Multi-layer core golf ball incorporating intermediate composite layer comprised of functionalized nanostructures
Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises at least one intermediate core layer formed from a composite composition comprising functionalized nano-structures. The functionalized nano-structures may be selected from the group consisting of functionalized polymer nano-structures, functionalized metallic nano-structures, and functionalized elemental nano-structures. For example, the functionalized nano-structures may comprise functionalized graphene, functionalized carbon nanotube, and/or functionalized polyamide nano-fiber. The functionalized nano-structures may be mixed/blended or otherwise combined with conductive nanoshelled structures in the composite composition.
1. A golf ball comprising:
an inner core comprising a center formed from a first thermoset composition, wherein the inner core has a diameter of from 0.5000 inches to 1.580 inches, a center hardness of from 40 Shore C to 70 Shore C, and a surface hardness of from 50 Shore C to 95 Shore C;
an intermediate core layer having a thickness of from 0.0010 inches to 0.070 inches and an outer surface hardness of from 65 Shore D to 95 Shore D and formed from a composite composition comprising functionalized nano-structures selected from the group consisting of functionalized graphene, functionalized carbon nanotube, functionalized polyamide nano-fiber, and combinations thereof;
an outer core layer formed from a second thermoset composition and having a thickness of from 0.010 inches to 0.075 inches and an outer surface hardness of from 45 Shore C to 90 Shore C; and
a cover layer having a thickness of from 0.010 inches to 0.050 inches and formed from a composition having a material hardness of from 30 Shore D to 65 Shore D.
2. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the functionalized nano-structures are mixed with conductive nanoshelled structures.
3. The golf ball of claim 2 , wherein the conductive nanoshelled structures comprise zinc oxide nanoshells, magnesium oxide nanoshells, or combinations thereof.
4. The golf ball of claim 2 , wherein the conductive nanoshelled structures have surface cations selected from the group consisting of zinc, sodium, magnesium, lithium, potassium, and combinations thereof.
5. The golf ball of claim 2 , wherein the functionalized nano-structures and conductive nanoshelled structures are included in the composite composition in a ratio of 98:2 to 50:50.
6. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the diameter of the inner core is from 1.400 inches to 1.490 inches.
7. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the outer surface hardness of the intermediate core layer is from 75 Shore D to 95 Shore D.
8. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the inner core comprises an additional inner core layer.
9. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the golf ball additionally comprises a thermoplastic core layer disposed between the inner core and the intermediate core layer.
10. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the golf ball additionally comprises a thermoplastic core layer disposed between the intermediate core layer and the outer core layer.
11. A golf ball comprising:
an inner core comprising a center formed from a first thermoset composition, wherein the inner core has a diameter of from 1.000 inches to 1.580 inches, a center hardness of from 40 Shore C to 70 Shore C, and a surface hardness of from 50 Shore C to 95 Shore C;
an intermediate core layer having a thickness of from 0.0010 inches to 0.070 inches and an outer surface hardness of from 65 Shore D to 95 Shore D and formed from a composite composition comprising functionalized nano-structures;
an outer core layer formed from a second thermoset composition and having a thickness of from 0.010 inches to 0.075 inches and an outer surface hardness of from 45 Shore C to 90 Shore C;
a first thermoplastic core layer disposed between the inner core and the intermediate core layer and a second thermoplastic core layer disposed between the intermediate core layer and the outer core layer; and
a cover layer having a thickness of from 0.010 inches to 0.050 inches and formed from a composition having a material hardness of from 30 Shore D to 65 Shore D.
12. The golf ball of claim 11 , wherein the nano-structures are selected from the group consisting of nanoflakes, nanofibers, nanofillers, nanotubes, nanoparticles, nanocages, and combinations thereof.
13. The golf ball of claim 11 , wherein the functionalized nano-structures are selected from the group consisting of functionalized polymer nano-structures, functionalized metallic nano-structures, and functionalized elemental nano-structures.
14. The golf ball of claim 11 , wherein the functionalized nano-structures comprise functionalized graphene.
15. The golf ball of claim 11 , wherein the functionalized nano-structures comprise functionalized carbon nanotube.
16. The golf ball of claim 11 , wherein the functionalized nano-structures comprise functionalized polyamide nano-fiber.
17. The golf ball of claim 11 , wherein the functionalized nano-structures are mixed with conductive nanoshelled structures.
18. The golf ball of claim 11 , wherein the diameter of the inner core is from 1.400 inches to 1.490 inches.
19. The golf ball of claim 11 , wherein the outer surface hardness of the intermediate core layer is from 75 Shore D to 95 Shore D.