PURPOSE: To obtain a sintered body of active metallic Cr having high relative density by impregnating an aq. soln. of water soluble Pd salt to the pulverized powder of metallic Cr and compacting the powder under prescribed pressure after drying then raising temp. in two stages and sintering the green compact.

CONSTITUTION: Water soluble Pd salt [e.g.; Pd(NO3)2] is impregnated in the pulverized powder of metallic Cr which is preferably the powder of electrolytic metallic Cr or degassed metallic Cr and has usually ≥0.2m2/g, more specifically, 0.4W1.5m2/g specific surface area. The Pd salt in this case is used in the form of an aq. soln., and the amt. of the Pd salt to be added is adjusted to the extent at which the pulverized powder of the metallic Cr becomes muddy when said salt is added and both are kneaded. The amt. of the Pd salt to be used with respect to the metallic Cr is preferably 0.5W2.5wt% in terms of the metallic Cr. The pulverized powder of the metallic Cr impregnated with the Pd salt is dried by heating at 80W90°C and is compacted under 100W400kg/mm2 molding pressure. The green compact is subjected to a primary sintering at 700W900°C followed by a secondary sintering at 1,000W1,400°C, whereby the intended activated metallic Cr is obtd. The sintering is accomplished in an inert atmosphere of Ar, He, etc. or in an H2 atmosphere.