Optical fiber cable including functionalized additive to adjust coupling between cable jacket and cable components

Abstract

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable includes a cable jacket having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a central bore extending along a longitudinal length of the optical fiber cable, and the outer surface defines an outermost surface of the optical fiber cable. A cable core is disposed within the central bore, and the cable core includes at least one optical fiber. An armor layer surrounds the cable core and is disposed in the central bore. A functionalized additive is disposed between the armor layer and the outer surface of the optical fiber cable, and the functionalized additive is a compound with a polar functional group and a nonpolar functional group. The functionalized additive couples the armor layer to the cable jacket.

Description

Atty Dkt No. HI24-089PCTOPTICAL FIBER CABLE INCLUDING FUNCTIONALIZED ADDITIVE TO ADJUSTCOUPLING BETWEEN CABLE JACKET AND CABLE COMPONENTS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 690,412, filed on September 4, 2024, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] The disclosure relates generally to optical fiber cables and, in particular, to means for adjusting adhesion between components of an optical fiber cable.

[0003] Optical fiber cables include a variety of components made of various different materials. For example, the optical fibers are typically made of glass coated with curable resins. The optical fibers may be contained in buffer tubes formed of an extruded thermoplastic material. Such buffer tubes may be stranded around fiber-reinforced plastic rods. Further, the buffer tubes may be enclosed in a metal armor, and a thermoplastic jacket may be extruded around the metal armor. Individually, these various components serve specific functions within the cable design, but in combination, the materials may not interact in ways that are desired. Accordingly, additional and often more expensive materials may have to be used in the optical fiber cable to provide desired interactions between the materials.SUMMARY

[0004] According to an aspect, embodiments of the disclosure relate to an optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable comprises a cable jacket. The cable jacket comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a central bore extending along a longitudinal length of the optical fiber cable, and the outer surface defines an outermost surface of the optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable also comprises a cable core disposed within the central bore. The cable core comprises at least one optical fiber. The optical fiber cable also comprises an armor layer surrounding the cable core. The armor layer is disposed in the central bore. A functionalized additive is disposed between the armor layer and the outer surface of the optical fiber cable, and the functionalized additive comprises a compound with at least one polar functional group and atAtty Dkt No. HI24-089PCT least one nonpolar functional group. Further, the functionalized additive couples the armor layer to the cable jacket through a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one nonpolar group and the cable jacket and a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one polar group and the armor layer.

[0005] According to another aspect, embodiments of the disclosure relate to an optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable comprises a cable jacket. The cable jacket comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a central bore extending along a longitudinal length of the optical fiber cable, and the outer surface defines an outermost surface of the optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable also includes a cable core disposed within the central bore. The cable core comprises at least one optical fiber. The optical fiber cable also comprises at least one embedded strength element disposed within the cable jacket between the inner surface and the outer surface. The cable jacket comprises a functionalized additive, and the functionalized additive comprises a compound with at least one polar functional group and at least one nonpolar functional group. Further, the functionalized additive couples the at least one embedded strength element to the cable jacket through a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one nonpolar group and the cable jacket and a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one polar group and the at least one embedded strength element.

[0006] According to still another aspect, embodiments of the disclosure relate to a method of manufacturing an optical fiber cable. In the method, an armor layer comprising at least one metal tape is formed around a cable core. The cable core comprises at least one optical fiber. Further, in the method, a cable jacket is extruded around the armor layer. The cable jacket comprises an inner surface defining a central bore extending along a longitudinal length of the optical fiber cable and an outer surface defining an outermost surface of the optical fiber. A functionalized additive is disposed between the armor layer and the outer surface of the optical fiber cable. The functionalized additive comprises a compound with at least one polar functional group and at least one nonpolar functional group. Further, the functionalized additive couples the at least one metal tape of the armor layer to the cable jacket through a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one nonpolar group and the cable jacket and a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one polar group and the at least one metal tape of the armor layer.Atty Dkt No. HI24-089PCT

