Bio-based chemistry
ARD and bio-based chemistry


The Chemistry department specialises in the design of products (surface active molecules, solvents, polymers, materials, etc.) and processes according to the principles of green chemistry and sustainable development, using organic matter.

The main activities of the Bio-based Chemistry department are focused on the following fields :

  • Polyesters and thermosets made from fermentative organic acids and vegetable oils,
  • Surface active agents made from sugars (Wheatoleo project),
  • Speciality chemical products.

The department's expertise is mostly in the following fields :

  • Fundamental organic chemistry :
    Chemistry of plant-based substances / Catalysis.
  • Physico-chemistry of Interfaces and Colloid :
    detergency formulation, cosmetics, agrochemistry, etc.
Equipment

Aside from the laboratories, which are perfectly equipped for organic synthesis; the physico-chemical evaluation of surface active agents, solvents, and materials; and the evaluation of plant health products (phytotronic chamber), the chemistry department also has top-level pilot-scale equipment, namely :

 

  • Double-envelope, enamelled, stirred-tank reactors ;
  • Rectification column for azeotropic distillation ;
  • Sedimentation tanks ;
  • Thin layer evaporator ;
  • Forced flow evaporator ;
  • Emulsifying reactors ;
  • Storage capacity ;
  • Anti-deflagration zone (ATEX directive).