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Abstract

An adhesive hydrogel product includes a mixture comprising water, and a thermoplastic, water-soluble polymer extruded in a dry state. The thermoplastic, water-soluble polymer constitutes the principal water-soluble polymer of the mixture and is present in the mixture in a concentration, by weight, of at least 15 percent. The mixture having been exposed to a dose of radiant energy effective to provide an adhesive hydrophilic gel having a gel breaking strength of at least 10 p.s.i., and an absorption capacity per mil of thickness of the gel in excess of 10% by weight, and more preferably in excess of 30% by weight. The method includes the steps of directing a substrate including an extruded, thermoplastic, water-soluble polymer through a liquid bath at a speed for causing the substrate to absorb approximately 30 percent to about 80 percent, by weight, of said liquid to thereby convert said water-soluble polymer into a hydrogel; separating the substrate into discrete hydrogel products; packaging the discrete hydrogel products in moisture-impervious packages, and subjecting the packaged hydrogel products to a dose of radiation effective to provide an adhesive hydrogel having a gel breaking strength of at least 10 p.s.i., and an absorption capacity per mil of thickness of the gel in excess of 10%, by weight, and more preferably in excess of 30% by weight.

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