Cashew shell liquid (CNSL) is extracted from the shell of cashew nuts and is used in various industries as a raw material. The liquid is used in paints, waterproof varnishes, laminating resins, and foundry chemicals, while the solid form is used in the brake lining industry. CNSL contains anacardic acids, which are useful in treating ulcers, acne, and tuberculosis. It is also used as stabilizers, antioxidants, and processing aids for rubber materials, and as a demulsifying agent for petroleum products. Other possible applications are being explored in the areas of diesel substitutes, anti-corrosion paints, lubricants, and chemical intermediates.
Cashew liquid (CNSL) or oil is a fluid that is extracted from the shell of cashew nuts. Containing a mixture of chemicals, this liquid is used in many industries as a raw material. The solid form of CNSL is used in the brake lining industry as friction particles, and the liquid is used in paints, waterproof varnishes, laminating resins and foundry chemicals. Plasticizers, insecticides and preservatives are some of the other substances that use this liquid.
A byproduct of cashew processing, cashew shell liquid is obtained from the honeycomb structure between the layers of the shell. The irritating nature of this viscous liquid is why the cashew nut is not sold in its clamshell. If the oil gets on human skin, it causes eye irritation, skin rashes and burning sensations. This property of the cashew is why it was called the blister nut in the past. Its family tree includes close ties to poison ivy and poison sumac.
Shells must be worked with great caution and most are still done by hand causing shellers to suffer from blisters. Each nut is roasted, burned and boiled, then finally soaked and cracked to obtain the toxic oil. The extracted liquid contains a large amount of anacardic acids, which are useful in the treatment of ulcers, acne and tuberculosis. Industrial uses for cashew shell liquid came into play in the 1930s because it contains a number of unsaturated phenols and is a source of substances such as cardol and cardanol.
When processed, cashew shell liquid mainly produces two end products. The solids are pulverized to create a type of friction particle which is used as a brake lining in the automotive industry. The liquid is used to produce phenalkamine curing agents, which have special properties. They are chemically active even at low temperatures and are used in epoxy coatings for the flooring industry. CNSL is a versatile liquid that offers plenty of scope for custom-made polymers.
Liquid derivatives of cashew shells are used as stabilizers, antioxidants and processing aids for rubber materials. When added to the chewing gum stock, it improves the mechanical and processing properties of the substance. It is also used as a demulsifying agent for petroleum products and as a modifier for plastics. Enamels, Bakelite, Cashew Enamels and Adhesives are some of the other products where CNSL is used in the manufacturing process. Many other possible applications of cashew shell liquid are being explored in the areas of diesel substitutes, anti-corrosion paints, lubricants and chemical intermediates.
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