Golf ball and thermoplastic material
Disclosed herein is novel thermoplastic material and a golf ball utilizing the thermoplastic material of the invention. The golf ball ( 10 ) preferably comprises a core ( 12 ), a cover ( 16 ) and, optionally, a boundary layer ( 14 ). At least one of the core ( 12 ), cover ( 16 ) or boundary layer ( 14 ) of the golf ball ( 10 ) comprises a thermoplastic material according to the invention. The thermoplastic material comprises a partially to highly neutralized blend of acid and alkyl acrylate copolymers, which additionally comprise a fatty acid or fatty acid salt. A golf ball comprising a component that incorporates the thermoplastic material of the invention has a soft feel and resilience that is maintained or improved compared to a standard golf ball.
1. A golf ball comprising:
a core having a diameter ranging from 1.35 inches to 1.64 inches and having a PGA compression ranging from 50 to 90, the core composed of a thermoplastic material comprising
a first copolymer comprising an ethylene and a methacrylic acid or an acrylic acid,
a second copolymer of an ethylene and an alkyl acrylate, and
a magnesium stearate,
wherein the thermoplastic material is neutralized from 50% to 100%;
a boundary layer formed over the core, the boundary layer composed of an ionomeric material, the boundary layer having a thickness ranging from 0.020 inch to 0.075 inch, the ionomeric material having a Shore D hardness ranging from 50 to 70 as measured according to ASTM-D2240; and
a cover formed over the boundary layer, the cover composed of a fast chemical reaction aliphatic polyurethane material formed from reactants comprising a polyurethane prepolymer and a polyol, wherein the polyurethane material has a Shore D hardness ranging from 30 to 60 as measured according to ASTM-D2240, a thickness ranging from 0.015 inch to 0.044 inch, and an aerodynamic surface geometry thereon.