JPS6184614A - Composition for lubrication and cushioning of optical fiber - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Molecules of the Invention Optical fibers are increasingly being used in modern technology, particularly those that use light beams for data transmission or other communications. Element made of optical fiber (
element) is generally relatively fragile in itself, so when using it, it is necessary to combine it into a bundle of one or more optical fiber elements and insert the bundle into a single protective tube such as a polyethylene jacket. I am using it. However, optical fiber elements cannot simply be left loosely in jackets of the above type. If so, almost any kind of mechanical shock or bending will result in damage or breakage of the optical fiber element. Given the considerable length of many of these currently used fiber optic data transmission cables, replacing or repairing the fiber optic elements can be difficult and expensive. Therefore, in a jacket which threads a plurality of optical fiber elements from one to the other, means must be provided to cushion the elements. When lubricating or quenching optical fiber elements threaded through jackets or sheaths, care must be taken to ensure that the optical quality of the optical fiber elements is not diminished.

Therefore, when formulating a lubricant or cushioning material for an optical fiber element encased in a sheath, it is important to ensure that the formulation not only provides the necessary lubricity and cushioning properties, but also is harmful to the optical quality of the element. shall not have any adverse influence.

“The formulations used in optical fibers should be able to withstand seawater immersion, freshwater immersion, and alkaline immersion up to pH 13. These formulations also have no air entrainment and have excellent adhesive and cohesive properties. It must indicate that

These formulations must remain flexible at both ends of the temperature range and exhibit very low damping. These formulations must also contain water resistance and be suitable for use as moisture barriers.

These formulations must also exhibit good dielectric properties. Compositions that satisfy all these various requirements are therefore the object of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention makes it possible to provide sufficient lubricity and cushioning to an optical fiber element or series of elements placed within a jacket, and to provide sufficient lubricity and cushioning to the optical fibers so placed. Does not interfere with the optical properties of the element at all or only minimally,
Optical waveguiding formulations have been developed that meet various requirements for optical waveguiding materials, including the requirement that the material be non-toxic, non-dissolving.

The composition of the material of the present invention, hereinafter referred to as an optical fiber lubricating composition, contains as a main component a lubricating liquid, such as a natural or synthetic petroleum distillate. The composition includes a thickening agent, a silicon dioxide powder such as fumed silica. Additionally, the composition may include finely divided polymeric fluorocarbon powder, such as porgyriatophoroethylene (e.g., the type sold under the trade name "Teflon"), and colorants, etc. It may contain various additives such as.

The substances just mentioned are important for the composition, but in 1983
US Pat. No. 43965 entitled "Lubricating 1M Composition and Method for Producing the Same" published on August 2, 2013
As disclosed in detail in No. 14, a particularly important component of the compositions of the present invention is polybutene, particularly polybutene oil of moderate to high viscosity and tack.

The inclusion of this material having the formula where n is about 15 to 35 provides the necessary lubricity and cushioning properties for use in conjunction with optical fiber elements. The amount of polybutene contained in the formulation should be about 1%, with an allowable variation of about 10%. The value of n in the above structure is given as 15 to 35; The preferred value is approximately 20 to 2
It is 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a typical structure of a cable using optical fibers.

FIG. 2 shows an overview of the extrusion method.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In accordance with the present invention, a fiber optic lubricating composition for use with jacketed fiber optic elements comprises:

(a) a hydrocarbon lubricating liquid; and (b) a particle size of about 7 to about 4 comprising about 2 to IO% of the composition.
(c) silicon dioxide in the form of fine silica powder, which is particles of 0 millimicrons; (c) accounting for about 1 part by weight of the total composition; 2
5].

“The above optical camphor fiber mg product accounts for about 0 to about 3% of the composition.
? The polymer heptadonated carbon powder may contain all of the superimposed fluorocarbon fine powder consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene in the form of particles with a particle size of 1 to 100 microns and a melting point higher than 450'F. As previously mentioned, one preferred method for forming the compositions of the present invention is by using a disk extruder at elevated temperatures, as described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,396,514. Regarding a certain 0 forming method, the description of that part of the above patent will be cited here.

The preferred synthetic hydrocarbons for use in the lubricating fluids of the present invention and various other inventions are hydrogenated oligomers of low molecular weight saturated polyalphaolefins and short linear alphaolefins. These synthetic hydrocarbon lubricating fluids are readily available commercial products. They are sold by Unitoyal under the trade name Uniroyal PAOJ and by Gulf Petrochemicals.
icals) has the trade name [Synfluid (5ynfl)].
uid ) J, and both companies' liquids are available in various grades and weights.
For this invention, it is preferred to use a mixture of about 6 and 40 weight oils. It is also contemplated that these synthetic hydrocarbons may be used in carrying out the entire invention, either purely by themselves or in admixture with natural petroleum distillates.

