Topic: From high-performance to sustainability: development and evaluation of composites towards carbon neutrality

Lecturer: Wan Yi, Doctor of Engineering, Associate Professor at the Department of Systems Innovation, University of Tokyo

Time: May 11, 2026, 14:00-16:00, UTC+8

Venue: Room 303, Building of Social Sciences, Yujiatou Campus

Inviter: Zhou Hongchang, Specially Appointed Researcher

Biography: Dr. Wan Yi, Associate Professor at the University of Tokyo, has participated in the largest Japanese National Program for CFRTP, with a total funding of 6 billion yen over five years. His research interests include performance evaluation, forming processes, mass production applications of CFRTP, as well as the recycling and sustainable use of CFRP. He has published over 40 papers in leading journals in this field, including 14 as first author. He has attended more than 100 international academic conferences and received 16 awards. Dr. Wan is a member of the Japan Society for Composite Materials and SAMPE Japan. He has engaged in research collaborations with universities and institutions in China, Japan, South Korea, and Western countries in the field of composites.

Abstract: This report focuses on the development trends of composite technology in the context of carbon neutrality and green transition, exploring the research, development, and evaluation systems of composites aimed at a sustainable society. Advanced materials such as Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) are undergoing a gradual shift from prioritizing high performance to emphasizing low cost, large-scale application, and reuse, creating new demands for material design, fabrication, and assessment. The report will also examine the recycling and reuse of carbon fiber, forming processes, mechanical evaluation of chopped strand and discontinuous fiber polymers, and the relationships between microstructure and macroscopic properties. Topics such as multi-scale structure–performance prediction and improved material design efficiency will be addressed, particularly via high-speed numerical simulation and machine learning methods. By analyzing application scenarios including wind power, liquid hydrogen storage and transportation, and automotive mass production, the report assesses the potential of composites for lightweighting and functional integration. Furthermore, from the perspectives of cascade utilization, circular recycling strategies, environmental impact, and economic feasibility, a comprehensive life-cycle assessment of composites will be presented to provide technical support for sustainable development.

Rewritten by: Mei Mengqi

Edited by: Li Huihui, Li Tiantian

Source: Green & Smart River-Sea-Going Ship Cruise and Yacht Research Center