a new method of forming agglomerates of fine powdered solids comprises dispersing the powder in a chemically inert carrier liquid that also contains a dissolved binder precursor polymer with cyclic dicarboxylic acid anhydride groups on the polymer chain . the dispersion is shaped and then brought into contact with a second carrier liquid that contains polyamines . the polyamines react with the anhydride groups on the other polymer to form an insoluble binder polymer that hardens the shaped dispersion . the hardened shape can then be separated from the liquids and / or further reacted if desired to produce amide bonds in the final agglomerates . the method is useful for forming mechanically and thermally stable agglomerates of such materials as activated carbon , metals dispersed on catalyst carriers , etc .