An atmosphere in the kiln during firing, in which the amount of oxygen entering the kiln is severely restricted. If there is insufficient oxygen in the kiln, one of the products of the combustion of fuels is carbon monoxide. At high temperatures carbon monoxide will combine with oxygen from oxides in ceramic materials. When these oxides have some of their oxygen taken by the carbon monoxide (which becomes carbon dioxide in the process), then they are said to have been reduced. This process is essential in order to produce some glaze colours, most notably the greens and blues of celadon glazes.
atmosphere comprised of substances that readily provide electrons.
Gaseous environment in which an element or ion changes from a higher to a lower oxidation state (i.e., adds one or more electrons to an atom, ion or molecule).
An atmosphere inside a furnace or kiln with limited oxygen. This tends to remove oxygen from substances and materials fired or baked in it.
occurs when oxygen is kept from pottery during firing.
A protective atmosphere which prevents oxidation of metal parts while they are being fired.
An atmosphere used to deoxidize metal oxides at high temperatures during refining.
An atmosphere in a kiln or furnace that is deficient in oxygen. Sometimes, a reducing atmosphere is created deliberately to reduce oxides to their metallic state, as in the case of luster pigments.
