Imbibition

Osmosis

1. It involves the absorption water by a solid substance wihtout getting dissolved.

1. It involves the movement of water or solvent from its higher chemical potential to lower chemical potential.

2. It does not need semi-permeable membrane. 

2. A semi-permeable membrane is required in osmosis.

3. Heat is produced

3. Heat is not produced. 

4. It is due to presence of colloidal particles.

4. It requires the presence of solute particles in solution form.