4.1 The lists of components and materials are useful in enhancing the user's understanding of the technology and construction of fiber-optics cables and the development of performance standards for cables.

4.2 This guide is intended for use by all parties involved with fiber optics: materials suppliers, cable manufacturers, and end-users.

1.1 This guide is intended to provide a list of materials commonly used in components that provide insulation, jacketing and strength in fiber-optic cables. Where these materials are covered by ASTM standards, an appropriate reference is made. Due to changing technology, not all materials being used are necessarily listed here.

1.2 This guide does not include materials used in components for optical purposes (optical fiber and its coating) or external metallic armoring (such as for a barrier to rodents).

1.3 This guide offers two general lists of materials:

1.3.1 A subdivision of fiber-optic cable construction into components that are used for insulation, jacketing, or strength, with a generic material classification for specific applications in each component (see Section 5); and

1.3.2 An alphabetical list of the generic material classifications, showing ASTM standards where they exist (see Table 1).

Material

ASTM Specification

Acrylates

...

Aramids:

 fibers

D3317

 tape

...

Fluoroplastics:

 ECTFE

D3275

 ETFE

D3159

 FEP

D2116

 PFA

D3307

 PTFE

D1457

 PVDF

D3222

Glass fibers

...

Glass-fiber reinforced plastics

...

Grease and similar materials

D4730, D4731, D4732

Nylon

D4066

Polybutylene

D4730, D4731, D4732

Polycarbonate

D3935

Polyester tape

D3664

Polyethylene

D1248

Polyimide tape

...

Polypropylene

D4101

Polyurethane

...

Poly(vinyl chloride)

D2287

Rubber

D4730, D4731, D4732

Silicone rubber

D2526

Steel

...

Thermoplastic elastomer

D4246

Thermoplastic polyester

D4507