CNSL technology as a versatile tool for Polyurethanes Part 2: Optimization of NCO blocking conditions and Value proposition of CNSL diols

Presenter: Yun Mi Kim, Ph.D., Cardolite Corporation

Abstract

Abstract Authors: 
Yun Mi Kim1, James Zhao1, Pietro Campaner2
1Cardolite Corporation, Bristol, PA
2AEP Polymers srl, Trieste, Italy

Cashew Nutshell Liquid (CNSL) is a non-edible, bio-based material commonly used as building block for various resins, hardeners and modifiers in the coatings, adhesives, and composites industries.

A specialty, very high purity cardanol derived from CNSL, 3-pentadeca-dienyl-phenol, has demonstrated various benefits including favorable deblocking conditions, lower viscosity, and environmentally friendly chemistry. In this paper, Cardolite will present different approaches by utilizing catalysts and/or deblocking agents to optimize deblocking conditions, i.e. deblocking temperature reduction.

CNSL-based diols have demonstrated outstanding hydrophobicity provided by the long aliphatic side chain inherited from CNSL. This hydrophobicity reduces moisture sensitivity and provides outstanding hydrolytic stability upon exposure to aqueous solutions in comparison to PPG-based diols and polyBD. It is reasonable to suggest that the combination of aromaticity and long aliphatic chain in those diols delivers excellent chemical resistance, balanced mechanical properties, and improved compatibility with other diols. In this paper, we will present individual value propositions of CNSL diols including newly developed diols that are designed to show increased mechanical strength and elongation and excellent thermal stability when they are converted into PU prepolymers.

About Yun Mi Kim
Yun Mi earned her doctorate in materials science and engineering from University of Florida.  She worked for the Gelest for 5 years as a technical service manager specializing surface modifications and application development of silanes and silicones. Her current position is a technical marketing director for Cardolite Corporation, responsible for adhesives and polyurethane program.