Taylor Hines ME 370 3/29/2011

The Materials of a Golf Ball

The golf ball that amateurs use is the 2-piece golf ball since it is designed for durability

and distance. It contains two main materials. The inner core is a synthetic solid rubber called

polybutadiene. Some properties of this material include a high elasticity, outstanding resilience,

and low hysteresis. These features of the material allow the golf ball to travel extremely long

distances without the golfer applying an unimaginable amount of force to the ball. Simply

hitting the ball clean and swinging the golf club around 60 mph will send the ball flying because

of the high elasticity and resilience. Polybutadiene also has good flexibility at ambient

temperatures, which makes it the perfect material for the average golfer because he can play

during spring, summer, or fall. The low rolling resistance of polybutadiene allows the golf ball

to roll far on the green. Lastly, the rubber core has a high abrasion resistance in severe

conditions. This property will allow the rubber core to last a very long time. Indeed, the golfer

can enjoy a golf ball with a polybutadiene center because he will be able to hit extremely far and

use the same balls for years.

The outer shell of the 2-piece golf ball is made of Surlyn, a plastic. It basically has the

same properties of the polybutadiene core. These include a high resilience, excellent resistance

to cuts and abrasion, and a broad hardness and stiffness range. Indeed, the properties of the

Surlyn shell and the polybutadiene core provide the durability and distance the amateur golfer

desires for in a golf ball.

Web sites used:

http://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Golf-Ball.html

http://www.golfball-guide.de/knowledge.htm

http://www2.dupont.com/Surlyn/en_US/products/golfball_resins.html

http://www.toppointgolf.com

http://www.industrialrubbergoods.com/butadiene-rubber.html

http://www.osdir.com