CN112867758B

CN112867758B - Graphene core for golf balls with soft covers

Info

Publication number: CN112867758B
Application number: CN201980055892.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: P·彼得里希; B·大卫; H·G·全; C·布朗
Original assignee: Tuogo Lekalawei Brand Co
Current assignee: Tuogo Lekalawei Brand Co
Priority date: 2018-07-02
Filing date: 2019-06-27
Publication date: 2023-09-01
Anticipated expiration: 2039-06-27
Also published as: JP2021509069A; KR102523415B1; JP2023016834A; CN112867758A; KR20210023866A; WO2020009887A1; JP7212692B2

Abstract

A golf ball (10) is disclosed herein, the golf ball (10) having a core (12) comprising polybutadiene and graphene and having a soft cover (16). The golf ball (10) has a dual core (12), wherein the outer core (12 b) comprises polybutadiene and graphene. The soft shell (16) is preferably composed of a highly neutralized polymer, a first ionic polymer, a second ionic polymer, and an impact modifier.

Description

Graphene core for golf balls with soft covers

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the use of graphene in various layers of a golf ball, and more particularly to a golf ball having a graphene core and a soft cover.

Background

A typical process for synthesizing layered graphite (individual flakes of layered graphite also referred to as graphene or graphene nanoplatelets) involves reacting graphite with an acid (e.g., nitric acid and/or sulfuric acid) followed by thermal processing and chemical reduction. The layered graphite is prepared from SP ² Two-dimensional flat flakes made of hybrid carbon. Graphene (individual flakes of reduced layered graphite) flakes are typically a few nanometers thick and a few nanometers wide (aspect ratio>1000). This high aspect ratio of graphene and its high tensile strength (tensile strength in GPa as compared to the polymer in MPa) can result in a polymeric composite with very high tensile and flexural properties. Graphene has extremely high thermal conductivity (compared to typical thermoplastic polymers <1W/mk, can reach 3000W/mk) can be used for making the heat-conducting composite material. For thermally cured elastomer products, this high thermal conductivity may mean shorter, more uniform cure cycles, which may result in higher throughput.

Various examples of layered graphite (also referred to as graphene) based composites can be found in the literature. The king (Wang) et al describe expanded graphite polyethylene composites for electromagnetic radiation interference (EMI) shielding applications.

Us patent 4946892 describes the synthesis of layered graphene composite by compression molding graphite with polyimide resin at high heat (200C) and pressure (80 kPa).

Is described by Shioyama (r) to synthesize polyisoprene and polystyrene based composites by in situ polymerization of styrene and isoprene monomers in the presence of delaminated graphite.

Us patent 5776372 describes conductive nanocomposites made from expanded graphite and various polymers such as polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene and phenolic resins. Pan (Pan) et al describe the synthesis of nylon-6 expanded graphite nanocomposites by polymerizing epsilon-caprolactam in the presence of expanded graphite.

Chen et al describe in situ polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of expanded graphite to obtain conductive nanocomposites.

Xiao et al describe making layered graphite composites with improved thermal stability by polymerizing styrene in situ in the presence of layered graphene.

This problem has not even been recognized in the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

The primary object of the present invention is to improve the durability of golf ball cores by incorporating graphene in the core to improve the impact strength of the ball and having a soft cover. This benefit is seen in balls having a monolithic core or having a dual core with an outer core that is stronger than an inner core. Improving the durability of the core through the use of graphene may allow for longer Mean Time To Failure (MTTF) when repeatedly impacted with a golf club in a high-speed test device or at daily play.

Another objective is to improve the aging properties by incorporating graphene in the core to better maintain compression and COR over time.

One aspect of the present invention is a golf ball comprising an inner core, an outer core, and a cover shell. The cover shell layer is disposed over the outer core, and the cover shell layer is comprised of: 5 to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a first ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a second ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a third ionic polymer, 5 to 30wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 40wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. The core including the inner core and the outer core has a compressibility value in the range of 40-55. The golf ball has a diameter of at least 1.68 inches, a mass of less than 45.93 grams, and a COR of at least 0.790.

In a more preferred embodiment, the outer core comprises graphene material in the range of 0.4wt% to 2.5wt% of the outer core. In a more preferred embodiment, the graphene material is in the range of 0.6wt% to 1.5wt% of the outer core.

Another aspect of the invention is a golf ball comprising an inner core, an outer core, and a cover shell. The inner core body includes a polybutadiene material. The outer core includes polybutadiene material and graphene material in an amount in the range of 0.1wt% to 5.0wt% of the outer core, wherein the outer core has a flexural modulus in the range of 80MPa to 95 MPa. The housing layer is disposed over the outer core. The casing layer includes 5wt% to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 5wt% to 45wt% of a first ionic polymer, 5wt% to 45wt% of a second ionic polymer, 5wt% to 45wt% of a third ionic polymer, 5wt% to 30wt% of a masterbatch, and 1wt% to 10wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch including 15wt% to 40wt% of an impact modifier. The dual core, including the inner core and the outer core, has a compressibility value in the range of 40 to 55. The golf ball has a diameter of at least 1.68 inches, a mass of less than 45.93 grams, and a COR of at least 0.790.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a golf ball comprising a dual core and cover layer comprised of an inner core and an outer core. The inner core body includes polybutadiene and graphene material in an amount in the range of 0.1wt% to 5.0wt% of the inner core body. The outer core includes polybutadiene and graphene material in an amount in the range of 0.1wt% to 5.0wt% of the outer core. The outer core has a flexural modulus in the range of 80MPa to 95 MPa. The housing layer is disposed over the outer core. The casing layer includes 5wt% to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 5wt% to 45wt% of a first ionic polymer, 5wt% to 45wt% of a second ionic polymer, 5wt% to 45wt% of a third ionic polymer, 5wt% to 30wt% of a masterbatch, and 1wt% to 10wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch including 15wt% to 40wt% of an impact modifier. The casing layer has a thickness in the range of 0.025 inches to 0.055 inches. The dual core has a compressibility value in the range of 40 to 55.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a golf ball comprising a dual core composed of an inner core and an outer core, and a cover and a mantle layer. The inner core body includes polybutadiene and graphene material in an amount in the range of 0.1wt% to 5.0wt% of the inner core body. The outer core includes polybutadiene and graphene material in an amount in the range of 0.1wt% to 5.0wt% of the outer core. The outer core has a flexural modulus in the range of 80MPa to 95 MPa. The cover layer is disposed over the cladding layer. The casing layer includes 5wt% to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 5wt% to 45wt% of a first ionic polymer, 5wt% to 45wt% of a second ionic polymer, 5wt% to 45wt% of a third ionic polymer, 5wt% to 30wt% of a masterbatch, and 1wt% to 10wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch including 15wt% to 40wt% of an impact modifier. The casing layer has a thickness in the range of 0.025 inches to 0.055 inches. The cover layer has a shore D hardness in the range of 35 to 60.

