A ‘sleeping giant’

There’s a "sleeping giant" within the cashew industry.

It’s called cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), whose development is expected to gain momentum soon in view of R&D headways so far achieved.

Consider: The Philippines produces 120 million kilos of cashew nut and 20 million kilos of CNSL every year.

"These can be tapped to produce local substitutes that will lessen our dependence on imported cation exchange resins, varnishes, and wood glues," stated a research team of the Los Baños-based Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI).

The new material of the evolving industry is the black, irritating liquid from the shell of the cashew nut, which in contrast is known worldwide for its delectable taste.

CNSL is widely used in other countries, particularly in India and Brazil, in producing industrial products. These include the brake lining of motor vehicles, industrial belts and clutches; heat-and water-proof paints, corrosion-resistant stove varnishes and special lacquers; electric cable mass; heavy-duty grinding and cutting disc; and special-purpose phenoplasts and adhesives.

Noting that CNSL’s use is almost unknown in the Philippines, FPRDI headed by director Florence Soriano has been studying ways to make the most out of it.

"We found that the properties of CNSL meet international standards," reported the research team composed of Mildred Fidel, Rebecca Lapuz, Irma Palanginan, Mariluz Dionglay, Jenniver Tamayo, and Ryan Anniver Lapuz.

The team concluded: "Given strong support from government, a CNSL industry can thrive in the Philippines." — RAF