Non-round filler rods and tubes with superabsorbent water swellable material for large cables

摘要

A fiber optic cable having a plurality of buffer tubes and filler rods or filler tubes disposed between the inner surface of the outer jacket of the fiber optic cable and the buffer tubes. The buffer tubes contain a plurality of optical fibers. The filler rods have a non-round core surrounded by a superabsorbant water swellable coating to provide protection for the optical fibers against the penetration of water within the cable. The filler rods and filler tubes are made of a solid or porous or foam-type material expanding in the presence of water.