GB2438739A - Multi-piece solid golf ball with soft polyurethane cover - Google Patents
Multi-piece solid golf ball with soft polyurethane cover Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2438739A GB2438739A GB0710423A GB0710423A GB2438739A GB 2438739 A GB2438739 A GB 2438739A GB 0710423 A GB0710423 A GB 0710423A GB 0710423 A GB0710423 A GB 0710423A GB 2438739 A GB2438739 A GB 2438739A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- intermediate layer
- cover
- weight
- layer
- core
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 24
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 title claims abstract description 10
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 10
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 95
- 235000019589 hardness Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 86
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 77
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 77
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 41
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 36
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 239000012948 isocyanate Substances 0.000 claims description 37
- 229920005604 random copolymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 34
- 239000004433 Thermoplastic polyurethane Substances 0.000 claims description 27
- 229920002803 thermoplastic polyurethane Polymers 0.000 claims description 27
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 claims description 26
- -1 isocyanate compound Chemical class 0.000 claims description 26
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 25
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 25
- 235000014113 dietary fatty acids Nutrition 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000000194 fatty acid Substances 0.000 claims description 24
- 229930195729 fatty acid Natural products 0.000 claims description 24
- 150000004665 fatty acids Chemical class 0.000 claims description 24
- 150000002513 isocyanates Chemical class 0.000 claims description 24
- 150000001732 carboxylic acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 150000002736 metal compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims description 12
- 229920005992 thermoplastic resin Polymers 0.000 claims description 10
- 150000001733 carboxylic acid esters Chemical class 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000003472 neutralizing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- IQPQWNKOIGAROB-UHFFFAOYSA-N isocyanate group Chemical group [N-]=C=O IQPQWNKOIGAROB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 125000000524 functional group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920002725 thermoplastic elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011874 heated mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 abstract description 13
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 132
- 239000011162 core material Substances 0.000 description 43
- 239000002585 base Substances 0.000 description 36
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 32
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 15
- 229920000554 ionomer Polymers 0.000 description 15
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 14
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 13
- 229910021645 metal ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 13
- XLOMVQKBTHCTTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc monoxide Chemical compound [Zn]=O XLOMVQKBTHCTTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 12
- 229920002857 polybutadiene Polymers 0.000 description 12
- 238000006386 neutralization reaction Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 11
- 239000005062 Polybutadiene Substances 0.000 description 10
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 10
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 10
- UKMSUNONTOPOIO-UHFFFAOYSA-N docosanoic acid Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(O)=O UKMSUNONTOPOIO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 10
- 239000003054 catalyst Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000012778 molding material Substances 0.000 description 9
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 9
- 229910052761 rare earth metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 9
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 description 9
- SPBDXSGPUHCETR-JFUDTMANSA-N 8883yp2r6d Chemical compound O1[C@@H](C)[C@H](O)[C@@H](OC)C[C@@H]1O[C@@H]1[C@@H](OC)C[C@H](O[C@@H]2C(=C/C[C@@H]3C[C@@H](C[C@@]4(O[C@@H]([C@@H](C)CC4)C(C)C)O3)OC(=O)[C@@H]3C=C(C)[C@@H](O)[C@H]4OC\C([C@@]34O)=C/C=C/[C@@H]2C)/C)O[C@H]1C.C1C[C@H](C)[C@@H]([C@@H](C)CC)O[C@@]21O[C@H](C\C=C(C)\[C@@H](O[C@@H]1O[C@@H](C)[C@H](O[C@@H]3O[C@@H](C)[C@H](O)[C@@H](OC)C3)[C@@H](OC)C1)[C@@H](C)\C=C\C=C/1[C@]3([C@H](C(=O)O4)C=C(C)[C@@H](O)[C@H]3OC\1)O)C[C@H]4C2 SPBDXSGPUHCETR-JFUDTMANSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 239000003963 antioxidant agent Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 8
- 229920005862 polyol Polymers 0.000 description 8
- 150000003077 polyols Chemical class 0.000 description 8
- 229910001428 transition metal ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 8
- LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylene glycol Chemical compound OCCO LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 7
- 150000002898 organic sulfur compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 7
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 7
- FAIIFDPAEUKBEP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nilvadipine Chemical compound COC(=O)C1=C(C#N)NC(C)=C(C(=O)OC(C)C)C1C1=CC=CC([N+]([O-])=O)=C1 FAIIFDPAEUKBEP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 238000004132 cross linking Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 6
- 150000003751 zinc Chemical class 0.000 description 6
- 239000011787 zinc oxide Substances 0.000 description 6
- SMZOUWXMTYCWNB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-(2-methoxy-5-methylphenyl)ethanamine Chemical compound COC1=CC=C(C)C=C1CCN SMZOUWXMTYCWNB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-Propenoic acid Natural products OC(=O)C=C NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 235000021357 Behenic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 150000001340 alkali metals Chemical class 0.000 description 5
- 230000003078 antioxidant effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 229940116226 behenic acid Drugs 0.000 description 5
- AXCZMVOFGPJBDE-UHFFFAOYSA-L calcium dihydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[OH-].[Ca+2] AXCZMVOFGPJBDE-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 5
- 239000000920 calcium hydroxide Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910001861 calcium hydroxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 150000001735 carboxylic acids Chemical class 0.000 description 5
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 150000002910 rare earth metals Chemical class 0.000 description 5
- XOOUIPVCVHRTMJ-UHFFFAOYSA-L zinc stearate Chemical compound [Zn+2].CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O.CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O XOOUIPVCVHRTMJ-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 5
- PUPZLCDOIYMWBV-UHFFFAOYSA-N (+/-)-1,3-Butanediol Chemical compound CC(O)CCO PUPZLCDOIYMWBV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- UPMLOUAZCHDJJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 4,4'-Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate Chemical compound C1=CC(N=C=O)=CC=C1CC1=CC=C(N=C=O)C=C1 UPMLOUAZCHDJJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- CERQOIWHTDAKMF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methacrylic acid Chemical compound CC(=C)C(O)=O CERQOIWHTDAKMF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229920003298 Nucrel® Polymers 0.000 description 4
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- PPBRXRYQALVLMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Styrene Chemical compound C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 PPBRXRYQALVLMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229920005656 Surlyn® 8120 Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 229910001413 alkali metal ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 229910001420 alkaline earth metal ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- TZCXTZWJZNENPQ-UHFFFAOYSA-L barium sulfate Chemical compound [Ba+2].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O TZCXTZWJZNENPQ-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 4
- 229920001400 block copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 4
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 4
- VKOBVWXKNCXXDE-UHFFFAOYSA-N icosanoic acid Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(O)=O VKOBVWXKNCXXDE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229910052747 lanthanoid Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 150000002602 lanthanoids Chemical class 0.000 description 4
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 description 4
- HQKMJHAJHXVSDF-UHFFFAOYSA-L magnesium stearate Chemical compound [Mg+2].CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O.CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O HQKMJHAJHXVSDF-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 4
- 150000001451 organic peroxides Chemical class 0.000 description 4
- 230000009257 reactivity Effects 0.000 description 4
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 4
- 239000000344 soap Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000004970 Chain extender Substances 0.000 description 3
- WMFOQBRAJBCJND-UHFFFAOYSA-M Lithium hydroxide Chemical compound [Li+].[OH-] WMFOQBRAJBCJND-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 3
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004721 Polyphenylene oxide Substances 0.000 description 3
- HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[Na+] HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 3
- GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titan oxide Chemical compound O=[Ti]=O GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 3
- CJZGTCYPCWQAJB-UHFFFAOYSA-L calcium stearate Chemical compound [Ca+2].CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O.CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O CJZGTCYPCWQAJB-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 3
- 239000008116 calcium stearate Substances 0.000 description 3
- 235000013539 calcium stearate Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 125000005442 diisocyanate group Chemical group 0.000 description 3
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 3
- WGCNASOHLSPBMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydroxyacetaldehyde Natural products OCC=O WGCNASOHLSPBMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 150000002978 peroxides Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 229920000570 polyether Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- XKMZOFXGLBYJLS-UHFFFAOYSA-L zinc;prop-2-enoate Chemical compound [Zn+2].[O-]C(=O)C=C.[O-]C(=O)C=C XKMZOFXGLBYJLS-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 3
- NALFRYPTRXKZPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,1-bis(tert-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane Chemical compound CC1CC(C)(C)CC(OOC(C)(C)C)(OOC(C)(C)C)C1 NALFRYPTRXKZPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- ULQISTXYYBZJSJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 12-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid Chemical compound CCCCCCC(O)CCCCCCCCCCC(O)=O ULQISTXYYBZJSJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- UTLUYJULFYZZTK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,3,4,5,6-pentabromobenzenethiol Chemical compound SC1=C(Br)C(Br)=C(Br)C(Br)=C1Br UTLUYJULFYZZTK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- UVAMFBJPMUMURT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzenethiol Chemical compound FC1=C(F)C(F)=C(S)C(F)=C1F UVAMFBJPMUMURT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- VZXOZSQDJJNBRC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 4-chlorobenzenethiol Chemical compound SC1=CC=C(Cl)C=C1 VZXOZSQDJJNBRC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- SOGAXMICEFXMKE-UHFFFAOYSA-N Butylmethacrylate Chemical compound CCCCOC(=O)C(C)=C SOGAXMICEFXMKE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L Calcium carbonate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-]C([O-])=O VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- GUUVPOWQJOLRAS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Diphenyl disulfide Chemical compound C=1C=CC=CC=1SSC1=CC=CC=C1 GUUVPOWQJOLRAS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethene Chemical compound C=C VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000005977 Ethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- VZCYOOQTPOCHFL-OWOJBTEDSA-N Fumaric acid Chemical compound OC(=O)\C=C\C(O)=O VZCYOOQTPOCHFL-OWOJBTEDSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000005057 Hexamethylene diisocyanate Substances 0.000 description 2
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 235000021353 Lignoceric acid Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- CQXMAMUUWHYSIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lignoceric acid Natural products CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OCCC1=CC=C(O)C=C1 CQXMAMUUWHYSIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004594 Masterbatch (MB) Substances 0.000 description 2
- BAPJBEWLBFYGME-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methyl acrylate Chemical compound COC(=O)C=C BAPJBEWLBFYGME-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052779 Neodymium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propane Chemical compound CCC ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sodium Carbonate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]C([O-])=O CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 235000021355 Stearic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229920003182 Surlyn® Polymers 0.000 description 2
- PTFCDOFLOPIGGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc dication Chemical compound [Zn+2] PTFCDOFLOPIGGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000006096 absorbing agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000032683 aging Effects 0.000 description 2
- 125000000217 alkyl group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- 238000000137 annealing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229940053200 antiepileptics fatty acid derivative Drugs 0.000 description 2
- CQEYYJKEWSMYFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N butyl acrylate Chemical compound CCCCOC(=O)C=C CQEYYJKEWSMYFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000011575 calcium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229940061587 calcium behenate Drugs 0.000 description 2
- SMBKCSPGKDEPFO-UHFFFAOYSA-L calcium;docosanoate Chemical compound [Ca+2].CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O.CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O SMBKCSPGKDEPFO-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- BMQVRJOWNGSIEG-UHFFFAOYSA-L calcium;icosanoate Chemical compound [Ca+2].CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O.CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O BMQVRJOWNGSIEG-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- YOZFTYACGFBXEV-UHFFFAOYSA-L calcium;tetracosanoate Chemical compound [Ca+2].CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O.CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O YOZFTYACGFBXEV-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000013065 commercial product Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003431 cross linking reagent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002270 dispersing agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- FARYTWBWLZAXNK-WAYWQWQTSA-N ethyl (z)-3-(methylamino)but-2-enoate Chemical compound CCOC(=O)\C=C(\C)NC FARYTWBWLZAXNK-WAYWQWQTSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- RRAMGCGOFNQTLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N hexamethylene diisocyanate Chemical compound O=C=NCCCCCCN=C=O RRAMGCGOFNQTLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-M hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-] XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 125000002887 hydroxy group Chemical group [H]O* 0.000 description 2
- 239000011256 inorganic filler Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910003475 inorganic filler Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 229910052745 lead Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000011068 loading method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000395 magnesium oxide Substances 0.000 description 2
- CPLXHLVBOLITMK-UHFFFAOYSA-N magnesium oxide Inorganic materials [Mg]=O CPLXHLVBOLITMK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000019359 magnesium stearate Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- OBQVOBQZMOXRAL-UHFFFAOYSA-L magnesium;docosanoate Chemical compound [Mg+2].CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O.CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O OBQVOBQZMOXRAL-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- WMJYMUUIWPPMGJ-UHFFFAOYSA-L magnesium;icosanoate Chemical compound [Mg+2].CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O.CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O WMJYMUUIWPPMGJ-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- AXZKOIWUVFPNLO-UHFFFAOYSA-N magnesium;oxygen(2-) Chemical compound [O-2].[Mg+2] AXZKOIWUVFPNLO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- DSGQHXRHQBWUIY-UHFFFAOYSA-L magnesium;tetracosanoate Chemical compound [Mg+2].CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O.CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O DSGQHXRHQBWUIY-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- ZGEGCLOFRBLKSE-UHFFFAOYSA-N methylene hexane Natural products CCCCCC=C ZGEGCLOFRBLKSE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- QEFYFXOXNSNQGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N neodymium atom Chemical compound [Nd] QEFYFXOXNSNQGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- QIQXTHQIDYTFRH-UHFFFAOYSA-N octadecanoic acid Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(O)=O QIQXTHQIDYTFRH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- OQCDKBAXFALNLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N octadecanoic acid Natural products CCCCCCCC(C)CCCCCCCCC(O)=O OQCDKBAXFALNLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000049 pigment Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920005906 polyester polyol Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000012744 reinforcing agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000008117 stearic acid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002195 synergetic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- RUELTTOHQODFPA-UHFFFAOYSA-N toluene 2,6-diisocyanate Chemical compound CC1=C(N=C=O)C=CC=C1N=C=O RUELTTOHQODFPA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000004073 vulcanization Methods 0.000 description 2
