Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL)
A versatile phenolic oil extracted from the cashew shell — one of nature’s richest sources of long-chain phenols, planned for production after ICBC’s processing expansion.
What CNSL is
Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) is a dark, viscous phenolic oil held in the honeycomb structure of the cashew shell. It is one of nature’s richest renewable sources of long-chain unsaturated phenols and a valuable industrial raw material.
Extraction: CNSL is obtained by mechanical expelling of the shells and/or solvent extraction, as part of the shelling and processing operation.
Why Ghanaian cashew shell is a good source: Ghana’s cashew shells carry a high proportion of CNSL, and as ICBC moves into processing, the shell stream becomes a feedstock for value-added by-products rather than waste.
Main industrial applications
- Resins and laminating resins
- Varnishes and surface coatings
- Brake-lining and friction-material binders
- Waterproofing agents
- Polyurethanes
- Biofuels
Target / reference properties
| Property | Reference Range | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Point | > 150°C | ASTM D93 |
| Viscosity at 40°C | 50–120 cSt | ASTM D445 |
| Density at 15°C | 0.93–0.97 g/cm³ | ASTM D4052 |
| Acid Value | 3–8 mg KOH/g | ASTM D974 |
| Free CNSL Content | > 70% | HPLC |
Reference / target specification for a planned product; not current production data.
From CNSL to Cardanol
CNSL can be further refined by distillation to produce Cardanol, a higher-value phenol used in resins, coatings and specialty chemicals. Learn more about Cardanol →
Interested in future CNSL offtake?
CNSL is planned for production after our processing expansion. Contact us to discuss future offtake, partnership or raw cashew nuts available today.