COMPOSITE MATERIALS CAPABLE OF HYDROGEN SORPTION INDEPENDENTLY FROM ACTIVATING TREATMENTS AND METHODS FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF

摘要

A powder of a composite material comprising a non-evaporable getter material with a palladium coating continuously sorbs hydrogen. Embodiments in which the coverage of the palladium coating over the particles of the NEG material is complete can sorb hydrogen without the need for an activation treatment. Other embodiments in which the palladium coverage is less than total but greater than about 10% can also sorb gaseous species other than hydrogen. Loose powders, pressed powders, and sintered powders of the composite material are incorporated into getter devices and into the evacuated spaces of double-walled pipes, dewars, and thermal bottles. Methods for preparing powders of these composite materials utilize evaporative, sputter, and CVD deposition techniques. Another method prepares powders of the composite material by a liquid phase impregnation process.