Direct ink writing (DIW) of structural and functional ceramics: Recent achievements and future challenges

Along with vast research on the additive manufacturing (AM) of polymeric and metallic materials, three-dimensional (3D) manufacturing of ceramic materials is now the modern trend. Among all the additive manufacturing techniques, Direct Ink Writing (DIW) permits the ease of design and rapid manufacturing of ceramic-based materials in complicated geometries. This paper presents an outline of the contributions and tasks in the fabrication 3D ceramic parts by the DIW technique. The current state-of-the-art manufacturing of various ceramics such as alumina, zirconia, and their composites through Direct Ink Writing (DIW) is described in detail. Moreover, this review paper aims at the innovations in the DIW approach of ceramic materials and introduces the progression of the DIW for the manufacturing of ceramics. Most importantly, the DIW technique has been explained in detail with illustrations. The prospects and challenges related to the DIW technique are also underscored.