A method of producing a hydrogel product comprises impregnating a coherent fibrous structure with an aqueous solution of a hydrogel precursor material said fibers incorporating cations which are capable of cross-linking said precursor material to form a fiber reinforced hydrogel as the hydrogel product.

Foam wound dressings for medical and veterinary use are disclosed, along with methods for making the same. The wound dressings contain a hydrophilic polyurethane foam matrix having at least one hydrocolloid absorptive material integrally and generally uniformly dispersed throughout that improves the absorptive properties of the wound dressing. The foam wound dressings are formed from a polymerized combination of an aqueous mixture having at least one hydrocolloid absorptive material with a hydrophilic urethane prepolymer in a predetermined ratio.

A composition which is applied to substrate surfaces to form a membrane to provide structural reinforcement thereto and prevent the release of gases and moisture from the substrate. The composition consists of polymer resin binders and gypsum. Further provided is a method for dividing the composition into two separate components in order to preclude premature setting up of the composition ingredients until applied to the substrate. The present invention is particularly useful for creating membranes on the exposed surfaces of newly excavated rocks in subterranean mine systems. The composition may also be used in the construction industry as coatings for sandwich panels, molding, duct-work, piping and cladding systems. It also is useful in traffic paint applications and other transportation industry safety coatings. In addition, the invention may be used in the manufacture of fiber reinforced composite structures and composite construction components.