Abstract: The present invention provides a solid golf ball having exceptional rebound characteristics and flight performance, as well as good shot feel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid golf ball which imparts a superior shot feeling to the golfer and exhibits stabilized repulsion performance when it is hit at any head speed.

Abstract: A golf ball construction is provided having a solid core composition of a rubber having between 0.05 to 0.50 percent by weight of an additive selected from the group of titanium, tungsten, and combinations thereof, the additives providing an improved core composition having increased durability.

Abstract: This invention provides a golf ball constituting or having a core layer, intermediate layer and/or cover layer consisting in whole or in part of a poly(trimethylene terephthalate) composition. The invention also provides methods for making such a ball. The compositions of the core layer, intermediate layer and/or cover layer may be foamed or unfoamed. The poly(trimethylene terephthalate) may comprise from about 1 to about 100 percent by weight of the core layer, intermediate layer and/or cover layer. In addition, the poly(trimethylene terephthalate) material may be blended with conventional materials employed to form golf ball cores, intermediate layers and/or covers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having excellent durability, sufficient for use in driving ranges while maintaining sufficient flight distance and shot feel for use in playing a round of golf. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover covering the core, wherein the core is composed of a vulcanized molded article of a rubber composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a base rubber containing not less than 80% by weight of a butadiene rubber having not less than 80 molar % of cis-1,4 bond, 10 to 30 parts by weight of calcium carbonate, 18 to 35 parts by weight of zinc acrylate or methacrylate and 0.5 to 2.5 parts by weight of a peroxide, and the cover is made from a resin composition having a flexural modulus of 1,400 to 3,800 kgf/cm2, wherein the total volume of dimples of the cover is from 250 to 400 mm3.

Abstract: A rubber composition comprising (A) a base rubber, (B) a metal salt of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a mixture of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and zinc oxide, (C) an organic peroxide, and (D) a non-aromatic mercaptan and/or (E) a dialkyl disulfide whose alkyl has 3-10 carbon atoms is suitable for forming center cores of solid golf balls and wound golf balls and one-piece golf balls by a pressure molding process.

Abstract: A perimeter weighted golf ball with a low compression core is provided. The core preferably comprises a diene polymer that has low cross-link density or not cross-linked with a reactive co-agent. This core has low compression and low specific gravity. The low specific gravity core is encased within a thin dense layer positioned outside of the centroid radius to provide the ball with a high moment of inertia. The same core can be encased within a plurality of intermediate layers having either increasing hardness or decreasing hardness to provide selective golf balls for either low swing speed players or advanced players. Alternatively, a thin layer of diene polymer highly cross-linked with reactive a co-agent may be incorporated into the ball to increase the hardness of the ball.

Abstract: In a golf ball comprising a core and a cover of at least one layer, the cover layer is formed of a heated mixture of an ionomer resin and a metal salt such as magnesium stearate. The heated mixture exhibits such a crystal melting behavior that when measured by DSC, the difference between first and second peak temperatures is up to 30° C. The ball is improved in resilience.

Abstract: A golf ball with a precise spin rate is disclosed. The distribution of weight among the layers within the golf ball relative to a centroid radius is realized to precisely control the moment of inertia of the ball. In accordance to one aspect of the present invention, a high spin rate golf ball with a dense center, which is positioned radially inside of the centroid radius, and a low specific gravity mantle is provided. In accordance to another aspect of the present invention, a low spin rate golf ball with an inner core and a thin dense layer disposed radially outside of the centroid radius is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a dual core component, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The dual core comprises an interior spherical center component formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The dual core also comprises a core layer disposed about the center component, formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The inner cover layer is comprised of a high acid ionomer or ionomer blend. The outer cover layer is comprised of a soft, very low modulus ionomer or ionomer blend, or a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer such as polyurethane, polyester or polyesteramide. The present invention golf ball may further comprise an outer core layer that surrounds the dual core. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.

Abstract: The present invention provides a one-piece golf ball having good durability, good shot feel and excellent flight performance. The present invention relates to a one-piece golf ball formed by vulcanizing and press molding a rubber composition comprising a base rubber, co-crosslinking agent, organic peroxide and inorganic filler, wherein the base rubber comprises (1) polybutadiene (A) having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 55×104 to 69×104 and a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 10×104 to 20×104, and (2) polybutadiene (B) having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 70×104 to 120×104 and a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 13×104 to 25×104, in a weight ratio (A/B) of 3/97 to 70/30.

