Compositions, adhesives, tapes and optical cables

Abstract

The disclosure discloses a composition, an adhesive, a tape and an optical cable, and belongs to the technical field of optical cables.The composition comprises a base resin and a flame retardant, the base resin comprises isooctyl acrylate and has a mass percentage of 50-85%, the flame retardant comprises a phosphate ester flame retardant and a hypophosphite flame retardant, the mass percentage of the phosphate ester flame retardant is 1-30%, and the mass percentage of the hypophosphite flame retardant is 10-50%; the hypophosphite flame retardant is selected from at least one of aluminum hypophosphite, zinc hypophosphite, iron hypophosphite, aluminum diethyl hypophosphite, aluminum methyl hypophosphite and aluminum propyl hypophosphite.The adhesive formed by the composition can be used as a bonding layer of a concealed optical cable, so that the bonding layer of the concealed optical cable has good transparency, flame retardance and yellowing resistance in addition to reliable bonding force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of optical cable technology, and particularly to compositions, adhesives, tapes and optical cables. Background Technology

[0002] Optical cables typically consist of optical fibers, a sheath covering the optical fibers, and an adhesive layer covering the sheath. The adhesive layer uses hot melt adhesive or double-sided tape to bond and fix the optical cable.

[0003] Currently, indoor optical cables typically employ stealth technology, which aims for high transparency in both the sheath and adhesive layer to achieve both concealment and aesthetic appeal. However, some transparent double-sided tapes suitable for stealth cables often lack flame-retardant properties, while some double-sided tapes containing flame retardants struggle to maintain high transparency and are prone to yellowing during use. This is detrimental to the application of the adhesive layer in stealth cables. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides compositions, adhesives, tapes, and optical cables that can solve the technical problems existing in related technologies. The technical solution is shown below.

[0005] On one hand, a composition is provided, the composition comprising a matrix resin and a flame retardant, the matrix resin comprising isooctyl acrylate, and the matrix resin comprising 50%-85% by mass; the flame retardant comprising a phosphate ester flame retardant and a hypophosphite flame retardant, the phosphate ester flame retardant comprising 1%-30% by mass, and the hypophosphite flame retardant comprising 10%-50% by mass; the hypophosphite flame retardant being selected from at least one of aluminum hypophosphite, zinc hypophosphite, iron hypophosphite, aluminum diethylphosphite, aluminum methylphosphite, and aluminum propylphosphite.

[0006] The composition provided in this disclosure uses isooctyl acrylate as the base resin. The polymer formed by the photocuring reaction of isooctyl acrylate has a three-dimensional network structure, which provides the adhesive strength, cohesive strength, and flexibility required by the adhesive. Furthermore, isooctyl acrylate itself has anti-yellowing properties, thus endowing the adhesive with strong anti-yellowing resistance. By compounding specific amounts of phosphate ester flame retardants and hypophosphite flame retardants, a composite flame retardant with excellent flame retardant effect and anti-yellowing performance is formed. This composite flame retardant works synergistically with the base resin, ensuring that the isooctyl acrylate polymer maintains its basic properties while also imparting strong flame retardancy and anti-yellowing performance under long-term service conditions. Therefore, the adhesive prepared based on this composition, while maintaining reliable adhesive performance, also possesses good transparency, flame retardancy, and anti-yellowing properties. The adhesive prepared based on this composition can be used as an adhesive layer for invisible optical cables. Due to its high transparency, the adhesive layer is beneficial to the invisibility and aesthetic requirements of invisible optical cables. Due to its high flame retardancy, the adhesive layer is beneficial to achieving the flame retardancy requirements of invisible optical cables. Due to its strong resistance to yellowing, the adhesive layer is beneficial to ensuring that the invisible optical cable maintains good transparency after long-term service, thus ensuring its service life.

[0007] In some possible implementations, the particle size of the flame retardant is less than or equal to 100 micrometers. By limiting the particle size of the flame retardant as described above, at least the following effects are achieved: the flame retardant has a large specific surface area, which enhances the physical adsorption between it and the matrix resin, thereby enhancing the flame retardant effect. The flame retardant has good dispersibility, which not only enhances the uniformity of flame retardancy but also helps to reduce the negative impact of the flame retardant on the basic properties of the matrix resin, stably maintaining the original properties of the matrix resin, such as flexibility.

[0008] In some possible implementations, the phosphate ester flame retardant is selected from at least one of alkyl phosphate ester flame retardants, condensed phosphate ester flame retardants, phenyl phosphate ester flame retardants, cyclic phosphate ester flame retardants, and dimethyl methyl phosphate.

