Abstract: A method for the production of metal powders or metal hydride powders of the elements Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, and Cr is disclosed, whereby an oxide of the said elements is mixed with a reducing agent and said mixture, optionally with a hydrogen atmosphere (for the production fo metal hydrides), is heated until the reduction reaction commences, the reaction product is quenched, then washed and dried. The oxide used has an average particle size of 0.5 to 20 ?m, a BET specific surface of 0.5 to 20 m2/g and a minimum content of 94 wt %.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing alloy powders based on titanium, zirconium and hafnium alloyed with the elements Ni, Cu, Ta, W, Re, Os, and Ir is described in which an oxide of Ti and Zr and Hf is mixed with a metal powder of the elements named and with a reducing agent, and wherein this mixture is heated in a furnace, optionally under a argonate atmosphere or, optionally under hydrogen atmosphere until the reducing reaction begins, the reaction product is leached and then washed and dried, wherein the oxide used has an average grain size of 0.5 to 20 ?m, a specific surface area according to BET of 0.5 20 m2/g and a minimum content of 94 wet. ?%. An easy to produce powder, in particular in relation to the ignition point and burning time, is produced.