[0007] According to a further aspect, embodiments of the disclosure relate to a method of manufacturing an optical fiber cable. In the method, a cable jacket is extruded around at least one strength element and around a cable core comprising at least one optical fiber. The cable jacket comprises an inner surface defining a central bore extending along a longitudinal length of the optical fiber cable and an outer surface defining an outermost surface of the optical fiber cable. The cable core is disposed in the central bore. The cable jacket comprises a functionalized additive, and the functionalized additive comprises a compound with at least one polar functional group and at least one nonpolar functional group. Further, the functionalized additive couples the at least one strength element to the cable jacket through a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one nonpolar group and the cable jacket and a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one polar group and the at least one strength element.

[0008] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings.

[0009] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and the operation of the various embodiments. In the drawings:

[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber cable having a functionalized additive disposed in the cable jacket, according to an exemplary embodiment;Atty Dkt No. HI24-089PCT

[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber cable having a functionalized additive disposed in a functional layer between the cable jacket and armor layer, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of a messenger cable having a functionalized additive disposed in the cable jacket around an embedded strength element, according to an exemplary embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of an optical fiber cable including a functionalized additive to customize coupling between cable components are provided. In optical fiber cables having armor layers or strength elements embedded in the cable jacket, coupling between the cable jacket and such components is generally poor. Desirably, the cable jacket couples to the armor layer and embedded strength elements so that the cable jacket does not excessively expand or contract as a result of temperature fluctuations. Such expansion / contraction could lead to cable buckling, which in turn can cause unacceptable levels of optical signal attenuation. However, the coupling should not be so great as to hinder access to the optical fibers or subunits within the cable. Conventionally, a supplier of armor and strength element components will coat such components with an adhesive material. If that level of adhesion is too strong, the cable manufacturer will typically negate some level of the adhesive effect by applying talc or another powder to the adhesive coating. In this way, the armor and strength components are more expensive to purchase and may not be suitable for the intended purpose, requiring additional processing, materials, and expense to render suitable for the intended purpose.

[0015] As will be discussed more fully below, the level of coupling between the cable jacket and the armor or strength element component is customized using a functionalized additive in the cable jacket or a functional layer applied between the cable jacket and such components. According to embodiments, the functionalized additive includes both nonpolar functional groups and polar functional groups. The nonpolar functional groups chemically or physically interact with the cable jacket, and the polar functional groups chemically or physically interact with the armor layer or embedded strength elements so that the functional additive provides a coupling link between the cable jacket and the armor layer and embedded strength elements. In this way, the level ofAtty Dkt No. HI24-089PCT coupling can be customized for a particular application by adjusting how much functionalized additive is provided in the cable jacket or functional layer. Exemplary embodiments of the optical fiber cable including the functionalized additive will be described in greater detail below and in relation to the figures provided herewith, and these exemplary embodiments are provided by way of illustration, not by way of limitation.

[0016] FIG. 1 depicts an example embodiment of an optical fiber cable 100 according to the present disclosure. The optical fiber cable 100 includes a cable jacket 102. The cable jacket 102 has an inner surface 104 and an outer surface 106. The inner surface 104 defines a central bore 108 that extends along a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber 100. The outer surface 106 defines an outermost surface of the optical fiber cable 100. The cable jacket 102 has a jacket thickness T defined as a radial distance between the inner surface 104 and the outer surface 106. Disposed within central bore 108 is a cable core 110. In one or more embodiments, the cable jacket 102 is formed from a polyethylene polymer (such as low-, medium-, or high- density polyethylene) or a flame retardant polyethylene polymer (e.g., polyethylene containing a low smoke, zero halogen flame retardant polyethylene).

