Abstract: The present invention provides a solid golf ball comprising a hot-molded product of a rubber composition comprising (a) 100 parts by weight of a polybutadiene synthesized using a rare-earth catalyst and having a cis-1,4 content of at least 60% and a 1,2 vinyl content of at most 2%, having a viscosity ? at 25° C. as a 5 wt % solution in toluene of up to 600 mPa·s, and having Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 (100° C.)) of more than 30, (b) 0.01 to 0.5 parts by weight of a sulfur, (c) 10 to 60 parts by weight of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, (d) 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of an organosulfur compound, (e) 5 to 80 parts by weight of an inorganic filler, and (f) 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of an organic peroxide, wherein the hot-molded product has a difference in JIS-C hardness between the center and surface thereof of more than 20 and up to 40. The solid golf balls of the invention have a soft feel upon impact and excellent rebound characteristics.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a center comprising a polybutadiene having a molecular weight of greater than 200,000 and a resilience index of at least about 40; and a cover layer comprising a polyurethane composition formed from a prepolymer having no greater than 7.5 percent by weight unreacted isocyanate groups.

Abstract: A golf ball, typically its core, is manufactured by hot molding a rubber composition comprising a base rubber, an unsaturated carboxylic acid or a metal salt thereof, and an organic peroxide, the base rubber comprising a methacryloxy or acryloxy-modified silicone polymer and optionally, a peroxide-crosslinkable rubber. The golf ball exhibits high rebound and prevents the rebound property from declining at low temperatures.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a single-layer core having a diameter of 0.10 inches to 1.50 inches, a PGA compression of 110 or less and, and comprising a copolymer of ethylene and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, the acid being 100% neutralized by a salt of an organic acid, a cation source, or a suitable base of the organic acid; and a thermoplastic or thermoset cover comprising polyurethane, polyurea, epoxy resins, polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, or a copolymer comprising urethane and urea segments.

Abstract: A golf ball, typically its core, is manufactured by molding and vulcanizing a rubber composition comprising a base rubber, an unsaturated carboxylic acid or a metal salt thereof, an inorganic filler, an organic peroxide, and an organosulfur compound. The base rubber contains a polybutadiene having a Mw of 60–150×104 and a Mw/Mn of up to 2.0 and containing at least 98% of cis-1,4 bonds and up to 1.5% of trans-1,4 bonds. The composition is easy to mold and work, and the golf ball has good rebound and improved flight performance.

Abstract: Golf ball compositions including novel processing aids, e.g., metal salts of unsaturated fatty acids, high styrene resins, transpolyisoprene, and transpolybutadiene, for inclusion in rubber-based compositions that reduce safety risks, mixer down time, increase dispersion of the ingredients during processing, and increase component COR over that of a component formed with a conventional processing aid.

Abstract: A golf ball which is formed from a vulcanized rubber compound composed of 100 parts by weight of a rubber base material, 10 to 60 parts by weight of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of an organosulfur compound, 5 to 80 parts by weight of an inorganic filler, and 0.1 to 3 parts by weight of an organic peroxide, the rubber base material being composed of a first polybutadiene accounting for 50 to 95 wt % and a second polybutadiene accounting for 5 to 50 wt %, both polybutadiene being synthesized by using a rare earth element-based catalyst, the first polybutadiene containing no less than 60 wt % of cis-1,4 bonds and having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 (100° C.)) no lower than 50 and the second polybutadiene containing no less than 60 wt % of cis-1,4 bonds and having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 (100° C.)) no higher than 45. The golf ball is characterized by good rebound resilience and good workability with which it is produced.

Abstract: A golf ball-which is formed from a crosslinked rubber compound composed of, as essential components, (A) a rubber base material composed of (a) a polybutadiene containing no less than 60 wt % of cis-1,4 bonds and having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 (100° C.)) of 50 to 120, which is synthesized by using a group VIII element catalyst and/or a rare earth element-based catalyst, and (b) a solid isoprene rubber containing no less than 60 wt % of cis-1,4 bonds and having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 (100° C.)) of 70 to 90, with the ratio of (a) to (b) being from 70/30 to 98/2 by weight; (B) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof; and (C) an organic peroxide. The golf ball is characterized by good rebound resilience and good workability with which it is produced.

