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To understand why a ball loses reaction, you must first understand the chemistry of a bowling ball’s coverstock.
A particle ball is a reactive ball with an additive that changes the surface friction characteristics of the coverstock. Additives differ in make-up, size and shape, and they can have frictionreducing or friction-enhancing properties.
A reactive coverstock is made up of several components from the chemical families known as polyols, isos and plasticizers. All manufacturers of high-performance bowling balls use components from these families. When the components are mixed together, they start a chemical reaction. The polyol and iso components form a solid smooth structure commonly known as standard urethane (see diagram 1).
Diagram 1. Standard Urethane Coverstock
Plasticizers are the chemicals that increase a reactive ball’s hook potential over standard urethane. When plasticizer is added, it forms channels or pores in the urethane structure which increases oil absorption and gives surface texture to the coverstock (see diagram 2). Some plasticizer remains in the coverstock after the reaction takes place. The remaining plasticizer serves several functions that will be discussed later.
Diagram 2. Reactive Coverstock
Thousands of microscopic channels make a reactive coverstock porous, allowing oil to be absorbed into the ball. As these pores are formed, the urethane compound becomes softer and less durable. At the same time, the plasticizer forms hills and valleys in the coverstock, making it look much like the surface of the moon (see diagrams 3 and 4).
Diagram 3.
Pores on the Surface of a Reactive Bowling Ball
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Diagram 4.
Polished Reactive Coverstock Showing Surface Texture
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Surface texture increases friction between the lane and the coverstock, causing reactive balls to react very aggressively in the backend. The proper balance of chemicals in a reactive ball creates the surface texture needed for aggressive backend reaction as well as the oil absorbing channels that help keep the friction as high as possible.
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