Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Valorization of Biomass Waste Materials, a Biorefinery Concept(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024) Gbadeyan, OJ; Sekoai, Patrick T; Chunilall, Viren; Gbadeyan, OJ; Sekoai, Patrick T; Chunilall, VirenWaste has become an emerging problem threatening the ecosystem, given the harmful content generated from the global afterlife of waste. These problems affect all spheres of life, and the waste must be controlled, managed, or converted to new products. The fundamental ways of addressing the increasing global flows of waste revealed through management processes have significantly increased business opportunities. Waste must be transformed into valuable products to reduce pollution, create jobs, and an environmentally pleasant atmosphere. Researchers have invented methods of converting waste into value-added products, aiming toward waste management and reduction. Despite considerable advances, the reuse and recycling of agricultural waste as biomass resources (renewable feedstock for renewable energy generation and specialty chemicals) from several natural sources are underutilized. This collection of essays discusses different biomass waste sources, biomass feedstocks characterization, pre-treatment and techniques for valorizing biomass to value-added products, and policies and regulations on the circular economy.Item Stimuli-responsive hydrogels for ophthalmic drug delivery(Woodhead Publishing, 2024-05) Chattopadhyay, D; Orasugh, Jonathan T; Adhikari, A; Sinha Ray, Suprakas; Jonathan TStimuli-Responsive Hydrogels for Ophthalmic Drug Delivery covers fundamental aspects in the preparation of polymeric in-situ, stimuli-responsive hydrogels, including properties, characterization, chemistry, and fabrication of these hydrogels. The book will help the reader select the most appropriate material and design for the desired application. The book goes on to review applications in ophthalmic drug delivery, covering in vitro and in vivo models, animal models, preclinical testing, patents, and more. This is a must-have reference for researchers and academics in the fields of materials science, biomaterials, pharmacology and polymer science, with an interest in clinical aspects of hydrogel design and application.Item Inorganic Ultraviolet Filters in Sunscreen Products: Status, Trends, and Challenges(Springer Nature, 2024-07) Hassan Kera, Nazia; Kesavan Pillai, Sreejarani; Ray, Suprakas SThis book offers a comprehensive overview of recent developments in inorganic ultraviolet (UV) lters utilized for photoprotection applications. It evaluates theperformance of the two approved inorganic UV lters for sunscreen use, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO), examining their physicochemical properties in relation to various factors such as ef cacy in UVR attenuation, formulation considerations including product aesthetics and stability, safety aspects, potential risks to human health, and their environmental fate and effects. The regulations governing the use of TiO2 and ZnO in sunscreens are also addressed. Furthermore, the book assesses different modi cation strategies employed to mitigate the undesirable properties of ZnO and TiO2. It also presents various inorganic materials studied as alternatives to ZnO and TiO2, evaluating their potential for use as UV lters. This book is tailored for chemists, material scientists, researchers, engineers (both chemical and biomedical), as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students interested in this dynamic research eld. Additionally, it serves as a valuable resource for industrial researchers and R&D managers aiming to develop and market advanced inorganic UV lter-based sunscreen products.Item Reflections on the State of Research and Technology in South Africa’s Marine and Maritime Sectors(The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Pretoria (CSIR), 2014) Funke, Nikki S; Claassen, M; Meissner, R; Nortje, K; Funke, Nikki S; Claassen, M; Meissner, R; Nortje, KIn his 2014 State of the Nation Address, President Jacob Zuma highlighted the triple challenge of poverty, inequality and unemployment. Addressing this challenge, in particular through the implementation of the National Development Plan, is a key priority for the South African government. Key economic drivers that are of significance for the marine and maritime sectors are tourism, the Green Economy, infrastructure development and manufacturing. Maximising the potential of these drivers can substantially increase the ability of the marine and maritime sectors to contribute to South Africa’s economy. South Africa has not fully exploited its marine and maritime economy, which justifies the emerging emphasis on the South African ocean economy. The South African government has an important role to play in promoting the development of this economy through establishing an enabling policy environment, and ensuring effective regulation and appropriate resource allocation. Research and development (R&D) in marine and maritime industries, as well as research and academic organisations, produce marine and maritime-related knowledge and technology. This focus on R&D gives impetus to the development of the country’s marine and maritime resources and has the potential to contribute to the growth of the ocean economy. South Africa’s oceans and coasts should be developed in a responsible manner to facilitate the sustainable utilisation of marine and maritime resources and secure the long-term growth of the ocean economy. Knowledge and technology play an important role in understanding the ocean, its resources and how to utilise these resources in a responsible manner to ensure their continued availability for generations to come. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has a key role to play in supporting growth in the marine and maritime sectors through ensuring safety of life and property at sea, preventing and combatting pollution from ships, and promoting the Republic’s maritime interests. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) also has an important role to play in building and developing the ocean economy, for instance, through its Socio-economic Partnerships Programme, which enhances growth and development priorities through targeted science and technology interventions and the development of strategic partnerships with other government departments, industry, research institutions and communities. The DST is also involved in various marine science research initiatives that have the potential to link basic research to applied research, increase human capital, develop R&D and build closer links with industry. This book endeavours to contribute to these objectives by presenting diverse contributions to reflect on the state of R&D and technology in South Africa’s marine and maritime sectors. Its contribution lies in making the practical application of R&D and technology in the marine and maritime sectors explicit, and highlighting the ways in which this can be strengthened and improved.Item Graphene-Based Materials as Adsorbents for Wastewater Decontamination(2024-10) Ray, Suprakas S; Orasugh, Jonathan T; Temane, Lesego T; Motshekga, SCThis book aims to provide a fundamental grasp of graphene-based materials (GAMs) and their adsorption process. The effect of diverse process parameters, including pH, temperature, agitation, competing ions, etc., on the adsorption performance of GAMs as well as their recent and relevant applications in biomedical fields, are discussed. The current challenges and future outlook have been addressed as an independent chapter, and the recyclability of these adsorbent materials has also been covered.Item Emerging Technologies in Polymer Processing(Hanser, 2024-12) Ray, Suprakas S; Banerjee, Ritima; Bandyopadhyay, Jayita; Orasugh, Jonathan T; Bhattacharya, SatinathResting on the foundation of fundamental concepts, polymer processing has undergone phenomenal progress, beginning from the basic operations of mixing and molding, and evolving into advanced manufacturing techniques, such as 4D printing and nanocellular foaming. The use of cutting-edge technologies, such as computational modeling, have revolutionized even conventional processing techniques. Existing processing techniques have been modified, and new methods have been developed to meet application-specific requirements. The book “Emerging Technologies in Polymer Processing” is carefully structured to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic field of polymer processing innovation, covering a wide range of topics. This pioneering work is organized into several chapters, each meticulously crafted to look into specific facets of emerging technologies, their implications, and their applications within the polymer industry. The introductory chapter (Chapter 1) serves as the gateway to this exploration, setting the stage by delineating the evolution of polymer processing techniques. It offers a historical overview of traditional methods while elucidating the pressing need for innovation in response to evolving industry demands. Moreover, it candidly addresses the challenges inherent in conventional polymer processing techniques, laying the groundwork for the subsequent discussion on emerging technologies. Chapter 2 extensively reviews the role of rheology in the processability of polymeric materials: An in-depth understanding of the rheological characteristics of polymeric materials can help select the right materials and/or grades and processing conditions to achieve superior processability in various emerging processing operations. In Chapter 3, we emphasize the fundamentals of the conventional injection molding of polymeric materials with process control technologies, critical drivers of the market and restraints on them, recent trends, factors influencing precision, and advances in precision injection molding, including process control and material aspects. Chapter 4 provides a broad perspective on the manufacturing processes, the history of additive manufacturing, its economic feasibility, market and technology trends, and fundamentals of the different additive manufacturing processes. In