Abstract: A golf ball with core composition comprising polybutadiene, zinc oxide, copper and a metal salt of a material selected from the group consisting of diacrylates, dimethacrylates and monomethacrylates is described. The amount of the copper is sufficient to reduce the compression of a molded golf ball core by at least about 5 compression points compared to a molded core consisting of the same mixture wherein at least one other filler is substituted in place of the copper.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a cover, a core, and optionally, an intermediate layer positioned between the cover and the core, wherein, at least one of the core, and the optional intermediate layer comprises at least one layer comprising a saponified polymer prepared by a process comprising the following steps. Forming a polymer comprising: (I) a first monomeric component comprising a first olefinic monomer having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; (2) a second monomeric component comprising an unsaturated carboxylic acid based acrylate class ester having from 4 to 22 carbon atoms; and (3) an optional third monomeric component comprising at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, an anhydride monomer, an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid, a second olefin having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and a vinyl ester or a vinyl ether of an alkyl acid having from 4 to 21 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A low compression, resilient golf ball having a center and a cover, made from a polybutadiene reaction product having polybutadiene, a cis-to-trans catalyst including an organosulfur component, and a free radical source. The reaction product has a first dynamic stiffness measured at −50° C. that is less than about 130 percent of a second dynamic stiffness measured at 0° C. A multi-layer golf ball having a center, at least one intermediate layer disposed concentrically about the center, and a cover. At least a portion of at least one of the center, intermediate layer, or both, are made from a reaction product including polybutadiene having a cis-to-trans catalyst that includes at least one organosulfur component and a free radical source. The reaction product has a first dynamic stiffness measured at −50° C. that is less than about 130 percent of a second dynamic stiffness measured at 0° C.

Abstract: The present invention disclosures a method for producing a uniform synthetic rubber mixture for formation into a golf ball core. The present invention utilizes mixing 50% to 80% of a base rubber material with zinc diacrylate and other materials, and later mixing the entirety of the base rubber material in order to prevent adhesion and loss of zinc diacrylate. The partial mixing allows for the zinc diacrylate to be dispersed throughout the mixture thereby creating a core with more uniform properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solid, non-wound, golf ball comprising two or more core components, and a cover component. The core components comprise i) an inner, high density, spherical center component comprising a blend of powdered metal and a first matrix material selected from the group consisting of thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof; and, ii) an outer core layer disposed about the spherical center component, formed from a second matrix material selected from the group consisting of a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The golf ball may further comprise a second or additional outer core layer(s) that surround the first outer core layer. Preferably, the inner, high density, center component is produced without the use of a crosslinking agent or coagent, which is the reaction product of an unsaturated carboxylic acid or acids and an oxide or carbonate of a metal such as zinc. The cover may be single or multi-layered.

Abstract: A low compression, resilient golf ball having a center and a cover, made from a polybutadiene reaction product having polybutadiene, a cis-to-trans catalyst including a Group VIA element, such as at least one of sulfur, polymeric sulfur, selenium, or tellurium, and a free radical source. The reaction product typically has a first dynamic stiffness measured at −50° C. that is less than about 130 percent of a second dynamic stiffness measured at 0° C. A multi-layer golf ball having a center, at least one intermediate layer disposed concentrically about the center, and a cover. At least a portion of at least one of the center, intermediate layer, or both, are made from a reaction product including polybutadiene having a cis-to-trans catalyst that includes at least one elemental sulfur, polymeric sulfur, selenium, or tellurium component and a free radical source.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core, a cover, and at least one intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover, wherein the core has a compression of less than about 60 and the intermediate layer is formed from a blend comprising a polyurethane material, wherein the golf ball has a compression of about 75 to about 85.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solid, non-wound, golf ball comprising two or more core components, and a cover component. The core components comprise i) a small, inner, high density, spherical center component comprising a blend of powdered metal and a first matrix material comprising polybutadiene and polyisoprene; and, ii) an outer core layer disposed about the spherical center component, formed from a second matrix material selected from the group consisting of a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The golf ball may further comprise a second or additional outer core layer(s) that surround the first outer core layer. Preferably, the inner, high density, center component is produced without the use of a crosslinking agent or coagent, which is the reaction product of an unsaturated carboxylic acid or acids and an oxide or carbonate of a metal such as zinc. The cover may be single or multi-layered.