Abstract: An elastomeric composition for forming a golf ball or a component thereof is disclosed that includes the use of a non-conjugated diene monomer having two or more vinyl (CH2?CH—) terminal end groups. The composition produces a molded product exhibiting an enhanced combination of increased compression (i.e., softness) and resilience (C.O.R.).

Abstract: A golf ball which is formed from a crosslinked rubber compound composed of, as essential components, (A) a rubber base material composed of (a) a polybutadiene containing no less than 60 wt % of cis-1,4 bonds and having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 (100° C.)) of 50 to 120, which is synthesized by using a group VIII catalyst element and/or a rare earth element-based catalyst, and (b) a solid isoprene rubber containing no less than 60 wt % of cis-1,4 bonds and having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 (100° C.)) of 70 to 90, with the ratio of (a) to (b) being from 96/4 to 99/1 by weight; (B) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof; and (C) an organic peroxide. The golf ball is characterized by good rebound resilience and good workability with which it is produced.

Abstract: A golf ball has a core obtained by molding and vulcanizing a rubber composition comprising (A) a base rubber which includes a polybutadiene having a cis-1,4 content of at least 60 wt %, (B) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or metal salt thereof, (C) an inorganic filler and (D) at least one organic peroxide selected from among 1,1-bis(t-hexylperoxy)cyclohexane, 1,1-bis(t-hexylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, and 2,2-bis(4,4-di-t-butylperoxycyclohexyl)propane. The golf ball has excellent rebound characteristics and flight performance as well as a high productivity due to a reduced vulcanization time.

Abstract: Golf ball compositions including novel processing aids, e.g., metal salts of unsaturated fatty acids, high styrene resins, transpolyisoprene, and transpolybutadiene, for inclusion in rubber-based compositions that reduce safety risks, mixer down time, increase dispersion of the ingredients during processing, and increase component COR over that of a component formed with a conventional processing aid.

Abstract: A golf ball including a core comprised of a polymer containing an acid group that has been neutralized 90% or greater by a salt of an organic acid, a cation source, or a suitable base of the organic acid, the core having a compression of 90 or less and a diameter of between 1.00 inch and 1.64 inches; and a thermoplastic cover layer including ionomeric copolymers and terpolymers, ionomer precursors, thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers, grafted metallocene-catalyzed polymers, non-grafted metallocene-catalyzed polymers, single-site polymers, high-crystalline acid polymers and their ionomers, or cationic ionomers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf ball, which includes a core and a polyurethane cover covering over the core. A composition of the cover includes a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer which contains, as its component, a compound having three or more reactive functional groups capable of reacting with an isocyanate group. The present invention can provide a golf ball having a cover excellent in abrasion resistance and resiliency.

Abstract: A golf ball a core and a cover, wherein at least one of the core or the cover includes a blend of a highly neutralized ionomer formed from a reaction between an ionomer having acid groups, a suitable cation source, and a salt of an organic acid, the cation source being present in an amount sufficient to neutralized the acid by 80% or greater; and a crosslinked or vulcanized diene rubber.

Abstract: Disclosed are molded articles such as covers, mantles and cores for golf balls, one-piece thermoplastic golf balls, and heel counters and toe puffs for footwear, prepared from compositions comprising thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic carboxylic acid-based ionomers, thermoplastic polyurethanes and thermoset polyurethanes modified with micropulp produced from organic fibers. The compositions are tougher, stronger, and more scuff and abrasion resistant than typical ionomer compositions. Also disclosed are methods for making golf balls comprising said compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a core having a diameter of at least 1.5 inches, at least one inner cover layer encasing the core, and an outer cover layer encasing the inner cover layer. The inner cover layer has a thickness of from 0.005 inches to 0.05 inches and is formed from a material selected from polyamides, polyesters, fluoropolymers, silicones, ionomers, crosslinked rubbers, and mixtures thereof. The outer cover layer has a thickness of from 0.005 inches to 0.05 inches, is softer than the inner cover layer, and is formed from a composition comprising polybutadiene, an organosulfur compound, and a co-crosslinking agent.

