O (Oxygen)

Notas

Oxygen, represented by the symbol O, is a fundamental nonmetal element within the chalcogen group and serves as a highly reactive oxidizing agent. In the context of ceramic chemistry, it is the most prevalent constituent of the Earth's crust, existing primarily in the form of oxides, silicates, and water. During the firing cycle, oxygen plays a critical role in the chemical stability of raw materials; specifically, certain compounds such as cobalt oxide can undergo decomposition at high temperatures, releasing excess oxygen gas as a byproduct. As an electronegative element, oxygen readily facilitates the formation of chemical bonds with other elements to produce the oxides that serve as the building blocks of glass and glaze structures.