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Hydrogenated CNSL Polymer Building Blocks

Cardolite is introducing a new product line based on CNSL hydrogenation technology. This new technology platform is based on high purity cardanol grades that can be either partially hydrogenated (just the side chain) or fully hydrogenated (side chain and aromatic ring) as shown here. Moreover, cardanol hydrogenated materials can be further functionalized to create new CNSL derivatives.

These new bio-based materials provide hydrophobicity, flexibility, lighter color and better UV resistance.  This page highlights some of the key new materials that can be made from CNSL.

Cardolite developed hydrogenated monomers from cardanol

Other Polymer Building Blocks

Cardolite Technology Platforms

ADVANCING RENEWABLE, CNSL TECHNOLOGY

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.

Cardanol is a bio-renewable versatile monomer with many performance benefits

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.

Hydrogenated Materials

Side Chain Hydrogenated Cardanol

NC-510 is a side chain hydrogenated Cardanol
Typical PropertiesNC-510NC-510HP
AppearanceBrown solidYellow solid
Melting Point Range (°C)49-5149-51

Fully Hydrogenated Cardanol

NC-510FH is a ring and side chain hydrogenated Cardanol
Typical PropertiesNC-510FH
AppearanceWhite solid
Approximate Melting Point (°C)45

Side Chain Hydrogenated CNSL Ethoxylate

LITE or Ultra LITE 2020 with the side chain hydrogenated
Typical PropertiesSide Chain Hydrogenated CNSL Ethoxylate
AppearanceWhite solid
Approximate Melting Point (°C)50
Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g)161

Side Chain Hydrogenated CNSL Epoxide

NC-513 or Ultra LITE 513 with the side chain hydrogenated
Typical PropertiesSide Chain Hydrogenated CNSL Epoxide
AppearanceWhite solid
Melting Point Range (°C)36-42
Epoxy Equivalent Weight (EEW)360-390

CNSL Cyclohexene

CNSL Cyclohexene is an alternate to petroleum based cyclohexene
Typical PropertiesCNSL Cyclohexene
AppearanceClear liquid
Color (Gardner)≤ 1
Viscosity at 25°C (cPs)12

CNSL Cycloaliphatic Epoxy

CNSL Cycloaliphatic Epoxide is an alternate to petroleum based Cycloaliphatic Epoxy Resins
Typical PropertiesCNSL Cycloaliphatic Epoxy
AppearanceYellow Liquid (crystals may settle at the bottom, but can be homogenized)
Color (Gardner)≤ 1
Viscosity at 25°C (cPs)18
Epoxy Equivalent Weight (EEW)340-365

CNSL Cyclohexanone

CNSL Cyclohexanone is an alternate to petroleum based cyclohexanone
Typical PropertiesCNSL Cyclohexanone
AppearanceWhite solid
Melting Point Range (°C)40-44

CNSL Oxime

CNSL Oxime is an alternative to petroleum based oximes
Typical PropertiesCNSL Oxime
AppearanceWhite solid
Melting Point Range (°C)73-76
Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g)177
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