Chapter 5, the fundamental principles governing electrospinning and the influence of solution properties, electric fields, and other processing parameters on nanofibers’ morphology are discussed. Chapter 6 complements Chapter 5, providing a thorough description of the various other processing methods used to prepare polymer fibers, as well as the most recent advancements in these processing methods. It also lists some of the benefits and drawbacks of each production process. Chapter 7 provides a comprehensive overview of the use of ultrasound in various polymer processing operations, highlighting its significant benefits. By shedding light on these advantages, the chapter aims to equip readers with a deeper understanding of the potential of ultrasound in polymer processing, fostering a sense of awareness and informed decision-making. In Chapter 8, we provide an overview of the fundamentals of plasma treatment technology and the use of plasma treatment in the surface modification of polymeric materials. Chapter 9 begins with a brief introduction to polymer foams and foam manufacturing techniques. After discussing the thermal insulation property of polymer foams, it then offers insight into recent advances in the development of nanocellular foams of superior properties, with a special focus on thermal insulation and mechanical properties.Item Polymer Science in South Africa(2024-07) Pfukwa, R; Ray, Suprakas SPolymer science and technology now impact all spheres of this age's everyday life, from packaging, water purification materials, health, agriculture, transport and electronics. The wide applicability of polymers leverages the unique physicochemical properties of these macromolecules, the vast array of available building blocks and a stocked synthetic toolbox for accessing polymers with differing functionalities, topologies and architectures. Polymer science is a mature field, with a unique balance between fundamental research and applied science, and a significant involvement of commercial companies. The polymer industry is an important cornerstone of South Africa's highly diverse and complex chemical industry.[1] In addition, South Africa has fairly comprehensive polymer science teaching and research programs.[2] This special issue, “Polymer Science in South Africa” comprises 16 open access research articles, i.e., 10 experimental papers and 6 review articles from the South African polymer science community. Research areas covered include polymer analysis, polymer engineering, materials for health and biotechnology, degradable polymers and environmental impacts of polymers materials; these contributions are summarized below.Item Sustainability Handbook Volume 8(Alive2Green, 2024-01) De Jager, PetaGiven that cement is the third most utilized material following sand and water and its manufacture contributes an estimated 6% of global anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions, there is a need to consider recyclability, life cycle environmental impact, and economic feasibility. Materials science takes front stage in this volume with research and industry investigating technologies which can reduce its negative impacts. Amongst contemporary challenges faced by concrete, is the durability of the material in infrastructure. Geopolymers represent a valuable addition to the expanding array of cementitious materials, which serve as primary inputs in concrete production. UCT joins hands with the CSIR to build on international research in this field, testing mineral acid resistance in both static and dynamic conditions, for - amongst others - sewer applications. Dumani and Mapiravana report on their cradle-to-gate environmental life cycle assessment of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3), which shows it to be a very promising alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement. In other work, in quantifying the environmental impacts of a sustainable concrete mix for a block paving system, researchers find that replacing cement with fly ash, beyond 35%, as stipulated in the national cement specification for common cements, presents a significant opportunity to reduce environmental impacts without (necessarily) compromising strength.Item The Sustainability Handbook. Volume 6(Alive2Green, 2023-03) De Jager, Peta; De Jager, PetaClimate change mitigation and adaptation is at the forefront of the reasons why cities need to refocus environmental sustainability to cater for the foreseeable impacts. With the need to move towards sustainable cities, the world is shifting towards the space of digitisation. The aim of this transition in the built environment is to collect sufficient data to measure, track and improve performance of the built environment, be it existing or new developments. Without the measurement and tracking of building performance, there is no basis for improvement in terms of the sustainability of the built environment. Performance can be measured in terms of efficiency in energy usage, water consumption, materials and their embodied energy, waste minimization, transportation and it's marked carbon