Abstract: An electrical communications element having a foamed plastic insultation extruded about a conductor with said insulation including at least one component with more than 20% by weight of an ultra-high die swell ratio polymer (UHDSRP), preferably around 15% by weight. The UHDSRP is defined as greater than 55% die swell ratio and more preferably greater than 65% die swell ratio. The insulation also preferably includes at least a second component with a high degree of stress crack resistance, such that the combination of (minimally) these polymers will yield an insulation layer that has a unique combination of physical propeties yielding a high degree of foaming, small uniform cell structure, characteristically lower attenuation, and stress crack resistance capable of withstanding greater than 100 hours at 100° C. while coiled at a stress level of 1 times the insulation outside diameter without failure (cracking).

Abstract: An electrical communications element having a foamed plastic insulation extruded about a conductor with said insulation comprising at least one component with no more than 20% by weight of an ultra-high die swell ratio polymer (UHDSRP), preferably around 15% by weight. The UHDSRP is defined as greater than 55% die swell ratio and more preferably greater than 65% die swell ratio. The insulation also preferably comprises at least a second component with a high degree of stress crack resistance, such that the combination of (minimally) these polymers will yield an insulation layer that has a unique combination of physical properties yielding a high degree of foaming, small uniform cell structure, characteristically lower attenuation, and stress crack resistance capable of withstanding greater than 100 hours at 100° C. while coiled at a stress level of 1 times the insulation outside diameter without failure (cracking).