Abstract: A hydrogen absorbent composition for protecting optical fibers from damage due to attack by hydrogen, and optical fiber cables and components containing such composition. The composition comprises a mixture of an unsaturated polymer obtained by the polymerization of at least conjugated diene-monomers and of a catalyst selected from the transition metals, the inorganic and organometallic salts of the transition metals, the organometallic acids of the transition metals or mixtures thereof, which catalyst may be supported on an inert carrier.

Abstract: A hydrogen fixing filler for optical fiber cables and components of such cables and optical fiber cables and cable components containing such filler with the filler at least partly surrounding, but not necessarily in contact with, the optical fiber or fibers. The filler is a mixture of:(1) at least one unsaturated silicone, having unsaturated groups in quantities larger than 0.2 millimoles per 100 g. of silicone and corresponding to the formula: ##STR1## where R and R' are saturated or unsaturated aliphatic radicals and aromatic radicals and R" and R'" are unsaturated aliphatic radicals, and(2) a catalyst which is one or more of the transition metals, the inorganic and organometallic salts of the transition metals and the organometallic acids of the transition metals, either alone or on inert supports.