Resin particle and light-adjusting laminate

Abstract

The present application aims to provide resin particles having high weather resistance. The resin particles (1) of the present application, when subjected to a weather resistance test under conditions of 85°C, 50% RH, 255 W / m 2 and 500 hours of irradiation using a sunlight carbon arc lamp, have a ratio of the compression recovery rate of the resin particles (1) after the weather resistance test at 20% compression deformation to the compression recovery rate of the resin particles before the weather resistance test at 20% compression deformation of 0.50 or more.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to resin particles and their uses. Additionally, this invention relates to dimming laminates using the aforementioned resin particles. Background Technology

[0002] Light-switching materials, such as dimming glass and dimming films, have the property that their transmittance changes depending on the presence or absence of an applied electric field, making them materials capable of adjusting the amount of incident light. Furthermore, based on the mechanism by which they change transmittance, light-switching materials can be broadly categorized into SPD (Suspended Particle Device), PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal), and GHLC (Guest-Host Liquid Crystal).

[0003] SPD (Spectrum Dimming and Propagation) is a method of dispersing a light-modifying suspension within a resin matrix. The light-modifying suspension contains light-modifying particles. These particles are responsive to an electric field. In SPD, without an applied electric field, the light-modifying particles dispersed in the suspension absorb, scatter, or reflect light through Brownian motion, thus preventing incident light transmission through the dimming material. When an electric field is applied, the light-modifying particles become polarized and align themselves in a direction parallel to the electric field, allowing incident light to be transmitted through the dimming material. Therefore, in SPD, the transmittance can be adjusted by utilizing the polarization orientation of the light-modifying particles.

[0004] PDLC (Potentially Activated Liquid Crystal Lithography) is a method of dispersing liquid crystal within a resin matrix. Forms of PDLC include dispersing the liquid crystal and resin matrix as a continuous phase, and dispersing the liquid crystal in the form of liquid crystal capsules within the resin matrix. In the absence of an applied electric field, due to the non-uniform orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, incident light is scattered within the light-modulating material due to the difference in refractive indices between the resin matrix and the liquid crystal, resulting in an opaque state. When an electric field is applied, the liquid crystal molecules align in a direction parallel to the electric field. At this point, the refractive indices of the resin matrix and the liquid crystal become equal, allowing incident light to transmit through the light-modulating material, thus resulting in a transparent state. Therefore, in the PDLC method, transmittance is adjusted by utilizing the molecular orientation of the liquid crystal.

[0005] The GHLC method involves dissolving high aspect ratio dichroic pigments into liquid crystal. In the GHLC method, without an applied electric field, the liquid crystal molecules are aligned perpendicular to the incident light due to alignment control based on an alignment film. Therefore, the incident light is absorbed by the dichroic pigments, which are also aligned perpendicularly, resulting in extremely low transmittance. When an electric field is applied, the liquid crystal molecules align parallel to the electric field. At this point, since the dichroic pigments are also aligned parallel to the incident light, the incident light can pass through, resulting in a transparent state. Thus, in the GHLC method, transmittance is adjusted by controlling the molecular orientation of the liquid crystal and the dichroic pigments.

[0006] When fabricating a dimming laminate using dimming materials, spacers are sometimes used to control the gap between two substrates. Examples of such spacers include resin particles. As an example of a method for manufacturing such resin particles, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for manufacturing colored particles in which polymer particles, obtained by polymerizing crosslinked monomers having two or more unsaturated double bonds and non-crosslinked monomers having one unsaturated double bond in a specific weight ratio, are dyed in a supercritical or subcritical fluid.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-257180 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0011] Dimming laminates are sometimes used in automotive components, building materials (e.g., windows and blinds in cars and buildings), helmets, and sunglasses for the purpose of blocking sunlight and other light.

[0012] However, with respect to the conventional resin particles described in Patent Document 1, when the resin particles are used as spacers and the resin particles between two substrates are exposed to light for a prolonged period (e.g., more than 500 hours), the gap between the two substrates sometimes cannot be adequately controlled due to resin particle denaturation. As a result, uneven display occurs in the resulting dimming laminate. That is, conventional resin particles have the problem of not being able to adequately improve weather resistance.

[0013] The object of this invention is to provide resin particles with high weather resistance and their uses. Furthermore, the object of this invention is to provide a dimming laminate using the aforementioned resin particles.

[0014] Problem Solving Methods

[0015] This specification discloses the following resin particles and their uses, as well as dimming laminates.

[0016] Item 1. A resin particle, wherein, when using a solar carbon arc lamp at 85°C, 50%RH, and an illuminance of 255W / m², 2 When a weathering test was conducted under conditions of 500 hours, the ratio of the compression recovery rate of the resin particles under 20% compression deformation after the weathering test to the compression recovery rate of the resin particles under 20% compression deformation before the weathering test was greater than 0.50.

[0017] Item 2. The resin particles according to Item 1, wherein the insulation breaking strength of the resin particles is 10 kV / mm or higher.

[0018] Item 3. The resin particles according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the compression recovery rate of the resin particles under 20% compression deformation before the above-mentioned weathering test is 30% or more.

[0019] Item 4. The resin particles according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the sphericity of the resin particles when held between two substrates under a pressure of 0.1 MPa is 0.55 or more and 0.98 or less.

[0020] Item 5. The resin particles according to any one of items 1 to 4, comprising a colorant.

[0021] Item 6. The resin particles according to Item 5, wherein the particle size of the colorant is 500 nm or less.

[0022] Item 7. The resin particles according to Item 5 or 6, wherein the colorant comprises carbon black, titanium black, manganese oxide, organic black pigment or organic black dye.

[0023] Item 8. The resin particles according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the static angle of repose of the resin particles is 2° or more and 60° or less.

[0024] Item 9. The resin particles according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the particle size of the resin particles is 1 μm or more and 150 μm or less.

[0025] Item 10. The resin particles according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the 20% compressive modulus of the resin particles is 1 N / mm². 2 Above and 5000 N / mm 2 the following.

[0026] Item 11. The resin particle according to any one of items 1 to 10, comprising a substrate particle and a coating layer disposed on the surface of the substrate particle.

[0027] Item 12. The resin particles according to Item 11, wherein the thickness of the coating layer is 30 nm or more and 500 nm or less.

[0028] Item 13. The resin particles according to Item 11 or 12, wherein the material of the coating layer comprises a compound having an aromatic skeleton, a compound having a hydrocarbon group having 3 or more carbon atoms in the main chain, or silicon atoms.

[0029] Item 14. The resin particle according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the surface of the resin particle has irregularities.

[0030] Item 15. The resin particles according to any one of items 1 to 14, which are used as spacers.

[0031] Item 16. The resin particles according to Item 15 are used as spacers in a dimming laminate.

[0032] Item 17. A dimming laminate comprising a first substrate, a second substrate, and a dimming layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the dimming layer comprises resin particles as described in any one of items 1 to 16.

[0033] Item 18. The dimming laminate according to Item 17, which is a dimming laminate different from that of a liquid crystal display device.

[0034] Item 19. The dimming stack according to Item 17 or 18 is a dimming stack of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal, a dimming stack of suspended particle device, or a dimming stack of guest-host liquid crystal.

[0035] Item 20. The use of the resin particles described in any one of items 1 to 16 in the dimming layer of a dimming laminate, wherein the dimming laminate comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, and the dimming layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0036] The effects of the invention

[0037] The resin particles of this invention are used in a solar carbon arc lamp at 85°C, 50%RH, and an illuminance of 255W / m². 2When a weathering test was conducted under conditions of 500 hours, the ratio of the compression recovery rate of the resin particles after the weathering test at 20% compression deformation to the compression recovery rate of the resin particles before the weathering test at 20% compression deformation was 0.50 or higher. Because the resin particles of the present invention possess the above-described structure, the weather resistance of the resin particles can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of resin particles according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of resin particles according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of resin particles according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a PDLC-type dimming laminate containing resin particles according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dimming laminate in an SPD manner containing resin particles according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a GHLC-type dimming laminate containing resin particles according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Symbol Explanation

[0045] 1, 1A, 1B... resin particles

[0046] 2A, 2B… Substrate particles

[0047] 3A, 3B...coating layers

[0048] 4, 5, 6... dimming layers

[0049] 4A…Liquid Crystal Capsule

[0050] 4B… Adhesive

[0051] 5A…Light adjustment of droplets in suspension

[0052] 5Aa…dispersion medium

[0053] 5Ab…Light Adjustment Particles

[0054] 5B…resin matrix

[0055] 6A…LCD

[0056] 6Aa… liquid crystals that have undergone orientation

[0057] 6B…dichroic pigment

[0058] 7…First substrate

[0059] 8…Second substrate

[0060] 11…PDLC dimming laminate

[0061] 21…SPD dimming stack

[0062] 31…GHLC dimming stack Detailed Implementation

[0063] The present invention will now be described in detail. It should be noted that, in this specification, for example, "(meth)acrylate" refers to one or both of "acrylate" and "methacrylate", and "(meth)acrylic acid" refers to one or both of "acrylic acid" and "methacrylic acid".

[0064] (Resin particles)

[0065] Regarding the resin particles of the present invention, when using a solar carbon arc lamp at 85°C, 50%RH, and an illuminance of 255W / m²... 2 When a weathering test was conducted under conditions of 500 hours, the ratio of the compression recovery rate of the resin particles under 20% compression deformation after the weathering test to the compression recovery rate of the resin particles under 20% compression deformation before the weathering test was greater than 0.50.

[0066] Because the resin particles of the present invention have the above-described structure, even when the resin particles are used as spacers and the resin particles between two substrates are exposed to light for a long period (e.g., 500 hours or more), the decrease in the compression recovery rate of the resin particles can be suppressed, and the gap between the substrates can be controlled with high precision. As a result, the occurrence of display unevenness can be suppressed in the obtained dimming laminate. That is, the weather resistance of the resin particles of the present invention can be improved. In the dimming laminate using the resin particles of the present invention, the display can be made uniform in the state without an applied electric field, and the display can also be made uniform in the state with an applied electric field. In particular, in dimming laminates different from liquid crystal display devices, display unevenness is quite easily visually discernible when the transmittance increases due to the application of an electric field, but by using the resin particles of the present invention, the display unevenness in the state with increased transmittance due to the application of an electric field can be reduced to a considerable extent.

[0067] In this specification, the ratio of the compression recovery rate of resin particles under 20% compression deformation after the weathering test to the compression recovery rate of resin particles under 20% compression deformation before the weathering test is defined as the ratio (compression recovery rate of resin particles under 20% compression deformation after the weathering test / compression recovery rate of resin particles under 20% compression deformation before the weathering test). The ratio (compression recovery rate of resin particles under 20% compression deformation after the weathering test / compression recovery rate of resin particles under 20% compression deformation before the weathering test) is preferably 0.55 or more, more preferably 0.60 or more, further preferably 0.65 or more, and particularly preferably 0.70 or more. When the ratio (compression recovery rate of resin particles under 20% compression deformation after the weathering test / compression recovery rate of resin particles under 20% compression deformation before the weathering test) is at or above the lower limit mentioned above, the effects of the present invention can be further effectively achieved. There is no particular upper limit to the above ratio (compression recovery rate of resin particles at 20% compression deformation after weathering test / compression recovery rate of resin particles at 20% compression deformation before weathering test). The above ratio (compression recovery rate of resin particles at 20% compression deformation after weathering test / compression recovery rate of resin particles at 20% compression deformation before weathering test) can be 1.50 or less, 1.30 or less, or 1.00 or less. The range of the above ratio (compression recovery rate of resin particles at 20% compression deformation after weathering test / compression recovery rate of resin particles at 20% compression deformation before weathering test) can be appropriately set by selecting the above lower limit and the above upper limit.

