what is gel

A gel is a semi-solid substance that can range from soft and weak to hard and tough. It is defined as a substantially dilute cross-linked system, which exhibits no flow when in the steady state. Gels are mostly liquid by mass, yet they behave like solids due to a three-dimensional cross-linked network within the liquid. This cross-linking within the fluid gives a gel its structure and contributes to its adhesive properties. Gels are formed through a process called gelation, and they consist of a polymer network and a solvent phase. Gel electrophoresis, on the other hand, is a technique commonly used in laboratories to separate charged molecules like DNA, RNA, and proteins according to their size by passing an electric current through a gel matrix. Additionally, in the context of nail care, gel refers to a substance made up of acryl ester resin/urethane acrylates and a photoinitator, which is cured or hardened under a UVA light. Gels are popular in nail care due to their durability, lack of damage to nails, lack of odor, and high gloss.