Cashew nut shells provide polyols that could play a key role in the development of sustainable polymer products.

Polyols are versatile molecules widely used in polymer products that are essential in many daily applications. Traditionally, these substances are derived from sugar or vegetable oils, which compete with the food industry. A promising alternative is cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), a non-edible, renewable resource extracted from the shell of cashew nuts. This article explores the development of polyols derived from CNSL, which exhibit unique properties due to their chemical structure, including hydrophobicity and plasticizing characteristics. These polyols are valuable building blocks for additives like surfactants and for developing softer polymers.

The article reviews various chemical pathways leading to CNSL-based polyols and evaluates their potential in different applications. Special focus is placed on using these polyols as precursors for polyesters and polyurethanes. The specific structure of CNSL-based polyols significantly contributes to the properties of the resulting products and could open new possibilities for developing sustainable bio-based polymers.

CNSL polyols are gaining increasing importance in the polymer industry as a bio-based, non-edible resource providing a sustainable alternative to traditional polyols. Their unique properties make them a crucial component for innovative applications in polymer chemistry.

Source: Polymer Chemistry, Issue 43, 2024