Abstract: A golf ball is disclosed that comprises a core and a cover disposed about the core. Preferably, the cover includes at least one high acid ionomer resin that comprises a copolymer of greater than 16% by weight of an acrylic acid, and an alpha olefin of which about 10 to about 90% of the carboxyl groups of the copolymer are neutralized with a metal cation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solid, non-wound, golf ball comprising two or more core components, and a cover component. The core components comprise i) a small, inner, high density, spherical center component comprising a blend of powdered metal and a first matrix material comprising polybutadiene and polyisoprene; and, ii) an outer core layer disposed about the spherical center component, formed from a second matrix material selected from the group consisting of a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The golf ball may further comprise a second or additional outer core layer(s) that surround the first outer core layer. Preferably, the inner, high density, center component is produced without the use of a crosslinking agent or coagent, which is the reaction product of an unsaturated carboxylic acid or acids and an oxide or carbonate of a metal such as zinc. The cover may be single or multi-layered.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solid, non-wound, golf ball comprising two or more core components, and a cover component. The core components comprise i) an inner, high density, spherical center component comprising a blend of powdered metal and a first matrix material selected from the group consisting of thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof; and, ii) an outer core layer disposed about the spherical center component, formed from a second matrix material selected from the group consisting of a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The golf ball may further comprise a second or additional outer core layer(s) that surround the first outer core layer. Preferably, the inner, high density, center component is produced without the use of a crosslinking agent or coagent, which is the reaction product of an unsaturated carboxylic acid or acids and an oxide or carbonate of a metal such as zinc. The cover may be single or multi-layered.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein at least one of the cover or the core is formed from a polymer blend comprising at least one grafted metallocene-catalyzed polymer, at least one ionomer, and at least one non-ionomer having improved melt flow characteristics.

Abstract: Provided are a rubber composition for injection molding with which it is possible to prevent scorching by ensuring the fluidity of the rubber composition needed for injection molding to suppress a temperature rise of the composition in an injection cylinder, without impairing the performance characteristics of a vulcanized product, as well as a golf ball using the rubber composition and its producing method. The rubber composition for injection molding includes a diene rubber, a crosslinking agent, an &agr;, &bgr;-unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or metal salt thereof, and &agr;, &bgr;-unsaturated carboxylic alkylester. The ratio of the total amount of the unsaturated carboxylic acid and the metal salt to the content of the alkylester ranges from 1.0 to 12.

Abstract: A unique golf ball and related methods of manufacturing are disclosed in which the golf ball comprises one or more metal mantle layers and a cellular or liquid core component. The golf ball may also comprise an optional polymeric spherical substrate inwardly disposed relative to the one or more metal mantle layers. The golf balls according to the present invention exhibit improved spin, feel, and acoustic properties. Furthermore, the one or more interior metal layers prevent, or at least significantly minimize, coefficient of restitution loss from the golf ball, and significantly increases the moment of inertia of the golf ball.

Abstract: A golf ball retaining high coefficient of restitution inherent and having fine shot feeling with clubs such as drivers, irons and putters is disclosed. A multi-piece golf ball comprising; a center core having a JIS-C hardness of not more than 75, a cover having a JIS-C hardness of not less than 85, a core enclosing layer which directly enclose said center core having a JIS C hardness smaller than the others, and a r.d.preventing layer which prevents a restitution coefficient degradation being internally disposed in contact with said cover and having a JIS C hardness greater than the others.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved polybutadiene compositions suitable for use in molded golf ball core construction. The improved polybutadiene compositions are composed of at least two certain types of polybutadiene, which has the effect of increasing the resiliency of the resulting molded cores and greatly facilitates processing of the compositions and forming the cores. Also disclosed are improved golf ball cores, and balls utilizing such cores, formed from particular ultra high Mooney viscosity polybutadiene.