Abstract: The invention provides golf balls with a core and with one or more layers, preferably cover layers, formed of a saturated rubber/ionomer block copolymer comprising one or more neutral thermoplastic polymer blocks and one or more ionomeric blocks. The saturated rubber block is preferably polyisobutylene, and the ionomer block may be a cationomer block or an anionomer block. Various block cationomers comprising polyisobutylene (PIB) and poly(2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) are preferred. The golf balls of the present invention have been found to provide improved scuff resistance while providing a greater coefficient of friction for improved spin and feel properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a core having a diameter of at least 1.5 inches, an inner cover layer encasing the core, and an outer cover layer encasing the inner cover layer. The inner cover layer has a thickness of from 0.005 inches to 0.05 inches. The outer cover layer has a thickness of from 0.005 inches to 0.05 inches and is formed from an elastomer composition comprising an organosulfer compound and a crosslinkable polymer crosslinked at least in part by a liquid vinyl polydiene.

Abstract: A method for improving the feel and rebound velocity of a golf ball, the method comprising preparing a golf ball from a rubber composition that comprises a rubber, from about 3 to about 12 parts by weight of a processing additive per 100 parts by weight rubber, from about 18 to about 32 parts by weight of a multi-functional crosslinking agent per 100 parts by weight rubber, from about 0.2 to about 1.0 parts by weight of a cure initiator per 100 parts by weight rubber, from about 0 to about 25 parts by weight zinc oxide per 100 parts by weight rubber, and from about 0 to about 0.

Abstract: A golf ball material comprising a heated mixture of (a) a random copolymer containing at least 5% by weight of a metal ion-neutralized unsaturated carboxylic acid having an acid content of at least 16% by weight, (b) a thermoplastic elastomer, (c) a fatty acid and/or derivative thereof having a molecular weight of 280–1,500, and (d) a basic metal compound capable of neutralizing unneutralized acid groups in components (a) and (c) has good thermal stability, flow and moldability, and can be molded into a part exhibiting excellent rebound, ensuring the manufacture of golf balls with high performance.

Abstract: A golf ball is characterized by comprising a molded and vulcanized product of a rubber composition as a constituent component, the rubber composition comprising 100 pbw of a base rubber including 60–100 wt % of a polybutadiene containing at least 60 wt % of cis-1,4-bond, having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 (100° C.)) of at least 40, and synthesized using a rare-earth catalyst, 10–60 pbw of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, 0.1–5 pbw of an organosulfur compound, 5–80 pbw of an inorganic filler, and at least two organic peroxides including an organic peroxide having the shortest half-life at 155° C. designated (a) and another organic peroxide having the longest half-life at 155° C. designated (b), a ratio of half-lives (bt/at) being from 7 to 20 wherein at is the half-life of (a) and bt is the half-life of (b), a total content of the organic peroxides being 0.1–0.8 pbw per 100 pbw of the base rubber.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core formed from a polymer composition including a blend of a diene rubber, a halogenated organosulfur compound, and a salt of a mono- or poly-unsaturated long chain organic acid; and a cover having a thickness of about 0.05 inches or less and including a polymer containing an acid group fully-neutralized by a salt of an organic acid, a cation source, or a suitable base of the organic acid.

Abstract: A golf ball is manufactured by molding and vulcanizing a rubber composition comprising 100 pbw of a base rubber composed primarily of a polybutadiene having a cis-1,4 content of at least 60 wt % and a Mooney viscosity of at least 30 and synthesized using a rare-earth catalyst, 15–50 pbw of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, at least 2 pbw of a processing aid having a highest melting point of up to 115° C., and 1–5 pbw of an organic peroxide. The golf ball can be efficiently manufactured and has excellent rebound characteristics.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a center comprising a polybutadiene having a molecular weight of greater than 200,000 and a resilience index of at least about 40; and a cover layer comprising a polyurethane composition formed from a prepolymer having no greater than 7.5 percent by weight unreacted isocyanate groups.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball and to a process for forming a golf ball having at least one layer, where the layer is formed of a polymer blend including a highly neutralized polymer formed from an oxa acid, a thermoplastic resin, and an inorganic metal compound, an organic amine, or a combination thereof, wherein greater than about 70 percent of the acid groups in the polymer blend are neutralized.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein at least one of the core or cover layer comprises a hybrid material that contains fatty acid-modified glass ionomers, an ormocer or other inorganic-organic materials.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core having a diameter of between about 1.54 inches and about 1.57 inches, a compression of between about 70 and 80, and comprising a polybutadiene rubber composition comprising a magnesium salt of pentachlorothiophenol; a cover having a thickness of about 0.04 inches or less and comprising a castable polyurethane or polyurea composition; and an inner cover layer disposed between the core and the outer cover layer, the inner cover layer having a thickness of about 0.04 inches or less and selected from the group consisting of ionomers, vinyl resins, polyolefins, polyurethanes, polyureas, polyamides, acrylic resins, thermoplastics, polyphenylene oxide resins, thermoplastic polyesters, thermoplastic rubbers, partially-neutralized polymers, highly-neutralized polymers, and fully-neutralized polymers.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a center comprising a polybutadiene having a molecular weight of greater than 200,000 and a resilience index of at least about 40; and a cover layer comprising a polyurethane composition formed from a prepolymer having no greater than 7.5 percent by weight unreacted isocyanate groups.

