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2. Physical shapes
2.1 Chemically cross-linked hydrogels: irreversible
Hydrogels are made up of a network of three-dimensional (3D) polymer chains, some of which are solvated by water molecules, while others are chemically or physically bonded to one another. .
This structure gives them interesting properties: they swell, but do not dissolve in the aqueous environment. Thus, permanent hydrogels can be formed from a cross-linked network of hydrophilic polymers in water, and swell while retaining their 3D structure and absorbing large quantities of water. The dimensions...
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Physical shapes
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The Ultimate Scientific and Technical Reference