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The dispersion behavior of Si3N4 nanopowders prepared by laser-induced gas-phase reaction in a non-aqueous solvent, N-N-dimethylformamide (DNIF) was studied, and triethanolamine (TEA) was selected as a dispersant. One hundred and sixty-six-day sedimentation tests were used to study the stability of the suspensions. Photon correlation spectroscopy was employed to measure the sizes of aggregates and coagulation rates. TEA was proved an effective dispersant for nano-Si3N4 in DMF, presoaking treatment could enhance the effect of the dispersant. TEA 1.0 wt.% referred to Si3N4 and a 1-month-presoaking gave the best dispersion, the dispersion stability was improved from several minutes to several months, and the average size of the aggregates was reduced to about a twenty-fifth. The dispersion ability of TEA was believed being related to its strong affinities both to the powder surface and to the solvent. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd and Techna S.r.l. All rights reserved.