Abstract: A communications cable (20) includes water blocking provisions which are microbial resistant. The water blocking provisions include a microbial resistant water blocking member (35) comprising a laminate which includes two tapes (37--37) with a superabsorbent powder (40) therebetween. Advantageously, the superabsorbent powder on contact with moisture swells to block further intrusion of moisture and to prevent its movement longitudinally within the cable. The tapes of the laminate may be non-cellulosic such as for example a spunbonded polyester material which has suitable tensile strength and which has a relatively high porosity and further which prevents the growth of fungus. An adhesive system (42) included in the laminate is sufficient to hold together the tapes and the powder without inhibiting swelling of the powder on contact with water.

Abstract: A communications cable for use in buried environments in an outside plant includes a core (22) comprising at least one transmission medium and a mechanically strengthened, thermal resistant barrier layer (40) disposed about a plastic tubular member (23). A metallic shield (32) and a plastic jacket (36) are disposed about the barrier. The barrier layer may comprise a tape (41) which is made of a material such as woven glass or an aramid fibrous material, for example, which is resistant to relatively high temperatures, which has suitable strength properties in all directions and at elevated temperatures and which is characterized by properties which cause the barrier layer to impede the passage therethrough of particles which are sufficiently large to cause damage to the core. In a preferred embodiment, the thermal barrier layer also includes provisions for preventing the longitudinal flow of water within the cable.

Abstract: A communications cable (20) includes water blocking provisions which are microbial resistant. The water blocking provisions include a microbial resistant water blocking member (35) comprising a laminate which includes two tapes (37--37) with a superabsorbent powder (40) therebetween. Advantageously, the superabsorbent powder on contact with moisture swells to block further intrusion of moisture and to prevent its movement longitudinally within the cable. The tapes of the laminate may be non-cellulosic such as for example a spunbonded polyester material which has suitable tensile strength and which has a relatively high porosity and further which prevents the growth of fungus. An adhesive system (42) included in the laminate is sufficient to hold together the tapes and the powder without inhibiting swelling of the powder on contact with water.

Abstract: A communications cable comprising a core of at least one transmission media and a plastic jacket includes provisions for preventing the movement of water within the cable. A water blockable yarn (33) or strip (35) is interposed between the core and the jacket (32) and extends either linearly along the cable or is wrapped helically about a portion of the sheath system. In any plane along the cable which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cable, the yarn or the strip extends about an insubstantial portion of an inner periphery of the cable. As a result, any desired bond between the jacket and an underlying element of the cable sheath system is discontinuous for only an insignificant portion of the peripheral surface of contact. The yarn may be one which has been treated with a superabsorbent material whereas the strip may comprise a substrate strip which has been impregnated with a superabsorbent material which upon contact with water swells and inhibits the movement of water within the cable.