The dual core has a compressibility value in the range of 40 to 55.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an exploded partial cross-sectional view of a golf ball.

Fig. 2 is an exploded partial view of the golf ball.

Fig. 3 is an exploded partial cross-sectional view of a golf ball.

Fig. 4 is a top perspective view of a golf ball.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a core assembly of a golf ball.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a core assembly and cover assembly of the golf ball.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an inner core layer, an outer core layer, an inner cover layer, an outer cover layer, and a cover layer of a golf ball.

Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view of an inner core layer, an intermediate core layer, an outer core layer, a cover layer, and a cover layer of a golf ball.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the inner core body layer under a load of 100 kg.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the core under a load of 100 kg.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a core assembly and cover assembly of a golf ball.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a core assembly, cover assembly and cover shell of a golf ball.

Fig. 12 is an exploded partial cross-sectional view of a four-piece golf ball.

Fig. 13 is an exploded partial cross-sectional view of a three-piece golf ball.

Fig. 14 is an exploded partial cross-sectional view of a two-piece golf ball.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a two-piece golf ball.

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a three-piece golf ball.

Fig. 17 is an exploded partial cross-sectional view of a three-piece golf ball.

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a three-piece golf ball having a dual core and a cover.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a three-piece golf ball having a core, a cover, and a shell.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a four-piece golf ball with a dual core, cover and shell.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a four-piece golf ball having a core, a dual cover, and a shell.

Fig. 22 is a graph of durability testing of an outer core using PTM at 175 fps.

Fig. 23 is a graph of durability testing of dual cores using PTM at 175 fps.

Fig. 24 is a graph of durability testing of dual cores using PTM at 175 fps.

Fig. 25 is a graph of durability testing of dual cores using PTM at 175 fps.

Fig. 26 illustrates graphene.

Fig. 27 is a graph of durability testing of dual cores using PTM at 175 fps.

Fig. 28 is a durability curve (MTTF) versus average surface area of graphene.

Fig. 29 is a graph of temperature of the outer core of the dual core as a function of cure time.

Detailed Description

It is an object of the present invention to improve the durability of golf ball cores and to improve the impact strength of the ball by incorporating graphene in the core. This benefit can be seen in balls designed to have a low compression monolithic core or a dual core with an outer core stronger than an inner core. Improving the durability of the core or cladding composition through the use of graphene may allow for longer Mean Time To Failure (MTTF) when repeated impacts are used with a golf club in high speed test devices or during everyday play.

It is another object of the present invention to improve aging properties by incorporating graphene in the core or cladding to better maintain compression and COR over time.

In a preferred embodiment, a golf ball includes a core and a cover layer comprised of: 5 to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a first ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a second ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a third ionic polymer, 5 to 30wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 40wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. In an alternative embodiment, the shell layer 16 is comprised of: 30 to 40wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10 to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5 to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20 to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 35wt% to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10wt% to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10wt% to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15wt% to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5wt% to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20wt% to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 90wt% of a first ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch.

Preferably, the HNP is HPF 2000 available from DuPont Chemical. Another preferred HNP is HPF 1000, also available from DuPont. Yet another alternative HNP is AD1035, also available from dupont. Yet another alternative HNP is AD 1172, also available from dupont.

Preferably the ionomer material is commercially available from DuPont9150.SURLYN 9150 is an acid radical and zinc ion partially neutralized ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer. Another preferred ionomer material is +.>8150.SURLYN 8150 is an ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer partially neutralized with acid groups and sodium ions. Yet another preferred ionomer material is +.>AD 1022。

Alternative ionomer materials are commercially available from dupont9945. An alternative ionomer material is +.>8945。

The impact modifier is at least one of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymer (ABS), methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene polymer (MBS) impact modifier of poly (vinyl chloride), and acrylic/methacrylic core shell modifier of polycarbonate.

