Controllably degradable thermoplastic polyurethane

Abstract

Controllably degradable overgrips are provided, as well as methods of producing controllably degradable thermoplastic polyurethane. Methods comprise pre-blending a catalyst on a matrix, dispersing a specified amount of the pre-blended catalyst throughout solid granular thermoplastic polyurethane to yield a polymer component, and determining an onset timing of hydrolytic breakdown of the polymer component by adjusting the specified amount of dispersed catalyst. The thermoplastic polyurethane may be produced by reacting low molecular weight aliphatic diol(s) with aliphatic dicarboxylic acid(s) to produce polyester, and reacting the polyester with organic di-isocyanate(s) and diol chain extender(s) using catalytic amounts of alkali or alkaline earth metal salt(s) of C 10 to C 45 aliphatic carboxylic acid(s). Tackifying resins may be added to adjust an adhesive profile of the overgrips.

1 .- 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A polymer component produced by pre-blending a catalyst with an inert, process compatible matrix; dispersing a specified amount of the pre-blended catalyst on the matrix throughout solid granular thermoplastic polyurethane; and adjusting an onset timing of environmental hydrolytic breakdown of the polymer component by adjusting an amount of the catalyst dispersed throughout the solid granular thermoplastic polyurethane. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . The polymer component of  claim 16 , wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane comprises polyester reacted with at least one organic di-isocyanate and at least one diol chain extender using catalytic amounts of at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal salt of at least one C 10  to C 45  aliphatic carboxylic acid. 
     
     
         19 . The polymer component of  claim 16  further comprises tackifying resin added to the thermoplastic polyurethane to yield a specified adhesive profile. 
     
     
         20 . The polymer component of  claim 16 , configured as an overgrip for at least one of: a racquet handle, a stick handle, a tool handle, bicycle handle. 
     
     
         21 . The polymer component of  claim 16 , configured as a tape or pad having a gripping interface. 
     
     
         22 . The polymer component of  claim 16 , having an onset timing of environmental hydrolytic breakdown of the polymer component of about one year or more, adjusted according to an amount of the catalyst dispersed throughout the solid granular thermoplastic polyurethane.