about 60:40 to about 5:1, or about 55:45 to about 5: 1 of a polymeric material to a functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0052] As described above, the polymeric material (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material) may comprise an ionomer. In some embodiments, the polymeric material comprises a blend of at least two ionomers. In some embodiments, the polymeric material comprises a copolymer of ethylene and methacylric acid formed by copolymerizing a monomer composition containing ethylene and (meth) acrylic acid. In some embodiments, the polymeric material comprises a terpolymer, such as a terpolymer of ethylene, acrylic acid, and an ester. For example, an ionomer, of the polymeric material may be formed by copolymerizing a monomer composition containing ethylene, (meth)acrylic acid, and (meth)acrylic acid ester. Examples of a (meth)acrylic acid ester include but are not limited to methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, isopropyl (meth)acrylate, isobutyl (meth)acrylate, n-butyl (meth)acrylate, pentyl (meth)acrylate, hexyl (meth)acrylate, heptyl (meth)acrylate, isooctyl (meth)acrylate, and 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate.

[0053] Additionally, the copolymer or the terpolymer may be a metal-neutralized product. The metal-neutralized product of the copolymer or terpolymer may be obtained by neutralizing at least a part of the carboxyl groups of the copolymer or terpolymer with a metal ion.

[0054] Exemplary ionomers include the commercially available SURLYN (DOW) ionomers. Examples of SURLYN ionomers include the binary copolymers SURLYN 8945 (Na), SURLYN 9945 (Zn), SURLYN 8140 (Na), SURLYN 8150 (Na), SURLYN 9120 (Zn), SURLYN 9150 (Zn), SURLYN 6910 (Mg), SURLYN 6120 (Mg), SURLYN 7930 (Li), SURLYN 7940 (Li), and SURLYN AD8546 (Li), where the metal in the parentheses represents the neutralizing metal. Additionally, SURLYN may be in the form of a terpolymer such as SURLYN 6320 (Mg), SURLYN 8120 (Na), SURLYN 8320 (Na), SURLYN 9320 (Zn). Other examples of a metal-neutralized terpolymer are the commercially available High Performance Resin (HPF) 1000 neutralized with a magnesium salt (DOW) and HPF 2000 neutralized with a metal salt of a fatty acid (DOW). In some embodiments, the polymeric material comprises one of SURLYN, HPF 1000, or HPF 2000. The polymeric material may comprise a combination of two or more of a SURLYN ionomer, HPF 1000, or HPF 2000. In some embodiments, the first polymeric material comprises a SURLYN ionomer, and the third polymeric material comprises HPF 1000 and / or HPF 2000. In some embodiments, the first polymeric material may comprise HPF 1000, HPF 2000, or a blend of the two, and the third polymeric material may comprise a SURLYN ionomer. In some embodiments, the polymeric material of a layer (e.g., the mantle layer) comprises a blend of a sodium ionomer and a zinc ionomer (e.g., about a 50 / 50 blend) such as SURLYN 8150 (Na) and SURLYN 9150 (Zn), and preferably includes a functionalized graphene oxide material in a range of about 0.01 % to about 0.75% or about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight.

[0055] In some embodiments, a polymeric material (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material) that comprises an ionomer, or a blend of two or three ionomers and a functionalized graphene oxide material, has at least one property selected from:

[0056] (a) an average shore D hardness of about 58 to about 67, as measured according to ASTM D2240;

[0057] (b) an average flexural modulus of about 500 MPa to about 600 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D790;

[0058] (c) an average tensile strength at yield of about 20 MPa to about 22 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D638;

[0059] (d) an average tensile strength at break of about 18 MPa to about 24 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D638; and

[0060] (e) an average tensile elongation at break of about 65% to about 130%, as measured according to ASTM D638.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the polymeric material e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material) that comprises an ionomer, or a blend of two or three ionomers, and a functionalized graphene oxide material, preferably has at least two, at least three, at least four, or all five of properties (a)-(e). In some embodiments, polymeric material (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material) that comprises an ionomer, or a blend of two or three ionomers, and preferably a blend of two ionomers, and a functionalized graphene oxide material, has an average shore D hardness of about 58 to about 67, about 60 to about 65, or about 61 to about 65 as measured according to ASTM D2240.