The polybutadiene-based core is made using the following materials. Corresponding levels (in wt%) are indicated for each material: polybutadiene having a 1, 4-cis structure of more than 60% (40% to 90%); polyisoprene (1% to 30%); zinc acrylate (10 to 50%); zinc oxide (l% to 30%); zinc stearate (l% to 20%); peroxide initiator (0.1% to 10%); zinc pentachlorothiophenol (0% to 10%); pigment (0% to 10%); barium sulfate (0% to 20%); graphene a (0.01% to 6%) which is commercially available from various suppliers such as Cheap Tubes, aderanol private limited (Ad-Nano Technologies Private Limited), megana (MKnano), XG science (XG Sciences inc.), ashire materials (Angstron Materials inc.) (graphene a may have a length of 15 m) ² /g to 50m ² Average surface area between/g); graphene B (0.01% to 6%) can be purchased from various suppliers such as Cheap Tubes, aderanol private limited, megana, XG science, asrand materials (graphene B may have a particle size of between 300 m) ² /g to 400m ² Average surface area between/g); graphene C (0.01% to 6%) may be purchased from various suppliers such as Cheap Tubes, aderanol private limited, megana, XG science, aster material company (graphene C has a higher surface average value than graphene a or graphene B, and graphene C may have a surface average value between 400 m) ² /g to 800m ² Average surface area between/g); graphene masterbatches (90% to 99% polybutadiene or polyisoprene and 1% to 10% graphene masterbatches) (0.1% to 50%) can be obtained at various suppliers (e.g., winning compound company (Preferred Compounding Corp), dyna-Mix, alttran, carbofuran(Callaway (in-plant compounding)) with the aid of a custom compound.

Four different individual cores were made (formulations 1 to 4) as shown in the formulations in table 1. The control group (formulation 1) had no graphene.

TABLE 1 formulation of solid cores (graphene)

The compressibility was measured by applying a 200 pound load to the core and measuring its deflection in inches. Compression = 180- (deflection x 1000).

Durability test of solid core

The core was hit in a Pneumatic Tester (PTM) at 150 fps.

For each formulation mentioned in table 1, 12 cores were tested. The number of shots before each core burst was recorded for each core and the burst cores were removed from the remainder of the test. The data were reported using a Weibull plot (Weibull plot) and the average time to failure was reported as shown in table 1. As seen in fig. 20, the graphene modified core was able to withstand more hits than the core without graphene before being damaged. It is reasonable to assume that the durability of a golf ball having a monolithic core of such design will also experience a substantial increase in durability based on this increase in core.

In this study, graphene a was introduced into the outer core in a dual core configuration. A dual core is made by compression molding two outer core halves around a molded inner core having a diameter of about 0.940 "and a soft compression of about 0.200 inches of deflection under 2001b load. The inner core and the outer core are cured at a temperature in the range of between 150°f and 400°f for a time in the range of 1 minute to 30 minutes. After molding, the twin cores were ground to approximately 1.554 "spherical shape prior to testing.

Tables 2 and 3 give details of the formulation of the inner core and the outer core. The components of these formulations were mixed in an internal mixer. Optionally, additional mixing is performed using two roll mills.

The compressibility of the outer core is measured by first making a full-size core separately, measuring the compressibility of the core, and then molding two halves around the inner core to complete a dual core.

The difference in compression describes the difference between the outer core compression (molded separately) and the inner core compression. The higher the difference in compression, the greater the fracture resistance upon impact.

TABLE 2 inner core formulation

TABLE 3 external core formulation for dual core

The compressibility was measured by applying a 200 pound load to the core and measuring its deflection in inches. Compression = 180- (deflection x 1000)

Durability test of double cores

The core was hit in a Pneumatic Tester (PTM) at 175 fps.

For each formulation mentioned in table 3, 12 cores were tested. The number of shots before each core burst was recorded for each core and the burst cores were removed from the remainder of the test. The data were reported using a weibull chart, and the average time to failure was reported as shown in table 3. As seen in fig. 21, the graphene modified core was able to withstand more hits than the core without graphene before being damaged. It is reasonable to assume that the durability of a golf ball having a dual core of this design will also experience a substantial increase in fracture resistance based on this increase in dual core.

Dual core with graphene-C in the outer core only

In this study, graphene-C (0.01% to 6%, available from various suppliers such as Cheap Tubes, ardenano private Co., megana, XG science, abstract Material Co., and having a particle size of 400m ² /g to 800m ² Average surface area per g) is introduced into the outer core in a two-core configuration. A dual core is made by compression molding two outer core halves around a molded inner core having a diameter of about 0.940 "and a soft compression of about 0.200 inches of deflection under 2001b load. The inner core and the outer core are cured at a temperature in the range of 150F to 400F for a time in the range of 1 minute to 30 minutes. After molding, the twin cores were ground to approximately 1.554 "spherical shape prior to testing.

The details of the formulation of the inner core and the outer core are given in tables 4 and 5. The components of these formulations were mixed in an internal mixer. Optionally, additional mixing is performed using two roll mills.

The compressibility of the outer core is measured by first making a full-size core separately, measuring the compressibility of the core, and then molding two halves around the inner core to complete a dual core. The difference in compression describes the difference between the outer core compression (molded separately) and the inner core compression. The higher the difference in compression, the greater the fracture resistance upon impact.

TABLE 4 inner core formulation

TABLE 4 Table 4

TABLE 5 external core formulation for dual cores

TABLE 5

The core was hit in a Pneumatic Tester (PTM) at 175 fps.

For each formulation mentioned in table 5, 12 cores were tested. The number of shots before each core burst was recorded for each core and the burst cores were removed from the remainder of the test. The data was reported using a weibull chart, and the average time to failure was reported as shown in table 5. The test was stopped after 100 shots. As shown in fig. 22, the graphene modified core was able to withstand more hits than the core without graphene before being damaged. It is reasonable to assume that the durability of a golf ball having a dual core of this design will also experience a substantial increase in fracture resistance based on this increase in dual core. It is reasonably assumed that the addition of graphene in the inner core may enhance the durability of the entire golf ball, but this study is focused only on the outer core.

The inner core body and the outer core body are provided with double cores of graphene A.

In this study, graphene a was introduced into the inner and outer cores in a dual core configuration. Details of the formulations of the inner and outer cores of these dual cores are given in table 6. The components of these formulations were mixed in an internal mixer. Optionally, additional mixing is performed using two roll mills. A dual core is made by compression molding two outer core halves around a molded inner core having a diameter of about 0.940 "and a soft compression of about 0.200 inches of deflection under 2001b load. The inner core and the outer core are cured at a temperature in the range of 150F to 400F for a time in the range of 1 minute to 30 minutes. After molding, the twin cores were ground to approximately 1.554 "spherical shape prior to testing.

