Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a water blocking tape for use in cable manufacture, which process comprises the steps of: (i) forming a coating of an aqueous solution of a water soluble polymer containing anionic groups and a multivalent ionic crosslinking agent on at least one surface of a substrate material selected from the group consisting of a metal foil, a plastic film, a plastic sheet, a multilayer film, and a laminate of at least two thereof; and (ii) drying and/or curing the coating in order to form a partially crosslinked water swellable polymer coating on the at least one surface of the substrate material. Water blocking tapes are also provided which comprise a substrate material having a coating on at least one surface thereof of a water soluble polymer containing anionic groups which is partially crosslinked with a multivalent ionic crosslinking agent. The preferred water soluble polymer containing anionic groups is an acrylic or methacrylic acid (co)polymer.

Abstract: A water blocking composite for use in cables which includes an article selected from the group having one or more strengthening members and buffer tubes impregnated with or coated with a mixture of a thermoplastic resin and a water-swellable particulate material.