Starch-based material having improved absorbent properties and process for the preparation thereof

摘要

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 of 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 three minutes.;A process for producing such a water-absorbing polymer is also described, the process comprising partially gelatinising starch and optionally crosslinking it in such a way that an open structure is obtained and fixated.