ASTM D4568-99(2009)

Cable filling and flooding compounds are normally semi-solid at room temperature and fluid in varying degrees at elevated temperatures. They are normally applied in a liquid state and at an elevated temperature during wire and cable manufacturing. The completed finished wire or cable is exposed to various ambient conditions during its useful life. If not carefully selected, components of filling or flooding compounds have the potential to degrade the materials they contact, short term or long term. The following methods are intended to minimize the chances of such problems occurring.

Some of the effects that might occur include, but are not limited to:

Delamination of coated metal shields or screens in completed wire and cable. Delamination is primarily a function of the test temperature and the type of laminant used, so test results are unlikely to vary significantly between filling or flooding compounds of a common family (for example, petroleum based filling or flooding compounds).

Degradation of physical properties of insulation, jackets, core coverings, etc. Likely manifestations of degradation of plastic material include embrittlement of some materials and excessive softening of other materials.

Since the magnitude of any given effect will vary, some test procedures will be more critical than others. It is not, therefore, intended that every listed procedure be performed with every compatibility study. Perform procedures to the extent required by product specifications or as agreed upon between the producer and the purchaser.

1.1 These test methods evaluate the compatibility between cable filling or cable flooding compounds, or both, and polyolefin materials used in the manufacture of wire and cable that are usually in intimate contact with the filler or floodant, or both.

1.2 These test methods are useful to ensure compatibility and to verify that new formulations of filling or flooding compounds will have no deleterious effect upon the other polyolefin materials being used or, conversely, use these methods to ensure that other polyolefin wire and cable materials are evaluated for possible use not degraded by contact with fillers or floodants already in use.

1.3 Whenever two sets of values are presented, in different units, the values in the first set are the standard, while those in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

7.1 This test method is specifically for polyolefin coatings on aluminum and steel shielding and armoring material used in telecommunications wire and cables.

12.1 This test method is specifically for polyolefin insulating materials used in telecommunications wires and cables.

17.1 This test method is specifically for polyolefin jacketing materials used in telecommunications wires and cables.