Abstract: Disclosed are a rubber compound for a golf ball comprising a base rubber, a metal salt of an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated carboxylic acid, an organic peroxide, and synthetic zeolite, wherein the content of the synthetic zeolite is in a range of 0.1 to 15 parts by weight on the basis of 100 parts by weight of the base rubber, and a golf ball including a center core made from the above rubber compound for a golf ball. The rubber compound is usable for a center core of a solid golf ball or a thread wound golf ball, whereby the initial velocity of the center core can be increased and the degree of freedom in design of the golf ball can be enlarged.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball and a to a process for forming a golf ball having least one layer, where the layer is formed of a saponified polymer/metallocene catalyzed polymer blend, having from about 1 to about 99 parts of at least one saponified polymer and from about 99 to 1 parts of at least one metallocene catalyzed polymer, based on 100 parts by weight of the saponified polymer/metallocene catalyzed polymer blend. The layer may be foamed or unfoamed, and may form at least a portion of any of the cover, the core, or a mantle layer situated between the cover and the core.

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 comprising an oxa ester or a saponified polymer/oxa ester blend, having from about 65 to about 99 parts of at least one saponified polymer and from about 35 to 1 parts of at least one oxa ester, based on 100 parts by weight of the saponified polymer/oxa ester blend. The layer may be foamed or unfoamed, and may form at least a portion of any of the cover, the core, or a mantle layer situated between the cover and the core.

Abstract: A method for determining the concentricity of a golf ball having a barium or bismuth doped boundary layer or cover is disclosed herein. The method uses an X-ray imaging machine to determine the thickness of the cover at various locations to ensure concentricity of the golf ball. The boundary layer may be an ionomer blend doped with barium or bismuth in an amount of five to fifteen parts per hundred of the ionomer material, and the cover may be composed of a thermoset polyurethane material. Alternatively, the cover may be doped with barium or bismuth, and the boundary layer may be undoped.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward more durable golf ball cores and more durable golf balls. The golf balls of this invention comprise a cover and a core wherein the core may further comprise a center and one or more layers of a mantle disposed between the center and the cover. The core, the mantle or the layers of the mantle, comprise a mixture of one or more thermoset rubber materials and at least one compatible, modified, non-ionic polyolefin. The non-ionic polyolefin that is modified may be a homopolymer, copolymer, terpolymer, block copolymer or a mixture thereof that is present at about 0.5 to about 10 parts per hundred of the thermoset rubber material used in the core or core layer.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides novel golf ball compositions which contain non-ionic olefinic copolymers produced by use of metallocene catalysts, wherein the metallocene catalyzed polymers have been functionalized with a post-polymerization reaction. The grafted metallocene catalyzed polymers may be blended with ionomers, non-grafted metallocene catalyzed polymers, or other non-ionomeric polymers. These compositions exhibit improved mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural properties, and can be foamed or unfoamed. Golf balls that employ at least one layer of these compositions in any of the golf ball cover, core, or a mantle situated between the cover and the core provide ball properties and performance similar to and in some cases better than the state of the art ionomer based golf balls.

Abstract: A golf ball core formed from a composition including a (i) cobalt catalyzed polybutadiene and (ii) a blend of lanthanide catalyzed polybutadienes having Mooney viscosities of about 30-70.

Abstract: A golf ball utilizing a high density core component, which is preferably part of a multicomponent core assembly is disclosed. The high density core component is preferably in the form of a metal sphere. The golf balls exhibit a unique combination of a relatively high coefficient of restitution, a controlled moment of inertia, and a relatively high spin rate during short distance shots. It is preferred that the high density core component be utilized in conjunction with a multi-layer cover assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf ball designed for longer travel relative the compression of the ball. The golf ball includes: (1) a flexible inner core, preferably comprised of crosslinked synthetic rubber, (2) a perforated barrier shell positioned outside of, and surrounding, the inner core to lessen deformation of the ball when the ball is struck by a golf club, (3) a flexible outer core, preferably comprised of crosslinked, synthetic rubber or windings, positioned outside of and surrounding the perforated barrier shell, and (4) an outer cover, preferably comprised of ionomeric resin material, positioned outside of and surrounding the outer core. The perforated barrier shell reduces deformation of the golf ball upon impact by a golf club and is preferably formed as a sphere centered in the golf ball, preferably having a diameter equal to one-half the diameter of the golf ball.