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the cable core 110 includes at least one optical fiber 112. As shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the cable core 110 includes a plurality of optical fibers 112 grouped into subunits 114. In particular, each subunit 114 includes a buffer tube 116 surrounding one or more optical fibers 112. As depicted, the optical fibers 112 are in a loose tube arrangement within the buffer tube 116. However, in one or more other embodiments, the optical fibers 112 may be in one or more ribbons (e.g., a ribbon stack) or curled, folded, or collapsed in one or more intermittently bonded ribbons. In one or more embodiments, including the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the subunits 114 are stranded around a central strength member 118. In one or more embodiments, the central strength member 118 includes a central member 120 that is a fiber reinforced plastic rod (such as a glass reinforced plastic rod) or a metal wire. Further, in one or more embodiments, the central member 120 is surrounded by an upjacket 122, which may provide the central strength member 118 with a desired diameter for stranding of the subunits 114, for example. Further, in one or more embodiments, the cable core 110 includes a water blocking element 124, such as water-blocking tape 126, superabsorbent polymer powder, and / or water-Atty Dkt No. HI24-089PCT blocking yarns. The description of the cable core 110 is merely exemplary, and the optical fiber cable 100 can instead contain other types of cable cores 110.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the cable core 110 is surrounded by an armor layer 128. In one or more embodiments, the armor layer 128 is one or more metal tapes 130, such as tapes of steel or aluminum. In one or more embodiments, one metal tape 130 is wrapped around the cable core 110 such that longitudinal ends of the metal tape 130 meet or overlap. In one or more embodiments, two or more metal tapes 130 may be wrapped around the cable core 110 to form the armor layer 128 in combination (e.g., two metal tapes 130 may each define about half of the armor layer 128). According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the metal tape or tapes 130 used to form the armor layer 128 are not coated metal tapes containing a previously-applied adhesive layer (such as commercially available steel or aluminum tape coated with ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer). Instead, at the start of cable manufacturing, the metal tape 130 is an uncoated metal tape 130 consisting of or consisting essentially of a strip of the steel or aluminum alloy.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the cable jacket 102 includes embedded strength elements 132. In one or more embodiments, the embedded strength elements 132 may be fiber reinforced plastic rods, such as glass reinforced plastic rods, aramid reinforced plastic rods, carbon fiber reinforced plastic rods, or metal wires, amongst other possibilities. In one or more embodiments, the embedded strength elements 132 are disposed in the cable jacket 102 between the inner surface 104 and the outer surface 106. In one or more embodiments, the optical fiber cable 100 includes at least two strength elements 132 embedded in the cable jacket. In an example, the optical fiber cable 100 includes four strength elements 132 with the strength elements 132 being arranged in diametrically opposed stacks within the cable jacket 102. According to another example, the optical fiber cable 100 includes a plurality of strength elements 132 embedded in the cable jacket 102 and equidistantly spaced around the cable jacket 102 so as to avoid forming a preferential bend axis in the optical fiber cable 100.

[0020] As with the metal tape 130 discussed above, the strength elements 132 are provided to the cable manufacturing process in an uncoated state. That is, like the metal tape 130, conventional strength elements are often provided by suppliers with a coating of ethylene-acrylic acid hot melt adhesive to improve adhesion to the cable jacket. In contrast, the strength elements 132 in theAtty Dkt No. HI24-089PCT optical fiber cable 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure consist of or consist essentially of the metal wire for metal wire strength elements 132 or consist of or consist essentially of fiber and binding resin for the fiber-reinforced plastic rod strength elements 132.

[0021] According to the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 100 includes at least one of an armor layer 128 or embedded strength elements 132, and the optical fiber cable 100 includes functionalized additives disposed between the outer surface 106 of the cable jacket 102 and the cable core 110 to modify adhesion between the cable jacket 102 and the armor layer 128 and / or embedded strength elements 132.

[0022] Conventionally, as discussed above, armor layers 128 and embedded strength elements 132 have been coated with a material (typically ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer hot melt) to improve coupling between such components and the cable jacket 102. Typically, the cable jacket 102 is formed from a polyethylene material, which is nonpolar. The armor layer 128 is formed of a metal, and the strength elements 132 are formed from metal or from fibers embedded in resin. Such materials are polar, and therefore, the adhesion between the nonpolar cable jacket 102 and the polar components is weak. Weak coupling between the cable jacket 102 and such components can lead to, e.g., differential temperature related expansion or contraction of the cable jacket 102 and components, causing buckling of the optical fiber cable 100.

