Metallic Coagent Ionomer Blends for Golf Ball Cover Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball compositions face challenges in achieving a balance between flexibility and durability, as high-acid ionomers are brittle while mid-acid ionomers lack stiffness, and polyolefins lack mechanical properties such as elasticity.
Innovation Solution
A blend composition incorporating a metallic coagent with polyolefins or ionomers, which forms ionomeric cross-links to enhance mechanical properties like elasticity and stiffness without increasing brittleness, is used in the outer cover or intermediate layers of golf balls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high-acid ionomers are used to increase stiffness and durability, then impact durability is improved, but brittleness increases and flexibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by incorporating metallic coagents (zinc, calcium, magnesium, barium, strontium, or mixtures) at specific concentrations (0.1-10 wt%) into ionomeric resins with controlled acid concentrations (5-50 mmol/g). This parameter adjustment allows tuning the balance between stiffness, elasticity, and brittleness, resolving the contradiction between impact durability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite material systems by combining ionomeric resins with metallic coagents to form ionomeric cross-links. These composite structures integrate the benefits of both components: the polymeric matrix provides flexibility and toughness, while the metallic cross-links provide stiffness and durability, simultaneously addressing both requirements.
2Ease of operation
If mid-acid ionomers are used to maintain flexibility, then elasticity is improved, but stiffness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the acid concentration parameter within the range of 5-50 mmol/g and controls the degree of neutralization (10-100%) to optimize the balance between elasticity and stiffness. By precisely controlling these parameters, mid-acid ionomers can achieve both flexibility and adequate stiffness without the brittleness of high-acid variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces localized ionomeric cross-links through metallic coagents within the polymer matrix. These localized cross-linked regions provide stiffness and structural integrity, while the bulk polymer matrix maintains flexibility and elasticity, achieving both properties simultaneously through spatial differentiation of material properties.
3Ease of manufacture
If polyolefins are used to achieve flexibility and processability, then ease of manufacture is improved, but mechanical properties such as elasticity and stiffness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ionomeric resins as intermediary components that bridge polyolefins and metallic coagents. The ionomeric resins form cross-linked networks that impart mechanical properties (elasticity, stiffness) to the otherwise mechanically weak polyolefin matrix, while maintaining the processability benefits of polyolefin-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite systems combining polyolefins, ionomeric resins, and metallic coagents. This multi-component composite structure leverages the processability of polyolefins, the cross-linking capability of ionomeric resins, and the reinforcing effect of metallic coagents to achieve both ease of manufacture and superior mechanical properties.
4Strength
If cross-linking is increased to improve stiffness and durability, then strength is improved, but brittleness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the degree of neutralization (10-100%) and metallic coagent concentration (0.1-10 wt%) to optimize cross-linking density. By adjusting these parameters, the patent achieves sufficient cross-linking for stiffness and durability while preventing excessive cross-linking that would cause brittleness, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and toughness.
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 increases the flex modulus and elasticity of golf ball layers, improving impact durability and stiffness while maintaining flexibility, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the golf ball.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a metallic coagent with a non-neutralized copolymeric or terpolymeric olefin-containing acid to produce an ionomeric resin
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball comprising:(a) a core:(b) an outer cover layer; and(c) optionally, at least one intermediate layer,wherein at least the outer cover layer or the intermediate layer comprises a blend composition of:(i) a metallic coagent; and(ii)(a) at least one polyolefin or (ii)(b) at least one ionomer.