A process for producing a self-cross-linking alkyl cellulose derivative,
which includes irradiating, with radioactive rays, a mixture of a starting
alkyl cellulose derivative (the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group
is 1 through 3, the alkyl group may be substituted by a hydroxyl group or
a carboxyl group, and the carboxyl group may form a salt) (100 parts by
weight) and water (5-2,000 parts by weight), and thus obtained
self-cross-linking alkyl cellulose derivative has an improved
biodegradability and excellent water-absorbability.