[0068] The above ratio (compression recovery rate of resin particles at 20% compression set after weathering test / compression recovery rate of resin particles at 20% compression set before weathering test) can be determined, for example, as described below. According to JIS B7753:2004, a solar carbon arc lamp is used at 85°C, 50% RH, wavelength 300nm~700nm, and illuminance 255W / m². 2 and 500 hours (cumulative light intensity: 459 MJ / m²) 2The resin particles are irradiated with light under the following conditions to conduct a weather resistance test. The aforementioned Sunshine Carbon Arc Weather-Ometer (SWOM) can be, for example, the "Sunshine Carbon Arc (Open Flame Carbon Arc) Lamp Type Light Resistance and Weather Resistance Tester: WEL-300L" manufactured by SUGA TEST INSTRUMENTS Co., Ltd. It should be noted that during the weather resistance test, since the resin particles may scatter due to the airflow inside the weather resistance tester, it is preferable to prepare test pieces for the weather resistance test as described below. Ten resin particles are scattered on a 5cm square optical glass (0.7mm thick, "BK-7" manufactured by Hiraoka Special Glass Co., Ltd., double-sided polished). Next, an adhesive is applied to the perimeter of the optical glass with the scattered resin particles with a width of 1mm. The same optical glass is placed on top, and the resin particles are sandwiched between two pieces of optical glass to obtain a laminate. A 100g weight is placed on the obtained laminate, and it is left to stand for 5 minutes. After settling, the weights are removed to obtain the test piece. The obtained test piece is then used for weathering tests. It should be noted that when adding the test piece to the weathering tester, securing only the adhesive portion around the perimeter of the test piece with an aluminum strip prevents adhesive deterioration and resin particle leakage during the weathering test. After the weathering test, the upper optical glass of the test piece is removed, and the resin particles remaining on the lower optical glass are used to determine the compression recovery rate after the weathering test. The compression recovery rate is determined for both the resin particles before and after the weathering test using the following method: Resin particles are dispersed on the test stage. For one dispersed resin particle, a small compression tester is used, with a smooth cylindrical (100 μm diameter, diamond) indenter end face applied at 25°C towards the center of the resin particle (reverse load value), until the resin particle reaches 20% compression deformation. Then, the load is unloaded back to the origin (0.20 mN). The load-compression displacement during this period can be measured, and the compression recovery rate can be calculated using the following formula. It should be noted that the load speed is set to 0.33 mN / second. This measurement is performed on 5 resin particles, and the average of the 5 measurements is taken as the compression recovery rate. For example, the Fischerscope H-100 manufactured by Fischer and the ENT-NEXUS manufactured by Elionix can be used as the aforementioned micro-compression testing machine.

[0069] Compression recovery rate (%) = (L2 / L1) × 100

[0070] L1: The compressive displacement from the origin (load value) to the reverse load value when a load is applied.

[0071] L2: Unloading displacement from the reverse load value to the original load value during load removal.

[0072] The compression recovery rate of the resin particles under 20% compression deformation before the aforementioned weathering test is preferably 30% or more, more preferably 50% or more, even more preferably 70% or more, even more preferably 80% or more, particularly preferably more than 80%, most preferably 81% or more, preferably 99% or less, more preferably 98% or less, and even more preferably 95% or less. When the compression recovery rate of the resin particles under 20% compression deformation before the aforementioned weathering test is above or above the aforementioned lower limit, the gap between the substrates can be controlled with high precision, and the occurrence of initial display unevenness can be suppressed in the obtained dimming laminate. When the compression recovery rate of the resin particles under 20% compression deformation before the aforementioned weathering test is below the aforementioned upper limit, even when a soft substrate such as PET film is used in the manufacture of the dimming laminate, damage to the surface of the substrate can be suppressed, and the visual recognizability of the obtained dimming laminate can be improved.

[0073] The compression recovery rate of the resin particles after 20% compression deformation following the above-mentioned weathering test is preferably 30% or more, more preferably 50% or more, further preferably 60% or more, particularly preferably 70% or more, preferably 98% or less, more preferably 97% or less, and further preferably 95% or less. When the compression recovery rate of the resin particles after 20% compression deformation following the above-mentioned weathering test is above the lower limit, the effects of the present invention can be further effectively exerted. When the compression recovery rate of the resin particles after 20% compression deformation following the above-mentioned weathering test is below the upper limit, even when a soft substrate such as PET film is used in the manufacture of the dimming laminate, damage to the surface of the substrate can be suppressed, and the visual recognizability of the resulting dimming laminate can be improved.

[0074] Furthermore, the compression recovery rate (compression recovery rate of resin particles under 10% compression deformation) is preferably 30% or more, more preferably 50% or more, even more preferably 70% or more, even more preferably 80% or more, particularly preferably more than 80%, most preferably 81% or more, preferably 99% or less, more preferably 98% or less, and even more preferably 95% or less. When the compression recovery rate of the resin particles under 10% compression deformation is above or above the lower limit, the gap between the substrates can be controlled with high precision, and the occurrence of initial display unevenness can be suppressed in the obtained dimming laminate. When the compression recovery rate of the resin particles under 10% compression deformation is below the upper limit, even when a soft substrate such as PET film is used in the manufacture of the dimming laminate, damage to the surface of the substrate can be suppressed, and the visual recognizability of the obtained dimming laminate can be improved. Regarding the compression recovery rate of the resin particles under 10% compression deformation, except for changing the amount of compression deformation, it can be measured in the same way as the compression recovery rate of the resin particles under 20% compression deformation before the weathering test. The compression recovery rate of the resin particles under 10% compression deformation is the same as the compression recovery rate of the resin particles under 10% compression deformation before the weathering test.

[0075] As a method for adjusting the compression recovery rate of resin particles under 20% compression deformation before the aforementioned weathering test, the compression recovery rate of resin particles under 20% compression deformation after the aforementioned weathering test, and the aforementioned ratio (compression recovery rate of resin particles under 20% compression deformation after the weathering test / compression recovery rate of resin particles under 20% compression deformation before the weathering test) to a preferred range, the following methods can be cited: A method using a polymerizable component preferred in the resin particle material described later. A method using a material preferred in the colorant described later. A method adjusting the particle size of the colorant described later. A method adjusting the content of the colorant described later. A method adjusting the thickness of the coating layer described later.

[0076] The 20% compressive modulus of the above-mentioned resin particles is preferably 1 N / mm. 2 The above, and more preferably, is 200 N / mm 2 The above, and more preferably, is 300 N / mm 2 The above is preferably 5000 N / mm. 2 The following, or more preferably, is 4000 N / mm 2 The following, and more preferably, is 3000 N / mm 2 The following, particularly preferred, is 1500 N / mm. 2 The following, the optimal value is 800 N / mm 2Below, when the 20% compressive modulus of the resin particles is above the lower limit and below the upper limit, the gap between the substrates can be controlled with greater precision, preventing damage to the substrates. Furthermore, when the 20% compressive modulus of the resin particles is above the lower limit and below the upper limit, resin particle breakage can be suppressed, thus suppressing the outflow of colorant from the resin particles and preventing short circuits. As a result, the conductivity reliability of the obtained dimming laminate can be improved.

[0077] The 20% compressive modulus of the aforementioned resin particles can be determined, for example, as described below. Using a micro compression testing machine, the resin particles are compressed under a maximum test load of 20 mN at 25°C and for 60 seconds using a smooth indenter end face of a cylinder (50 μm in diameter, made of diamond). The load value (N) and compression displacement (mm) are measured. The 20% compressive modulus of the resin particles can be calculated from the measured value using the following formula. This measurement is performed on 5 resin particles, and the average of the 5 measured values ​​is taken as the 20% compressive modulus. For example, the Fischerscope H-100 manufactured by Fischer Corporation and the ENT-NEXUS manufactured by Elionix Corporation can be used as the micro compression testing machine.

[0078] 20% compression modulus (N / mm) 2 ) = (3 / 2 1 / 2 )·F·S -3 / 2 ·R -1 / 2

[0079] F: Load value (N) when resin particles undergo 20% compressive deformation.

[0080] S: Compression displacement (mm) when resin particles undergo 20% compression deformation.

[0081] R: Radius of the resin particle (mm)

[0082] The dielectric strength of the aforementioned resin particles is preferably 5 kV / mm or higher, more preferably 10 kV / mm or higher, and even more preferably 15 kV / mm or higher. When the dielectric strength of the aforementioned resin particles is at or above the aforementioned lower limit, short circuits can be suppressed, and the conductivity reliability of the obtained dimming laminate can be improved. The upper limit of the dielectric strength of the aforementioned resin particles is not particularly limited. The dielectric strength of the aforementioned resin particles can be 70 kV / mm or lower, 60 kV / mm or lower, or 50 kV / mm or lower. The range of the dielectric strength of the aforementioned resin particles can be appropriately set by selecting the aforementioned lower limit and the aforementioned upper limit.

[0083] The dielectric breaking strength of the aforementioned resin particles can be determined, for example, as described below. Five parts by weight of resin particles and 95 parts by weight of acrylic resin are mixed, and the resulting mixture is cured at 100°C for 6 hours to prepare a resin film (size: 2cm × 2cm, thickness: the particle size of the resin particles). The dielectric breaking strength of the obtained resin film is determined using an insulation breakdown tester (Matsusada Precision "HAR series") in insulating oil at 25°C according to JIS C2110-1:2016, and this strength is taken as the dielectric breaking strength of the resin particles.

[0084] As a method for adjusting the insulation breakdown strength of the aforementioned resin particles to a preferred range, examples include using a material preferred in the colorant described later, adjusting the particle size of the colorant described later, and adjusting the content of the colorant described later.

[0085] The sphericity of the resin particles held between two substrates under a pressure of 0.1 MPa is preferably 0.55 or more, more preferably 0.60 or more, further preferably 0.70 or more, preferably 1.0 or less, more preferably 0.99 or less, further preferably 0.98 or less, and particularly preferably 0.95 or less. When the sphericity of the resin particles held between two substrates under a pressure of 0.1 MPa is at or above the lower limit, the gap between the substrates can be controlled with higher precision, and the occurrence of display unevenness in the resulting dimming laminate can be further suppressed. When the sphericity of the resin particles held between two substrates under a pressure of 0.1 MPa is below the upper limit, the effects of the present invention can be performed more effectively.