[0023] Typically, the metal tape for the armor layer or embedded strength element is pre-coated by the supplier with the aforementioned material to improve coupling. The pre-coated metal tape and pre-coated embedded strength elements are significantly more expensive than their uncoated counterparts, and the level of adhesion between the pre-coated components and the cable jacket is difficult to control for different applications. One approach to control the level of adhesion is to apply talc or another powder to the coating material to decrease the level of adhesion. However, application of talc requires additional processing steps, and the talc is messy to apply, causing manufacturing plant surfaces to become coated with powder and creating powder clouds around the applicator equipment.

[0024] By utilizing the functionalized additives in the design of the optical fiber cable 100, the level of adhesion between the cable jacket 102 and the armor layer 128 and / or embedded strength elements 132 can be directly controlled by adjusting the amount of functionalized additives used.Atty Dkt No. HI24-089PCTIn this way, less expensive uncoated components can be used, and the use of talc, other powders, or hot melt glues can be avoided. As will be discussed more fully below, the functionalized additives can be added in the design of the optical fiber cable 100 in a variety of ways.

[0025] First, the functionalized additive will be described. In one or more embodiments, the functionalized additive is a compound comprising both at least one polar functional group and at least one nonpolar functional group. The polar and nonpolar functional groups can be selected to promote physical or chemical interactions with the cable jacket 102 and the armor layer 128 and / or embedded strength elements 132. Examples of functionalized additives that promote chemical interactions (e.g., covalent bonding) include silane coupling agents, such as (3- Acryloxypropyljtrimethoxy silane and (3-Aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane. Examples of functionalized additives that promote physical interactions (e.g., van der Waals or electrostatic attraction) include maleic-anhydride (MAH) grafted polyolefins (comprising, e.g., 0.05% to 1.5% by weight of MAH grafted to the polyolefin), ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer (comprising, e.g., 1% to 25% by weight of acrylic acid), and ethylene-vinyl acetate (comprising, e.g., 10% to 50% by weight of vinyl acetate). The nonpolar functional groups physically or chemically interact with the cable jacket 102, and the polar functional groups physically or chemically interact with the metal tape 130 of the armor layer 128 and / or the metal or resin material of the embedded strength element 132.

[0026] According to a first aspect, the functionalized additive is incorporated into the cable jacket 102. For example, in one or more embodiments, the functionalized additive is pre-compounded with the polymer jacket material, loaded in masterbatch as an ingredient for in-line compounding, or used as-is for direct compounding during jacketing. In this way, the functionalized additive is provided in the cable jacket 102 to promote coupling to the metal tape 130 of the armor layer 128 and / or the embedded strength element 132. In one or more embodiments, the functionalized additive is added in an amount of greater than 0% and up to 20% by weight, such as in a range of 5% to 10% by weight, of the cable jacket 102.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the cable jacket 102 does not contain the functionalized additive uniformly distributed over the thickness T. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the cable jacket 102 includes the functionalized additive within an inner layer 134. An outer layer 136 mayAtty Dkt No. HI24-089PCT contain less functionalized additive than the inner layer 134 or no functionalized additive. In one or more embodiments, the inner layer 134 comprises 50% or less, in particular 30% or less, and most particularly 15% or less, of the thickness T of the cable jacket 102. In one or more embodiments, the inner layer 134 comprises from 1% to 50%, in particular from 1% to 30%, and most particularly from 1% to 15% of the thickness of the cable jacket 102.

[0028] In such embodiments, the cable jacket 102 may be formed through a co-extrusion process in which the polymer feedstock for the inner layer 134 includes the functionalized additive and the polymer feedstock for the outer layer 136 includes less or no functionalized additive. Such an embodiment is particularly suitable for optical fiber cables 100 having an armor layer 128, in particular without embedded strength elements 132.

