Cashewnut Shell Liquid is a by-product of the cashew industry. The nut has a shell of about 0.1 inch thickness inside which is a soft honeycomb structure containing a dark reddish brown viscous liquid. It is called the cashewnut shell liquid, which is the pericarp fluid of the cashewnut.

Cost Effective Modern Materials

In the search for cost effective modern materials, CNSL and its products have a significant role to play Being renewable, it offers much advantage over synthetics. Its versatility stems from its innumerable applications in many areas. Recent research has shown that the constituents of CNSL possess special structural features for transformation into speciality chemicals and high value polymers. This involves a value addition of many orders of magnitude and the chemical transformation provides 100% chemically pure products. Thus, CNSL offers vast scope and opportunities for the production of speciality chemicals, high value products and polymers.

Production The total annual production of CNSL in India is around 15,000 tonnes whereas the potential availability is around 45,000 tonnes. The world production is around 1.25 lakh tonnes.

Estimated Consumption of CNSL by Indian Industry

• Brake Linings 1200-1400
• Paints & Varnish 600-800
• Lamination 900-1000
• Foundry Core 400-50

To learn more about the CNSL Extraction Process please click here