Phenol-Free Phenolic Resins from CNSL | Bio-Based Industrial Resins

Product Overview

Resins Born from Cashew Chemistry

Phenolic resins are among the oldest and most durable synthetic polymers — used for over a century in demanding industrial applications. When made from CNSL (cashew nut shell liquid) instead of petrochemical phenol, they become a bio-based, lower-footprint alternative without sacrificing performance.

Elrisa produces both phenolic resins (novolac and resol) and cardanol-modified epoxy resins, using CNSL extracted directly from Ghanaian cashew shells as the primary feedstock. This makes our resins among the most sustainably sourced options available in West Africa.

Our CNSL-based resins are naturally phenol-free — the cardanol from cashew shells replaces petrochemical phenol at the feedstock level. Contact us to discuss your specifications and volume requirements.

Phenolic and epoxy resin products from CNSL

Product Types

Four Resin Product Lines

Each type offers distinct properties suited to different industrial applications. All are produced from bio-based CNSL feedstock.

01

Novolac Resins (CNSL-Formaldehyde)

Acid-catalysed CNSL-formaldehyde condensation produces novolac resins — thermoplastic phenolics that require a curing agent (typically hexamine) to crosslink. High thermal resistance, excellent dimensional stability, and strong adhesion. Widely used in friction materials, abrasive wheels, and foundry binders.

Brake padsAbrasive wheelsFoundry bindersFriction dust

02

Resol Resins (CNSL-Based)

Base-catalysed CNSL-formaldehyde resols are self-curing thermosetting resins. They offer excellent water resistance and electrical insulation properties. Used in laminates, plywood binders, decorative panel coatings, and electrical grade insulation boards.

LaminatesPlywood bindersElectrical insulationDecorative panels

03

Cardanol-Modified Epoxy Resins

Cardanol (the primary CNSL derivative) is reacted with epichlorohydrin or used as a reactive diluent/modifier in standard epoxy systems. The result is a bio-modified epoxy with improved flexibility, lower viscosity, and reduced brittleness — while maintaining epoxy's excellent chemical resistance and adhesion.

Protective coatingsFlooringAdhesivesComposites

04

Modified Phenolic Blends

CNSL-modified phenolics blended with other natural resins or petrochemical phenolics to achieve specific performance targets — such as improved toughness, better cure profiles, or lower VOC content. Custom formulations developed for specific customer applications.

Custom formulationsPerformance compositesSurface coatings

Applications

Where Our Resins Are Used

Friction Materials

CNSL novolac resins as binders in brake pads, clutch facings, and abrasive grinding wheels — high thermal resistance is essential here.

Composites & Laminates

Resol resins as matrix binders in glass fibre composites, decorative high-pressure laminates (HPL), and structural panels.

Electrical Insulation

CNSL-based resins as electrical grade insulating varnishes and impregnating resins for transformers, motors, and switchgear.

Wood Binding & Foundry

CNSL phenolics as wood adhesives in plywood and particleboard, and as shell sand binders in foundry core-making processes.

Protective Coatings

Cardanol-epoxy coatings for steel, concrete, and marine substrates — offering bio-based content alongside excellent corrosion and chemical resistance.

Structural Adhesives

Cardanol-modified epoxy adhesives for bonding metal, fibre composites, and concrete in construction and automotive assembly applications.

Get Specifications

Request Specifications

We are happy to share technical specifications, available grades, and export pricing for our CNSL-based phenolic resin range. Tell us about your application and we will respond within a few business days.

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Phenol-Free Phenolic Resins