The use of these synthetic fluids ensures the provision of extremely pure lubricating fluids that additionally contribute to conserving the world's dwindling co-supply of natural petroleum resources.

Any polymerized hepta-carbon powder has a high melting point, i.e. 450
They can be used in the present invention if they are characterized by a melting point higher than 'F and consist of fine powder particles having an average particle size of less than 1 micron (eg about 1 micron) to 100 microns. Preferably these particles are about 0.7
These particles have an average particle size of microns. Polytetrafluoroethylene (TFI; ),! Preferably, a polymerized 7-carbon selected from the group consisting of 7-ethylene propylene (P″EP) copolymers.
It is easily available under the trade name "TEP Teflon" and can be purchased as a commercial product. Polytetrafluoroethylene is a completely fluorinated carbon (b) polymer with the basic chemical formula (-CF2-CF2-) containing 71% more fluorinated ethylene by weight.Propylene copolymer is 5
~50% by weight of hexafluoropcopyrene and about 95% by weight of hexafluoropcopyrene
A fully fluorinated resin made by polymerizing tetrafluoropropylene and hexafluorocoprohylene to form a copolymer containing about 50 parts by weight of tetrafluoroethylene. These copolymers each have a melting point range of about 480"F to about 560F.

Particularly preferred for use in this invention is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Preferably, the polymerized carbon heptonide contains up to about 3% lubricating composition. However, it is contemplated that higher proportions may be used in the practice of the present invention.

The silicon bibide or fumed silicon used in the present invention is produced from silicon tetrachloride by a flame hydrolysis method using acid/hydrogen gas. This process yields highly dispersed silicon dioxide with an amorphous structure, extremely pure, and controlled particle size.

Fine fumed silica powder is particles having a particle size of about 7 to 40 millimicrons. It was quite unexpected and rare that silicon dioxide particles of such small size were found to have no abrasive properties. The preferred particle size for this invention is 12-16 millimicrons. Particles of various sizes may be mixed into the lubricating composition;
All particles may be of approximately the same size. Fuyumed silica powder is Deganosa Corporaci*7 (D
The function of the filler material under the trademark name "Aerosil J" (egassa Corp.) is due to the silanol groups present on the particle surface at an optimum density and their ability to form hydrogen bonds. This is largely responsible for the high degree of stability of the dispersion that makes up the fluorocarbon composition, which prevents the polymerized fluorocarbon powder from separating or settling from the lubricating liquid. Its conductivity of force is so poor that it can effectively be characterized as an insulator, under adverse conditions (i.e. when it is unusually humid).
However, the electrical resistance of fumed silica is still 50~6
Approximately 10 x l O”Lllx with one filling of 0”7f
Cm. This property contributes greatly to the high electrical resistance of the lubricating composition of which it is an integral part. Preferably, the silicon dioxide or fumed silica particles constitute about 2% to 10% of the lubricating composition.

The polybutene used in the grafting invention in an amount of about 1% based on the total weight is an inert oil of medium to high viscosity and stickiness. The amount of polybutene that can be incorporated can vary within +-1 Os of the preferred amount. The polybutene has the formula: where n is from 15 to 35, preferably from about 20 to 25. have The average molecular weight of this material is therefore approximately 1
．． 0(10 to 2.0(10), preferably about 1.500 or less.

A preferred material for use in connection with this invention is a material sold by Chevron Chemical and designated as polybutene grade 32. The properties of this polybutene are as follows.