[0009] In some possible implementations, the isooctyl acrylate comprises 25%-50% by mass, and the matrix resin further comprises at least one of the following components: 0-10% acrylic acid, 0-10% methacrylic acid, 0-20% N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, 0-10% acrylamide, 0-20% methyl acrylate, and 0-10% vinyl acetate. Using the above compounds as synergistic resins with isooctyl acrylate is more advantageous for improving the adhesion, flexibility, temperature resistance, and processability of the adhesive formed by the composition.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the composition further includes ≤10% by weight of a silicone flame retardant. Silicone flame retardants exhibit good resistance to yellowing. By further increasing the silicone flame retardant in the composition system, the three flame retardants work synergistically, which not only further enhances the long-term resistance to yellowing of the adhesive but also improves the adhesive's flame retardant properties and thermal stability. Furthermore, the silicone flame retardant, based on its flexible characteristics, also helps improve the flexibility and processability of the adhesive.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the composition further includes ≤15% by weight of a charring agent, which includes at least one selected from pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol, polyacrylate, and maleic anhydride-acrylate copolymer. The charring agent can form char products during combustion, and the char layer formed by the char products has good heat insulation and oxygen barrier properties. Further increasing the charring agent in the composition is more beneficial for enhancing the flame retardant properties of the binder, and, by reducing the occurrence of oxidation reactions, can mitigate yellowing of the material to some extent. Moreover, the structures of the above-mentioned types of charring agents are relatively stable, and they themselves also have good resistance to yellowing.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the composition further includes ≤5% by weight of a photoinitiator. The use of a photoinitiator promotes the curing of the matrix resin, thereby improving curing efficiency and curing effect.

[0013] On the other hand, an adhesive is provided, which is prepared using any of the compositions described above.

[0014] The adhesive provided in this disclosure has all the advantages of the compositions described above, including at least the following: good transparency, good flame retardancy, resistance to yellowing, high viscosity, and good environmental adaptability (e.g., applicable temperature range of 5°C to 60°C).

[0015] In another aspect, a tape is provided, the tape comprising an adhesive layer and a release film bonded to at least one surface of the adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer is prepared using any of the compositions described above.

[0016] The tape provided in this disclosure has an adhesive layer that has all the advantages of the compositions mentioned above, including at least the following: good transparency, good flame retardancy, resistance to yellowing, high tack, and good environmental adaptability (e.g., applicable temperature of 5°C-60°C).

[0017] In another aspect, an optical cable is provided, the optical cable comprising: an optical fiber, a sheath covering the outer surface of the optical fiber, and an adhesive layer disposed outside the sheath, wherein the adhesive layer is prepared using any of the compositions described above.

[0018] The optical cable disclosed in this embodiment, based on its adhesive layer being prepared using any of the aforementioned compositions or provided by the aforementioned tapes, possesses at least the following advantages: good transparency, good flame retardancy, resistance to yellowing, high adhesion, and good environmental adaptability (e.g., applicable temperature range of 5°C-60°C). Therefore, while maintaining reliable adhesion, the high transparency of the optical cable's adhesive layer is beneficial for the invisibility and aesthetic requirements of stealth optical cables; its high flame retardancy is beneficial for the flame retardancy requirements of stealth optical cables; and its strong resistance to yellowing ensures that the stealth optical cable maintains good transparency even after long-term service, thus ensuring its service life.

[0019] In some possible implementations, the optical cable further includes a reinforcement member arranged parallel to the optical fiber, with the sheath covering both the optical fiber and the reinforcement member. The reinforcement member protects the optical fiber from mechanical stresses (such as tension, bending, and flattening), ensuring its integrity and performance during installation and use.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the optical cable further includes a tight-buffered sleeve that tightly wraps around the outside of the optical fiber. The optical fiber is tightly encased inside the tight-buffered sleeve, which provides physical and environmental protection, ensuring that the optical fiber is not easily damaged during installation and use.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the adhesive layer has at least the following physical properties: transparency ≥ 50% / 0.2mm, color difference ≤ 6 under 500h UV irradiation conditions, and initial adhesive force ≥ 3N / mm. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of an exemplary adhesive tape provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a first exemplary optical cable provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a second exemplary optical cable provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a third exemplary optical cable provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0026] The reference numerals in the attached figures represent:

[0027] 101. Adhesive layer; 102. Release film;

[0028] 100, optical fiber; 200, sheath layer; 300, reinforcement; 400, tight sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Optical cables are communication lines used in the field of optical communication to achieve stable transmission of optical signals. An optical cable typically consists of optical fibers, a sheath covering the outer layer of the optical fibers, and an adhesive layer covering the outer layer of the sheath. The adhesive layer uses hot melt adhesive or double-sided tape to bond and fix the optical cable.

[0030] Optical cables can be categorized into outdoor optical cables, drop cables, and indoor optical cables based on their application scenarios. Outdoor optical cables are typically used in backbone and distribution networks, and are installed through methods such as direct burial, ductwork, overhead laying, and underwater installation. Therefore, outdoor optical cables possess excellent mechanical properties and strong resistance to corrosion and aging. Drop cables are used in Fiber to the Home (FTTH) scenarios, with one end outdoors and the other inside the building. Therefore, drop cables typically possess excellent mechanical properties, resistance to corrosion and aging, and good flame retardant properties to meet relevant flame retardant regulations (IEC 60332-1-2 or EN 50575). Indoor optical cables are used in Fiber to the Room (FTTR) scenarios to enable communication between communication equipment and terminal devices within a building. Since indoor optical cables are laid indoors, their requirements for mechanical properties (e.g., tensile and compressive strength), aging resistance, and environmental stability are relatively lower than those for outdoor optical cables and drop cables. However, compared to the other two, indoor optical cables have higher requirements for ease of construction, aesthetics, and flame retardancy. As a result, invisible optical cables have emerged to meet these needs.

