| abstract |
A biodegradable, highly water-absorbing polymer based on starch or derivatives thereof is described, wherein the starch has not been chemically modified or only to a degree of substitution below 0.2, and has a water-absorbing power of at least 10 times its own weight, half of the water absorption being attained within 3 minutes. n A process for producing such a water-absorbing polymer is also described, the process comprising modifying and treating the starch in a co-continuous water-oil or oil-water system in such a way that an open, slightly crosslinked structure is fixated. |