[0062] In some embodiments, polymeric material (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material) that comprises an ionomer, or a blend of two or three ionomers, and preferably a blend of two ionomers, and a functionalized graphene oxide material, has an average flexural modulus of at least about 500 MPa, at least about 525 MPa, about 500 MPa to about 600 MPa, about 525 MPa to about 600 MPa, about 530 MPa to about 600 MPa, or about 530 MPa to about 575 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D790. Compared to a polymeric material that lacks the functionalized graphene oxide material, a corresponding polymeric material (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material) that comprises an ionomer, or a blend of two or three ionomers, and preferably a blend of two ionomers, and a functionalized graphene oxide material, has an increase in flexural modulus of at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, or at least about 30%, as measured according to ASTM D790. For example, the flexural modulus can improve by about 15% to about 50%, about 20% to about 50%, or about 20% to about 40% in the material with the functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0063] In some embodiments, polymeric material (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material) that comprises an ionomer, or a blend of two or three ionomers, and preferably a blend of two ionomers, and a functionalized graphene oxide material, has an average tensile strength at yield of at least about 19, at least about 20, about 19 MPa to about 22 MPa, or about 20 MPa to about 22 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D638.

[0064] In some embodiments, polymeric material (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material) that comprises an ionomer, or a blend of two or three ionomers, and preferably a blend of two ionomers, and a functionalized graphene oxide material, has an average tensile strength at break of less than about 24 MPa, or about 18 MPa to about 24 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D638. Compared to a polymeric material that lacks the functionalized graphene oxide material, a corresponding polymeric material (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material) that comprises an ionomer, or a blend of two or three ionomers, and preferably a blend of two ionomers, and a functionalized graphene oxide material, has an decrease in tensile strength at break of about 5% to about 30%, about 5% to about 25%, or about 8% to about 25% in the material with the functionalized graphene oxide material, as measured by ASTM D638.

[0065] In some embodiments, polymeric material (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material) that comprises an ionomer, or a blend of two or three ionomers, and preferably a blend of two ionomers, and a functionalized graphene oxide material, has an average tensile elongation at break of less than about 150%, less than about 130%, or about 65% to about 130%, as measured according to ASTM D638. Compared to a polymeric material that lacks the functionalized graphene oxide material, a corresponding polymeric material (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material) that comprises an ionomer, or a blend of two or three ionomers, and preferably a blend of two ionomers, and a functionalized graphene oxide material, has an decrease in tensile elongation at break of about 15% to about 70%, about 15% to about 60%, or about 20% to about 60% in the material with the functionalized graphene oxide material, as measured by ASTM D638.

[0066] In some embodiments, the polymeric material (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material) comprises a polyurethane, for example a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) such as Estane, available from Lubrizol. In certain embodiments, the polymeric material (e.g., the first polymeric material) comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane and a functionalized graphene oxide material in a range of about 0.01% to about 0.75% or about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight.

[0067] In some embodiments, polymeric material (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material) that comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane and a functionalized graphene oxide material, has at least one property selected from:

[0068] (a) an average shore D hardness of about 51 to about 54, as measured according to ASTM D2240;

[0069] (b) an average flexural modulus of about 95 MPa to about 115 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D790;

[0070] (c) an average stress at 100% strain of about 11 MPa to about 12 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D638; and

[0071] (d) an average stress at 300% strain of about 15 MPa to about 22 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D638.

[0072] In certain embodiments, the polymeric material e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material) that comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane and a functionalized graphene oxide material, preferably comprises at least two, at least three, or all four of properties (a)-(d).

[0073] In some embodiments, polymeric material (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material) that comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane and a functionalized graphene oxide material, has an average shore D hardness of at least about 50 or about 51 to about 54, as measured according to ASTM D2240.

