Hydrogel

Hydrogel is a network of polymer chains that are water-soluble, sometimes found as a colloidal gel in which water is the dispersion medium. Hydrogels are superabsorbent (they can contain over 90% of water) natural or synthetic polymers.

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Common uses for hydrogel are:

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• In disposable diapers where they "capture" urine, or in sanitary towels
• Contact lenses (silicone hydrogels)

Other, less common uses include:

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• Breast implants
• Granules for holding soil moisture in arid areas
• Dressings for healing of burn or other hard-to-heal wounds

Common ingredients are eg. polyvinyl alcohol, sodium polyacrylate, acrylate polymers and copolymers with an abundance of hydrophilic groups.

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Colloid: In general, a colloid or colloidal dispersion is a two-phase system of matter; a type of mixture intermediate between homogeneous mixtures and heterogeneous mixtures....

Gel: :In optical filters and theatrical lighting a color gel is a transparent or translucent colored panel used to change the color of transmitted light....

Water: :This article focuses on water as it is experienced in everyday life. See water (molecule) for information on the chemical and physical properties of pure water (H2O, hydrogen oxide)....