Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) is a by-product of the cashew industry. It is a naturally occurring substituted phenol which can take part in a variety of reactions. It is a cheap and renewable substance and can be employed for the manufacture of a multitude of useful products. It can replace phenol in many applications with equivalent or better results. CNSL by itself is useful for insecticide, fungicidal, anti-termite, and medicinal applications, and as an additive, in many plastic formulations. Resins derived from CNSL are employed widely in the fields of friction materials, automobiles, surface coatings, adhesives, laminates, rubber compounding, and have several miscellaneous applications.
Greater utilization of CNSL as a monomer for industrial polymer products can be an attractive proposal in view of its low cost, abundant availability, and chemically reactive nature, amongst other attributes. Ultimately it is a versatile industrial raw material being used in preparation of resins, varnishes, paints, plastics, insecticides, brake linings, wood preservatives etc. The kernel oil is reported to be superior to olive oil and almond oil.
