hydrophilic composite polymer articles are provided which comprise at least one hydrophilic polymer in a powder form and one or more liquid components of which at least one is hydrophilic and which can be polymerized with said hydrophilic polymer . this composition is produced from a homogeneously mixed paste which can be molded or cast into a desired shape which will subsequently set . the resulting article has a shape - retaining , non - tacky flexible consistency which allows the shape to be further modified , if necessary . such object can be then cured by any of the conventional curing methods to retain its shape permanently . the final properties of the composite can be tailored to suit the final application by using fillers or modifiers . in the medical field , such articles can be utilized as a sustained release devices as they can be loaded with the desired therapeutic drugs . these articles can be made non - toxic and biocompatible and used as prosthetic devices . the final cured article can be modified further by polishing , drilling , cutting , etc . when exposed to moisture or a humid environment , the article will become partially hydrated with a resultant softer surface yet retain good mechanical strength .