The compressibility of the outer core is measured by first making the full-size core separately, measuring the compressibility of the core, and then molding two halves around the inner core to complete a dual core.

TABLE 6 Dual core formulas with graphene A in both inner and outer cores

TABLE 6

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For each formulation mentioned in table 6, 12 cores were tested. The number of shots before each core burst was recorded for each core and the burst cores were removed from the remainder of the test. The data was reported using a weibull chart, and the average time to failure was reported as shown in table 6. As seen in fig. 23, the graphene modified core was able to withstand more hits than the core without graphene before being damaged. The spheres having graphene in both the inner core and the outer core were observed to have the best durability. It is reasonable to assume that the durability of a golf ball having a dual core of this design will also experience a substantial increase in fracture resistance based on this increase in dual core. It is reasonably assumed that the addition of graphene in the inner core may enhance the durability of the entire golf ball, but this study is focused only on the outer core.

Double core with graphene B in only the outer core

In this study, graphene-B was introduced into the outer core in a dual core configuration. A dual core is made by compression molding two outer core halves around a molded inner core having a diameter of about 0.940 "and a soft compression of about 0.200 inches of deflection under 2001b load. The inner core and the outer core are cured at a temperature in the range of 150F to 400F for a time in the range of 1 minute to 30 minutes. After molding, the twin cores were ground to approximately 1.554 "spherical shape prior to testing.

Details of the formulations of the inner core and the outer core are given in tables 7 and 8. The components of these formulations were mixed in an internal mixer. Optionally, additional mixing is performed using two roll mills.

The compressibility of the outer core is measured by first making the full-size core separately, measuring the compressibility of the core, and then molding two halves around the inner core to complete a dual core. The difference in compression describes the difference between the outer core compression (molded separately) and the inner core compression. The higher the difference in compression, the greater the fracture resistance upon impact.

TABLE 7 inner core formulation

TABLE 8 external core formulation for dual cores

TABLE 8

The compressibility of formulation 17 was 64.3, that of formulation 18 was 68.0, and that of formulation 19 was 67.1. The degree of compression of the twin-core structure composed of the inner core and the outer core was 42.1 when the formulation 17 was used, 45.8 when the formulation 18 was used and 48.7 when the formulation 19 was used. The compressibility was measured by applying a 200 pound load to the core and measuring its deflection in inches. Compression = 180- (deflection x 1000).

The core was hit in a Pneumatic Tester (PTM) at 175 fps. For each formulation mentioned in table 8, 12 cores were tested. The number of shots before each core burst was recorded for each core and the burst cores were removed from the remainder of the test. The data was reported using a weibull chart, and the average time to failure was reported as shown in table 8. The test was stopped after 100 shots. As seen in fig. 25, the graphene modified core was able to withstand more of this impact to be damaged than the core without graphene. It is reasonable to assume that the durability of a golf ball having a dual core of this design will also experience a substantial increase in fracture resistance based on this increase in dual core. It is reasonably assumed that the addition of graphene in the inner core may enhance the durability of the entire golf ball, but this study is focused only on the outer core.

As seen in fig. 26, as the average surface area of the graphene nanoplatelets increases, the average time to failure (MTTF) is prolonged or durability is enhanced. The higher the average surface area of the nanoplatelets, the longer the duration in a typical durability test, at the same concentration of graphene.

To test whether graphene helps to shorten the time required to cure a given rubber core, temperature/time experiments were performed. The controlled core had no graphene, while the modified core contained 1.6% graphene in the outer core. The inner core body does not have any graphene. A thermocouple was attached to the outer core of the dual core. The temperature of the outer core was recorded as the dual core was cured. The temperature within the outer core of the dual core was recorded as a function of time as shown in fig. 27. As seen in fig. 27, the core containing graphene reached the maximum temperature faster than the core without graphene. This is attributable to the higher thermal conductivity of graphene, which allows the outer core to reach higher temperatures faster than the core without any graphene.

Novelty of this process: the durability of the dual core having a high compression difference is greatly increased by incorporating graphene in the inner core and the outer core. The use of graphene to strengthen the inner core and outer core helps to resist the high stresses experienced by the core when hit at high cue speeds. The addition of graphene to the core formulation is very simple and the graphene can be dispersed into the polybutadiene mixture during the two roll milling process. Since graphene has high thermal conductivity, the overall thermal conductivity of the core may be increased by inclusion of graphene. The curing cycle may be shortened because of the higher thermal conductivity of the graphene-reinforced core. Shortening the curing period may result in an increase in production yield. Optionally, the graphene may be incorporated as a masterbatch into polybutadiene or polyisoprene, making the graphene easier and dust-free to disperse into polybutadiene rubber.

Experiments have shown that incorporating graphene into the inner core and outer core formulations when designing a twin core golf ball strengthens the outer core strength and provides greater protection against breakage, and is more susceptible to failure in breakage resistance if the outer core is stronger than the soft inner core.

In general, this applies when the inner core is softer than the outer core. More specifically, the dual core has a compressibility of 40 or greater than 40 when the inner core has a deflection of more than 0.200 "under 2001b load.

This is critical in the case of a ball of 4-piece construction, where the thickness of the individual coating layers is less than 0.050", or more specifically less than 0.040", the goal in this study being 0.036".