[0086] The sphericity of the resin particles held between two substrates under a pressure of 0.1 MPa can be measured, for example, as described below. A first substrate and a second substrate are prepared. Resin particles are dispersed on the surface of the first substrate. A second substrate is disposed on the surface of the dispersed resin particles opposite to the side of the first substrate. An arbitrary sealant is applied to the edge of the surface of the second substrate on the side of the first substrate. The resin particles are compressed for 5 hours from the surface of the second substrate opposite to the side of the resin particles at a temperature of 90°C and a pressure of 0.1 MPa, thus producing a laminate comprising the first substrate, the second substrate, and the resin particles disposed between the first and second substrates. The laminate is cut using a fibrillation filter (FIB), and the cross-section is observed using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The obtained image is analyzed, and the sphericity of the resin particles is measured. Alternatively, the sphericity of the resin particles can be measured by analyzing images obtained using methods such as three-dimensional scanning with a computer. In cases where 3D scanning or similar methods are not feasible, the roundness can be obtained by analyzing and measuring images captured using 2D scanning or similar methods via a computer. It should be noted that the aforementioned substrate can be either the first or second substrate of the dimming laminate described later. The substrate is preferably a resin film, more preferably a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. When using a PET film in the sphericity measurement, for example, a PET film (e.g., "ELECRYSTA" manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation) can be used.

[0087] As a method for adjusting the sphericity of the resin particles when they are clamped between two substrates under a pressure of 0.1 MPa to a preferred range, examples include using a preferred polymeric component in the resin particle material described later, and adjusting the thickness of the coating layer described later.

[0088] The static angle of repose of the resin particles is preferably 2° or more, more preferably 5° or more, further preferably 7° or more, particularly preferably 10° or more, preferably 65° or less, more preferably 60° or less, and further preferably 55° or less. When the static angle of repose of the resin particles is at or above the lower limit, the processability of the resin particles can be improved. When the static angle of repose of the resin particles is at or below the upper limit, unintentional aggregation of the resin particles can be prevented, and the processability of the resin particles can be improved.

[0089] The static angle of repose of the resin particles can be measured, for example, as described below. 5g of resin particles are dropped at 25°C from a glass powder funnel (50mm in diameter, 15mm in foot diameter) fixed at a height of 10cm. After standing for 60 seconds, the angle of the skirt of the powder that forms a mountain shape is measured using a protractor and taken as the static angle of repose of the resin particles.

[0090] As a method for adjusting the static angle of repose of the resin particles to a preferred range, examples include adjusting the thickness of the coating layer (described later), forming irregularities on the surface of the resin particles (especially the coating layer described later), and using a preferred polymeric component in the material of the resin particles described later.

[0091] From the viewpoint of improving practicality, appropriately controlling the transmittance of the dimming laminate, and effectively suppressing light leakage, the particle size of the above-mentioned resin particles is preferably 1 μm or more, more preferably 3 μm or more, even more preferably 10 μm or more, preferably 150 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less, and even more preferably 50 μm or less.

[0092] The particle size of the aforementioned resin particles is preferably the average particle size, more preferably the number-average particle size. The particle size of the resin particles can be determined, for example, by observing any 50 resin particles using an electron microscope or an optical microscope and calculating the average particle size of each resin particle, or by performing laser diffraction particle size distribution measurement. When observing using an electron microscope or an optical microscope, the average particle size of each resin particle is determined in terms of the equivalent circle diameter. In observation using an electron microscope or an optical microscope, the average particle size of any 50 resin particles, measured in terms of the equivalent circle diameter, is substantially equal to the average particle size measured in terms of the equivalent sphere diameter. In laser diffraction particle size distribution measurement, the average particle size of each resin particle is determined in terms of the equivalent sphere diameter. The particle size of the aforementioned resin particles is preferably calculated by laser diffraction particle size distribution measurement.

[0093] From the viewpoint of further controlling the gaps between substrates with higher precision, the aforementioned resin particles preferably do not contain resin particles with a particle size of 1.5 times or more than the average particle size, or contain resin particles with a particle size of 1.5 times or more than the average particle size at a concentration of 1000 ppm or less. From the viewpoint of further controlling the gaps between substrates with higher precision, the content of resin particles with a particle size of 1.5 times or more than the average particle size is preferably 1000 ppm or less, more preferably 100 ppm or less, further preferably 10 ppm or less, and particularly preferably 0.1 ppm or less. From the viewpoint of further controlling the gaps between substrates with higher precision, the content of resin particles with a particle size of 1.5 times or more than the average particle size is most preferably 0 ppm (not contained).

[0094] The content (ppm) of resin particles with a particle size greater than 1.5 times the average particle size can be determined as follows: The resin particles are filtered through a filter with a pore size greater than 1.5 times the average particle size. The resin particles remaining on the filter are observed using an optical microscope, and the resin particles with a particle size greater than 1.5 times the average particle size are counted. The content (ppm) of resin particles with a particle size greater than 1.5 times the average particle size is calculated by dividing the counted resin particles by the total number of filtered resin particles.

[0095] From the viewpoint of further controlling the gap between substrates with higher precision, the CV value of the particle size of the above-mentioned resin particles is preferably 1.0% or more, more preferably 2.0% or more, preferably 10% or less, more preferably 8.0% or less.

[0096] The CV value (coefficient of variation) of the particle size of the above resin particles can be determined as follows.

[0097] CV value (%) = (ρ / Dn) × 100

[0098] ρ: Standard deviation of the particle size of the above resin particles

[0099] Dn: The average particle size of the above resin particles

[0100] From the viewpoint of further controlling the gap between substrates with higher precision, the aspect ratio of the resin particles is preferably 1.5 or less, more preferably 1.3 or less. There is no particular limitation on the lower limit of the aspect ratio of the resin particles. The aspect ratio of the resin particles can be 1.0 or more, or 1.1 or more. The aspect ratio is expressed as length / short diameter. The aspect ratio is preferably obtained by observing 10 arbitrary resin particles using an electron microscope or an optical microscope, taking the maximum and minimum diameters as the length and short diameters respectively, and calculating the average length / short diameter of each spherical resin particle.

[0101] From the viewpoint of improving the dispersibility of resin particles in the dimming layer of the obtained dimming laminate, the specific gravity of the resin particles is preferably 1.0 or more, preferably 1.5 or less, more preferably 1.4 or less, and even more preferably 1.3 or less.

[0102] From the viewpoint of effectively suppressing light leakage, the visible light transmittance of the aforementioned resin particles is preferably 40% or less, more preferably 20% or less, and even more preferably 10% or less. There is no particular limitation on the lower limit of the visible light transmittance of the aforementioned resin particles. The visible light transmittance of the aforementioned resin particles can be 0.01% or more, 0.1% or more, or 1% or more.

[0103] The visible light transmittance of the aforementioned resin particles can be measured as follows. A plate-shaped sample with the same composition as the resin particles is prepared, and spectral measurements are performed; the visible light transmittance can be measured according to ISO 13837:2008. Alternatively, it can be measured according to the method of JIS K6714 standard.

[0104] The resin particles described above may or may not have an uneven surface. From the viewpoint of suppressing the stickiness of the resin particles, preventing unintentional aggregation of the resin particles, and improving the processability of the resin particles, the resin particles preferably have an uneven surface. That is, the resin particles described above are preferably resin particles with an uneven surface.

[0105] From the viewpoint of preventing unintentional aggregation of resin particles and improving the processability of resin particles, the height of the surface unevenness of the aforementioned resin particles is preferably 20 nm or more, more preferably 30 nm or more, more preferably 1000 nm or less, and more preferably 800 nm or less. It should be noted that the difference between the highest and lowest positions on the surface of the aforementioned resin particles is defined as the height of the surface unevenness of the resin particles.

[0106] Examples of methods for forming irregularities on the surface of the resin particles include methods for adsorbing fine nanoparticles onto the surface of the resin particles, methods for polymerizing a material containing polymerizable components in the presence of non-polymerizable components and then removing the non-polymerizable components, and methods for adding fine nanoparticles to a material containing resin particles.

[0107] The resin particles of the present invention are suitable for use as spacers. The resin particles of the present invention are particularly suitable for use as spacers in dimming laminates. The aforementioned resin particles can be used as spacers for dimming glass or as spacers for dimming films. The aforementioned resin particles are preferably used as spacers for dimming glass or as spacers for dimming films.

[0108] The components of the resin particles are described in detail below.

[0109] <Resin>

[0110] The resin particles described above comprise resin. The resin particles preferably comprise a polymer. The polymer is obtained by polymerizing a polymerizable component. The material of the resin particles comprises a polymerizable component. The resin particles preferably comprise a component derived from the polymerizable component. The resin particles preferably comprise a polymer of the polymerizable component.

[0111] Examples of resins used to form the aforementioned resin particles include: polyolefin resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyisobutylene, and polybutadiene; acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate and polymethyl acrylate; polycarbonate, polyamide, phenolic resin, melamine-formaldehyde resin, benzoguanamine-formaldehyde resin, urea-formaldehyde resin, phenolic resin, melamine resin, benzoguanamine resin, urea resin, epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, saturated polyester resin, polyethylene terephthalate, polysulfone, polyphenylene ether, polyacetal, polyimide, polyamide-imide, polyetheretherketone, polyethersulfone, and divinylbenzene polymers. The aforementioned divinylbenzene polymers can be divinylbenzene copolymers. Examples of the aforementioned divinylbenzene copolymers include divinylbenzene-styrene copolymers and divinylbenzene-(meth)acrylate copolymers. Since the compression characteristics of the resin particles can be easily controlled within a suitable range, the resin used to form the resin particles is preferably a polymer formed by polymerizing one or more polymeric monomers (polymeric components) having olefinic unsaturated groups.

[0112] When the above-mentioned resin particles are obtained by polymerizing a polymerizable monomer having an olefinic unsaturated group, non-crosslinking monomers and crosslinking monomers can be cited as examples of polymerizable monomers having an olefinic unsaturated group.

[0113] Examples of non-crosslinking monomers, such as styrene monomers like styrene, α-methylstyrene, and chlorostyrene, can be cited as vinyl compounds; vinyl ether compounds like methyl vinyl ether, ethyl vinyl ether, propyl vinyl ether, 1,4-butanediol divinyl ether, cyclohexanediol divinyl ether, and diethylene glycol divinyl ether; vinyl ester compounds like vinyl acetate, vinyl butyrate, vinyl laurate, and vinyl stearate; and halogen-containing monomers like vinyl chloride and vinyl fluoride. Examples of (meth)acrylic acid compounds include methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, propyl (meth)acrylate, butyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, and laurate (meth)acrylate. Esters, cetyl methacrylate, stearyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, and other alkyl methacrylate compounds; oxygen-containing methacrylate compounds such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, glyceryl methacrylate, polyoxyethylene methacrylate, and glycidyl methacrylate; nitrile monomers such as methacrylonitrile; halogenated methacrylate compounds such as trifluoromethyl methacrylate and pentafluoroethyl methacrylate; as α-olefin compounds, examples include diisobutylene, isobutylene, linear olefins, ethylene, and propylene; as conjugated diene compounds, examples include isoprene and butadiene.

