Jacket & insulation polymers
Sixteen materials, chosen per application
LCP is the building block of our patented STFOC. The outer layers are selected for buoyancy, abrasion, temperature or flexibility.
ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene)
An extremely durable fluoropolymer with excellent chemical resistance, clarity and weatherability. It withstands UV, radiation and aggressive chemicals, making it suitable for aerospace, industrial tubing and outdoor environments.
180 °C continuousHDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
Lightweight and durable with low moisture absorption and strong impact resistance. Commonly used for industrial tubing and protective jacketing.
Hytrel® (Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer)
Combines rubber-like flexibility with engineering plastic strength. Excellent fatigue resistance and ideal for dynamic parts like cable jackets and flexible mechanical components.
LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer)
Superior dimensional stability, low creep and high thermal resistance. Used in precision parts and micro-components, with excellent moisture barrier properties that support semi-hermetic packaging.
LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
Flexible, clear, lightweight polymer ideal for tubing, films and coatings requiring pliability and durability.
Nylon (Polyamide)
High mechanical strength, abrasion resistance and fatigue endurance. Widely used in industrial components needing long service life.
PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane)
Premium fluoropolymer with exceptional chemical resistance and high thermal stability. Ideal for harsh chemical processing, high-performance tubing and precision fluid handling.
240 °C continuousPolypropylene (PP)
Lightweight, semi-rigid material with strong chemical resistance and fatigue performance. Used widely in fibers, molded components and industrial systems.
Polyurethane (PU)
Available in flexible and rigid forms. Great abrasion resistance, elasticity and impact absorption, used in coatings, cushioning and protective jacketing.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Cost-effective, flame-resistant thermoplastic with strong insulation properties. Common in cable jacketing, tubing and sheathing.
Santoprene™ (TPV)
Rubber-like elasticity with thermoplastic processing efficiency. Excellent for seals, gaskets and outdoor cable coatings due to strong weather and chemical resistance.
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
Rubber-like flexibility with easy processing. Ideal for grips, seals, tubing and consumer or industrial applications.
TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate)
Enhanced elasticity, compression-set resistance and durability. Great for sealing systems and dynamic mechanical components.
TPX™ (Polymethylpentene)
Transparent, lightweight and heat-resistant polymer with excellent clarity and chemical stability. Used for labware and specialty films.
Ultem™ (Polyetherimide – PEI)
High-performance thermoplastic with superb strength, flame resistance and stability. Used in aerospace, electronics and precision industrial applications, with unique properties as optical-fiber jacketing.
How the jacket polymers compare
Tensile strength, MPa — typical range per material. LCP highlighted in green.
Side by side
Comparison table
Typical values for guidance. Final performance depends on the full cable construction — ask our engineers for application data.
| Material | Tensile strength | Max continuous use temp | Flexibility | Chemical resistance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDPE | 20–37 MPa | ~100 °C | High | Excellent | Tough, impact-resistant |
| High-Temp Thermoplastics (PEEK, PEI, PPS, etc.) | 70–200 MPa | 200–300 °C | Variable | Excellent | High-performance engineering plastics |
| Hytrel (TPEE) | 25–50 MPa | 100–150 °C | Very High | Good | Exceptional fatigue resistance |
| LCP | 100–240 MPa | 240–300 °C | Low | Excellent | Dimensional precision; very stiff |
| LDPE | 8–12 MPa | ~80 °C | Very High | Good | Soft, flexible, easy to process |
| Nylon | 60–90 MPa | 120–150 °C | Medium | Moderate | Strong, abrasion-resistant |
| PFA | 20–30 MPa | 260 °C | Medium | Outstanding | Ultra-pure; high-temp fluoropolymer |
| Polypropylene | 25–40 MPa | ~100 °C | Medium | Excellent | Lightweight; fatigue-resistant |
| Polyurethane | 25–50 MPa | ~80–100 °C | Very High | Good | Highly abrasion-resistant |
| PVC | 40–55 MPa | ~60–80 °C | Low–Medium | Good | Flame-resistant; electrical insulator |
| Santoprene (TPV) | 6–14 MPa | 120–135 °C | Very High | Excellent | Rubber-like; weather-resistant |
| TPE | 5–25 MPa | 80–120 °C | Very High | Good | Soft-touch; elastomeric |
| TPV | 8–20 MPa | 120–140 °C | High | Excellent | Durable, elastic |
| TPX | 30–40 MPa | 170–200 °C | Medium | Good | Transparent, lightweight |
| Ultem (PEI) | 100–170 MPa | 170–200 °C | Low | Excellent | High heat + high strength |
| ETFE | 35–45 MPa | ~150–170 °C | Medium | Outstanding | UV, radiation & chemical resistant |
Not sure which jacket fits?
Share your temperature range, chemical exposure, flex cycles and buoyancy target — we’ll recommend the right construction.