The dispersing and deagglomeration of solids into liquids is an important application of ultrasonic devices. Ultrasonic cavitation generates high shear that breaks particle agglomerates into single dispersed particles. 

The mixing of powders into liquids is a common step in the formulation of various products, such as paint, ink, shampoo, beverages, or polishing media. The individual particles are held together by attraction forces of various physical and chemical nature, including van der Waals forces and liquid surface tension. This effect is stronger for higher viscosity liquids, such as polymers or resins. The attraction forces must be overcome on order to deagglomerate and disperse the particles into liquid media. 

The application of mechanical stress breaks the particle agglomerates apart. Also, liquid is pressed between the particles. Different technologies are commonly used for the dispersing of powders into liquids. This includes high pressure homogenizers, agitator bead mills, impinging jet mills and rotor-stator-mixers.