Silane-Modified Polybutadiene Golf Ball Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
The dispersion of nanostructures in golf ball cores is challenging due to their small size, leading to agglomerates that negatively affect physical properties such as modulus and hardness, making it difficult to achieve desired levels of hardness and modulus in multi-piece golf balls.
Innovation Solution
A rubber composition incorporating 0.1 to 5 parts by weight peroxide free-radical initiator, 5 to 50 parts by weight cross-linking co-agent, and 0.1 to 30 parts by weight of substantially oriented nanostructures, such as nanofibers, nanorods, and nanoparticles, which are homogenously dispersed to prevent agglomeration, improving the core's physical properties and molding efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If nanostructures are added to rubber composition to improve physical properties, then modulus and hardness are enhanced, but the nanostructures tend to agglomerate due to their small size, negatively affecting the desired physical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses silane-modified polybutadiene rubber as an intermediary material that facilitates uniform dispersion of inorganic nanostructures. The silane groups on the rubber chains interact with the inorganic particles, preventing agglomeration while maintaining enhanced modulus and hardness properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite rubber composition by combining organic silane-modified polybutadiene rubber with inorganic nanostructures. This composite approach allows the synergistic interaction between the modified polymer matrix and dispersed inorganic particles, achieving both improved physical properties and stable homogeneous dispersion
2Reliability
If conventional rubber materials are used in golf ball cores, then manufacturing is straightforward, but resiliency and rebounding performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of conventional polybutadiene rubber by introducing silane groups through chemical modification. This parameter change in the molecular structure enables enhanced resiliency and rebounding performance while maintaining compatibility with standard golf ball manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms conventional rubber into a composite material system by incorporating inorganic nanostructures into silane-modified polybutadiene. This composite approach significantly improves resiliency and rebounding performance, allowing golf balls to achieve greater distance while the modified composition remains manufacturable using existing industrial processes
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 results in golf balls with enhanced modulus, hardness, durability, and resiliency, providing high-quality playing performance with improved dispersion of nanostructures throughout the rubber composition, leading to better flight distance and control.
Implementation Method 1
0.1 to 5 parts by weight peroxide free-radical initiator
Implementation Method 2
5 to 50 parts by weight cross-linking co-agent
Implementation Method 3
substantially oriented nanostructures... which are homogenously dispersed to prevent agglomeration
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-piece golf balls having at least one component made of a rubber composition comprising substantially oriented nanostructures are provided. For example, the nanostructures may be in the form of nanofibers, nanorods, nanotubes, and nanoparticles. The multi-piece golf ball contains a core, which may have a dual-core construction including a center and surrounding outer core layer or other multi-layered structure. Preferably at least one of the core layers is formed from a polybutadiene rubber composition comprising the nanostructures. The polybutadiene rubber may be chemically or non-chemically modified. The polybutadiene preferably has a cis-bond content of at least 80%.