Composite elements with thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer reinforcement for fibre optic cables

摘要

A process for producing an optical fiber cable composite structural component, such as reinforcing members, buffer tubes, filler rods, jackets, and slotted cores, is disclosed. The composite structural components are produced by co-extruding a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (TLCP) and a thermoplastic matrix material into the composite structural component so that TLCP reinforcing fibrils are dispersed in the thermoplastic matrix material. The TLCP reinforcing fibrils undergo a high level of process induced orientation, are provided with a high aspect ratio, and small diameters. The composite structural component has a high modulus. The TLCP reinforcing fibrils may be made continuous or discontinuous.