[0074] In some embodiments, polymeric material (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material) that comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane and a functionalized graphene oxide material, has an average flexural modulus of at least about 95 MPa, at least about 100 MPa, about 95 MPa to about 1 15 MPa, about 100 MPa to about 115 MPa, or about 100 MPa to about 110 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D790. Compared to a polymeric material that lacks the functionalized graphene oxide material, a corresponding polymeric material (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material) that comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane and a functionalized graphene oxide material, has an increase in flexural modulus of at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, or at least about 20%, as measured according to ASTM D790. For example, the flexural modulus can improve by about 5% to about 35%, about 5% to about 30%, or about 10% to about 30% in the material that includes the functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0075] In some embodiments, polymeric material (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material) that comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane and a functionalized graphene oxide material, has an average stress at 100% strain of about 11 MPa to about 12 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D638.

[0076] In some embodiments, polymeric material (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material) that comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane and a functionalized graphene oxide material, has an average stress at 300% strain of about 15 MPa to about 22 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D638.

[0077] In some embodiments, the polymeric material may further include a metal. The metal may be present as a result of the metal neutralizing reaction with the copolymer to form an ionomer. The metal may be selected from magnesium, lithium, sodium, calcium, cadmium, barium, zirconium, zinc, tungsten, titanium, aluminum, tin, copper, cobalt, an alloy including any of these metals, a salt of any of these metals, or a combination thereof. The functionalized graphene oxide material may be a graphene oxide coupled to a silsesquioxane through a covalent linkage. For example, the functionalized graphene oxide material may be an amine functionalized graphene oxide covalently coupled to a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS). In some embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide is a hybridized graphene oxide / POSS material. In some embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide material includes a first, graphene oxide (GO) portion and a second, POSS portion. The functionalized graphene oxide portion may include one or more reactive moieties, and the POSS portion may include one or more reactive moieties capable of reacting with the functionalized graphene oxide moieties. These reactive moieties may include epoxides, alcohols, carboxylic acids, acrylates, isocyanates, ammonium groups, or other reactive functional groups. The reactive moieties may not completely react, such that some moieties on the functionalized graphene oxide portion and / or the POSS portion may remain free and unreacted.

[0078] In some embodiments, one or more epoxide moieties of the POSS portion have reacted with amine moieties of the functionalized graphene oxide portion. In some embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide material comprises an epoxy group or epoxy groups. The epoxy groups may be bound to the POSS. In some embodiments, the functionalized graphene oxide material comprises an amine functionalized graphene oxide bound to a POSS and epoxy resin. Additional description of the functionalized graphene oxide material and methods of producing are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,011,706, issued July 3, 2018, and WO 2021 / 257,556, published December 23, 2021, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference.

[0079] INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0080] All publications and patents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each individual publication or patent was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. In case of conflict, the present application, including any definitions herein, will control.

[0081] EQUIVALENTS

[0082] While specific embodiments of the subject disclosure have been discussed, the above specification is illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of this specification and the claims below. The full scope of the disclosure should be determined by reference to the claims, along with their full scope of equivalents, and the specification, along with such variations.

[0083] ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0084] 1. A golf ball comprising: a core comprising a first polymeric material, is the core being arranged to extend radially from a central axis; a cover layer comprising a second polymeric material, the cover layer being located spaced apart from the core and configured to locate the core therein; and a mantle layer comprising a third polymeric material, the mantle layer being located between the core and the cover layer, and configured to extend between and interconnect the core and the cover layer; wherein at least one of the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material comprises a functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0085] 2. The golf ball of embodiment 1, wherein the first polymeric material comprises an ionomer.

[0086] 3. The golf ball of any one of embodiments 1-2, wherein the second polymeric material comprises an ionomer.

[0087] 4. The golf ball of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the third polymeric material comprises an ionomer.

[0088] 5. The golf ball of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the first polymeric material comprises an ionomer blend of at least two ionomers.

[0089] 6. The golf ball of any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein the second polymeric material comprises an ionomer blend of at least two ionomers.

