The possibility of increasing the apparent specific surface area of macroreticular styrenic polymers crosslinked to different extent by gamma-ray irradiation was investigated. In order to overcome the protective action of benzene rings and simultaneously minimize the negative effect of chain scission competing with the desired additional crosslinking, it was necessary to optimize both the irradiation dose and the content of divinylbenzene. The best conditions for the radiation-induced post-crosslinking of polymers were assessed on the basis of the resultant apparent BET surface area. Useful morphological changes both in the dry and swollen state were possible to be generated. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.