Anisotropic light absorption films, optical films, and liquid crystal display devices

Abstract

The objective of this invention is to provide a light-absorbing anisotropic film, optical film, and liquid crystal display device that exhibits low defects and high orientation even at high concentrations of dichroic substances. The light-absorbing anisotropic film of this invention is formed from a liquid crystal composition containing a liquid crystal compound and a dichroic substance. The total mass of the dichroic substance represented by formula (C-1) and the dichroic substance represented by formula (C-2) is 4.5% by mass or more relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal compound is vertically oriented. In R... a1 With R a2 When the groups are the same, -N(R) b11 (R) b12 ) and -N(R b21 (R) b22 ) represent different groups. In R a1 With R a2 In the case of different groups, -N(R) b11 (R) b12 ) and -N(R b21 (R) b22 () can be the same group or different groups.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an anisotropic light-absorbing film, an optical film, and a liquid crystal display device. Background Technology

[0002] To prevent peeping or view control of image display devices, techniques are known and used in light-absorbing anisotropic films having an absorption axis in the thickness direction. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a view control system containing a dichroic material and having a polarizer (light-absorbing anisotropic film) with an angle of 0° to 45° between the absorption axis and the normal to the film surface.

[0003] Previous technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-145776 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] For preventing peeping or controlling viewing angle in image display devices, the focus is on ensuring high light-blocking performance. Therefore, the focus is on increasing the concentration of dichroic material in the light-absorbing anisotropic film and aligning the dichroic material with a high degree of orientation in the photo-alignment film.

[0008] However, increasing the concentration of dichroic substances can sometimes produce defects originating from dichroic substances in light-absorbing anisotropic films.

[0009] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a light absorption anisotropic film, an optical film, and a liquid crystal display device that exhibits few defects and high orientation even at high concentrations of dichroic substances.

[0010] means for solving technical problems

[0011] As a result of in-depth research conducted by the inventors to solve the above-mentioned problems, they discovered that even when a dichroic substance with a high concentration of 4.5% or more of the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition is present, a light absorption anisotropic film with fewer defects and high orientation can be obtained by using two or more dichroic substances with different structures, thereby completing the present invention.

[0012] That is, the inventors discovered that the above-mentioned problems can be solved by the following structure. [1]

[0014] An anisotropic light-absorbing film is formed from a liquid crystal composition, wherein the liquid crystal composition contains a liquid crystal compound, a dichroic substance represented by formula (C-1) and a dichroic substance represented by formula (C-2) described later.

[0015] The total content of the dichroic substance represented by formula (C-1) and the dichroic substance represented by formula (C-2) is 4.5% by mass or more relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition described above.

[0016] The aforementioned liquid crystal compounds are vertically oriented.

[0017] In the post-predicate (C-1) and post-predicate (C-2), R a1 and R a2 Each can independently represent a hydrogen atom, a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms that may have monovalent substituents, or a monovalent group consisting of a -CH2- group that is replaced by a divalent substituent after being formed by a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms that may have monovalent substituents.

[0018] Ara and Arc independently represent divalent aromatic groups that can have monovalent substituents.

[0019] R b11 R b21 and R b22 Each can independently represent a hydrogen atom, a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms that may have monovalent substituents, or a monovalent group consisting of a -CH2- group that is replaced by a divalent substituent after being formed by a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms that may have monovalent substituents.

[0020] R b12 It refers to a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms having a monovalent substituent, or a monovalent group consisting of a -CH2- group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms having a monovalent substituent and being replaced by a divalent substituent.

[0021] na and nc represent integers from 0 to 3 independently, and na+nc represents integers greater than 2.

[0022] However, in R a1 With R a2 When the groups are the same, -N(R) b11 (R) b12 ) and -N(R b21 (R) b22 ) are different groups. Furthermore, in R a1 With R a2 In the case of different groups, -N(R) b11 (R) b12 ) and -N(R b21 (R) b22 () can be the same group or different groups. [2]

[0024] According to the light absorption anisotropic film described in [1], wherein,

[0025] The total content of the dichroic substance represented by formula (C-1) and the dichroic substance represented by formula (C-2) is 6.5% by mass or more relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition described above. [3]

[0027] According to the light absorption anisotropic film described in [1] or [2], wherein,

[0028] In the above liquid crystal composition, the mass ratio of the content of the dichroic substance represented by the formula (C-1) to the content of the dichroic substance represented by the formula (C-2) is 0.100 to 10.0. [4]

[0030] The light-absorbing anisotropic film according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein,

[0031] In the following equation (C-1), R b12 The value of Hansen's solubility parameter is R. b11 The value of the Hansen solubility parameter is above [value missing].

[0032] In the following equation (C-2), R b22 The value of Hansen's solubility parameter is R. b21 The value of the Hansen solubility parameter is above [value missing].

[0033] R in the post-formulation (C-1) b12 R in the following equation (C-2) b22 The absolute value of the difference between the Hansen solubility parameters is less than 3.0. [5]

[0035] According to the light absorption anisotropic film described in [4], wherein,

[0036] R in the post-formulation (C-1) b12 R in the following equation (C-2) b22 The absolute value of the difference between the Hansen solubility parameters is less than 1.0. [6]

[0038] The light-absorbing anisotropic film according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein,

[0039] R in the following equation (C-2) b22 It is a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms having a monovalent substituent, or a monovalent group consisting of a -CH2- group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms having a monovalent substituent and being replaced by a divalent substituent. [7]

[0041] The light-absorbing anisotropic film according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein,

[0042] R in the post-formulation (C-1) b12 In this context, the monovalent substituent is a hydroxyl group, a halogen atom, a cyano group, or a sulfonic acid group.

[0043] The divalent substituents are -O-, -C(=O)-, and -N(R). c1 - or a group consisting of two or more of these groups, R c1 It represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. [8]

[0045] The light-absorbing anisotropic film according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein,

[0046] The aforementioned liquid crystal compounds include high molecular weight liquid crystal compounds. [9]

[0048] An optical film having:

[0049] Transparent film substrate; and

[0050] The light-absorbing anisotropic film disposed on the above-mentioned transparent film substrate as described in any one of [1] to [8].

[10]

[0052] According to the optical film described in [9], it also has an orientation film between the above-mentioned transparent film substrate and the above-mentioned light absorption anisotropic film.

[11]

[0054] According to the optical film described in [9] or

[10] , it also has a polarizer with an in-plane absorption axis and is used to control the viewing angle.

[12]

[0056] A display device having the optical film and display element described in

[11] .

[0057] Invention Effects

[0058] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a light absorption anisotropic film, an optical film, and a liquid crystal display device that have few defects and high orientation even when the concentration of dichroic material is high. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The present invention will now be described in detail.

[0060] The following description of the constituent elements is based on a representative embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0061] In addition, the numerical range indicated by “~” in this specification refers to the range including the lower limit and upper limit values ​​of the values ​​recorded before and after “~”.

[0062] Furthermore, in this specification, each component may use a single substance corresponding to that component, or two or more substances may be used in combination. Where two or more substances are used in combination for each component, the content of that component, unless otherwise stated, refers to the total content of the substances used in combination.

[0063] Furthermore, in this specification, "(meth)acrylate" is the expression for "acrylate" or "methacrylate", "(meth)acrylate group" is the expression for "acrylic group" or "methacrylic group", "(meth)acryloyl group" is the expression for "acryloyl group" or "methacryloyl group", and "(meth)acrylic acid" is the expression for "acrylic acid" or "methacrylic acid".

[0064] Furthermore, in this specification, dichroic substances refer to pigments whose absorbance varies depending on the direction.

[0065] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified in this specification, transparency refers to a transmittance of 60% or more in the visible light wavelength range of 380–780 nm. Transmittance was measured using JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) K 7375:2008, "Plastics—Method for determining total transmittance and total reflectance".

[0066] [Anisotropic light absorption film]

[0067] The light-absorbing anisotropic film of the present invention is formed from a liquid crystal composition, which contains a liquid crystal compound, a dichroic substance represented by formula (C-1) (hereinafter also referred to as "dichroic substance C-1"), and a dichroic substance represented by formula (C-2) (hereinafter also referred to as "dichroic substance C-2"). The total amount of the dichroic substance C-1 and the dichroic substance C-2 is 4.5% by mass or more relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition.

[0068] Although the light-absorbing anisotropic film of the present invention has a high content of dichroic substances, it has few defects and a high degree of orientation. While the detailed reasons for this are not clearly defined, they can be roughly inferred as follows.

[0069] When a high concentration of dichroic material is used to form an anisotropic light absorption film, the dichroic material is prone to crystallization during the formation process. Sometimes, the crystallized dichroic material becomes the cause of defects in the anisotropic light absorption film.

[0070] Here, the dichroic substances C-1 and C-2 contained in the light-absorbing anisotropic film of the present invention have similar structures, but are not exactly the same compound. Therefore, it can be inferred that by using dichroic substances with similar structures, the effect of improving the degree of orientation can be ensured, while also suppressing the generation of defects that would occur when using a large amount of the same compound.

[0071] [Liquid Crystal Composition]

[0072] The liquid crystal composition used in the formation of the light-absorbing anisotropic film of the present invention contains a liquid crystal compound, a dichroic substance C-1, and a dichroic substance C-2. The liquid crystal composition may, as needed, contain other dichroic substances besides dichroic substances C-1 and C-2, solvents, polymerization initiators, surface modifiers, vertical alignment agents, and other components.

[0073] The following is a description of each component.

[0074] <Liquid Crystal Compounds>

[0075] The liquid crystal composition contains a liquid crystal compound. By containing the liquid crystal compound, the precipitation of dichroic substances can be suppressed, and the dichroic substances can be oriented with a high degree of orientation.

[0076] Liquid crystal compounds are liquid crystal compounds that do not exhibit dichroism.

[0077] As a liquid crystal compound, either a low-molecular-weight liquid crystal compound or a high-molecular-weight liquid crystal compound can be used, but a high-molecular-weight liquid crystal compound is more preferred for obtaining a high degree of orientation. Here, "low-molecular-weight liquid crystal compound" refers to a liquid crystal compound that does not have repeating units in its chemical structure. And "high-molecular-weight liquid crystal compound" refers to a liquid crystal compound that has repeating units in its chemical structure.

[0078] Examples of low-molecular-weight liquid crystal compounds include those described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-228706.

[0079] Examples of polymeric liquid crystal compounds include the thermotropic liquid crystal polymer described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-237513. Furthermore, the polymeric liquid crystal compound may have crosslinking groups (e.g., acryloyl and methacryloyl groups) at its ends.

[0080] Liquid crystal compounds can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0081] From the perspective of achieving better orientation of the anisotropic light absorption film, the liquid crystal compound preferably contains a polymeric liquid crystal compound.

[0082] Considering the superior orientation of dichroic materials, liquid crystal compounds are preferably polymeric liquid crystal compounds containing repeating units (hereinafter also referred to as "repeating units (3-1)") represented by the following formula (3-1).

[0083] [Chemical Formula 1]

[0084]

[0085] In the above formula (3-1), P1 represents the main chain of the repeating unit, L1 represents the single bond or divalent linker, SP1 represents the spacer group, M1 represents the mesocrystalline group, and T1 represents the terminal group.

[0086] In the repeating unit (3-1), the difference between the logP values ​​of P1, L1, and SP1 and the logP value of M1 is preferably 4 or more. More preferably, it is 4.5 or more. Since the logP values ​​of the main chain, L1, and spacer groups differ from the logP values ​​of the mesocrystalline groups by a predetermined value or more, the structure from the main chain to the spacer groups is in a state of low compatibility with the mesocrystalline groups. Therefore, it can be inferred that the crystallinity of the polymeric liquid crystal compound is high, and the polymeric liquid crystal compound is in a state of high orientation. Thus, it can be inferred that if the orientation of the polymeric liquid crystal compound is high, the compatibility of the polymeric liquid crystal compound with the dichroic material decreases (i.e., the crystallinity of the dichroic material increases) and the orientation of the dichroic material increases. As a result, it is believed that the orientation of the obtained light absorption anisotropic film is high.