[0029] According to a second aspect, particularly related to optical fiber cables 100 having an armor layer 128, the functionalized additive is contained in a functional layer 138 disposed between the armor layer 128 and the cable jacket 102 as shown in FIG. 2. In general, the optical fiber cable 100 has the same structure as discussed above, including a cable jacket 102 defining a central bore 108 containing a cable core 110 with at least one optical fiber 112. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the optical fibers 112 are arranged in a plurality of ribbons 140 to define a ribbon stack cable core 110.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the functional layer 138 is applied to the metal tape or tapes 130 of the armor layer 128 before the metal tape or tapes 130 are wrapped around the cable core 110. For example, in one or more embodiments, the functional layer 138 is extruded as a polymeric film or coating of the functionalized additive onto one side of the metal tape 130 while the metal tape 130 is in a flat state. In another example, in one or more embodiments, the functionalized additive is dissolved in a solvent or dispersed in a liquid medium that is sprayed onto one side of the metal tape 130 while the metal tape is in a flat state, such that the solvent or liquid medium is evaporated or otherwise removed to leave a film or coating of the functionalized additive. In one or more such embodiments, the flat metal tape 130 may be corrugated at the time of extrusion or spraying, or in one or more embodiments, the flat metal tape 130 may be uncorrugated at the time of extrusion or spraying and subsequently corrugated. After application of the functional layer 138, the flat metal tape or tapes 130 are wrapped around the cable core 110 so that the longitudinalAtty Dkt No. HI24-089PCT edges of the metal tape or tapes 130 meet or overlap to enclose the cable core 110. Thereafter, the cable jacket 102 is extruded around the armor layer 128. The heat of extrusion allows the inner surface 104 of the cable jacket 102 to physically or chemically interact with the functionalized additive of the functional layer 138.

[0031] In one or more other embodiments, the functional layer 138 is applied to the armor layer 128 after the metal tape or tapes 130 are wrapped around the cable core 110. In such embodiments, the functional layer 138 is extruded or sprayed as discussed above onto the armor layer 128, and then, the cable jacket 102 is extruded around the functional layer 138. In one or more such embodiments, the functional layer 138 can be cooled, cured, or otherwise solidified before the cable jacket 102 is extruded around the functional layer 138. For example, the cable core 110 having the armor layer 128 and functional layer 138 formed therearound may be air cooled or water cooled, e.g., in a trough, after application of the functional layer 138.

[0032] In still one or more other embodiments, the functional layer 138 is coextruded with the cable jacket 102. In such embodiments, the cable core 110 with armor layer 128 can run through a co-extrusion die with feedstock for the functional layer 138 being provided on the inner layer of the co-extrusion die and feedstock for the cable jacket 102 being provided on the outer layer of the co-extrusion die.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the functional layer 138 is substantially continuous around the circumference of the armor layer 128 and continuous along the length of the optical fiber cable 100. In one or more other embodiments, the functional layer 138 is not continuous around the circumference of the armor layer 128 and is instead applied in a plurality of continuous strips along the length of the optical fiber cable 100. In one or more embodiments, the functional layer has a thickness in a range of 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm.

[0034] In contrast to pre-coated metal tapes, the uncoated metal tapes 130 used to form the armor layer 128 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be coated on only one side. That is, conventional pre-coated metal tapes are often coated with adhesive on both sides of the metal tape. By using uncoated metal tapes 130 and forming the functional layer 138 in line, the coating may be provided on only one side of the metal tape 130. Additionally, pre-coated metal tapes often include a colorant in the adhesive layer to distinguish them from uncoated metal tapes.Atty Dkt No. HI24-089PCTBecause embodiments of the present disclosure utilize uncoated metal tapes and form a functional layer 138 in line, such colorants are not necessary, further decreasing the material cost of the armor layer 128.

[0035] While the foregoing discussion of the functional layer 138 was primarily directed at the armor layer 128, the functional layer 138 can additionally or alternatively be applied to the strength elements 132. In one or more embodiments, the functional layer 138 is sprayed or extruded onto the strength elements 132 prior to extrusion of the cable jacket 102, and in one or more other embodiments, the functional layer 138 is co-extruded around the strength elements 132 with the cable jacket 102.

