Chemical Characterization and Physico Chemical Properties of Cashew nut (AnacardiumOccidentale) Oil and Cashew nut Shell Liquid

Proximate composition and mineral concentration of Cashew nut (Anarcadiumoccidentale) were investigated using standard analytical methods. The physicochemical characteristics of cashew nut shell liquid were also determined. The proximate composition (%) was as follows: moisture (7.2), ash (2.8), crude fat (49.1), crude protein (36.3), crude fibre (3.2) and carbohydrate (by difference) (1.4). The mineral composition (mg/100g) of cashew nut showed potassium (27.5 ± 0.4) to be the highest, calcium (21.5 ± 0.0), magnesium (19.3 ±0.1), sodium (8.2 ± 0.2) and phosphorous (14.0 ± 0.2). Zinc and iron concentrations were lower. The physicochemical properties of cashew nut oil were as follows: colour (yellow), refractive index (1.458), specific gravity (0.962), acid value (10.7mgKOH/g), saponification value (137mgKOH/g), iodine value (41.3mgiodine/100g) and free fatty acid (5.4mgKOH/g). This is an indication that the oil is non- drying, edible and may not be used for soap making. The CNSL extracted was dark brown in colour. Ash and moisture content (%) were: 1.2 and 3.9 (for IND species), and 1.3 and 6.7 (for AFR species). Specific gravity and refractive index were 0.941 and 1.693 (for IND variety), and 0.924 and 1.686 (for AFR variety). Saponification, acid, free fatty acid (mg KOH/g) and iodine (mg iodine/100g) values were (58.1, 12.1, 6.1, 215 respectively (for IND species) and 47.6, 15.4, 7.8, 235.(for AFR species). The investigation showed that CNSL is a drying oil and it is useful in industries for paints, varnishes and surface coatings.