A series of ACNs were synthesized by equimolar conversion of star polymers 3 and 5 (see sample overview in Table ). For the synthesis, corresponding aliquots of the stock solutions of 3 and 5 were poured together. Solvent, temperature, and polymer concentration were varied. After completion of the cross-linking reaction (~ 3 d), equilibrium volume swelling degrees Qv of the co-networks were determined gravimetrically (see Figure ). Swelling experiments were repeated 3 to 4 times for each sample (Qv1, Qv2…) where all swelling experiments were followed by a period of complete drying of the samples prior to the next swelling experiment. Subsequent equilibrium swelling of the samples after cross-linking reduces the overlap between the molecules preventing complete reactions, drying causes the opposite effect: the overlap number of the star polymers grows 5 ∝ 𝜙 1/(6𝜈-2) , bringing previously separated end groups of star polymers in contact allowing for additional reactions. This effect is particularly pronounced for samples synthesized at low polymer concentration (𝜙 0 = 0.06), since the low 𝜙 0 at preparation causes a slower kinetics and a lower maximum 𝑝, which is most increased by post-reaction due to a larger change in the overlap number upon drying compared to 𝜙 0 = 0.18 and 𝜙 0 = 0.30.