Classification, processing and application of hydrogels: A review

• Published in: Materials Science & Engineering C Vol. 57; pp. 414 - 433
• Main Authors: Ullah, Faheem, Othman, Muhammad Bisyrul Hafi, Javed, Fatima, Ahmad, Zulkifli, Akil, Hazizan Md
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.12.2015
• Subjects: Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Biotechnology; Categories; Classification; Compressive Strength; Cosmetics; Crosslinked networks; Elastic Modulus; Hardness; Hydrogel classification; Hydrogels; Hydrogels - chemistry; Literature reviews; Materials Testing; Molds; Nanocapsules - chemistry; Nanocapsules - ultrastructure; Smart hydrogels; Super porous hydrogels; Superabsorbent polymers; Tensile Strength; Viscosity; Superabsorbent polymers; Hydrogel classification; Super porous hydrogels; Hydrogels; Smart hydrogels; Crosslinked networks
• ISSN: 0928-4931; 1873-0191; 1873-0191
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2015.07.053

This article aims to review the literature concerning the choice of selectivity for hydrogels based on classification, application and processing. Super porous hydrogels (SPHs) and superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) represent an innovative category of recent generation highlighted as an ideal mould system for the study of solution-dependent phenomena. Hydrogels, also termed as smart and/or hungry networks, are currently subject of considerable scientific research due to their potential in hi-tech applications in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, bioseparation, biosensor, agriculture, oil recovery and cosmetics fields. Smart hydrogels display a significant physiochemical change in response to small changes in the surroundings. However, such changes are reversible; therefore, the hydrogels are capable of returning to its initial state after a reaction as soon as the trigger is removed. [Display omitted] •Classification of hydrogels on the basis of responses and properties has been detailed.•Investigating the effects of crosslinking density and composition on the properties of hydrogels•Proposed mechanism based applications in selected technologies•Processing of hydrogels with stepwise formulations during polymerization•Combination of bio and synthetic polymer as a window for targeted applications