[0114] Examples of crosslinking monomers include, for example, vinyl compounds such as divinylbenzene, 1,4-divinyloxybutane, and divinyl sulfone; and (meth)acrylate compounds such as tetramethylolmethane tetra(meth)acrylate, tetramethylolmethane tri(meth)acrylate, tetramethylolmethane di(meth)acrylate, trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate, glycerol tri(meth)acrylate, glycerol di(meth)acrylate, polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, and polypropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate. Multifunctional (meth)acrylate compounds include polytetramethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, 1,4-butanediol di(meth)acrylate, etc.; as allyl compounds, examples include triallyl (iso)cyanurate, triallyl trimellitate, diallyl phthalate, diallyl acrylamide, and diallyl ether; as silane compounds, examples include tetramethoxysilane, tetraethoxysilane, triethylsilane, tert-butyldimethylsilane, methyltrimethoxysilane, methyltriethoxysilane, ethyltrimethoxysilane, ethyltriethoxysilane, isopropyltrimethoxysilane, isobutyltrimethoxysilane, cyclohexyltrimethoxysilane, and n-hexyltrimethoxysilane. Silanes, including n-octyltriethoxysilane, n-decyltrimethoxysilane, phenyltrimethoxysilane, dimethyldimethoxysilane, dimethyldiethoxysilane, diisopropyldimethoxysilane, trimethoxysilylstyrene, γ-(meth)acryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 1,3-divinyltetramethyldisiloxane, methylphenyldimethoxysilane, diphenyldimethoxysilane, and other silanol compounds; vinyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltriethoxysilane, dimethoxymethylvinylsilane, dimethoxyethylvinylsilane, diethoxymethylvinylsilane, diethoxyethylvinylsilane, ethylmethyldivinylsilane, methylvinyldimethoxysilane, etc. Silane alkoxides containing polymerizable double bonds, such as oxysilanes, ethyl vinyl dimethoxysilanes, methyl vinyl diethoxysilanes, ethyl vinyl diethoxysilanes, p-styryltrimethoxysilanes, 3-methacryloyloxypropyl methyl dimethoxysilanes, 3-methacryloyloxypropyl methyl diethoxysilanes, 3-methacryloyloxypropyl methyl diethoxysilanes, 3-acryloyloxypropyl methyl diethoxysilanes, and 3-acryloyloxypropyl methyl diethoxysilanes; cyclic siloxanes such as decamethylcyclopentasiloxane; modified (reactive) silicone oils such as single-terminal modified silicone oils, double-terminal silicone oils, and side-chain type silicone oils; and carboxyl-containing monomers such as (meth)acrylic acid, maleic acid, and maleic anhydride.

[0115] The aforementioned resin particles can be obtained by polymerizing the aforementioned polymerizable monomers having olefinic unsaturated groups. The polymerization method is not particularly limited. The aforementioned polymerizable monomers having olefinic unsaturated groups can be polymerized using known methods such as free radical polymerization, ionic polymerization, condensation polymerization (condensation polymerization, polycondensation), addition condensation, living polymerization, and living free radical polymerization.

[0116] The aforementioned resin particles can be readily obtained by using polymerizable monomers having olefinic unsaturated groups and performing free radical polymerization. For example, they can be obtained by suspension polymerization in the presence of a free radical polymerization initiator, or by seed polymerization and dispersion polymerization, where non-crosslinked seed particles are used together with a free radical polymerization initiator to swell and polymerize the monomers.

[0117] From the viewpoint of further controlling the gaps between substrates with higher precision, the polymerizable component and the resin particles preferably contain a polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound. That is, from the viewpoint of further controlling the gaps between substrates with higher precision, the resin particles preferably contain a component derived from a polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound.

[0118] The aforementioned polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compounds can be difunctional or more, trifunctional or more, tetrafunctional or more, or decafunctional or less. Only one type of the aforementioned polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound can be used, or two or more can be used in combination. Preferably, the aforementioned polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound is polytetramethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, polypropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, or dipentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate.

[0119] In the 100% by weight of the aforementioned resin particles, the content of the resin (polymer of polymeric component) is preferably 10% by weight or more, more preferably 50% by weight or more, further preferably 55% by weight or more, particularly preferably 60% by weight or more, preferably 95% by weight or less, more preferably 90% by weight or less, and further preferably 80% by weight or less. When the content of the resin (polymer of polymeric component) is above or below the aforementioned lower limit and below the aforementioned upper limit, the compression recovery rate of the resin particles under 20% compression deformation before and after the aforementioned weathering test and the 20% compression modulus of the aforementioned resin particles can be adjusted to a preferred range, and the gap between the substrates can be controlled with greater precision. In particular, from the viewpoint of appropriately reducing the 20% compression modulus of the aforementioned resin particles, the aforementioned resin particles preferably contain a component derived from a polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound. From the viewpoint of effectively reducing the compressive modulus of the resin particles by 20%, the content of the component derived from the polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound in 100% by weight of the resin particles is preferably 50% by weight or more, more preferably 70% by weight or more, and preferably 100% by weight or less. From the viewpoint of further effectively reducing the compressive modulus of the resin particles by 20%, the polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound more preferably includes polytetramethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, polypropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, or dipentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of moderately increasing the compressive modulus of the resin particles by 20%, the resin particles preferably include a component derived from divinylbenzene. From the viewpoint of effectively increasing the compressive modulus of the resin particles by 20%, the content of the component derived from divinylbenzene in 100% by weight of the resin particles is preferably 5% by weight or more, more preferably 50% by weight or less, and preferably 30% by weight or less.

[0120] In 100% by weight of the aforementioned resin particles, the content of the polymeric component is preferably 10% by weight or more, more preferably 50% by weight or more, further preferably 60% by weight or more, particularly preferably 65% ​​by weight or more, preferably 95% by weight or less, more preferably 90% by weight or less, and further preferably 80% by weight or less. When the content of the polymeric component is above or below the aforementioned lower limit and below the aforementioned upper limit, the compression recovery rate of the resin particles under 20% compression deformation before and after the aforementioned weathering test and the 20% compression modulus of the aforementioned resin particles can be adjusted to a preferred range, and the gap between the substrates can be controlled with greater precision. In particular, from the viewpoint of appropriately reducing the 20% compression modulus of the aforementioned resin particles, the material of the aforementioned resin particles preferably contains a polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound. From the viewpoint of effectively reducing the 20% compression modulus of the aforementioned resin particles, in 100% by weight of the aforementioned resin particles, the content of the polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound is preferably 50% by weight or more, more preferably 70% by weight or more, and preferably 100% by weight or less. From the viewpoint of further effectively reducing the 20% compressive modulus of the aforementioned resin particles, the aforementioned polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound more preferably includes polytetramethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, polypropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, or dipentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of moderately increasing the 20% compressive modulus of the aforementioned resin particles, the material of the aforementioned resin particles preferably includes divinylbenzene. From the viewpoint of effectively increasing the 20% compressive modulus of the aforementioned resin particles, the content of divinylbenzene in 100% by weight of the material of the aforementioned resin particles is preferably 5% by weight or more, preferably 50% by weight or less, and more preferably 30% by weight or less.

[0121] <Coloring agent>

[0122] From the viewpoint of effectively suppressing light leakage, the resin particles (and the material of the resin particles) preferably contain a colorant. The colorant may be disposed within the resin particles or on the surface of the resin particles. From the viewpoint of improving the conductivity reliability of the obtained dimming laminate, the colorant is preferably disposed within the resin particles. The colorant is preferably contained within the resin particles. When the resin particles have the substrate particles and the coating layer described later, the colorant may be contained in the substrate particles (and the material of the substrate particles), the colorant may be contained in the coating layer (and the material of the coating layer), or both the substrate particles and the coating layer may contain the colorant. When the resin particles have the substrate particles and the coating layer described later, it is preferable that either the substrate particles or the coating layer contains the colorant. When the resin particles have the substrate particles and the coating layer described later, from the viewpoint of protecting the substrate particles from light-induced damage and further improving the weather resistance of the resin particles, it is preferable that the coating layer contains the colorant.

[0123] Examples of colorants include inorganic particles, dyes, and pigments. One type of colorant may be used, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0124] Examples of such inorganic particles include carbon black, carbon nanotubes, titanium black, graphene, iron oxide, zinc oxide, calcium carbonate, aluminum oxide, kaolin, calcium silicate, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, talc, feldspar powder, mica, barite, barium carbonate, titanium oxide, manganese oxide, and glass beads. Carbon black, titanium black, or manganese oxide are preferred among these inorganic particles.

[0125] Examples of such dyes include pyrene dyes, aminoketone dyes, anthraquinone dyes, and azo dyes.

[0126] Examples of pyrene dyes mentioned above include Solvent Green5 (CAS79869-59-3) and Solvent Green7 (CAS6358-69-6).

[0127] Examples of the aforementioned aminoketone dyes include Solvent Yellow98 (CAS12671-74-8), Solvent Yellow85 (CAS12271-01-1), Solvent Red179 (CAS8910-94-5), and Solvent Red135 (CAS71902-17-5).

[0128] Examples of anthraquinone dyes mentioned above include Solvent Yellow 163 (CAS13676091-0), Solvent Red 207 (CAS15958-69-6), Disperse Red 92 (CAS12236-11-2), Solvent Violet 13 (CAS81-48-1), Disperse Violet 31 (CAS6408-72-6), Solvent Blue 97 (CAS61969-44-6), Solvent Blue 45 (CAS37229-23-5), Solvent Blue 104 (CAS116-75-6), and Disperse Blue 214 (CAS104491-84-1).

[0129] Examples of the aforementioned azo dyes include Solvent Yellow 30 (CAS3321-10-4), Solvent Red 164 (CAS70956-30-8), and Disperse Blue 146 (CAS88650-91-3).

[0130] The dyes mentioned above can be organic or inorganic. They can be red, blue, yellow, or black. They can be polymeric or non-polymeric. Only one type of dye can be used, or two or more can be used in combination.

[0131] From the viewpoint of effectively suppressing light leakage, effectively suppressing color change, and further improving the conductivity reliability of the obtained dimming laminate, the dye is more preferably an organic dye, more preferably a black dye, and even more preferably an organic black dye. From the viewpoint of preventing contamination of the dimming layer of the obtained dimming laminate, the dye is preferably a polymeric dye, and more preferably a polymeric black dye.

[0132] The pigments described above can be organic or inorganic. Organic pigments may or may not contain metal atoms. Pigments can be red, blue, yellow, or black. Only one type of pigment may be used, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0133] From the viewpoint of effectively suppressing light leakage, effectively suppressing color change, and further improving the conductivity reliability of the obtained light-tuning laminate, the above-mentioned pigment is more preferably an organic pigment, more preferably a black pigment, and even more preferably an organic black pigment.

