5G bearing network reinforced optical cable and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a 5G bearing network reinforced optical cable and a preparation method thereof. The optical cable comprises a cable core, an outer sleeve, a reinforcing layer, a waterproof layer, a stainless steel band layer and a sheath layer which are sequentially arranged from inside to outside. The inner sleeve is adopted in the optical cable, so that qualified mechanical performance is guaranteed while the outer diameter of the optical cable is reduced; the inner sleeve is used for replacing a traditional optical fiber bundle, so that the identification performance and the water resistance of the optical cable in the construction process can be improved; the enhancement layer is formed by spirally twisting modified steel wires, so that the tensile and anti-pressure capabilities of the optical cable are improved, and the optical cable has relatively strong bird pecking prevention, rat prevention and corrosion prevention functions; the sheath layer utilizes an organic-inorganic hybrid material to replace a traditional PE organic polymer material, so that the temperature resistance and corrosion resistance of the optical cable are further enhanced; the stainless steel band layer is coated with the photo-thermal response layer, the thermoplastic microcapsules are dispersed in the sheath layer, intelligent self-repairing of the sheath layer is achieved through the light-heat-material synergistic effect, and the reliability of the 5G bearing net is remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of optical cable technology, specifically relating to a 5G bearer network reinforced optical cable and its preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of 5G networks and the Internet of Things, the industry has placed higher demands on the reliability and environmental adaptability of optical cables. Optical cables, especially those used in extreme environments, are still in the early stages of development. This is mainly because the raw materials for manufacturing these products have seen slow development in China, resulting in optical cables that cannot withstand extreme environments such as high temperatures and high corrosion.

[0003] Ordinary optical cables have many limitations due to their structure: Traditional optical cables with multi-layered protective structures still suffer from problems such as accelerated material aging and shortened service life when facing extreme environments such as high salt spray, strong acids and alkalis, extreme cold or high temperature. Traditional bundled structures are difficult to distinguish during installation or maintenance; Traditional optical cables, such as GYTA and GYTS, are too large to be easily laid in ducts. These shortcomings directly affect the long-term stability of optical cables and the control of customer operation and maintenance costs. Therefore, it is urgent to achieve the technological iteration and upgrade of the next generation of optical cables through the optimization of product structure and / or materials. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems in the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a 5G bearer network reinforced optical cable and its preparation method, which has excellent properties such as high temperature resistance, flame retardancy, tensile strength and lateral pressure resistance, and is suitable for extreme environments.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives and technical effects, the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows: A 5G bearer network reinforced optical cable includes, from the inside out, a cable core, an outer sheath, a reinforcing layer, a water-blocking layer, a stainless steel tape layer, and a sheath layer.

[0006] Furthermore, the cable core includes a plurality of fiber core units and cable grease filling the gaps between the fiber core units. The fiber core unit includes an inner sleeve and a plurality of optical fibers disposed therein and cable grease filling the gaps between the optical fibers.

[0007] Furthermore, the inner sleeve has a wall thickness of 0.1~0.2mm and an outer diameter of 1.3~1.5mm.

[0008] Furthermore, the raw materials for preparing the inner sleeve include the following components in parts by weight: 85-90 parts of PBT resin; 10-15 parts glass fiber; Antioxidant 0.3~0.5 parts; EBS 0.2~0.4 parts; 0.1 to 0.3 parts of ultraviolet absorber; 0.5 to 1 part talcum powder.

[0009] Furthermore, the outer sleeve has a wall thickness of 0.35~0.4mm and an outer diameter of 3.7~3.9mm.

[0010] Furthermore, the reinforcing layer is made of multiple phosphated steel wires that are evenly spirally twisted and wrapped around the surface of the outer tube, with the wire diameter being 0.4~0.6mm.

[0011] Furthermore, the surface of the stainless steel strip layer is provided with a photothermal responsive layer with a thickness of 15~20μm.