[0087] As the main chain of the repeating unit represented by P1, specifically, for example, groups represented by the following formulas (P1-A) to (P1-D) can be cited, wherein, from the viewpoint of the diversity of monomers that can be used as raw materials and ease of handling, the group represented by the following formula (P1-A) is preferred.

[0088] [Chemical Formula 2]

[0089]

[0090] In equations (P1-A) to (P1-D), "*" indicates the bonding position with L1 in equation (3-1).

[0091] In the above formulas (P1-A) to (P1-D), R 1 R 2 R 3 and R 4 Each of the above-mentioned alkyl groups independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. The alkyl group can be a straight-chain or branched alkyl group, or an alkyl group having a cyclic structure (cycloalkyl). Furthermore, the alkyl group preferably has 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

[0092] The group represented by the above formula (P1-A) is preferably a unit of a partial structure of poly(meth)acrylate obtained by polymerization of (meth)acrylate.

[0093] The group represented by the above formula (P1-B) is preferably an ethylene glycol unit formed by ring-opening polymerization of the epoxy group of a compound having an epoxy group.

[0094] The group represented by the above formula (P1-C) is preferably a propylene glycol unit formed by ring-opening polymerization of an oxetane compound having an oxetane.

[0095] The group represented by the above formula (P1-D) is preferably a siloxane unit of a polysiloxane obtained by polycondensation of a compound having at least one of alkoxysilyl and silanol groups. Here, as a compound having at least one of alkoxysilyl and silanol groups, an example is a compound having the formula SiR 14 (OR 15 Compounds containing a group represented by )2-. In the formula, R 14 The meaning of R in equation (P1-D) 14 The meanings are the same, multiple R 15 Alkyl groups, which can be independently represented by 1 to 10 hydrogen or carbon atoms respectively.

[0096] L1 represents a single bond or a divalent linker.

[0097] Examples of divalent linker bases represented by L1 include -C(O)O-, -OC(O)-, -O-, -S-, and -C(O)NR. 3 -、-NR 3 C(O)-, -SO2- and -NR 3 R 4 - etc. In the formula, R 3 and R 4 Each of the following can be independently represented: a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, which may have substituents (described later).

[0098] When P1 is a group represented by formula (P1-A), considering the superior orientation of the light absorption anisotropic film, L1 is preferably a group represented by -C(O)O-.

[0099] When P1 is a group represented by formulas (P1-B) to (P1-D), L1 is preferably a single bond, considering the superior orientation of the light absorption anisotropic film.

[0100] For reasons such as ease of liquid crystal properties or availability of raw materials, the spacer group represented by SP1 preferably includes at least one structure selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide structure, propylene oxide structure, polysiloxane structure and fluorinated alkylene structure.

[0101] Here, the oxyethylene structure represented by SP1 is preferably composed of *-(CH2-CH2O). n1 -* indicates a group. In the formula, n1 represents an integer from 1 to 20, and * indicates the bonding position with L1 or M1 in the above formula (3-1). Considering the superior orientation degree of the light absorption anisotropic film, n1 is preferably an integer from 2 to 10, more preferably an integer from 2 to 4, and most preferably 3.

[0102] Furthermore, considering the superior orientation of the anisotropic light absorption film, the oxypropylene structure represented by SP1 is preferably composed of *-(CH(CH3)-CH2O). n2 -* indicates a group. In the formula, n2 represents an integer from 1 to 3, and * indicates the bonding position with L1 or M1.

[0103] Furthermore, considering the superior orientation of the anisotropic light absorption film, the polysiloxane structure represented by SP1 is preferably composed of *-(Si(CH3)2-O). n3 -* indicates a group. In the formula, n3 represents an integer from 6 to 10, and * indicates the bonding position with L1 or M1.

[0104] Furthermore, considering the superior orientation of the anisotropic light absorption film, the fluorinated alkylene structure represented by SP1 is preferably composed of *-(CF2-CF2). n4 -* indicates a group. In the formula, n4 represents an integer from 6 to 10, and * indicates the bonding position with L1 or M1.

[0105] The mesocrystalline group represented by M1 refers to the group that represents the main framework of liquid crystal molecules that contribute to the formation of liquid crystals. Liquid crystal molecules exhibit liquid crystal properties, exhibiting an intermediate state (intermediate phase) between the crystalline state and the isotropic liquid state. There are no particular limitations regarding the mesocrystalline group; for example, one can refer to "Flussige Kristalle in Tabellen II" (VEB Deutsche Verlagfur Grundstoff Industrie, Leipzig, 1984), especially pages 7-16, and the description in "Liquid Crystal Handbook Editorial Committee," "Liquid Crystal Handbook" (Maruzen, 2000), especially Chapter 3.

[0106] As a mesocrystalline group, it is preferred, for example, to have at least one cyclic structure selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon groups, heterocyclic groups and alicyclic groups.

[0107] Considering the superior orientation of the anisotropic light absorption film, the mesocrystalline group preferably has aromatic hydrocarbon groups, more preferably has 2 to 4 aromatic hydrocarbon groups, and even more preferably has 3 aromatic hydrocarbon groups.

[0108] From the viewpoints of liquid crystal properties, liquid crystal phase transition temperature adjustment, raw material availability and synthetic applicability, and superior orientation of light absorption anisotropic films, groups represented by the following formula (M1-A) or the following formula (M1-B) are preferred as mesocrystalline groups, and groups represented by formula (M1-B) are more preferred.

[0109] [Chemical Formula 3]

[0110]

[0111] In formula (M1-A), A1 is a divalent group selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon groups, heterocyclic groups, and alicyclic groups. These groups may be substituted with alkyl, fluorinated alkyl, alkoxy, or substituents.

[0112] The divalent group represented by A1 is preferably a 4- to 6-membered ring. Furthermore, the divalent group represented by A1 can be a monocyclic ring or a fused ring.

[0113] * indicates the bonding position with SP1 or T1.

[0114] Examples of divalent aromatic hydrocarbon groups represented by A1 include phenylene, naphthylene, fluorene-diyl, anthracene-diyl, and tetraphenyl-diyl. From the perspective of the diversity of mesocrystalline framework design or the availability of raw materials, phenylene or naphthylene is preferred, and phenylene is more preferred.

[0115] The divalent heterocyclic group represented by A1 can be either aromatic or non-aromatic, but from the viewpoint of further improving the degree of orientation, a divalent aromatic heterocyclic group is preferred.

[0116] Examples of atoms other than carbon that constitute a divalent aromatic heterocyclic group include nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen atoms. In cases where an aromatic heterocyclic group has multiple atoms constituting the ring other than carbon, these atoms can be the same or different.

[0117] Specific examples of divalent aromatic heterocyclic groups include pyridinyl (pyridin-diyl), pyridazinyl (pyridinyl), imidazole-diyl, thiophenyl (thiophen-diyl), quinolineyl (quinoline-diyl), isoquinolineyl (isoquinoline-diyl), oxazole-diyl, thiazole-diyl, oxadiazole-diyl, benzothiazole-diyl, benzothiadiazole-diyl, phthalimide-diyl, thienothiazole-diyl, thiazonothiazole-diyl, thienothiphene-diyl, and thienooxazole-diyl.

[0118] Specific examples of the divalent alicyclic group represented by A1 include cyclopentylene and cyclohexylene.

[0119] In formula (M1-A), a1 represents an integer from 1 to 10. When a1 is 2 or higher, multiple A1 values ​​can be the same or different.

[0120] In formula (M1-B), A2 and A3 are each independently a divalent group selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon groups, heterocyclic groups, and alicyclic groups. Specific examples and preferred embodiments of A2 and A3 are the same as A1 in formula (M1-A), therefore their description is omitted.

[0121] In formula (M1-B), a2 represents an integer from 1 to 10. When a2 is 2 or more, multiple A2s can be the same or different, multiple A3s can be the same or different, and multiple LA1s can be the same or different. Considering the superior orientation of the light absorption anisotropic film, a2 is preferably an integer of 2 or more, and more preferably 2.

[0122] In formula (M1-B), when a2 is 1, LA1 is a divalent linker. When a2 is 2 or more, the plurality of LA1s are independently either single bonds or divalent linkers, and at least one of the plurality of LA1s is a divalent linker. When a2 is 2, considering the superior orientation of the light absorption anisotropic film, it is preferable that one of the two LA1s is a divalent linker and the other is a single bond.

[0123] In formula (M1-B), examples of divalent linkers represented by LA1 include -O- and -(CH2). g -、-(CF2) g -、-Si(CH3)2-、-(Si(CH3)2O) g -、-(OSi(CH3)2) g-(g represents an integer from 1 to 10.), -N(Z)-, -C(Z)=C(Z')-, -C(Z)=N-, -N=C(Z)-, -C(Z)2-C(Z')2-, -C(O)-, -OC(O)-, -C(O)O-, -OC(O)O -, -N(Z)C(O)-, -C(O)N(Z)-, -C(Z)=C(Z')-C(O)O-, -OC(O)-C(Z)=C(Z')-, -C(Z)=N-, -N=C(Z)-, -C(Z)=C(Z')-C(O)N( Z”)-, -N(Z”)-C(O)-C(Z)=C(Z')-, -C(Z)=C(Z')-C(O)-S-, -SC(O)-C(Z)=C(Z')-, -C(Z)=NN=C(Z')- (Z, Z', Z” independently represent hydrogen atoms, C1-C4 alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, cyano or halogen atoms.), -C≡C-, -N=N-, -S-, -S(O)-, -S(O)(O)-, -(O)S(O)O-, -O(O)S(O)O-, -SC(O)- and -C(O)S-, etc.

[0124] Among them, considering the superior orientation of the anisotropic light absorption film, -C(O)O- is preferred.

[0125] LA1 can also be a group composed of two or more of these groups.

[0126] Specific examples of M1 include the following structures. Additionally, in the following specific examples, "Ac" represents an acetyl group.

[0127] [Chemical Formula 4]

[0128]

[0129] [Chemical Formula 5]

[0130]

[0131] [Chemical Formula 6]

[0132]

[0133] [Chemical Formula 7]

[0134]

[0135] [Chemical Formula 8]

[0136]

[0137] [Chemical Formula 9]

[0138]

[0139] [Chemical Formula 10]

[0140]

[0141] Examples of terminal groups represented by T1 include hydrogen atoms, halogen atoms, cyano groups, nitro groups, hydroxyl groups, alkyl groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, alkylthio groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, alkoxycarbonyl groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, alkoxycarbonyl groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms (ROC(O)-: R is an alkyl group), acyloxy groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, acylamino groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, alkoxycarbonylamino groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, sulfonylamino groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, aminosulfonyl groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, carbamoyl groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, sulfinyl groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, urea groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and groups containing (meth)acryloyloxy groups. Examples of groups containing (meth)acryloyloxy groups include those represented by -LA (L represents a single bond or a linker. Specific examples of linkers are the same as L1 and SP1 described above. A represents a group represented by (meth)acryloyloxy).

[0142] Considering the superior orientation of the anisotropic light absorption film, T1 is preferably an alkoxy group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkoxy group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a methoxy group. These terminal groups can be further replaced by these groups or polymerizable groups described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-244038.

[0143] Considering the superior orientation of the anisotropic light absorption film, the number of atoms in the main chain of T1 is preferably 1 to 20, more preferably 1 to 15, even more preferably 1 to 10, and particularly preferably 1 to 7. By having the number of atoms in the main chain of T1 be 20 or less, the orientation of the anisotropic light absorption film is further improved. Here, "main chain" in T1 refers to the longest molecular chain bonded to M1, and hydrogen atoms are not included in the number of atoms in the main chain of T1. For example, when T1 is n-butyl, the number of atoms in the main chain is 4, and when T1 is sec-butyl, the number of atoms in the main chain is 3.