Properties Test Method Value Physical State Visible Statement/Properties
Test method Value color, Gardner AS
TM D 1544 115/15℃-c' specific gravity
ASTM D 287 0.90515
/15c'C Tenohonto/Charon 7.54 Meklolove (
Mechrolab) SM 180-6
1.400 Average molecular weight by osmometer Molecular weight dispersion index 5M180-618 Viscosity 40-C
SUS ASTM D 445 108.50
0 Viscosity 40-CcsI ASTM D 446
23.400 Viscosity 100-CSUS ASTM
D 445 2.820 Viscosity 100-Ccsl
ASTM D 446 604 Viscosity Index
ASTM D 567 1187 Ranoshi construction point'
CASTMD 92 224 Ignition Point 'CAS
TMD 92 271 activation point 'CASTMD9
7 4 Loss due to heating ASTM D 6
0.4 (5 hours, 100'C) Coefficient of thermal expansion/"CSM 15-23 0.0006
6 (15°'c-toooC) Chemical substance SM 20-28 13 bromine number, g/loog - Boichiichi Qualityichi Test method Value neutral value KO) i+rg/g ASTM D 664
0.01 chlorine and teno organic SM 205-12
0.003 Chloride, wt% Inorganic Chloride and Sulfur ASTM D 878 Total Sulfur, % AS'fM D 1552
0.01 carbon residue, % ASTM D 189
Sushi water content 1k, ppm ASTM D
1533 40 (-x clear, bright, no sedimentation of suspension.) The compositions formed according to this invention are chinchrytropic and can be used over a very wide temperature range, i.e.
Valid from approximately -75°F to +650°F. They are water resistant and remain flexible at both ends of the temperature range, allowing for zero damping. Some of these formulations can withstand seawater immersion, freshwater immersion, alkaline immersion up to pH 13, and short-term mild acid immersion.

They are compatible with jacket materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene and polycarbonate materials.

"Figure 1 illustrates an optical fiber-based structure. At the center of the structure is a tensile member, or support rod, constructed of a strong material such as a steel rod. Surrounding is an optical fiber element 2 made of optical fiber material.

The buffer material layer made of the composition of the present invention is provided between the optical fiber and the tension member in order to appropriately buffer and support the optical fiber. These are installed in the protection tube 6,
The protective tube 6 is placed in the stronger protective tube 5, between which the composition 3 of the invention is placed. The composition of the invention is also placed around the individual fiber elements 2 as well as around the protective tube 6 in order to support the fibers and prevent light attenuation. The composition 3 inserted between the optical fiber and the first storage tube, and between the first protection tube and one second protection tube, is determined depending on the supporting conditions and the necessary dielectric properties. They may be the same or different depending on. One example would be if the composition 3 between the optical fiber and the first protective tube is a composition used with an optical fiber element that constitutes a stable dispersion as follows. (a) a hydrocarbon lubricating liquid; (b) silicon dioxide in the form of a finely divided silica powder having a particle size of about 7 to about 40 millimicrons, representing about 2 to 10% of the composition; c) Formula (wherein n is about 15 to about 35)? The oily polybutene comprising about 1M of the composition. In addition, when the composition 3 between the plurality of jNl protection tubes and one second protection tube is a composition used with optical fibers that forms the following stable dispersion, that is, ( a) a hydrocarbon lubricating liquid; (b) silicon dioxide in the form of a finely divided silica powder having a particle size of about 7 to about 40 millimicrons, representing about 2 to 10% of the composition; from about 15 to about 35] Totally blind oily polybutene, which accounts for about 1 weight of the composition, and contains raw powder with a particle size of 0.1-100 microns.

It will be appreciated that the present compositions may also be used in the optical fiber system shown in FIG. 1 or other optical fiber systems or similar structures.

FIG. 2 illustrates an overview of the extrusion method and shows the formation of the structure.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 1 illustrates an optical fiber unit, and FIG. 2 illustrates an extrusion method. As shown in Figure q1 and Figure 2,
To use the compositions of the present invention, they can be used in optical fiber elements such as those shown in FIG.
It is generally introduced into an extruder head 10 of an extruder 9 which holds the molten polymer used to form it. When used in this manner, the composition wraps the optical fiber Nilementra and fills the interior of the jacket forming region 3 together with the dielectric material of the present invention. The composition thus reduces the movement of the optical fiber elements within the jacket, controlling any attenuation that may occur due to movement, making it possible to keep attenuation below the industrial requirement of 4 dB/km. ing. It also acts as a moisture barrier, making it difficult for moisture to accumulate inside the jacket.

If moisture buildup is not prevented, it typically erodes the acrylate coating formed on the optical fiber element, causing signal distortion and attenuation. Therefore, it is essential for the integrity of the overall optical fiber-based structure and signal stability that the compositions of the present invention be waterproof.

Particularly when one or more optical fiber elements are included in the overall cable structure, the compositions of the present invention act as lubricants. It dampens and reduces the amplitude of movement within the jacket.

The composition of the present invention satisfies the specifications listed below.