[0012] Furthermore, the raw materials for preparing the photothermal response layer include the following components in parts by weight: 5-8 servings of MWCNTs; 90-94 parts of epoxy resin; 1-3 parts of curing agent; Solvent, appropriate amount.

[0013] Furthermore, the sheath layer comprises the following components in parts by weight: 83-86 parts of high-density PE matrix; 10-12 parts of organic montmorillonite; 2-5 parts compatibilizer; Antioxidant 0.5-1 part; Thermoplastic microcapsules, appropriate amount.

[0014] This invention also discloses a method for preparing a 5G bearer network reinforced optical cable, comprising the following steps: 1) Fabrication of fiber core units; 2) Place several fiber core units inside the outer sleeve, and fill the gaps between the fiber core units with cable grease; 3) Multiple modified steel wires are evenly spirally twisted and wrapped around the outer surface of the outer sleeve to form a reinforcing layer; 4) Prepare a water-blocking layer on the outer surface of the reinforcing layer; 5) Wrap a stainless steel strip coated with a photothermal response layer around the outer surface of the water-blocking layer to form a stainless steel strip layer; 6) Extrude a sheath layer onto the outer surface of the stainless steel strip layer.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1) An inner sleeve is used inside the optical cable to reduce the sleeve wall thickness and improve the performance of the PBT material used in the sleeve, so as to ensure qualified mechanical properties of the optical cable while reducing the outer diameter of the optical cable. 2) Using inner sleeves instead of traditional fiber optic bundles not only improves the identification performance of optical cables during construction, but also further enhances the water resistance of optical cables. 3) The reinforcing layer uses modified steel wires such as phosphated steel wire, galvanized steel wire, and stainless steel wire, which have undergone surface treatment, and is spirally twisted to give the optical cable rust-proof and wear-resistant functions, further improving the tensile and compressive strength of the optical cable, and providing strong protection against birds, rodents and corrosion. 4) The sheath layer uses organic-inorganic hybrid materials to replace the traditional PE organic polymer materials, which further enhances the temperature resistance and corrosion resistance of the optical cable; 5) A photothermal response layer is coated on the stainless steel strip layer, and thermoplastic microcapsules are dispersed in the sheath layer. Through the synergistic effect of light, heat and materials, the sheath layer can achieve intelligent self-repair, which significantly improves the reliability of the 5G bearer network. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Among them, 1-optical fiber; 2-fiber grease; 3-inner sheath; 4-cable grease; 5-outer sheath; 6-reinforcing layer; 7-water-blocking layer; 8-stainless steel strip layer; 9-sheath layer. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will now be described in detail so that its advantages and features can be more easily understood by those skilled in the art, thereby providing a clearer and more explicit definition of the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] The following provides a brief overview of one or more aspects to offer a basic understanding of them. This overview is not an exhaustive summary of all conceived aspects, nor is it intended to identify key or decisive elements of all aspects, nor to define the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form to prepare for the more detailed descriptions that follow.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention discloses a 5G bearer network reinforced optical cable, comprising a cable core, an outer sheath 5, a reinforcing layer 6, a water-blocking layer 7, a stainless steel tape layer 8, and a sheath layer 9 arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside. The cable core includes a plurality of fiber core units and cable grease 4 filling the gaps between the fiber core units. The fiber core unit includes an inner sheath 3 and a plurality of optical fibers 1 disposed therein and fiber grease 2 filling the gaps between the optical fibers 1.

[0020] In some implementations, fiber 1 is a G652.D ordinary fiber, a high-temperature resistant fiber, or a bend-insensitive G657 fiber, with the appropriate fiber selected based on the application scenario.

[0021] In some embodiments, the fiber paste 2 is uniformly distributed around the optical fiber 1 to enhance the shrinkage strength of the optical fiber 1 and has a certain water-blocking property.

[0022] In some implementations, the stranded inner sleeve 3 replaces the traditional bundle, improving the convenience of optical cable installation, splicing and maintenance.