[0144] Considering the superior orientation of the light-absorbing anisotropic film, the content of the repeating unit (3-1) is preferably 20 to 100% by mass relative to 100% by mass of all repeating units in the polymeric liquid crystal compound.

[0145] In this invention, the content of each repeating unit contained in the polymeric liquid crystal compound is calculated based on the loading amount (mass) of each monomer used to obtain each repeating unit.

[0146] The polymeric liquid crystal compound may contain a single repeating unit (3-1) or two or more repeating units. If the polymeric liquid crystal compound contains two or more repeating units (3-1), it has advantages such as improved solubility in solvents and easier adjustment of the liquid crystal phase transition temperature. When it contains two or more repeating units (3-1), it is preferable that their total amount is within the above-mentioned range.

[0147] In the case where the polymeric liquid crystal compound contains two repeating units (3-1), considering the superior orientation of the light absorption anisotropic film, it is preferable that the terminal group represented by T1 in one (repeating unit A) is alkoxy and the terminal group represented by T1 in the other (repeating unit B) is a group other than alkoxy.

[0148] Considering the superior orientation of the light absorption anisotropic film, the terminal group represented by T1 in the repeating unit B is preferably an alkoxy carbonyl, a cyano, or a group containing (meth)acryloyloxy, more preferably an alkoxy carbonyl or a cyano.

[0149] Considering the superior orientation of the light-absorbing anisotropic film, the ratio (A / B) of the content of the repeating unit A in the polymeric liquid crystal compound to the content of the repeating unit B in the polymeric liquid crystal compound is preferably 50 / 50 to 95 / 5, more preferably 60 / 40 to 93 / 7, and even more preferably 70 / 30 to 90 / 10.

[0150] <Repeating Unit (3-2)>

[0151] The polymeric liquid crystal compound of the present invention may further comprise a repeating unit represented by the following formula (3-2) (also referred to as "repeating unit (3-2)" in this specification). This provides advantages such as improved solvent solubility and ease of adjustment of the liquid crystal phase transition temperature.

[0152] The repeating unit (3-2) differs from the repeating unit (3-1) mentioned above in that it at least does not have a mesocrystalline group.

[0153] When the polymeric liquid crystal compound contains repeating unit (3-2), the polymeric liquid crystal compound is a copolymer of repeating unit (3-1) and repeating unit (3-2) (or a copolymer that also contains repeating unit A and repeating unit B), and can be any kind of polymer such as block polymer, alternating polymer, random polymer and graft polymer.

[0154] [Chemical Formula 11]

[0155]

[0156] In equation (3-2), P3 represents the main chain of the repeating unit, L3 represents a single bond or a divalent linker, SP3 represents a spacer group, and T3 represents a terminal group.

[0157] The specific examples of P3, L3, SP3 and T3 in equation (3-2) are the same as those of P1, L1, SP1 and T1 in equation (3-1) above.

[0158] From the viewpoint of improving the intensity of the light-absorbing anisotropic film, T3 in formula (3-2) preferably has polymerizable groups.

[0159] The content of repeating units (3-2) is preferably 0.5 to 40% by mass, more preferably 1 to 30% by mass, relative to 100% by mass of all repeating units in the polymeric liquid crystal compound.

[0160] The polymeric liquid crystal compound may contain a single repeating unit (3-2) or two or more repeating units. When two or more repeating units (3-2) are contained, it is preferable that their total amount is within the above-mentioned range.

[0161] (weight-average molecular weight)

[0162] Considering the superior orientation of anisotropic light absorption films, the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the polymeric liquid crystal compound is preferably 1,000 to 500,000, more preferably 2,000 to 300,000. As long as the Mw of the polymeric liquid crystal compound is within the above range, it is easy to process.

[0163] In particular, from the viewpoint of suppressing cracks during coating, the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the polymeric liquid crystal compound is preferably 10,000 or more, and more preferably 10,000 to 300,000.

[0164] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of temperature tolerance of orientation, the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the polymeric liquid crystal compound is preferably less than 10,000, more preferably more than 2,000 and less than 10,000.

[0165] In this invention, the weight-average molecular weight and number-average molecular weight are values ​​determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

[0166] • Solvent (eluent): N-methylpyrrolidone

[0167] • Device Name: TOSOH HLC-8220GPC

[0168] • Column: Connect 3 TOSOH TSKgelSuperAWM-H (6mm×15cm) for use.

[0169] Column temperature: 25℃

[0170] • Sample concentration: 0.1% by mass

[0171] • Flow rate: 0.35 ml / min

[0172] • Calibration curve: The calibration curve was obtained using seven samples of TSK standard polystyrene prepared by TOSOH with Mw = 2,800,000 to 1,050 (Mw / Mn = 1.03 to 1.06).

[0173] (Content of liquid crystal compounds)

[0174] The content of the liquid crystal compound relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 30-99% by mass, more preferably 50-98% by mass, and particularly preferably 60-95% by mass. By keeping the content of the liquid crystal compound within the above range, the orientation degree of the light absorption anisotropic film is further improved.

[0175] The content of liquid crystal compound in the light-absorbing anisotropic film is preferably the same as the content of liquid crystal compound relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition described above.

[0176] <Dichroic substances C-1 and C-2>

[0177] Dichroic substance C-1 is a dichroic substance represented by formula (C-1), and dichroic substance C-2 is a dichroic substance represented by formula (C-2). In anisotropic light absorption films, dichroic substances C-1 and C-2 can polymerize.

[0178] Dichroic substances C-1 and C-2 may or may not exhibit liquid crystal properties.

[0179] When dichroic substances C-1 and C-2 exhibit liquid crystal properties, they can exhibit either nematic or smectic properties. The temperature range for displaying the liquid crystal phase is preferably room temperature (approximately 20°C to 28°C) to 300°C, and more preferably 50°C to 200°C from the viewpoint of processability and manufacturing applicability.

[0180] [Chemical Formula 12]

[0181]

[0182] Dichroic substances C-1 and C-2 are compounds with different chemical structures. Specifically, in formulas (C-1) and (C-2), in R... a1 With R a2 When the groups are the same, -N(R) b11 (R) b12) and -N(R b21 (R) b22 ) are different groups. Furthermore, in R a1 With R a2 In the case of different groups, -N(R) b11 (R) b12 ) and -N(R b21 (R) b22 () can be the same group or different groups.

[0183] The same reference numerals between formula (C-1) and formula (C-2) refer to the same substances. Specifically, Ara and Arc in formula (C-1) refer to the same groups as Ara and Arc in formula (C-2), respectively, and na and nc in formula (C-1) refer to the same numerical values ​​as na and nc in formula (C-2), respectively.

[0184] In equations (C-1) and (C-2), R a1 and R a2 Each of the following can be independently represented: a hydrogen atom, a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms that may have monovalent substituents, or a monovalent group consisting of a -CH2- group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms that may have monovalent substituents and is replaced by a divalent substituent (hereinafter also referred to as "monovalent group A1"). Among these, monovalent group A1 is preferred from the perspective of at least one superior aspect of orientation degree and defect suppression.

[0185] The monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group can be saturated or unsaturated, but is preferably saturated. The monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group can be linear, branched, or cyclic, but is preferably linear or branched. For better orientation, the monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group is preferably alkyl. The monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group has 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and for better at least one aspect of orientation and defect suppression, 5 to 18 is preferred, and particularly 10 to 15 is preferred.

[0186] As a monovalent substituent, examples include the groups shown in the item “Substituent” below, wherein a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group or a cyano group is preferred.

[0187] Specific examples of divalent substituents include -O-, -C(=O)-, and -N(R). c1 -O-, -S-, -C(=S)-, -S(=O)-, or a combination of two or more of these groups. Among these, -O-, -C(=O)-, and -N(R)- are preferred, considering at least one superior aspect in terms of orientation degree and defect suppression. c1 () or a group formed by combining two or more of these groups. Among them, considering at least one aspect of orientation degree and defect suppression being more superior, the divalent substituent is preferably a group having an oxygen atom.

[0188] R c1 The symbol represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, with a hydrogen atom being preferred. There is no particular limitation on the number of carbon atoms in an alkyl group, but 1 to 3 are preferred, and 1 is particularly preferred.

[0189] In the monovalent group A1, only one -CH2- group constituting the monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group can be replaced by a divalent substituent, or two or more -CH2- groups can be replaced by divalent substituents.

[0190] Preferred alternatives for the monovalent group A1 include alkyl-C(=O)-O-alkylene-O- and alkenyl-C(=O)-O-alkylene-O-.

[0191] Ara and Arc each independently represent a divalent aromatic group that can have a monovalent substituent. Considering at least one superior aspect of orientation degree and defect suppression, a divalent aromatic group (i.e., a divalent aromatic group without a monovalent substituent) is preferred.

[0192] As a divalent aromatic group, arylene and heteroarylene can be cited. Considering at least one superior aspect of orientation degree and defect suppression, arylene is preferred.

[0193] There is no particular limitation on the number of carbon atoms in the arylene group, but 4 to 20 is preferred, and 6 to 12 is more preferred. Specific examples of arylene groups include phenylene and naphthylene, and phenylene is preferred considering at least one superior aspect in terms of orientation degree and defect suppression.

[0194] There is no particular limitation on the number of carbon atoms in the heteroaryl group, but 3 to 10 is preferred, and 3 to 5 is more preferred. Examples of heteroatoms contained in the heteroaryl group include oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur atoms.

[0195] As a monovalent substituent, examples include the groups shown in the item “Substituent” below, wherein a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group or a cyano group is preferred.

[0196] R b12 The term refers to a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms with a monovalent substituent, or a monovalent group consisting of a -CH2- group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms with a monovalent substituent after being replaced by a divalent substituent (hereinafter also referred to as "monovalent group B1"). Among these, monovalent substituent B1 is preferred from the perspective of at least one superior aspect of orientation degree and defect suppression.

[0197] The monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group can be saturated or unsaturated, but is preferably saturated. The monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group can be linear, branched, or cyclic, but is preferably linear or branched. For better orientation, the monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group is preferably alkyl. The monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group has 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and for better at least one aspect of orientation and defect suppression, 1 to 10 is preferred, and particularly 1 to 5 is preferred.

[0198] As a monovalent substituent, examples include the groups shown in the item “Substituent” below, wherein hydroxyl, halogen, cyano or sulfonic acid groups are preferred.

[0199] Specific examples of divalent substituents include -O-, -C(=O)-, and -N(R). c2 -O-, -S-, -C(=S)-, -S(=O)-, or a combination of two or more of these groups. Among these, -O-, -C(=O)-, and -N(R)- are preferred, considering at least one superior aspect in terms of orientation degree and defect suppression. c2 () or a group formed by combining two or more of these groups. Among them, considering at least one aspect of orientation degree and defect suppression being more superior, the divalent substituent is preferably a group having an oxygen atom.

[0200] R c2 The symbol represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, with a hydrogen atom being preferred. There is no particular limitation on the number of carbon atoms in an alkyl group, but 1 to 3 are preferred, and 1 is particularly preferred.

[0201] In the monovalent group B1, only one -CH2- group constituting the monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group can be replaced by a divalent substituent, or two or more -CH2- groups can be replaced by divalent substituents.

[0202] Preferred alternatives for the monovalent group B1 include -alkylene-OC(=O)-alkyl, -alkylene-OC(=O)-alkenyl, -C(=O)-O-alkyl and -alkylene-OC(=O)-alkylene-monovalent substituents.

[0203] R b11 R b21 and R b22 Each of the following can be independently represented: a hydrogen atom, a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms that may have monovalent substituents, or a monovalent group consisting of a -CH2- group that has been replaced by a divalent substituent (hereinafter also referred to as "monovalent group B2").

