Golf Ball Core Using Modified Polybutadiene and Rare-Earth Catalyst
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf balls using rubber compositions with polybutadiene polymerized by rare-earth catalysts have limitations in rebound performance and durability, with prior art failing to achieve optimal results in these areas.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball composition incorporating modified polybutadiene with a high cis-1,4 bond content, synthesized using a rare-earth catalyst, combined with an unsaturated carboxylic acid, inorganic filler, organic peroxide, and an alkoxysilane compound, which enhances rebound and durability through specific processing conditions and additives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If polybutadiene polymerized with a rare-earth catalyst is used, then the golf ball achieves good rebound performance, but the durability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite rubber composition containing multiple polybutadiene components with different properties (one polymerized with rare-earth catalyst for rebound, another modified with alkoxysilane for durability) along with inorganic fillers and crosslinking agents. This composite approach allows the golf ball to simultaneously achieve high rebound performance and durability through synergistic material combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of polybutadiene by introducing alkoxysilane groups and controlling the cis-1,4 bond content parameter (≥80%). It also controls the stress relaxation time parameter (T80 < 4.0) and uses specific crosslinking systems to alter the material properties, thereby improving both rebound and durability characteristics.
2Reliability
If modified polybutadiene with alkoxysilane compound is used, then the durability is improved, but the rebound performance remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two different polybutadiene modification approaches: one using rare-earth catalyst polymerization for rebound performance and another using alkoxysilane modification for durability. By combining these modifications in a single rubber composition system with complementary components, the patent achieves both improved rebound and durability simultaneously.
3Strength
If the cis-1,4 bond content is increased to at least 80%, then the rebound performance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the high cis-1,4 bond content structure directly into the polybutadiene synthesis step using rare-earth catalysts, which naturally produce high cis-1,4 content polymers. This preliminary formation of the desired structural characteristic during polymerization eliminates the need for subsequent complex post-processing steps to achieve the required cis-1,4 bond content, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The described composition results in golf balls with improved rebound, increased distance, and enhanced durability, surpassing the performance of prior art in these aspects.
Implementation Method 1
a material molded under heat from a rubber composition
Implementation Method 2
molded under heat from a rubber composition comprised of: (A) modified polybutadiene, (B) polybutadiene, (C) unsaturated carboxylic acid, (D) inorganic filler, and (E) organic peroxide
Implementation Method 3
a modified polybutadiene which is obtained by modifying with at least one alkoxysilane compound the active end on a polybutadiene
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a golf ball having a ball component made of a material molded under heat from a rubber composition which includes:(A) from 1 to 50 parts by weight of a modified polybutadiene obtained by a modification reaction wherein a polybutadiene having a vinyl content of from 0 to 2%, a cis-1,4 bond content of at least 80% and an active end is modified at the active end with at least one type of alkoxysilane compound, and(B) at least 50 parts by weight of polybutadiene synthesized using a rare-earth catalyst and having a stress relaxation time (T80) of less than 4.0.The rubber composition additionally includes the following per 100 parts by weight of ingredients A and B combined:(C) from 10 to 50 parts by weight of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof,(D) from 5 to 80 parts by weight of an inorganic filler, and(E) from 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of an organic peroxide.By using such a rubber composition having an improved resilience and durability as a golf ball component, the performance of the golf ball can be improved.