[0023] In some embodiments, the dimensions and wall thickness of the inner sleeve 3 are further upgraded compared to traditional sleeves, with the wall thickness set to 0.1~0.2mm, the outer diameter of the sleeve controlled at 1.3~1.5mm, and the excess length set at 0~0.2‰. To reduce the wall thickness while maintaining the performance of the inner sleeve 3, the raw materials for manufacturing the inner sleeve 3 include the following components in parts by weight: 85-90 parts of PBT resin; 10-15 parts glass fiber, 10-13 μm in diameter; Antioxidant 0.3~0.5 parts (1010 hindered phenols and 168 phosphites); EBS 0.2~0.4 parts; 0.1 to 0.3 parts of ultraviolet absorber; Talc powder 0.5~1 part, particle size 2-5μm.

[0024] PBT resin serves as the base material, providing basic mechanical properties. Its linear molecular chain structure endows the material with excellent heat resistance (melting point 225-235℃) and chemical stability. The regular arrangement of ester bonds forms a semi-crystalline structure, ensuring the rigidity and creep resistance of the inner sleeve 3.

[0025] Glass fiber significantly improves the bending strength (by 40-60%) and heat distortion temperature (HDT from 210℃ to over 260℃) of the material through the mechanical interlocking effect of the fiber-resin interface. The axial orientation of the fiber enhances the impact resistance of the inner sleeve 3, while suppressing the crystallization shrinkage rate of PBT (from 2.5% to 0.8%).

[0026] 1010 hindered phenolic antioxidants capture free radicals generated by polymer chain degradation, while 168 phosphite antioxidants decompose hydrogen peroxide, synergistically inhibiting the thermal oxidative degradation of PBT resin at processing temperatures (240-260℃) and extending the material's service life.

[0027] By adding EBS (ethylene bis-stearamide), an interfacial lubricant, to the melt, the friction coefficient between PBT molecular chains is reduced, the melt flowability is improved (the melt index is increased by 15-20%), the adhesion to the mold during processing is reduced, and the surface finish of the inner sleeve 3 is ensured.

[0028] The UV absorber uses UV-327 and other materials, which form a stable six-membered ring structure through intramolecular hydrogen bonding. It absorbs 290-400nm ultraviolet light and converts it into heat energy, preventing the PBT molecular chain breakage caused by ultraviolet rays and improving the outdoor weather resistance of the inner sleeve 3 (extending the UV aging resistance time by more than 2000 hours).

[0029] Talc provides heterogeneous nucleation sites, refines the size of PBT spherulites (reducing spherulite diameter from 5μm to 1-2μm), accelerates the crystallization rate (increasing crystallization temperature by 5-8℃), shortens the molding cycle, and improves the uniformity of material mechanical properties (increasing impact strength by 8-12%).

[0030] The above formula enables the inner sleeve 3 to achieve comprehensive performance with bending strength ≥180MPa, elongation at break ≥3%, and heat distortion temperature (1.82MPa) ≥220℃, which meets the requirements for use of electronic insulating sleeves and the application needs of optical fiber cables in high-density wiring and complex working conditions.

[0031] The gap between the outer sleeve 5 and the inner sleeve 3 is filled with cable paste 4. The cable paste 4 is a special water-blocking cable paste with high viscosity and low oil separation. It can maintain stable physical and chemical properties in the temperature range of -40℃ to +80℃, which can prevent water from penetrating along the longitudinal direction of the optical cable, so that the sleeve size and shape have a certain degree of roundness and water-blocking performance.

[0032] Multiple inner sleeves 3 are twisted together by an S-shaped process and then encapsulated by an outer sleeve 5. This not only increases fiber density and reduces the overall size of the optical cable, but also provides strong identification. Whether twisting is required depends on the number of fiber cores. Generally, inner sleeves 3 do not need to be twisted for 24 cores or less, while inner sleeves 3 need to be twisted for 24 cores or more. The twisting pitch is determined based on the actual situation.

[0033] The outer tube 5 has a wall thickness of 0.35~0.4mm and an outer diameter of 3.7~3.9mm.