[0204] The monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group can be saturated or unsaturated, but is preferably saturated. The monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group can be linear, branched, or cyclic, but is preferably linear or branched. For better orientation, the monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group is preferably alkyl. The monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group has 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and for better at least one aspect of orientation and defect suppression, 1 to 10 is preferred, and particularly 1 to 5 is preferred.

[0205] As a monovalent substituent, examples include the groups shown in the item “Substituent” below, wherein hydroxyl, halogen, cyano or sulfonic acid groups are preferred.

[0206] Specific examples of divalent substituents include -O-, -C(=O)-, and -N(R). c3 -O-, -S-, -C(=S)-, -S(=O)-, or a combination of two or more of these groups. Among these, -O-, -C(=O)-, and -N(R)- are preferred, considering at least one superior aspect in terms of orientation degree and defect suppression. c3 () or a group formed by combining two or more of these groups. Among them, considering at least one aspect of orientation degree and defect suppression being more superior, the divalent substituent is preferably a group having an oxygen atom.

[0207] R c3 The symbol represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, with a hydrogen atom being preferred. There is no particular limitation on the number of carbon atoms in an alkyl group, but 1 to 3 are preferred, and 1 is particularly preferred.

[0208] In the monovalent group B2, only one -CH2- constituting the monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group can be replaced by a divalent substituent, or more than two -CH2- groups can be replaced by divalent substituents.

[0209] Preferred alternatives for the monovalent group B2 include -alkylene-OC(=O)-alkyl, -alkylene-OC(=O)-alkenyl, -C(=O)-O-alkyl and -alkylene-OC(=O)-alkylene-monovalent substituents.

[0210] Considering at least one superior aspect of orientation degree and defect suppression, R b11 Preferably, it is a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms that may have a monovalent substituent, more preferably a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms (i.e., a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms that does not have a substituent), and even more preferably an alkyl group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0211] Considering at least one superior aspect of orientation degree and defect suppression, R b21Preferably, it is a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms that may have a monovalent substituent, more preferably a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms (i.e., a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms that does not have a substituent), and even more preferably an alkyl group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0212] Considering at least one superior aspect of orientation degree and defect suppression, R b22 Preferably, it is a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group or a monovalent group B2 with 1 to 20 carbon atoms having a monovalent substituent.

[0213] na and nc independently represent integers from 0 to 3, preferably integers from 1 to 3, more preferably integers from 1 to 2, and especially preferably 1.

[0214] The na+nc value is 2 or more, preferably 2 to 6, more preferably 2 to 4, and especially preferably 2.

[0215] In equation (C-1) R b12 The HSP value is R b11 The HSP value is above and R in equation (C-2) b22 The HSP value is R b21 When the HSP value is above a certain threshold, R in equation (C-1) b12 R in equation (C-2) b22 The absolute value of the difference between the HSP values ​​is preferably 3.0 or less, more preferably 1.0 or less, and particularly preferably 0.5 or less. As long as the absolute value of the difference between the HSP values ​​is 3.0 or less, the generation of defects can be further suppressed. Furthermore, the HSP value refers to the Hansen solubility parameter.

[0216] From the perspective of achieving both high orientation and defect suppression, the lower limit of the absolute value of the difference between the above-mentioned HSP values ​​is preferably 0 or more, more preferably 0.1 or more, and especially preferably 0.2 or more.

[0217] R b11 The HSP value is preferably 11.0 to 20.0, and more preferably 13.0 to 17.5.

[0218] R b12 The HSP value is preferably 15.0 to 28.0, and more preferably 16.0 to 27.0.

[0219] R b21 The HSP value is preferably 11.0 to 20.0, and more preferably 13.0 to 17.5.

[0220] R b22 The HSP value is preferably 13.0 to 28.0, and more preferably 14.0 to 27.0.

[0221] Detailed information regarding HSP values ​​(Hansen solubility parameters) can be found in Hansen, Charles (2007). Hansen Solubility Parameters: A user's handbook, Second Edition. Boca Raton, Fla: CRC Press. ISBN 9780849372483. The HSP values ​​of each compound (each group) in this invention are calculated by inputting the compound's structural formula into the following software, more specifically, the value corresponding to δtotal. The software used is HSPiP (Hansen Solubility Parameters in Practice) ver4.1.07.

[0222] The following are specific examples of dichroic substances C-1 and C-2, but are not limited to these examples.

[0223] [Chemical Formula 13]

[0224]

[0225] The total content of dichroic substances C-1 and C-2 is 4.5% by mass or more relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition. From the viewpoint of better orientation, it is preferable to be 6.5% by mass or more, and particularly preferable to be 8.0% by mass or more.

[0226] Considering at least one superior aspect of orientation degree and defect suppression, the total content of dichroic substance C-1 and dichroic substance C-2 is preferably 40% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 30% by mass or less, relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition.

[0227] The total content of dichroic substances C-1 and C-2 in the light-absorbing anisotropic film relative to the total mass of the light-absorbing anisotropic film is preferably the same as the total content of dichroic substances C-1 and C-2 relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition described above.

[0228] In the liquid crystal composition, considering at least one superior aspect of orientation degree and defect suppression, the mass ratio of the content of dichroic substance C-1 to the content of dichroic substance C-2 (content of dichroic substance C-1 / content of dichroic substance C-2) is preferably 0.100 to 10.0, more preferably 0.1100 to 4.50, and particularly preferably 0.100 to 3.5.

[0229] The mass ratio of the content of dichroic substance C-1 to the content of dichroic substance C-2 in the light-absorbing anisotropic film is preferably the same as the mass ratio of the content of dichroic substance C-1 to the content of dichroic substance C-2 in the liquid crystal composition described above.

[0230] <Other dichroic substances>

[0231] The liquid crystal composition may contain other dichroic substances. Other dichroic substances refer to dichroic substances other than dichroic substances C-1 and C-2. Specifically, dichroic substances C-1 and C-2 have different chemical structures.

[0232] Other dichroic materials may or may not exhibit liquid crystal properties.

[0233] When other dichroic materials exhibit liquid crystal properties, they can exhibit either nematic or smectic properties. The preferred temperature range for displaying the liquid crystal phase is room temperature (approximately 20°C to 28°C) to 300°C, and from the viewpoint of processability and manufacturing applicability, it is more preferably 50°C to 200°C.

[0234] Other dichroic substances can be used alone or in combination with two or more.

[0235] Other dichroic substances are not particularly limited, and examples include visible light absorbing substances (dichroic pigments), luminescent substances (fluorescent substances, phosphorescent substances), ultraviolet light absorbing substances, infrared light absorbing substances, nonlinear optical substances, carbon nanotubes and inorganic substances (such as quantum rods), etc., and previously known dichroic substances (dichroic pigments) can be used.

[0236] Specifically, examples include paragraphs

[0067] to

[0071] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-228706, paragraphs

[0008] to

[0026] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-227532, paragraphs

[0008] to

[0015] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-209367, paragraphs

[0045] to

[0058] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-14883, paragraphs

[0012] to

[0029] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-109090, and paragraphs

[0067] to

[0029] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-101328. Paragraphs

[0009] to

[0017] , paragraphs

[0051] to

[0065] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-37353, paragraphs

[0049] to

[0073] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-63387, paragraphs

[0016] to

[0018] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. Hei 11-305036, paragraphs

[0009] to

[0011] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-133630, paragraphs

[0030] to

[0169] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-215337, and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-106242. Paragraphs

[0021] to

[0075] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-215846, paragraphs

[0011] to

[0025] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-048311, paragraphs

[0017] to

[0069] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-213610, paragraphs

[0013] to

[0133] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-237513, paragraphs

[0074] to

[0246] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-006502, paragraphs

[0005] to

[0051] of International Publication No. 2016 / 060 The dichroic substances described in paragraphs

[0005] to

[0041] of Publication No. 173, paragraphs

[0008] to

[0062] of International Publication No. 2016 / 136561, paragraphs

[0014] to

[0033] of International Publication No. 2017 / 154835, paragraphs

[0014] to

[0033] of International Publication No. 2017 / 154695, paragraphs

[0013] to

[0037] of International Publication No. 2017 / 195833, and paragraphs

[0014] to

[0034] of International Publication No. 2018 / 164252.

[0237] When the liquid crystal composition contains other dichroic substances, the content of the other dichroic substances is preferably 0.2 to 20.0% by mass relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition, and particularly preferably 0.5 to 15.0% by mass.

[0238] When the light-absorbing anisotropic film contains other dichroic substances, the content of other dichroic substances in the light-absorbing anisotropic film relative to the total mass of the light-absorbing anisotropic film is preferably the same as the content of other dichroic substances relative to the total solid content mass of the liquid crystal composition described above.

[0239] The light-absorbing anisotropic film of the present invention can have an arrangement structure formed by dichroic substances. Examples of dichroic substances forming the arrangement structure include the dichroic substance represented by formula (C-1), the dichroic substance represented by formula (C-2), and other dichroic substances described above. Among these dichroic substances, the dichroic substance forming the arrangement structure can be a single substance or multiple substances. When the light-absorbing anisotropic film contains multiple dichroic substances, an arrangement structure can be formed for all types of dichroic substances contained therein, or an arrangement structure can be formed for some types of dichroic substances.

[0240] Furthermore, the aforementioned arrangement can be a structure composed of one dichroic substance or a structure composed of multiple dichroic substances.

[0241] Anisotropic light-absorbing films can have multiple different arrangement structures. When there are multiple dichroic substances forming the arrangement structure, the dichroic substances forming the arrangement structure can be the same or different.

[0242] <Solvent>

[0243] From the viewpoint of operability, liquid crystal compositions preferably contain a solvent.

[0244] Examples of solvents include ketones (e.g., acetone, 2-butanone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclopentanone, and cyclohexanone), ethers (e.g., dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydropyran, dioxolane, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, and cyclopentylmethyl ether), aliphatic hydrocarbons (e.g., hexane), alicyclic hydrocarbons (e.g., cyclohexane), aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylene, and trimethylbenzene), carbon halogens (e.g., dichloromethane, chloroform, dichloroethane, dichlorobenzene, and chlorotoluene), and esters (e.g., ethyl acetate). Organic solvents such as methyl esters, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, diethyl carbonate, etc., alcohols (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, cyclohexanol, etc.), cellosolvers (e.g., methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, and 1,2-dimethoxyethane, etc.), cellosolve acetates, sulfoxides (e.g., dimethyl sulfoxide, etc.), amides (e.g., dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, N-ethylpyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolium ketone, etc.), and heterocyclic compounds (e.g., pyridine, etc.) and water can be used. These solvents can be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0245] Of these solvents, organic solvents are preferred for the sake of superior performance of the present invention, and halogenated carbons or ketones are more preferred.

[0246] When the liquid crystal composition contains a solvent, the solvent content relative to the total mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 80 to 99% by mass, more preferably 83 to 97% by mass, and especially preferably 85 to 95% by mass.

[0247] <Polymerization Initiator>

[0248] The liquid crystal composition preferably contains a polymerization initiator.

[0249] Preferably, the polymerization initiator used is a photopolymerization initiator that can initiate a polymerization reaction by ultraviolet irradiation.

[0250] Examples of photopolymerization initiators include α-carbonyl compounds (described in U.S. Patent Nos. 2,367,661 and 2,367,670), azobin ethers (described in U.S. Patent No. 2,448,828), α-hydrocarbon-substituted aromatic azobin compounds (described in U.S. Patent No. 2,722,512), polynuclear quinone compounds (described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,046,127 and 2,951,758), triarylimidazolium dimers, and p-aminophenyl ketones. Combinations (described in U.S. Patent No. 3,549,367), acridine and phenazine compounds (described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 60-105,667 and U.S. Patent No. 4,239,850), oxadiazole compounds (described in U.S. Patent No. 4,212,970), acylphosphine oxide compounds (described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 63-40,799, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-29,234, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-95,788 and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-29,997), etc.

