Beside the mass-production goods based on superabsorbent polymers (see our previous paper, Hydrogels and superabsorbent polymers I - Overwiew & Hydrogels II - Superabsorbent materials for mass consumption disposable goods ), the versatile hydrogels thanks to their large spectra of chemical structures allowing to control at will the absorption rates and capacities open the door to the development of smart applications in sectors as various as:
1. Self-sealing
2. Drug and other chemical delivery devices,
3. Stimuli responsive smart polymers,
4. Soft contact lenses
5. Hydrophilic coatings
For about thirty years, water-swelling rubbers have been used to stop water in civil engineering, construction and similar sectors. They are useful where water or aqueous solutions are a problem such as flood defence, liquid penetrations or sealing of leakage thanks to their self-sealing talents. After contact with water, the profile or seal swells, increasing greatly in volume and lengthening the path for the water progression, acting as a barrier for any possible water penetration.