[0134] Examples of organic black pigments include anthraquinone pigments, anthraquinone pigments, dianthraquinone pigments, anthraquinone pigments, anthraquinone-pyrimidine pigments, flavanite pigments, diketopyrrolopyrrole pigments, quinacridone pigments, diketopyrrolopyrrole pigments, indigo / thiodigo pigments, perylene ketone pigments, perylene pigments, phthalocyanine pigments, halogenated phthalocyanine pigments, indoline pigments, isoindoline pigments, isoindoline ketone pigments, indanthrene pigments, and dioxane pigments. Azide pigments, quinoline ketone pigments, nickel azo pigments, metal complex pigments, azo pigments (insoluble azo pigments, soluble azo pigments, high molecular weight azo pigments and azomethyl alkali azo black pigments), and aniline black pigments, etc.

[0135] The aforementioned colorant preferably comprises carbon black, titanium black, manganese oxide, pigments, or dyes, more preferably comprising carbon black, titanium black, manganese oxide, organic black pigments, or organic black dyes. The aforementioned colorant more preferably comprises pigments, even more preferably comprises organic black pigments, and particularly preferably comprises azo or perylene pigments. In these cases, light leakage can be effectively suppressed, color change can be effectively suppressed, and the conductivity reliability of the resulting dimming laminate can be further improved. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of effectively improving insulation breakdown strength, further suppressing short circuits, and further improving the conductivity reliability of the resulting dimming laminate, the aforementioned colorant preferably comprises titanium black, manganese oxide, organic black pigments, or organic black dyes.

[0136] The particle size of the aforementioned colorant is preferably 10 nm or more, more preferably 50 nm or more, further preferably 100 nm or more, preferably 700 nm or less, more preferably 600 nm or less, even more preferably 500 nm or less, further preferably 450 nm or less, particularly preferably 400 nm or less, and most preferably 380 nm or less. When the particle size of the aforementioned colorant is above the aforementioned lower limit, leakage of the colorant from the resin particles can be suppressed, thereby preventing contamination of the dimming layer of the obtained dimming laminate. When the particle size of the aforementioned colorant is below the aforementioned upper limit, the light absorption efficiency of the colorant is improved, which can protect the resin particles from light-induced damage, and thus further improve the weather resistance of the resin particles.

[0137] The particle size of the aforementioned colorant is preferably the average particle size. It should be noted that when the aforementioned colorant contains two or more colorants, the overall average particle size of the colorant is preferably 10 nm or more, more preferably 50 nm or more, further preferably 100 nm or more, preferably 700 nm or less, more preferably 600 nm or less, even more preferably 500 nm or less, further preferably 450 nm or less, particularly preferably 400 nm or less, and most preferably 380 nm or less. The aforementioned average particle size represents the weight-average particle size. The aforementioned average particle size can be measured, for example, using a light scattering measuring device and a laser as the light source via dynamic light scattering. Examples of such light scattering measuring devices include the "DLS-6000AL" manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd.

[0138] Methods for adjusting the particle size of the aforementioned colorant to a preferred range include using a homogenizer, using a ball mill, and using shear force during wet dispersion.

[0139] In the 100% by weight of the aforementioned resin particles, the content of the aforementioned colorant is preferably 0.5% by weight or more, more preferably 1.0% by weight or more, even more preferably 3.0% by weight or more, preferably 20% by weight or less, more preferably 15% by weight or less, and even more preferably 10% by weight or less. When the content of the aforementioned colorant is at or above the aforementioned lower limit, light leakage can be suppressed more effectively. When the content of the aforementioned colorant is at or below the aforementioned upper limit, the insulation reliability of the resin particles can be improved, resulting in a further improvement in the conduction reliability of the obtained dimming laminate. When the aforementioned resin particles contain two or more colorants, the aforementioned colorant content represents the total content of the two or more colorants.

[0140] The content (by weight%) of colorant contained in the above resin particles can be determined, for example, by the method described below. Weigh 1g of resin particles, and calcine the resin particles at 350°C for 1 hour using an electric furnace (AS ONE "ROP-001P"). Measure the residue as the content of colorant.

[0141] Relative to 100 parts by weight of resin (polymer of polymeric component) in the resin particles, the content of the colorant is preferably 0.5 parts by weight or more, more preferably 1.0 parts by weight or more, even more preferably 3.0 parts by weight or more, preferably 20 parts by weight or less, more preferably 15 parts by weight or less, and even more preferably 10 parts by weight or less. When the content of the colorant is at or above the lower limit, light leakage can be suppressed more effectively. When the content of the colorant is at or below the upper limit, the insulation reliability of the resin particles can be improved, resulting in a further improvement in the conductivity reliability of the obtained dimming laminate. When the resin particles contain two or more colorants, the content of the colorant represents the total content of the two or more colorants.

[0142] In the aforementioned resin particles, relative to 100 parts by weight of the polymerizable component, the content of the colorant is preferably 0.5 parts by weight or more, more preferably 1.0 parts by weight or more, even more preferably 3.0 parts by weight or more, preferably 20 parts by weight or less, more preferably 15 parts by weight or less, and even more preferably 10 parts by weight or less. When the content of the colorant is at or above the aforementioned lower limit, light leakage can be suppressed more effectively. When the content of the colorant is at or below the aforementioned upper limit, the insulation reliability of the resin particles can be improved, resulting in a further improvement in the conductivity reliability of the obtained dimming laminate. When the aforementioned resin particles contain two or more colorants, the content of the colorant represents the total content of the two or more colorants.

[0143] In the aforementioned substrate particles (100% by weight), the content of the colorant is preferably 0.5% by weight or more, more preferably 1.0% by weight or more, even more preferably 3.0% by weight or more, preferably 20% by weight or less, more preferably 15% by weight or less, and even more preferably 10% by weight or less. When the content of the colorant is at or above the aforementioned lower limit, light leakage can be suppressed more effectively. When the content of the colorant is at or below the aforementioned upper limit, the insulation reliability of the resin particles can be improved, resulting in a further improvement in the conductivity reliability of the obtained dimming laminate. When the aforementioned substrate particles contain two or more colorants, the aforementioned colorant content represents the total content of the two or more colorants.

[0144] Relative to 100 parts by weight of resin (polymer of polymeric component) in the substrate particles, the content of the colorant is preferably 0.5 parts by weight or more, more preferably 1.0 parts by weight or more, even more preferably 3.0 parts by weight or more, preferably 20 parts by weight or less, more preferably 15 parts by weight or less, and even more preferably 10 parts by weight or less. When the content of the colorant is at or above the lower limit, light leakage can be suppressed more effectively. When the content of the colorant is at or below the upper limit, the insulation reliability of the resin particles can be improved, resulting in a further improvement in the conductivity reliability of the obtained dimming laminate. When the substrate particles contain two or more colorants, the content of the colorant represents the total content of the two or more colorants.

[0145] In the aforementioned substrate particles, relative to 100 parts by weight of the polymerizable component, the content of the colorant is preferably 0.5 parts by weight or more, more preferably 1.0 parts by weight or more, even more preferably 3.0 parts by weight or more, preferably 20 parts by weight or less, more preferably 15 parts by weight or less, and even more preferably 10 parts by weight or less. When the content of the colorant is at or above the aforementioned lower limit, light leakage can be suppressed more effectively. When the content of the colorant is at or below the aforementioned upper limit, the insulation reliability of the resin particles can be improved, resulting in a further improvement in the conductivity reliability of the obtained dimming laminate. When the aforementioned substrate particles contain two or more colorants, the content of the colorant represents the total content of the two or more colorants.

[0146] In the aforementioned 100% by weight of the coating layer, the content of the colorant is preferably 0.5% by weight or more, more preferably 1.0% by weight or more, even more preferably 3.0% by weight or more, even more preferably 8.0% by weight or more, even more preferably 10% by weight or more, particularly preferably 20% by weight or more, most preferably 25% by weight or more, preferably 60% by weight or less, more preferably 50% by weight or less, and even more preferably 40% by weight or less. When the content of the colorant is at or above the aforementioned lower limit, light leakage can be suppressed more effectively. When the content of the colorant is at or below the aforementioned upper limit, the insulation reliability of the resin particles can be improved, resulting in a further improvement in the conductivity reliability of the obtained dimming laminate. When the aforementioned coating layer contains two or more colorants, the aforementioned colorant content represents the total content of the two or more colorants.

[0147] Relative to 100 parts by weight of the resin (polymer of polymeric components) in the aforementioned coating layer, the content of the colorant is preferably 0.5 parts by weight or more, more preferably 1.0 parts by weight or more, even more preferably 3.0 parts by weight or more, even more preferably 8.0 parts by weight or more, even more preferably 12 parts by weight or more, particularly preferably 25 parts by weight or more, most preferably 35 parts by weight or more, preferably 60 parts by weight or less, more preferably 50 parts by weight or less, and even more preferably 40 parts by weight or less. When the content of the colorant is at or above the aforementioned lower limit, light leakage can be suppressed more effectively. When the content of the colorant is at or below the aforementioned upper limit, the insulation reliability of the resin particles can be improved, resulting in a further improvement in the conductivity reliability of the obtained dimming laminate. When the aforementioned coating layer contains two or more colorants, the aforementioned colorant content represents the total content of the two or more colorants.

[0148] In the material of the aforementioned coating layer, relative to 100 parts by weight of the polymerizable component, the content of the colorant is preferably 0.5 parts by weight or more, more preferably 1.0 parts by weight or more, even more preferably 3.0 parts by weight or more, even more preferably 8.0 parts by weight or more, even more preferably 12 parts by weight or more, particularly preferably 25 parts by weight or more, most preferably 35 parts by weight or more, preferably 60 parts by weight or less, more preferably 50 parts by weight or less, and even more preferably 40 parts by weight or less. When the content of the colorant is at or above the aforementioned lower limit, light leakage can be suppressed more effectively. When the content of the colorant is at or below the aforementioned upper limit, the insulation reliability of the resin particles can be improved, resulting in a further improvement in the conductivity reliability of the obtained dimming laminate. When the aforementioned coating layer contains two or more colorants, the aforementioned colorant content represents the total content of the two or more colorants.

[0149] <Other Ingredients>

[0150] The resin particles described above may contain other components as needed. Examples of such other components include polymerization initiators, pigment dispersants, resin particle dispersants, and surfactants. Only one of these other components may be used, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0151] Next, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0152] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of resin particles according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] The resin particle 1 does not have a coating layer on its surface. The resin particle 1 does not have a substrate particle or a coating layer disposed on the surface of the substrate particle.

[0154] In resin particles 1, a solar carbon arc lamp was used at 85°C, 50%RH, and an illuminance of 255W / m². 2 When a weathering test was conducted under conditions of 500 hours, the ratio of the compression recovery rate of the resin particles after the weathering test to the compression recovery rate of the resin particles before the weathering test was greater than 0.50.

[0155] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of resin particles according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0156] The resin particle 1A has a substrate particle 2A and a coating layer 3A disposed on the surface of the substrate particle 2A.

[0157] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of resin particles according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0158] The resin particle 1B includes a substrate particle 2B and a coating layer 3B disposed on the surface of the substrate particle 2B. The surface of the resin particle 1B (coating layer 3B) has irregularities.

[0159] (Substrate particles)

[0160] The resin particles described above may or may not have a substrate particle and a coating layer disposed on the surface of the substrate particle. From the viewpoint of protecting the central portion of the resin particles from light-induced damage and further improving the weather resistance of the resin particles, the resin particles preferably have a substrate particle and a coating layer disposed on the surface of the substrate particle.

