Golf Ball Covalent Network Layers for Adhesion and Recyclability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern golf balls face issues with adhesion between layers, leading to delamination, and recycling of thermoset polymer materials is challenging due to their permanent network structure, limiting recyclability and increasing waste.
Innovation Solution
The use of compositions that form thermo-reversible covalent adaptable networks (CANs) through diene and dienophile functional groups, allowing for crosslinking in golf ball components, enhancing adhesion and enabling recyclability by forming dynamic covalent bonds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thermoset polymer materials are used in golf ball layers, then adhesion and structural integrity are improved, but recyclability deteriorates due to permanent network structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static, permanent crosslinked network of traditional thermoset polymers into a dynamic, reversible covalent adaptable network (CAN). The CAN allows crosslinks to form and break reversibly under specific conditions (temperature, pH, mechanical stress), enabling the material to adapt its properties. This resolves the contradiction by providing strong adhesion when crosslinks are formed (improving strength) while allowing recyclability when crosslinks break reversibly (improving ease of manufacture/recyclability).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing external stimuli (temperature, pH, mechanical stress) to modify the state of the covalent adaptable network. By changing these parameters, the material transitions between crosslinked (high strength) and uncrosslinked (recyclable) states. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the same material to exhibit different properties depending on the operational conditions, achieving both strong adhesion and recyclability.
2Strength
If conventional crosslinked compositions are used, then layer adhesion is improved, but shear durability deteriorates due to delamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a reversible crosslinking system where bonds can break and reform in response to shear stress. When delamination occurs, the reversible nature of the CAN allows bonds to break, absorb energy, and then reform, preventing permanent failure. This resolves the contradiction by providing both strong initial adhesion and enhanced shear durability through the dynamic response to stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs beforehand cushioning by designing the CAN to anticipate and absorb shear stresses before they cause permanent damage. The reversible crosslinks act as a cushioning mechanism that can break under excessive stress to prevent delamination, then reform to restore adhesion. This resolves the contradiction by providing both strong adhesion and improved shear durability through proactive stress management.
3Reliability
If thermoset polymers are used for golf ball components, then performance characteristics are improved, but waste generation increases due to non-recyclability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by enabling the reversible breakdown of the covalent adaptable network under specific conditions, allowing the polymer materials to be recovered and reused. The CAN structure permits controlled depolymerization or reprocessing that would be impossible with traditional thermoset polymers. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining performance characteristics during use while enabling material recovery and reducing waste at the end of the product lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by using external stimuli (temperature, pH, mechanical stress) to trigger the reversible breakdown of the CAN structure for recycling purposes. By changing these parameters, the material transitions from a performance-optimized crosslinked state to a recyclable uncrosslinked state. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the same material to exhibit different properties depending on whether it is in the performance phase or recycling phase.
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 solution improves shear durability and adhesion strength between layers, while allowing for easier recycling of golf ball materials without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
compositions that form thermo-reversible covalent adaptable networks (CANs) through diene and dienophile functional groups, allowing for crosslinking in golf ball components
Implementation Method 2
the crosslinks of a CAN may decouple when subjected to a stimulus, such as heat or light, and may reform when such stimulus is removed
Implementation Method 3
the crosslinks of a CAN may decouple when subjected to a stimulus, such as heat or light, and may reform when such stimulus is removed
Implementation Method 4
forming dynamic covalent bonds
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions including a base polymer and diene functional groups and/or dienophile functional groups attached to and crosslinking the base polymer, and golf balls made from such compositions are disclosed. The type and concentration of the components in the compositions, including the base polymer, the diene functional groups, and the dienophile functional groups, affect the hardness and resiliency of golf ball components made from such compositions, and thus, can be used to produce a golf ball having desirable performance characteristics. The compositions of the present disclosure may also be used in adjacent golf ball components to create crosslinks between such components that affect the adhesion between such golf balls components and, thus, can be used to produce a golf ball having increased durability. Golf ball components made from the compositions of the present disclosure may also have increased recyclability.