Hydrogenated CNSL Polymer Building Blocks

Cardolite is the leading producer and developer of Cashew Nutshell Liquid (CNSL) derived specialty chemicals. CNSL is an annually renewable oil extracted from the cashew nutshell that does not interfere with the food chain.

Through its proprietary technology, Cardolite is able to process CNSL to obtain high purity and light color cardanol grades. Cardanol is a very unique and versatile material that can be used as is (e.g. diluent, NCO blocking agent) or as starting monomer for various polymers. As indicated by cardanol’s average structure, the long aliphatic chain provides excellent water and moisture resistance, flexibility, and good surface wetting properties while the aromatic ring delivers good chemical, thermal and fire resistance. The phenolic hydroxyl brings good adhesion, some polarity (surfactant properties) and acceleration in epoxy-amine reactions.

Although the incorporation of cardanol into formulations delivers many performance benefits, the unsaturation on the side chain and the aromatic ring is susceptible to oxidation. As a result, over time, these materials provide limited UV resistance and can show some yellowing upon exposure to sunlight.

Over the years, Cardolite has designed CNSL-based materials as part of the Ultra LITE product line, that minimize discoloration due to UV light exposure. However, in some cases further improvement is necessary to meet performance requirements. For those cases, Cardolite has developed a new line of partially and fully hydrogenated cardanol grades and derivatives that still provide some of key benefits of cardanol (e.g. hydrophobicity, flexibility), but with lighter color and excellent UV light resistance due to the reduction or absence of unsaturation. In addition, by modifying the aromatic ring, new chemistries were made possible and new functionalities were introduced to cardanol.

This page highlights some of the key new hydrogenated monomers derived from CNSL and its physical properties. For more information regarding the availability, performance and regulatory status of these materials, please submit an inquiry through our site or contact your sales representative.