Cashew Nut Shell Liquid or simply CNSL is a naturally obtained phenol obtained from a cashew nutshell. The shell holds about 25-35% of CNSL which is approximately 67% of the cashew nut. CNSL is a by-product that is obtained in the process of removing cashew kernel from cashew nuts. Main properties of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid are :
It is a Low-cost Phenol, has great properties for chemical modification and polymerization, helps in manufacturing high-performance polymers and advantages over phenolics, with many applications like flexibility, high impact resistance and heat degeneracy. The liquid resin is used in the automobile industry as the brake lining. There are also new applications in preparation of Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin and Cashew Friction Dust.