Changes in physical properties with absorption of methyl alcohol and w
ater were investigated. Upon CH3OH absorption, a boundary front appear
ed between the shell and core. The change in physical properties with
absorption depended on the solvent and the volume absorbed. For exampl
e, when CH3OH of about 11 wt% was absorbed, Young's modulus decreased
from 3.0 x 10(8) to 4.9 X 10(6) N/M2. In the case of H2O absorption (1
wt%), Young's modulus changed only slightly to 1.7 x 10(8) N/M2. The
glass transition temperature T(g) shifted down to room temperature upo
n CH3OH absorption, but did not shift upon H2O absorption.