Cashew Shell Nut Liquid

Abstract

Cashenut nutshell liquid is a versatile byproduct of the cashew industry. The oil is obtained from the spongy layer (pericarp) between the inner and outer shell of cashew nuts. It is extensively used in the manufacture of superior type of paints, insulating varnishes in the electrical industry, special types of adhesive cement, brake linings, phenolic resins etc. CNSL is an important ingredient for special types of paints and insulating varnishes. Cashew shell liquid produced by solvent extraction is of very high quality but due to irregular nature of raw material it is not viable, however expeller process of oil extraction is suitable.