[0090] 7. The golf ball of any one of embodiments 1-6, wherein the third polymeric material comprises an ionomer blend of at least two ionomers.

[0091] 8. The golf ball of any one of embodiments 1-7, wherein the first polymeric material comprises the functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0092] 9. The golf ball of any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the third polymeric material comprises the functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0093] 10. The golf ball of any one of embodiments 1-9, wherein the second polymeric material comprises the functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0094] 11. The golf ball of embodiment 1 , wherein the mantle layer comprises a first sublayer and a second sublayer each formed of a polymeric material, wherein the first sublayer is located between the second sublayer and the core and the second sublayer is located between the first sublayer and the cover layer.

[0095] 12. The golf ball of embodiment 11, wherein the polymeric material of the first sublayer comprises the functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0096] 13. The golf ball of embodiment 11 , wherein the polymeric material of the second sublayer comprises the functionalized graphene oxide material. 14. The golf ball of embodiment 11, wherein the polymeric material of the first sublayer comprises a first ionomer and the polymeric material of the second sublayer comprises a second ionomer that is different from the first ionomer.

[0097] 15. The golf ball of embodiment 11, wherein the polymeric material of the first sublayer comprises a first ionomer and the polymeric material of the second sublayer comprises the same ionomer as the first ionomer.

[0098] 16. The golf ball of embodiment 1, wherein the core comprises an inner core and an outer core each formed from a polymeric material, wherein the outer core is located between the inner core and the mantle layer.

[0099] 17. The golf ball of embodiment 16, wherein the polymeric material of the inner core comprises the functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0100] 18. The golf ball of embodiment 16, wherein the polymeric material of the outer core comprises the functionalized graphene oxide material.

[0101] 19. The golf ball of embodiment 16, wherein the polymeric material of the inner core comprises a first ionomer and the polymeric material of the outer core comprises a second ionomer that is different from the first ionomer.

[0102] 20. The golf ball of embodiment 16, wherein the polymeric material of the inner core comprises a first ionomer and the polymeric material of the outer core comprises the same ionomer as the first ionomer.

[0103] 21. The golf ball of any of embodiments 1-20, wherein the functionalized graphene oxide material is present in the golf ball between about 0.1% and about 5% by weight.

[0104] 22. The golf ball of any of embodiments 1-21, wherein the functionalized graphene oxide material is present in the golf ball between 0.3% and about 2% by weight.

[0105] 23. The golf ball of any one of embodiments 1-22, wherein the functionalized graphene oxide material comprises epoxy groups.

[0106] 24. The golf ball of any one of embodiments 2-23, wherein the ionomer is selected from an ethylene-methacrylic acid ionomer, an ethylene acid acrylate terpolymer, or a combination thereof.

[0107] A polymeric material comprising a blend of 1 :1 the Zn ionomer and a Na ionomer and about 0.05% to about 1.5% functionalized graphene oxide material (alternatively wherein the polymeric blend consists essentially of a blend of 1:1 the Zn ionomer and a Na ionomer and about 0.05% to about 1.5% functionalized graphene oxide material) that has at least one property selected from:

[0108] (a) an average shore D hardness of about 58 to about 67, as measured according to ASTM D2240; (b) an average flexural modulus of about 500 MPa to about 600 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D790;

[0109] (c) an average tensile strength at yield of about 20 MPa to about 22 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D638;

[0110] (d) an average tensile strength at break of about 18 MPa to about 24 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D638; and

[0111] (e) an average tensile elongation at break of about 65% to about 130 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D638; or has at least two, at least three, at least four, or all of (a)-(e). In a preferred embodiment, the polymeric material has an improved flexural modulus as compared to a polymeric material that lacks the functionalized graphene oxide of at least about 15%, preferably at least 25%, as measured according to ASTM D790.

