The invention relates to cross-linked polymerizates which are capable of absorbing, which are based on partially neutralized, monoethylenically unsaturated monomers that carry acidic groups, which exhibit improved properties, in particular, with regard to their ability to transport liquids when in a swollen state, and which are subsequently cross-linked on the surface thereof at temperatures >/= 150 DEG C with a combination consisting of polyol used as a subsequent cross-linker compound and of a cation provided in the form of an aqueous solution.