- IJQXGKBNDNQWAT-UHFFFAOYSA-L zinc;docosanoate Chemical compound [Zn+2].CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O.CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O IJQXGKBNDNQWAT-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- LVLIEOIPDYPFNY-UHFFFAOYSA-L zinc;tetracosanoate Chemical compound [Zn+2].CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O.CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O LVLIEOIPDYPFNY-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- OYHQOLUKZRVURQ-NTGFUMLPSA-N (9Z,12Z)-9,10,12,13-tetratritiooctadeca-9,12-dienoic acid Chemical compound C(CCCCCCC\C(=C(/C\C(=C(/CCCCC)\[3H])\[3H])\[3H])\[3H])(=O)O OYHQOLUKZRVURQ-NTGFUMLPSA-N 0.000 description 1
- WRIDQFICGBMAFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N (E)-8-Octadecenoic acid Natural products CCCCCCCCCC=CCCCCCCC(O)=O WRIDQFICGBMAFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- VXNZUUAINFGPBY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-Butene Chemical compound CCC=C VXNZUUAINFGPBY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- LIKMAJRDDDTEIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-hexene Chemical compound CCCCC=C LIKMAJRDDDTEIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- KWKAKUADMBZCLK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-octene Chemical compound CCCCCCC=C KWKAKUADMBZCLK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229940114072 12-hydroxystearic acid Drugs 0.000 description 1
- KGRVJHAUYBGFFP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,2'-Methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol) Chemical compound CC(C)(C)C1=CC(C)=CC(CC=2C(=C(C=C(C)C=2)C(C)(C)C)O)=C1O KGRVJHAUYBGFFP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- XMNIXWIUMCBBBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-(2-phenylpropan-2-ylperoxy)propan-2-ylbenzene Chemical compound C=1C=CC=CC=1C(C)(C)OOC(C)(C)C1=CC=CC=C1 XMNIXWIUMCBBBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- CFVWNXQPGQOHRJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-methylpropyl prop-2-enoate Chemical compound CC(C)COC(=O)C=C CFVWNXQPGQOHRJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- LQJBNNIYVWPHFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 20:1omega9c fatty acid Natural products CCCCCCCCCCC=CCCCCCCCC(O)=O LQJBNNIYVWPHFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QSBYPNXLFMSGKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 9-Heptadecensaeure Natural products CCCCCCCC=CCCCCCCCC(O)=O QSBYPNXLFMSGKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M Acetate Chemical compound CC([O-])=O QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-M Acrylate Chemical compound [O-]C(=O)C=C NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-M Bicarbonate Chemical compound OC([O-])=O BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- UGFAIRIUMAVXCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon monoxide Chemical compound [O+]#[C-] UGFAIRIUMAVXCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Carbonate Chemical compound [O-]C([O-])=O BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- XDTMQSROBMDMFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Cyclohexane Chemical compound C1CCCCC1 XDTMQSROBMDMFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920003304 DuPont™ Surlyn® 8320 Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002943 EPDM rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- JIGUQPWFLRLWPJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethyl acrylate Chemical compound CCOC(=O)C=C JIGUQPWFLRLWPJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- BDAGIHXWWSANSR-UHFFFAOYSA-M Formate Chemical compound [O-]C=O BDAGIHXWWSANSR-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 244000043261 Hevea brasiliensis Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000002879 Lewis base Substances 0.000 description 1
- WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium Chemical compound [Li] WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000288982 Loris Species 0.000 description 1
- JLVVSXFLKOJNIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Magnesium ion Chemical compound [Mg+2] JLVVSXFLKOJNIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- AFCARXCZXQIEQB-UHFFFAOYSA-N N-[3-oxo-3-(2,4,6,7-tetrahydrotriazolo[4,5-c]pyridin-5-yl)propyl]-2-[[3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]methylamino]pyrimidine-5-carboxamide Chemical compound O=C(CCNC(=O)C=1C=NC(=NC=1)NCC1=CC(=CC=C1)OC(F)(F)F)N1CC2=C(CC1)NN=N2 AFCARXCZXQIEQB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910002651 NO3 Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- NHNBFGGVMKEFGY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nitrate Chemical compound [O-][N+]([O-])=O NHNBFGGVMKEFGY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920005662 Nucrel® 1214 Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005642 Oleic acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- ZQPPMHVWECSIRJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Oleic acid Natural products CCCCCCCCC=CCCCCCCCC(O)=O ZQPPMHVWECSIRJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002202 Polyethylene glycol Substances 0.000 description 1
- 241001274961 Rubus repens Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920005655 Surlyn® 6320 Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920005657 Surlyn® 9320 Polymers 0.000 description 1
- ZJCCRDAZUWHFQH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Trimethylolpropane Chemical compound CCC(CO)(CO)CO ZJCCRDAZUWHFQH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920006311 Urethane elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- LNUFLCYMSVYYNW-ZPJMAFJPSA-N [(2r,3r,4s,5r,6r)-2-[(2r,3r,4s,5r,6r)-6-[(2r,3r,4s,5r,6r)-6-[(2r,3r,4s,5r,6r)-6-[[(3s,5s,8r,9s,10s,13r,14s,17r)-10,13-dimethyl-17-[(2r)-6-methylheptan-2-yl]-2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-tetradecahydro-1h-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-yl]oxy]-4,5-disulfo Chemical compound O([C@@H]1[C@@H](COS(O)(=O)=O)O[C@@H]([C@@H]([C@H]1OS(O)(=O)=O)OS(O)(=O)=O)O[C@@H]1[C@@H](COS(O)(=O)=O)O[C@@H]([C@@H]([C@H]1OS(O)(=O)=O)OS(O)(=O)=O)O[C@@H]1[C@@H](COS(O)(=O)=O)O[C@H]([C@@H]([C@H]1OS(O)(=O)=O)OS(O)(=O)=O)O[C@@H]1C[C@@H]2CC[C@H]3[C@@H]4CC[C@@H]([C@]4(CC[C@@H]3[C@@]2(C)CC1)C)[C@H](C)CCCC(C)C)[C@H]1O[C@H](COS(O)(=O)=O)[C@@H](OS(O)(=O)=O)[C@H](OS(O)(=O)=O)[C@H]1OS(O)(=O)=O LNUFLCYMSVYYNW-ZPJMAFJPSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000007513 acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229920000122 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052783 alkali metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052784 alkaline earth metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000001342 alkaline earth metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000001336 alkenes Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000004703 alkoxides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 125000005907 alkyl ester group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- DTOSIQBPPRVQHS-PDBXOOCHSA-N alpha-linolenic acid Chemical compound CC\C=C/C\C=C/C\C=C/CCCCCCCC(O)=O DTOSIQBPPRVQHS-PDBXOOCHSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000020661 alpha-linolenic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 150000001408 amides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000001412 amines Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 125000003118 aryl group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- OHJMTUPIZMNBFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N biuret Chemical compound NC(=O)NC(N)=O OHJMTUPIZMNBFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- WERYXYBDKMZEQL-UHFFFAOYSA-N butane-1,4-diol Chemical compound OCCCCO WERYXYBDKMZEQL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- IAQRGUVFOMOMEM-UHFFFAOYSA-N butene Natural products CC=CC IAQRGUVFOMOMEM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000019 calcium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- BRPQOXSCLDDYGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N calcium oxide Chemical compound [O-2].[Ca+2] BRPQOXSCLDDYGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000292 calcium oxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- ODINCKMPIJJUCX-UHFFFAOYSA-N calcium oxide Inorganic materials [Ca]=O ODINCKMPIJJUCX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RXPKHKBYUIHIGL-UHFFFAOYSA-L calcium;12-hydroxyoctadecanoate Chemical compound [Ca+2].CCCCCCC(O)CCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O.CCCCCCC(O)CCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O RXPKHKBYUIHIGL-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 125000003178 carboxy group Chemical group [H]OC(*)=O 0.000 description 1
- 150000007942 carboxylates Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000001768 cations Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000002860 competitive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007334 copolymerization reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012792 core layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920003244 diene elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000007580 dry-mixing Methods 0.000 description 1
- SUPCQIBBMFXVTL-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate Chemical compound CCOC(=O)C(C)=C SUPCQIBBMFXVTL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000001530 fumaric acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000227 grinding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000004820 halides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052736 halogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002367 halogens Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 238000007542 hardness measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- XXMIOPMDWAUFGU-UHFFFAOYSA-N hexane-1,6-diol Chemical compound OCCCCCCO XXMIOPMDWAUFGU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- QXJSBBXBKPUZAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N isooleic acid Natural products CCCCCCCC=CCCCCCCCCC(O)=O QXJSBBXBKPUZAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920003049 isoprene rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 150000007527 lewis bases Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000004611 light stabiliser Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229960004488 linolenic acid Drugs 0.000 description 1
- KQQKGWQCNNTQJW-UHFFFAOYSA-N linolenic acid Natural products CC=CCCC=CCC=CCCCCCCCC(O)=O KQQKGWQCNNTQJW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052744 lithium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XGZVUEUWXADBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-L lithium carbonate Chemical compound [Li+].[Li+].[O-]C([O-])=O XGZVUEUWXADBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 229910052808 lithium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001416 lithium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229940019452 loris Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229910052749 magnesium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- ZLNQQNXFFQJAID-UHFFFAOYSA-L magnesium carbonate Chemical compound [Mg+2].[O-]C([O-])=O ZLNQQNXFFQJAID-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 239000001095 magnesium carbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000021 magnesium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- VTHJTEIRLNZDEV-UHFFFAOYSA-L magnesium dihydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[OH-].[Mg+2] VTHJTEIRLNZDEV-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 239000000347 magnesium hydroxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001862 magnesium hydroxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001425 magnesium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 159000000003 magnesium salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- VIALJPAGUCTUBQ-UHFFFAOYSA-L magnesium;12-hydroxyoctadecanoate Chemical compound [Mg+2].CCCCCCC(O)CCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O.CCCCCCC(O)CCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O VIALJPAGUCTUBQ-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 229910052748 manganese Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011572 manganese Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 125000002496 methyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])* 0.000 description 1
- 229920003052 natural elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001194 natural rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 150000002798 neodymium compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- JRZJOMJEPLMPRA-UHFFFAOYSA-N olefin Natural products CCCCCCCC=C JRZJOMJEPLMPRA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ZQPPMHVWECSIRJ-KTKRTIGZSA-N oleic acid Chemical compound CCCCCCCC\C=C/CCCCCCCC(O)=O ZQPPMHVWECSIRJ-KTKRTIGZSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229960002969 oleic acid Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 235000021313 oleic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 150000007524 organic acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 235000005985 organic acids Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 150000002894 organic compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005453 pelletization Methods 0.000 description 1
- YWAKXRMUMFPDSH-UHFFFAOYSA-N pentene Chemical compound CCCC=C YWAKXRMUMFPDSH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- PNJWIWWMYCMZRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N pent‐4‐en‐2‐one Natural products CC(=O)CC=C PNJWIWWMYCMZRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004647 photon scanning tunneling microscopy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004014 plasticizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920005668 polycarbonate resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004431 polycarbonate resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001223 polyethylene glycol Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000037048 polymerization activity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001451 polypropylene glycol Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920005990 polystyrene resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910052700 potassium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000001294 propane Substances 0.000 description 1
- NHARPDSAXCBDDR-UHFFFAOYSA-N propyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate Chemical compound CCCOC(=O)C(C)=C NHARPDSAXCBDDR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- PNXMTCDJUBJHQJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N propyl prop-2-enoate Chemical compound CCCOC(=O)C=C PNXMTCDJUBJHQJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QQONPFPTGQHPMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N propylene Natural products CC=C QQONPFPTGQHPMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 125000004805 propylene group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([*:1])C([H])([H])[*:2] 0.000 description 1
- 150000004671 saturated fatty acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910000029 sodium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001415 sodium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000007858 starting material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229960004274 stearic acid Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229920003048 styrene butadiene rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000001508 sulfur Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000002194 synthesizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004408 titanium dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- OGIDPMRJRNCKJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N titanium oxide Inorganic materials [Ti]=O OGIDPMRJRNCKJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- YXFVVABEGXRONW-UHFFFAOYSA-N toluene Substances CC1=CC=CC=C1 YXFVVABEGXRONW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- DVKJHBMWWAPEIU-UHFFFAOYSA-N toluene 2,4-diisocyanate Chemical compound CC1=CC=C(N=C=O)C=C1N=C=O DVKJHBMWWAPEIU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- VZCYOOQTPOCHFL-UHFFFAOYSA-N trans-butenedioic acid Natural products OC(=O)C=CC(O)=O VZCYOOQTPOCHFL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000326 ultraviolet stabilizing agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000021122 unsaturated fatty acids Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 150000004670 unsaturated fatty acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- AVWRKZWQTYIKIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N urea-1-carboxylic acid Chemical compound NC(=O)NC(O)=O AVWRKZWQTYIKIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N urethane group Chemical group NC(=O)OCC JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004636 vulcanized rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000003752 zinc compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- FRZSCIVUSFMNBX-UHFFFAOYSA-L zinc;12-hydroxyoctadecanoate Chemical compound [Zn+2].CCCCCCC(O)CCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O.CCCCCCC(O)CCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O FRZSCIVUSFMNBX-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- CCTYJGNBCQQCKM-UHFFFAOYSA-L zinc;icosanoate Chemical compound [Zn+2].CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O.CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O CCTYJGNBCQQCKM-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/0023—Covers
- A63B37/0029—Physical properties
- A63B37/0031—Hardness
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/007—Characteristics of the ball as a whole
- A63B37/0077—Physical properties
- A63B37/0083—Weight; Mass
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/12—Special coverings, i.e. outer layer material
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B45/00—Apparatus or methods for manufacturing balls
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/0038—Intermediate layers, e.g. inner cover, outer core, mantle
- A63B37/004—Physical properties
- A63B37/0045—Thickness
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/007—Characteristics of the ball as a whole
- A63B37/0072—Characteristics of the ball as a whole with a specified number of layers
- A63B37/0076—Multi-piece balls, i.e. having two or more intermediate layers
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Compositions Of Macromolecular Compounds (AREA)
Abstract
A multi-piece solid golf ball G having a core 1, an envelope layer 2 which encloses the core, an intermediate layer 3 which encloses the envelope layer, and a cover 4 which encloses the intermediate layer 3 and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples D. The core 1 is formed primarily of a rubber material, the envelope layer 2 is formed primarily of a specific resin mixture, the intermediate layer 3 is formed primarily of a resin material, and the cover 4 is formed primarily of polyurethane. The intermediate layer 3 and the cover 4 have surface hardnesses (Durometer D hardness) which satisfy the relationship: intermediate layer surface hardness > cover surface hardness. The golf ball has an excellent flight performance and controllability, while also having an excellent durability to cracking on repeated impact and an excellent scuff resistance.
