| Abstract: | Synthetic hydrogels are a versatile range of materials which are of value in several biomedical applications, particularly those where permeability is important. Because the equilibrium water content of the gel governs permeability processes and has a marked influence on other important properties, the permeability requirements of a material often influence other aspects of its behaviour. The design of hydrogels for contact lenses demands an understanding of these interrelationships and thus provides a valuable basis for extending hydrogel design to other applications. |