Abstract: Golf balls and methods of making same having at least one layer including a microporous composition, wherein the microporous composition includes a polymer component and a filler component and interconnecting pores, so as to improve adhesion between layers, printability of layers, and increase the cure time of the layers and the overall golf ball.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a center comprising a polybutadiene having a molecular weight of greater than 200,000 and a resilience index of at least about 40; and a cover layer comprising a polyurethane composition formed from a prepolymer having no greater than 7.5 percent by weight unreacted isocyanate groups.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball having at least one of a center, cover, or intermediate layer that includes a reaction product that includes a resilient polymer component, a free radical source, at one of a metallic mercaptobenzothiazole and optionally one or more of a cis-to-trans catalyst, a crosslinking agent, or a filler.

Abstract: A low compression, resilient golf ball having a center including a material formed from the conversion reaction of sufficient amounts of polybutadiene, a free radical source, and a cis-to-trans catalyst to convert a portion of cis-isomer to trans-isomer in the polybutadiene, wherein said material has an amount of trans-isomer greater than the amount of trans-isomer present before the conversion reaction, and wherein the reaction product is susbstantially free of antioxidant.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a center comprising a polybutadiene having a molecular weight of greater than 200,000 and a resilience index of at least about 40; and a cover layer comprising a polyurethane composition formed from a prepolymer having no greater than 7.5 percent by weight unreacted isocyanate groups.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a center comprising a polybutadiene having a molecular weight of greater than 200,000 and a resilience index of at least about 40; and a cover layer comprising a polyurethane composition formed from a prepolymer having no greater than 7.5 percent by weight unreacted isocyanate groups.

Abstract: In a golf ball comprising a core and a cover of plural layers, a cover inner layer is formed primarily of an ionomer resin in admixture with a compound containing at least two reactive functional groups and having a molecular weight of up to 20,000 and a cover outer layer is formed primarily of a non-ionomer resin. The ball is fully durable to repeated impact, and maintains good spin performance, rebound characteristics and feel even after repeated impact.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an improved golf ball that includes a high-specific gravity central sphere encapsulated in a soft and resilient shell layer. The soft-resilient shell may be formed of polybutadiene rubber. This shell is subsequently wound with thread a wound core, which is then covered. The sphere can be formed of a solid metal or molded of high-specific gravity powder retained in a binding material.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover disposed about the core, wherein the core is formed from a polybutadiene blend comprising a) a first polybutadiene having a first Mooney viscosity between about 50 and about 150, and b) a second polybutadiene having a second Mooney viscosity between about 30 and about 100, wherein the first Mooney viscosity is greater than the second Mooney viscosity, and wherein the blend has a greater weight percentage of the first polybutadiene than that of the second polybutadiene.

Abstract: A golf ball having improved driving characteristics includes a hard, hollow sphere surrounded by an outer. A second layer may be disposed between the sphere and the outer cover. The hollow sphere is made from a hard material such as a metal, metal alloy, or intermetallic material and may be solid, perforated or porous. The second layer surrounding the sphere is generally made of a natural rubber or synthetic polymer or a combination of each which is surrounded by an outer cover made of an ionomer, urethane or balata. The hard sphere preferably contains a gas. A golf ball of this construction has improved performance characteristics such as low spin rate and further distance.

Abstract: A golf ball with a cover composed of a thermosetting polyurethane that has increased resistance to yellowing is disclosed herein. The golf ball of the present invention is able to accomplish this by providing a cover composed of a thermosetting polyurethane material formed from a polyurethane prepolymer and a curative composed of 20 to 40 parts 4,4?-methylenebis-(3-chloro,2,6-diethyl)-aniline and 80 to 60 parts diethyl 2,4-toluenediamine. The cover is preferably formed over a core and boundary layer.