[0034] The reinforcing layer 6 is made of multiple modified steel wires (such as phosphated steel wire, galvanized steel wire, stainless steel wire, etc., which have undergone surface treatment) evenly spirally twisted and wrapped around the surface of the outer sheath 5. The diameter of the steel wires is 0.4~0.6mm. After phosphate treatment, a dense phosphate protective film is formed on the surface of the steel wires, which significantly improves their corrosion resistance. At the same time, as a reinforcing element, it enables the tensile strength of the optical cable to reach more than 1500N.

[0035] The water-blocking layer 7 uses water-blocking yarn, which is wrapped twice around the outer surface of the reinforcing layer 6 to further reinforce the steel wire. The water-blocking yarn is made of highly absorbent resin composite yarn, which can quickly expand to form a gel-like substance when it comes into contact with water, further enhancing the radial water-blocking capability of the optical cable.

[0036] A 0.2-0.25mm thick stainless steel strip is wrapped around the outside of the water-resistant yarn to form a stainless steel strip layer 8. This layer, created through a longitudinal wrapping process, forms a sealed cavity, effectively preventing the intrusion of external moisture, corrosive gases, and microorganisms. A photothermal responsive layer is sprayed onto the outer surface of the stainless steel strip. The photothermal responsive layer uses multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs, diameter 10-20nm, length 1-10μm) as the photothermal conversion medium and epoxy resin as the binder. The formulation includes: 5-8 servings of MWCNTs; 90-94 parts of epoxy resin (as a photothermal conversion adhesive); 1-3 parts of curing agent; Solvent, appropriate amount.

[0037] The coating process is as follows: First, disperse MWCNTs in a solvent (such as acetone, to adjust the viscosity) and sonicate for 25-30 minutes. Then, add epoxy resin and curing agent, stir evenly, and then coat evenly on the surface of stainless steel strip by spraying or roller coating. The coating thickness is 15-20 μm. Finally, cure at 70-80℃ for 2-2.5 hours to form a firm photothermal response layer.

[0038] The sheath layer 9 utilizes an organic-inorganic hybrid material. This hybrid material, through the synergistic design of a high-density PE matrix, an inorganic functional phase, and an interfacial compatibilizer, forms an organic continuous phase-inorganic dispersed phase composite system, thereby improving the optical cable's high-temperature resistance and flame retardancy. Furthermore, this system, while maintaining the processability of PE, incorporates a microcapsule design, achieving intelligent self-healing of the optical cable sheath through the synergistic effect of light, heat, and materials, significantly improving the reliability of the 5G bearer network. Sheath layer 9 comprises the following components in parts by weight: 83-86 parts of high-density PE matrix; 10-12 parts of organomontmorillonite were used as a barrier reinforcing phase; 2-5 parts compatibilizer; Add 0.5 to 1 part antioxidant to improve long-term thermal stability; Thermoplastic microcapsules, appropriate amount.

[0039] The thermoplastic microcapsules consist of: a wall material of paraffin wax (melting point 60-65℃) and an encapsulated repair agent (epoxy resin + curing agent); dimensions: 30-50 μm in diameter, accounting for 4-6% of the total mass of the sheath material. After adding the thermoplastic microcapsules, low-speed stirring is required to avoid breakage. The microcapsules are then melt-blended using a twin-screw extruder at a temperature controlled at 180-200℃, and extruded into sheaths, with a shear rate controlled to <750 s⁻¹. -1 ~800s -1 .

[0040] By spraying a photothermal responsive layer onto the outer surface of the stainless steel strip and dispersing thermoplastic microcapsules in the sheath layer 9, when the sheath layer 9 cracks and the stainless steel strip is exposed to light, the carbon nanotubes absorb light energy and convert it into heat energy, causing the microcapsule wall material to melt, releasing epoxy resin and curing agent to fill the cracks, and curing upon contact with moisture in the air, thereby achieving rapid self-repair.

