Importance

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Abstract

A low-tack, non-cell-filling filling medium for telecommunication cables comprises 70-98% liquid base, 1-15% of a block copolymer and 1-15% of a dispersed phase former. The base may consist of a hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon mixture whose molecules are substantially incapable of diffusing into polyethylene, polypropylene or (with or without wax) other cellular insulating material at temperatures of up to 80.degree. C. or it may be a mixture of a mineral oil with a hydrocarbon or hydrocarbons satisfying the foregoing condition and also being soluble in the oil and having a low enough (number average) molecular weight to reduce significantly the osmotic pressure of the medium. The block copolymer includes at least one block tending to confer solubility in the base and at least one block tending to inhibit such solubility, so as to have a strong tendency to form a gel with the base. The dispersed phase former is a hydrocarbon material that is miscible with the medium at high temperatures but exists as solid dispersed particles at temperatures up to at least 65.degree. C.

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First Claim