[0251] Furthermore, in this invention, the polymerization initiator is preferably an oxime-type polymerization initiator. As a specific example, the initiator described in paragraphs

[0049] to

[0052] of International Publication No. 2017 / 170443 can be cited.

[0252] Polymerization initiators can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0253] When the liquid crystal composition contains a polymerization initiator, the content of the polymerization initiator is preferably 0.01 to 30 parts by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 15 parts by mass, relative to the total of the dichroic substances (i.e., dichroic substances C-1 and C-2, and other dichroic substances used as needed) and the liquid crystal compound in the liquid crystal composition, for a total of 100 parts by mass. When the content of the polymerization initiator is 0.01 parts by mass or more, the durability of the light absorption anisotropic film becomes better; when the content of the polymerization initiator is 30 parts by mass or less, the orientation degree of the light absorption anisotropic film becomes better.

[0254] <Surface Modifier>

[0255] The liquid crystal composition preferably contains a surface modifier. By containing a surface modifier, the smoothness of the coated surface is improved, the orientation degree is enhanced or depressions and unevenness are suppressed, and it is expected to improve the in-plane uniformity.

[0256] Fluoro(meth)acrylate polymers described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-272185,

[0018] to

[0043] , etc., can be used as surface modifiers. Other compounds besides these can also be used as surface modifiers. A single surface modifier can be used, or two or more can be used in combination.

[0257] When the liquid crystal composition contains a surface modifier, the content of the surface modifier in the liquid crystal composition is preferably 0.1 to 2.0% by mass relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition, more preferably 0.1 to 1.0% by mass.

[0258] When the light-absorbing anisotropic film contains a surface modifier, the content of the surface modifier relative to the total mass of the light-absorbing anisotropic film is preferably the same as the content of the surface modifier relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition.

[0259] Vertical Orientation Agent

[0260] From the perspective of enabling liquid crystal compounds and dichroic substances to be easily vertically aligned, the liquid crystal composition preferably contains a vertical alignment agent.

[0261] Boric acid compounds and onium salts can be cited as vertical alignment agents. A single vertical alignment agent can be used, or two or more can be used in combination.

[0262] As a boric acid compound, the compound represented by formula (30) is preferred.

[0263] Equation (30)

[0264] [Chemical Formula 14]

[0265]

[0266] In equation (30), R 1 and R 2 Each of these groups independently represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group.

[0267] R 3 This indicates a substituent containing a (meth)acryloyl group.

[0268] As a specific example of boric acid compounds, one can cite the boric acid compounds represented by general formula (I) described in paragraphs 0023 to 0032 of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-225281.

[0269] The following compounds are also preferred as boric acid compounds.

[0270] [Chemical Formula 15]

[0271]

[0272] As a ium salt, the compound represented by formula (31) is preferred.

[0273] Equation (31)

[0274] [Chemical Formula 16]

[0275]

[0276] In formula (31), ring A represents a quaternary ammonium ion composed of a nitrogen-containing heterocycle. X represents an anion. L1 represents a divalent linker. L2 represents a single bond or a divalent linker. Y1 represents a divalent linker with a 5- or 6-membered ring as part of the structure. Z represents a divalent linker with an alkylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms as part of the structure. P1 and P2 each independently represent a monovalent substituent with a polymerizable olefinic unsaturated bond.

[0277] Specific examples of onium salts include those described in paragraphs 0052 to 0058 of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-208397, those described in paragraphs 0024 to 0055 of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-026730, and those described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-37777.

[0278] When the liquid crystal composition contains a vertical alignment agent, the content of the vertical alignment agent in the liquid crystal composition is preferably 0.05 to 7.0% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0% by mass, relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition.

[0279] When the light-absorbing anisotropic film contains a vertical alignment agent, the content of the vertical alignment agent relative to the total mass of the light-absorbing anisotropic film is preferably the same as the content of the vertical alignment agent relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition.

[0280] <Additives>

[0281] The liquid crystal composition may contain components other than those mentioned above. Examples of such components include leveling agents, polymerizing agents, and durability improvers.

[0282] <Substituent>

[0283] Unless otherwise specified, substituents (monovalent substituents) in this specification refer to the following groups.

[0284] Examples of substituents include alkyl groups (preferably with 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably with 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and especially preferably with 1 to 8 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, n-octyl, n-decyl, n-hexadecyl, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl), alkenyl groups (preferably with 2 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably with 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and especially preferably with 2 to 8 carbon atoms, such as vinyl, aryl, 2-butenyl, and 3-pentenyl), alkynyl groups (preferably with 2 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably with 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and especially preferably with 2 to 8 carbon atoms, such as propynyl and 3-pentynyl), and aryl groups (preferably with 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably with 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and especially preferably with 2 to 8 carbon atoms, such as propynyl and 3-pentynyl). The aryl group has 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 20 carbon atoms, and particularly preferably 6 to 12 carbon atoms, such as phenyl, 2,6-diethylphenyl, 3,5-ditrifluoromethylphenyl, styryl, naphthyl, and biphenyl, etc.; substituted or unsubstituted amino groups (preferably 0 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 0 to 10 carbon atoms, and particularly preferably 0 to 6 carbon atoms, such as unsubstituted amino, methylamino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, and aniline, etc.); alkoxy groups (preferably 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 15 carbon atoms, such as methoxy, ethoxy, and butoxy, etc.); and oxycarbonyl groups (preferably 2 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably carbon...). The number of carbon atoms is 2 to 15, especially preferably 2 to 10, such as methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl and phenoxycarbonyl, etc.); acyloxy (preferably 2 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 10 carbon atoms, especially preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms, such as acetoxy, benzoyloxy, acryloyl and methacryloyl, etc.); amide (preferably 2 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 10 carbon atoms, especially preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms, such as acetoxy and benzoylamide, etc.); alkoxycarbonylamino (preferably 2 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 10 carbon atoms, especially preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms, such as methoxycarbonylamino, etc.); aryloxy Carbonylamino (preferably with 7 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably with 7 to 16 carbon atoms, and especially preferably with 7 to 12 carbon atoms, such as phenoxycarbonylamino), sulfonylamino (preferably with 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and especially preferably with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, such as methanesulfonylamino and benzenesulfonylamino), aminosulfonyl (preferably with 0 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably with 0 to 10 carbon atoms, and especially preferably with 0 to 6 carbon atoms, such as aminosulfonyl, methylaminosulfonyl, dimethylaminosulfonyl, and phenylaminosulfonyl), carbamoyl (preferably with 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and especially preferably with 1 to 6 carbon atoms).Examples of examples include unsubstituted carbamoyl, methylcarbamoyl, diethylcarbamoyl, and phenylcarbamoyl groups; alkylthio groups (preferably with 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and especially preferably with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, such as methylthio and ethylthio groups); arylthio groups (preferably with 6 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably with 6 to 16 carbon atoms, and especially preferably with 6 to 12 carbon atoms, such as phenylthio groups); and sulfonyl groups (preferably with 1 to 20 carbon atoms). More preferably, the carbon number is 1 to 10, especially preferably 1 to 6, for example, methanesulfonyl and toluenesulfonyl, etc.); thionyl (preferably 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 10, especially preferably 1 to 6, for example, methanethionyl and phenylthionyl, etc.); urea (preferably 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 10, especially preferably 1 to 6, for example, unsubstituted urea, methylurea and phenyl, etc.). Urea group, etc.), phosphoramide group (preferably with 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, especially preferably with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, such as diethylphosphatamide group and phenylphosphatamide group, etc.), hydroxyl group, mercapto group, halogen atom (e.g., fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom and iodine atom), cyano group, nitro group, oxime group, sulfinyl group, hydrazine group, imino group, azo group, heterocyclic group (preferably with 1 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably with 1 to 12 carbon atoms, such as nitrogen atom). Heterocyclic groups containing heteroatoms such as oxygen and sulfur atoms, including, for example, epoxy, oxacyclobutyl, imidazolyl, pyridinyl, quinolinyl, furanyl, piperidinyl, morpholino, maleimide, benzoxazolyl, benzimidazolyl, and benzothiazolyl, etc.; silyl groups (preferably with 3 to 40 carbon atoms, more preferably with 3 to 30 carbon atoms, and especially preferably with 3 to 24 carbon atoms, such as trimethylsilyl and triphenylsilyl, etc.); carboxyl groups, sulfonic acid groups, and phosphate groups, etc.

[0285] [Vertical orientation]

[0286] As described above, in the anisotropic light-absorbing film of the present invention, the liquid crystal compound is vertically oriented. Furthermore, in the anisotropic light-absorbing film of the present invention, the dichroic material is preferably also vertically oriented along the liquid crystal compound.

[0287] Here, vertical orientation means that the molecular axis of the liquid crystal compound (for example, the long axis in the case of rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds) is perpendicular to the main surface of the light-absorbing anisotropic film. However, strict perpendicularity is not required; it means that the tilt angle between the average molecular axis of the liquid crystal compound in the light-absorbing anisotropic film and the main surface of the light-absorbing anisotropic film is less than 90 ± 10 degrees. Furthermore, this tilt angle can be measured using an AxoScan OPMF-1 (manufactured by Opto Science, Inc.).

[0288] Specifically, using an AxoScan OPMF-1 (manufactured by Opto Science, Inc.), the Mueller matrix of the anisotropic film with light absorption at wavelength λ was measured every 10 degrees at the polar angle between -50°C and 50°C. After removing the influence of surface reflection, the matrix was fitted with the theoretical formula considering Snell and Fresnel forms to calculate the extinction coefficients ko[λ] (in-plane direction) and ke[λ] (thickness direction). Unless otherwise specified, the wavelength λ was set to 550 nm.

[0289] k = -log(T) × λ / (4πd)

[0290] Here, T represents transmittance, and d represents the thickness of the light-absorbing anisotropic film.

[0291] Based on the calculated ko[λ] and ke[λ], the absorbance and dichroism ratio in the in-plane and thickness directions can be calculated, thereby confirming whether the orientation is perpendicular.

[0292] [Method for manufacturing anisotropic light-absorbing films]

[0293] There are no particular limitations on the method for manufacturing the light-absorbing anisotropic film of the present invention. However, considering that the degree of orientation of the obtained light-absorbing anisotropic film is higher, it is preferable to include the following steps in sequence (hereinafter also referred to as "the manufacturing method of the present invention"): a step of coating the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition onto an alignment film to form a coating film (hereinafter also referred to as "coating film forming step"); and a step of aligning the liquid crystal components contained in the above-mentioned coating film (hereinafter also referred to as "alignment step").

[0294] In addition, liquid crystal components refer to components that not only contain the aforementioned liquid crystal compounds but also contain dichroic substances with liquid crystal properties.

[0295] The following is a description of each process.

[0296] <Coating film formation process>

[0297] The coating film formation process involves coating the aforementioned liquid crystal composition onto an alignment film to form a coating film. The liquid crystal compound in the coating film is vertically aligned through the interaction between the alignment film and (in the case where the liquid crystal composition contains a vertical alignment agent) a vertical alignment agent.

[0298] By using a liquid crystal composition containing the aforementioned solvent or by using a substance that forms a liquid liquid such as a melt by heating, the liquid crystal composition can be easily coated onto an alignment film.

[0299] Commonly known methods for coating liquid crystal compositions include roller coating, gravure printing, spin coating, wire-wound coating, extrusion coating, direct gravure coating, reverse gravure coating, die coating, spray coating, and inkjet coating.

[0300] (Orientation film)

[0301] The alignment film can be any film as long as it is a film that vertically aligns the liquid crystal compounds contained in the liquid crystal composition.