Properties (Test Method) 4 Specifications Operating Temperature -60'C~345°C (-75°
F'~650'F) Viscosity (penetration meter) 277 Soil 10~3
3010 Dropping point (ASTM: ID 566 in heating chamber without melting) Properties (test method) Value Color White translucent to yellow
Liebugutsu-7 Structure Smooth Buttery odor None pH (basic fluid) 7.5 Rust test (rust rot resistance) Passed ASTM D-1743 Oxidation (prevention) 0 (AS'IM D-942) Water resistance (ASTM D) -1264) Water resistance 100% Effect on copper 0 (ASTM D 1261) Effect on fiber coating O (Corning test) and FIM 781 B) D, C, specific resistance (25'C) 1700X
1012 (vertical/aT+) Dielectric constant on the l plane 2.10 Compound life (in capsule) Undetermined.Properties/(test method) for more than 10 years Value [49c[3]
00F'), 2] γ-ray irradiation 2XIORAD Dissipation coefficient at ambient temperature 0-00064 Density
8.725 Dielectric dispersion coefficient of P, T-F, E, 2.0-2
．． 1 Polyethylene/Stress fracture test passed MS-17
00 Akira 1078 No air intake Pump transportability 100% dry heat aging
0 Slump 0 Toxicity
None The following compositions are various specific examples of lubricating compositions falling within the scope of the present invention Example 1 Polype-olefin oil 69.00% Mineral oil U, S, P 17.00% PTFE
3.00% fumed silica 9.00% polyethylene crico/”
1.00% polybutene grade 32
LOO% 100.00 Example 2 Poly α-olefin oil 72.00% mineral oil U,
S, P, 17.00% 7-umed silica 9.00% polyethylene glycol
1.00% polybutene grade 32 -1-
- Kamikochi 1l-1oo, ooq6 Polychrome Orange tube colorant (minor t on sample) Other additives may be used to supplement or enhance the properties desired in the lubricating composition, as detailed in the Examples. It is also within the scope of this invention to include small amounts of the composition. Contemplated compositions include dyes, antioxidants, cationic surfactants, rust inhibitors, emulsifiers, attapulgide.
pulgite), a gelling agent and imidazole oleate.

As mentioned above, the compositions of the present invention are particularly useful in connection with optical fiber-based structures. In particular, the compositions are useful for lubricating and cushioning optical fiber elements maintained within polymeric jackets.

No specific embodiments of the invention are shown or described.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a typical structure of a cable using optical fibers. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the extrusion method. BiIG, 1

Claims (40)

