Translating flame retardant strategies: Analogy from polyolefins and bisphenol a polycarbonates to poly(limonene carbonate)

• Four flame-retardant systems were successfully tested on poly(limonene carbonate) • Systems used in commercial polyolefins perform the best in poly(limonene carbonate) • Aluminium hydroxide proved to be the most efficient flame retardant • Poly(limonene carbonate) shows potential as a bio-based polymer in fire-risk uses . Poly(limonene carbonate)—PLimC—offers a novel sustainable alternative to traditional polymers, as it is derived from renewable limonene and carbon dioxide as monomers. Proposing PLimC as a future technical polymer for applications in electrical and electronic (E&E) devices, construction, and transportation, PLimC must meet specific fire prevention standards to be deemed suitable. Starting from the chemical structure of PLimC, strategies in analogy to flame retarded bisphenol A polycarbonates (PC), PC blends, and polyolefins (PO) are investigated to identify the most effective route to enhance the flame resistance of PLimC. This study utilized four halogen-free flame-retardant (FR) systems: APP + pentaerythritol (standard intumescent system in PO), a phosphorus flame retardant+PTFE as anti-dripping agent (used in PC blends), metal hydroxide ATH (widely used in PO), and potassium sulfonate salt (specific solution for PC). Applying these FRs at typical PC, PC blends, and PO loadings, we aim to understand their effect on PLimC and evaluated the different flame-retardant routes. Our experimental evaluations focused on the thermal properties, flammability, and fire behavior of each system. ATH emerged as the most effective, reducing the effective heat of combustion from 29.3 MJ kg⁻¹ to 18.6 MJ kg⁻¹ and the total heat evolved from 95 to 55 MJ m⁻². It also resulted in an increase in the limiting oxygen index from 17.1 to 26 vol.-% O 2 , along with a UL 94 HB40 rating. The intumescent system also exhibited considerable flame retardancy, highlighting the similarity of PLimC’s fire behavior to that of PO rather than PC. .