[0041] This invention also discloses a method for preparing a 5G bearer network reinforced optical cable, comprising the following steps: 1) Fabrication of fiber core units Several optical fibers 1 are placed inside the inner sleeve 3. At least one optical fiber 1 can be set in one inner sleeve 3 according to actual needs. The gaps between the optical fibers 1 are filled with fiber paste 2 to form a fiber core unit. 2) Place several fiber core units inside the outer sleeve 5, and fill the gaps between the fiber core units with cable grease 4; 3) Multiple modified steel wires are evenly spirally twisted and wrapped around the outer surface of the outer sleeve 5 to form a reinforcing layer 6; 4) A water-blocking layer 7 is prepared on the outer surface of the reinforcing layer 6; 5) Wrap a stainless steel strip coated with a photothermal response layer around the outer surface of the water-blocking layer 7 to form a stainless steel strip layer 8; 6) Extrude a sheath layer 9 onto the outer surface of the stainless steel strip layer 8.

[0042] In this invention, the curing agent is polyamide 650, T31, m-phenylenediamine, etc.; the compatibilizer is maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PE-g-MAH), such as Kraton's SCONA TPPP 2112 GA; the antioxidant is a mixture of 1010 hindered phenols and 168 phosphites in a mass ratio of 1:1 to 1:2.

[0043] Any parts or structures not specifically described in this invention can be made using existing technologies or products, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0044] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention specification, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A reinforced optical cable for 5G bearer networks, characterized in that, It includes, from the inside out, the cable core, outer sheath, reinforcement layer, water-blocking layer, stainless steel strip layer, and sheath layer.

2. The 5G bearer network reinforced optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable core includes several fiber core units and cable grease filling the gaps between the fiber core units. Each fiber core unit includes an inner sleeve and several optical fibers disposed therein and cable grease filling the gaps between the optical fibers.

3. The 5G bearer network reinforced optical cable according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner sleeve has a wall thickness of 0.1~0.2mm and an outer diameter of 1.3~1.5mm.

4. The 5G bearer network reinforced optical cable according to claim 2, characterized in that, The raw materials for preparing the inner sleeve include the following components in parts by weight: 85-90 parts of PBT resin; 10-15 parts glass fiber; Antioxidant 0.3~0.5 parts; EBS 0.2~0.4 parts; 0.1 to 0.3 parts of ultraviolet absorber; Talc powder 0.5~1 part.

5. A 5G bearer network reinforced optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer sleeve has a wall thickness of 0.35~0.4mm and an outer diameter of 3.7~3.9mm.

6. A 5G bearer network reinforced optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcing layer is made of multiple phosphated steel wires that are evenly spirally twisted and wrapped around the surface of the outer tube. The diameter of the steel wires is 0.4~0.6mm.

7. A 5G bearer network reinforced optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stainless steel strip layer has a photothermal response layer with a thickness of 15~20μm on its surface.

8. A 5G bearer network reinforced optical cable according to claim 7, characterized in that, The raw materials for preparing the photothermal responsive layer include the following components in parts by weight: 5-8 servings of MWCNTs; 90-94 parts of epoxy resin; 1-3 parts of curing agent; Solvent, appropriate amount.

9. A 5G bearer network reinforced optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sheath layer comprises the following components in parts by weight: 83-86 parts of high-density PE matrix; 10-12 parts of organic montmorillonite; 2-5 parts compatibilizer; Antioxidant 0.5-1 part Thermoplastic microcapsules, appropriate amount.

10. A method for preparing a 5G bearer network reinforced optical cable according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: 1) Fabrication of fiber core units; 2) Place several fiber core units inside the outer sleeve, and fill the gaps between the fiber core units with cable grease; 3) Multiple modified steel wires are evenly spirally twisted and wrapped around the outer surface of the outer sleeve to form a reinforcing layer; 4) Prepare a water-blocking layer on the outer surface of the reinforcing layer; 5) Wrap a stainless steel strip coated with a photothermal response layer around the outer surface of the water-blocking layer to form a stainless steel strip layer; 6) Extrude a sheath layer onto the outer surface of the stainless steel strip layer.

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