Bio-Based Polyurethane Golf Ball Cover for Durable Flight Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf balls using biodegradable and non-petroleum-based materials struggle to achieve performance comparable to those made from conventional petroleum-derived plastics, lacking in flight performance and durability.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design incorporating a polyurethane cover with a biomass material content ranging from 10 to 45% bio-based carbon, combined with a (meth)acrylic block copolymer, to maintain performance comparable to petroleum-derived materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If biodegradable materials and non-petroleum-based materials are used as constituent members of a golf ball, then environmental friendliness is improved, but performance (flight performance and durability) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite material system consisting of polyurethane as the base material combined with biomass materials (such as plant-derived polymers or natural fibers) to create a golf ball cover that maintains the durability and performance of conventional petroleum-based materials while incorporating environmentally friendly components. This composite approach allows the material to exhibit both the mechanical properties needed for golf ball performance and the environmental benefits of biomass materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the chemical and physical parameters of the cover material by adjusting the composition ratio of polyurethane to biomass materials, molecular weight distribution, crosslinking density, and other parameters to optimize both performance and environmental friendliness. By carefully controlling these parameters, the material achieves the necessary strength, elasticity, and durability while incorporating renewable resources.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biomass material content is increased to improve environmental friendliness, then environmental friendliness is improved, but performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the biomass material content parameter within a specific range (5-50 wt%, preferably 10-40 wt%) to balance environmental friendliness and durability. This parameter control ensures that enough biomass material is incorporated to reduce petroleum consumption while maintaining sufficient structural integrity and performance through the polyurethane matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a synergistic composite where polyurethane provides the structural framework and durability, while biomass materials contribute environmental benefits and can enhance certain properties. The composite structure allows each component to compensate for the other's limitations, achieving both durability and environmental friendliness simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a golf ball including a core and a cover, wherein the cover is formed of polyurethane as a chief material, the polyurethane contains bio-based carbon measured according to the ISO 16620-2 standard, and a weight ratio of a biomass material containing the bio-based carbon to a total cover amount is from 10 to 45 wt %.