The invention is directed to a 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% SiO2, 0-80% B2O3, 0-90% Bi2O3, 0-90% PbO, 0-90% P2O5, 0-60% Li2O, 0-30% Al2O3, 0-10% K2O, 0-10% Na2O, 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° 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.