New PolyOne Low CoF Formulation Eases Optical Fiber Installation for High-Speed Connectivity

“Consumer and business demand for high-speed connectivity will continue to drive the demand for optical fiber cable to carry voice and data transmissions,” said Holger Kronimus, VP and general manager Europe, Specialty Engineered Materials, at PolyOne. “However, much of the new cable installation must be done in urban areas, with cable running from larger networks to residential or commercial buildings and offices, so the cable often must be pushed through existing conduit. When cable is sheathed in ECCOH 5702, workers can more easily guide it through conduit, even those with very complex designs and shapes, which reduces installation costs.”

Tests conducted by PolyOne on cable extruded from ECCOH 5702 specialty polymers reveal a CoF up to 75% lower than standard LSFOH (Low Smoke and Fume, Non-Halogen) formulations. In addition to the low CoF, these new formulations have a low melt viscosity, making them easy to process. Cable made with these materials exhibits excellent mechanical strength, low shrinkage and a smooth surface finish. For outdoor applications, ECCOH™ 5702 solutions can be UV stabilized, including formulations that pass the SEPAP accelerated aging test.

Caption: Optical fiber cable made with ECCOH 5702 solutions from PolyOne is easier to install in complex conduit and over long distances.

PolyOne offers a full range of specialty polymer solutions for manufacturing optical fiber cable, including for tight buffer, loose tube, fiber bundle, and sheathing applications. All of PolyOne’s ECCOH™ LSFOH solutions help prevent the spread of flames during fire and, even when burning, emit non-corrosive gases with low toxicity and reduced smoke density.

www.polyone.com