Description
<p>MULTI-PIECE SOLID GOLF BALLS</p>
<p>BACKGROUND</p>
<p>[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-piece solid golf ball composed of a core, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer and a cover that have been formed as successive layers. More specifically, the invention relates to a multi-piece solid golf ball for professionals and other skilled golfers which is endowed with an excellent flight performance and good controllability.</p>
<p>[0002] A variety of golf balls have hitherto been developed for professionals and other skilled golfers. Of these, multi-piece solid golf balls in which the hardness relationship between an intermediate layer covering the core and the cover layer has been optimized are in wide use because they achieve both a superior distance in the high head speed range and controllability on shots taken with an iron and on approach shots. Another important concern is the proper selection of thicknesses and hardnesses for the respective layers of the golf ball in order to optimize not only flight performance, but also the feel of the ball when played and the spin rate of the ball after being struck with the club, particularly given the large influence of the spin rate on control of the ball. A further key concern in ball development, arising from the desire that golf balls also have durability under repeated impact and scuff resistance against burr formation on the surface of the ball when repeatedly played with different types of clubs, is how best to protect the ball from external factors.</p>
<p>[0003] The three-piece solid golf ball having an outer layer cover formed primarily of a thermoplastic polyurethane which is disclosed in JP-A 2004-180822 was intended to meet such a need. However, because this golf ball does not have a sufficiently reduced spin rate when hit with a driver, it is often unable to deliver a distance that is acceptable to professionals and other skilled golfers. Moreover, it also has a poor durability.</p>
<p>[0004] Meanwhile, efforts to improve the flight and other performance characteristics of golf balls have led to the development of balls having a four-layer construction, i.e., a core enclosed by three intermediate or cover layers, that allows the ball construction to be varied among the several layers at the interior. Such golf balls have been disclosed in, for example, JP-A 9-248351, JP-A 10-127818, JP-A 10-127819, JP-A 10-295852, JP-A 10-328325, JP-A 10-328326, JP-A 10-328327, JP-A 10-328328 and JP-A 11-4916.</p>
<p>[0005] Yet, as golf balls for the skilled golfer, the above balls provide a poor balance of distance and controllability or fall short in terms of achieving a lower spin rate on shots with a driver, thus limiting the degree to which the total distance can be increased. Moreover, with these golf balls, it has been difficult to achieve in the same ball a good spin rate-lowering effect, good rebound and good durability.</p>
<p>[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a multi-piece solid golf ball which has a flight performance and controllability that are fully acceptable to professionals and other skilled golfers, while also having an excellent durability to cracking on repeated impact and an excellent scuff resistance.</p>
<p>1 0007] The present invention employs, as the basic construction in golf ball design, an outermost layer made of polyurethane and a multilayer structure of three or more outer layers (envelope layer/intermediate layer/cover) covering the core. In the cover, by using polyurethane, which is relatively soft, as the outermost layer, a spin performance on approach shots that is acceptable to professionals and other skilled golfers and a high scuff resistance can be obtained. By forming the intermediate layer of a relatively hard, high-strength lonomer material, it is possible to achieve a high rebound, a good durability and a lower spin rate on full shots. By forming the envelope layer primarily of a specific resin mixture, the ball is provided with a lower spin rate on shots with a driver (W#l) and a high durability to repeated impact. In addition, the surfaces of the respective layers in the intermediate layer/cover construction are imparted with, in the order of these layers, a hard/soft hardness relationship. Through the synergistic effects of the materials in each of these layers and the hardness relationship among the layers, it was possible to resolve the above-described problems encountered in the prior art. That is, we have found that golf balls as proposed herein, when used by professionals and other skilled golfers, can provide fully acceptable flight performance and controllability, in addition to excellent durability to cracking on repeated impact and excellent scuff resistance, effects which were entirely unanticipated. The inventors, having thus found that the technical challenges recited above can be overcome by the foregoing arrangement, ultimately arrived at the present invention.</p>
<p>[0008] Accordingly, the invention provides the following multI-piece solid golf balls.</p>
<p>[1] A multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core, an envelope layer which encloses the core, an intermediate layer which encloses the envelope layer, and a cover which encloses the intermediate layer and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples, wherein the core is formed primarily of a rubber material; the envelope layer is formed primarily of a mixture comprising: parts by weight of a resin component composed of, in admixture, a base resin of (a) an olef in-unsaturated carboxylic acid binary random copolymer and/or a metal ion-neutralized product of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid binary random copolymer mixed with (b) an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester ternary random copolymer and/or a metal ion-neutralized product of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester ternary random copolyiner in a weight ratio between 100:0 and 0:100, and (e) a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer in a weight ratio between 100:0 and 50:50, (c) 5 to 80 parts by weight of a fatty acid and/or fatty acid derivative having a molecular weight of 280 to 1500, and Cd) 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a basic inorganic metal compound capable of neutralizing un-neutralized acid groups in the base resin and component (C); the intermediate layer is formed primarily of a resin material; the cover is formed primarily of polyurethane; and the intermediate layer and the cover have surface hardnesses (Durometer D hardness) which satisfy the relationship intermediate layer surface hardness > cover surface hardness.</p>
<p>[2] The multi-piece solid golf ball of [1], wherein the envelope layer and the intermediate layer have surface hardnesses which satisfy the relationship envelope layer surface hardness < intermediate layer surface hardness.</p>
<p>(3] The multi-piece solid golf ball of [1] or [2], wherein the envelope layer, the intermediate layer and the qover have thicknesses which satisfy the relationship cover thickness < intermediate layer thickness < envelope layer thickness.</p>
<p>[4] The multi-piece solid golf ball of [1], [2] or [31, wherein the core has a diameter of at least 31 mm.</p>
<p>[51 The multi-piece solid golf ball of any one of El) to [4], wherein the resin material of which the cover is formed as the outermost layer is a material composed primarily of a heated mixture of (A) a thermoplastic polyurethane material, and (B) an isocyanate mixture of (b-i) an isocyanate compound having at least two isocyanate groups as functional groups per molecule, dispersed in (b-2) a thermoplastic resin which is substantially non-reactive with isocyanate.</p>
<p>Methods of making the balls are also an aspect of the invention.</p>
<p>BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAMS</p>
<p>(0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a multi-piece solid golf ball (4-layer construction) according to the invention.</p>
<p>FIG. 2 is a top view of a golf ball showing an arrangement of dimples that may be used in the embodiments of the invention.</p>
<p>FURTHER EXPLANATIONS; OPTIONS AND PREFERENCES [0010] -The invention is described more fully below. The multi-piece solid golf ball of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, is a golf ball G having four or more layers, including a core 1, an envelope layer 2 which encloses the core, an intermediate layer 3 which encloses the envelope layer, and a cover 4 which encloses the intermediate layer.</p>
<p>The cover 4 typically has a large number of dimples D formed on the surface thereof. The core 1 and the intermediate layer 3 are not limited to single layers, and may each be formed of a plurality of two more layers.</p>
<p>[00111 The core diameter in the invention is not subject to any particular limitation, but is preferably between 31 mm and 38 mm. more preferably at least 32.5 mm but not more than 37 mm, and further preferably at least 34 mm but not more than 36 mm. A core diameter outside this range will lower the initial velocity of the ball or yield a less than adequate spin rate-lowering effect after the ball is hit, as a result of which a good or increased distance may not be achieved.</p>
<p>[0012] The surface hardness of the core, while not subject to any particular limitation, preferably has a Durometer D hardness (the value measured with a type D durometer based on ASTM D2240; the same applies to the hardnesses described below for the respective layers) of at least 45 but not more than 65, more preferably at least 50 but not more than 60, and even more preferably at least 52 but not more than 58.</p>
<p>Below the lower limit, the rebound characteristics of the core may be inadequate, as a result of which an increased distance may not be achieved, and the durability to cracking on repeated impact may worsen. Conversely, at a core surface hardness higher than the upper limit, the ball may have an excessively hard feel on full shots with a driver and the spin rate may be too high, as a result of which an increased distance may not be achieved.</p>
<p>(0013] The deflection when the core is subjected to loading, i.e., the deflection of the core when subjected to loading from an initial load of 98 N (10 kgf) to a final load of 1,275 N (130 kgf), while not subject to any particular limitation, is preferably set within a range of 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm, more preferably 2.3 mm to 4.4 mm, and even more preferably 2.6 mm to 3,8 mm. If this value is too high, the core may lack sufficient rebound, which may result in a less than adequate distance, or the durability of the ball to cracking on repeated impact may worsen. On the other hand, if this value is too low, the ball may have an excessively hard feel on full shots with a driver, and the spin rate may be too high, as a result of which an increased distance may not be achieved.</p>
<p>[0014) s The core having the above-described surface hardness and deflection is formed primarily of a rubber component.</p>
<p>For example, the core may be formed of a rubber composition containing, in addition to the rubber component, a co-crosslinking agent, an organic peroxide, an inert filler, an organosulfur compound and the like. It is preferable to use polybutadiene as the base rubber of this rubber composition.</p>
<p>[0015] It is desirable for the polybutadiene serving as the rubber component to have a cis-1,4-bond content on the polymer chain of at least 60 wt%, preferably at least 80 wt%, more preferably at least 90 wt%, and most preferably at least wt%. Too low a cis-1.4-bond content among the bonds on the molecule may lead to a lower resilience.</p>
<p>[0016] Moreover, the polybutadiene has a 1,2-vinyl bond content on the polymer chain of preferably not more than 2%, more preferably not more than 1.7%. and even further preferably not more than 1.5%. Too high a 1,2-vinyl bond content may lead to a lower resilience.</p>
<p>t0017] To obtain a molded and vulcanized rubber composition of good resilience, the polybutadiene used therein is preferably one synthesized with a rare-earth catalyst or a Group VIII metal compound catalyst. Polybutadiene synthesized with a rare-earth catalyst Is especially preferred.</p>
<p>[0018] Such rare-earth catalysts are not subject to any particular limitation. Exemplary rare-earth catalysts include those made up of a combination of a lanthanide series rare-earth compound with an organoaluminum compound, an alumoxarie, a halogen-bearing compound and an optional Lewis base.</p>
<p>[0019] Examples of suitable lanthanide series rare-earth compounds include halides, carboxylates, alcoholates, thioalcoholates and amides of atomic number 57 to 71 metals.</p>
<p>[0020] In the practice of the invention, the use of a neodymium catalyst in which a neodymium compound serves as the lanthanide series rare-earth compound is particularly advantageous because it enables a polybutadiene rubber having a high cis-1,4 bond content and a low 1,2-vinyl bond content to be obtained at an excellent polymerization activity.</p>
<p>Suitable examples of such rare-earth catalysts include those mentioned in JP-A 11-35633, JP-A 11-164912 and JP-A 2002-293996.</p>
<p>[0021] To enhance the resilience, it is preferable for the polybutadiene synthesized using the lanthanide series rare-earth compound catalyst to account for at least 10 wt%, preferably at least 20 wt%, and more preferably at least 40 wt%, of the rubber components.</p>
<p>[0022] Rubber components other than the above-described polybutadi.ene may be included in the base rubber insofar as the objects of the invention are attainable. Illustrative examples of rubber components other than the above-described polybutadiene include other polybutadienes, and other diene rubbers, such as styrene-butadiene rubber, natural rubber, isoprene rubber and ethylene-propylene-diene rubber.</p>
<p>[0023] Examples of co-crosslinking agents include unsaturated carboxy].ic acids and the metal salts of unsaturated carboxylic acids.</p>
<p>[0024] Specific examples of unsaturated carboxylic acids Include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, inaleic acid and fuinaric acid. Acrylic acid and methacrylic acid are especially preferred.</p>
<p>[0025] The metal salts of unsaturated carboxylic acids, while not subject to any particular limitation, are exemplified by the above-mentioned unsaturated carboxylic acids neutralized with a desired metal ion. Specific examples include the zinc and magnesium salts of methacrylic acid and acrylic acid.</p>
<p>The use of zinc acrylate is especially preferred.</p>