Abstract: A golf ball material comprises a heated mixture having a melt index of at least 1.0 dg/min, which mixture is composed of (A) a thermoplastic resin, (B) a fatty acid or fatty acid derivative having a molecular weight of at least 280, and (C) a basic inorganic metal compound capable of neutralizing acidic groups in components A and B. The material including a highly neutralized ionomer resin has good thermal stability, flow characteristics and moldability. The invention is also directed at high-rebound golf balls which can be easily and efficiently manufactured using the same material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball having at least one of a center, cover, or intermediate layer that includes a reaction product that includes a resilient polymer component, a free radical source, at one of a metallic mercaptothiazole and optionally one or more of a cis-to-trans catalyst, a crosslinking agent, or a filler.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved polyurethane ionomers and methods for making the same. It was found that the polyurethane anionomers obtained by using the method of the invention had improved physical properties than those made by conventional methods. For example, the polyurethane ionomers produced by the method of the invention exhibit a plateau in the plot of elasticity modulus (as log10E?) vs. temperature over a useful and relatively broad temperature and frequency range. The polyurethane ionomers have nearly temperature-independent elasticity over a 50° C. range in the region of ˜?20 to +75° C. Another advantage is that the polyurethane ionomers of the invention are optically clearer than the conventionally prepared polyurethane ionomers. A further advantage of the invention is that the synthetic process of making the polyurethane ionomers is much faster than the known process for equivalent compositions. Additionally, striking tensile strength properties were observed for the polyurethane ionomers.

Abstract: A zinc acrylate particle composition which is substantially fine and, even when kneaded with a rubber composition, is capable of being uniformly dispersed and kneaded in a state very rarely inducing fast adhesion or agglomeration, a method for the production thereof, and a golf ball using the composition are provided. The zinc acrylate particle composition contemplated by this invention comprises zinc acrylate satisfying the conditions that the proportion accounted for by the zinc acrylate particles measuring not less than 300 ?m in particle size as determined by the dry type method be not more than 20% by mass of all the particles, that the median of particle sizes as determined by the dry type method be in the range of 10-300 ?m, and that the ratio of the median (A) of particle sizes as determined by the dry type method to the median (B) of particle sizes as determined by the wet type method exceed 2, and an anionic surfactant.

Abstract: Thermoplastics with high resilience (high coefficient of restitution) and softness (low Atti compressions) and their use in golf ball components. Melt-processible, highly-neutralized ethylene acid copolymers and process for making them by incorporating an aliphatic, mono-functional organic acid in the acid copolymer and then neutralizing greater than 90% of all the acid groups present.

Abstract: The invention relates to blends of improved polyurethane ionomers with other polymers and methods for making the same. It was found that the blends of polyurethane anionomers obtained by using the method of the invention had improved physical properties than those made by conventional methods.

Abstract: A golf ball is characterized by comprising a molded and vulcanized product of a rubber composition as a constituent component, the rubber composition comprising 100 pbw of a base rubber composed primarily of a polybutadiene containing at least 60 wt % of cis-1,4-bond, having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4, 100° C.) of at least 30, and synthesized using a rare-earth catalyst, 15-50 pbw of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, at least 2 pbw of a processing aid having a highest melting point of up to 115° C., and at least two organic peroxides including an organic peroxide having the shortest half-life at 155° C. designated (a) and another organic peroxide having the longest half-life at 155° C. designated (b), a ratio of half-lives (bt/at) being at least 7 wherein at is the half-life of (a) and bt is the half-life of (b), a total content of the organic peroxides being 0.1-0.9 pbw per 100 pbw of the base rubber.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core formed from a composition comprising a metal salt of an unsaturated organic acid and at least one co-curing agent comprising an unsaturated imide or a metallic derivatives thereof; and a cover layer.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core comprised of a polymer containing an acid group fully-neutralized by an organic acid or a salt, a cation source, or a suitable base thereof, the core having a first Shore D hardness, a compression of no greater than about 80, and a diameter of no less than about 1.53 inches; and a cover formed of a blend comprising polyurethanes and polyureas or a copolymer comprising urethane and urea segments.

Abstract: A golf ball including a core, a cover, and, optionally, an intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover, wherein at least one of the core, cover layer, or optional intermediate layer includes at least one dendritic macromolecule.