imbibición

Imbibition is a specific type of diffusion. It is the process by which a solvent, typically water, is absorbed by a solid material, causing it to swell. This phenomenon occurs due to the presence of hydrophilic groups within the solid that have a greater affinity for the solvent molecules than for each other. The forces involved in imbibition are known as adsorptive forces, which pull the solvent into the solid matrix.

Imbibition is a crucial process in many biological and physical systems. In plants, seeds imbibe water to germinate, initiating the process of growth. Wood imbibes water, leading to swelling and changes in its mechanical properties. Other examples include the absorption of water by sponges, certain types of clay, and even the swelling of certain polymers. The rate of imbibition is influenced by factors such as the concentration of the solvent, the surface area of the solid, and the temperature. It is distinct from osmosis, which involves the movement of solvent across a semipermeable membrane from a region of higher solvent concentration to a region of lower solvent concentration, driven by osmotic pressure. Imbibition is a passive process that does not require a membrane.