l “Water binding” and “hydration” – Tendency of water to associate with hydrophilic substances l Water holding capacity – Ability of a matrix of molecules to entrap large amounts of water in a manner such that exudation is prevented General conceptsl “Water binding” and “hydration” – Tendency of water to associate with hydrophilic substances l Water holding capacity – Ability of a matrix of molecules to entrap large amounts of water in a manner such that exudation is prevented General concepts