[0036] The use of functionalized additives as discussed can be applied to other cable designs. For example, FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a messenger cable 100 (also known as a figure eight cable). The cable 100 includes a first lobe 142 and a second lobe 144. The first lobe 142 includes the central bore 110 with the optical fibers 112, and the second lobe 144 includes the embedded strength element 132. The cable core 110 can be any of a variety of cable cores 110, and the cable core 110 of FIG. 3 is substantially the same as shown in FIG. 1. The embedded strength element 132 can be a fiber reinforced plastic rod or a metal wire, and as depicted in FIG. 3, the embedded strength element 132 is a stranded steel wire. In one or more embodiments, the cable 100 includes a web 146 connecting the first lobe 142 and the second lobe 144. In this way, the second lobe 144 containing the embedded strength element 132 supports the first lobe 142 in applications where the cable 100 is strung aerially. The functionalized additive can be incorporated into the cable jacket 102 or provided in a functional layer 138 as discussed above to enhance the coupling between the embedded strength element 132 in the second lobe 144 and the cable jacket 102. Further, in embodiments where the functionalized additive is contained in the cable jacket 102, the functionalized additive can be localized in the second lobe 144 with less or no functionalized additive provided in the first lobe 142.

[0037] As described above, an optical fiber cable 100 having a functionalized additive incorporated into the structure can provided customizable coupling between the cable jacket 102 and the armor layer 128 and / or embedded strength elements 132. In this way, lower cost “bare” materials can be used for the armor layer 128 and embedded strength elements 132. Further,Atty Dkt No. HI24-089PCT materials, such as talc, do not have to be used in order to modify coupling if the supplier-provided coatings have too strong of adhesion. In this way, sufficient adhesion can be provided to couple the cable jacket 102 to the armor layer 128 and / or embedded strength elements 132 while also allowing for access to the optical fibers 112 or subunits 114 within the optical fiber cable 100.

[0038] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more than one component or element, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one.

[0039] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed embodiments. Since modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and variations of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art, the disclosed embodiments should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Atty Dkt No. HI24-089PCTWhat is claimed is:

1. An optical fiber cable, comprising: a cable jacket, the cable jacket comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a central bore extending along a longitudinal length of the optical fiber cable and the outer surface defining an outermost surface of the optical fiber cable; a cable core disposed within the central bore, the cable core comprising at least one optical fiber; and an armor layer surrounding the cable core, the armor layer being disposed in the central bore; wherein a functionalized additive is disposed between the armor layer and the outer surface of the optical fiber cable, the functionalized additive comprising a compound with at least one polar functional group and at least one nonpolar functional group; and wherein the functionalized additive couples the armor layer to the cable jacket through a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one nonpolar group and the cable jacket and a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one polar group and the armor layer.

2. The optical fiber cable of claim 1, wherein the functional additive is contained in the cable jacket.

3. The optical fiber cable of claim 2, wherein the cable jacket comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the outer layer comprises a first concentration of the functionalized additive and the inner layer comprises a second concentration of the functionalized additive, and wherein the second concentration is greater than the first concentration.

4. The optical fiber cable of claim 2, wherein the cable jacket comprises the functionalized additive in an amount of up to 20% by weight.Atty Dkt No. HI24-089PCT5. The optical fiber cable of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of embedded strength elements disposed in the cable jacket between the inner surface and the outer surface, wherein the functionalized additive couples the plurality of embedded strength elements to the cable jacket through a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one nonpolar group and the cable jacket and a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one polar group and the plurality of embedded strength elements.

6. The optical fiber cable of claim 5, wherein the plurality of embedded strength elements are fiber reinforced plastic rods.

7. The optical fiber cable of claim 5, wherein the plurality of embedded strength elements are metal wires.

8. The optical fiber cable of claim 1, further comprising a functional layer disposed between armor layer and the inner surface of the cable jacket, wherein the functionalized additive is contained within the functional layer.