<p>jo [0026] The unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or metal salt thereof is included in an amount, per 100 parts by weight of the base rubber, of preferably at least 10 parts by weight, more preferably at least 15 parts by weight, and further preferably at least 20 parts by weight, but preferably not more than 60 parts by weight, more preferably not more than parts by weight, further preferably not more than 45 parts by weight, and most preferably not more than 40 parts by weight. Too much may make the core too hard, giving the ball an unpleasant feel on impact, whereas too little may lower the rebound.</p>
<p>[0027] The organic peroxide may be a commercially available product, suitable examples of which include Percumyl D (produced by NOF Corporation), Perhexa 3M (NOF Corporation), and Luperco 231XL (Atochem Co.). These may be used singly or as a combination of two or more thereof.</p>
<p>[0028] The amount of organic peroxide included per 100 parts by weight of the base rubber is preferably at least 0.1 part by weight, more preferably at least 0.3 part by weight, further preferably at least 0.5 part by weight, and most preferably at least 0.7 part by weight, but preferably not more than 5 parts by weight, more preferably not more than 4 parts by weight, further preferably not more than 3 parts by weight, and most preferably not more than 2 parts by weight.</p>
<p>Too much or too little organic peroxide may make it impossible to achieve a ball having a good feel on impact, durability and rebound.</p>
<p>[0029] Examples of suitable inert fillers include zinc oxide, barium sulfate and calcium carbonate. These may be used singly or as a combination of two or more thereof.</p>
<p>[0030] The amount of inert filler included per 100 parts by weight of the base rubber is preferably at least 1 part by weight, and more preferably at least 5 parts by weight, but preferably not more than 50 parts by weight, more preferably not more than 40 parts by weight, and further preferably not more than 30 parts by weight. Too much or too little inert filler may make it impossible to achieve a proper weight and a good rebound.</p>
<p>[0031] In addition, an antioxidant may be included if necessary. Illustrative examples of suitable commercial antioxidants include Nocrac NS-6, Nocrac NS-30 (both available from Ouchi Shinko Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), and Yoshlnox 425 (available from Yoshitoini Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd.). These may be used singly or as a combination of two or more thereof.</p>
<p>[0032] The amount of antioxidant included per 100 parts by weight of the base rubber is preferably 0 or more part by weight, more preferably at least 0.05 part by weight, and further preferably at least 0.1 part by weight, but preferably not more than 3 parts by weight, more preferably not more than 2 parts by weight, further preferably not more than 1 part by weight, and most preferably not more than 0.5 part by weight. Too much or too little antioxidant may make it impossible to achieve a good rebound and durability.</p>
<p>[0033] To enhance the rebound of the golf ball and increase its initial velocity, it is preferable to include within the core an organosulfur compound.</p>
<p>[0034) No particular limitation is imposed on the organosulfur compound, provided it improves the rebound of the golf ball. Exemplary organosulfur compounds include s thiophenols. thionaphthols, halogenated thiophenols, and metal salts thereof. Specific examples include pentachiorothiophenol, pentafluorothiophenol, pentabromothiophenol, p-chlorothiophenol, the zinc salt of pentachiorothiophenol, the zinc salt of pentafluorothiophenol, the zinc salt of pentabromothiophenol, the zinc salt of p-chlorothiophenol; and diphenylpolysuif ides, dibenzylpo].ysulf ides, dibenzoylpolysulfides, dibenzothiazoylpolysulfides and dithiobenzoylpolysu].f Ides having 2 to 4 sulfurs. Diphenyldisulfide and the zinc salt of pentachiorothiophenol are especially preferred.</p>
<p>[0035] It is recommended that the amount of the organosulfur compound included per 100 parts by weight of the base rubber be preferably at least 0.05 part by weight. and more preferably at least 0.1 part by weight, but preferably not more than 5 parts by weight, more preferably not more than 4 parts by weight, further preferably not more than 3 parts by weight, and most preferably not more than 2.5 parts by weight.</p>
<p>If too much organosulfur compound is included, the effects of addition may peak so that further addition has no apparent effect, whereas the use of too little organosulfur compound may fail to confer the effects of such addition to a sufficient degree.</p>
<p>[0036) Next, the envelope layer is described.</p>
<p>The envelope layer material has a hardness, expressed as the Durometer D hardness, which, while not subject to any particular limitation, is preferably at least 40 but not more than 62, more preferably at least 47 but not more than 60, and even more preferably at least 50 but not more than 58.</p>
<p>If the envelope layer material is softer than the lower limit, the ball may have too much spin receptivity on full shots, as a result of which an increased distance may not be achieved.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if this material is harder than the upper limit, the durability of the ball to cracking under repeated impact may worsen and the ball may have too hard a feel when played. The envelope layer has a thickness which, while not subject to any particular limitation, is preferably at least 1.0 mm but not more than 4.0 mm, more preferably at least 1.2 mm but not more than 3.0 mm, and most preferably at least 1.4 io mm but not more than 2.0 mm. Outside these limits the spin rate-lowering effect on shots with a driver (Wfl1) may be inadequate, as a result of which an increased distance may not be achieved.</p>
<p>[0037] The envelope layer has a surface hardness, expressed as the Durometer D hardness, which, while not subject to any particular limitation, is preferably at least 50 but not more than 70, more preferably at least 53 but not more than 67, and even more preferably at least 55 but not more than 63.</p>
<p>At a surface hardness which is too low, the ball may have too much spin receptivity on full shots, and increased distance might not be achieved. On the other hand, if the surface hardness is too high, the durability of the ball against cracking under repeated impact may worsen and the ball may have too hard a feel when played. Hence the above recommendations. It is preferable for the surface of the envelope layer to be softer than the surface of the intermediate layer.</p>
<p>While no particular limitation is imposed on the degree to which it is softer, the difference in Durometer D hardness Is preferably at least 3 but not more than 20, more preferably at least 5 but not more than 18, and even more preferably at least 7 but not more than 16. This is because, if the surface of the envelope layer Is too much softer than the surface of the intermediate layer, the rebound of the ball may decrease or the spin rate may become excessive, as a result of which an increased distance may not be achieved.</p>
<p>[0038) The envelope layer in the invention is formed primarily from a mixture made up of: parts by weight of a resin component composed of (or obtainable from), in admixture, a base resin of (a) an olefin-unsaturated carboxyliC acid binary random copolynier and/or a metal ion-neutralized product of an olef in-unsaturated carboxylic acid binary random copolymer mixed with (b) an olefin-unsaturated io carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester ternary random copolymer and/or a metal ion-neutralized product of an olef in-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester ternary random copolymer in a weight ratio between 100:0 and 0:100, and (e) a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer in a weight ratio between 100:0 and 50:50; (c) 5 to 80 parts by weight of a fatty acid and/or fatty acid derivative having a molecular weight of 280 to 1500; and (d) 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a basic inorganic metal compound capable of neutralizing un-neutralized acid groups in the base resin and component (c).</p>
<p>(0039] The olef in in the above base resin, for either component (a) or component (b). has a number of carbons which is generally at least 2 but not more than 8, and preferably not more than 6. Specific examples include ethylene.</p>
<p>propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene and octene.</p>
<p>Ethylene Is especially preferred.</p>
<p>[00401 Examples of unsaturated carboxylic acids include acrylic acid, niethacrylic acid, inaleic acid and fumaric acid.</p>
<p>Acrylic acid and methacrylic acid are especially preferred.</p>
<p>[0041] Moreover, the unsaturated carboxylic acid ester is preferably a lower (e.g. C14) alkyl ester of the unsaturated carboxylic acid. Specific examples include methyl inethacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate. propyl acrylate and buty]. acrylate. Butyl acrylate (n-butyl acrylate, i-butyl acrylate) is especially preferred.</p>
<p>[00421 The olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid binary random copolymer of component (a) and the olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester ternary random copolymer of component (b) (the copolyTners in components (a) and (b) are referred to collectively below as "the random copolymers") can each be obtained by preparing the above-mentioned materials and carrying out random copolymerization by a known method.</p>
<p>[0043) It is recommended that the above random copolymers is have controlled unsaturated carboxylic acid contents (acid contents). Here, it is recommended that the content of unsaturated carboxylic acid present in the random copolyiner serving as component (a) is preferably at least 4 wt%, more preferably at least 6 wt%, further preferably at least 8 wt%, and even especially preferably at least 10 wt%, but preferably not more than 30 wt%, more preferably not more than 20 wt%, even further preferably not more than 18 wt%, and most preferably not more than 15 wt%.</p>
<p>[0044] Similarly, it is recommended that the content of unsaturated carboxylic acid present in the random copolymer serving as component (b) is preferably at least 4 wt%, more preferably at least 6 wt%, and further preferably at least 8 wt%, but preferably not more than 15 wt%, more preferably not more than 12 wt%, and even further preferably not more than wt%. If the acid content of the random copolymer is too low, the rebound may decrease, whereas if it is too high, the processability of the envelope layer-forming resin material may decrease.</p>
<p>[0045] The metal Ion-neutralized product of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid binary random copolymer of component (a) and the metal ion-neutralized product of an olef in-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester ternary random copolymer of component (b) (the metal ion-neutralized products of the copolyiners in components (a) and (b) are referred to collectively below as "the metal ion-neutralized products of the random copolymers") can be obtained by neutralizing some of the acid groups on the random copolymers with metal ions.</p>
<p>[0046) Illustrative examples of metal ions for neutralizing the acid groups include Na, K4, Li, Zn, Cu44, Mg4, Ca44, C04, Ni and Pb". Of these, preferred use can be made of, for example, Na4, LI', Zn" and Mg. To improve resilience, the use of Na is most preferred.</p>
<p>[00471 The above metal ion-neutralized products of the random copolymers may be obtained by neutralizing the random copolymers with the foregoing metal ions. For example, use may be made of a method in which neutralization is carried out with a compound such as a formate, acetate, nitrate.</p>
<p>carbonate, bicarbonate, oxide, hydroxide or alkoxide of the above-mentioned metal ions. No particular limitation is imposed on the degree of neutralization of the random copolymer by these metal ions.</p>
<p>[00481 Sodium ion-neutralized ionoiner resins may be suitably used as the above metal ion-neutralized products of the random copolyiners to increase the melt flow rate of the material. This facilitates adjustment to the subsequently described optimal melt flow rate, enabling the moldability to be improved.</p>
<p>[0049] Commercially available products may be used as the base resins of above components (a) and (b). Illustrative examples of the random copolymer in component (a) include Nucrel 1560, Nucrel 1214 and Nucrel 1035 (all products of DuPont-Mitsui Polychemicals Co., Ltd.), and Escor 5200, EsCor 5100 and Escor 5000 (all products of ExxonMobil Chemical).</p>
<p>Illustrative examples of the random copolymer in component (b) include Nucre]. AN 4311 and Nucrel AN 4318 (both products of DuPont- Mitsui Polychemicals Co., Ltd.), and Escor ATX325, Escor ATX32O and Escor ATX31O (all products of ExxonMobil Chemical).</p>
<p>(0050] Illustrative examples of the metal ion-neutralized product of the random copolymer in component (a) include Himilan 1554, Himilan 1557, Hiinilan 1601, Himilan 1605, Himilan 1706 and Himilan AN7311 (all products of DuPont-Mitsui Polychemicals Co.. Ltd.), Surlyn 7930 (E.I.</p>
<p>DuPont de Neniours & Co.), and lotek 3110 and lotek 4200 (both products of ExxonMobil Chemical). Illustrative examples of the metal ion-neutralized product of the random copolymer in component (b) includeHimilan 1855, Himilan 1856 and Himulan AN7316 (all products of Dupont-Mitsui Polychemicals Co., Ltd.), Surlyn 6320, Surlyn 8320. Surlyn 9320 and Surlyn 8120 (all products of E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co.), and lotek 7510 and lotek 7520 (both products of ExxonNobil Chemical).</p>
<p>Sodium-neutralized ionomer resins that are suitable as the metal ion-neutralized product of the random copolymer include Himulan 1605, Himilan 1601, Hlmilan 1555 and Surlyn 8120.</p>
<p>[0051] When preparing the above-described base resin, component (a) and component (b) must be admixed in a weight ratio of preferably between 100:0 and 0:100, more preferably between 100:0 and 25:75, further preferably between 100:0 and 50:50, even especially preferably between 100:0 and 75:25, and most preferably 100:0. If too little component (a) is included, the molded material obtained therefrom may have a decreased resilience.</p>
<p>[0052] In addition, the processability of the base resin can be further improved by also adjusting the ratio in which the random copolymers and the metal ion-neutralized products of the random copolymers are admixed when preparing the base resin as described above. it is recommended that the weight ratio of the random copolymer to the metal ion-neutralized product of the random copolymer be preferably between 0:100 and 60:40, more preferably between 0:100 and 40:60, further preferably between 0:100 and 20:80, and most preferably 0:100.</p>