[0031] The sheath and adhesive layer of invisible optical cables have high transparency (also known as light transmittance, light transmittance, etc.) to achieve the requirements of invisibility and aesthetics. However, some transparent double-sided tapes suitable for invisible optical cables usually do not have flame retardant properties, and some double-sided tapes with flame retardants are difficult to maintain high transparency and are prone to yellowing during use. This is not conducive to the application of the adhesive layer in invisible optical cables.

[0032] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new type of adhesive material that, while maintaining high adhesion, also possesses high transparency and flame retardancy, and exhibits resistance to yellowing under long-term service conditions, in order to meet the high-efficiency deployment requirements of stealth optical cables.

[0033] To address the technical problems existing in related technologies, this disclosure provides a composition comprising a matrix resin and a flame retardant. The matrix resin comprises 50%-85% by mass and includes isooctyl acrylate. The flame retardant comprises a phosphate ester flame retardant and a hypophosphite flame retardant. The phosphate ester flame retardant comprises 1%-30% by mass and the hypophosphite flame retardant comprises 10%-50% by mass. The hypophosphite flame retardant is selected from at least one of aluminum hypophosphite, zinc hypophosphite, iron hypophosphite, aluminum diethylphosphite, aluminum methylphosphite, and aluminum propylphosphite.

[0034] The composition provided in this disclosure uses isooctyl acrylate as the base resin. The polymer formed by the photocuring reaction of isooctyl acrylate has a three-dimensional network structure, which provides the adhesive strength, cohesive strength, and flexibility required by the adhesive. Furthermore, isooctyl acrylate itself has anti-yellowing properties, thus endowing the adhesive with strong anti-yellowing resistance. By compounding specific amounts of phosphate ester flame retardants and hypophosphite flame retardants, a composite flame retardant with excellent flame retardant effect and anti-yellowing performance is formed. This composite flame retardant works synergistically with the base resin, ensuring that the isooctyl acrylate polymer maintains its basic properties while also imparting strong flame retardancy and anti-yellowing performance under long-term service conditions. Therefore, the adhesive prepared based on this composition, while maintaining reliable adhesive performance, also possesses good transparency, flame retardancy, and anti-yellowing properties. The adhesive prepared based on this composition can be used as an adhesive layer for invisible optical cables. Due to its high transparency, the adhesive layer is beneficial to the invisibility and aesthetic requirements of invisible optical cables. Due to its high flame retardancy, the adhesive layer is beneficial to achieving the flame retardancy requirements of invisible optical cables. Due to its strong resistance to yellowing, the adhesive layer is beneficial to ensuring that the invisible optical cable maintains good transparency after long-term service, thus ensuring its service life.

[0035] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the mass percentage of the matrix resin in the composition is 50%-85% to ensure that the adhesive formed by the composition has reliable bonding strength. For example, the mass percentage of the matrix resin can be any of the following values ​​or any range of two values: 50%, 55%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 85%, etc.

[0036] In some examples, when the matrix resin consists only of isooctyl acrylate, the mass percentage of isooctyl acrylate in the composition is correspondingly 50%-85%.

[0037] The mass percentage of phosphate ester flame retardants in the composition is 1%-30% to ensure that the composite flame retardant exerts excellent flame retardant effect. For example, the mass percentage of phosphate ester flame retardants can be any of the following values ​​or any range of two values: 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, etc.

[0038] The mass percentage of hypophosphite flame retardants is 10%-50% to ensure that the composite flame retardant exerts excellent flame retardant effect. For example, the mass percentage of hypophosphite flame retardants can be any of the following values ​​or any range of two values: 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, etc.

[0039] In some examples, embodiments of this disclosure provide a composition comprising the following components in weight percentages: 50%-85% isooctyl acrylate, 1%-30% phosphate ester flame retardant, and 10%-50% hypophosphite flame retardant. Further, the weight percentage of isooctyl acrylate is 60%-80%, the weight percentage of phosphate ester flame retardant is 5%-30%, and the weight percentage of hypophosphite flame retardant is 15%-40%, etc.

[0040] The compositions disclosed herein can have flame retardant particle sizes in the micrometer and nanometer ranges. In some examples, the average particle size of the flame retardant (including phosphate ester flame retardants and hypophosphite flame retardants) can be less than or equal to 100 micrometers, further less than or equal to 10 micrometers, less than or equal to 5 micrometers, less than or equal to 1 micrometer, etc. For example, the average particle size of the flame retardant can be less than or equal to 5 micrometers.

