Golf Ball TiO2 Layer Silane Adhesion Promoter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golf balls with white-pigmented layers face challenges in achieving excellent dual inter-layer/intra-layer adhesion due to the limited shelf life and effectiveness of silane-containing adhesion promoters, especially when combined with titanium dioxide (TiO2), leading to potential delamination and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating passivated TiO2 particulates and silane-containing adhesion promoters within specific weight percentages in the polymeric composition of golf ball layers, without surface treatment, to enhance bonding between layers while maintaining cost-effectiveness and existing manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If silane-containing adhesion promoter is used to improve inter-layer adhesion, then adhesion strength is improved, but shelf life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A silane-containing adhesion promoter is introduced as an intermediary substance between the TiO2 white-pigmented layer and the adjacent differing layer. The silane acts as a chemical mediator that forms strong bonds with both layers simultaneously, enabling excellent dual inter-layer/intra-layer adhesion while maintaining stability during storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the concentration of silane-containing adhesion promoter within specific weight percentages (0.1-5.0 wt% of total layer weight) to achieve the balance between adhesion strength and shelf life. By controlling this critical parameter, the system maintains adequate adhesion performance while preserving sufficient shelf life for manufacturing
2Ease of manufacture
If TiO2 is incorporated to provide white pigmentation, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but adhesion performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system by incorporating TiO2 particulates along with silane-containing adhesion promoter within the polymeric composition of the white-pigmented layer. This composite approach allows the TiO2 to provide white color and opacity while the silane component compensates for any adhesion negative effects and actually enhances bonding performance
Solution Approach 2:
The silane-containing adhesion promoter serves as a chemical intermediary that bridges the TiO2 particulates and the polymeric matrix, as well as bonding the white-pigmented layer to adjacent layers. This mediator ensures that the presence of TiO2 does not compromise adhesion and can even enhance it through the silane's reactive functionality
3Strength
If surface treatment with adhesion promoter is applied, then inter-layer bonding is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adhesion promoter functionality directly into the bulk composition of the white-pigmented layer by incorporating silane-containing adhesion promoter during layer formation. This eliminates the need for separate surface treatment steps, as the adhesion promoter is already present throughout the layer where it can act at the interface with adjacent layers
Solution Approach 2:
The white-pigmented layer becomes self-sufficient for adhesion by incorporating the silane-containing adhesion promoter within its own composition. The layer automatically provides its own adhesion promotion capability without requiring external surface treatment processes, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining excellent inter-layer bonding
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 achieves excellent dual inter-layer/intra-layer adhesion in golf balls with TiO2 white-pigmented layers, comparable to non-pigmented formulations, without eliminating either component, thereby improving durability and reducing delamination issues.
Implementation Method 1
The silane adhesion promoter provides a reactive surface for creating strong bonds between the treated layer and an adjacent different layer
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating passivated TiO2 particulates and silane-containing adhesion promoters within specific weight percentages in the polymeric composition of golf ball layers
Data Source
AI summary
Golf ball comprising a colorless coating surrounding and adjacent to a TiO2 white-pigmented layer comprising a polymeric composition that comprises throughout: (i) passivated TiO2 particulates amount of from about 1 wt. %-10 wt. % based on total weight of second polymeric composition; and (ii) silane-containing adhesion promoter(s), for example, organosilanes and/or organosiloxanes in an amount of from about 0.1 wt. % to about 5.0 wt. % of the total weight of the polymeric composition. The coating comprises a coating composition that is different than the polymeric composition and does not contain any silane-containing adhesion promoter; and there is no surface treatment with adhesion promoter at an interface between the colorless coating and TiO2 white-pigmented layer. In lieu of the colorless coating, the golf ball may include a coating that is clear tinted or translucent.