9. The optical fiber cable of claim 1, wherein the functionalized additive comprises at least one of maleic anhydride grafted polyolefin, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, or a silane coupling agent.

10. An optical fiber cable, comprising: a cable jacket, the cable jacket comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a central bore extending along a longitudinal length of the optical fiber cable and the outer surface defining an outermost surface of the optical fiber cable; a cable core disposed within the central bore, the cable core comprising at least one optical fiber; andAtty Dkt No. HI24-089PCT at least one embedded strength element disposed within the cable jacket between the inner surface and the outer surface; wherein the cable jacket comprises a functionalized additive, the functionalized additive comprising a compound with at least one polar functional group and at least one nonpolar functional group; and wherein the functionalized additive couples the at least one embedded strength element to the cable jacket through a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one nonpolar group and the cable jacket and a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one polar group and the at least one embedded strength element.

11. The optical fiber cable of claim 10, wherein the at least one embedded strength element is a fiber reinforced plastic rod.

12. The optical fiber cable of claim 10, wherein the at least one embedded strength element is a metal wire.

13. The optical fiber cable of claim 10, further comprising an armor layer, the armor layer comprising at least one metal tape wrapped around the cable core, wherein the functionalized additive couples the armor layer to the cable jacket through a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one nonpolar group and the cable jacket and a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one polar group and the at least one metal tape.

14. The optical fiber cable of claim 10, wherein the functionalized additive comprises at least one of maleic anhydride grafted polyolefin, ethylene acrylic acid copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, or a silane coupling agent.Atty Dkt No. HI24-089PCT15. The optical fiber cable of claim 10, wherein the cable jacket comprises a first lobe and a second lobe, wherein the central bore is disposed in the first lobe and the at least one embedded strength element is disposed in the second lobe.

16. A method of manufacturing an optical fiber cable, the method comprising: forming an armor layer comprising at least one metal tape around a cable core, the cable core comprising at least one optical fiber; and extruding a cable jacket around the armor layer, the cable jacket comprising an inner surface defining a central bore extending along a longitudinal length of the optical fiber cable and an outer surface defining an outermost surface of the optical fiber; wherein a functionalized additive is disposed between the armor layer and the outer surface of the optical fiber cable, the functionalized additive comprising a compound with at least one polar functional group and at least one nonpolar functional group; and wherein the functionalized additive couples the at least one metal tape of the armor layer to the cable jacket through a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one nonpolar group and the cable jacket and a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one polar group and the at least one metal tape of the armor layer.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising spraying the functionalized additive on the armor layer before extruding the cable jacket.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising extruding a functional layer comprising the functionalized additive around the armor layer before extruding the cable jacket.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein extruding the cable jacket further comprises coextruding a functional layer comprising the functionalized additive with the cable jacket around the armor layer.Atty Dkt No. HI24-089PCT20. The method of claim 16, wherein the cable jacket comprises the functionalized additive.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the optical fiber cable further comprises at least one embedded strength element disposed in the cable jacket between the inner surface and the outer surface.

22. A method of manufacturing an optical fiber cable, the method comprising: extruding a cable jacket around at least one strength element and around a cable core comprising at least one optical fiber, the cable jacket comprising an inner surface defining a central bore extending along a longitudinal length of the optical fiber cable and an outer surface defining an outermost surface of the optical fiber cable, the cable core being disposed in the central bore; wherein the cable jacket comprises a functionalized additive, the functionalized additive comprising a compound with at least one polar functional group and at least one nonpolar functional group; and wherein the functionalized additive couples the at least one strength element to the cable jacket through a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one nonpolar group and the cable jacket and a physical or chemical interaction between the at least one polar group and the at least one strength element.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the at least one strength element comprises a fiber reinforced plastic rod or a metal wire.

24. The method of claim 22, further comprising forming an armor layer around the cable core before extruding the cable jacket.

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