Golf Ball Composition Using Ionomer and Polyethylene Blend
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current golf ball compositions primarily using ionomer resins face limitations in achieving further improvements in resilience and durability while maintaining initial velocity and softness.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball composition comprising an ionomer resin blend of olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid random copolymers, polyethylene, and an organic peroxide, with specific melt flow rates and compounding ratios, which suppresses ion cluster formation and enhances compatibility between ionomer and polyethylene, thereby improving rebound and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ionomer resins are used as the primary base resin in golf ball cover materials, then durability and scuff resistance are improved, but resilience and rebound properties are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material system combining ionomer resin with specific elastomers (polybutadiene or styrene-butadiene rubber) and polyethylene. This composite approach allows the golf ball cover to simultaneously achieve the durability and scuff resistance of ionomer resins while incorporating the resilience and rebound properties of elastomers, thereby resolving the technical contradiction between durability and resilience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes peroxide-induced crosslinking to modify the physical and chemical parameters of the ionomer resin matrix. By controlling the crosslinking degree through peroxide content and processing conditions, the material achieves enhanced durability and heat resistance while maintaining adequate resilience through the elastomeric phase
2Strength
If thermoplastic resins or thermoplastic elastomers are mixed into ionomer materials to improve moldability and resilience, then resilience and moldability are improved, but durability and scuff resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-phase composite where ionomer resin forms the continuous matrix providing scuff resistance and durability, while dispersed elastomer particles provide resilience. The specific composition ranges (5-30 parts elastomer per 100 parts ionomer) are optimized to balance these competing properties, with the peroxide crosslinking further enhancing the ionomer matrix's protective characteristics
3Strength
If the compounding ratio of polyethylene to ionomer is increased to improve compatibility and suppress ion cluster formation, then resilience is improved, but durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the polyethylene content within specific ranges (3-20 parts per 100 parts ionomer) and controls the molecular weight distribution and melt flow characteristics of polyethylene to achieve optimal compatibility. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient resin compatibility and ion cluster suppression while maintaining the ionomer matrix's protective properties through controlled crosslinking
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 composition significantly increases durability and resilience of golf balls without compromising initial velocity, providing enhanced performance in terms of scuff resistance and crack resistance.
Implementation Method 1
compounding: (A) one or more ionomer selected from the group consisting of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid random copolymer and/or an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester random copolymer, and a metal ion neutralization product of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid random copolymer and/or a metal ion neutralization product of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester random copolymer; (B) a polyethylene; and (C) an organic peroxide
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a golf ball composition containing an ionomer resin composition of: (A) one or more ionomer selected from the group consisting of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid random copolymer and/or an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester random copolymer, and a metal ion neutralization product of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid random copolymer and/or a metal ion neutralization product of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester random copolymer; (B) a polyethylene; and (C) an organic peroxide.