nanocrystalline cellulose 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 .