CNSL
Cashew nutshell liquid is a natural phenol that is extracted from
the honeycomb structure of a cashew nutshell. The liquid contains of 90 %
anacardic acid and 10% of Cardanol. Both of which are having an abrasive
characteristic and can contaminate the nuts and can cause a blistering on the
skin of the shellers. The Cashew nutshell liquid is a by-product of the cashew
industry and a versatile industrial raw material. The liquid has been utilized
from long time ago as a drug, and antioxidants. It has also been used to treat
ailments such as ulcers and elephantiasis.
“It is not a common knowledge though, that cashew nutshell’s liquid can also be used as an additive to make an important automobile component”
Cashew nutshell liquid is also distilled in order to be able to produce number of substances, such as cardanol and cardol. However, their major usage is to make a cashew friction particle that is being used by the brake lining industry. Cashew nutshell liquid contains cardanol. Cardanol is an unsaturated alkenylphenol with a characteristically long side chain in the meta position. This particular chemical structure gives cardanol its excellent heat resistant, friction, and adhesive properties.
Most people know cashew nut as a snack, an alternative snack to regular ground nuts and/or almond. It is not a common knowledge though, that cashew nutshell’s liquid can also be used as an additive to make an important automobile component. Another usage of Cashew nutshell liquid is for the manufacture of paint and varnishes, epoxy resins, and synthetic rubber.
