Graphene CNT Golf Ball Core Dispersion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Graphene-based nanocomposites exhibit lower-than-expected physical property improvements due to the strong tendency of graphene nanoplatelets to stack and agglomerate, which can be mitigated by incorporating carbon nanotubes to improve dispersion and mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a mixture of graphene and carbon nanotubes into the core of a golf ball, specifically in a polybutadiene-based composite, to enhance mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and durability, while also reducing curing time and improving production throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If graphene nanoplatelets are incorporated into the core composite material, then mechanical strength and thermal conductivity are improved, but the nanoplatelets have a strong tendency to stack and agglomerate, resulting in lower-than-expected physical property improvements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoiddispersion stability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Carbon nanotubes serve as an intermediary substance between graphene nanoplatelets, occupying the spaces between layers and preventing direct contact and stacking. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining dispersion stability while preserving the mechanical strength benefits of graphene reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a hybrid composite material combining graphene nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes within the polybutadiene matrix. This composite approach allows the two different carbon allotropes to work synergistically, with CNTs providing structural support and spacing while graphene provides reinforcement, thereby maintaining both dispersion stability and mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If carbon nanotubes are added to occupy spaces between graphene layers, then dispersion quality is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing process become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispersion qualityVSAvoidcomposite formulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two carbon-based nanofillers (graphene and CNTs) into a single composite formulation, combining their individual benefits into one integrated material system. This merging approach simplifies the overall formulation by using a dual-component system rather than requiring separate treatments for each filler type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If graphene and CNT mixture is used to improve mechanical strength, then durability under repeated impact is increased, but the curing time and production throughput may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidcuring time

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of both graphene and CNTs within specific ranges (graphene: 0.01-6.0 wt%, CNT: 0.01-6.0 wt%) to achieve the desired balance between durability enhancement and acceptable curing time. By carefully controlling these compositional parameters, the patent maximizes durability benefits while minimizing the impact on production throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 graphene/CNT mixture significantly increases the mean time to fail under repeated impact, improves compression retention, and enhances thermal conductivity, leading to a more durable and efficient golf ball core with faster curing cycles.

Implementation Method 1

When graphene and CNT are mixed together, one-dimensional CNTs occupy spaces between layers of graphene. This improves quality of graphene dispersion in a given polymer matrix.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier effect:

Implementation Method 2

Increased thermal conductivity results in more uniform/faster curing of core that can reduce cure time and increase throughput.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

Conductivity of composite with all these three fillers was shown to be higher than the conductivity of a composite that used either one or two of these allotropes.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10456629B1Graphene and carbon nanotube reinforced golf ball

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 TOPGOLF CALLAWAY BRANDS CORP

AI summary

A golf ball comprising an inner core comprising polybutadiene, and an outer core comprising a polybutadiene material, a graphene material and a carbon nanotube material (CNT) is disclosed herein. Improved durability of the core by using a mixture of graphene and CNT can result in higher mean time to fail (MTTF) upon repeated impact in a high speed testing device, or with a golf club in normal play.