A comodule-bialgebra structure for word-series substitution and mould composition

An internal coproduct is described, which is compatible with Hoffman’s quasi-shuffle product. Hoffman’s quasi-shuffle Hopf algebra, with deconcatenation coproduct, is a comodule-Hopf algebra over the bialgebra thus defined. The relation with J. Ecalle’s mould calculus, i.e. mould composition and contracting arborification, is precised.