Cashew nut shells for biobased composites

At NPSP, we take daily steps towards a more sustainable approach. For example, we are involved in research initiatives that seek alternatives to environmentally harmful substances, such as the Totally Nuts project, aimed at developing sustainable and economically feasible biobased composites from cashew nut shell residue.

During the Totally Nuts project, we are exploring the possibility of replacing fossil raw materials in thermal hardeners with cashew nut shells. These are currently discarded as waste or used as inefficient fuel.
But why this particular nut? The shell of cashew nuts contains an essential substance that can form the basis for a biobased epoxy thermal hardener: cardanol. The process of extracting cardanol also produces biocarbon. By mixing cardanol and biocarbon, a composite is formed that is expected to have improved mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.

As many as 4 knowledge institutions (Avans University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Maastricht University, and the Eindhoven University of Technology) are pooling their knowledge to make the Totally Nuts project a success. They are supported by multiple business partners: NPSP, Nuts2, Charcotec, SABA, en Prokol.

We are proud to be able to contribute to this wonderful initiative! The success of this project serves as a catalyst for the development of sustainable solutions for our industry and contributes to the sustainable use of cashew nut residue.

More information: https://www.coebbe.nl/projecten/totally-nuts-circulaire-biobased-thermoharders-van-cashewnotenschillen/