Kraton and Shell Process Oils have combined their expertise by working together to develop a new generation of optical cable gels that offer gel and cable manufacturers enhanced process efficiency and product quality.
Optical cable manufacturers use an oil-based gel to flood rigid tubes containing optical fibres. These tubes are packed together, flooded with gel again and enclosed in an outer jacket to form the optical cable. The gel needs to display thixotropic behaviour: to flow easily into place under shear but to become viscous once in place to protect the fibres. It must also be free from impurities that could compromise the optical cable’s performance and continue performing by remaining stable and avoiding oil bleed.
“The combination of our polymers and Shell Risella X oils offers an exciting enhancement in process efficiency and product quality with the potential to give both cable and gel manufacturers a new competitive edge.” says Sandrine Duc, Sales Development Manager – Performance Products, Kraton Performance Polymers Inc.
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