AbstractHydrogels with various degrees of crosslinking were synthesized from 2‐vinylpyridine and divinylbenzene/ethylbenzene monomers using gamma irradiation. The influence of the solvent solubility parameter, ionic strength, and temperature on swelling and gel density were studied. Adsorption of water vapor on these gels was determined, and the data were used in the calculation of free energy changes involved in the process. Finally the drug release behavior‐crosslink content relation was investigated. It was found that increase in crosslinking agent content adversely influenced swelling, gel density, and water vapor adsorption. The solvent solubility parameter was found to influence swelling more than ionic strength. Contrary to what was expected, it was not possible to classify the drug release behavior as first or