[0041] By limiting the particle size of the flame retardant as described above, at least the following effects are achieved: The flame retardant has a large specific surface area, enhancing physical adsorption with the matrix resin and thus improving the flame retardant effect. Good dispersibility of the flame retardant not only enhances flame retardant uniformity but also helps reduce the negative impact of the flame retardant on the basic properties of the matrix resin, stably maintaining the original properties of the matrix resin, such as flexibility. After the small-sized flame retardant particles are uniformly dispersed in the matrix resin, during combustion, the flame retardant particles can rapidly migrate to the material surface, forming a dense barrier layer that prevents the mutual diffusion of heat, oxygen, and combustible gases, slowing down or terminating the combustion reaction. Furthermore, the smaller the particle size of the flame retardant, the easier it is to form a continuous and dense barrier layer, resulting in a better improvement in the flame retardant effect.

[0042] As mentioned above, phosphate ester flame retardants and hypophosphite flame retardants form a composite flame retardant to synergize with isooctyl acrylate. In some examples, the content of phosphate ester flame retardants can be greater than the content of hypophosphite flame retardants. For example, the mass ratio of phosphate ester flame retardants to hypophosphite flame retardants is 1.5-5:1, including but not limited to: 1.5:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, 3:1, 3.5:1, 4:1, etc. This scheme is more advantageous for the transparency of the binder formed by the composition.

[0043] For phosphate ester flame retardants, some phosphate ester flame retardants applicable to the embodiments of this disclosure may be alkyl phosphate ester flame retardants, condensed phosphate ester flame retardants, phenyl phosphate ester flame retardants, cyclic phosphate ester flame retardants, dimethyl methyl phosphate, etc., wherein alkyl phosphate ester flame retardants may be trimethyl phosphate, triethyl phosphate, tributyl phosphate, etc., condensed phosphate ester flame retardants may be bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate), resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate), etc., and phenyl phosphate ester flame retardants may be, for example, triphenyl phosphate, resorcinol diphenyl diphosphate, etc.

[0044] In some examples, isooctyl acrylate accounts for 25%-50% by mass in the composition, and the matrix resin provided in the embodiments of this disclosure further includes at least one of the following components: 0-10% acrylic acid, 0-10% methacrylic acid, 0-20% N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, 0-10% acrylamide, 0-20% methyl acrylate, and 0-10% vinyl acetate.

[0045] By using the above-mentioned compounds as synergistic resins to work in conjunction with isooctyl acrylate, it is more beneficial to improve the adhesion, flexibility, temperature resistance, and processability of the adhesive formed by the composition.

[0046] The synergistic resin may be any one, any two, any three, any four, or any five of the above six compounds, or the synergistic resin may be composed of all six compounds simultaneously.

[0047] For examples of synergistic resin solutions, please refer to the following:

[0048] In some examples, the matrix resin includes one of isooctyl acrylate, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, one of N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide and acrylamide, and one of methyl acrylate and vinyl acetate.

[0049] In other examples, the matrix resin includes isooctyl acrylate, one of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, one of N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide and acrylamide, methyl acrylate and vinyl acetate.

[0050] In yet another example, the matrix resin includes isooctyl acrylate, one of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate and vinyl acetate.

[0051] In other examples, the matrix resin includes one of isooctyl acrylate, N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide and acrylamide, methyl acrylate and vinyl acetate.

[0052] In other examples, the matrix resin includes one of isooctyl acrylate, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, one of N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide and acrylamide, and one or two of methyl acrylate and vinyl acetate.

[0053] The mass percentage of acrylic acid in the composition can be 0-10%, further can be 0-5%, or can be any of the following values ​​or any range of two values: 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, etc.

[0054] The mass percentage of methacrylic acid in the composition can be 0-10%, further can be 0-5%, or can be any of the following values ​​or any range of two values: 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, etc.

[0055] The mass percentage of N-hydroxyethylacrylamide in the composition can be 0-20%, further can be 0-10%, or can be any of the following values ​​or any range of two values: 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, etc.

[0056] The mass percentage of acrylamide in the composition can be 0-10%, further can be 0-5%, or can be any of the following values ​​or any range of two values: 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, etc.

[0057] The mass percentage of methyl acrylate in the composition can be 0-10%, further can be 0-5%, or can be any of the following values ​​or any range of two values: 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, etc.

[0058] The mass percentage of vinyl acetate in the composition can be 0-10%, further can be 0-5%, or can be any of the following values ​​or any range of two values: 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, etc.

[0059] In some examples, embodiments of this disclosure provide a composition comprising the following components in weight percentages: 25%-50% isooctyl acrylate, 15%-40% synergistic resin, 1%-30% phosphate ester flame retardant, and 10%-50% hypophosphite flame retardant. Further, the weight percentage of isooctyl acrylate is 30%-45%, the weight percentage of synergistic resin is 20%-40%, the weight percentage of phosphate ester flame retardant is 5%-30%, and the weight percentage of hypophosphite flame retardant is 15%-40%, etc. The synergistic resin is selected from at least one of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, acrylamide, methyl acrylate, and vinyl acetate, and may employ any of the aforementioned synergistic resin formulations.

