In medium- and high-voltage power cable manufacturing, achieving reliable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding while delivering long-term moisture and chemical protection is essential for cable longevity and system reliability. Copolymer Coated Copper Tape — also known as EAA Coated Copper Tape or Copolymer Copper Shielding Tape — is a high-performance composite material engineered specifically for these demanding applications.
This advanced shielding tape consists of a high-conductivity, soft-annealed copper substrate uniformly coated on one or both sides with a specialized ethylene acrylic acid (EAA) copolymer layer, typically color-coded green for quick visual identification during production and quality inspection. The EAA coating provides exceptional adhesion to common jacketing resins (PE, LLDPE, HDPE, or low-smoke zero-halogen compounds), enabling robust “bonded jacket” or laminated sheath constructions that resist delamination under thermal cycling, mechanical stress, or prolonged exposure to water and chemicals.
As a trusted B2B cable materials supplier with extensive experience supporting global MV/HV cable producers, we recognize this tape as a critical component that enhances both electrical performance and environmental durability in underground, submarine, aerial, and industrial installations.
Composition & Advanced Structure
The tape features:
- Soft-annealed high-purity copper base (thickness 0.10–0.20 mm) — delivering ≥90% IACS conductivity for superior shielding and fault-current handling.
- EAA copolymer coating (≈0.05 mm per side) — applied uniformly on one or both sides. The green-tinted layer ensures low bonding temperature, high heat-seal performance, and excellent chemical compatibility with extruded jackets.
This structure creates a permanent, non-delaminating bond between the copper and the polymer, while forming a strong polymeric interface with the outer sheath during high-speed extrusion. The result is a seamless, high-peel-strength laminated shield that prevents water migration and corrosion far more effectively than bare copper tape.
Key Technical Advantages & Performance Benefits
Outstanding Electromagnetic Shielding & Conductivity With ≥90% IACS conductivity, the copper core provides excellent EMI/RFI protection and serves as an effective electrostatic screen. It also contributes to fault-current carrying capacity, helping maintain system safety during short-circuit events.
Superior Moisture & Chemical Barrier The EAA copolymer creates a high-integrity barrier with proven long-term performance. In standardized tests (168 hours at 68°C in filler/flood or water), it achieves Grade 7 corrosion resistance with no delamination and maintains peel strength ≥5 N/cm — critical for wet or chemically aggressive environments such as underground ducts, coastal areas, or offshore applications.
Exceptional Adhesion & Processability
- Peel strength: ≥5 N/cm
- Heat seal strength: ≥17.5 N/cm
- Tensile strength: ≥180 MPa
- Elongation at break: ≥15%
These properties allow easy longitudinal or helical application on high-speed cabling lines without wrinkling, cracking, or separation. The lower bonding temperature of EAA simplifies production and improves overall manufacturing efficiency compared to traditional coatings.
Mechanical Durability & Dielectric Integrity The tape withstands the rigors of cable processing, installation, and service life. Two-side coated versions exhibit no dielectric breakdown at DC 1 kV, preserving insulation integrity across the sheath interface.
Customization for Specific Cable Designs Available in a wide range of widths (10–1000 mm), inner diameters (76 mm, 102 mm, 150 mm, 406 mm), and joint-free outer diameters up to 1000 mm, the tape can be precisely matched to your cable diameter, armor type, or sheath configuration.
Primary Applications in Power Cable Systems
Copolymer Coated Copper Tape is widely specified for:
- Medium- and High-Voltage Power Cables (MV/HV): As a combined shielding layer and moisture/chemical barrier around the insulated core.
- Underground & Direct-Buried Cables: Essential water-blocking and corrosion protection in moist or chemically aggressive soils.
- Submarine & Offshore Cables: Enhanced saline and chemical resistance when integrated with metallic sheaths or armoring.
- Aerial & Laminated Sheath Designs: Strong bonding to PE/LLDPE jackets for “bonded jacket” constructions that resist mechanical stress, UV, and environmental exposure.
- Specialized Cables: Including those requiring compliance with water penetration tests, oil/chemical resistance, and long-term dielectric stability in industrial or renewable energy projects.
It is frequently used in longitudinally corrugated (LC) shield designs or in combination with other metallic barriers to achieve comprehensive radial and longitudinal protection.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Typical Value | Test Condition / Standard |
|---|
| Copper Thickness | 0.10–0.20 mm | Soft-annealed base |
| EAA Coating Thickness | ≈0.05 mm | One or both sides |
| Tensile Strength | ≥180 MPa | ISO 527 |
| Elongation at Break | ≥15% | ISO 527 |
| Peel Strength | ≥5 N/cm | Internal test |
| Heat Seal Strength | ≥17.5 N/cm | Internal test |
| Corrosion Resistance | Grade 7 | 168 hours at 68°C in filler/flood |
| Dielectric Strength | No breakdown at DC 1 kV | Two-side coated version |
Custom specifications, thicknesses, and coating configurations (single- or double-side) are available to meet IEC, ASTM, or regional requirements. The product fully complies with YD/T 723.4-2007 for copolymer coated metal tapes used in communication and power cables.
Why Copolymer Coated Copper Tape Outperforms Alternatives
Compared to bare copper tape or standard foil shields, the EAA copolymer coating eliminates common failure modes such as delamination under thermal cycling, poor jacket bonding, and accelerated corrosion in humid or saline conditions. It offers superior peel strength, chemical resistance, and production-friendly heat-seal performance while retaining full conductivity — making it the preferred upgrade for modern bonded-jacket or fully water-blocked MV/HV cable designs.
Reliable Shielding & Long-Term Protection for Critical Infrastructure
Copolymer Coated Copper Tape combines the proven electrical performance of high-purity copper with the advanced moisture-barrier and adhesion properties of EAA copolymer technology. The result is a technically superior, process-efficient material that enhances cable reliability, simplifies manufacturing, and reduces long-term maintenance costs in the most demanding power transmission and distribution environments.
For cable manufacturers and EPC contractors prioritizing reliable quality, technical excellence, and long-term infrastructure solutions, this tape is a strategic choice that supports compliance, performance, and end-user satisfaction.
Inquiry Now to request detailed technical data sheets, samples, custom specifications, or competitive bulk quotations tailored to your production requirements. Our expert team provides full technical consultation and customized material solutions that strengthen your position in global MV/HV power cable markets.
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