Abstract: A process is provided for the production of porous non-evaporable getter materials comprising at least one first element selected from Zr and Ti and at least one second element selected from V, Cr, Mn and Ni. The starting metal powders are produced by reduction of the corresponding oxides, with calcium hydride and the thus obtained powders are compacted and sintered at a value of pressure and temperature in a given range. The getter materials due to the production process, have a novel distribution of chemical composition through the getter body, resulting in an improved combination of mechanical and gas-sorption properties.

Abstract: It is described a process for the production of porous non-evaporable getter materials comprising at least one first element selected between Zr and Ti and at least one second element selected among V, Cr, Mn and Ni, wherein the starting metal powders are produced by reduction with calcium hydride of the corresponding oxides and the thus obtained powders are compacted and sintered at a value of pressure and temperature in a given range; also described are getter materials that, due to the production process, have a novel distribution of chemical composition through the getter body resulting in an improved combination of mechanical and gas-sorption properties.

Abstract: A nonevaporable getter having an improved sorptive capacity is prepared from a metal powder comprising a titanium-vanadium alloy containing from 20 to 35% by weight vanadium, from 0.1% to 0.5% by weight calcium, the balance being titanium. The metal powder has a bulk density in the range from about 0.7 to about 1.5 g/cm.sup.3. A getter prepared from this metal powder comprises from 20 to 35% by weight vanadium, from 0.1 to 0.5% by weight calcium, and the balance being titanium. A getter prepared from this metal powder has a porosity from 25 to 65% by volume. A method for the preparation of a getter is also provided.