Imbibition :
(i) Imbibition is a special type of diffusion. In this process, water is absorbed by solids and colloids, causing an enormous increase in volume.
(ii) It is the phenomenon of adsorption of water or any other liquid by the solid particles of a substance without forming a solution.
(iii) Imbibition is along the concentration gradient and depends upon affinity between adsorbent and liquid being adsorbed.
