the present invention is a composition for forming seals . the composition includes a base material and a hydrogel . the base material is preferably an elastomer or a thermoplastic . seals formed with the composition are particularly suited for use in a wellbore environment . the inclusion of hydrogel in the seals allows the seals to be manipulated or altered through certain environmental factors . for instance , temperature , oil / water ratio , ph and the electronic field may all be used to alter the characteristics of the hydrogel . in this way , the seal may be caused to swell in response to a specific stimulus , thereby preventing or sealing a leak without requiring additional work or input from the operator .