Fig. 3-7 illustrate a five-piece golf ball 10 including an inner core 12a, an outer core 12b, an inner cover 14a, an outer cover 14b, and a cover layer 16, the cover layer 16 being composed of: 5 to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a first ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a second ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a third ionic polymer, 5 to 30wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 40wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. In an alternative embodiment, the shell layer 16 is comprised of: 30 to 40wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10 to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5 to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20 to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the cover layer is comprised of: 35wt% to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10wt% to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10wt% to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15wt% to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5wt% to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20wt% to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the cover layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 90wt% of a first ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier. The inner core body 12a includes a polybutadiene mixture including 0.4wt% to 2.5wt% graphene.

Fig. 7A illustrates a five-piece golf ball 10 including an inner core 12a, an intermediate core 12b, an outer core 12c, a cover 14, and a cover layer 16, the cover layer 16 being composed of: 5 to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a first ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a second ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a third ionic polymer, 5 to 30wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 40wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. In an alternative embodiment, the shell layer 16 is comprised of: 30 to 40wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10 to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5 to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20 to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 35wt% to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10wt% to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10wt% to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15wt% to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5wt% to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20wt% to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the cover layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 90wt% of a first ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier. The intermediate core 12b comprises a polybutadiene mixture comprising 0.4wt% to 2.5wt% graphene.

Fig. 10 and 11 illustrate a six-piece golf ball 10 including an inner core 12a, an intermediate core 12b, an outer core 12c, an inner cover 14a, an outer cover 14b, and a cover layer 16, the cover layer 16 being composed of: 5 to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a first ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a second ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a third ionic polymer, 5 to 30wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 40wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. In an alternative embodiment, the shell layer 16 is comprised of: 30 to 40wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10 to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5 to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20 to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the cover layer is comprised of: 35 to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10 to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5 to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20 to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the cover layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 90wt% of a first ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. The inner core body 12a includes a polybutadiene mixture including 0.4wt% to 2.5wt% graphene.

FIG. 12 illustrates a four-piece golf ball including a dual core, a boundary layer, and a cover layer consisting of: 5 to 45 weight percent of a highly neutralized polymer, 5 to 45 weight percent of a first ionic polymer, 5 to 45 weight percent of a second ionic polymer, 5 to 45 weight percent of a third ionic polymer, 5 to 30 weight percent of a masterbatch, and 1 to 10 weight percent of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 15 to 40 weight percent of an impact modifier. In an alternative embodiment, the cover layer is composed of: 30 to 40wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10 to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5 to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20 to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the cover layer is comprised of: 35 to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10 to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5 to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20 to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the cover layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. In yet another alternative embodiment, the cover layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 90wt% of a first ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. The outer core comprises a polybutadiene mixture comprising 0.4wt% to 2.5wt% graphene.

FIG. 13 illustrates a three-piece golf ball including a core, a boundary layer, and a cover layer, the cover layer being composed of: 5 to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a first ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a second ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a third ionic polymer, 5 to 30wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 40wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. In an alternative embodiment, the cover layer is composed of: 30 to 40wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10 to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5 to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20 to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the cover layer is comprised of: 35wt% to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10wt% to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10wt% to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15wt% to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5wt% to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20wt% to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the cover layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. In yet another alternative embodiment, the cover layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 90wt% of a first ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier. The core comprises a polybutadiene mixture comprising 0.4wt% to 2.5wt% graphene.

Fig. 14 and 15 illustrate a two-piece golf ball 20 having a core 25 and a cover layer 30, the cover layer 30 being composed of: 5 to 45 weight percent of a highly neutralized polymer, 5 to 45 weight percent of a first ionic polymer, 5 to 45 weight percent of a second ionic polymer, 5 to 45 weight percent of a third ionic polymer, 5 to 30 weight percent of a masterbatch, and 1 to 10 weight percent of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 15 to 40 weight percent of an impact modifier. In an alternative embodiment, the shell layer 30 is comprised of: 30 to 40wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10 to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5 to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20 to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 35wt% to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10wt% to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10wt% to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15wt% to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5wt% to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20wt% to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the cover layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. In yet another alternative embodiment, the cover layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 90wt% of a first ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. The core comprises a polybutadiene mixture comprising 0.4wt% to 2.5wt% graphene.

Fig. 16 and 17 illustrate a three-piece golf ball 5 comprising a core 10, a cover 14, and a mantle layer 16, the mantle layer 16 being composed of: 5 to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a first ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a second ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a third ionic polymer, 5 to 30wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 40wt% of an impact modifier, wherein the core comprises 0.4 to 2.5wt% graphene, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch having dimples 18. In an alternative embodiment, the shell layer 16 is comprised of: 30 to 40wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10 to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5 to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20 to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the cover layer is comprised of: 35 to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10 to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5 to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20 to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the cover layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 90wt% of a first ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier.

Fig. 18 illustrates a two-core three-piece golf ball 35 comprising an inner core 30 and an outer core 32 and a cover layer 34, the cover layer 34 being composed of: 5 to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a first ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a second ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a third ionic polymer, 5 to 30wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 40wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch, wherein the core comprises 0.4 to 2.5wt% graphene. In an alternative embodiment, the shell layer 34 is comprised of: 30 to 40wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10 to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5 to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20 to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 35wt% to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10wt% to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10wt% to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15wt% to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5wt% to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20wt% to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the cover layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 90wt% of a first ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier.

Fig. 19 illustrates a three-piece golf ball 45 including a core 40, a cover 42, and a cover 44, the cover 44 being composed of: 5 to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a first ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a second ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a third ionic polymer, 5 to 30wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 40wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch, wherein the core comprises 0.4 to 2.5wt% graphene. In an alternative embodiment, the shell layer 44 is comprised of: 30 to 40wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10 to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5 to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20 to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 35 to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10 to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5 to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20 to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 90wt% of a first ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch.

