Thermoplastic Polyurethane Golf Ball Coatings with UV Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional topcoats for golf balls containing high concentrations of optical brighteners can cause discoloration issues, such as a yellowish tint, when exposed to sunlight, affecting the appearance and performance of the balls.
Innovation Solution
A polyurethane topcoat composition with a controlled concentration of optical brighteners (0.01 to 0.20 weight %) is applied to the thermoplastic polyurethane cover, using a two-part coating system with specific components like polyol, catalyst, solvent, UV absorbers, and polyisocyanates, which provides durability and prevents discoloration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high concentrations of optical brighteners are used in conventional topcoats, then the brightness and whiteness of the golf ball is improved, but discoloration (yellowish tint) occurs when exposed to sunlight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the concentration of optical brighteners in the topcoat formulation. Instead of using high concentrations, the invention specifies a controlled range of 0.01 to 0.20 weight percent, which optimizes the balance between achieving desired brightness and preventing UV-induced discoloration. This quantitative parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal concentration level.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining optical brighteners with UV absorbers in the topcoat formulation. This composite approach allows the coating to simultaneously provide brightness enhancement through optical brighteners while protecting against discoloration through UV absorbers, effectively resolving the contradiction between brightness and discoloration resistance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a polyurethane topcoat with controlled optical brightener concentration is applied, then discoloration is prevented, but the brightness enhancement may be reduced compared to high-concentration formulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces UV absorbers as intermediary substances that work alongside optical brighteners. The UV absorbers act as mediators by absorbing harmful UV radiation before it can cause discoloration, while the optical brighteners at controlled concentrations provide brightness enhancement. This intermediary approach allows both functions to coexist without compromising either discoloration resistance or brightness.
3Illumination intensity
If optical brighteners are included in the topcoat composition, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the coating complexity and formulation precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the formulation complexity by establishing specific parameter ranges for optical brightener concentrations (0.01 to 0.20 weight percent). These defined parameters provide clear formulation guidelines, making the complex task of balancing brightness and discoloration resistance manageable through quantitative specifications rather than requiring complex formulation 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 topcoat composition maintains the desired brightness and prevents discoloration, ensuring the golf balls have high impact durability and aesthetically pleasing appearance even after exposure to UV radiation, with improved uniformity and mechanical strength.
Implementation Method 1
Optical brighteners can be included in the cover stock material used to make the cover layer, in primer coatings, in paints, and in topcoat composition. When applied to the exterior of a golf ball, optical brighteners enhance the whiteness and/or brightness of such balls.
Implementation Method 2
The topcoat composition maintains the desired brightness and prevents discoloration, ensuring the golf balls have high impact durability and aesthetically pleasing appearance even after exposure to UV radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for coatings for golf balls, particularly golf balls having thermoplastic polyurethane covers, and the resulting finished balls are provided. The coating is preferably a topcoat comprising a polyurethane composition containing optical brighteners. The topcoat composition preferably comprises a low concentration of optical brighteners. For example, the concentration of optical brightener can be in the range of 0.01 to about 0.20 weight %. The optical brighteners provide the desired brightness to the golf ball without sacrificing color stability. Multi-piece golf balls having inner cores, outer cores, inner covers, and intermediate layers can be made. The finished ball with the topcoat has many advantageous physical and playing performance properties.