[0060] In some examples, the composition further includes ≤10% by mass of a silicone flame retardant, which has good resistance to yellowing. By further adding silicone flame retardant to the composition system, the three flame retardants work synergistically, which is not only more beneficial to improving the long-term resistance to yellowing of the adhesive, but also beneficial to making the adhesive exhibit stronger flame retardant properties and thermal stability. In addition, based on its flexible characteristics, the silicone flame retardant is also beneficial to improving the flexibility and processing properties of the adhesive.

[0061] Organosilicon flame retardants can be in the micron or nanometer size range, and can be siloxane flame retardants (e.g., methyl silicone oil, phenyl silicone oil, hydroxyl silicone oil, etc.), fluorosilane flame retardants, cage-type octaphenyl silsesquioxane (POPS), dimethyl diphenyl polysiloxane, silicone polymers, etc.

[0062] Furthermore, the mass percentage of the silicone flame retardant in the composition can be 1%-5%, for example, it can be 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, etc., which, while ensuring the above effects, also helps to reduce the influence of the silicone flame retardant on the adhesive properties of the binder.

[0063] In some examples, embodiments of this disclosure provide a composition comprising the following components in weight percentages: 50%-85% isooctyl acrylate, 1%-30% phosphate ester flame retardant, 10%-50% hypophosphite flame retardant, and 1%-10% silicone flame retardant. Further, the weight percentages of isooctyl acrylate are 60%-80%, the phosphate ester flame retardant is 5%-30%, the hypophosphite flame retardant is 15%-40%, and the silicone flame retardant is 1%-5%, etc.

[0064] In some examples, embodiments of this disclosure provide a composition comprising the following components in weight percentages: 25%-50% isooctyl acrylate, 15%-40% synergistic resin, 1%-30% phosphate ester flame retardant, 10%-50% hypophosphite flame retardant, and 1%-10% silicone flame retardant. Further, the weight percentage of isooctyl acrylate is 30%-45%, the weight percentage of synergistic resin is 20%-40%, the weight percentage of phosphate ester flame retardant is 5%-30%, the weight percentage of hypophosphite flame retardant is 15%-40%, and the weight percentage of silicone flame retardant is 1%-5%, etc. The synergistic resin is selected from at least one of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, acrylamide, methyl acrylate, and vinyl acetate, and may employ the aforementioned synergistic resin formulation.

[0065] In some examples, for any of the compositions mentioned above, the composition further includes ≤15% by mass of a charring agent, which includes at least one of pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol, polyacrylate, and maleic anhydride-acrylate copolymer (e.g., ethylene-acrylate-maleic anhydride copolymer), and the polyacrylate may further include polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, etc.

[0066] Charring agents can form carbonization products during combustion. The carbon layer formed by these products has good heat insulation and oxygen barrier properties. Further increasing the amount of charring agent in the composition is more beneficial for enhancing the flame retardant properties of the binder. Moreover, by reducing the occurrence of oxidation reactions, the yellowing of the material can be mitigated to some extent. Furthermore, the structures of the aforementioned types of charring agents are relatively stable, and they themselves also have good resistance to yellowing.

[0067] By limiting the content of the charring agent to ≤15%, the above-mentioned effects are ensured, while also reducing the influence of the charring agent on the adhesive properties of the binder. Furthermore, the mass percentage of the charring agent in the composition can be 1%-10%, for example, it can be 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, etc.

[0068] In some examples, embodiments of this disclosure provide a composition comprising the following components in weight percentages: 50%-85% isooctyl acrylate, 1%-30% phosphate ester flame retardant, 10%-50% hypophosphite flame retardant, and 1%-15% charring agent. Further, the weight percentages of isooctyl acrylate are 60%-80%, the weight percentages of the phosphate ester flame retardant are 5%-30%, the weight percentages of the hypophosphite flame retardant are 15%-40%, and the weight percentages of the charring agent are 1%-10%.

[0069] In some examples, embodiments of this disclosure provide a composition comprising the following components in weight percentages: 50%-85% isooctyl acrylate, 1%-30% phosphate ester flame retardant, 10%-50% hypophosphite flame retardant, 1%-10% silicone flame retardant, and 1%-15% charring agent. Further, the weight percentages of isooctyl acrylate are 60%-80%, the weight percentages of phosphate ester flame retardant are 5%-30%, the weight percentages of hypophosphite flame retardant are 15%-40%, the weight percentages of silicone flame retardant are 1%-5%, and the weight percentages of charring agent are 1%-10%.

[0070] In some examples, embodiments of this disclosure provide a composition comprising the following components in weight percentages: 25%-50% isooctyl acrylate, 15%-40% synergistic resin, 1%-30% phosphate ester flame retardant, 10%-50% hypophosphite flame retardant, and 1%-15% charring agent. Further, the weight percentage of isooctyl acrylate is 30%-45%, the weight percentage of synergistic resin is 20%-40%, the weight percentage of phosphate ester flame retardant is 5%-30%, the weight percentage of hypophosphite flame retardant is 15%-40%, and the weight percentage of charring agent is 1%-10%. The synergistic resin is selected from at least one of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, acrylamide, methyl acrylate, and vinyl acetate, and may employ the aforementioned synergistic resin formulation.

