A stable dispersion of iron aluminide (FeAl) intermetallic powders was achieved in water using ammonium salt of poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA-NH4). The electrosteric stabilization was identified to be the prevailing mechanism. pH value correlates inversely with the amount of PMAA-NH4 adsorbed onto the surface of FeAl particle. The aqueous FeAl solution stabilized by PMAA-NH4 displays a Newtonian behavior as revealed by rheological measurements. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.