Panduan Permulaan untuk Bahan Gentian Optik

Fibre optic cables have advanced our communication systems. However, the real secret behind seamless connectivity is their material. For instance, most fibre optics utilise thin strands of glass or plastic. These materials are crystal clear, strong and tough to enable reliable signal transmission over long distances. In this article, we’ll discuss in detail all types of fibre optic materials. So, keep reading this blog and understand how the world stays connected.

Figure no 1 Fire optic cable materials

1) Understanding fibre optic materials

“Fibre optic materials are made up of finely crafted polymers ( plastic ) or glass (silica) that are greatly translucent and allow light to pass through them with very little loss” 

• Key features of Fibre Optic Materials

• High Transparency: Glass (silica) and plastic are highly transparent, which enables light to pass with little loss. This results in efficient data transmission over a distance. 

• Lightweight & Flexible: Fibers are much lighter than copper cables. Moreover, they are easier to bend and rotate without breaking, simplifying the installation process. Due to its light weight and flexibility, fibre optics can adeptly deal with cramped spots or complex configurations, making them a practical solution to save space. 

• High Durability & Strength: Fiber optics have a long lifespan owing to the strong materials like Kevlar, protective coatings, and moisture-resistant layers that are used in their construction. These cables resist weather, bending, and impact. When properly looked after, they can last for decades and remain a dependable solution because of their longevity.

• Heat & Fire Resistance: Some of the materials that are used for the fibre optic cables are designed to tolerate heat and even fire. Unlike metal cables, fiber optics do not overheat or produce sparks, which makes them safer for use in buildings, factories, or other high-risk areas.

2) What Materials Are Fibre Optic Cables Made Of?

The materials used in fibre optic cables let light pass through so that information can be sent. Since each part of a fibre optic cable has an individual function, the materials must be robust, transparent, and durable. So, let’s delve deeper!

i) Core Material: Where Light Travels  

The core of a fibre optic cable is the central transparent portion where light travels. It needs to be made out of a material that permits light to travel through it with minimal loss.  

• Glass (Silica-based fibres): Most fibre optic cables use highly purified glass made from silica (SiO₂). This glass is extremely clear, enabling light to be transmitted over long distances without losing strength. Fast Internet and long-distance communication require glass.    

• Plastic (Plastic Optical Fibre, POF): Some cables use plastic instead of glass. These plastic fibres are easier to work with economically and flexibly, making them suitable for short distances like home networks and car systems. These will not work with long-distance networks because plastic does not transmit light with the intensity glass does.

Figure no 2: Which materials can be used to make Fibre optic strands

ii) Cladding Material: Keeps the Light Inside  

Cladding is the casing that holds the core. It stops light from escaping the fibre using total internal reflection, which ensures the light is kept in the core.  

• Glass (Silica-based cladding): For high-performance cables, glass cladding is used as it possesses a lower refractive index than the core. This increases the ease of light transmission.  

• Fluorine-doped Glass: Adding fluorine to special glass reduces the refractive index, which ensures a clearer signal by minimising signal loss.  

• Polymer-based Cladding: Used in some plastic optical fibres (POF), this type uses a plastic covering to enhance flexibility. Unfortunately, it leads to increased signal attenuation, especially over long distances.  

iii) Coating and Buffering: Protection from Damage  

Due to the reduced diameter of the cables, they require a protective layer to safeguard against scratches, moisture, and bending.  

• Acrylate Polymer Coatings: The majority of fibre optics are wrapped with these polymers for added protection against moisture, dust, and bending. This prevents the glass or plastic core from shattering.

• Polyimide Coatings: These cover cables in the aerospace and industrial machines realms, designed to withstand extreme temperatures or demanding environments.

iv) Strengthening materials

To protect delicate glass fibers from strain, bending, and external damage, strengthening materials are used on fiber optic cables. The most popular options are as follows;

• Kevlar is Aramid yarn because of its light weight, flexibility, and resistance to stretching. 

• For high-tension situations, like aerial fiber optic cable and submarine cables, steel wire provides additional durability. 

• Dielectric strength members and Fiberglass rods provide structural support while maintaining flexibility. 

These materials ensure that the cable can handle harsh weather conditions and pulling forces during installation. The proper selection of fiber optic strengthening materials is determined by the application, whether it is indoors, outdoors, or industrial.

Moreover, a Qoura user named Steve Blumenkranz, a mechanical engineer, has also shared his reviews regarding fibre optic materials. He also said that glass dopped with gemranium dioxide or plastic are commonly used materials.

3) Fibre Optic Cable Jacket Material

The jacket of a fibre optic cable is the outermost layer that surrounds and protects the cable from a range of damage. It keeps the sensitive inner components from moisture, heat, chemicals, and any physical impact. 

Fibre optic jackets are usually made of highly durable plastic materials that resist scratches and endure for a long time. Among them, the following are the most important:

i) Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Polyvinyl Chloride is a synthetic polymer made from vinyl chloride monomers through a polymerization process. This type of jacket material is cost-effective, flexible, and fire-resistant; PVC is the most popular option. It reliably protects against moisture damage and even minor physical damage, which is ideal for indoor cables like office networks or home internet connections. Nevertheless, PVC cannot be used in applications that require high temperatures as it will release toxic fumes when combusted.

Figure no 3 Fibre cable jacket material

ii) Polyethylene (PE): PE is a lighter type of thermoplastic polymer produced from ethylene monomers. PE is perfect for outdoor and underground cables as it is resistant to water, chemicals, and UV rays. It does not degrade easily in harsh weather, which is why PE is used for fibre optic cables beneath roads, in industrial regions and even under oceans.

iii) Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH): Unlike PVC, LSZH plastics do not release toxic gases upon combustion, therefore making them ideal for safety-sensitive locations like hospitals, schools, or crowded public areas. 

iv) Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) and Polyurethane (PU): These materials demonstrate elasticity and resilience, allowing them to be used for cables that bend frequently, such as those utilized in robotic arms and vehicles. PU sees use in industrial and military applications because of its exceptional oil, chemical, and abrasion resistance.  

5) Closing Remarks

In short, the development of fibre optics showcases the innovations achieved in high-speed, long-distance modern communication. However, it can only be done if you choose high-quality materials, otherwise you have to suffer from maintainance and repair costs. 

So, if you want to buy high-quality fibre optic cables, then Serat Dekam has the most optimal solutions tailored to your requirements. Don’t hesitate to check out our impressive selection of products and elevate your network today!