[0112] A polymeric material comprising a thermoplastic urethane (TPU) and about 0.05% to about 1.5% functionalized graphene oxide material (alternatively wherein the polymeric blend consists essentially of TPU and about 0.05% to about 1.5% functionalized graphene oxide material) that has at least one property selected from:

[0113] (a) an average shore D hardness of about 51 to about 54, as measured according to ASTM D2240;

[0114] (b) an average flexural modulus of about 95 MPa to about 115 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D790;

[0115] (c) an average stress at 100% strain of about 11 MPa to about 12 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D638; and

[0116] (d) an average stress at 300% strain of about 15 MPa to about 22 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D638; or has at least two, at least three, or all of (a)-(ed. In a preferred embodiment, the polymeric material has an improved flexural modulus as compared to a polymeric material that lacks the functionalized graphene oxide of at least about 5%, preferably at least 15%, as measured according to ASTM D790.

[0117] In an embodiment, a golf ball comprises a core (e.g., a solid rubber core),; a cover layer comprising a polymeric material, the cover layer being located spaced apart from the core and configured to locate the core therein; and a mantle layer, the mantle layer being located between the core and the cover layer, and configured to extend between and interconnect the core and the cover layer; wherein the polymeric material of the cover layer optionally comprises a functionalized graphene oxide material (e.g., from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight) and either: (i) an ionomer or a blend of ionomers; or (ii) a thermoplastic polyurethane. The mantle layer can comprise a polymeric material, for example an ionomer, a blend of ionomers, or a thermoplastic polyurethane. The mantle layer may further optionally include a functionalized graphene oxide material (e.g., from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight). Both the mantle layer and the cover layer can include the functionalized graphene oxide. Alternatively, only one of the mantle layer or the cover layer includes the functionalized graphene oxide material. The TPU and ionomer layers that include the functionalized graphene oxide material can have properties according to those described herein (e.g., improved flexural modulus, etc.).

[0118] EXAMPLES

[0119] The following examples are offered to illustrate but not to limit the disclosure. The functionalized graphene oxide material E-GO used in the following Examples is available from MITO Materials Inc. The provided E-GO material includes a first graphene oxide portion including alkyl amines and a second polyhedral oligomeric silesquixonae (POSS) portion including epoxides, and has a carbon content of 48-55% and an oxygen content of 28-33%. Additional information regarding the functionalized graphene oxide material of Formula I can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 10,011,706, issued July 3, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0120] Surly n 8150 and Surlyn 9150 are available from Dow Chemical. Estane is available from Lubrizol.

[0121] Example 1 Formulations

[0122] The samples described in were prepared by compounding the polymer or polymers with the additive, where indicated. Data relating to samples Cl, C2, and C4 were derived from their respective Technical Data Sheets. Data relating to sample C3 was derived from U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0100085.

[0123] Table 1. Formulations

[0124] Example 2: Hardness Testing

[0125] The hardness of the samples prepared according to Example 1 were evaluated using ASTM D2240, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The results are shown below in Table 2.

[0126] Table 2. Results of Hardness Testing

[0127] Example 3: Flexural Testing The flexural modulus of the samples prepared according to Example 1 were evaluated using ASTM D790, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The results are shown below in Table 3.

[0128] Table 3. Results of Flexural Modulus Testing

[0129] Example 4:Tensile Testing

[0130] The tensile strength of the samples prepared according to Example 1 were evaluated using ASTM D638, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The tensile results for C4* were derived from the Technical Data Sheet for that material, which states that ASTM D412 was used to evaluate tensile strength. The results are shown below in Tables 4 and 5.

[0131] Table 4. Surlyn Tensile

[0132] Table 5. Estane Tensile

[0133] Small variations in tensile properties were observed in samples with E-GO inclusion.

[0134] Tensile testing could not be performed to failure due to the high degree of elongation. No samples achieved ultimate failure even at 400% elongation.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS :

1. A golf ball comprising: a core comprising a first polymeric material, the core being arranged to extend radially from a central axis; a cover layer comprising a second polymeric material, the cover layer being located spaced apart from the core and configured to locate the core therein; and a mantle layer comprising a third polymeric material, the mantle layer being located between the core and the cover layer, and configured to extend between and interconnect the core and the cover layer; wherein at least one of the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or the third polymeric material comprises a functionalized graphene oxide material.

2. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the second polymeric material comprises the functionalized graphene oxide material.

3. The golf ball of claim 1 or 2, wherein the functionalized graphene oxide material comprises epoxy groups.

4. The golf ball of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the functionalized graphene oxide material is an amine functionalized graphene oxide covalently coupled to a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS).

5. The golf ball of any one of claims 1-4, wherein at least one of the polymeric materials (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, the third polymeric material, or a combination thereof) comprises an ionomer.

6. The golf ball of any one of claim 5, wherein the ionomer is selected from an ethylenemethacrylic acid ionomer, an ethylene acid acrylate terpolymer, or a combination thereof.

7. The golf ball of claim 5, wherein the ionomer is a magnesium neutralized terpolymer, a metal salt of a fatty acid neutralized terpolymer, or a combination thereof.

8. The golf ball of any one of claims 1-7, wherein at least one of the polymeric materials (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, the third polymeric material, or a combination thereof) comprises an ionomer blend of at least two ionomers (e.g., a blend of a Zn ionomer and a Na ionomer or a blend of a magnesium neutralized terpolymer and a metal salt of a fatty acid neutralized terpolymer).

9. The golf ball of claim 7 or 8, wherein the Zn ionomer and a Na ionomer are present in about a 1: 1 ratio.

10. The golf ball of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one of the polymeric materials that includes the functionalized graphene oxide material (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, the third polymeric material, or a combination thereof) has at least one property selected from:(a) an average shore D hardness of about 58 to about 67, as measured according to ASTM D2240;(b) an average flexural modulus of about 500 MPa to about 600 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D790;(c) an average tensile strength at yield of about 20 MPa to about 22 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D638;(d) an average tensile strength at break of about 18 MPa to about 24 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D638; and(e) an average tensile elongation at break of about 65% to about 130 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D638.

11. The golf ball of claim 10, comprising at least two of (a)-(e).

12. The golf ball of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the polymeric materials (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, the third polymeric material, or a combination thereof) that comprises an ionomer or a blend of ionomers and the functionalized graphene oxide material has an improved flexural modulus as compared to a polymeric material that comprises the ionomer or the blend of ionomers but lacks the functionalized graphene oxide of at least about 15%, preferably at least 25%, as measured according to ASTM D790.

13. The golf ball of any one of claims 1-4, wherein at least one of the polymeric materials (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, the third polymeric material, or a combination thereof) comprises a thermoplastic urethane.

14. The golf ball of claim 13, wherein the at least one of the polymeric materials (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, the third polymeric material, or a combination thereof) that includes the functionalized graphene oxide material has at least one property selected from:(a) an average shore D hardness of about 51 to about 54, as measured according to ASTM D2240;(b) an average flexural modulus of about 95 MPa to about 115 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D790;(c) an average stress at 100% strain of about 11 MPa to about 12 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D638; and(d) an average stress at 300% strain of about 15 MPa to about 22 MPa, as measured according to ASTM D638.

15. The golf ball of claim 14, comprising at least two of (a)-(d).

16. The golf ball of any one of claims 1-4 or 13-15, wherein the least one of the polymeric materials (e.g., the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, the third polymeric material, or a combination thereof) that comprises thermoplastic urethane and the functionalized graphene oxide material has an improved flexural modulus as compared to a polymeric material that comprises the thermoplastic urethane but lacks the functionalized graphene oxide material of at least about 5%, preferably at least 15%, as measured according to ASTM D790.

17. The golf ball of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the first polymeric material comprises the functionalized graphene oxide material.

18. The golf ball of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the second polymeric material comprises the functionalized graphene oxide material.

19. A golf ball comprising: a core; a cover layer comprising a polymeric material, the cover layer being located spaced apart from the core and configured to locate the core therein; and a mantle layer, the mantle layer being located between the core and the cover layer, and configured to extend between and interconnect the core and the cover layer; wherein the polymeric material of the cover layer comprises about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of a functionalized graphene oxide material and either:(i) an ionomer or a blend of ionomers; or(ii) a thermoplastic polyurethane.

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