Fig. 20 illustrates a two-core four-piece golf ball 55 comprising an inner core 50, an outer core 52, a cover 54, and a cover 56, the cover 56 being composed of: 5 to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a first ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a second ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a third ionic polymer, 5 to 30wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 40wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch, wherein the core comprises 0.4 to 2.5wt% graphene. In an alternative embodiment, the shell layer 56 is comprised of: 30 to 40wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10 to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5 to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20 to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 35wt% to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10wt% to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer; 10 to 20wt% of a second ionomer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch and 5 to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20 to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 90wt% of a first ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier.

FIG. 21 illustrates a four-piece golf ball 65 including a core 60, an inner cover 62, an outer cover 64, and a cover layer 66, the cover layer 66 being composed of: 5 to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a first ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a second ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a third ionic polymer, 5 to 30wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 40wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch, wherein the core comprises 0.4 to 2.5wt% graphene. In an alternative embodiment, the shell layer 66 is comprised of: 30 to 40wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10 to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5 to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20 to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 35 to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer ("HNP"), 10 to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5 to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20 to 50wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 10 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shell layer is comprised of: 10 to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10 to 90wt% of a first ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 0 to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15 to 25wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 30wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch.

The optional cover assembly is preferably comprised of an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The thickness of the sheathing assembly is preferably in the range of 0.05 inch to 0.15 inch, and more preferably in the range of 0.06 inch to 0.08 inch. The outer cover is preferably composed of a plurality of ionomer materials. One preferred embodiment includes SURLYN 9150 material, SURLYN8940 material, SURLYN AD 1022 material, and a masterbatch. The amount of SURLYN 9150 material present in the enclosure is preferably in the range of 20wt% to 45wt%, and more preferably in the range of 30wt% to 40 wt%. The SURLYN 8945 amount present in the housing is preferably in the range of 15 to 35wt%, more preferably in the range of 20 to 30wt%, and most preferably 26wt%. The amount of SURLYN 9945 present in the casing is preferably in the range of 30wt% to 50wt%, more preferably in the range of 35wt% to 45wt%, and most preferably 41wt%. The amount of SURLYN8940 present in the housing is preferably in the range of 5 to 15wt%, more preferably in the range of 7 to 12wt%, and most preferably 10wt%.

SURLYN 8320 from dupont is a very low modulus ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer in which the acid groups are partially neutralized with sodium ions. SURLYN 8945, also from dupont, is a high acid ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer in which the acid groups are partially neutralized with sodium ions. SURLYN 9945, also from dupont, is a high acid ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer in which the acid groups are partially neutralized with zinc ions. SURLYN8940, also from dupont, is an ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer in which the acid groups are partially neutralized with zinc ions.

Embodiments of the inner cladding have an inner cladding layer preferably composed of an admixed ionomer, the inner cladding layer preferably comprising a terpolymer and at least two high acid (greater than 18 wt%) ionomers neutralized with sodium, zinc, magnesium, or other metal ions. The material for the inner cladding preferably has a shore D sheet hardness preferably in the range of 35 to 77, more preferably in the range of 36 to 44, and most preferably about 40. The thickness of the outer cover is preferably in the range of 0.025 inches to 0.050 inches and more preferably about 0.037 inches. The mass of the insert comprising the dual core and inner cladding is preferably in the range of 32 to 40 grams, more preferably in the range of 34 to 38 grams and most preferably about 36 grams. Alternatively, the inner cladding is composed of HPF material available from DuPont.

Embodiments of the outer cover have the outer cover preferably comprised of a blend of ionomers that preferably include at least two high acid (greater than 18 wt%) ionomers neutralized with sodium, zinc, or other metal ions. The ionomer blend also preferably comprises a masterbatch. The material of the outer cover preferably has a shore D sheet hardness preferably in the range of 55 to 75, more preferably in the range of 65 to 71, and most preferably about 67. The thickness of the outer cover is preferably in the range of 0.025 inches to 0.040 inches and more preferably about 0.030 inches. The mass of the entire insert comprising the core, inner cladding and outer cladding is preferably in the range of 38 to 43 grams, more preferably in the range of 39 to 41 grams, and most preferably about 41 grams.

In an alternative embodiment, the inner cladding layer is preferably composed of a blend of ionomers, preferably comprising at least two high acid (greater than 18 wt%) ionomers neutralized with sodium, zinc, or other metal ions. The ionomer blend also preferably comprises a masterbatch. In this embodiment, the material of the inner cladding layer has a shore D sheet hardness preferably in the range of 55 to 75, more preferably in the range of 65 to 71, and most preferably about 67. The thickness of the outer cover is preferably in the range of 0.025 inches to 0.040 inches and more preferably about 0.030 inches. Also in this embodiment, the outer cover 14b is comprised of a blend of ionomers, preferably comprising a terpolymer and at least two high acid (greater than 18 wt%) ionomers neutralized with sodium, zinc, magnesium, or other metal ions. In this embodiment, the material of the outer cover 14b preferably has a shore D sheet hardness preferably in the range of 35 to 77, more preferably in the range of 36 to 44, and most preferably about 40. The thickness of the outer cover is preferably in the range of 025 inches to 0.100 inches and more preferably in the range of 0.070 inches to 0.090 inches.

In yet another embodiment, wherein the inner cladding is thicker than the outer cladding and the outer cladding is stiffer than the inner cladding, the inner cladding is comprised of a blend of ionomers, preferably comprising a terpolymer and at least two high acid (greater than 18 wt%) ionomers neutralized with sodium, zinc, magnesium, or other metal ions. In this embodiment, the material of the inner cladding layer has a shore D sheet hardness preferably in the range of 30 to 77, more preferably in the range of 30 to 50 and most preferably about 40. In this embodiment, the material of the outer cover has a shore D sheet hardness preferably in the range of 40 to 77, more preferably in the range of 50 to 71 and most preferably about 67. In this embodiment, the thickness of the inner cladding layer is preferably in the range of 0.030 inch to 0.090 inch and the thickness of the outer cladding layer is in the range of 0.025 inch to.070 inch.

