The semi-conductive layer between conductor and insulation which compensates for air voids that exist between conductor and insulation.
Air is a poor insulation, having a nominal dielectric strength of only 76 volts per mil, while most cable insulation have dielectric strengths over 700 volts/mil. Without strand shielding an electrical potential exists that will over-stress these air voids.
As air breaks down or ionizes, it goes into corona (partial discharges). This forms ozone which chemically deteriorates cable insulation. The semi-conductive strand shielding eliminates this potential by simply “shorting out” the air.