a final bead having a diameter which is about 1 5 to about 2 times that of the seed bead although the beads can be prepared in a wide range of sizes the preferred beads range from about 75 micrometers to about 2 mm in diameter such final beads typically have a wet density ranging from about 1 14 to about 1 19 gm ml preferably about 1 15 gm ml the monomer mixture which is employed can vary depending upon factors such as the density of the bead desired the seed bead which is employed the type of hydrophilic monomer which is employed and the like typically the amount of hydrophobic monomer can range from about 89 to about 99 weight percent based on the total weight of all monomers the amount of polyvinyl crosslinking monomer can range from about 0 05 to about 10 weight percent based on all monomers the amount of hydrophilic monomer can vary and can typically range from about 0 1 to about 8 weight percent preferably from about 0 1 to about 6 most preferably from about 0 1 to less than about 5 weight percent based on all monomers the amount of hydrophilic monomer which is employed varies with the type or character of monomer for example a more hydrophilic monomer can be employed.