Water absorption refers to the process by which water is taken up or soaked into a material, substance, or object. This occurs when the molecules of a material interact with water molecules and allow them to penetrate or be absorbed into the material's structure. The degree of water absorption can vary widely depending on the properties of the material in question. The increase in weight expressed as a percentage of its dry weight after immersion in water for a specified time.
Water absorption is often quantified as a percentage of the material's weight or volume that is taken up by water under specific conditions. It is an important to consider when designing products or structures, as excessive water absorption can lead to deterioration, swelling, warping, and other undesirable effects. Materials may also be engineered to have specific water absorption properties to meet desired performance criteria.