Cardanol

/ˈkɑrdənɔːl/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound found in cashew nut shell oil, used in the production of industrial products like coatings, resins, and friction materials.

Etymology

From 'cardan' or 'cardamom' (the spice plant) possibly, with the chemical suffix '-ol' indicating an alcohol or hydroxyl-containing compound. The exact origin is uncertain but reflects industrial chemical nomenclature.

Kelly Says

Cardanol is a chemical that no one's ever heard of but that's literally used to make your car's brakes work—it's a reminder that industrial chemistry silently depends on tropical plant oils you've probably never noticed.

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