Optical fibres are vital for the rollout of the 5G network. The new elastomers in the Septon Q series from Kuraray provide lasting protection for these sensitive optical fibres and are far lighter than TPU and TPC. The Septon Q series is a range of thermoplastic elastomers that combines softness and elasticity. Compounds with Septon Q series products as the base polymer have very good mechanical properties and are lighter than conventional materials.
“Casings for fibre optic cables have to withstand many things. If they are laid underground, they are constantly exposed to moisture and need especially good impact and abrasion-resistance. After all, the earth is constantly in motion,” says Robin Conrad, Marketing & CRM at Kuraray. “In other applications, for example, in cable conduits and vehicles, they are exposed to high temperatures and high humidity. The high-performance materials in our Septon Q series give sensitive fibre optic assemblies optimum protection in all conditions. These materials have very good insulating properties, ensuring permanently reliable and stable data transmission.”
“Our materials have considerably lower density than other engineering TPEs such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPC),” says Marcel Gruendken, Manager MD&TS. “Where every gram matters, for example, in the automotive industry and technical applications, the very low weight of the products in the Septon Q series has enormous benefits. At the same time, their scratch and abrasion resistance are superior to conventional TPE materials.”
Furthermore, users benefit from improved weather resistance. Cable casings made with the Septon Q series retain their properties at both very low and warm temperatures. They also exhibit optimum elasticity in permanent use in warm water, steam and tropical climates.
“The products in our Septon Q series enable us to offer industrial users a high-performance alternative to conventional TPEs,” explains Gruendken. “The Septon Q series is ideal for many applications in the electrical and electronics industry because the materials can be combined with polymers such as PMMA and polyolefins. And thanks to its excellent mechanical and electrical properties, the Septon Q series is suitable for the production of exceptionally high-durability fibre optic cables – to ensure the successful rollout of the 5G network.”