Abstract: A solid golf ball having good shot feel and durability as well as satisfactory flight performance and cut resistances which comprises a solid core and a cover covering the core, wherein the cover is formed from a heated mixture of: (A) an ionomer resin, (B) a thermoplastic elastomer having a carboxyl group or a thermoplastic elastomer having a terminal OH group, and (C) a block copolymer having a styrene-butadiene-styrene structure in which the polybutadiene block contains epoxy groups, or a block copolymer having styrene-isoprene-styrene structure in which the polyisoprene block contains epoxy groups, wherein the cover has a flexural modulus of from 50 to 300 MPa and a Shore D-scale hardness of from 40 to 60.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game ball and method for making the same. The game ball has an ionomeric cover which includes a combination of ionomeric crosslinks and covalent crosslinks. The game ball cover is superior in at least one of cut resistance and scuff resistance to a conventional cover that does not have covalent crosslinks but is otherwise substantially identical in composition. The game ball cover of the invention is particularly useful for improving the durability of golf balls to be struck with sharp-grooved clubs.

Abstract: A solid golf ball has a soft solid core and a hard cover. The cover is formed of a thermoplastic resin-base cover stock, with 11-45 parts by weight of a particulate inorganic filler added thereto per 100 parts by weight of the cover stock. The solid core undergoes a deflection of 3.0 to 5.5 mm under a load of 100 kg. The ball is drastically improved in durability against cracking.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the cover comprises a blend of two or more high acid ionomer resins. Each high acid ionomer resin utilized in the blend of the cover composition comprises generally of greater than 16% by weight acid, preferably from about 17 to about 25% by weight acid and more preferably from about 18.5% to about 21.5% by weight acid. The acid groups of the high acid ionomers utilized in the cover compositions of the invention are partially (i.e. generally 10-75 percent, preferably 30-70 percent) neutralized by metal ions such as by sodium, zinc and magnesium ions. When the blend of two or more high acid ionomer resins is utilized to manufacture a golf ball, the golf ball produced thereby, exhibits properties of improved distance without sacrificing characteristics such as playability and/or durability when compared to low acid ionomer and/or low acid/high acid ionomer blends.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a soft core and a hard cover to produce a resulting golf ball having a reduced spin rate. In this regard, a core is provided and metal particles, or other heavy weight filler materials, are included in the cover compositions. This results in a golf ball exhibiting enhanced perimeter weighting. Preferably, the particles are included in a relatively thick inner cover layer (or mantle) of a solid, three-piece multi-layered golf ball. In another preferred version, one or more patterns of weighting material are incorporated in the ball, and most preferably along the outer periphery of the ball so that the pattern is visible along the ball's exterior. The size and weight of the core is reduced in order to produce an overall golf ball which meets, or is less than, the 1.62 ounce maximum weight limitation specified by the United States Golf Association.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball containing a cover layer and a core layer, where the core layer is molded from a scorch retarding composition comprising a scorch retarding peroxide, an elastomeric polymer and a cross-linking agent. Preferably, the scorch retarding peroxide is present in an amount sufficient to delay cross-linking of the elastomeric polymer during core layer formation for a time sufficient to substantially prevent backrinding on the molded core layer. The golf balls of the invention may further comprise at least one intermediate layer interposed between the cover layer and the core layer, at least one of the layers being molded from a scorch retarding composition comprising a scorch retarding peroxide, an elastomeric polymer and a cross-linking agent. A method of making such golf balls is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a multilayer golf ball which comprises a core having a treated surface and a cover layer having a plurality of dimples, wherein the cover layer is disposed concentrically about the core and bonded to the core preferably without an adhesive. The multilayer golf balls may alternatively or additionally be formed such that at least one layer of the core has a treated surface and is bonded, preferably without an adhesive, to an adjacent layer. The golf balls may be prepared by forming a first portion of a golf ball, wherein the first portion has a surface, treating the surface of the first portion by any chemical or mechanical process that improves or facilitates adhesion of the treated surface to an adjacent surface to increase the adhesion thereof, and bonding at least a portion of a second portion concentrically about the surface of the portion.

