Crosslinked Polyamide Golf Ball Cover Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf ball technologies face challenges in achieving a balance between durability, spin control, and distance, particularly with the use of ionomer resins and polyurethanes, which often result in compromised performance due to brittleness and processing difficulties.
Innovation Solution
The development of crosslinked polyamide compositions for golf ball layers, incorporating polyamides with crosslinking agents such as peroxides, isocyanates, and polyurethanes, allowing for injection molding and subsequent crosslinking to enhance durability and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ionomer resins with increased acid content and degree of neutralization are used to increase C.O.R. and ball velocity, then cover durability is improved, but the ball becomes too hard and brittle causing loss of shot feel and control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the ionomer resin, specifically using acid contents from 10-40 wt% and degrees of neutralization from 50-100%, to optimize the balance between durability and playability. This parameter adjustment allows the cover to achieve both hardness for durability and appropriate softness for shot feel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite material systems by blending ionomer resins with other polymers such as polyurethanes, polyesters, or polyamides. This composite approach allows the cover to combine the durability benefits of high-acid ionomers with the softness and elasticity of complementary materials, resolving the contradiction between hard durability and soft feel.
2Power
If more acid is incorporated in the ionomer and degree of neutralization is increased to increase C.O.R., then ball velocity is improved, but the material becomes less compatible with other blend materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces compatibilizers or intermediate materials that facilitate compatibility between high-acid ionomers and other polymers. These intermediaries act as bridges, allowing the high-acid ionomer to maintain its velocity-enhancing properties while coexisting harmoniously with other blend components through improved interfacial compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the acid content parameter within the range of 10-40 wt% and neutralization degree within 50-100%, optimizing these parameters to achieve sufficient C.O.R. and ball velocity while maintaining adequate compatibility with other materials in the blend system.
3Strength
If more acid is incorporated in the ionomer and degree of neutralization is increased, then C.O.R. is improved, but melt viscosity increases greatly decreasing processability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the acid content parameter (10-40 wt%) and neutralization degree (50-100%) to achieve the desired C.O.R. while controlling melt viscosity. By carefully selecting parameters within these ranges, the patent maintains processability during injection molding despite the increased acid content required for high C.O.R.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different composition characteristics to different regions or aspects of the cover material. The high-acid ionomer composition is concentrated in specific functional zones where high C.O.R. is most beneficial, while other regions use modified compositions with lower viscosity for easier processing, creating a locally optimized multi-zone structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention also relates to a crosslinked polyamide composition which is the reaction product of about 70 to about 99.5 wt % (based on the combined weight of Components A and B) of one or more polyamides and about 0.5 to about 30 wt % (based on the combined weight of Components A and B) of one or more crosslinking agents; and where the crosslinked polyamide composition has a flexural modulus of about 5 to about 500 kpsi, and a material Shore D hardness of about 25 to about 85. The present invention also relates to a golf ball having a core including a center, an outer cover layer, and one or more intermediate layers, where at least one or more of the core, outer cover layer or one or more intermediate layers includes the crosslinked polyamide composition.