The paint industry may contribute to a better environment through two ways: to use renewable raw materials instead of raw materials derived from crude oil or to minimize the VOC content of the formulations. In some cases, both pollution abatements can be achieved by means of a single technology. This is the case of a renewable raw material, cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL). CNSL is used for the synthesis of a unique type of epoxy curing agents known as phenalkamines. While providing outstanding protection, tolerance to poorly prepared surfaces and low VOC content, phenalkamines cure epoxy resins quickly and allow coatings to cure at very low temperatures. Phenalkamine based epoxy coatings are used successfully in the shipbuilding, civil engineering and commercial vehicles manufacturing industries.
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