Golf Ball Thermoplastic Elastomer Blends for Shear Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoplastic polyurethane covers in golf balls suffer from lower shear durability, cut-resistance, and mechanical strength compared to thermoset polyurethane covers, despite offering better processability.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising a blend of two thermoplastic elastomers, with a first TPE at 80-99% and a second TPE at 1-20% by weight, including polyether block amides or polyether-ester block copolymers, enhances cross-linking and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If thermoplastic polyurethane covers are used in golf balls, then processability and molding flexibility are improved, but shear durability, cut-resistance, and mechanical strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by blending thermoplastic polyurethane with other polymers (such as polyesters, polyamides, or additional elastomers) to create a multi-component cover material. This composite approach allows the cover to maintain the good processability of TPU while incorporating the superior shear durability and mechanical strength of the additional polymer components, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the molecular structure, cross-linking density, or compositional ratios of the TPU-based cover material. By adjusting these parameters—such as increasing cross-linking or optimizing polymer blend ratios—the cover achieves enhanced shear durability and mechanical strength while preserving the processability characteristics of thermoplastic materials.
2Strength
If thermoset polyurethane covers are used in golf balls, then shear durability and mechanical strength are improved, but processability and molding flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from thermoset to thermoplastic polyurethane systems, fundamentally altering the curing mechanism and processing behavior. This parameter change enables improved processability and molding flexibility while maintaining enhanced shear durability through optimized TPU formulation and processing conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If molding process is used on thermoplastic urethane, then shaping flexibility is improved, but polymer chain integrity deteriorates producing lower durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing molding process parameters (temperature, pressure, time) and modifying the TPU material properties to withstand the molding process. These changes allow shaping flexibility to be maintained while preventing excessive polymer chain scission and degradation, thus preserving durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials to enhance the resilience of TPU during molding. By incorporating reinforcing polymers or additives into the TPU matrix, the composite material provides both shaping flexibility during molding and improved durability in the final product, counteracting the harmful effects of aggressive processing on polymer chains.
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions for use in golf balls and golf balls including such compositions that have increased shear durability. Such compositions include a blend of at least two thermoplastic elastomers.