[0302] Alignment films can be formed by methods such as triboelectric treatment of the film surface of organic compounds (preferably polymers), tilted evaporation of inorganic compounds, formation of layers with microgrooves, or accumulation of organic compounds (e.g., ω-trisanoic acid, dioctadecylmethylammonium chloride, methyl stearate) based on the Langmuir Blodgett process (LB film). Alignment films that generate alignment functions by imparting an electric field, a magnetic field, or light irradiation are also known. In this invention, from the perspective of easily controlling the pretilt angle of the alignment film, an alignment film formed by triboelectric treatment is preferred; from the perspective of alignment uniformity, a photo-alignment film formed by light irradiation is also preferred.

[0303] (1) Friction-treated orientation film

[0304] Polymer materials used in alignment films formed by friction processing have been described in numerous documents, and many commercially available products are readily available. In this invention, polyvinyl alcohol or polyimide and its derivatives are preferably used. Regarding the alignment film, reference can be made to the description on page 43, line 24 to page 49, line 8 of International Publication No. 2001 / 88574A1. The thickness of the alignment film is preferably 0.01 to 10 μm, more preferably 0.01 to 1 μm.

[0305] (2) Photoalignment film

[0306] Photoalignment materials for alignment films formed by light irradiation have been described in numerous documents. In this invention, preferred examples include, for instance, the azo dyes described in Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006-285197, 2007-76839, 2007-138138, 2007-94071, 2007-121721, 2007-140465, 2007-156439, 2007-133184, 2009-109831, Japanese Patent Nos. 3883848, and 4151746. Compounds, aromatic ester compounds described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-229039, maleimides having photo-orientation units and / or alkenyl-substituted nadicimide compounds described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-265541 and No. 2002-317013, photocrosslinkable silane derivatives described in Japanese Patent Nos. 4205195 and 4205198, photocrosslinkable polyimides, polyamides, or esters described in Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. 2003-520878, 2004-529220, or 4162850. More preferably, azo compounds, photocrosslinkable polyimides, polyamides, or esters.

[0307] The photo-alignment film is manufactured by irradiating the photo-alignment film formed from the above materials with linearly polarized light or unpolarized light.

[0308] In this specification, "linearly polarized light irradiation" and "unpolarized light irradiation" refer to operations used to induce a photoreaction in a photo-alignment material. The wavelength of the light used varies depending on the photo-alignment material used, and is not particularly limited as long as it is the wavelength required for the photoreaction. The peak wavelength of the light used in the irradiation is preferably 200 nm to 700 nm, and more preferably ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of 400 nm or less.

[0309] Light sources used in illumination can include commonly used light sources such as tungsten lamps, halogen lamps, xenon lamps, xenon flash lamps, mercury lamps, mercury-xenon lamps, and carbon arc lamps, various lasers [e.g., semiconductor lasers, helium-neon lasers, argon-ion lasers, helium-cadmium lasers, and YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) lasers], light-emitting diodes, and cathode ray tubes.

[0310] Methods for obtaining linearly polarized light include using polarizers (e.g., iodine polarizers, dichroic material polarizers, and wire-grid polarizers), using prism-like elements (e.g., Glan-Thomson prisms), using Brewster angle reflective polarizers, or using light emitted from a laser source with polarization. Furthermore, filters or wavelength conversion elements can be used to selectively illuminate only the desired wavelength of light.

[0311] When the irradiated light is linearly polarized, a method is used to irradiate the alignment film from the top surface or from the back surface, either perpendicularly or obliquely. The incident angle of the light varies depending on the photoalignment material, preferably 0–90° (perpendicular), and more preferably 40–90°.

[0312] In the case of unpolarized light, unpolarized light is irradiated at an angle towards the alignment film. The incident angle is preferably 10 to 80°, more preferably 20 to 60°, and particularly preferably 30 to 50°.

[0313] The irradiation time is preferably 1 minute to 60 minutes, more preferably 1 minute to 10 minutes.

[0314] When patterning is required, the method of applying light through a photomask to create the pattern the required number of times can be used, or the pattern can be written by laser scanning.

[0315] <Orientation Process>

[0316] The alignment process is a process of orienting the dichroic material contained in the coated film. This allows the light-absorbing anisotropic film of the present invention to be obtained. It is understood that in the alignment process, the dichroic material is aligned along the liquid crystal compound oriented through the alignment film.

[0317] The orientation process may include a drying process. This drying process removes components such as solvents from the coated film. The drying process can be performed by placing the coated film at room temperature for a specified time (e.g., natural drying), or by heating and / or air supply.

[0318] Here, the dichroic substances contained in the liquid crystal composition are sometimes oriented through the above-described coating film formation process or drying treatment. For example, sometimes in the process of preparing the liquid crystal composition into a coating liquid containing a solvent, the solvent is removed from the coating film by drying the coating film, and the dichroic substances contained in the coating film are oriented to obtain the light absorption anisotropic film of the present invention.

[0319] The orientation process preferably includes heat treatment. As a result, the dichroic substances contained in the coated film are further oriented, and the degree of orientation of the obtained light-absorbing anisotropic film becomes higher.

[0320] From the perspective of manufacturing applicability, the heating temperature is preferably 10–250°C, more preferably 25–190°C. Furthermore, the heating time is preferably 1–300 seconds, more preferably 1–60 seconds.

[0321] The orientation process can include a cooling process performed after the heat treatment. The cooling process involves cooling the heated coated film to approximately room temperature (20–25°C). This further fixes the orientation of the dichroic substances contained in the coated film, and the degree of orientation of the resulting anisotropic light-absorbing film becomes higher. There are no particular limitations on the cooling method; it can be implemented using known methods.

[0322] Through the above processes, the light absorption anisotropic film of the present invention can be obtained.

[0323] [Other processes]

[0324] This manufacturing method may include a step (hereinafter also referred to as the "curing step") after the above-mentioned orientation step, in which the light-absorbing anisotropic film is cured.

[0325] The curing process is carried out, for example, by heating and / or light irradiation (exposure). Preferably, the curing process is carried out by light irradiation.

[0326] The light source used for curing can be various light sources such as infrared, visible light, or ultraviolet light, but ultraviolet light is preferred. Furthermore, ultraviolet light can be irradiated while heating is being performed during curing, or ultraviolet light can be irradiated through a filter that allows only specific wavelengths to pass through.

[0327] Furthermore, exposure can be performed under a nitrogen atmosphere. In the case of curing anisotropic films with light absorption via free radical polymerization, the polymerization hindrance caused by oxygen can be reduced, therefore exposure under a nitrogen atmosphere is preferred.

[0328] [Optical film]

[0329] The optical film of the present invention has a transparent film substrate and the light-absorbing anisotropic film disposed on the transparent film substrate.

[0330] Furthermore, the optical film of the present invention may have an oriented film between the transparent film substrate and the light-absorbing anisotropic film.

[0331] Furthermore, the optical film of the present invention may also have a polarizer having an in-plane absorption axis. The polarizer is preferably disposed on the side of the light-absorbing anisotropic film opposite to the transparent film substrate. The polarizer may be configured to contact the surface of the optical anisotropic film, or it may be disposed on the surface of the optical anisotropic film via other layers (e.g., known adhesive layers or bonding layers). When the optical film of the present invention has the aforementioned polarizer, the optical film of the present invention is preferably a viewing angle control film for controlling the viewing angle.

[0332] The components constituting the optical film of the present invention will be described below.

[0333] [Transparent film substrate]

[0334] As a transparent film substrate, known transparent resin films, transparent resin sheets, transparent resin plates, etc., can be used, without particular limitation. As a transparent resin film, cellulose acylate films (e.g., cellulose triacetate films (refractive index 1.48), cellulose diacetate films, cellulose acetate butyrate films, cellulose acetate propionate films), polyethylene terephthalate films, polyethersulfone films, polyacrylic acid resin films, polyurethane resin films, polyester films, polycarbonate films, polysulfone films, polyether films, polymethylpentene films, polyetherketone films, (meth)acrylonitrile films, etc., can be used.

[0335] Among them, cellulose acylate films, which are commonly used as protective films for polarizers, are preferred due to their high transparency, low optical birefringence, and ease of manufacture. Cellulose triacetate films are particularly preferred.

[0336] The thickness of the transparent film substrate is typically 20μm to 100μm.

[0337] In this invention, it is particularly preferred that the transparent film substrate is a cellulose ester film with a film thickness of 20 to 70 μm.

[0338] [Anisotropic light absorption film]

[0339] Regarding the light-absorbing anisotropic film (light-absorbing anisotropic layer) of the present invention, as described above, its description is omitted here.

[0340] [Orientation film]

[0341] Regarding the alignment film (alignment layer), as described above, its description is omitted.

[0342] [Blocking layer]

[0343] The optical film of the present invention preferably has a blocking layer together with the transparent film substrate and the light absorption anisotropic layer.

[0344] Here, the barrier layer is also called the gas barrier layer (oxygen barrier layer), which has the function of protecting the polarization element of the present invention from gases such as oxygen in the atmosphere, moisture or compounds contained in adjacent layers.

[0345] Regarding the barrier layer, for example, reference can be made to paragraphs

[0014] to

[0054] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-159124, paragraphs

[0042] to

[0075] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-121721, paragraphs

[0045] to

[0054] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-115076, paragraphs

[0010] to

[0061] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-213938, and paragraphs

[0021] to

[0031] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-169994.

[0346] [Color Adjustment Layer]

[0347] The optical film of the present invention preferably comprises a tone adjustment layer having at least one pigment compound. The pigment compound contained in the tone adjustment layer is preferably in a non-oriented state.

[0348] When adjusting the amount of pigment in the light absorption anisotropic layer, the hue change observed from the tilt direction relative to the transmittance central axis becomes larger. However, by adjusting the hue using a hue adjustment layer, the hue change in the tilt direction relative to the transmittance central axis can be suppressed.

[0349] This tone adjustment layer can have only the function of a tone adjustment layer, or it can have the function of being integrated with other layers.

[0350] The absorption peak wavelength of the pigment compound contained in the hue adjustment layer used in this invention is preferably 500 nm or more and 650 nm or less, more preferably 550 nm or more and 600 nm or less. By setting the absorption of the pigment compound within this range, the hue of the optical film in this invention can be adjusted to be more neutral.

[0351] Examples of pigment compounds contained in the hue adjustment layer include azo, methine, anthraquinone, triarylmethane, oxazine, methylimine, phthalocyanine, porphyrin, perylene, pyrrolopyrrole, and squaric acid cyanine. From the viewpoint of excellent absorption waveform, heat resistance, and lightfastness, azo, phthalocyanine, and anthraquinone are preferred, with anthraquinone being particularly preferred. Examples of pigment compounds described in the book "Functional Pigments" co-authored by Nobuoshi Okawahara, Ken Matsuoka, Tsuneaki Hirashima, and Teijiro Kitao, published in 1992 by Kodansha Ltd., and "Electronic Related Materials" edited by Sumio Tokita, published in 1998 by CMC Publishing Co., Ltd., are also cited.

[0352] The following are specific examples of pigment compounds used in this invention, but the invention is not limited to these. In the following formulas, Me represents methyl, Et represents ethyl, n-Bu represents n-butyl, Bn represents benzyl, and Ph represents phenyl.

[0353] Anthraquinone

[0354] [Chemical Formula 17]

[0355]

[0356] azo

[0357] [Chemical Formula 18]

[0358]

[0359] Triarylmethane [Chemical Formula 19]

[0360]

[0361] Oxazine

[0362] [Chemical Formula 20]

[0363]

[0364] Phthalocyanine

[0365] [Chemical Formula 21]

[0366]

[0367] [Polarizer]

[0368] The polarizer used in this invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a component that has an absorption axis in the plane and has the function of converting light into specific linearly polarized light; conventionally known polarizers can be used. Iodine-based polarizers, dye-based polarizers utilizing dichroic dyes, and polyene-based polarizers can be used as polarizers. Iodine-based polarizers and dye-based polarizers include both coated polarizers and stretched polarizers, all of which are applicable.

