Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable polymers, and especially polyacrylic and/or polyaspartic acid based biodegradable polymers. Further, the present invention relates to methods for the preparation of the present biodegradable polymers and the use thereof as, for example, protective layer or packaging material. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods for preparing a biodegradable polymer comprising: a) preparing an acidic mixture of polyacrylic and/or polyaspartic acid, sodium ions, one or more oligosaccharides, or derivatives thereof, and water, wherein the resulting mixture has a pH equal to or lower than 5; b) maintaining the temperature of said acidic mixture in a range of from 80° C. to 130° C. until an homogeneous suspension is obtained; and c) adding polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and one or more polycarboxylic acids, or derivatives thereof, to the mixture of step (b) while maintaining the temperature in a range of from 80° C. to 130° C. until the biodegradable polymer is formed.

Abstract: Described is a polymeric compound comprising a polyvinyl alcohol, a carbohydrate, and a polyacrylic acid, in which compound the carbohydrate is present as a cross-linking agent which cross-links chains of polyvinyl alcohol and/or chains of polyacrylic acid. The novel compound has interesting properties as an alternative to known plastics materials. It is biologically degradable, has a reduced content of fossil starting material, and exhibits hardness and flexibility properties useful for widespread applications, such as packaging material and coatings. In addition, a method for producing the polymeric compound is disclosed.