Zirconia ceramics are used in a wide range of applications, including dental restorations, bioimplants, and fuel cells, due to their accessibility, biocompatibility, chemical resistance, and favorable mechanical properties. Following the development of 3D printing technologies, it is possible to rapidly print zirconia-based objects with high precision using stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP) techniques. The advantages of these techniques include the ability to print multiple objects simultaneously on the printing platform. To align with the quality standards, it is necessary to focus on optimizing processing factors such as the viscosity of the suspension and particle size, as well as the prevention of particle agglomeration and sedimentation during printing, comprising the choice of a suitable debinding and sintering mode. The presented review provides a detailed overview of the recent trends in preparing routes for zirconium oxide bodies; from preparing the suspension through printing and sintering to characterizing mechanical properties. Additionally, the review offers insight into applications of zirconium-based ceramics.

The stability of ceramic suspensions is a key factor in the preparation and shaping of ceramic bodies. The presented work offers an experimental determination of ceramics suspensions stability using the LUMiSizer analytical centrifuge, focusing on kinetic behaviour using transmission profiles and instability indexes. Multiple ceramic systems comprising corundum, metakaolin, and zirconia suspensions were experimentally examined under varying solid contents, dispersant dosages, and additive concentrations. Results showed that highly loaded corundum suspensions with dispersant (Dolapix CE64) achieved excellent stability, with an instability index below 0.05. Compared to classical sedimentation tests, which are time-consuming and not highly sensitive, LUMiSizer offers a suitable alternative by guaranteeing correct kinetic data and instability indexes indicating suspension behaviour using centrifugal force. Comparisons of the LUMiSizer results and data obtained using the modified Stokes law confirmed increased terminal velocities in experiments with metakaolin suspensions, indicating the sensitivity of the centrifuge to the effect of dispersion medium shape. The influence of porogen (waste coffee grounds) on the stability of corundum suspensions was also investigated, followed by slip casting to create and characterize a ceramic body, confirming the possibility of shaping based on stability results. Furthermore, instability indices are suggested as a rapid, quantitative method for comparing system stability and as an auxiliary criterion to the rheological measurements. Optimal dispersant concentration for zirconia-based photocurable suspensions was identified as 8.5 wt.%, which minimized viscosity and, at the same time, assured maximal kinetic stability. Integrating the LUMiSizer analytical centrifuge with standard methods, including sedimentation tests and rheological measurements, highlights its value as a powerful tool for characterizing and optimizing ceramic suspensions.

Ionic liquids have emerged as a promising class of lubricants and lubricant additives due to their unique physicochemical properties, including negligible vapor pressure, high thermal stability, tunable molecular structure, and strong surface affinity. This review summarizes recent advances in the application of ionic liquids in tribology, with emphasis on molecular design, lubrication mechanisms, rheological behavior, material compatibility, and industrial applicability. The role of cation–anion combinations in governing adsorption, boundary film formation, and tribochemical reactivity is critically discussed. Particular attention is given to ionic liquids used as neat lubricants and as additives in conventional mineral and synthetic oils, where synergistic interactions and concentration-dependent effects are evaluated. The formation of protective tribofilms, confinement-induced structuring, and rheological characteristics under high pressure are analyzed as key contributors to friction and wear reduction. Challenges related to corrosion, miscibility, viscosity control, cost, and large-scale synthesis are examined in the context of practical implementation. Finally, future research directions are outlined, including data-driven molecular design, computational screening, and sustainable synthesis strategies. Although ionic liquids offer significant advantages under boundary and extreme operating conditions, their broader industrial deployment requires systematic optimization balancing performance, compatibility, environmental safety, and economic feasibility.