What Are the Raw Materials of Fiber Optic Cables? Full Guide & Comparison

■ What Is the Raw Material of Fiber Optic Cables? (Full Technical Guide + Expanded Material Comparison)

ZION Communication Technical Article

Fiber optic cables are designed to provide high-speed, no-signal-loss, and EMI-free communication in telecommunication, powergrid, datacenter, broadband, and industrial applications.

Each optical cable is made up of carefully curated materials of individual optical fibers, strength members, buffer tubes, filler compounds, water blockers, armoring, messenger wires, and jackets.

Here is the extended technical table of all raw materials used in the fiber optic cable industry.

■ Optical Fiber (Core Material)

The active medium.

Raw Materials

• Ultra-pure silica (SiO₂) for core and cladding

• Germanium-doped silica for refractive control

• UV polymeric acrylate for primary and secondary coating

Additional Fiber Components

• Color coating inks (UV-cured) for branding

• Ribbon binder resins for ribbon cables

• Micro-lubricant (fiber oil) for pull-back

■ Loose Tube Materials

Base Polymers

• PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) – high rigidity, high chemical resistance

• PBTP (Polybutylene terephthalate polyester) blends – cold-resistant additives

• High-impact PP (Polypropylene) – affordable for short-distance cables

Loose Tube Additives

• UV stabilizers

• Anti-oxidants

• Process lubricants

To maintain stability during high-speed extrusion and during outdoor lifetime.

■ Strength Members

Apart from conventional FRP, Aramid, or Steel, ZION may use:

Conventional Strength Members

• FRP–aramid (drop cables with extra tensile strength)

• Glass yarn sheath for rodent deterrent

• Basalt fiber rod (for high-temperature applications)

Strength Members for Extreme Environments

• Ceramic reinforced rod for industrial applications

• Extra high strength Aramid (1500–3000D) for ADSS (Long Span Application)

■ Water-Blocking System

Dry Water-Blocking Technologies

• SAP-coated non-woven fabric

• Super absorbent powder micro-particles

• Dry core (no gel for easy field splicing)

Grease & Gel Types

• Non-drip thixotropic gel for loose tubes

• Cable filling jelly (petroleum-based) for anti-moisture central filling

• High-viscosity grease for OPGW stainless tubes

Depending on gel-fill, dry core, blowing distance, or temperature rating.

■ Ripcord Materials

Other ripcord materials:

• Glass fiber reinforced for armored cables

• High-tenacity polyester (HT-PET)

• Tape-bonded laminated ripcords for easy jacket removal

■ Armoring Materials

Metal Armoring Types

• CCA (Copper-clad aluminum armor) for anti-EMI applications

• Stainless-steel woven mesh for flexible cables

• Double steel tape (dual CST) for ultra-high crush

Non-metal Armoring

• Aramid yarns for explosives & mine applications

• Glass yarns for anti-rodent protection

• Aramid + Fiber glass composite for tough but lightweight

■ Outer Jacket Materials

Special Compound Jackets

• Anti-termite PE (insect-repelling chemical blend)

• Anti-rodent LSZH (mineral compounds)

• Cold-resistant PE (−60 °C rating)

• Weather resistant black polyethylene 2%–3% carbon

• Anti-tracking HDPE (high voltage ADSS ≤220kV rating)

Indoor Jacket Compounds

• Flame Retardant PVC (CMP/CL2P) for USA building code

• Riser grade PVC (CMR)

• Halogen free flame retarding compound

■ Messenger Wire Materials

Other messenger wire materials:

• Phosphates for anti-corrosion

• Copper-clad steel (CCS) for affordable conductivity

• FRP – steel hybrid (rural FTTH networks)

■ Strength & Environmental Enhancers

Fiber optic cables are sometimes bundled with secret micro-additives and layers to work better:

UV Protection Additives

• Carbon black

• Hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS)

Fire Retardant Additives

• Aluminum hydroxide (ATH)

• Magnesium hydroxide (MDH)

• Halogen-free flame-retardant masterbatch

Anti-rodent & Anti-termite Repellents

• Glass flakes

• Borate

• Exclusively blended vanilla making

■ Metallic Components in Cable Construction

Not all cables are all-dielectric. Some applications need metallic components:

■ High-Performance Material Classes

ZION use several classes of functional materials in cable construction:

■ Comparison Table of Different Optical Cable Material Systems

■ Why Raw Materials Matter

Network Longevity

Installation Efficiency

Total Cost of Ownership

■ ZION Communication Material Selection Philosophy

ZION Group run detailed Material Qualification System that cover:

Vendor Certification

• Borealis / Dow HDPE

• DuPont™ Kevlar

• High-purity silica preforms

• SAP sources Korea (Kuraray-grade)

In-house Performance Testing

• −40°C bend test

• 3000N crush test

• 1000m blowing distance test

• UV chamber Accelerated aging test

• Hydrostatic pressure test (for armoured cables)

25-Year Lifespan Guarantee

Contact us for more information