[Claims] (1) (a) a hydrocarbon lubricating liquid; and (b) a particle size of about 7 to about 10 comprising about 2 to 10% of the composition.
(c) A formula that accounts for approximately 1% by weight of the composition: ▲There are mathematical formulas, chemical formulas, tables, etc.▼ (In the formula, n is approximately 15 to
It is about 35. ) A composition for use with an optical fiber element comprising a stable dispersion of an oily polybutene having: (2) The composition according to claim 1, wherein the lubricating liquid is a petroleum distillate. (3) The composition according to claim 1, wherein the lubricating liquid is a synthetic hydrocarbon. (4) The composition according to claim 1, wherein the lubricating liquid comprises a petroleum distillate and a synthetic hydrocarbon. (5) Claim 1 in which the value of n is approximately 20 to 25.
Compositions as described in Section. (6) accounts for about 0-3% of the composition and has a particle size of 0.1-10
The composition of claim 1 containing a finely divided polymeric fluorocarbon powder consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene having a melting point of about 450 DEG F. in the form of 0 micron particles. (7) The composition according to item 6 above, wherein the lubricating liquid is a petroleum distillate. (8) The composition according to item 6, wherein the lubricating liquid is a synthetic hydrocarbon. (9) The composition according to item 6, wherein the lubricating liquid comprises a petroleum distillate and a synthetic hydrocarbon. (10) The composition according to item 6, wherein the value of n is about 20 to 25. (11) (a) a plurality of optical fibers; (b) a plurality of first protection tubes, each tube surrounding each optical fiber; (c) an optical fiber and a first protection tube. and between the plurality of first protection tubes and second protection tubes to support the optical fiber and substantially maintain the optical properties of the optical fiber; An optical fiber unit consisting of. (12) The optical fiber unit according to item 11, wherein the hydrocarbon lubricating liquid is a petroleum distillate. (13) The optical fiber unit according to item 11, wherein the hydrocarbon lubricating liquid is a synthetic hydrocarbon. (14) The optical fiber unit according to item 11, wherein the hydrocarbon lubricating liquid comprises a petroleum distillate and a synthetic hydrocarbon. (15) The optical fiber unit according to the above item 11, wherein the value of n is 20 to 25. (16) (a) preparing an extrusion die; (b) sending a plurality of optical fibers to the die; (c) forming a plurality of first protection tubes and one second protection tube in the die; (d) delivering a dielectric composition used to substantially maintain optical properties in the optical fiber unit to the die; (e) providing a material between the first protection tube and the optical fiber; A method for manufacturing an optical fiber, comprising extruding an optical fiber unit containing the composition between a first protection tube and one second protection tube from the die. (17) The composition between the optical fibers and the first protection tube is the composition according to claim 1, and the composition between the plurality of first protection tubes and one second protection tube is 17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the composition is a composition according to claim 1. (18) The composition between the optical fibers and the first protection tube is the composition according to claim 1, and the composition between the plurality of first protection tubes and one second protection tube. 17. The method according to item 16, wherein the composition is the composition according to item 6. (19) The composition between the optical fiber and the first protective tube is the composition according to the above item 6, and the composition between the first protective tube and the second protective tube is the composition according to claim 1. The first composition is a composition of
The method described in Section 7. (20) The composition between the optical fiber and the first protection tube is the composition of item 6 above, and the composition between the first protection tube and the second protection tube is the composition of item 6 above. 18. The method according to item 17. (21) The optical fiber unit according to item 18, wherein the hydrocarbon lubricating liquid is a petroleum distillate. (22) The optical fiber unit according to item 18, wherein the hydrocarbon lubricating liquid is a synthetic hydrocarbon. (23) The optical fiber unit according to item 18, wherein the hydrocarbon lubricating liquid comprises a petroleum distillate and a synthetic hydrocarbon. (24) The optical fiber unit according to item 18, wherein the value of n is 20 to 25. (25) (a) a plurality of optical fibers; (b) a plurality of first protection tubes, each tube surrounding each optical fiber; (c) an optical fiber; (d) a second composition surrounding the plurality of first protection tubes and supporting the optical fibers and substantially maintaining the optical properties of the optical fibers; An optical fiber unit consisting of a protection tube and. (26) (a) a plurality of optical fibers; (b) a plurality of first protection tubes, each of which surrounds each optical fiber; and (c) a plurality of first protection tubes. (d) a dielectric material that is located between the plurality of first protection tubes and the second protection tube and substantially maintains the optical properties of the optical fiber; An optical fiber unit comprising a certain composition; (27) The optical fiber unit according to item 25, wherein the composition is the composition according to claim 1. (28) Said item 25, wherein the composition is the composition of item 6.
The optical fiber unit described in . (29) The optical fiber unit according to item 26, wherein the composition is the composition according to claim 1. (30) The optical fiber unit according to item 26, wherein the composition is the composition according to item 6. (31) The composition between the optical fiber and the first protection tube is the composition according to claim 1, and the composition between the plurality of first protection tubes and the first protection tube is
12. The optical fiber unit according to claim 11, wherein the composition between the book and the second protective tube is the composition according to claim 1. (32) The composition between the optical fiber and the first protective tube is the composition according to claim 1, and the composition between the plurality of first protective tubes and the first protective tube is
11. The optical fiber unit according to item 11, wherein the composition between the book and the second protection tube is the composition of item 6. (33) The composition between the optical fibers and the first protective tube is the composition according to the above item 6, and the composition between the plurality of first protective tubes and one second protective tube is the claimed composition. 12. The method according to item 11, which is the composition of range 1. (34) The composition between the optical fibers and the first protection tube is the composition according to the above item 6, and the composition between the plurality of first protection tubes and one second protection tube is the composition according to the above item 6. The optical fiber unit according to item 11, which is the composition of item 6. (35) (a) preparing an extrusion die; (b) sending a plurality of optical fibers to the die; and (c) transferring a material forming a plurality of first protection tubes and one second protection tube to the die. (d) delivering a dielectric composition used to substantially maintain optical properties in the optical fiber unit to the die; (e) providing the dielectric composition between the first protective tube and the optical fiber; A method for manufacturing an optical fiber unit, comprising extruding an optical fiber unit containing a composition from the die. (36) (a) preparing an extrusion die; (b) sending a plurality of optical fibers to the die; and (c) providing a material for forming a plurality of first protection tubes and one second protection tube. (d) delivering a dielectric composition used to substantially maintain optical properties in the optical fiber unit to the die; (e) providing the plurality of first protection tubes and one A method for producing an optical fiber unit, comprising: extruding the optical fiber unit containing the composition between it and a second protection tube from the die. (37) The method according to item 35, wherein the composition is the composition according to claim 1. (38) Said item 35, wherein the composition is the composition of item 6.
The method described in section. (39) The method according to item 36, wherein the composition is the composition according to claim 1. (40) Said item 36, wherein the composition is the composition of item 6.
Section method.