<p>The addition of too much random copolymer may lower the processability during mixing.</p>
<p>[0053] Component (e) described below may be added to the base resin. Component (e) is a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer. The purpose of this component is to further improve the feel of the ball on impact and the rebound.</p>
<p>Examples include olef in elastomers, styrene elastofl%erS, polyester elastomers, urethane elastomers and polyamide ei.astomers. To further increase the rebound, it is preferable to use a polyester elastomer or an olefin elastomer. The use of an olef in elastomer composed of a thermoplastic block copolymer which includes crystalline polyethylene blocks as the hard segments is especially preferred.</p>
<p>[0054] A commercially available product may be used as component (e). Illustrative examples include Dynaron (JSR Corporation) and the polyester elastomer Hytrel (DuPont-Toray Co., Ltd.).</p>
<p>[00551 It is recommended that component (e) be included in an amount, per 100 parts by weight of the base resin of the invention, of preferably at least 0 part by weight, more preferably at least 5 parts by weight, further preferably at least 10 parts by weight, and even especially preferably at least 20 parts by weight, but preferably not more than 100 parts by weight, more preferably not more than 60 parts by weight, further preferably not more than 50 parts by weight, and even most preferably not more than 40 parts by weight.</p>
<p>Too much component (e) will lower the compatibility of the mixture, possibly resulting in a substantial decline in the durability of the golf ball.</p>
<p>(0056] Next, component (c) described below may be added to the base resin. Component (c) is a fatty acid or fatty acid derivative having a molecular weight of at least 280 but not more than 1500. Compared with the base resin, this component has a very low molecular weight and, by suitably adjusting the melt viscosity of the mixture, helps in particular to improve the flow properties. Component (c) includes a relatively high content of acid groups (or derivatives), and is capable of suppressing an excessive loss in resilience.</p>
<p>[0057] The fatty acid or fatty acid derivative of component (c) has a molecular weight of at least 280, preferably at least 300, more preferably at least 330, and even more preferably at least 360, but not more than 1500, preferably not more than 1000, even more preferably not more than 600, and most preferably not more than 500. If the molecular weight is too low, the heat resistance cannot be improved.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if the molecular weight is too high, the flow properties cannot be improved.</p>
<p>[0058] The fatty acid or fatty acid derivative of component (c) may be an unsaturated fatty acid (or derivative thereof) containing a double bond or triple bond on the alkyl moiety, or it may be a saturated fatty acid (or derivative thereof) In which the bonds on the alkyl moiety are all single bonds.</p>
<p>It is recommended that the number of carbons on the molecule be generally at least 18, preferably at least 20, more preferably at least 22, and even more preferably at least 24, but not more than 80, preferably not more than 60, more preferably not more than 40, and even more preferably not more than 30. Too few carbons may make it impossible to improve the heat resistance and may also make the acid group content so high as to diminish the flow-improving effect due to Interactions with acid groups present in the base resin.</p>
<p>On the other hand, too many carbons increases the molecular weight, which may keep a distinct flow-improving effect from appearing.</p>
<p>[00591 S Specific examples of the fatty acid of component (c) include stearic acid, 12-hydroxystearic acid, behenic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidic acid and lignoceric acid. Of these, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid and lignoceric acid are preferred. Behenic acid is especially preferred.</p>
<p>[0060] The "fatty acid derivatives" of component (C) are exemplified by metallic soaps in which the proton on the acid group of the fatty acid has been replaced with a metal ion.</p>
<p>Examples of the metal ion include N&, Li4, Ca', Mg, Zn, Mn, Al44, N1', Fe, Fe'44, Cu44, Sn", Pb4' and Co44. Of these, Ca', Mg" and Zn' are especially preferred.</p>
<p>[0061] Specific examples of fatty acid derivatives that may be used as component (c) include magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium 12-hydroxystearate, calcium 12-hydroxystearate, zinc 12-hydroxystearate, magnesium arachidate, calcium arachidate, zinc arachidate, magnesium behenate, calcium behenate, zinc behenate, magnesium lignocerate, calcium lignocerate and zinc lignocerate. Of these, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium arachidate, calcium arachidate, zinc arachjdate, magnesium behenate, calcium behenate, zinc behenate, magnesium lignocerate, calcium lignocerate and zinc lignocerate are preferred.</p>
<p>[0062] Component Cd) may be added as a basic inorganic metal compound capable of neutralizing acid groups in the base resin and in component (c). If component (d) is not included, when a metal soap-modified ionomer resin (e.g.. the metal soap-modified lonomer resins cited in the above-mentioned patent publications) is used alone, the metallic soap and un-neutralized acid groups present on the ionomer resin undergo exchange reactions during mixture under heating, generating a large amount of fatty acid. Because the fatty acid has a low thermal stability and readily vaporizes during molding, it may cause molding defects. Moreover, if the fatty acid thus generated deposits on the surface of the molded material, it may substantially lower paint film adhesion and may have other undesirable effects such as lowering the resilience of the resulting molded material.</p>
<p>(0063] + COO ____ _________ + ____coo un-neutralized acid group present on the ionomer resin cj metallic soap fatty acid X:meta]. cation (0064] Accordingly, to solve this problem, the envelope layer-forming resin material includes also, as an essential component, a basic inorganic metal compound (d) which neutralizes the acid groups present in the base resin and component (c), In this way improving the resilience of the molded material.</p>
<p>(0065] That is, by including component (d) as an essential ingredient in the material, not only are the acid groups in the base resin and component (c) neutralized, through synergistic effects from the proper addition of each of these components it is possible as well to Increase the thermal stability of the mixture and give it a good moldablilty, and also to enhance the resilience.</p>
<p>[0066] Here, it is recommended that the basic inorganic metal compound used as component (d) be a compound having a high reactivity with the base resin and containing no organic acids in the reaction by-products, enabling the degree of neutralization of the mixture to be increased without a loss of thermal stability.</p>
<p>[0067) Illustrative examples of the metal ions in the basic inorganic metal compound serving as component (d) include Lf, N a+, K, Ca++. Mg, Zn4, Al, Ni+* . Fe, Fe4, Cu+, Mn, Sn4, Pb and Co'. Known basic inorganic fillers containing these metal ions may be used as the basic inorganic metal compound.</p>
<p>Specific examples include magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, zinc oxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate. In particular, a hydroxide or a monoxide is recommended. Calcium hydroxide and magnesium oxide, which have a high reactivity with the base resin, are more preferred. Calcium hydroxide is especially preferred.</p>
<p>[0068] Because the above-described resin material is arrived at by blending specific respective amounts of components (c) and (d) with the resin component, i.e., the base resin containing specific respective amounts of components (a) and (b) in combination with optional component Ce). this material has excellent thermal stability, flow properties and moldability, and can impart the molded material with a markedly improved resilience.</p>
<p>[0069] Components (c) and (d) are included in respective amounts, per 100 parts by weight of the resin component suitably formulated from components (a). (b) and (e), of at least 5 parts by weight, preferably at least 10 parts by weight, more preferably at least 15 parts by weight, and even more preferably at least 18 parts by weight, but not more than 80 parts by weight, preferably not more than 40 parts by weight, more preferably not more than 25 parts by weight, and even more preferably not more than 22 parts by weight, of component (C); and at least 0.1 part by weight, preferably at least 0.5 part by weight, more preferably at least 1 part by weight, and even more preferably at least 2 parts by weight.</p>
<p>but not more than 10 parts by weight, preferably not more than 8 parts by weight, more preferably not more than 6 parts by weight, and even more preferably not more than 5 parts by weight, of component (d). Too little component (c) lowers the melt viscosity, resulting in inferior processability, whereas too much lowers the durability. Too little component (d) fails to improve thermal stability and resilience.</p>
<p>whereas too much instead lowers the heat resistance of the golf ball-forming material due to the presence of excess basic inorganic metal compound.</p>
<p>[0070] In the above-described resin material formulated from the respective above-indicated amounts of the resin component and components (c) and (d), It is recommended that at least mol%, preferably at least 60 mol%, more preferably at least 70 mol%, and even more preferably at least 80 mol%, of the acid groups be neutralized. Such a high degree of neutralization makes it possible to more reliably suppress the exchange reactions that cause trouble when only a base resin and a fatty acid or fatty acid derivative are used as In the above-cited prior art, thus preventing the generation of fatty acid. As a result, there is obtained a resin material of substantially improved thermal stability and good processability which can provide molded products of much better resilience than prior-art lonomer resins.</p>
<p>[0071] "Degree of neutralization," as used above, refers to the degree of neutralization of acid groups present within the mixture of the base resin and the fatty acid or fatty acid derivative serving as component (c), and differs from the degree of neutralization of the ionomer resin itself when an ionomer resin is used as the metal ion-neutralized product of a random copolymer in the base resin. A mixture according to this proposal having a certain degree of neutralization, when compared with an ionomer resin alone having the same degree of neutralization, contains a very large number of metal ions. This large number of metal ions increases the density of ionic crosslinks which contribute to improved resilience, making it possible to confer the molded product with excellent resilience.</p>
<p>[0072] To more reliably achieve a material having both a high degree of neutralization and good flow properties, it iS recommended that the acid groups in the above-described mixture be neutralized with transition metal ions and with alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal ions. Although transition metal ions have a weaker ionic cohesion than alkali metal and alkaline earth metal ions, the combined use of these different types of ions to neutralize acid groups in the mixture can substantially improve the flow properties.</p>
<p>[0073] It is recommended that the molar ratio between the transition metal ions and the alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal loris be in a range of preferably 10:90 to 90:10, more preferably 20:80 to 80:20, further preferably 30:70 to 70:30, and most preferably 40:60 to 60:40. Too low a molar ratio of transition metal ions may fail to provide a sufficient flow-improving effect. On the other hand, too high a transition metal ion molar ratio may lower the resilience.</p>
<p>[00741 Examples of the metal ions include, but are not limited to, zinc ions as the transition metal ions and at least one type of ion selected from among sodium, lithium and magnesium ions as the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal ions.</p>
<p>[0075] A known method may be used to obtain a mixture in which the desired amount of acid groups have been neutralized with transition metal ions and alkali metal or alkaline earth metal ions. Specific examples of methods of neutralization with transition metal ions, particularly zinc ions, include methods which use zinc soaps as the fatty acid derivative, methods which use zinc ion-neutralized products (e.g., a zinc ion-neutralized ionoiner resin) when formulating components (a) and (b) as the base resin, and methods which use zinc compounds such as zinc oxide as the basic inorganic metal compound of component (d).</p>
<p>[0076] The resin material should preferably have a melt flow rate adjusted to ensure flow properties that are particularly suitable for injection molding, and thus improve moldability.</p>
<p>Specifically, it is recommended that the melt flow rate (MFR), as measured according to JIS-K7210 at a temperature of 190 C and under a load of 21.18 N (2.16 kgf), be set to preferably at least 0.5 dg/min, more preferably at least 1 dg/mln, further preferably at least 1.5 dg/min, and even most preferably at least 2 dg/min, but preferably not more than 20 dg/rnin, more preferably not more than 10 dg/min, further preferably not more than 5 dg/min, and even most preferably not more than 3 dg/mln. Too high or low a melt flow rate may result in a substantial decline in processability.</p>
<p>[0077] Next, the intermediate layer is described.</p>
