Cardolite

EM Sullivan Brand

View All Cardolite Products

Brand Summary

Identification

Features & Benefits

Applications & Uses

Markets
Applications
Compatible Polymers & Resins
Compatible Substrates & Surfaces
Fluids & Lubricants Type
Adhesive & Sealant End Applications
Base Chemicals End Uses
Coating End Applications
Composites End Use
Fluids & Lubricants End Use
Industrial Additives End Use
Composites Processing Methods

Brand Highlights

Brand Overview
  • Cardolite products have been based on cashew nutshell liquid, a natural, and annually renewable biomaterial. CNSL can be found in the honeycomb structure of the cashew nutshell and is considered a by-product of the cashew nut industry.
  • Therefore, CNSL is a non-food chain material that would be disposed otherwise.
  • This cashew based technology has been widely adopted because there are inherent performance benefits gained from using this starting raw material, unlike using other natural raw materials that can sacrifice performance or cost.
Cardolite Products
  • Cardolite offers a variety of epoxy amine curing agents, epoxy modifiers, and epoxy and polyol resins based on CNSL technology for use in the formulation of a wide range of high performance ambient and heat cured adhesives.
  • Cardolite epoxy curing agents called phenalkamines and phenalkamides offer unique benefits to adhesive formulators such as fast and low temperature cure, low viscosity solvent free systems, great overall chemical and mechanical properties, excellent water resistance, and very good bond strength under unfavorable conditions. Cardolite phenalkamines and phenalkamides are ideal for two component, ambient cured adhesives.
  • Cardolite resin and modifier portfolio is comprised of reactive and non-reactive epoxy diluents and multi-purpose modifiers that not only lower viscosity, but also improve flexibility, surface tolerance and early water resistance, and can accelerate cure without compromising other properties. Moreover, tests have shown that Cardolite modifiers can be formulated to increase bond strength and improve adhesion on oily or damp surfaces. These products are an excellent alternative to substances of high concern such as nonyl phenol and can be used in one component heat cured adhesives or in two component field applied applications.
CNSL Technology
  • Cardanol is a unique natural phenolic material obtained by distilling CNSL and serves as the primary building block for Cardolite products.
  • The molecule is composed of an aromatic ring with an OH group and a long aliphatic side chain, which bring valuable intrinsic benefits to adhesive materials.
  • The aromatic ring provides a strong chemical resistant backbone while the OH group gives high bond strength and good reactivity for fast and low temperature cure.
  • The side chain provides excellent water resistance, good flexibility, low viscosity, and extended pot life.
  • Most Cardolite products have high bio-content of >65%.
Phenalkamine Technology
  • The Mannich reaction of CNSL, formaldehyde, and certain amines is called a phenalkamine.
  • Phenalkamines share some similar advantages to other Mannich base curing agents, such as: extremely fast cure, low temperature cure (even below 0°C), good chemical resistance, good surface appearance, good moisture tolerance, and non-blushing properties.
  • However, due to the long aliphatic side chain of cardanol, phenalkamines also have very good pot life, good flexibility, surface tolerance, and excellent water and salt water resistance.
  • Many Cardolite phenalkamines are also approved for use in food contact and potable water coatings.