Mechanical experiments as a tool for study of swelling-deswelling and structural properties of porous polymers

•Tensile stress measurements for characterization of polymer structure are applied.•The relation of the porosity and the stress produced during swelling is discussed.•“Skin” effect during deswelling is confirmed.•Stability of mesopore structure of polymer depends on swelling degree.•Loss of solvent during deswelling of porous polymer is of stepped character.