footprint, etc. The World Bank Group defines sustainable cities as cities that are resilient, with a level of adaptability, mitigation, and promotion of social, economic, and environmental change. These aspects define the health of a city and should be measured and monitored. The agenda of sustainable development has been around since the seventies. South Africa adopted the National Framework for Sustainable Development in 2008, followed by the National Strategy for Sustainable Development (NSSD) in 2011. Many cities are working towards addressing the issues of climate change in accordance with 2030 and 2050 net-zero carbon commitments. Five South African cities have joined the global community of C40 Cities to work towards these targets. Amongst other initiatives, this is being achieved through the promotion of green buildings standards and adoption of best practices in the built environment.Item Sustainability Handbook. Volume 7(Alive2Green, 2023-09) De Jager, Peta; De Jager, PetaPolycrisis, a term initially coined by the French philosopher Edgar Morin and later popularised by historian Adam Tooze, haracterises a situation where multiple crises converge and interact, creating a complex and interconnected challenge. The daily news reminds us of a palpable, seemingly ever-present polycrisis. It manifests itself as economic woes, social disparities, environmental strains, and political dilemmas, all interwoven into a multifaceted tapestry that tests our resilience. An analysis underscores the depth of our local challenges. The energy crisis, primarily due to the struggles of Eskom, our state-owned power utility, disrupts daily life. Load-shedding, water shortages, and service delivery disruptions are stark examples of its impact. The food insecurity crisis, worsened by droughts and floods induced by climate change, leads to hunger and malnutrition. The far-reaching effects of corruption and state capture have eroded trust in government institutions. Infrastructure (and pride) crumbles under neglect, as exemplified by the Lilian Ngoyi Street belch. Discontent bubbles in the ugly face of inequality and unemployment.Item Net-positive water systems for schools in drought-stricken areas(2021-12) Gibberd, Jeremy TIn many areas of the world, climate change is leading to higher temperatures and water scarcity. At the same time, rapid urbanisation is increasing the demand for existing water resources. As a result in many drought-stricken areas, water costs have rapidly increased and supplies are becoming more unreliable. Schools in drought-stricken areas are particularly vulnerable. Limited resources mean that schools struggle to pay additional costs for water. Health risks also mean that schools have to close when there is no water. Closing schools significantly affects the quality of education as teaching is disrupted and learning time is lost. It is, therefore, important to find alternative affordable and reliable water solutions for schools in drought-stricken areas. Rainwater harvesting offers a potential solution but there is limited research and guidance on how these systems work at schools. This paper addresses this gap by investigating whether a rainwater harvesting system can be developed that would enable schools to become more resilient to water scarcity and outages. Modelling carried out indicates that a rainwater harvesting system has the potential of generating sufficient water to exceed the water needs of the school and therefore enables it to be water net-positive. The study shows that the business case for rainwater harvesting appears weak where there is a reliable local municipalwater supply. However, this changes when schools are faced with punitive drought tariffs and increasing water outages which force closures.Item Correlating the asphalt-binder MSCR test results to the HMA HWTT and field rutting performance(2022-09) Walubita, LF; Ling, M; Fuentes, L; Komba, Julius J; Mabrouk, GMAsphalt binder is one of the key constitutive components of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) that considerably affects its rutting performance. In particular, the high-temperature rheological properties measured from the multiple stress creep and recovery (MSCR) test are critical for correlating to the HMA rutting resistance. In this study, the Texas flexible pavements and overlays database was used as the data source to investigate the effect of asphalt-binder high-temperature rheological properties on the HMA rutting resistance. The study methodology was based on correlating the results of the MSCR test and the Hamburg wheel-tracking test (HWTT) to HMA field rutting performance. The data matrix for the study included asphalt binder (PG 64-22) from three different sources, three widely used Texas HMA mixes (fine gradation to coarse gradation), and five in-service highway test sections constructed using the same asphalt binders and HMA mixes. In general, the MSCR nonrecoverable creep compliance parameter, Jnrdiff, showed fairly strong correlations with the HMA rutting performance in the laboratory and field. The percent recovery parameter (R), on the other hand, exhibited the potential to ascertain and quantify the presence of modifiers in the asphalt binders. Furthermore, the test results indicated that material source/supplier has an impact on the rheological properties of the asphalt binders with the same performance grade (PG). Overall, the use of the MSCR test to quantify the asphalt-binder high-temperature rheological properties indicated the potential to compliment the laboratory HWTT test for correlating with the field HMA rutting performance in terms of the effects of asphalt binder.Item Enhanced methodology for visual bridge inspections in South Africa(2022-09) Kemp, Lana; Steyn, W; Roux, Michael PThis paper introduces the application of technology solutions into the realm of bridge inspection methodologies in South Africa, aiming to enhance the current visual bridge inspection methodology. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can be used as an alternative to collect bridge image data, and point cloud models can be created from captured images by using photogrammetry software. For this study, accredited bridge inspectors were approached to complete TMH 19 inspection sheets of bridge structures using only the point cloud models and captured images, as a proposed new inspection methodology. This paper compares historic inspection ratings and the point cloud inspection ratings to investigate the effectiveness and practicality of the new proposed inspection methodology. The study concluded that bridge inspectors could identify and rate critical defects of bridge structures using the new inspection methodology, but there are limitations and specific use cases that need to be identified.Item The Circular Economy as Development Opportunity: Exploring Circular Economy Opportunities across South Africa’s Economic Sectors(CSIR, 2021-12) Godfrey, Linda K; Nahman, Anton; Oelofse, Suzanna HH; Trotter, Douglas; Khan, Sumaya; Nontso, Zintle; Magweregwede, Fleckson; Sereme, Busisiwe V; Okole, Blessed N; Gordon, Gregory ER; Brown, Bernadette; Pillay, Boyse; Schoeman, Chanel; Fazluddin, Shahed; Ojijo, Vincent O; Cooper, Antony K; Kruger, Daniel M; Napier, Mark; Mokoena, Refiloe; Steenkamp, Anton J; Msimanga, Xolile P; North, Brian C; Seetal, Ashwin R; Mathye, Salamina M; Godfrey, Linda KThe intention of this book is to present the CSIR’s position and interpretation of the circular economy, and to use it to drive discussions on where immediate circular economy opportunities are achievable in South Africa. Opportunities that can be harnessed by business, government and civil society. These circular economy opportunities are framed in this book within the context of the current challenges facing various economic sectors. The CSIR has selected seven, resource intensive sectors – mining, agriculture, manufacturing, human settlements, mobility, energy and water – for further assessment. Many of these economic sectors have seen significant declines over the past years, with agriculture, manufacturing, transport and construction all showing negative growth pre-COVID. These are all sectors under economic stress and in need of regeneration. South Africa stands on the threshold of profound choices regarding its future development path. Transitioning to a more circular economy provides the country with the opportunity to address many national priorities including manufacturing competitiveness, food security; sustainable, resilient and liveable cities; efficient transport and logistics systems; and energy and water security, while at the same time decarbonising the economy. The transition to a circular economy provides the country with an opportunity for green and inclusive development to be the cornerstone of a post-COVID economic recovery. The titles of this book chapters are the following: Chapter 1: Driving economic growth in South Africa through a low carbon, sustainable and inclusive circular economy. Chapter 2: Placing the South African mining sector in the context of a circular economy transition. Chapter 3: Supporting food security and economic development through circular agriculture. Chapter 4: Supporting the development of a globally competitive manufacturing sector through a more circular economy. Chapter 5: Creating resilient, inclusive, thriving human settlements through a more circular economy. Chapter 6: Facilitating sustainable economic development through circular mobility. Chapter 7: Decoupling South Africa’s development from energy demand through a more circular economy. Chapter 8: Decoupling South Africa’s development from water demand through a circular economy.Item Approaches to Building a Smart Community: An Exploration Through the Concept of the Digital Village(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2021-09) Phahlamohlaka, Letlibe J; Phahlamohlaka, Letlibe JThe unique approaches proposed in this book are ‘glocal’ in character, as they draw on the experiences of South Africans to address the global issue of ‘smart communities’. The book blends together social and technical aspects, and presents the experiences from a range of community