The role of photo‐catalytically synthesized poly (N‐vinyl pyrrolidone‐methyl methacrylate)/CuO‐rGO nanocomposite as a filler for the reinforcement for epoxy system

Abstract This study demonstrates the effective copolymerization of N‐Vinyl pyrrolidone and methyl methacrylate using reduced graphene oxide adorned with copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO‐rGO) acting as a catalyst when exposed to blue LED irradiation to generate random copolymer hybrid system of P(NVP‐co‐MMA/CuO‐rGO). We investigated the effects of this copolymer hybrid system of P(NVP‐co‐MMA/CuO‐rGO) on the mechanical, thermal and antibacterial properties of epoxy (DEGBA‐DETDA) composite. By employing two different concentrations of CuO nanoparticle, we assessed the reinforcement capability of the synthesized copolymer‐nanoparticle hybrid within an epoxy matrix. We observed that the composite sample comprising P(NVP‐co‐MMA/CuO‐rGO), having 0.5% of CuO‐rGO (Cu002) with respect to the epoxy concentration resulted in significant enhancements in fracture toughness. Further mechanical properties and thermal properties of the composite samples were studied using DMA, DSC and TGA. Microstructural properties and Mechanisms of toughening are elucidated through the examination of SEM images depicting the fracture surfaces. Moreover, the hybrid composites exhibited notable antibacterial activity against both E. coli and S. aureus compared to control. These findings highlight the copolymer hybrid P(NVP‐co‐MMA/CuO‐rGO) system's role as a multifunctional filler, enhancing epoxy composites' durability, functionality, and antibacterial performance. Our work advances the field of composites by showcasing the customized use of nanoparticle‐enhanced copolymers to improve material properties, providing valuable insights for the development of next‐generation composite materials. Highlights Achieved novel copolymerization of N‐Vinyl pyrrolidone and methyl methacrylate. CuO‐rGO successfully facilitates P(NVP‐co‐MMA/CuO‐rGO) nanocomposite formation. P(NVP‐co‐MMA/CuO‐rGO) nanocomposite proved as an effective filler for epoxy. P(NVP‐co‐MMA/CuO‐rGO) reinforced epoxy enhances toughness by 143% over neat epoxy Reinforced epoxy showed better efficacy against E. coli & S. aureus versus control.