Chestnut News

The shells or pericarp yield cashew nut shell liquid, which contains toxic cardol and anacardic acid and acts as a vesicant. CNSL has high polymerizing and friction-reducing properties and is used as a waterproofing agent and preservative. Distilled and polymerized, the oil is also used in insulating varnishes and in the manufacture of typewriter rolls, oil- and acid-proof cements and tiles, friction-modifying material for brake linings, as a component of space-rocket lubricants, inks, etc.