[0161] The aforementioned substrate particles preferably comprise a resin. The aforementioned substrate particles preferably comprise a polymer. The aforementioned polymer is obtained by polymerizing a polymerizable component. The aforementioned substrate particles preferably comprise a component derived from the polymerizable component. The aforementioned substrate particles preferably comprise a polymer of the polymerizable component.

[0162] Examples of resins used in the aforementioned substrate particles include the resins described above.

[0163] The aforementioned substrate particles may or may not contain colorants. From the viewpoint of achieving good contrast in the display of the resulting dimming laminate, the aforementioned substrate particles preferably contain colorants, and more preferably contain both resin and colorants.

[0164] Examples of colorants used as colorants in the aforementioned substrate particles include the aforementioned colorants.

[0165] The colorant in the aforementioned substrate particles preferably comprises carbon black, titanium black, manganese oxide, pigments, or dyes, more preferably carbon black, titanium black, manganese oxide, organic black pigments, or organic black dyes. The colorant in the aforementioned substrate particles more preferably comprises pigments, even more preferably organic black pigments, and particularly preferably azo or perylene pigments. In these cases, light leakage can be effectively suppressed, color change can be effectively suppressed, and the conductivity reliability of the resulting dimming laminate can be further improved.

[0166] The particle size of the colorant in the aforementioned substrate particles is preferably 10 nm or more, more preferably 50 nm or more, even more preferably 100 nm or more, preferably 700 nm or less, more preferably 600 nm or less, and even more preferably 500 nm or less. When the particle size of the colorant in the aforementioned substrate particles is above or below the aforementioned lower limit and below the aforementioned upper limit, the effects of the present invention can be exerted more effectively.

[0167] The particle size of the colorant in the aforementioned substrate particles is preferably the average particle size, and more preferably the number-average particle size. The particle size of the colorant in the aforementioned substrate particles can be measured, for example, as described below. For any 50 resin particles, cross-sections of the resin particles are cut using a FIB and a microtome. Then, the particle size is observed using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) or a transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the particle size of the colorant in the substrate particles is measured. The arithmetic mean of these values ​​is then taken as the particle size of the colorant in the substrate particles.

[0168] From the viewpoint of effectively suppressing light leakage, the particle size of the above-mentioned substrate particles is preferably 1 μm or more, more preferably 3 μm or more, even more preferably 10 μm or more, preferably 150 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less, and even more preferably 50 μm or less.

[0169] The particle size of the aforementioned substrate particles is preferably the average particle size, more preferably the number-average particle size. The particle size of the aforementioned substrate particles can be determined, for example, by observing any 50 substrate particles using an electron microscope or an optical microscope and calculating the average value. In observation using an electron microscope or an optical microscope, the average particle size of each substrate particle is determined in terms of the equivalent circle diameter. In observation using an electron microscope or an optical microscope, the average particle size of any 50 substrate particles, measured in terms of the equivalent circle diameter, is substantially equal to the average particle size measured in terms of the equivalent sphere diameter. In a particle size distribution measuring device, the average particle size of each substrate particle is determined in terms of the equivalent sphere diameter. The particle size of the aforementioned substrate particles is preferably calculated using a particle size distribution measuring device. For resin particles, when measuring the particle size of the aforementioned substrate particles, the measurement can be performed, for example, as described below.

[0170] Resin particles were added to Kulzer's "Technovit 4000" to achieve a content of 30% by weight and dispersed to create an embedded resin body for substrate particle inspection. Using an ion milling apparatus (HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES "IM4000"), cross-sections of the resin particles were cut near the center of the substrate particles dispersed in the embedded resin body. Then, using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) at 25,000x magnification, 50 resin particles were randomly selected, and the substrate particles of each resin particle were observed. The particle size of the substrate particles in each resin particle was measured, and the arithmetic mean of these measurements was taken as the particle size of the substrate particle.

[0171] In the aforementioned substrate particles (100% by weight), the content of the aforementioned colorant is preferably 0.5% by weight or more, more preferably 1.0% by weight or more, even more preferably 3.0% by weight or more, preferably 20% by weight or less, more preferably 15% by weight or less, and even more preferably 10% by weight or less. When the content of the aforementioned colorant is at or above the aforementioned lower limit, light leakage can be suppressed more effectively. When the content of the aforementioned colorant is at or below the aforementioned upper limit, the insulation reliability of the resin particles can be improved, resulting in a further improvement in the conductivity reliability of the obtained dimming laminate. When the aforementioned resin particles contain two or more colorants, the aforementioned colorant content represents the total content of the two or more colorants.

[0172] In the aforementioned substrate particles, the content of the polymeric component is preferably 10% by weight or more, more preferably 50% by weight or more, further preferably 60% by weight or more, particularly preferably 65% ​​by weight or more, preferably 95% by weight or less, more preferably 90% by weight or less, and further preferably 80% by weight or less. When the content of the polymeric component is above or below the aforementioned lower limit and below the aforementioned upper limit, the gap between the substrates can be controlled with even higher precision.

[0173] In the aforementioned substrate particles, relative to 100 parts by weight of the polymerizable component, the content of the colorant is preferably 0.5 parts by weight or more, more preferably 1.0 parts by weight or more, even more preferably 3.0 parts by weight or more, preferably 20 parts by weight or less, more preferably 15 parts by weight or less, and even more preferably 10 parts by weight or less. When the content of the colorant is at or above the aforementioned lower limit, the light-blocking property of the substrate particles can be further improved. When the content of the colorant is at or below the aforementioned upper limit, the specific gravity of the resin particles can be adjusted to a preferred range, and the dispersibility of the resin particles in the light-slimming layer of the obtained light-slimming laminate can be improved. When the aforementioned substrate particles contain two or more colorants, the content of the colorant represents the total content of the two or more colorants.

[0174] (Covering layer)

[0175] The aforementioned coating layer preferably comprises resin or inorganic particles.

[0176] Examples of resins used in the aforementioned coating layer include the resins described above. These resins can be adhesive resins.

[0177] Examples of such inorganic particles include silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, and aluminum oxide. Silicon dioxide is a preferred inorganic particle.

[0178] From the viewpoint of improving the dispersibility of resin particles in the dimming layer of the obtained dimming laminate, the material of the coating layer (and the coating layer itself) preferably contains a compound having an aromatic backbone. From the viewpoint of improving the dispersibility of resin particles in the dimming layer of the obtained dimming laminate, the material of the coating layer preferably contains a compound having an aromatic backbone, and more preferably contains divinylbenzene or styrene.

[0179] From the viewpoint of improving the anchoring effect on flexible substrates such as PET films during the manufacture of dimming laminates, the material of the aforementioned coating layer (and the aforementioned coating layer) preferably comprises a compound having a hydrocarbon group having 3 or more carbon atoms in its main chain (a compound having 3 or more carbon atoms in its main chain of the hydrocarbon group). From the viewpoint of improving the anchoring effect on flexible substrates such as PET films during the manufacture of dimming laminates, the number of carbon atoms in the main chain of the aforementioned hydrocarbon group is preferably 3 or more, more preferably 5 or more, more preferably 35 or less, and more preferably 30 or less.

[0180] From the viewpoint of creating unevenness on the surface of resin particles to prevent unintentional aggregation of resin particles, the material of the aforementioned coating layer (and the aforementioned coating layer) preferably contains silicon atoms. The silicon atoms can be used in monomeric form or in compound form. Examples of compounds containing silicon atoms include silicon dioxide, silicon carbide, and organosilicon compounds.

[0181] From the viewpoint of protecting resin particles (especially substrate particles) from light-induced damage and further improving the weather resistance of resin particles, the material of the coating layer (and the coating layer) preferably contains a compound having an aromatic skeleton, a compound having a hydrocarbon group having 3 or more carbon atoms in the main chain, or silicon atoms.

[0182] The aforementioned coating layer (and the material of the aforementioned coating layer) may or may not contain a colorant. From the viewpoint of protecting resin particles (especially substrate particles) from light-induced damage and further improving the weather resistance of the resin particles, the aforementioned coating layer (and the material of the aforementioned coating layer) preferably contains a colorant.

[0183] Examples of colorants used in the aforementioned coating layer include the aforementioned colorants.

[0184] The colorant in the aforementioned coating layer preferably comprises carbon black, titanium black, manganese oxide, pigments, or dyes, and more preferably comprises carbon black, titanium black, manganese oxide, organic black pigments, or organic black dyes. The colorant in the aforementioned coating layer more preferably comprises pigments, further preferably comprises organic black pigments, and particularly preferably comprises azo pigments or perylene pigments. In these cases, light leakage can be effectively suppressed, color change can be effectively suppressed, and the conductivity reliability of the resulting dimming laminate can be further improved.

[0185] The particle size of the colorant in the aforementioned coating layer is preferably 10 nm or more, more preferably 50 nm or more, further preferably 100 nm or more, preferably 700 nm or less, more preferably 600 nm or less, and further preferably 500 nm or less. When the particle size of the colorant in the aforementioned coating layer is at or above the aforementioned lower limit, leakage of the colorant from the resin particles can be suppressed, and contamination of the dimming layer of the obtained dimming laminate can be prevented. When the particle size of the colorant in the aforementioned coating layer is at or below the aforementioned upper limit, the effects of the present invention can be further effectively achieved.

[0186] The particle size of the colorant in the aforementioned coating layer is preferably the average particle size, and more preferably the number-average particle size. The particle size of the colorant in the aforementioned coating layer can be determined by the same method as that used for the colorant in the aforementioned substrate particles.

[0187] The thickness of the aforementioned coating layer is preferably 5 nm or more, more preferably 10 nm or more, even more preferably 30 nm or more, even more preferably 100 nm or more, even more preferably 160 nm or more, particularly preferably 200 nm or more, most preferably 220 nm or more, preferably 1000 nm or less, more preferably 800 nm or less, and even more preferably 500 nm or less. When the thickness of the aforementioned coating layer is above the aforementioned lower limit and below the aforementioned upper limit, unintentional aggregation of resin particles can be prevented, and the weather resistance of the resin particles can be further improved.

[0188] From the viewpoint of further effectively realizing the effects of the present invention, the area covered by the coating layer (based on the coating layer coverage rate) of 100% of the total surface area of ​​the substrate particles is preferably 70% or more, more preferably 80% or more, further preferably 90% or more, and most preferably 100%. From the viewpoint of further effectively realizing the effects of the present invention, the coating layer preferably covers the entire surface of the substrate particles. The coating layer coverage rate can be determined by the following method.

[0189] The resin particles are observed from one direction using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the area of ​​the coating layer within the circle of the outer periphery of the substrate particle surface in the observed image is calculated as the total area of ​​the coating layer within the circle of the outer periphery of the substrate particle surface. Preferably, 20 resin particles are observed, and the average coating rate obtained by averaging the measurement results of each resin particle is used to calculate the above-mentioned coating rate based on the coating layer.

