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

摘要

A fiber optic cable having a plurality of buffer tubes (3) and filler rods (4) or filler tubes disposed between the inner surface of the outer jacket (1) of the fiber optic cable and the buffer tubes (3). The buffer tubes (3) contain a plurality of optical fibers. The filler rods (4) have a non-round core (5) surrounded by a suberabsorbant water swellable coating (6) to provide protection for the optical fibers against the penetration of water within the cable. The filler rods (4) and filler tubes are made of a solid or porous or foam-type material expanding in the presence of water.