Leading the way in Telecommunication 

Covestro fiber optic coatings are built on 40 years of technical experience, research and development and close partnerships that enable the sustainable success of our customers. Our coatings protect fiber from environmental field stresses while ensuring signal reliability and they facilitate greater reliability and higher performing networks as measured through microbending* performance. Covestro fiber optic coatings enable optical design flexibility as well as a high quality ‘inking’ of the fiber and more consistent performance when producing the ribbon.

The optical fiber coatings applied to an optical fiber are a critical component of today’s high-speed fiber networks – ensuring the high performance and longevity needed to last for 20 to 30 years. This is precisely how high-speed internet became a reality. And we produce more than 50% of these coatings.

*Microbending is defined as a test method to show attenuation by inducing a microbending failure.

Covestro Coatings for Fiber Optics | Covestro AG

Desmopan® FR TPU for flame retardant cables

Our Desmopan® FR (Flame Retardant) thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) grades offer premium protection for flame-retardant cables across various applications. These include automotive charging cables, fiber optic cables and consumer electronic cables. We provide a wide range of performance levels tailored to achieve the optimal balance of durability, safety, and design flexibility. Our formulation expertise enables the optimization of material properties to meet the requirements of various flame-retardant applications. 

• Exceptional Hydrolytic Stability and Chemical Resistance
• High Performance and Flame Retardancy
• Superior Mechanical Strength and Customization
• Anti-Mildew Formulation and Halogen-Free Composition

Cable protection: PU elastomers keep power projects energized

We provide cast PU systems based on Desmodur® and Baytec® to protect and reinforce subsea energy cables in the offshore wind industry. Our cast PU elastomers can be used in a variety of solutions, from strategically placed bend stiffeners to bend restrictors and more. Desmodur® offers significant protection against impact, bending fatigue and hydrolysis for maximal longevity and minimal maintenance. Cast PU systems are also easy to customize for rapid, cost-effective installation with fewer risks in personal safety. 

Polycarbonate applications in optical distribution networks

The applications of polycarbonates in Optical Distribution Networks, from buffer tubes to connectors and enclosures, are grounded in their unique combination of properties such as dimension stability, impact resistance, and durability. These characteristics collectively contribute to the reliability and robustness of fiber optic communication systems, making polycarbonates a material of choice in the ever-evolving landscape of optical networks.

Baybond® Sizing for glass, carbon and basalt fibers

Waterborne polyurethane dispersions from Covestro’s Baybond® line are used as film former in glass, carbon and basalt fiber sizing for composite materials.

Furthermore, our products can also be used as a second coating to achieve the required properties of fibers for cable applications, such as cohesion, stiffness and elasticity.

The unique polyurethane structure of Baybond® enables easy processability due to good film formation and due to the waterborne nature, our products can be diluted with water as needed.

We present our Baybond® line with wide range of performance to offer customizable solutions tailored to specific properties.