Blends of linear and branched neodymium-catalyzed rubber formulations for use in golf balls
AssigneeAcushnet Company
InventorsMichael J. Sullivan, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau, Derek A. Ladd
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention relates to golf ball formulations formed from blends of linear and branched polybutadienes catalyzed with neodymium that have improved properties and processing characteristics. Golf ball components may be formed from the blends to provide high coefficient of restitution.
Claims20
A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core is formed from a blend comprising:
- a linear polybutadiene formed with a neodymium catalyst having a first polydispersity and a first Mooney viscosity of from about 30 to about 100;
- and
- a branched polybutadiene formed with a neodymium catalyst having a second polydispersity greater than the first polydispersity and a second Mooney viscosity of from about 30 to about 75, wherein the second Mooney viscosity is less than the first Mooney viscosity.
A golf ball comprising a core, a cover, and an intermediate layer disposed between the cover and the core, wherein a portion of the golf ball is formed from a blend comprising:
- a linear polybutadiene formed with a neodymium catalyst having a first polydispersity and a first Mooney viscosity;
- and
- a branched polybutadiene formed with a neodymium catalyst having a second polydispersity greater than the first polydispersity and a second Mooney viscosity less than the first Mooney viscosity, wherein the second polydispersity is greater than about 2, and wherein the second Mooney viscosity is of from about 35 to about 50.
A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core comprises a blend comprising:
- a linear polybutadiene formed with a neodymium catalyst having a first polydispersity and a first solution viscosity to Mooney Viscosity ratio;
- and
- a branched polybutadiene formed with a neodymium catalyst having a second polydispersity greater than the first polydispersity and a second solution viscosity to Mooney Viscosity ratio less than the first solution viscosity to Mooney Viscosity ratio, and wherein the second solution viscosity to Mooney Viscosity ratio ranges from about 3 to about 4 and the first solution viscosity to Mooney Viscosity ratio ranges from about 5 to about 12.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.