[0071] In some examples, embodiments of this disclosure provide a composition comprising the following components in weight percentages: 25%-50% isooctyl acrylate, 15%-40% synergistic resin, 1%-30% phosphate ester flame retardant, 10%-50% hypophosphite flame retardant, 1%-10% silicone flame retardant, and 1%-15% charring agent. Further, the weight percentages of isooctyl acrylate are 30%-45%, the synergistic resin is 20%-40%, the phosphate ester flame retardant is 5%-30%, the hypophosphite flame retardant is 15%-40%, the silicone flame retardant is 1%-5%, and the charring agent is 1%-10%. The synergistic resin is selected from at least one of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, acrylamide, methyl acrylate, and vinyl acetate, and may employ the aforementioned synergistic resin formulation.

[0072] For any of the compositions mentioned above, the compositions provided in this disclosure further include a photoinitiator with a mass percentage of ≤5%. For example, suitable photoinitiators may be 1-hydroxycyclohexylphenyl ketone, benzoin dimethyl ether, methyl benzoylformate, benzophenone, benzoyl peroxide, etc. Furthermore, the mass percentage of the photoinitiator in the composition may be 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, etc. By using the above-mentioned photoinitiator, the curing of the matrix resin is promoted, and the curing efficiency and curing effect are improved.

[0073] In some examples, embodiments of this disclosure provide a composition comprising the following components in weight percentages: 50%-85% isooctyl acrylate, 1%-30% phosphate ester flame retardant, 10%-50% hypophosphite flame retardant, 1%-15% charring agent, and 1%-5% photoinitiator. Further, the weight percentages of isooctyl acrylate are 60%-80%, the weight percentages of phosphate ester flame retardant are 5%-30%, the weight percentages of hypophosphite flame retardant are 15%-40%, and the weight percentages of charring agent are 1%-10%.

[0074] In some examples, embodiments of this disclosure provide a composition comprising the following components in weight percentages: 50%-85% isooctyl acrylate, 1%-30% phosphate ester flame retardant, 10%-50% hypophosphite flame retardant, 1%-10% silicone flame retardant, 1%-15% charring agent, and 1%-5% photoinitiator. Further, the weight percentages of isooctyl acrylate are 60%-80%, the phosphate ester flame retardant is 5%-30%, the hypophosphite flame retardant is 15%-40%, the silicone flame retardant is 1%-5%, and the charring agent is 1%-10%.

[0075] In some examples, embodiments of this disclosure provide a composition comprising the following components in weight percentages: 25%-50% isooctyl acrylate, 15%-40% synergistic resin, 1%-30% phosphate ester flame retardant, 10%-50% hypophosphite flame retardant, and 1%-15% charring agent. Further, the weight percentages of isooctyl acrylate are 30%-45%, the synergistic resin is 20%-40%, the phosphate ester flame retardant is 5%-30%, the hypophosphite flame retardant is 15%-40%, and the charring agent is 1%-10% and the photoinitiator is 1%-5%. The synergistic resin is selected from at least one of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, acrylamide, methyl acrylate, and vinyl acetate, and may employ the aforementioned synergistic resin formulation.

[0076] In some examples, embodiments of this disclosure provide a composition comprising the following components in weight percentages: 25%-50% isooctyl acrylate, 15%-40% synergistic resin, 1%-30% phosphate ester flame retardant, 10%-50% hypophosphite flame retardant, 1%-10% silicone flame retardant, 1%-15% charring agent, and 1%-5% photoinitiator. Further, the weight percentages of isooctyl acrylate are 30%-45%, the synergistic resin is 20%-40%, the phosphate ester flame retardant is 5%-30%, the hypophosphite flame retardant is 15%-40%, the silicone flame retardant is 1%-5%, and the charring agent is 1%-10%. The synergistic resin is selected from at least one of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, acrylamide, methyl acrylate, and vinyl acetate, and may employ the aforementioned synergistic resin formulation.

[0077] On the other hand, embodiments of this disclosure also provide an adhesive prepared using any of the compositions described above.

[0078] The adhesive can be prepared by subjecting the above composition to a UV curing reaction. Depending on the type of isooctyl acrylate and other synergistic resins, appropriate UV curing reaction conditions can be selected to ensure that the base resin is fully and smoothly cured.

[0079] The adhesives mentioned above can be prepared as needed or prepared in advance and stored in specific containers or materials, depending on the actual requirements.

[0080] The adhesive provided in this disclosure has all the advantages of the compositions described above, including at least the following: good transparency, good flame retardancy, resistance to yellowing, high viscosity, and good environmental adaptability (e.g., applicable temperature range of 5°C to 60°C).

[0081] Tests have shown that the adhesive prepared based on the composition provided in the embodiments of this disclosure meets at least the following performance standards: initial adhesion ≥ 3 N / mm; after aging at 65°C and 95% RH for 500 h, the adhesion is at least 80% of the initial adhesion, and the color difference is < 6; after UV aging for 500 h, the adhesion is at least 80% of the initial adhesion, and the color difference is < 6; the 3 mm thick sample meets the V2 flame retardant rating; and the transparency is ≥ 50% (0.2 mm thick sample).