[0369] As a coating-type polarizer, a polarizer that orients dichroic organic pigments by utilizing the orientation of liquid crystal compounds is preferred; as a stretching-type polarizer, a polarizer made by adsorbing iodine or dichroic dyes onto polyvinyl alcohol and stretching it is preferred.

[0370] For example, the light-absorbing anisotropic layer containing a two-color pigment compound with horizontal orientation (intersecting with the thickness direction of the light-absorbing anisotropic film) but without liquid crystal compound, as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-152351, and the light-absorbing anisotropic layer containing a liquid crystal compound and a two-color pigment compound with horizontal orientation, as described in International Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 154907, are examples.

[0371] Furthermore, as a method for obtaining a polarizer by stretching and dyeing a laminated film in which a polyvinyl alcohol layer is formed on a substrate, examples include Japanese Patent No. 5048120, Japanese Patent No. 5143918, Japanese Patent No. 5048120, Japanese Patent No. 4691205, Japanese Patent No. 4751481, and Japanese Patent No. 4751486, and known technologies related to these polarizers can be preferred.

[0372] Here, horizontal orientation means that the molecular axis of the liquid crystal compound or dichroic pigment compound (e.g., the long axis in the case of rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds) is parallel to the main surface of the polarizer, but strict parallelism is not required. It means that the tilt angle between the average molecular axis of the liquid crystal compound or dichroic pigment compound in the polarizer and the main surface of the polarizer is less than ±10 degrees. Furthermore, the above tilt angle can be measured using an AxoScan OPMF-1 (manufactured by Opto Science, Inc.).

[0373] Specifically, using an AxoScan OPMF-1 (manufactured by Opto Science, Inc.), the Mueller matrix of the polarizer at wavelength λ was measured every 10 degrees at the polar angle between -50°C and 50°C. After removing the influence of surface reflection, the matrix was fitted with the following theoretical formula considering Snell and Fresnel modes to calculate the extinction coefficients ko[λ] (in-plane direction) and ke[λ] (thickness direction). Unless otherwise specified, the wavelength λ was set to 550 nm.

[0374] k = -log(T) × λ / (4πd)

[0375] Here, T represents transmittance, and d represents the thickness of the polarizer.

[0376] Based on the calculated ko[λ] and ke[λ], the absorbance and dichroism ratio in the in-plane and thickness directions can be calculated, thereby confirming whether the orientation is horizontal.

[0377] 〔use〕

[0378] The optical film of the present invention is not limited thereto, but it is preferred to be used for preventing peeping or controlling the viewing angle range of the display device.

[0379] [Display device]

[0380] The display device (image display device) of the present invention includes an optical film having the above-described polarizer and a display element.

[0381] The display element is preferably disposed on the polarizer side of the optical film (i.e., the side opposite to the transparent film substrate). The polarizer and the liquid crystal cell can be stacked via a known adhesive layer or bonding layer.

[0382] The display element used in the display device of the present invention is not particularly limited, and examples include liquid crystal cells, organic electroluminescent (hereinafter referred to as "EL") display panels and plasma display panels.

[0383] Preferably, a liquid crystal cell or an organic EL display panel is used. That is, as the display device of the present invention, a liquid crystal display device that uses a liquid crystal cell as a display element or an organic EL display device that uses an organic EL display panel as a display element is preferred.

[0384] Image display devices include thin image display devices that can be formed on curved surfaces. The light-absorbing anisotropic film used in this invention is thin and easily foldable, and therefore is also preferably suitable for image display devices with curved display surfaces.

[0385] Furthermore, there are image display devices with pixel densities exceeding 250 ppi that are capable of high-definition display. The light-absorbing anisotropic film used in this invention does not produce interference ripples and is therefore preferably suitable for such high-definition image display devices.

[0386] [Liquid Crystal Display Device]

[0387] As an example of the display device of the present invention, a liquid crystal display device is preferably provided that includes an optical film having the above-described polarizer and a liquid crystal cell.

[0388] As a specific structure, it has a configuration in which the optical film of the present invention is disposed on a front polarizer or a rear polarizer. In these configurations, viewing angle control is possible by blocking light in the vertical or horizontal directions.

[0389] Furthermore, the optical film of the present invention can be disposed on both the front polarizer and the rear polarizer. With this configuration, viewing angle control can be achieved, allowing light to be blocked from all directions and transmitted only from the front.

[0390] Furthermore, the optical film of the present invention can be laminated via a phase retardation layer. By controlling the phase difference value and the optical axis direction, the transmittance and light-blocking performance can be controlled. For example, by arranging a polarizer, an optical film, a λ / 2 wavelength plate (with an axial angle offset from the orientation direction of the polarizer by 45°), and an optical film, viewing angle control that allows light to be blocked from all directions and transmitted only from the front direction can be achieved. As the phase retardation layer, a positive A plate, a negative A plate, a positive C plate, a negative C plate, a B plate, an O plate, etc., can be used. From the viewpoint of making the viewing angle control system thinner, the thickness of the phase retardation layer is preferably thinner without impairing optical properties, mechanical properties, and manufacturing applicability. Specifically, it is preferably 1 to 150 μm, more preferably 1 to 70 μm, and even more preferably 1 to 30 μm.

[0391] The liquid crystal unit that constitutes a liquid crystal display device will be described in detail below.

[0392] <Liquid Crystal Unit>

[0393] The liquid crystal cells used in the liquid crystal display device are preferably in VA (Vertical Alignment) mode, OCB (Optically Compensated Bend) mode, IPS (In-Plane-Switching) mode or TN (Twisted Nematic) mode, but are not limited to these.

[0394] In TN mode liquid crystal cells, the rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are essentially horizontally oriented when no voltage is applied, and then twisted to an orientation of 60–120°. TN mode liquid crystal cells are most commonly used in color TFT liquid crystal display devices and are documented in several publications.

[0395] In a VA-mode liquid crystal cell, the rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are substantially vertically oriented when no voltage is applied. In a VA-mode liquid crystal cell, in addition to the narrow definition of a VA-mode liquid crystal cell which has rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules substantially vertically oriented when no voltage is applied and substantially horizontally oriented when a voltage is applied (as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-176625), there are also (2) a liquid crystal cell in which the VA mode is multi-domainized (MVA mode) in order to expand the viewing angle (as described in SID97, Digest of Tech. Papers 28 (1997) 845), (3) a liquid crystal cell in which rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are substantially vertically oriented when no voltage is applied and twisted into multi-domain orientation when a voltage is applied (n-ASM mode) (as described in the proceedings of the Japan Liquid Crystal Conference 58-59 (1998)), and (4) a SURVIVAL mode liquid crystal cell (published in LCD International 98). Furthermore, it can be any of the following types: PVA (Patterned Vertical Alignment), Optical Alignment, and PSA (Polymer-Sustained Alignment). Detailed information about these modes can be found in Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006-215326 and 2008-538819.

[0396] In IPS-mode liquid crystal cells, the liquid crystal compound is substantially parallel to the substrate, and the liquid crystal molecules respond planarly by applying an electric field parallel to the substrate surface. That is, the liquid crystal compound is aligned in-plane in the absence of an applied electric field. Regarding the IPS mode, black is displayed in the absence of an applied electric field, and the absorption axes of the upper and lower polarizers are orthogonal to each other. Methods for reducing light leakage and improving viewing angle when displaying black in the oblique direction using optical compensation sheets are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publications Nos. 10-54982, 11-202323, 9-292522, 11-133408, 11-305217, and 10-307291.

[0397] [Organic EL display device]

[0398] As an example of the display device of the present invention, an organic EL display device may preferably be provided in a manner in which an optical film having the above-described polarizer, a λ / 4 plate, and an organic EL display panel are sequentially included from the visual recognition side.

[0399] Furthermore, similar to the liquid crystal display device described above, multiple optical films of the present invention can be stacked via a phase retardation layer and disposed on an organic EL display panel. By controlling the phase retardation value and the optical axis direction, the transmittance and light-blocking performance can be controlled.

[0400] Furthermore, an organic EL display panel is a display panel made of organic EL elements formed by sandwiching an organic light-emitting layer (organic electroluminescent layer) between electrodes (between the cathode and the anode). There are no particular restrictions on the structure of an organic EL display panel, and a known structure can be used.

[0401] Example

[0402] The present invention will now be described in further detail based on embodiments. The materials, amounts, proportions, processing contents, and processing steps shown in the following embodiments can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as limited by the embodiments shown below.

[0403] [Example 1]

[0404] The optical film A of Example 1 was manufactured as follows.

[0405] <Formation of Orientation Film>

[0406] The surface of a cellulose acylated membrane (a 40 μm thick TAC substrate; TG40 FUJIFIL MCo., Ltd.) was saponified with an alkaline solution, and then the alignment film forming composition 1 was applied onto it using a wire rod. The support with the coating was dried under warm air at 60°C for 60 seconds, and then under warm air at 100°C for 120 seconds to form the alignment film 1, thus obtaining a TAC film 1 with an alignment film. The thickness of the alignment film was 1 μm.

[0407]

[0408] Modified polyvinyl alcohol PVA-1

[0409] [Chemical Formula 22]

[0410]

[0411] [Fabrication of light-absorbing anisotropic film 1]

[0412] The liquid crystal composition 1 described below is continuously coated onto the obtained alignment film 1 using a wire rod, and after heating at 120°C for 60 seconds, it is cooled to room temperature (23°C).

[0413] Next, heat at 80°C for 60 seconds, and then cool again to room temperature.

[0414] Then, using an LED (light emitting diode) lamp (center wavelength 365nm) at an illuminance of 200mW / cm² 2 The light-absorbing anisotropic film 1 was fabricated on the alignment film 1 by irradiating it for 2 seconds under the specified irradiation conditions. The thickness of the light-absorbing anisotropic film 1 is 3.5 μm.

[0415] Thus, an optical film A is obtained in which an anisotropic light-absorbing film 1 is stacked on the alignment film 1 of the TAC film 1 with the alignment film.

[0416]

[0417]

[0418] [Chemical Formula 23]

[0419]

[0420] [Chemical Formula 24]

[0421]

[0422] [Chemical Formula 25]

[0423]

[0424] [Chemical Formula 26]

[0425]

[0426] [Chemical Formula 27]

[0427]

[0428] [Chemical Formula 28]

[0429]

[0430] [Chemical Formula 29]

[0431]

[0432] [Chemical Formula 30]

[0433]

[0434] [Examples 2-12, Comparative Examples 1-4]

[0435] The alignment film and liquid crystal composition were changed to the alignment film and liquid crystal composition with the composition described in Table 1 below. Otherwise, the optical films of Examples 2 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 were produced by the same method as optical film A of Example 1.

[0436] The following is a summary of the components contained in the liquid crystal compositions used in the fabrication of the optical films of the embodiments and comparative examples.

[0437] <Formation of Orientation Film 2>

[0438] The following orientation film forming composition 2 was continuously coated onto a cellulose acylated membrane (40 μm thick TAC substrate; TG40 FUJIFILM Corporation) using a wire rod. The support with the coated film was dried in warm air at 140°C for 120 seconds to form the orientation film 2, thus obtaining a TAC film 2 with an orientation film. The thickness of the orientation film 2 was 0.5 μm.

[0439]

[0440] [Chemical Formula 31]

[0441]

[0442] Liquid crystal polymer (structure below) [Chemical Formula 32]

[0443]

[0444] Low molecular weight liquid crystal compound (structure below) [Chemical Formula 33]

[0445]

[0446]

[0447] Dichroic substance Y (with the following structure)

[0448] [Chemical Formula 34]

[0449]

[0450] Dichroic substance M (with the following structure)

[0451] [Chemical Formula 35]

[0452]

[0453] Dichroic substances C-1 and C-2 (structures described below)

[0454] [Chemical Formula 36]

[0455]

[0456] Here, in the chemical formulas of the dichroic substances C-1 and C-2 mentioned above, the groups within the dotted boxes refer to the groups equivalent to R in formula (C-1). b12 The group and the equivalent R in formula (C-2) b22 . group.

