A foam polymer jacketed rigid strength member for a fiber optic cable is
disclosed, as is the method for its production. The foam jacket is made
by feeding into an extruder a base polymer material, preferably a resin,
such as polypropyene. The base material is melted in the extruder and a
blowing agent is admixed. As the mixture exits the extruder, the polymer
is expanded into a cellular foam. The polymer is foamed onto a rigid
strength member by means of a crosshead. The resulting jacketed rigid
strength member demonstrates improved resistance to thermal contractions
reducing the contribution of stresses in the fiber optic cable
components.