Submitted in part fulfilment of the requirements for the Master's Diploma of Technology: Chemistry, M. L. Sultan Technikon, 1992. / 2- Vinylfuran has been synthesised from furan, obtained from furfural a degradation product of bagasse, and has the potential to be used as a monomer in the Polymer Industry. Furan was successfully reacted with ethylene under catalytic conditions of palladium (II) acetate and copper (II) acetate to produce 2-vinylfuran, via a direct substitution reaction, at atmospheric pressure and a temperature of 9Y C for two hours in dimethylformamide. / M

No description available.

No description available.

"April 2004" / Bibliography: leaves 319-342. / viii, 387 leaves : ill., maps ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, School of History and Politics, Discipline of History, 2004

This work reports the results of a systematic study of the factors that affect the bridging behaviour of bagasse. It shows that traditional bulk solids theory is inappropriate for predicting bagasse flow mainly because of the impossibility of obtaining a reliable measure of internal friction. It demonstrates the significant influence of fibre length and moisture content on its handling charateristics. Correlations of pertinent bulk properties such as compactibility, tensile strength, surface friction and translation of vertical into horizontal pressure have been developed. These were derived as a result of measurements in equipment that was designed for the purpose. Finally, an empirical model utilising these correlations is proposed by which the likelihood of bridge formation in any piece of bagasse handling equipment can be determined. The validity of the model is assessed by comparison with bridging tests that were performed under controlled conditions. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, 1996

This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the trends and determinants of South Africa’s sugar production and exports within the TFTA between 1996 and 2014. The specific objectives of the study were (1) to identify trends in South Africa’s sugar production and exports within the TFTA between 1996 and 2014; (2) to determine the drift rate in South Africa’s sugar exports within the TFTA between 1996 and 2014; (3) to investigate the correlation between South Africa’s sugar production and exports between 1996 and 2014; and (4) to determine the factors that affect production and exports in South Africa’s sugar industry in order to identify the industry’s major challenges and opportunities for sustained performance. The secondary data, obtained from the Economic Analysis and Agricultural Statistics Directorate of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), were used to meet the first three objectives of the study. The primary data, obtained by means of a survey questionnaire and interviews with key stakeholders, were used to meet the fourth objective of the study. A 7-point Likert scale was applied to indicate the degree to which each of the determining factors are perceived to affect the performance and resulting competitiveness of the sugar industry. The Johansen test and Porter’s Diamond Model were the analytical techniques used in the study. The results of the analysis of the secondary data revealed continued fluctuations in sugar production in South Africa between 1996 and 2014. On the basis of this, the researcher rejected the hypothesis that there is no trend in South Africa’s sugar production. It was therefore concluded that seasonal variations accounted for these fluctuations in the sugar industry. As determined using the Johansen test, drift rate variations came to 51%, indicating that there is potential for growth in South Africa’s sugar exports. This was confirmed by the results of the bivariate correlation between production and exports which clearly indicated a positive relationship between the two and prompted the researcher to accept the hypothesis that there is a positive relationship between the production and export of sugar. In determining the factors that influence South Africa’s sugar production and exports, a number of obstacles to competitiveness success were identified. With regard to sugar production, applying Porter’s Diamond model revealed that the major constraints experienced by respondents in the study area were the availability of skilled labour; cost of doing business; level of infrastructure development; cost of infrastructure; water availability; climatic conditions; soil quality; rainfall patterns; availability of financial services; access to credit; crime; and HIV/AIDS. In terms of exports, tariffs were found to be the major constraint along with certain of the abovementioned factors. While the majority of respondents view macroeconomic policy and trade policy as export constraints, South Africa’s labour, B-BBEE and competition policies are seen as neither constraining nor supportive. Product design; packaging; labelling and pricing; as well as the manager’s willingness to export; level of education and training; length of time in the business; experience; and language had a positive effect on competitive success. / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M. Sc. (Agriculture)