Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL)
CNSL is a reddish brown viscous liquid extracted from a soft honeycomb structure inside the cashew nutshell and is a by-product of the Cashew industry.It is extracted from the cashew nut shell, which is a pericarp fluid of the Shell nut. CNSL is a mixture of four components: all are substituted phenols - anacardic acid (I), cardanol (II), cardol(III) and 2-methyl cardol(IV).
Anacardic Acid and Cardanol are monohydric phenols whereas Cardol and 2-methyl cardol are dihydric phenols. In the nut, CNSL occurs mainly as an anacardic acid (~90%) and cardol around slightly lower than 10%. The dual phenolic/alkenyl nature of CNSL makes it a potential natural raw material for the synthesis of water-resistant resins and polymers.
- Anacardic Acid
- Cardanol
- Cardol
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CNSL undergoes all typical phenolic reactions. Its versatility in polymerization, chemicals modification and low cost find its application in the polymeric based industries. Its properties have advantages over phenolic in certain applications such as impact resistance, flexibility, faster heat dissipation, anti corrosive, anti- microbial, insecticidal and resistant to alkali and acid solutions as well as mineral and fatty oils and various organic solvents.
CNSL is primarily used as raw material for CNSL Liquid Resin, PF Resin and Cashew Friction Dust(CFD) for Automobile Brake linings. It is also used for the manufacture of Paint and Varnishes, Epoxy Resins and Oil soluble Resins, Surface Active Agent, Synthetic Rubber & Wax compounding, Foundry Resins, etc...
- Low-cost Phenol
- Versatility in Polymerization as Chemical Modification
- Property advantage over phenolics in application such as impact resistance, flexibility, faster heat dissipation, etc.
- Solubility in Organic Solvents
- Improved Process ability
- Low fade characteristics for friction
- Resistance to 'Cold Wear'
- Good electrical resistance
- Better water repellence
- Improved alkali and acid resistance
- Compatibility with other polymers
- Antimicrobial property
The CNSL-based products not only enhance and improve the quality but also impart distinct performance of the product. They find extensive use in automotive Brake Lining and Clutch facing applications as binders / friction dust. CNSL–Formaldehyde (CF) resins improve impact properties and reduce fade considerably by dissipating heat faster than phenol. Moreover, the cost of CF resins is always lower than that of PF resins.