The invention is directed to a process for making screen-printable getter
composition comprising: (a) glass frit; and (b) pre-hydrated desiccant
material; dispersed in (c) organic medium. The present invention further
relates to a getter composition utilizing low-softening temperature
glasses comprising, based on weight %, 1-50% SiO.sub.2, 0-80%
B.sub.2O.sub.3, 0-90% Bi.sub.2O.sub.3, 0-90% PbO, 0-90% P.sub.2O.sub.5,
0-60% Li.sub.2O, 0-30% Al.sub.2O.sub.3, 0-10% K.sub.2O, 0-10% Na.sub.2O,
and 0-30% MO where M is selected from Ba, Sr, Ca, Zn, Cu, Mg and mixtures
thereof. The glasses described herein may contain several other oxide
constituents that can substitute glass network-forming elements or modify
glass structure.The desiccant material is pre-hydrated to reach its
saturation level of moisture absorption. The process of pre-hydration can
be done by exposing the desiccant in a normal temperature/humidity
environment of for example, 25.degree. C. and 50-60% RH. For 24 to 48
hours or up to the time when weight gain (due to moisture absorption)
stops increasing. An accelerated hydration process in a chamber with
higher than normal humidity level (i.e. 50% Relative Humidity) is also
applicable to shorten the time of exposure to fully hydrate the desiccant
material.