practitioners, academics, architects and engineers.Item A brief history of platinum mining with a focus on the Rustenburg region(Nova Science Publishers, Inc: Hauppauge, New York, United States, 2021-06) Oranje, M; Nel, V; Van Huyssteen, Elsona; Marais, Lochner; e Campbell, MaleneA brief history of platinum mining traces the history of Rustenburg and its connection with platinum mining. Using secondary data from academic and media sources, it identifies the origin of many of the region’s conflicts and complexities. It describes the relations between the mining companies, their employees and the surrounding communities, and the intricate institutional relations between government tiers in the region. It shows how interregional dependencies and economic value chains strongly influence Rustenburg and suggests how the future could be shaped by role players such as multinational companies and national organs of government.Item Planning for a post-mining future in the Rustenburg region and the transition towards it?(Nova Science Publishers, Inc, 2021-06) Maritz, Johan; Oranje, Mark; Van Huyssteen, Elsona; Nel, Verna; Marais, Lochner; Campbell, MaleneOver the past 150 years, mining has been one of the most influential shapers of economic activities, social relations, spatial development patterns, power tussles and structures, political questions and debates, institutional structures, and legal and policy frameworks in South Africa. Even though the sector's influence has waned significantly over the last three to four decades, and personal, community and financial services, as well as retail activities, have become more prominent economic players, it is still a major contributor to the national economy and fiscus (Minerals Council South Africa (MCSA) 2019; South Africa, Department of Rural Development and Land Reform 2019).Item Ocean colour and detecting phytoplankton biomass and community dynamics(International Ocean Colour Coordinating Group, 2021-01) Robertson, Lain L; Bernard, S; Smith, Marié EHarmful algal blooms (HABs) occur in virtually all coastal regions of the world as well as many lakes, and are typically associated with a rapid proliferation of phytoplankton cells, but even low cell numbers of high toxic species may cause harmful effects in the ecosystem and/or the surrounding environment.Item Measuring progress: Environment and the SDGs(United Nations, 2021-01) Alva, IL; Brooks, T; Campbell, J; Comte, A; Coppens, L; Ekins, P; Elayouty, A; Fairbrass, A; Gemayel, TEI; Haywood, Lorren KThis Measuring Progress report serves two purposes. It explores the potential and limitations of using a statistical correlation analysis between indicator pairs (“state of the environment” and “drivers of change” indicators; “state of the environment” and “state of society” indicators) to improve the understanding of the interlinkages between SDG indicators. It also informs on progress being made for those SDG indicators UNEP identified as environment-related since December 2018, based on data from the SDG Global Indicators Database.Item Strengthening Governance in the Gauteng City-Region through a Spatial Data Infrastructure: The Case of Address Data(South Africa: GCRO, WITS and SALGA, 2020-05) Coetzee, S; Cooper, Antony K; Katumba, SGeospatial data, such as administrative boundaries, property information, addresses, streets and utility networks, provide the backbone for city governance. Availability, accessibility and usability of such data and related services are typically facilitated through a spatial data infrastructure (SDI), which requires careful stakeholder coordination and an information-driven approach that can unlock the value of geospatial data. This Provocation reviews the current state of affairs regarding address data in the Gauteng City-Region (GCR) and explores prospects for coordinating a GCR address dataset in an SDI context. The focus is on addresses because of their important role in service delivery, the socio-economic well-being of residents and the recognition of civic and human rights. For example, good quality addresses are vital in the current COVID-19 crisis, as government strives to map COVID-19 cases in order to identify emerging local clusters of infections and spatially target responses. Currently, address data in the GCR are maintained in silos at different provincial departments and municipalities, without any coordination and without adherence to international standards and good practices for addressing and information management. This results in duplication, inconsistencies and even fraud, which not only costs the municipalities, national and provincial governments billions but also damages their reputations. To rectify this, this Provocation identifies various entities for taking the responsibility to methodically coordinate GCR address data into a single reference dataset. Since many entities have a legal accountability related to address data, a decision and strong political leadership are required to lead multiple interventions and initiatives in parallel with the aim of reaping benefits for governance and society in the long run.