Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) is employed as the cross-linker and reinforcement domain for developing nanocomposite hydrogels possessing high strength and improved diffusion property； the resulting nanocomposite hydrogels are shown to have high mechanical properties, reversible swelling ability, and are biodegradable and biocompatible； the approach relies on free radical polymerization to form the hydrogels using a variety of hydrophilic vinyl monomers. These hydrogels are suitable for developing highly absorbent hygiene products, as well as for applications in medicine, engineering materials and sensors.
