Are super absorbent polymers biodegradable?
In order to ensure that the desired performance of super absorbent polymers will last for a long time period under use conditions, a certain stability is indispensable. This includes the stability against microbial attack. Indeed, practically no biodegradation was observed in standardized test systems. Similar to the most recalcitrant biological polymer, lignin, super absorbent polymers in general cannot be internalized by microorganisms due to the size and insolubility of the polymers. However, basic research has shown that it is prone to naturally occurring degradation mechanisms. Some microorganisms (e.g. fungi) are equipped with a unique nonspecific degradation system that enables them to degrade lignin and a variety of environmental pollutants. Investigations have demonstrated that these microorganisms are capable of degrading super absorbent polymers by solubilization, internalization, and subsequent mineralization of the degradation products. Therefore, there is sufficient and i