Preferably, the inner core body has a diameter in the range of 0.75 inches to 1.20 inches, more preferably in the range of 0.85 inches to 1.05 inches, and most preferably about 0.95 inches. Preferably, the inner core body 12a has a shore D hardness in the range of 20 to 50, more preferably in the range of 25 to 40, and most preferably about 35. Preferably, the inner core body has a mass in the range of 5 grams to 15 grams, in the range of 7 grams to 10 grams, and most preferably about 8 grams.

Preferably, the outer core has a diameter in the range of 1.25 inches to 1.55 inches, more preferably in the range of 1.40 inches to 1.5 inches, and most preferably about 1.5 inches. Preferably, the outer core has a shore D surface hardness in the range of 40 to 65, more preferably in the range of 50 to 60, and most preferably about 56. Preferably, the outer core is formed from polybutadiene, zinc diacrylate, zinc oxide, zinc stearate, peptizers, and peroxides. Preferably, the combined inner core and outer core has a mass in the range of 25 grams to 35 grams, in the range of 30 grams to 34 grams, and most preferably about 32 grams.

Preferably, the core body has a deflection of at least 0.230 inches under a load of 220 pounds and the core body has a deflection of at least 0.080 inches under a load of 200 pounds. As shown in fig. 8 and 9, a mass 50 is loaded onto the inner core and the core. As shown in fig. 8 and 9, the mass is 100 kg, approximately 220 lbs. The inner core body preferably has a deflection of 0.230 inches to 0.300 inches under a load of 100 kilograms. Under a load of 100 kg, the core preferably has a deflection of 0.08 inch to 0.150 inch. Alternatively, the load is 200 pounds (about 90 kilograms) and the deflection of the core 12 is at least 0.080 inches. Further, the compression deformation of the inner core body is in the range of 4 to 7 mm and more preferably in the range of 5 to 6.5 mm under a starting load of 10 kg to a final load of 130 kg. The dual core deflection differential allows for low rotation away from the tee to provide a greater distance and allows for high rotation for close range shots.

In an alternative embodiment of the golf ball shown in fig. 7A, the golf ball 10 includes an inner core 12a, a middle core 12b, an outer core 12b, a cover 14, and a casing 16. The golf ball 10 preferably has a diameter of at least 1.68 inches, a mass in the range of 45 grams to 47 grams, a COR of at least 0.79, a deformation of at least 0.07mm under a load of 100 kilograms.

In a preferred embodiment, the golf ball comprises a dual core and a cover layer consisting of: 5 to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a first ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a second ionic polymer, 5 to 45wt% of a third ionic polymer, 5 to 30wt% of a masterbatch comprising 15 to 40wt% of an impact modifier, and 1 to 10wt% of a color masterbatch. The casing preferably has a hardness in the range of 30 to 60 shore D, more preferably in the range of 45 to 55 shore D. The inner core body preferably has a diameter in the range of 1.1 inch to 1.5 inches and most preferably 1.25 inches. The dual core (comprised of an inner core and an outer core) preferably has a diameter of 1.55 inches to 1.65 inches and most preferably 1.59 inches to 1.6 inches. The golf ball preferably has a diameter of at least 1.68 inches. The golf ball preferably has a mass below 45.93 grams and preferably in the range of 45.0 grams to 45.93 grams. The golf ball preferably has a COR of at least 0.790. The golf ball preferably has an INSTRON (INSTRON) compression in the range of 0.10 inches to 0.13 inches.

As used herein, the "shore D hardness" of a golf ball layer is typically measured according to ASTM D-2240 type D, but the measurement may be made on the curved surface of the component of the golf ball, rather than on the plate. If a measurement is made on a ball, the measurement will indicate that the measurement is made on a ball. With reference to the hardness of the material of one layer of a golf ball, measurements will be made on the panel according to ASTM D-2240. Further, the shore D hardness of the casing was measured when the casing was over the cladding and core. When hardness measurements are made on a golf ball, the Shore D hardness is preferably measured at the attachment area of the cover.

As used herein, the "shore a hardness" of the casing is typically measured according to ASTM D-2240 type a, but the measurement may be made on the curved surface of the component of the golf ball, rather than on the plate. If measured on a ball, the measurement will indicate that the measurement is being made on the ball. With reference to the hardness of the material of one layer of a golf ball, measurements will be made on the panel according to ASTM D-2240. Further, the shore a hardness of the casing was measured when the casing was over the cladding and core. When hardness measurements are made on a golf ball, the Shore A hardness is preferably measured at the attachment area of the cover.

The resilience or coefficient of restitution (COR) of a golf ball is a constant "e", which is the ratio of the relative velocity of the elastic ball after being directly impacted to the relative velocity before impact. Thus, COR ("e") can vary between 0 to 1, where 1 is equivalent to an all-or-all elastic impact, and 0 is equivalent to an all-or-all inelastic impact.

COR and additional factors such as club head speed, club head mass, ball weight, ball size and density, spin rate, track angle and surface configuration, and environmental conditions such as temperature, moisture, atmospheric pressure, wind, etc., generally determine the distance that a ball will travel when struck. According to this concept, the distance a golf ball will travel under controlled environmental conditions is a function of the speed and mass of the club, as well as the size, density and resilience (COR) of the ball, among other factors. The initial speed of the club, the mass of the club, and the ball fly-out angle are essentially provided by the golf ball at the time of impact. Because club head speed, club head mass, trajectory angle, and environmental conditions are not determinants controllable by the golf ball manufacturer and ball size and weight are set by U.S. g.a., these are not factors of concern to the golf ball manufacturer. Factors or determinants of interest for increasing distance are typically the COR and surface configuration of the ball.

