Phenalkamine

Phenalkamines are a distinct range of natural epoxy curing agents that provide very fast cure, even at low temperatures (<40 °F or 5 °C), with a good workable pot life. They have excellent resistance to moisture during cure, and offer good chemical resistance, and flexibility. These unique properties make them an excellent choice for marine and offshore coatings, solvent-free industrial floor coatings, railcar and aricultural/construction equipment coatings, portable water coatings, and tank and pipe linings. They are also used for adhesive, automobile, and electrical potting applications.

Phenalkamines are synthesized from CNSL (Cashew nutshell liquid). This viscous reddish brown coloured liquid is derived from the shell of cashew (Cashew Tree, "Anacardium occidentale L"). Crude CNSL is one of the major sources of naturally occurring non-isoprenoid phenolic lipids such as (1)anacardic acids, (2)cardols, (3)cardanols, (4)methylcardols, and polymeric materials.

The world or global leader in CNSL or phenalkamine technology is [http://www.cardolite.com Cardolite] whom produces a wide variety of phenalkamines as epoxy curing agents and also for friction materials.