Water swellable rubber composites: An update review from preparation to properties

In recent years, water swellable rubber composites have been the subject of many scientific and research investigations as well as many industrial programs. Here, we present an updated overview of the developments in the area of water swellable rubber composites with different kinds of fillers, compatibilizers, and cross‐linked agents, in terms of their manufacturing methods, synthesis, chemical, physical, and mechanical properties. Several critical issues and suggestions for future work are detailed, underscoring the roles of material scientists and manufacturing engineers in the bright future of this new material through value addition to enhance its usage and fields of application. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42786.