[0457] Surface modifier B1 (as described above)

[0458] Vertical alignment agent B2 (as described above)

[0459] Vertical alignment agent B3 (as described above)

[0460] Surface modifier B4 (structure described below)

[0461] [Chemical Formula 37]

[0462]

[0463] Polymerization initiator (IRGACUREOXE-02, manufactured by BASF)

[0464] Cyclopentanone (solvent)

[0465] [Evaluation Test]

[0466] The following evaluations were conducted using the optical films of the embodiments and comparative examples obtained as described above.

[0467] Furthermore, the light absorption anisotropic film contained in the optical film of each embodiment was evaluated according to the above-described vertical orientation evaluation method. As a result, the polymer liquid crystal compound and dichroic material contained in the light absorption anisotropic film of each embodiment are both vertically oriented.

[0468] [Orientation Degree]

[0469] Using the optical films of the examples and comparative examples, the Mueller matrix of the vertical polarization layer at wavelength λ was measured at 10-degree intervals between -50° and 50° using an AxoScan OPMF-1 (manufactured by Opto Science, Inc.). After removing the influence of surface reflection, the matrix was fitted with the following theoretical formula considering Snellian or Fresnelian forms, thereby calculating ko[λ] and ke[λ].

[0470] k = -logP(T) × λ / (4πd)

[0471] The absorbance and dichroism ratio in the in-plane direction and the film thickness direction are calculated from the obtained ko[λ] and ke[λ], and finally the vertical orientation degree is obtained.

[0472] Based on the obtained vertical orientation degree, the orientation degree was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0473] A: Vertical orientation degree is 0.965 or higher.

[0474] B: Vertical orientation degree less than 0.965 and greater than 0.935

[0475] C: Vertical orientation degree less than 0.935 and greater than 0.90

[0476] D: Vertical orientation degree less than 0.90

[0477] 〔defect〕

[0478] Each liquid crystal composition used in the examples and comparative examples was heated at 45°C for 15 minutes and then left to stand at room temperature for 1 hour before use. Otherwise, the optical films of the examples and comparative examples were prepared in the same manner as the optical film A described above.

[0479] One linear polarizer was inserted into both the light source side and the objective lens side of an optical microscope (Nikon Corporation, product name "ECLIPSE E600 POL"), staggered by 90°. The optical film was assembled onto the sample stage, and five locations were randomly selected from the assembled film for observation under a microscope at 5x objective magnification. The average number of defects at the five locations was calculated, and defects were evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0480] A: The average number of defects is less than 2.

[0481] B: The average number of defects is more than 2 and less than 5.

[0482] C: The average number of defects is more than 5 and less than 10.

[0483] D: The average number of defects is 10 or more.

[0484] The "HSP value difference" in Table 1 refers to R in equation (C-1). b12 The HSP value of the group is equivalent to R in formula (C-2). b22 The absolute value of the difference between the HSP values ​​of the groups.

[0485] The “total quantity of C-1 and C-2” in Table 1 refers to the total content of dichroic substances C-1 and C-2 relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition.

[0486]

[0487] As shown in Table 1, the light-absorbing anisotropic film exhibits few defects and high orientation (Examples 1-12). The light-absorbing anisotropic film is formed from a liquid crystal composition containing a liquid crystal compound, a dichroic substance C-1, and a dichroic substance C-2. The total content of dichroic substance C-1 and dichroic substance C-2 relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition is 4.5% by mass or more, and the liquid crystal compound is vertically oriented.

[0488] The comparison between Example 2 and Example 5 shows that the orientation degree is better as long as the total content of dichroic substance C-1 and dichroic substance C-2 is 6.5% by mass or more relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition (Example 2).

[0489] A comparison of Examples 1, 2, and 7 shows that if R, equivalent to formula (C-2), is used... b22 If the group is a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms having a monovalent substituent, or a dichroic substance C-2 (Example 2) that is a monovalent group consisting of a -CH2- group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms having a monovalent substituent and being replaced by a divalent substituent, then the orientation degree and defect suppression are more excellent.

[0490] The comparison of Examples 1, 2, 4 and 10 shows that if the difference in HSP value is less than 3.0 (Example 2), at least one of orientation degree and defect suppression is better.

[0491] The comparison between Example 2 and Example 6 shows that as long as the mass ratio of the content of dichroic substance C-1 to the content of dichroic substance C-2 is 0.100 to 10.0 (Example 2), the orientation degree and defect suppression are better.

[0492] The comparison between Example 2 and Example 9 shows that when the liquid crystal compound contains a polymeric liquid crystal compound (Example 2), the orientation is superior.

[0493] In contrast, as shown in Table 1, when using a liquid crystal composition containing only one of dichroic substances C-1 and C-2 (Comparative Examples 1 and 2), if the total content of dichroic substances C-1 and C-2 relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition is less than 4.5% by mass (Comparative Examples 3 and 4), at least one of orientation degree and defect suppression is worse (Comparative Examples).

[0494] [Example 13]

[0495] <Formation of Tone Adjustment Layer G1>

[0496] The following color-adjusting layer forming composition G1 was continuously coated onto the light-absorbing anisotropic film 1 obtained in Example 1 using a wire rod to form a coating film.

[0497] Next, the support with the coating was dried in warm air at 60°C for 60 seconds, and then dried in warm air at 100°C for 120 seconds to form a tone adjustment layer G1, thus obtaining the optical film 1. The thickness of the tone adjustment layer is 0.5 μm.

[0498]

[0499] [Chemical Formula 38]

[0500]

[0501] <Fabrication of Optical Laminate A1>

[0502] A polarizer 1 with a thickness of 8 μm and one side exposed was fabricated using the same method as that described in International Publication No. 2015 / 166991 for a polarizer 02 with a protective film on one side.

[0503] The exposed surface of the polarizer of polarizer 1 and the surface of the tone adjustment layer of the optical film 1 were corona treated, and then bonded together using the PVA adhesive 1 described below to create an optical laminate A1.

[0504] (Preparation of PVA adhesive 1)

[0505] A 3.7% aqueous solution was prepared by dissolving 20 parts of hydroxymethyl melamine in pure water at a temperature of 30°C relative to 100 parts of polyvinyl alcohol resin containing acetylacetyl groups (average degree of polymerization: 1200, degree of saponification: 98.5 mol%, degree of acetylacetylation: 5 mol%).

[0506] <Fabrication of Image Display Device A1>

[0507] An iPad Air Wi-Fi model 16GB (manufactured by Apple Inc.), an IPS-mode liquid crystal display device, was disassembled, and the liquid crystal cell was removed. The visual recognition side polarizer was peeled off from the liquid crystal cell. Using adhesive sheet 1, the aforementioned laminate A1 was bonded to the surface where the visual recognition side polarizer was removed, so that the polarizer 1 side became the liquid crystal cell side. At this time, the absorption axis of the polarizer 1 was aligned with the absorption axis of the visual recognition side polarizer bonded to the product. After bonding, it was reassembled to manufacture the image display device A1.

[0508] (Preparation of Adhesive Sheet 1)

[0509] Acrylate polymers were prepared according to the following steps.

[0510] In a reaction vessel equipped with a cooling pipe, a nitrogen inlet pipe, a thermometer, and a stirring device, 95 parts by weight of butyl acrylate and 5 parts by weight of acrylic acid were polymerized by solution polymerization to obtain an acrylate polymer A1 with an average molecular weight of 2 million and a molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) of 3.0.

[0511] Next, in addition to the obtained acrylate polymer A1 (100 parts by mass), a 75% by mass ethyl acetate solution of CORONATE L (a trimethylolpropane adduct of toluene diisocyanate, 3 isocyanate groups per molecule, manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane Industry Co., Ltd.) (1.0 part by mass) and a silane coupling agent KBM-403 (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) (0.2 parts by mass) were mixed. Finally, ethyl acetate was added to bring the total solids concentration to 10% by mass, thus preparing an adhesive-forming composition. This composition was coated onto a separation membrane that had been surface-treated with a silicone-based stripper using a die coater and dried at 90°C for 1 minute to obtain an acrylate adhesive sheet. The film thickness was 25 μm, and the storage modulus was 0.1 MPa.

[0512] When the image display device manufactured in Example 13 is used to display white, the resulting hues from both the front and oblique sides are neutral.

Claims

1. A light-absorbing anisotropic film, formed from a liquid crystal composition, said liquid crystal composition comprising a liquid crystal compound, a dichroic substance represented by formula (C-1), and a dichroic substance represented by formula (C-2). The total content of the dichroic substance represented by formula (C-1) and the dichroic substance represented by formula (C-2) is 4.5% by mass or more relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal compound is vertically oriented. In equations (C-1) and (C-2), R a1 and R a2 Each can independently represent a hydrogen atom, a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms that can have monovalent substituents, or a monovalent group consisting of a -CH2- group that has been substituted with a divalent substituent to form a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms that can have monovalent substituents. Ara and Arc independently represent divalent aromatic groups that can have monovalent substituents. R b11 and R b21 Each can independently represent a hydrogen atom, a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms that can have monovalent substituents, or a monovalent group consisting of a -CH2- group that has been substituted with a divalent substituent to form a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms that can have monovalent substituents. R b22 It is a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms with a monovalent substituent, or a monovalent group consisting of a -CH2- group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms that can have a monovalent substituent, after being replaced by a divalent substituent, wherein, R b22 The monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group mentioned therein is a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group. R b12 This refers to a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms with a monovalent substituent, or a monovalent group consisting of a -CH2- group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms that can have a monovalent substituent, after being replaced by a divalent substituent. na and nc independently represent integers from 0 to 3, and na+nc represents integers greater than 2. However, in R a1 With R a2 When the groups are the same, -N(R) b11 (R) b12 ) and -N(R b21 (R) b22 ) are different groups; and, in R a1 With R a2 In the case of different groups, -N(R) b11 (R) b12 ) and -N(R b21 (R) b22 () can be the same group or different groups.

2. The light-absorbing anisotropic film according to claim 1, wherein, The total content of the dichroic substance represented by formula (C-1) and the dichroic substance represented by formula (C-2) is 6.5% by mass or more relative to the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition.

3. The light-absorbing anisotropic film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In the liquid crystal composition, the mass ratio of the content of the dichroic substance represented by formula (C-1) to the content of the dichroic substance represented by formula (C-2) is 0.100 to 10.

0.

4. The light-absorbing anisotropic film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In the formula (C-1), R b12 The value of Hansen's solubility parameter is R. b11 The value of the Hansen solubility parameter is above [value missing]. In the formula (C-2), R b22 The value of Hansen's solubility parameter is R. b21 The value of the Hansen solubility parameter is above [value missing]. R in equation (C-1) b12 R in equation (C-2) b22 The absolute value of the difference between the Hansen solubility parameters is less than 3.

0.

5. The light-absorbing anisotropic film according to claim 4, wherein, R in equation (C-1) b12 R in equation (C-2) b22 The absolute value of the difference between the Hansen solubility parameters is less than 1.

0.

6. The light-absorbing anisotropic film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, R in equation (C-1) b12 In this context, the monovalent substituent is a hydroxyl group, a halogen atom, a cyano group, or a sulfonic acid group. The divalent substituent is -O-, -C(=O)-, or -N(R)-. c1 - or a group consisting of two or more of these groups, R c1 It represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group.

7. The light-absorbing anisotropic film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The liquid crystal compound includes a high molecular weight liquid crystal compound.

8. An optical film having: Transparent film substrate; and The light-absorbing anisotropic film according to any one of claims 1 to 7 disposed on the transparent film substrate.

9. The optical film according to claim 8, further comprising an alignment film between the transparent film substrate and the light-absorbing anisotropic film.

10. The optical film according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a polarizer having an in-plane absorption axis and for controlling the viewing angle.

11. A display device having the optical film and display element as described in claim 10.

Images