1. Soccer Ball By: Nikee Pipoly

2. Production The first stage of production is to roll out the material to be used for the outer casing of the ball. The casing is usually made from several layers of synthetic foam-filled panels which are glued together. This produces a smooth and tough exterior. All logos would be printed on the panels before cutting. The panels are cut into the exact amount needed to make one. Printing is typically accomplished by silk-screening onto the cover material. After labels are printed on, a layer of urethane (a clear proprietary material) may be applied for protection. Next, the number of panels required are cut out, and in preparation for stitching, holes are pre-punched. To do the stitching, the ball is turned inside out, so none of the stitches show on the outside. For each panel, a different type of needle is used to complete the stitching. This technique effectively makes the final knot 'disappear'. The stitched ball is then reversed, next the bladder is inserted and inflated, one person can usually create four balls in one day. Source: http://www.soccerballworld.com/Construction.htm

3. What is it made of? Covers: synthetic leather (polyurethane and poly vinyl chloride) – Polyurethane is a polymer that is composed of a chain of organic units that are joined together by carbamate (urethane). Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyurethane

4. What is it made of? Bladders – Latex – provides better surface tension – Butyl – holds air for longer Natural latex is produced from the Hevea brasilienesis rubber tree. It is the fluid contained under the bark that protects the tree. Synthetic latex is produced from two materials, butadiene and styrene. – Both butadiene and styrene are composed from petroleum. Butyl – polyisobutylene and isoprene Sources: www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Latex.html http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1549

5. How does it work? Soccer balls must be made out of certain materials for many reasons. – Durability – The lining is important because it must hold the air in well. The cover is also important because it cannot be too heavy, but it must be able to withstand high/low temperatures and extreme weather. – Every soccer ball must be about the same, the aesthetics could be different but the structure must be about the same. Health affects – You can get injured while using a soccer ball. – Some people have latex allergies and they could have allergic reactions to the materials used in the creation of the ball. http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1549