The present invention provides a method and product that provides a
dust-free homogeneous dispersion of zinc diacrylate in polybutadiene for
use in golf balls. More specifically, the invention relates to a
dispersion of zinc diacrylate in a special high-cis grade of
polybutadiene commonly used by golf ball manufacturers. We have found
that such a dispersion of ZDA can be made by using specific processing
promoters, which not only allow the manufacture of the predispersion, but
have a beneficial effect on the final properties of the golf ball. The
processing promoters of the present invention enable more uniform
dispersion of the ZDA into the polymer matrix, eliminate sticking to the
mixer rotors, provide improved extrusion and pelletizing rates, as well
as function as a separant to greatly minimize, if not totally eliminate,
massing of the pelletized product. This dust-free pelletized product,
which can optionally be supplied in slab form, is then sold to the golf
ball manufacturer for direct addition to his mixer. The presence of the
processing promoter also assists in the mixing of the product into the
final golf ball compound as well as improve down-stream processing, such
as extruding.