FEICA 2023 Conference and EXPO
Tarragona, Spain, 13-15 September 2023

Presentation Abstract

Performance of CNSL-based polyols, diols, and diluents for electrical vehicle applications

Cashew nutshell Liquid (CNSL) is a non-food chain bio-based feedstock found in the honeycomb structure of the cashew (Anacardium Occidentale) nutshell. Versatile chemistries from CNSL enable the design of high bio-content hydroxyl functional chemicals i.e., CNSL polyols, diols, and monols for Polyurethane (PU) technology. CNSL-based polyols, diols, and diluents are incorporated in PU adhesives and sealants formulations in improving hydrophobicity, and thermal and chemical resistance, taking part in enhancing dielectric properties and balancing rheological properties and mechanical strengths.

In this paper, key characteristics of CNSL hydroxyl functional molecules were examined to design suitable formulations to improve unmet needs in Polyurethane technologies being explored for electrical vehicles (EV) battery packages. CNSL diluents can lower viscosity and control cure speed while the diols and polyols enabled the optimization of strengths and flexibility. Outstanding thermal and chemical resistance of CNSL-based polyols were demonstrated along with good dielectric properties and fire resistance.

Co-author(s): Jame Zhao, Pietro Campaner