US Patent 7326739 Optical fiber ribbons containing radiation cured encapsulating materials

Optical fiber ribbons comprise at least two optical fiber subunit ribbons encapsulated within a radiation cured encapsulating material. The radiation cured encapsulating material allows separation of the subunit ribbons by hand tearing of the encapsulating material and adheres to the subunit ribbons upon twisting of the optical fiber ribbon. The radiation cured encapsulating material preferably has a tear resistance of less than about 2.20 pounds force and an adhesion force to an underlying surface material of greater than about 0.0044 pounds force.