Kataoka Yuki

Mr. Kataoka Yuki


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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8 May 2025 in Polymers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MSMio Sato
Mio Sato
KYKataoka Yuki
Kataoka Yuki
MHMasumi Higashide
Masumi Higashide
YIYuichi Ishida
Yuichi Ishida
SSSuunao Sugimoto
Suunao Sugimoto
Recycling carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) is crucial for sustainable material utilization, particularly in aerospace applications, where large quantities of prepreg waste are generated. This study investigated the mechanical properties of highly oriented recycled CFRP (rCFRP) molded using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VaRTM), wet-layup, and traditional RTM methods. Recycled carbon fibers (rCFs) obtained via solvolysis and pyrolysis were processed into nonwoven preforms to ensure fiber alignment through carding. The influence of molding methods, fiber recycling techniques, and fiber orientation on mechanical performance was examined through tensile tests, fiber volume fraction (Vf) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy observations. The results indicated that the solvolysis-recycled rCF exhibited superior interfacial adhesion with the resin, leading to a higher tensile strength and stiffness, particularly in the RTM process, where a high Vf was achieved. Wet-layup molding effectively reduced the void content owing to autoclave curing, maintaining stable properties even with pyrolyzed rCF. VaRTM, while enabling vacuum-assisted resin infusion, exhibited a higher void content, limiting improvements in mechanical performance. This study highlights that tailoring the molding method according to the desired performance, such as increasing stiffness potential by enhancing Vf in RTM or improving tensile strength by improving fiber–matrix adhesion in wet-layup molding, is critical for optimizing rCFRP properties, providing important insights into sustainable CFRP recycling and high-performance material design.