hydrogels are a network of polymer chains that are water-soluble, sometimes found as a colloidal* gel in which water is the dispersion medium. hydrogels are super-absorbent (they can contain over 99% water) natural or synthetic polymers.
common uses for hydrogels are:
disposable nappies where they “capture” urine, or in sanitary towels
contact lenses (silicone hydrogels, polyacrylamides)
breast implants
granules for holding soil moisture in arid or dry areas
dressings for healing of burn or other hard-to-heal wounds and
beauty treatments (see this additional video - scroll down to locate and hit play).
common ingredients are e.g. polyvinyl alcohol, sodium polyacrylate, acrylate polymers and copolymers with an abundance of hydrophilic* groups.
glossary:
colloidal = mixture of two phases like liquid/solid, liquid/gas, other examples include butter, ink, smoke, tarmac (read more here)
hydrophilic = water-loving (read more here)
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