Cardanol incorporated-phenol-formaldehyde novolac resins were synthesized by acid and base catalyzed reactions. The novolacs were transformed to their cyanate esters. The thermal cure characteristics of the cyanate esters depended upon the composition. The presence of cardanol proportionately facilitated the curing. The thermal characterization of the novolacs and the corresponding cured phenolic-triazine networks indicated a dedicated a detremental effect of cardanol on the thermal stability and char residue of the resins.