Electrical cable with improved insulation and process for making same

摘要

Improved insulative cable assemblies and methods for producing them are disclosed. The insulative cable assemblies have a conductor housed within a polymeric insulation layer expanded with expandable thermoplastic microspheres. The use of a relatively inelastic outside sheath controls the expansion of the insulative layer and assures a snug fit between the insulation and the conductor. The insulation layer is highly resilient and resistant to dielectric changes due to compression or damage from mechanical manipulation of the cable. Additionally, the ability to expand the insulative layer after cable assembly is completed provides far greater freedom in cable processing without compromising low dielectric constant.