Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) is a versatile, renewable natural resource extracted from the pericarp of cashew nut shells. It is a dark brown, viscous liquid rich in phenolic compounds, primarily anacardic acid (70%), cardanol (5%), and cardol (18%), with traces of 2-methylcardol. CNSL is widely used in industries for its unique chemical properties, serving as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic phenols. Applications include paints, varnishes, adhesives, epoxy resins, friction linings, surfactants, and pharmaceutical intermediates.
In the search for the cost effective modern materials, CNSL and its products have a significant role to play. Being renewable, it offers much advantage over synthetics. Its versatility stems from its innumerable applications in many areas. Recent research has shown that the constituents of CNSL possess special structural features for transformation into speciality chemicals and high value polymers. This involves a value addition of many orders of magnitude and the chemical transformation provides 100% chemically pure products. Thus, CNSL offers vast scope and opportunities for the production of speciality chemicals, high value products and polymers.