[0082] Furthermore, this disclosure also provides an adhesive tape, as shown in the attached... Figure 1As shown, the tape includes an adhesive layer 101 and a release film 102 bonded to at least one side surface of the adhesive layer 101, wherein the adhesive layer 101 is prepared using any of the compositions described above.

[0083] The tape provided in this disclosure has an adhesive layer 101 that has all the advantages of the composition described above, including at least the following: good transparency, good flame retardancy, resistance to yellowing, high tack, and good environmental adaptability (e.g., applicable temperature of 5°C-60°C).

[0084] Tests have shown that the adhesive tape prepared based on the composition provided in the embodiments of this disclosure has adhesive layer 101 with properties that meet at least the following standards: initial adhesive strength ≥ 3 N / mm; after aging at 65°C and 95% RH for 500 h, the adhesive strength is at least 80% of the initial adhesive strength, and the color difference is < 6; after UV aging for 500 h, the adhesive strength is at least 80% of the initial adhesive strength, and the color difference is < 6; the 3 mm thick sample meets the V2 flame retardant rating; and the transparency is ≥ 50% (0.2 mm thick sample).

[0085] To facilitate the storage and use of tape, especially in optical fiber applications, as shown in the attached document... Figure 1 As shown, the release film 102 can be configured as two layers, with the two release films 102 respectively stacked on opposite sides of the adhesive layer 101, thus making the tape a double-sided tape. Of course, a single-layer release film is also possible.

[0086] Some suitable release films 102 can be silicone release paper, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) release film, fluorinated release film, etc., which can be selected according to actual needs.

[0087] On another front, embodiments of this disclosure provide an optical cable, as shown in the attached... Figure 2 -Appendix Figure 4 As shown, the optical cable includes: an optical fiber 100, a sheath layer 200 covering the outside of the optical fiber 100, and an adhesive layer 101 disposed outside the sheath layer 200, wherein the adhesive layer 101 is prepared using any of the compositions mentioned above or provided by the adhesive tape mentioned above.

[0088] The adhesive layer 101 can be disposed on a portion of the outer surface of the sheath layer 200, for example, on one side surface of the sheath layer 200, or it can cover the outside of the sheath layer 200. Based on the adhesive layer 101, the optical cable can be quickly and reliably fixed, for example, fixed to a wall.

[0089] The optical cable disclosed in this embodiment is prepared using any of the aforementioned compositions or provided by the aforementioned tapes based on its adhesive layer 101, giving the adhesive layer at least the following advantages: good transparency, good flame retardancy, resistance to yellowing, high adhesion, and good environmental adaptability (e.g., applicable temperature range of 5°C-60°C). Therefore, while maintaining reliable adhesion, the high transparency of the optical cable's adhesive layer is beneficial for the invisibility and aesthetic requirements of the stealth optical cable; its high flame retardancy is beneficial for the flame retardancy requirements of the stealth optical cable; and its strong resistance to yellowing is beneficial for the stealth optical cable to maintain good transparency even after long-term service, ensuring its service life.

[0090] In some examples, such as the attached Figure 2 -Appendix Figure 4 As shown, the optical cable also includes a reinforcing member 300, which is arranged in parallel with the optical fiber 100. A sheath layer 200 covers the outside of the optical fiber 100 and the reinforcing member 300. The reinforcing member 300 can be, for example, steel wire, glass fiber reinforced plastic, aramid fiber, polyester fiber, etc. The reinforcing member 300 protects the optical fiber 100 from mechanical stress (such as tension, bending, flattening, etc.) and ensures its integrity and performance during installation and use.

[0091] In the optical cable disclosed in this embodiment, the number of optical fibers 100 can be one or more, and the number of reinforcing members 300 can be multiple. The reinforcing members 300 are arranged in parallel with the optical fibers 100, and both are extruded and formed synchronously with the sheath material.

[0092] In some examples, such as the attached Figure 4 As shown, the optical cable also includes a tight sleeve 400, which tightly wraps around the outside of the optical fiber 100. The optical fiber 100 is tightly wrapped inside the tight sleeve 400, which provides physical and environmental protection, ensuring that the optical fiber 100 is not easily damaged during installation and use.

[0093] Based on the optical cable solutions mentioned above, optical cables can be formed by combining any two or more of the above solutions to create different types of optical cables.

[0094] For any of the optical cables mentioned above in the embodiments of this disclosure, the adhesive layer 101 has at least the following physical properties: transparency ≥ 50% / 0.2mm, color difference ≤ 6 under 500h UV irradiation conditions, and initial adhesive force ≥ 3N / mm. It can be seen that this is of great significance for enhancing the working reliability of the stealth optical cable.

[0095] This disclosure presents an embodiment of the adhesive tape prepared from the above composition and its application in optical cables. The test results are shown in Table 1. As can be seen, the adhesive layer provided in this disclosure exhibits excellent overall performance. In Table 1, PET refers to polyethylene terephthalate.