The recovery coefficient is the ratio of the departure speed to the arrival speed. In the example of this application, the coefficient of restitution of a golf ball is measured by pushing the ball horizontally against a generally vertical, rigid, flat steel plate at a speed of 125+/-5 feet per second (fps) and accurate to 125fps and electronically measuring the ball's incoming and outgoing speeds. The velocity is measured using a pair of ballistic screens that provide timing pulses as the object passes over the ballistic screens. The screen is 36 inches apart and is located 25.25 inches and 61.25 inches from the bounce wall. The ball speed was measured by timing the pulse from screen 1 to screen 2 on its way to the rebound wall (when the average speed of the ball exceeded 36 inches), and then the retract speed was timed from screen 2 to screen 1 within the same distance. The bounce wall is inclined 2 degrees from the vertical plane to allow the ball to bounce slightly downward to stagger the edge of the ball gun that fired the ball. The rebound wall is a deoxidized steel.

As indicated above, the incoming speed should be 125±5fps but accurate to 125fps. The correlation between COR and forward speed or arrival speed has been studied and corrections have been made to be within + -5 fps so that COR is reported as if the ball had an arrival speed of exactly 125.0 fps.

The measurements of deflection, compression, hardness, etc. are preferably performed on the finished golf ball as opposed to performing the measurements on each layer during manufacture.

Preferably, in a five-layer golf ball including an inner core body, an outer core body, an inner cladding layer, an outer cladding layer, and a cover, the hardness/compressibility of the layers relates to the inner core body having the greatest deflection (lowest hardness), an outer core body having a deflection smaller than that of the inner core body (combined with the inner core body), an inner cladding layer having a hardness smaller than that of the combined outer core body and inner core body, an outer cladding layer as a hardness layer of the golf ball, and a cover having a hardness smaller than that of the outer cladding layer. These measurements are preferably made on finished golf balls that are disassembled for the measurements.

Claims

1. A golf ball, comprising:

a core body comprising a polybutadiene material;

an outer core comprising a polybutadiene material and a graphene material;

a cladding layer disposed over the outer core; a kind of electronic device with high-pressure air-conditioning system

A cover layer disposed over the cover layer and being an outermost layer of the golf ball, the cover layer comprising 5wt% to 45wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 5wt% to 45wt% of a first ionic polymer, 5wt% to 45wt% of a second ionic polymer, 5wt% to 45wt% of a third ionic polymer, 5wt% to 30wt% of a masterbatch, and 1wt% to 10wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 15wt% to 40wt% of an impact modifier;

Wherein the golf ball has a diameter of at least 1.68 inches, a mass of less than 45.93 grams, and a COR of at least 0.790.

2. A golf ball, comprising:

a core body comprising a polybutadiene material;

an outer core comprising a polybutadiene material and a graphene material in an amount in the range of 0.1 weight percent to 5.0 weight percent of the outer core, wherein the outer core has a flexural modulus in the range of 80MPa to 95 MPa;

A cover layer disposed over the cover layer and being an outermost layer of the golf ball, the cover layer comprising 30wt% to 40wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10wt% to 20wt% of a first ionic polymer, 10wt% to 20wt% of a second ionic polymer, 15wt% to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 5wt% to 15wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 20wt% to 50wt% of an impact modifier;

wherein the dual core including the inner core and the outer core has a compressibility value in the range of 40 to 55.

3. A golf ball, comprising:

a core body comprising a polybutadiene material;

an outer core comprising a polybutadiene material and a graphene material;

4. A golf ball, comprising:

a core body comprising a polybutadiene material;

an outer core comprising a polybutadiene material;

A cover layer disposed over the cover layer and being an outermost layer of the golf ball, the cover layer comprising 10wt% to 30wt% of a highly neutralized polymer, 10wt% to 90wt% of a first ionic polymer, 0wt% to 30wt% of a second ionic polymer, 0wt% to 30wt% of a third ionic polymer, 15wt% to 25wt% of a masterbatch, and 1wt% to 10wt% of a color masterbatch, the masterbatch comprising 15wt% to 30wt% of an impact modifier;

5. A golf ball according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 3, wherein the graphene material is in the range of 0.4 weight percent to 2.5 weight percent of the outer core.

6. A golf ball according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 3, wherein the graphene material is in the range of 0.6 weight percent to 1.5 weight percent of the outer core.

7. The golf ball of any one of claims 1, 2, 3, and 4, wherein the impact modifier is at least one of a methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene polymer MBS impact modifier and an acrylic/methacrylic core-shell modifier.

8. A golf ball according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 3, wherein the graphene material has a thickness of at 400m ² /g to 800m ² Surface area in the range of/g.

9. The golf ball of any one of claims 1, 2, 3, and 4, wherein the cover layer has a shore D hardness in the range of 35-60.

10. The golf ball of any one of claims 1, 2, 3, and 4, wherein the outer core has a tensile modulus in the range of 8MPa to 10 MPa.

11. The golf ball of claim 4, wherein the outer core further comprises a graphene material, and the graphene material is in a range of 0.4 weight percent to 2.5 weight percent of the outer core.

12. The golf ball of claim 4, wherein the outer core further comprises a graphene material, and the graphene material is in a range of 0.6 weight percent to 1.5 weight percent of the outer core.

13. The golf ball of claim 4, wherein the outer core further comprises a graphene material,and the graphene material has a thickness of 400m ² /g to 800m ² Surface area in the range of/g.

14. A golf ball, comprising:

an inner core comprising polybutadiene and graphene material;

an outer core comprising polybutadiene and a graphene material;

15. A golf ball according to claim 14, wherein the impact modifier is at least one of a methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene polymer MBS impact modifier and an acrylic/methacrylic core-shell modifier.