Abstract: A unique golf ball and related methods of manufacturing are disclosed in which the golf ball comprises one or more metal mantle layers that define a hollow interior within the ball. The golf ball may also comprise an optional polymeric hollow spherical substrate inwardly disposed relative to the one or more metal mantle layers. The golf balls according to the present invention exhibit improved spin, feel, and acoustic properties. Furthermore, the one or more interior metal layers prevent, or at least significantly minimize, coefficient of restitution loss from the golf ball.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid golf ball having good controllability on approach shots and good shot feel and excellent flight performance which comprises a core and a cover formed on the core, wherein the cover has a thickness of 1.0 to 2.1 mm and a JIS-C hardness of 75 to 95, the core is formed from a rubber composition comprising 100 parts by weight of cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber and 30 to 40 parts by weight of metal salt of an unsaturated carboxylic acid, and the JIS-C hardness difference between the surface of the core and the cover is not more than 10.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solid, non-wound, golf ball comprising two or more core components, and a cover component. The core components comprise i) a small, inner, high density, spherical center component comprising a blend of powdered metal and a first matrix material comprising polybutadiene and polyisoprene; and, ii) an outer core layer disposed about the spherical center component, formed from a second matrix material selected from the group consisting of a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The golf ball may further comprise a second or additional outer core layer(s) that surround the first outer core layer. Preferably, the inner, high density, center component is produced without the use of a crosslinking agent or coagent, which is the reaction product of an unsaturated carboxylic acid or acids and an oxide or carbonate of a metal such as zinc. The cover may be single or multi-layered.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a multi-layer golf ball which comprises a core, a cover layer and at least one intermediate layer disposed between the core and cover, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a glycidyl polymer and optionally, a second thermoplastic component such as polyetherester block copolymer, polyesterester block copolymer, polyetheramide block copolymer, dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer, functionalized styrene-butadiene elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic polyesters, metallocenie polymer or blends thereof and a density-modifying filler such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or blends thereof. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the core has a compression less than 60, the finished ball has a COR of greater than about 0.78, the intermediate layer has a specific gravity of greater than about 1.2 and the cover has a Shore D hardness of about 54 to about 72.

Abstract: A low compression, resilient golf ball having a center and a cover, made from a polybutadiene reaction product having polybutadiene, a cis-to-trans catalyst including an aromatic component, and a free radical source. The reaction product typically has a first dynamic stiffness measured at −50° C. that is less than about 130 percent of a second dynamic stiffness measured at 0° C. A multi-layer golf ball having a center, at least one intermediate layer disposed concentrically about the center, and a cover. At least a portion of at least one of the center, intermediate layer, or both, are made from a reaction product including polybutadiene having a cis-to-trans catalyst that includes at least one aromatic component and a free radical source.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solid, non-wound, golf ball comprising two or more core components, and a cover component. The core components comprise i) a small, inner, high density, spherical center component comprising a blend of powdered metal and a first matrix material comprising polybutadiene and polyisoprene; and, ii) an outer core layer disposed about the spherical center component, formed from a second matrix material selected from the group consisting of a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The golf ball may further comprise a second or additional outer core layer(s) that surround the first outer core layer. Preferably, the inner, high density, center component is produced without the use of a crosslinking agent or coagent, which is the reaction product of an unsaturated carboxylic acid or acids and an oxide or carbonate of a metal such as zinc. The cover may be single or multi-layered.

Abstract: This invention relates to blends of a specific type of cis-l,4-polybutadiene rubber with other rubbery polymers, such as natural rubber, synthetic polyisoprene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, isoprene-butadiene rubber and/or styrene-isoprene- butadiene rubber. The cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber utilized in the blends of this invention is synthesized by polymerizing 1,3-butadiene in the presence of (a) an organonickel compound, (b) an organoaluminum compound, (c) a fluorine containing compound and (d) para-styrenated diphenylamine; wherein the organoaluminum compound and the fluorine containing compound are brought together in the presence of the para-styrenated diphenylamine. The cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber blends of this invention offer improved processability and enhanced physical properties. For instance, improved mixing which results in better incorporation of pigments and fillers, such as carbon black and silica, at lower levels of power consumption is realized.