Hydrogel: Preparation, characterization, and applications: A review.

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Hydrogels are polymeric materials with 3D networks capable of absorbing large water volumes.
• Natural hydrogels are increasingly replaced by synthetic counterparts due to enhanced performance and resource availability.
• Research in hydrogel technology is expanding across scientific and engineering disciplines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review literature on hydrogel classification, properties, and applications.
• To overview technological aspects of hydrogel production, including process design and optimization.
• To present recent advancements in hydrogel material generations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications and technical reports on hydrogels.
• Analysis of hydrogel classification, physical and chemical characteristics.
• Examination of hydrogel production technologies and process design.

Main Results:

• Synthetic hydrogels exhibit higher water absorption, longer service life, and diverse raw material sources.
• Detailed examination of hydrogel classification, properties, and technical feasibility for utilization.
• Overview of hydrogel production technologies, process design, and optimization strategies.

Conclusions:

• Hydrogels are critical materials with diverse applications, driven by advancements in synthetic variants.
• Understanding hydrogel characteristics and production technologies is key to their effective utilization.
• Emerging hydrogel materials offer innovative solutions for various industrial and environmental challenges.