<p>The material from which the intermediate layer is formed has a hardness, expressed as the Durometer D hardness, which, while not subject to any particulat limitation, is preferably at least 50 but not more than 70, more preferably at least 55 but not more than 66, and even more preferably at least 60 but not more than 63. If the intermediate layer material is softer than the lower limit, the ball may have too much spin receptivity on full shots, as a result of which an increased distance may not be attained. On the other hand, --24-if this material s harder than the upper limit, the durability of the ball to cracking under repeated impact may worsen and the ball may have too hard a feel when played with a putter or on short approach shots. The intermediate layer has a thickness which, while not subject to any particular limitation, is preferably at least 0.7 nun but not more than 2.0 nun, more preferably at least 0.9 nun but not more than 1.7 mm, and further preferably at least 1.1 nun but not more than 1.4 turn. At unsuitable thickness, the spin rate-lowering effect on shots with a driver (W#1) may be inadequate, as a result of which an increased distance may not be achieved. Moreover, a thickness lower than the above lower limit may worsen the durability to cracking on repeated impact or the low-temperature durability.</p>
<p>[0078] The intermediate layer may be formed primarily of a resin material which is the same as or different from the above-described material used to form the envelope layer. An ionomer resin is especially preferred. Specific examples include sodium-neutralized ionomer resins available under the trade name designations Hirnilan 1605, Himilan 1601 and Surlyn 8120, and zinc-neutralized ionomer resins such as Himilan 1557 and Himilan 1706. These may be used singly or as a combination of two or more thereof.</p>
<p>[0079] An embodiment in which the intermediate layer material is composed primarily of, in admixture, both a zinc-neutralized ionomer resin and a sodium-neutralized lonomer resin is especially preferable for attaining the objects of the invention. The mixing ratio, expressed as zinc-neutralized resin/sodium-neutralized resin (weight ratio), Is preferably from 25/75 to 75/25, more preferably from 35/65 to 65/35, and most preferably from 45/55 to 55/45.</p>
<p>[0080] Outside preferred ratios, the ball rebound may be too low, as a result of which the desired distance may not be achieved, the durability to repeated impact at normal temperature may worsen, and the durability to cracking at low temperatures (below 0 C) may worsen.</p>
<p>[0081) The surface hardness of the intermediate layer, i.e..</p>
<p>the surface hardness of the sphere composed of the core and the envelope layer enclosed by the intermediate layer, while not subject to any particular limitation, has a Durometer D hardness of preferably at least 60 but not more than 80. more preferably at least 63 but not more than 77, and even most preferably at least 67 but not more than 73. If the surface of the intermediate layer is softer than the lower limit, the ball may have too much spin receptivity on full shots, as a result of which an increased distance may not be achieved.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if it is harder than the upper limit, the durability of the ball to cracking under repeated impact may worsen and the ball may have too hard a feel when played with a putter or on short approach shots.</p>
<p>[0082) Also, in the present invention, the surface hardness of the intermediate layer is higher than the surface hardness of the core, the surface hardness of the envelope layer, and the surface hardness of the cover. That is, the intermediate layer is formed so as to have the hardest surface of all the layers. This will be explained later.</p>
<p>[0083] To increase adhesion between the intermediate layer material and the polyurethane used in the subsequently described cover, it is desirable to abrade the surface of the intermediate layer. In addition, it is preferable to apply a primer (adhesive) to the surface of the intermediate layer following such abrasion or to add an adhesion reinforcing agent to the intermediate layer material. Examples of adhesion reinforcing agents that may be incorporated in the material include organic compounds such as 1,3-butanediol and trimethylolpropane, and oligomers such as polyethylene glycol and polyhydroxy polyolefin oligomers. The use of trimethylo].propane or a polyhydroxy polyolef in oligomer is especially preferred. Examples of commercially available products include trimethyloipropane produced by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Ltd. and polyhydroxy polyolef in oligomers produced by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (under the trade name designation Polytail H; number of main-chain carbons, to 200; with hydroxyl groups at the ends).</p>
<p>[00841 Next, the cover is described. As used herein, the term cover" denotes the outermost layer of the ball construction, and excludes what is referred to herein as the intermediate layer and the envelope layer.</p>
<p>(00851 The cover material has a hardness, expressed as the Durometer D hardness, which, while not subject to any particular limitation, is preferably at least 40 but not more than 60, more preferably at least 43 but not more than 57 and even most preferably at least 46 but not more than 54.</p>
<p>At a hardness below the lower limit, the ball tends to take on too much spin on full shots, as a result of which and increased distance may not be achieved. On the other hand, at a hardness above the upper limit, on approach shots the ball may lack spin receptivity and have less than desirable controllability, even for professionals and other skilled golfers.</p>
<p>[0086] The thickness of the cover, while not subject to any particular limitation, is preferably at least 0.3 mm but not more than 1. 5 mm, more preferably at least 0.5 mm but not more than 1.2 mm, and even more preferably at least 0.7 mm but not more than 1.0 mm. If the cover Is thicker than the upper limit, the ball may have an inadequate rebound on shots with a driver (W#1) or the spin rate may be too high, as a result of which an increased distance may not be achieved.</p>
<p>Conversely, if the cover is thinner than the lower limit, the ball may have a poor scuff resistance and inadequate controllability even when played by a professional or other skilled golfer.</p>
<p>[0087) In the practice of the invention, the cover material is composed primarily of polyurethane, thereby enabling the intended effects of the invention, i.e., both a good S controllability and a good scuff resistance, to be achieved.</p>
<p>[0088] The polyurethane used as the cover material, while not subject to any particular limitation, is preferably a thermoplastic polyurethane, particularly from the standpoint of amenability to mass production. In the practice of the invention, it is preferable to use a cover-molding material (C) composed primarily of components (A) and (B) below.</p>
<p>(A) a thermoplastic polyurethane material; (B) an isocyanate mixture of (b-i) an isocyanate compound having at least two isocyanate group as functional groups per molecule, dispersed in (b-2) a thermoplastic resin which is substantially non-reactive with isocyanate.</p>
<p>[0089] Components (A), (B) and (C) are described below.</p>
<p>(A) Thermoplastic Polyurethane Material The thermoplastic polyurethane material has a morphology which includes soft segments composed of a polymeric polyol (polymeric glycol) and hard segments composed of a chain extender and a diisocyanate. The polymeric polyol used as a starting material may be any that is employed in the art relating to thermoplastic polyurethane materials, without particular limitation. Exemplary polymeric polyols include polyester polyols and polyether polyols, although polyether polyols are better than polyester polyols for synthesizing thermoplastic polyurethane materials that provide a high rebound resilience and have excellent low-temperature properties. Suitable polyether polyols include polytetramethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol.</p>
<p>Polytetrainethylene glycol is especially preferred for achieving a good rebound resilience and good low-temperature properties. The polymeric polyol has an average molecular weight of preferably 1,000 to 5,000. To synthesize a thermoplastic polyurethane material having a high rebound resilience, an average molecular weight of 2,000 to 4,000 is especially preferred.</p>
<p>[0090] Preferred chain extenders include those used in the prior art relating to thermoplastic polyurethane materials.</p>
<p>Illustrative, non-limiting, examples include 1,4-butylene glycol, 1.2-ethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, and 2,2-dimethyl-i,3-propanedjol. These chain extenders have an average molecular weight of preferably 20 to 15,000.</p>
<p>[0091] Diisocyanates suitable for use include those employed in the prior art relating to thermoplastic polyurethane materials. Illustrative, non-limiting, examples include aromatic diisocyanates such as 4,4'-diphenylmethane dilsocyanate, 2,4-toluene diisocyanate and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate; and aliphatic diisocyanates such as hexamethylene diisocyanate. Depending on the type of isocyanate used, the crosslinking reaction during injection molding may be difficult to control. In the present invention, to ensure stable reactivity with the subsequently described isocyanate mixture (B), it is most preferable to use an aromatic diisocyanate, and specifically 4,4' -diphenylmethane diisocyanate.</p>
<p>[0092] A commercial product may be suitably used as the above-described thermoplastic polyurethane material.</p>
<p>Illustrative examples include Pandex T-8290, Pandex T-8295 and Pandex T-8260 (all manufactured by DIC Bayer Polymer, Ltd.), and Resamine 2593 and Resamine 2597 (both manufactured by Dainichi Seika Colour & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd.).</p>
<p>[0093] (B) Isocyanate Mixture The isocyanate mixture (B) is prepared by dispersing (b-i) an isocyanate compound having as functional groups at least two isocyanate groups per molecule in (b-2) a thermoplastic resin that is substantially non-reactive with isocyanate. Above isocyanate compound (b-i) is preferably an isocyanate compound used in the prior art relating to thermoplastic polyurethane materials. Illustrative, non-limiting, examples include aromatic dilsocyanates such as S 4,4'-diphenylnethane diisocyanate, 2,4-toluene dilsocyanate and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate; and aliphatic diisocyanates such as hexamethylene diisocyanate. From the standpoint of reactivity and work safety, the use of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate is most preferred.</p>
<p>[0094] The thermoplastic resin (b-2) is preferably a resin having a low water absorption and excellent compatibility with thermoplastic polyurethane materials. Illustrative, non-limiting, examples of such resins include polystyrene resins, polyvinyl chloride resins, ABS resins, polycarbonate resins and polyester elastomers (e.g., polyether-ester block copolymers, polyester-ester block copolymers). From the standpoint of rebound resilience and strength, the use of a polyester elastomer, particularly a polyether-ester block copolymer, is especially preferred.</p>
<p>[0095] In the isocyanate mixture (B), it is desirable for the relative proportions of the thermoplastic resin (b-2) and the isocyanate compound (b-i), expressed as the weight ratio (b-2):(b-1), to be from 100:5 to 100:100, and especially from 100:10 to 100:40. If the amount of the isocyanate compound (b-i) relative to the thermoplastic resin (b-2) is too small, a greater amount of the isocyanate mixture (B) will have to be added to achieve an amount of addition sufficient for the crosslinking reaction with the thermoplastic polyurethane material (A). As a result, the thermoplastic resin (b-2) will exert a large influence, compromising the physical properties of the cover-molding material (C). On the other hand, if the amount of the isocyanate compound (b-i) relative to the thermoplastic resin (b-2) is too large, the isocyanate compound (b-i) may cause slippage to occur during mixing, making preparation of the isocyanate mixture (B) difficult.</p>
<p>[0096] The isocyanate mixture (B) can be obtained by, for example, adding the isocyanate compound (b-i) to the thermoplastic resin (b-2) and thoroughly working together these components at a temperature of 130 to 250 C using mixing rolls or a Banbury mixer, then either pelletizing or cooling and subsequently grinding. A commercial product such as Crossnate EM3O (made by Dainichi Seika Colour & Chemicals Mfg. Co. Ltd.) may be suitably used as the isocyanate mixture (B).</p>
<p>[0097] f C) Cover-Molding Material The preferred molding material (C)is composed primarily of the above-described thermoplastic polyurethane material (A) and isocyanate mixture (B). The relative proportion of the thermoplastic polyurethane material (A) to the isocyanate mixture (B) in the cover-molding material (C), expressed as the weight ratio (A):(B), is preferably from 100:1 to 100:100.</p>
<p>more preferably from 100:5 to 100:50, and even more preferably from 100:10 to 100:30. If too little isocyanate mixture (B) is included with respect to the thermoplastic polyurethane material (A), a sufficient crosslinking effect will not be achieved. On the other hand, if too much is included, unreacted isocyanate may discolor the molded material.</p>
<p>[0098] In addition to the above-described ingredients, other ingredients may be included in the cover-molding material (C).</p>
<p>For example, thermoplastic polymeric materials other than the thermoplastic polyurethane material may be included; illustrative examples include polyester elastomers, polyarnide elastomers, lonomer resins, styrene block elastomers, polyethylene and nylon resins. Thermoplastic polymeric materials other than the thermoplastic polyurethane material may be included in an amount of 0 to 100 parts by weight, preferably 1 to 75 parts by weight, and more preferably 10 to parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic polyurethane material serving as the essential component. The amount of such thermoplastic polymeric materials used is selected as appropriate for such purposes as adjusting the hardness of the cover material, improving the rebound, improving the flow properties, and improving adhesion. If necessary, various additives such as pigments, dispersants, antioxidants, light stabilizers, ultraviolet absorbers and parting agents may also be suitably included in the cover-molding material (C).</p>
<p>[0099) Formation of the cover from the cover-molding material (C) can be carried out by adding the isocyanate mixture (B) to the thermoplastic polyurethane material (A) and dry mixing, then using an injection molding machine to mold the mixture into a cover over the core. The molding temperature varies with the type of thermoplastic polyurethane material (A), although molding is generally carried out within a temperature range of 150 to 250 C. [0100] Reactions and crosslinking which take place in the golf ball cover obtained as described above are believed to involve the reaction of isocyanate groups with hydroxyl groups remaining on the thermoplastic polyurethane material to form urethane bonds, or the creation of an allophanate or biuret crosslinked form via a reaction involving the addition of isocyanate groups to urethane groups in the thermoplastic polyurethane material. Although the crosslinking reaction has not yet proceeded to a sufficient degree immediately after injection molding of the cover-molding material (C), the crosslinking reaction can be made to proceed further by carrying out an annealing step after molding, in this way conferring the golf ball cover with useful characteristics.</p>