[0190] In the material of the aforementioned coating layer, relative to 100 parts by weight of components other than the aforementioned colorant, the content of the aforementioned colorant is preferably 0.5 parts by weight or more, more preferably 1.0 parts by weight or more, even more preferably 3.0 parts by weight or more, preferably 20 parts by weight or less, more preferably 15 parts by weight or less, and even more preferably 10 parts by weight or less. When the content of the aforementioned colorant is at or above the aforementioned lower limit, the light-blocking property of the coating layer can be further improved. When the content of the aforementioned colorant is at or below the aforementioned upper limit, the specific gravity of the resin particles can be adjusted to a preferred range, and the dispersibility of the resin particles in the light-slimming layer of the obtained light-slimming laminate can be improved. When the aforementioned coating layer contains two or more colorants, the aforementioned colorant content represents the total content of the two or more colorants.

[0191] (Dimming Layer)

[0192] The dimming laminate of the present invention includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a dimming layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. In the dimming laminate of the present invention, the dimming layer comprises the aforementioned resin particles.

[0193] In the dimming laminate of the present invention, due to the above-described configuration, the gap between the substrates can be controlled with high precision, and the conductivity reliability of the resulting dimming laminate can be improved.

[0194] The aforementioned dimming laminate can be a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) dimming laminate, an SPD (Suspended Particle Device) dimming laminate, or a GHLC (Guest-Host Liquid Crystal) dimming laminate. Preferably, the dimming laminate is a PDLC or GHLC dimming laminate. The dimming laminate may not be a liquid crystal display device, or it may be a dimming laminate different from a liquid crystal display device. The dimming laminate may not be a liquid crystal display element, or it may be a dimming laminate different from a liquid crystal display element.

[0195] Figure 4This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a PDLC-type dimming laminate containing resin particles according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dimming laminate in an SPD manner containing resin particles according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a GHLC-type dimming laminate containing resin particles according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that... Figures 4-6 In this illustration, the size, thickness, shape, and amount of the dimming layer and resin particles have been appropriately altered relative to their actual size and shape for ease of illustration.

[0196] Figure 4 The PDLC-type dimming laminate 11 shown includes a first substrate 7, a second substrate 8, and a dimming layer 4. The dimming layer 4 is sandwiched between the first substrate 7 and the second substrate 8. The dimming layer 4 is disposed between the first substrate 7 and the second substrate 8. A sealant may also be disposed around the dimming layer 4 between the first substrate 7 and the second substrate 8.

[0197] The dimming layer 4 comprises resin particles 1, liquid crystal capsules 4A, and binder 4B. The liquid crystal capsules 4A are liquid crystal materials. The liquid crystal capsules 4A are dispersed in the binder 4B. The liquid crystal capsules 4A are held in a capsule shape within the binder 4B. The liquid crystal material can be dispersed in the binder in a capsule shape, or it can be dispersed in the binder as a continuous phase.

[0198] Resin particles 1 are in contact with the first substrate 7 and the second substrate 8. Resin particles 1 control the gap between the first substrate 7 and the second substrate 8.

[0199] Electrodes (not shown) are formed on the surface of the first substrate 7 and the surface of the second substrate 8. Examples of materials for these electrodes include indium tin oxide (ITO). The electrodes are preferably transparent electrodes.

[0200] When no electric field is applied to the PDLC dimming laminate 11, the incident light will be scattered in the adhesive 4B due to the non-uniform orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal capsule 4A, and thus become opaque.

[0201] When an electric field is applied to the PDLC dimming laminate 11, the liquid crystal molecules within the liquid crystal capsule 4A align in a direction parallel to the electric field. In this state, the refractive index of the binder 4B and the liquid crystal material becomes equal, thus allowing light to pass through and making it transparent.

[0202] Figure 5The SPD-type dimming laminate 21 shown includes a first substrate 7, a second substrate 8, and a dimming layer 5. The dimming layer 5 is sandwiched between the first substrate 7 and the second substrate 8. The dimming layer 5 is disposed between the first substrate 7 and the second substrate 8.

[0203] The dimming layer 5 comprises resin particles 1, droplets 5A of a light-modifying suspension, and a resin matrix 5B. The droplets 5A of the light-modifying suspension are dispersed in the resin matrix 5B. The droplets 5A of the light-modifying suspension are maintained in a droplet state within the resin matrix 5B.

[0204] The droplets 5A of the light-modified suspension contain a dispersion medium 5Aa and light-modified particles 5Ab. The light-modified particles 5Ab are dispersed in the dispersion medium 5Aa.

[0205] Resin particles 1 are in contact with the first substrate 7 and the second substrate 8. Resin particles 1 control the gap between the first substrate 7 and the second substrate 8.

[0206] Electrodes (not shown) are formed on the surface of the first substrate 7 and the surface of the second substrate 8. Examples of materials for these electrodes include indium tin oxide (ITO). The electrodes are preferably transparent electrodes.

[0207] When no electric field is applied to the dimming stack 21 in the SPD mode, the incident light is absorbed, scattered or reflected by the light-adjusting particles 5Ab dispersed in the dispersion medium 5Aa of the droplets 5A constituting the light-adjusting suspension due to the Brownian motion of the light-adjusting particles 5Ab, and the incident light cannot pass through the dimming layer 5.

[0208] When an electric field is applied to the SPD-type dimming stack 21, the light-adjusting particles 5Ab align in a direction parallel to the electric field. Therefore, incident light can pass between the aligned light-adjusting particles 5Ab and can pass through the dimming layer 5.

[0209] Figure 6 The GHLC-type dimming laminate 31 shown includes a first substrate 7, a second substrate 8, and a dimming layer 6. The dimming layer 6 is sandwiched between the first substrate 7 and the second substrate 8. The dimming layer 6 is disposed between the first substrate 7 and the second substrate 8. A sealant may also be disposed around the dimming layer 6 between the first substrate 7 and the second substrate 8. Figure 6 The GHLC dimming stack 31 shown is a GHLC dimming stack without an applied electric field.

[0210] The dimming layer 6 comprises resin particles 1, liquid crystal 6A, and dichroic pigment 6B. Liquid crystal 6A is a liquid crystal material. It should be noted that, for ease of visualization of the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in liquid crystal 6A, oriented liquid crystal 6Aa is also shown. The oriented liquid crystal 6Aa is dispersed in the dimming layer 6. Liquid crystal 6A and the liquid crystal material can be dispersed in the dimming layer 6 in a capsule-like manner or as a continuous phase. The light absorption of the dichroic pigment 6B varies along the axial direction. The dichroic pigment 6B is dispersed in the dimming layer 6. The dichroic pigment 6B is oriented along the orientation direction of liquid crystal 6A (oriented liquid crystal 6Aa).

[0211] Resin particles 1 are in contact with the first substrate 7 and the second substrate 8. Resin particles 1 control the gap between the first substrate 7 and the second substrate 8.

[0212] Electrodes (not shown) are formed on the surface of the first substrate 7 and the surface of the second substrate 8. Examples of materials for these electrodes include indium tin oxide (ITO). The electrodes are preferably transparent electrodes.

[0213] When no electric field is applied to the GHLC dimming stack 31, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal 6A (the oriented liquid crystal 6Aa) are oriented in a direction perpendicular to the incident light. As a result, the incident light is absorbed or scattered by the dichroic pigment 6B, which is also oriented in a vertical direction, thus making it opaque.

[0214] When an electric field is applied to the GHLC-type dimming laminate 31, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal 6A (the oriented liquid crystal 6Aa) align in a direction parallel to the electric field. Simultaneously, the dichroic pigment 6B also aligns in a direction parallel to the electric field, thus becoming transparent.

[0215] <Dimming Layer>

[0216] The aforementioned dimming layer preferably has dimming properties. Dimming properties are the property that the transmittance of visible light changes depending on the presence or absence of an applied electric field, thereby allowing adjustment of the amount of incident light. The aforementioned dimming layer contains the aforementioned resin particles.

[0217] (PDLC method)

[0218] The dimming layer preferably further comprises an adhesive and a liquid crystal material dispersed in the adhesive.

[0219] The liquid crystal material described above is not particularly limited. The liquid crystal material exhibits the property of changing orientation when an electric field is applied. The liquid crystal material can be dispersed in the adhesive as a continuous phase, or it can be dispersed in the adhesive in the form of liquid crystal droplets or liquid crystal capsules. Examples of liquid crystal materials include nematic liquid crystals and cholesteric liquid crystals.

[0220] Examples of materials that can be used for the aforementioned nematic liquid crystals include cyanobiphenyl derivatives, phenyl esters, azobenzene derivatives, fluorinated biphenyl derivatives, carbonates, and Schiff bases. Only one type of material can be used for the nematic liquid crystal, or two or more types can be used in combination.

[0221] Examples of materials that can be used for the aforementioned cholesteric liquid crystals include steroidal cholesterol derivatives, Schiff bases, azo compounds, azo oxides, benzoic acid esters, biphenyl compounds, terphenyl compounds, cyclohexyl carboxylic acid esters, phenylcyclohexane compounds, biphenylcyclohexane compounds, pyrimidine compounds, and diphenyl compounds. Nematic liquid crystals and smectic liquid crystals, including alkanes, cyclohexylcyclohexane esters, cyclohexylethanes, cyclohexanes, tolanes, alkenyls, stilbenesnes, and fused polycyclic liquid crystals, as well as materials obtained by adding chiral components composed of Schiff bases, azo compounds, esters, biphenyls, etc., to mixed liquid crystals from these sources. The cholesteric liquid crystal materials described above can use only one type or a combination of two or more types.

[0222] The aforementioned adhesive retains the liquid crystal material and inhibits its flow. The adhesive is not particularly limited as long as it does not dissolve in the liquid crystal material, has strength capable of withstanding external forces, and has high transmittance relative to reflected and incident light. Examples of materials that can be used as the adhesive include water-soluble polymers such as gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose derivatives, polyacrylic acid polymers, ethyleneimine, polyoxyethylene, polyacrylamide, polystyrene sulfonate, polyamidine, and isoprene sulfonate polymers, as well as materials capable of water-emulsion formation such as fluoropolymers, silicone resins, acrylic resins, urethane resins, and epoxy resins. Only one type of material can be used in the adhesive, or two or more types can be used in combination.

[0223] The aforementioned adhesive is preferably cross-linked via a cross-linking agent. The cross-linking agent is not particularly limited to any substance that forms cross-links between the adhesives, causing them to harden, become insoluble, or become unsoluble. Examples of such cross-linking agents include acetaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, glyoxal, potassium alum hydrate (a polyvalent metal salt compound), adipic acid dihydrazide, melamine-formaldehyde oligomer, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, polyamide epichlorohydrin, and polycarbodiimide. Only one type of cross-linking agent may be used, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0224] (SPD method)

[0225] The dimming layer preferably further comprises a resin matrix and a light-modifying suspension dispersed in the resin matrix.

[0226] The aforementioned light-modifying suspension contains a dispersion medium and light-modifying particles dispersed in the dispersion medium.

[0227] Examples of light-modifying particles include carbon materials such as polyiodides and carbon black, metallic materials such as copper, nickel, iron, cobalt, chromium, titanium, and aluminum, and inorganic compound materials such as silicon nitride, titanium nitride, and alumina. Alternatively, these materials can be particles coated with polymers. Only one type of light-modifying particle can be used, or two or more types can be used in combination.

