Abstract: A composition useful in the manufacture or cable comprising:(i) a copolymer comprising ethylene and one or more alpha-olefins having a density equal to or less than 0.915 gram per cubic centimeter;(ii) a metal hydrate flame retardant compound;(iii) a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene triblock copolymer; and(iv) optionally, an impact polypropylene copolymer or polypropylene.

Abstract: This specification relates to a communication cable and method of making it, particularly where the cable includes a high pair count with small conductors so that the filling compound can be made to permeate to the center of the cable without having the filling compound become too viscous to reach the center of the cable when filled by the liquid filling process. The filling compound does not drip at temperatures up to 90.degree. C. From five to ten parts by weight are used of a polyethylene compound as one ingredient of the filler material. The major ingredient of the filler is a paraffinic oil which constitutes 100 parts of the filler compound. Other important considerations are to formulate the compound so that it will not permeate into the cells of the foam skin or all foam insulation.

Abstract: This invention is an improved method for dispersing antioxidant material in cross-linkable insulation for electric cables. The antioxidant, which has a high melting point, is dissolved in a carrier, preferably the cross-linking agent, to obtain a solution of low melting point that is dispersed through the pellets of insulation when the ingredients are mixed in a blender. Improvements in the blender cycle reduce the content of fines, improve dispersion of the antioxidant and shorten the blending cycle. The preferred ingredients used are 4,4'-thiobis (6 tert-butyl-m-cresol) as the antioxidant and dicumyl peroxide as the cross-linking agent.