Abstract: Water-swellable hydrophilic polymers are prepared by neutralization of the acidic hydrogel having a degree of neutralization of 0-40 mol % to an ultimate degree of neutralization of 60-85 mol % by mixing with a neutralizing agent in a mincer comprising a system of screw, rotating blade, restricted flow zone and breaker plate, wherein the mincer has a power output of from 1000 to 6000 Wh/m3 the hydrogel passes through a zone having-an energy dissipation density of from 400 to 800 W/1 of mixing volume the average residence time of the hydrogel in the mincer is from 5 to 30 seconds the breaker plate has an open area of from 20 to 40%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for modifying hydrophilic polymers by mixing with a modifier, characterized in that the pulverulent polymer and the modifier are introduced continuously into a vertical, cylindrical mixer, mixed at a power of from 1,000 to 5,000 Wh/m3 of powder by means of rotating blades at a blade rate of from 100 to 300 s−1 at a residence time of 1-10 seconds, during which the powder is passed through zones having energy dissipation densities of 300-600 W/l of mixer volume.