Hydrogels
Hydrogels are a special kind of material that’s squishy and holds a lot of water. Imagine if you had a big bowl of jello that you could squeeze and stretch, and it would keep its shape. That’s kind of like what a hydrogel is.
Scientists make hydrogels using chemicals that are able to soak up lots and lots of water. When these chemicals mix together, they create a sort of net or web that holds the water in place, making the hydrogel squishy and soft.
One cool thing about hydrogels is that they can be used for all sorts of different things. Some hydrogels are used in diapers to absorb pee and keep babies dry. Other hydrogels are used as bandages or wound dressings to help injured skin heal faster. They can also be used in contact lenses to help keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
Hydrogels are a really useful material because they can hold a lot of water without getting too heavy or soggy. And because they’re soft and squishy, they’re gentle on your skin and won’t hurt you. So the next time you see a squishy toy or a bandage that’s really stretchy, you can think to yourself: "that’s kind of like a hydrogel!"
Scientists make hydrogels using chemicals that are able to soak up lots and lots of water. When these chemicals mix together, they create a sort of net or web that holds the water in place, making the hydrogel squishy and soft.
One cool thing about hydrogels is that they can be used for all sorts of different things. Some hydrogels are used in diapers to absorb pee and keep babies dry. Other hydrogels are used as bandages or wound dressings to help injured skin heal faster. They can also be used in contact lenses to help keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
Hydrogels are a really useful material because they can hold a lot of water without getting too heavy or soggy. And because they’re soft and squishy, they’re gentle on your skin and won’t hurt you. So the next time you see a squishy toy or a bandage that’s really stretchy, you can think to yourself: "that’s kind of like a hydrogel!"