<p>"Annealing," as used herein, refers to heat aging the cover at a constant temperature for a given length of time, or aging the cover for a fixed period at room temperature.</p>
<p>[0101) In the addition to the above resin components, various optional additives may be included in the above-described resin materials for the envelope layer, the intermediate layer and the cover. Such additives include, for example, pigments, dispersants, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, ultraviolet stabilizers, parting agents, plasticizers. and inorganic fillers (e.g., zinc oxide, barium sulfate, titanium dioxide).</p>
<p>[0102) Hardness Relationship between Surfaces of Intermediate Layer and Cover In the practice of the invention, the surface hardness relationship between the intermediate layer and the cover is significant. That is, the surface hardness (Durometer D hardness) of the intermediate layer and the cover must satisfy the relationship: intermediate layer surface hardness > cover surface hardness.</p>
<p>It is preferable for the relationship among the three layers, including also the envelope layer, to satisfy the relationship: envelope layer surface hardness < intermediate layer surface hardness > cover surface hardness.</p>
<p>[0103] Thickness Relationship between Envelope Layer, Intermediate Layer and Cover There is no particular limitation on the relationship between the thicknesses of the envelope layer, the intermediate layer and the cover, although it is preferable for these to satisfy the relationship cover thickness < intermediate layer thickness < envelope thickness.</p>
<p>By suitably selecting the relative thicknesses of these respective layers, we find one can obtain a ball which exhibits all of the following properties: a good flight performance, good controllability, good durability, and a good feel when played. Should the cover be thicker than the intermediate layer, the ball rebound may decrease or the ball may have excessive spin receptivity on full shots, as a result of which an increased distance may not be attainable.</p>
<p>Should the envelope layer be thinner than the intermediate layer, the spin rate-lowering effect may be inadequate, possibly preventing the desired distance from being achieved.</p>
<p>[0104] The multi-piece solid golf ball of the invention can be manufactured using an ordinary process such as a known injection molding process to form on top of one another the respective layers described above--the core, envelope layer, Intermediate layer, and cover. For example, a molded and vulcanized article composed primarily of the core material may be placed as the core within a particular injection-molding mold, following which the envelope layer-forming material and the intermediate layer-forming material may be injection-molded in this order to give an intermediate spherical body. The spherical body may then be placed within another injection-molding mold and the cover material injection molded over the spherical body to give a multi-piece golf ball. Alternatively, the cover may be formed as a layer over the intermediate spherical body by, for example, placing two half-cups, molded beforehand as hemispherical shells, around the intermediate spherical body so as to encase it, then molding under applied heat and pressure.</p>
<p>[0105) The present golf ball has a surface hardness which is determined by the hardness of the material used In each layer, the hardnesses of the respective layers, and the hardness below the surface of the ball. The surface hardness of the ball, in terms of the Durometer D hardness, is preferably at least 55 but not more than 70, more preferably at least 57 but not more than 68, and most preferably at least 59 but not more than 66. If this hardness is lower than the lower limit, the ball may be too receptive to spin, as a result of which an increased distance may not be achieved. On the other hand, if this hardness is higher than the upper limit, the ball may not be receptive to spin on approach shots, which may result in a less than desirable controllability even for professionals and other skilled golfers.</p>
<p>(0106] The surface hardness of the inventive golf ball is made softer than the surface hardness of the intermediate layer, desirably by an amount within a Durometer D range of 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 8, and more preferably 3 to 6. At a hardness difference smaller than this range, the ball may lack receptivity to spin on approach shots, resulting in a less than desirable controllability even for professional and other skilled golfers. At a hardness difference larger than the upper limit, the rebound may be inadequate or the ball may be too receptive to spin on full shots, as a result of which the desired distance may not be achieved.</p>
<p>(01071 Numerous dimples may be formed on the surface of the cover. The dimples arranged on the cover surface, while not subject to any particular limitation, number preferably at least 280 but not more than 360, more preferably at least 300 but not more than 350, and even more preferably at least 320 but not more than 340. If the number of dimples is higher than the above range, the ball will tend to have a low trajectory, which may shorten the distance of travel. On the other hand, If the number of dimples is too small, the ball will tend to have a high trajectory, as a result of which an increased distance may not be achieved.</p>
<p>[0108] Any one or combination of two or more dimple shapes, including circular shapes, various polygonal shapes, dewdrop shapes and oval shapes, may be suitably used. If circular dimples are used, the diameter of the dimples may be set to at least about 2.5 mm but not more than about 6,5 mm, and the depth may be set to at least 0.08 but not more than 0.30.</p>
<p>[0109) To fully manifest the aerodynamic characteristics of the dimples, the dimple coverage on the spherical surface of the golf ball, which is the sum of the individual dimple surface areas, each defined by the border of the flat plane circumscribed by the edge of the dimple, expressed as a ratio (SR) with respect to the spherical surface area of the ball were it to be free of dimples, is preferably at least 60% but not more than 90%. Also, to optimize the trajectory of the ball, the value V0 obtained by dividing the spatial volume of each dimple below the flat plane circumscribed by the edge of that dimple by the volume of a cylinder whose base is the flat plane and whose height from the base to the maximum depth of the dimple is preferably at least 0.35 but not more than 0.80. In addition, the VR value, which is the sum of the volumes of individual dimples formed below flat planes circumscribed by the dimple edges, as a percentage of the volume of the ball sphere were it to have no dimples thereon, is preferably at least 0.6% but not more than 1.0%. Outside of the above ranges for these values, the ball may assume a trajectory that is not conducive to achieving a good distance, as a result of which the ball may fail to travel a sufficient distance when played.</p>
<p>[0110] The golf ball of the invention, which can be manufactured so as to conform with the Rules of Golf for competitive play, may be produced to a ball diameter which is of a size that will not pass through a ring having an inside diameter of 42.672 nun, yet is not more than 42. 80 mm, and to a weight of generally from 45.0 to 45.93 g.</p>
<p>[0111] As shown above, by using a specific resin mixture as the envelope layer, by using primarily a polyurethane material in the cover, and by optimizing the respective surface hardnesses of the intermediate layer and the cover layer as described above, the present golf ball having a multi-layer construction is highly beneficial for professionals and other skilled golfers because it has a low spin rate on full shots taken with a driver, providing an increased distance and. good controllability, and because it has an excellent durability to cracking under repeated impact and an excellent scuff resistance.</p>
<p>EXAMPLES</p>
<p>[0112] Examples of the invention and Comparative Examples are lo given below by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation.</p>
<p>[0113] Examples 1 to 3, Comparative Examples 1 to 6 Rubber compositions were formulated as shown in Table is 1, then molded and vulcanized under the conditions shown In Table 1 to form cores. In Comparative Example 4, the rubber composition shown in Table 2 was prepared and vulcanized, following which the resulting center core was encased by an outer core layer (envelope layer) in an unvulcanized state, and the resulting sphere was molded and vulcanized to give a layered construction.</p>
<p>[0114]</p>
<p>Table 1</p>
<p>Example Comparative Example (parts by weight) - 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 Polybutadiene 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Zinc acrylate 39 34.8 30.6 34.8 26.6 39 26.6 35 31 Peroxide 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 AntioxIdant 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Core ____________ -formulation Zinc oxide 26.3 27.8 29.4 30.6 31.9 30.7 20.0 22.6 22.6 Zincsaltof 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 0 pentachiorothiophenol Zinc stearate 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 0 = t = = = -= = Vulcanization Temperature (C) 155 155 155 155 155 155 155 155 155 conditions -Time (mm) 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 [0115] Trade names for some the materials appearing in the table are given below.</p>
<p>Polybut adiene Available from JSR Corporation under the trade name BR730. Synthesized with a neodymium catalyst.</p>
<p>Peroxide A mixture of l,1-di(t-butylperoxy)cyclohexane and silica, available under the trade name Perhexa C-40.</p>
<p>Antioxidant 2,2' -Methylenebis(4-methyl-6-t-butylphenol), produced by Ouchi Shinko Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. under the trade name Nocrac NS-6.</p>
<p>(0116]</p>
<p>Table 2</p>
<p>(parts by weight) Comparative Example 4 Polybutadiene 100 Zinc acrylate 46.6 Peroxide 2 Core formulation Antox1dant 0 Zinc oxide 11.0 Zinc salt of pentachiorothiophenol 1.5 Zinc stearate 5 Vulcanization Temperature (C) 155 conditions Time (mm) 15 Note: Details concerning the above materials are the same as in</p>
<p>Table 1.</p>
<p>[0117] Formation of Envelope Layer, Intermediate Layer and Cover Next, the envelope layer, intermediate layer and cover formulated from the various resin components shown in Table 3 were injection-molded, thereby forming over the core, in order, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer and a cover.</p>
<p>In Comparative Example 4, the rubber material mentioned above was used as the envelope layer. Next, the dimples shown in Table 4, which were common to all the examples, were formed on the cover surface, thereby producing multi-piece solid golf balls.</p>
<p>[01181</p>
<p>Table 3</p>
<p>Formulation (pbw) No.1 No.2 No.3 No.4 No.5 No.6 No.7 No.8 Himilan 1605 68.75 50 Himilan 1557 15 Himilan 1706 35 Himilan 1707 100 Himilan 1855 35 Surlyn 8120 75 35 AN4311 30 Dynaron 6100P 31.25 25 Hytrel 3046 100 Behenic acid 18 20 Calcium hydroxide 2.3 2.3 Calcium stearate 0.15 0.15 Zinc stearate 0.15 0.15 Trimethyloipropane 1.1 Polytail H 2 Pandex T-8295 50 Pandex T-8290 50 Pandex T-8260 100 Titanium oxide 3.8 3. 8 4 Polyethylene 1.4 1.4 Isocyanate compound 18 18 [0119) Trade names for some the materials appearing in the table are given below.</p>
<p>Himilan: An ionomer resin produced by DuPont-Mitsui Polychemicals Co., Ltd. Surlyn: An ionomer resin produced by E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co. AN4311: Nucrel, produced by DuPont-Mitsui Polychemicals Co., Ltd. Dynaron E6100p: A hydrogenated polymer produced by JSR Corporation.</p>
<p>Hytrel: A polyester elastomer produced by DuPont-Toray Co., Ltd. Behenic acid: NkA222-S (beads), produced by NOF Corporation.</p>
<p>Calcium hydroxide: CLS-B, produced by Shiraishi Kogyo.</p>
<p>Polytaij. H: A low-molecular-weight polyolefin polyol produced by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation.</p>
<p>Pandex: MDI-PTMG type thermoplastic polyurethane produced by DIC Bayer Polymer.</p>
<p>Isocyanate compound: Crossnate EM3O, an isocyanate master batch which is produced by Dainichi Seika Colour & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd., contains 30% of 4,4' -diphenylmethane dilsocyanate (measured concentration of amine reverse-titrated isocyanate according to JIS-K1556, 5 to 10%), and in which the master batch base resin is a polyester elastomer.</p>
<p>The isocyanate compound was mixed with Pandex at the time of injection molding.</p>
<p>[0120]</p>
<p>Table 4</p>
<p>No Number of Diameter Depth ______ dimples (mm) (mm) 0 1 12 4.6 0.15 0.47 2 234 4.4 0.15 0.47 3 60 3.8 0.14 0.47 0.81 0.783 4 6 3.5 0.13 0.46 6 3.4 0.13 0.46 6 12 2.6 0.10 0.46 Total 330 [0121) Dimple Definitions Diameter: Diameter of flat plane circumscribed by edge of dimple.</p>
<p>Depth: Maximum depth of dimple from flat plane circumscribed by edge of dimple.</p>
<p>V0: Spatial volume of dimple below flat plane circumscribed by dimple edge, divided by volume of cylinder whose base is the flat plane and whose height is the maximum depth of dimple from the base.</p>
<p>SR: Sum of individual dimple surface areas, each defined by the border of the flat plane circumscribed by the edge of the dimple, as a percentage of surface area of ball sphere were it to have no dimples thereon.</p>
<p>VR: Sum of volumes of individual dimples formed below flat plane circumscribed by the edge of the dimple, as a percentage of volume of ball sphere were it to have no dimples thereon.</p>
<p>[0122] The golf balls obtained in Examples 1 to 3 of the invention and Comparative Examples 1 to 6 were tested and evaluated according to the criteria described below with regard to the following: surface hardness and other physical properties of each layer and of the ball, flight performance, spin on approach shots (controllability), durability to repeated impact, and scuff resistance. The results are shown in Table 5. All measurements were carried out in a 23 C atmosphere.</p>
