Organic Acid Modified Ionomer Silica Golf Ball Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball compositions face challenges in achieving a combination of high resilience, stiffness, and moisture barrier properties, with existing fillers often compromising resilience or increasing stiffness at the expense of coefficient of restitution.
Innovation Solution
A filled thermoplastic composition comprising an organic acid-modified ionomer and silica filler, where the ionomer is based on ethylene acid copolymers with high levels of neutralization and the silica filler has high oil absorption, providing enhanced stiffness and resilience with minimal reduction in coefficient of restitution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fillers are added to increase stiffness, then flex modulus is improved, but coefficient of restitution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of the filler from conventional inorganic fillers (calcium carbonate, silica) to organic fillers with specific molecular structures (paraffinic waxes, polyolefins) having controlled melt indices and molecular weights. This parameter change allows the filler to integrate more compatibly with the ionomer matrix, providing stiffness enhancement while maintaining the elastic recovery properties necessary for high coefficient of restitution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining organic acid-modified ionomers with specific organic fillers. The composite leverages the synergistic interaction between the ionomer's elastic properties and the organic filler's structural support, achieving both increased flex modulus and preserved coefficient of restitution through compatible phase interaction and optimized interfacial adhesion.
2Strength
If filler content is increased to improve stiffness, then flex modulus is improved, but resilience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the filler content parameter within a specific range (1-20 parts per hundred resin) and changes the filler's physical parameters (melt index, molecular weight, particle size distribution) to achieve maximum stiffness enhancement at minimal resin dilution. The organic fillers' compatibility with the ionomer matrix allows for lower filler loading levels compared to conventional fillers, preserving resilience while achieving the desired stiffness increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes organic fillers with controlled porosity and surface area characteristics that allow for efficient stress transfer and energy storage. The porous structure of certain organic fillers provides micro-cushioning effects that maintain resilience while the overall framework provides stiffness, enabling both properties to coexist at optimized filler loadings.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional fillers are used to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is improved, but Atti compression deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the filler from inorganic oxides to organic compounds with tailored molecular structures. The organic fillers exhibit better compatibility with the ionomer matrix, requiring fewer additives and simpler processing steps, which offsets their potentially higher base cost through reduced manufacturing complexity and improved processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The organic fillers act as intermediaries that bridge the gap between the ionomer matrix and the mechanical load. Their molecular structure allows for effective stress transfer and energy absorption, enhancing Atti compression performance. This intermediary role is more effective than conventional inorganic fillers due to better interfacial adhesion and compatibility, achieving superior mechanical performance that can command premium pricing.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a composition comprising, or produced from, an organic acid-modified ionomer and silica filler having oil absorption greater than 100 g oil/100 g silica. Also disclosed are articles produced from the composition such as golf balls.