Hydrogel is a colloidal gel in which water is the dispersion medium. Hydrogels are superabsorbent (they can contain over 90% of water) natural or synthetic polymers.
Common uses for hydrogel are:
- In disposable diapers where they "capture" urine
- Contact lenses (silicone hydrogels)
Other, less common uses include:
- Breast implants
- Granules for holding soil moisture in arid areas
- Dressings for healing of burn or other hard-to-heal wounds