<p>[0123) (1) Core Deflection The core ball was placed on a hard plate, and the deflection (mm) by the core when subjected to a final load of 1,275 N (130 kgf) from an Initial load of 98 N (10 kgf) was measured.</p>
<p>(2) Core Surface Hardness The surface of the core is spherical. The durometer indenter was set substantially perpendicular to this spherical surface, and Durometer D hardness measurements (using a type D durometer in accordance with AsTM-2240) were taken at two randomly selected points on the surface of the core. The average of the two measurements was used as the core surface hardness.</p>
<p>(3) Hardness of Envelope Layer Material The resin material for the envelope layer was formed into a sheet having a thickness of about 2 mm, and the hardness was measured with a type D durometer in accordance with ASTM D2240.</p>
<p>(4) Surface Hardness of Envelope Layer-Covered Sphere The durometer indenter was set substantially perpendicular to the spherical surface of the envelope layer, and measurements were taken in accordance with PSTM D2240.</p>
<p>(5) Hardness of Intermediate Layer Material The same method of measurement was used as in (3) above.</p>
<p>(6) Surface Hardness of Intermediate Layer-Covered Sphere The durometer indenter was set substantially perpendicular to the spherical surface of the intermediate layer, and measurements were taken in accordance with ASTM D2240.</p>
<p>(7) Hardness of Cover Material The same method of measurement was used as in (3) above.</p>
<p>1JJ Surface Hardness of Ball The durometer indenter was set substantially perpendicular to a dimple-free area on the ball's surface, and measurements were taken in accordance with ASTM D2240.</p>
<p>(9) Flight The carry and total distance of the ball when hit at a head speed (HS) of 45 rn/s with a club (BEAM Z model 430, manufactured by Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.; loft angle, 10.5 ) mounted on a swing robot were measured. The results were rated according to the criteria indicated below. The spin rate was the value measured for the ball immediately following impact with an apparatus for measuring initial conditions.</p>
<p>Good: Total distance was 240 m or more NG: Total distance was less than 240 m (10) Spin Rate on Approach Shots The spin rate of a ball hit at a head speed of 22 rn/s with a sand wedge (abbreviated below as "SW"; J'S Classical Edition, manufactured by Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.) was measured. The results were rated according to the criteria indicated below. The spin rate was measured by the same method as that used above when measuring distance.</p>
<p>Good: Spin rate of 6,500 rpm or more NG: Spin rate of less than 6,500 rpm (11) Durability to Repeated Impact The ball was repeatedly hit at a head speed of 40 rn/s with a W#1 club mounted on a golf swing robot. The number of shots taken with the ball in Example 3 when the initial velocity fell below 97% of the average initial velocity for the first 10 shots was assigned a durability index of "100", and similarly obtained durability indices for the balls in each example were evaluated according to the following criteria. The average value f or N = 3 balls was used as the basis for evaluation in each example.</p>
<p>Good: Durability index of 90 or more NG: Durability index of less than 90 (12) Scuff Resistance A non-plated pitching sand wedge was set in a swing robot, and the ball was hit once at a head speed of 40 m/s, following which the surface state of the ball was visually examined and rated as follows.</p>
<p>Good: Can be used again NG: Cannot be used again 43.</p>
<p>[0124]</p>
<p>Table 5</p>
<p>Example Comparative Example 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 Diameter (mm) 35.32 35.34 35.22 35.34 35.18 35.32 35.18 35.20 37.30 Weight (g) 27.91 28.18 27.85 28.36 27.79 28.62 26.22 27.07 32.02 Core Deflection 2.7 3.1 3.6 3.1 3.6 2.7 3.6 2.7 2.7 (ins) ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ Surface 58 56 53 56 53 58 53 58 58 ________ hardness (D) ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ Rubber No.4 Type No.2 No.2 No.2 No.2 No.3 No.1 kterial _____ Thickness (mm) 1.69 1.69 1.74 1.71 1.76 1.71. 1.79 1.76 Envelope _______________ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ layer Specific 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.93 0.94 0.93 1.15 1.07 gravity ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ Hardness of 51 51 51 51 63 56 -30 _ / ________ material (D) ______ _____ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ Surface 56 56 56 56 68 61 60 35 Envelope hardness (D) ______ _____ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ layer-Outside 38.70 38.72 38.69 38.75 38.71 38.74 38.75 38.71 covered diameter (mm) ______ ______ ______ ______ sphere Weight (g) 34.86 34.98 34.81 35.20 34.91 35.49 35.03 35.13 Type No.5 No.5 No.5 No.1 No.5 No.5 No.5 No.5 No.5 Inter-Thickness (sun) 1.18 1.18 1.19 1.17 1.18 1.17 1.17 1.19 1.70 mediate ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ layer Specific 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.93 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 gravity ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ _______ _______ _______ Hardness of 62 62 62 56 62 62 62 62 62 _________ material (D) ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ _______ _______ _______ Surface Inter-hardness (D) 70 70 70 63 70 70 70 68 70 mediate layer-Outside 41.06 41.08 41.08 41.08 41.08 41.08 41.08 41.08 40.70 diameter (nun) ______ _____ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ covered ______ ______ ______ _______ _______ _______ sphere Weight (g) 40.49 40.67 40.49 40.62 40.59 41.10 40.63 40.82 39.82 Type No.6 No.6 No.6 No.7 No.6 No.8 No.6 No.6 No.6 Cover Thickness (mm) 0.83 0.82 0.83 0.82 0.82 0.82 0.82 0.82 1.00 Hardness of 48 48 48 58 48 48 48 48 48 ________ material (D) ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ Surface 64 64 64 68 64 64 64 64 64 hardness (D) ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ Ball Diameter (mm) 42.72 42.73 42.73 42.72 42.72 42.72 42.72 42.72 42.70 Weight (g) 45.33 45.39 45.30 45.30 45.28 45.35 45.31 45.50 45.50 Spin (rpi) 3292 3164 2908 3025 2986 3195 3112 3512 3357 Plight Carty () 215.0 213.0 211.4 217.9 215.5 217.2 215.8 213.8 215.5 performance wIl,xs45) Total distance 241.8 240.7 240.4 240.5 240.3 241.9 240.5 237.3 238.6 (a) _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ Rating Good Good Good Good Good Good Good MG MG Spin (ria) 6B92 6723 6629 5985 6712 6683 6640 681.3 6771 SWHS22 ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ Rating Good Good Good MG Good Good Good Good Good Durability to Good Good Good Good NC Good MG Good Good repeated impact Scuff resistance Good Good Good MG Good NC Good Good Good -.44..</p>
<p>[01251 As is apparent from the results in Table 5, in Comparative Example 1, the cover (outer layer) was too hard, as a result of which the ball was not sufficiently receptive to spin on approach shots and had a poor scuff resistance.</p>
<p>In Comparative Example 2, the envelope layer material was made of an ordinary ionomer, and thus the ball had a somewhat low rebound and a poor durability to repeated impact. In Comparative Example 3, the cover (outer layer) was made of ionomer and thus had a poor scuff resistance. In Comparative Example 4, the envelope layer was formed of a rubber material, as a result of which the ball had a poor durability to cracking on repeated impact. In Comparative Example 5, because the envelope material was made of a polyester material, the spin rate increased, as a result of which an increase in distance was not achieved. The ball in Comparative Example 6 was a three-piece golf ball composed of a core enclosed by two layers, and lacking an envelope layer.</p>
<p>In this ball, because the spin rate remained high, there was no increase in distance.</p>
<p>In respect of numerical ranges disclosed herein it will of course be understood that in the normal way the technical criterion for the upper limit is different from the technical criterion for the lower limit, i.e. the upper and lower limits are intrinsically distinct proposals.</p>
Claims (1)
- <p>CLAIMS: 1. A multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core, an envelopelayer which encloses the core, an intermediate layer which encloses the envelope layer, and a cover which encloses the intermediate layer and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples, wherein the core is formed primarily of a rubber material; the envelope layer is formed primarily of a mixture comprising: 100 parts by weight of a resin component composed of, in admixture, a base resin of (a) an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid binary random copolymer and/or a metal ion-neutralized product of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid binary random copolymer mixed with (b) an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester ternary random copolymer and/or a metal ion-neutralized product of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester ternary random copolymer in a weight ratio between 100:0 and 0:100, and (e) a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer in a weight ratio between 100:0 and 50:50, (c) 5 to 80 parts by weight of a fatty acid and/or fatty acid derivative having a molecular weight of 280 to 1500, and (d) 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a basic inorganic metal compound capable of neutralizing un-neutralized acid groups in the base resin and component (C); the intermediate layer is formed primarily of a resin material; the cover is formed primarily of polyurethane; and the intermediate layer and the cover have surface hardnesses (Durometer D hardness) which satisfy the relationship intermediate layer surface hardness > cover surface hardness.</p><p>2. A multi-piece solid golf ball of claim 1, wherein the envelope layer and the intermediate layer have surface hardnesses which satisfy the relationship envelope layer surface hardness ( intermediate layer surface hardness.</p><p>3. A multi-piece solid golf ball of claim 1 or 2, wherein the envelope layer, the intermediate layer and the cover have thicknesses which satisfy the relationship cover thickness < intermediate layer thickness < envelope layer thickness.</p><p>4. A multi-piece solid golf ball of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the core has a diameter of at least 31 mm.</p><p>5. A multi-piece solid golf ball of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the resin material of which the cover is formed as the outermost layer is a material composed primarily of a heated mixture of (A) a thermoplastic polyurethane material, and (B) an isocyanate mixture of (b-i) an isocyanate compound having at least two isocyanate groups as functional groups per molecule, dispersed in (b-2) a thermoplastic resin which is substantially non-reactive with isocyanate.</p><p>6. A multi-piece solid golf ball substantially as described herein in Example 1, 2 or 3.</p><p>7. A method of making a golf ball as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising forming the envelope layer, intermediate layer and cover on the core.</p><p>8. A method according to claim 7 comprising combining ingredients to form any one or more of the respective materials which are used in turn to form said core, envelope layer, intermediate layer and cover.</p>
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/443,130 US8523707B2 (en) | 2006-05-31 | 2006-05-31 | Multi-piece solid golf ball |
US11/451,461 US8771103B2 (en) | 2006-06-13 | 2006-06-13 | Multi-piece solid golf ball |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB0710423D0 GB0710423D0 (en) | 2007-07-11 |
GB2438739A true GB2438739A (en) | 2007-12-05 |
GB2438739B GB2438739B (en) | 2011-05-25 |
Family
ID=38289633
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB0710423A Expired - Fee Related GB2438739B (en) | 2006-05-31 | 2007-05-31 | Multi-piece solid golf balls |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (1) | GB2438739B (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2445217A (en) * | 2006-09-12 | 2008-07-02 | Bridgestone Sports Co Ltd | Multi Piece Solid Golf Ball |
GB2455994A (en) * | 2007-12-27 | 2009-07-01 | Bridgestone Sports Co Ltd | Multi Piece Solid Golf Ball |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040235587A1 (en) * | 2001-04-10 | 2004-11-25 | Sullivan Michael J. | Three-layer-cover golf ball |
US20050075196A1 (en) * | 2002-12-02 | 2005-04-07 | Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd. | Multi-piece solid golf ball |
-
2007
- 2007-05-31 GB GB0710423A patent/GB2438739B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040235587A1 (en) * | 2001-04-10 | 2004-11-25 | Sullivan Michael J. | Three-layer-cover golf ball |
US20050075196A1 (en) * | 2002-12-02 | 2005-04-07 | Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd. | Multi-piece solid golf ball |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2445217A (en) * | 2006-09-12 | 2008-07-02 | Bridgestone Sports Co Ltd | Multi Piece Solid Golf Ball |
GB2445217B (en) * | 2006-09-12 | 2011-07-06 | Bridgestone Sports Co Ltd | Multi-piece solid golf ball |
GB2455994A (en) * | 2007-12-27 | 2009-07-01 | Bridgestone Sports Co Ltd | Multi Piece Solid Golf Ball |
GB2455994B (en) * | 2007-12-27 | 2011-06-29 | Bridgestone Sports Co Ltd | Multi-piece solid golf ball |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2438739B (en) | 2011-05-25 |
GB0710423D0 (en) | 2007-07-11 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8771103B2 (en) | Multi-piece solid golf ball | |
US8523707B2 (en) | Multi-piece solid golf ball | |
US9174093B2 (en) | Multi-piece solid golf ball | |
US7918749B2 (en) | Multi-piece solid golf ball | |
US7445567B2 (en) | Multi-piece solid golf ball | |
US7850548B2 (en) | Multi-piece solid golf ball | |
US7637826B2 (en) | Multi-piece solid golf ball | |
US7625302B2 (en) | Multi-piece solid golf ball | |
US7749108B2 (en) | Multi-piece solid golf ball | |
US7481721B2 (en) | Multi-piece solid golf ball | |
US7727084B2 (en) | Multi-piece solid golf ball | |
US8371960B2 (en) | Multi-piece solid golf ball | |
US20140274472A1 (en) | Multi-piece solid golf ball | |
US20120238377A1 (en) | Golf ball | |
US20080146377A1 (en) | Multi-piece solid golf ball | |
US20120316008A1 (en) | Multi-piece solid golf ball | |
US8827838B2 (en) | Multi-piece solid golf ball | |
US20080161128A1 (en) | Golf ball | |
GB2438739A (en) | Multi-piece solid golf ball with soft polyurethane cover | |
GB2455994A (en) | Multi Piece Solid Golf Ball |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20230531 |