The development of ZnS/CaZnOS:Mn²⁺-based luminescent ceramics with enhanced mechanical and mechanoluminescent properties holds significant importance for applications in stress sensing and structural damage detection. The integration of luminescent materials with advanced manufacturing techniques has garnered attention for such applications. However, previous attempts have been limited by insufficient mechanical strength and inadequate densification. Herein, a novel approach is introduced by optimising the ceramic slurry composition with the addition of LiF as a sintering aid and employing a two-step sintering process. This method significantly enables a threefold increase in elastic modulus, compressive strength, and peak stress compared to previously reported samples. Furthermore, the mechanoluminescent behaviour of these ceramics was demonstrated through experiments that correlate …