The chemistry behind a World Cup soccer ball

We're down to the final matches of the World Cup. And as the excitement builds towards the final game, imagine our excitement when our pals from across the pond at Compound Interest explained the chemistry of the World Cup soccer ball. Now, before the comment war begins on soccer versus football, let's talk some chemistry.

All right, now when you think soccer, you probably imagine Cristiano Ronaldo or Clint Dempsey dribbling the ball down the field and don't give science a second thought about it. But there's a ton of chemistry that goes into engineering the ball to ensure maximum aerodynamic performance. So when it comes to the soccer ball, or brazuca, we need to talk about polymers.

The ball is made up primarily of polymers, which are long molecules built up from smaller molecules. Polyurethane is an example of a polymer. The smaller molecules that make up these larger-polymer molecules can vary, giving polyurethane different properties and a wide range of uses, like foam seating, adhesives, skateboard wheels, and even the soles of your shoes.

But back to the brazuca. There are three main parts of a soccer ball-- the outer covering, the lining, and the bladder. The covering is made up of six polyurethane panels, which are heated until they bond together. The polyurethane used here is made from isocyanates and and polyols and allows the covering to protect the ball from absorbing water. The polyurethane also makes the ball much lighter than leather ones.

The lining has several layers. The main components of the lining are polymers called polyamides. Nylon is a common example of a polyamide. You've all heard nylon before. It's used in clothing, bed sheets, carpets, and ropes. The nylon used in the brazuca is designed to improve the balance and strength of the ball.

The bladder section of the brazuca is made from butyl rubber. In some soccer balls the bladder is made from latex. But this World Cup ball uses butyl rubber. Butyl rubber holds the air in for longer, although latex does provide better surface tension. Butyl rubber's also in the tiny valve used to inflate the ball.

So whoever your World Cup team happens to be, just think of all the chemistry that goes in that little ball flying across the field.