A dispersion technology for Ni particles suspended in a non-aqueous medium based on the quantitative evaluation of surface acid-base properties of Ni particles is described. A quantitative analysis of surface acid-base properties of Ni particles was performed using non-aqueous titration. Dimethylamino ethanol and acetic acid were used as probe molecules to detect surface acid-base amounts of Ni particles. The dispersion system was designed on the basis of the amounts of surface acid-base sites on the Ni particle surface. Rheological behavior and agglomerate particle size data demonstrate that the dispersion stability of the designed Ni suspension is markedly improved, as expected. Therefore, the design strategy to improve the dispersion stability of Ni particles was successful. This strategy is expected to be applicable to dispersion systems of other particles suspended in a non-aqueous medium. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.