[0096] Table 1

[0097]

[0098]

[0099] In summary, the tapes or optical cables prepared based on the compositions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure have the following advantages: (1) Easy deployment: They can be torn and adhered immediately, and can be deployed immediately after tearing. (2) High adhesion: They can reliably adhere at temperatures ranging from 5℃ to 60℃, with an adhesion strength ≥3N and a color difference ≤6. (3) High reliability: They exhibit a tensile strength of 50N and are halogen-free and flame-retardant. (4) High aesthetics: The material has high transparency and is resistant to yellowing.

[0100] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in more detail. While exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described below, it should be understood that this disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Where specific techniques or conditions are not specified in the embodiments, they are performed in accordance with techniques or conditions described in the literature in the art or according to product instructions. Reagents or instruments whose manufacturers are not specified are all conventional products that can be obtained commercially. It should be noted that in the compositions involved in the following embodiments, the aluminum diethylphosphonate has a mesh size ≥ 8000 mesh.

[0101] Examples 1-6

[0102] Examples 1-6 each provide a composition, the composition of which is shown in Tables 2-7 respectively.

[0103] Table 2

[0104]

[0105] Table 3

[0106]

[0107] Table 4

[0108]

[0109] Table 5

[0110]

[0111] Table 6

[0112]

[0113] Table 7

[0114]

[0115]

[0116] Comparative Examples 1-4

[0117] Examples 1-4 each provide a composition, the composition of which is shown in Tables 8-11 respectively.

[0118] Table 8

[0119]

[0120] Table 9

[0121]

[0122] Table 10

[0123]

[0124] Table 11

[0125]

[0126] Test case

[0127] The compositions provided in Examples 1-6, and the compositions provided in Comparative Examples 1-4, were subjected to UV curing to form an adhesive, and double-sided adhesive tapes were prepared therefrom as test samples. The performance of these test samples was tested based on the test methods and standards described in Table 1 above, according to the embodiments of this disclosure. The test results are shown in Table 12.

[0128] Table 12

[0129]

[0130] In summary, the tape prepared based on the composition provided in the embodiments of this disclosure not only meets the requirements for adhesive strength, but also has high transparency, resistance to yellowing, flame retardancy, and good environmental performance.

[0131] The above description is only for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to understand the technical solutions disclosed herein, and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A composition, characterized in that, The composition comprises a matrix resin and a flame retardant, wherein the matrix resin comprises isooctyl acrylate and the matrix resin comprises 50%-85% by mass. The flame retardant includes phosphate ester flame retardants and hypophosphite flame retardants, wherein the mass percentage of the phosphate ester flame retardant is 1%-30% and the mass percentage of the hypophosphite flame retardant is 10%-50%. The hypophosphite flame retardant is selected from at least one of aluminum hypophosphite, zinc hypophosphite, iron hypophosphite, aluminum diethylphosphite, aluminum methylphosphite, and aluminum propylphosphite.

2. The composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The particle size of the flame retardant is less than or equal to 100 micrometers.

3. The composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phosphate ester flame retardant is selected from at least one of alkyl phosphate ester flame retardants, condensed phosphate ester flame retardants, phenyl phosphate ester flame retardants, cyclic phosphate ester flame retardants, and dimethyl methyl phosphate.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The isooctyl acrylate has a mass percentage of 25%-50%, and the matrix resin further includes at least one of the following components: 0-10% acrylic acid, 0-10% methacrylic acid, 0-20% N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, 0-10% acrylamide, 0-20% methyl acrylate, and 0-10% vinyl acetate.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The composition also includes ≤10% by weight of an organosilicon flame retardant.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The composition further includes ≤15% by weight of a charring agent, wherein the charring agent includes at least one of pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol, polyacrylate, and maleic anhydride-acrylate copolymer.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The composition also includes ≤5% by weight of a photoinitiator.

8. An adhesive, characterized in that, The adhesive is prepared using the composition according to any one of claims 1-7.

9. A type of adhesive tape, characterized in that, The tape includes an adhesive layer and a release film bonded to at least one surface of the adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer is prepared using the composition according to any one of claims 1-7.

10. An optical cable, characterized in that, The optical cable includes: an optical fiber, a sheath covering the outside of the optical fiber, and an adhesive layer disposed outside the sheath, wherein the adhesive layer is prepared using the composition according to any one of claims 1-7.

11. The optical cable according to claim 10, characterized in that, The optical cable also includes a reinforcing member, which is arranged in parallel with the optical fiber, and the sheath layer covers the outside of the optical fiber and the reinforcing member.

12. The optical cable according to any one of claims 10-11, characterized in that, The optical cable also includes a tight sleeve, which tightly covers the outside of the optical fiber.

13. The optical cable according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The adhesive layer has at least the following physical properties: transparency ≥ 50% / 0.2mm, color difference ≤ 6 under 500h UV irradiation conditions, and initial adhesion force ≥ 3N / mm.

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