Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an optical fiber ribbon having a low Young's modulus bonding matrix material. The optical fiber ribbon includes a plurality of optical fibers arranged adjacent to one another in a linear array. The optical fiber ribbon also includes a plurality of bonding matrix material portions applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of at least two adjacent optical fibers. The bonding matrix material portions have a low Young's modulus. Also, the plurality of bonding matrix material portions are applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of at least two adjacent optical fibers in such a way that the linear array of optical fibers forms a partially bonded optical fiber ribbon.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable having reduced surface friction may include a low-friction, fire retardant cable jacket structure. The cable jacket structure may include a thicker, highly fire-retardant cable jacket, and a thinner, low-friction skin layer formed over the cable jacket.