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.

Related Topics:
Colloid - Gel - Water - Superabsorbent - 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.

Related Topics:
Polyvinyl alcohol - Sodium polyacrylate - Acrylate - Copolymer - Hydrophilic

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