Abstract
Dispersion process of aggregated particles is extremely important to produce well-dispersed functional particles, especially nano-particles with high performance. Although many kinds of particle dispersers have been developed, the principle of dispersion mechanism has not been necessarily understood. In this review, the theoretical background of the breakage of aggregates by the simple shear and elongation flows and the experimental investigations on the dispersion by the basic flows for commercial dispersers and the dispersion by ultrasonic dispersers are overviewed. In addition, it is pointed out how the adhesive forces between surfaces, which are closely related with the particle dispersion, have not been clarified yet, when the surfaces are in electrolyte, surfactant and polymer solutions
