Abstract: A heat recoverable tubular composite article comprising an inner layer comprising a crosslinked elastomeric polymeric material having a modulus at 100% elongation at 20.degree. C. of about 40 to about 900 pounds per square inch and an outer layer comprising a thermoplastic material having a 2% secant modulus at 20.degree. C. of about 5,000 to about 100,000 pounds per square inch said composite article (1) being formed by coextrusion, (2) having a direct bond between said layers with a peel strength of at least 6 pounds per linear inch, and (3) being in a radically expanded configuration, said thermoplastic outer layer being capable of retaining the elastomeric inner layer in an expanded configuration at ambient temperature and incapable of retaining the elastomeric layer in an expanded configuration at a temperature above a predetermined temperature thereby permitting the composite article to recover to or toward its unexpanded configuration.

Abstract: The conductors of multi-conductor, medium voltage, power cables, at locations where the cable insulation has been removed, are insulated by positioning between the conductors or cores, an insert, at least the surface of which comprises a first void-filling material capable of forming a substantially void-free interface with each conductor, placing a second void-filling material over the conductors and recovering a dimensionally recoverable polymeric sleeve over the resulting assembly. The method is particularly useful to provide insulation between conductors of a joint between two multi-conductor, medium voltage power cables.