For about ten years now, ITERG has focused part of its activities on the development of a range of estolide-type macromolecules. These biosourced oligomers obtained by polycondensation reaction are grouped under the generic name of PRIC.

Following their evaluation by industrialists from different sectors of activity, the very promising results confirm our strategy.
The advantage of this range lies in its adaptability in response to highly variable specifications. The range is therefore constantly evolving with variations in terms of functionality, viscosity and physical and chemical properties. Estolides, with new alcohol, acid, isocyanate and now acrylate functionalities, have been developed for applications as polymer material precursors or as polymer matrix additives.
It is particularly on the contribution of new physico-chemical properties that work is focused. Indeed, the contribution of amphiphilic properties constitutes a real challenge but also an added value with a view to extending the PRIC range. Thus, different structures have been synthesised leading to partially or 100% biobased oligomers, with different hydrophilic/lipophilic balances (HLB).
The cosmetics market is a real challenge in terms of positioning our products. This is why numerous evaluations and regulatory procedures have been carried out. Thus, the harmlessness, on a certain number of criteria, of the evaluated products has been proven.
Finally, finding an alternative to castor oil or at least limiting our dependence is crucial; this is why one of our lines of research consists in continuing the evolution of the PRIC range, starting with metropolitan oils.

Contact: Guillaume Chollet, Head of Non-Food Valorization of Vegetable Oils and Proteins, ITERG