Review suggests cashew nut shell liquid is promising feedstock for polyols

In France, researchers from Orpia Innovation and University of Montpellier have reviewed the potential for cashew nut shell liquid as an alternative for producing polyols. Usually made from vegetable oils or sugar that could be used for food, polyols are used in polymers with many applications.

“The interesting chemical structure of CNSL and its derivatives (cardanol and cardol) has led to the synthesis of original polyols with hydrophobic and internal plasticizing properties,” according to the review, which was published recently in the peer-reviewed publication, Polymer Chemistry.

The review notes that CNSL polyols are “progressively occupying a unique position in the polymer industry.” The paper reviews and evaluates the different chemical pathways leading to CNSL-based polyols and the contribution of their specific chemical structure (aromatic ring and long unsaturated alkyl chain) to the properties of the resulting polyesters or polyurethanes.