[0228] The aforementioned dispersion medium disperses the light-adjusting particles in a flowable state. The dispersion medium is preferably a material that selectively adheres to and coats the light-adjusting particles, and functions to cause the light-adjusting particles to move into the phase-separated droplet phase upon separation from the resin matrix, exhibiting no electrical conductivity and no affinity for the resin matrix. Furthermore, the dispersion medium is preferably a liquid copolymer with a refractive index similar to that of the resin matrix when forming the light-adjusting laminate. As the liquid copolymer, a (meth)acrylate oligomer having fluorine or hydroxyl groups is preferred, and a (meth)acrylate oligomer having both fluorine and hydroxyl groups is more preferred. When using such a liquid copolymer, the fluorine or hydroxyl monomer units face the light-adjusting particles, while the remaining monomer units stabilize the droplets of the light-adjusting suspension within the resin matrix. Therefore, the light-adjusting particles are easily dispersed within the light-adjusting suspension, and upon separation from the resin matrix, they are easily induced into the phase-separated droplets.

[0229] Examples of (meth)acrylate oligomers containing fluorine or hydroxyl groups include: 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate / butyl acrylate / 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymer, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl acrylate / 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate / fumaric acid copolymer, butyl acrylate / 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymer, 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl acrylate / butyl acrylate / 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymer, 1H,1H,5H-octafluoropentyl acrylate / butyl acrylate / 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymer, 1H,1H,5H-octafluoropentyl acrylate / butyl acrylate / 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymer, 1H,1H,5H-octafluoropentyl acrylate, H,1H,2H,2H-heptafluorodecyl acrylate / butyl acrylate / 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymer, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate / butyl acrylate / 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymer, 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl methacrylate / butyl acrylate / 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymer, 1H,1H,5H-octafluoropentyl methacrylate / butyl acrylate / 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymer, and 1H,1H,2H,2H-heptafluorodecyl methacrylate / butyl acrylate / 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymer, etc. Furthermore, these (meth)acrylate oligomers are more preferably found to have both fluorine and hydroxyl groups.

[0230] The weight-average molecular weight of the above-mentioned (meth)acrylate oligomers is preferably 1,000 or more, more preferably 2,000 or more, more preferably 20,000 or less, and more preferably 10,000 or less.

[0231] The dimming layer described above can be made using the resin material used to form the resin matrix and the light-adjusting suspension described above.

[0232] The aforementioned resin material is preferably a resin material that cures upon irradiation with energy rays. Examples of resin materials that cure upon irradiation with energy rays include polymer compositions comprising a photopolymerization initiator and a polymer compound that cures upon irradiation with energy rays such as ultraviolet light, visible light, or electron beams. Examples of such polymer compositions include polymer compositions comprising a polymerizable monomer having olefinic unsaturated groups and a photopolymerization initiator. Examples of such polymerizable monomers having olefinic unsaturated groups include non-crosslinked monomers and crosslinked monomers.

[0233] Examples of non-crosslinkable monomers include the aforementioned non-crosslinkable monomers. Examples of crosslinkable monomers include the aforementioned crosslinkable monomers.

[0234] Examples of photopolymerization initiators include 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenylethane-1-one, 1-(4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-propane-1-one, bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenylphosphine oxide, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropane-1-one, and (1-hydroxycyclohexyl)phenyl ketone.

[0235] The aforementioned resin materials may include organic solvent-soluble resins, thermoplastic resins, and poly(meth)acrylic acid, etc. Furthermore, the aforementioned resin materials may include various additives such as colorant inhibitors, antioxidants, and adhesion promoters, and may also include solvents.

[0236] (GHLC method)

[0237] The dimming layer preferably further comprises liquid crystal material and dichroic pigment.

[0238] Examples of liquid crystal materials include PDLC-type liquid crystal materials.

[0239] Examples of dichroic pigments include azo dyes, azo pigments, anthraquinone dyes, anthraquinone pigments, and dichroic dyes. Alkane dyes, and dialkyl dyes Alkane pigments, etc. From the viewpoint of achieving good weather resistance and affinity with liquid crystal materials, the above-mentioned dichroic pigments preferably include anthraquinone dyes, anthraquinone pigments, azo dyes, or azo pigments.

[0240] <First substrate and second substrate>

[0241] The first substrate is preferably a transparent substrate. The second substrate is preferably a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is, for example, a light-transmitting substrate. For example, light is transmitted from one side of the transparent substrate to the other side. For example, when a substance located on the other side is observed with the naked eye from one side of the transparent substrate, the substance can be visually identified. Transparency also includes, for example, translucency. The transparent substrate can be colorless transparent or colored transparent.

[0242] The materials of the first and second substrates are not particularly limited. The materials of the first and second substrates may be the same or different. Examples of materials for the first and second substrates include glass and resin films. Examples of glass include soda-lime glass, lead glass, borosilicate glass, and various compositions of glass used in general construction, as well as functional glass such as heat-reflective glass, heat-absorbing glass, and tempered glass. Examples of resin films include polyester films such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyolefin films such as polypropylene, and resin films such as acrylic resin films. Due to their excellent transparency, formability, adhesion, and processability, the first and second substrates are preferably resin substrates, more preferably resin films, and even more preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films.

[0243] The first and second substrates described above preferably have a substrate body and a conductive film formed on the surface of the substrate body in a manner that allows an electric field for dimming to be applied. Examples of the conductive film include indium tin oxide (ITO), SnO2, and In2O3. The conductive film is preferably a transparent conductive film.

[0244] From the viewpoint of further improving the visual recognizability of the dimming laminate, the visible light transmittance of the first substrate and the second substrate is preferably 75% or more, and more preferably 80% or more.

[0245] The visible light transmittance of the first and second substrates can be measured by spectral analysis and in accordance with ISO 13837:2008.

[0246] The present invention will now be specifically described with reference to embodiments and comparative examples. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0247] The following materials have been prepared.

[0248] (polymeric components)

[0249] Polypropylene glycol diacrylate (APG-400, manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)

[0250] Divinylbenzene (a compound with an aromatic skeleton, manufactured by Nippon Steel Chemical Co., Ltd. as "DVB960")

[0251] Isoborneol acrylate (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., "IBXA")

[0252] Cyclohexyl methacrylate (manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., "CHMA")

[0253] Methyl methacrylate (Mitsubishi Rayon Corporation "MMA")

[0254] Styrene (a compound with an aromatic skeleton, manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)

[0255] Polytetramethylene glycol diacrylate (a multifunctional (meth)acrylate compound, manufactured by Kyoei Chemical Co., Ltd. as "PTMGA250")

[0256] (Materials of the coating layer)

[0257] Silicon dioxide (containing silicon atoms, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. as "QSG")

[0258] (Coloring agent)

[0259] Carbon black (inorganic particles), manufactured by Mitsubishi Materials Corporation

[0260] Titanium black (inorganic particles), manufactured by Mitsubishi Materials Corporation

[0261] Manganese oxide (inorganic particles), manufactured by Fuji Pigment Co., Ltd.

[0262] Azo pigments (organic black pigments), manufactured by Daihatsu Sei Chemical Co., Ltd.

[0263] Perylene pigments (organic black pigments), manufactured by BASF.

[0264] Fluorescein-type polymeric dyes (organic black dyes), manufactured by Fujifilm and Koden Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

[0265] The particle sizes of carbon black, titanium black, manganese oxide, azo pigments, and perylene pigments were adjusted to the given particle sizes in Tables 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. It should be noted that the particle sizes of fluorescein-type polymerizable dyes were not adjusted because they are used dissolved in polymerizable components.

[0266] (1) Preparation of resin particles

[0267] (Example 1)

[0268] Five parts by weight of an azo pigment were added to 89 parts by weight of polypropylene glycol diacrylate, 5 parts by weight of divinylbenzene, 2 parts by weight of isobornyl acrylate, 2 parts by weight of cyclohexyl methacrylate, 1 part by weight of methyl methacrylate, and 1 part by weight of styrene. Then, ultra-high pressure wet micronization was performed using a SUGINO MACHINE "Star Burst 10" apparatus to obtain a monomer mixture. It should be noted that the obtained monomer mixture was diluted with acetone, and laser diffraction particle size distribution analysis showed that the colorant (pigment) particle size was 200 nm. 2000 parts by weight of a 2.5% aqueous solution (containing approximately 2000 molecular weight polyvinyl alcohol dissolved in pure water) was added to a reactor. The obtained monomer mixture was added to the reactor and stirred, thereby adjusting the particle size to achieve a given monomer droplet size. Then, the monomer droplets were polymerized at 90°C for 9 hours to obtain particles. The obtained particles were washed several times with hot water and acetone, and then the resin particles were recovered by fractionation.

[0269] (Examples 2-6, 19-29, and Comparative Example 1)

[0270] Except for changes to the material and content (parts by weight) of the resin particles as shown in Tables 1, 7, and 9, the resin particles were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0271] (Example 7)

[0272] Except for changes to the types and amounts (parts by weight) of polymerizable components and colorants as shown in Table 3, the process was the same as in Example 1, and the resulting particles were used as substrate particles. 10,000 parts by weight of the obtained substrate particles were dispersed in water, and 97 parts by weight of divinylbenzene and 3 parts by weight of styrene were added. The mixture was heated and stirred at 80°C for 9 hours to produce resin particles having substrate particles and a coating layer on the surface of the substrate particles, and resin particles with an uneven surface.

[0273] (Examples 8-18 and 30-35, and Comparative Example 2)

[0274] Except for the changes made to the materials and contents (parts by weight) of the substrate particles and the coating layer as shown in Tables 3, 5, and 11, resin particles having substrate particles and a coating layer on the surface of the substrate particles were produced in the same manner as in Example 7.

[0275] The following dimming laminates were fabricated using the resin particles from Examples 1-35 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0276] (2) Fabrication of dimming layer

[0277] GHLC dimming stack:

[0278] In addition to dispersing the obtained resin particles or the resin particles of Comparative Example 1 at 5% by weight between two transparent PET films coated with conductive ITO, a dimming film with a known GHLC layer was prepared. A GHLC-type dimming laminate was thus prepared by sandwiching the dimming film between two transparent glass sheets.

[0279] PDLC dimming laminate:

[0280] In addition to dispersing the obtained resin particles or the resin particles of Comparative Example 1 at 5% by weight between two transparent PET films coated with conductive ITO, a dimming film with a known PDLC layer was prepared. A PDLC-type dimming laminate was thus prepared by sandwiching the dimming film between two transparent glass sheets.

[0281] (evaluate)

[0282] (1) Particle size of resin particles

[0283] The obtained resin particles were measured using a particle size distribution measuring device (Beckman Coulter "Multisizer4"), and the average particle size of approximately 100,000 particles was determined.

[0284] (2) Weather resistance test

[0285] According to JIS B7753:2004, a solar carbon arc lamp is used at 85℃, 50%RH, wavelength 300nm~700nm, and illuminance 255W / m². 2 And 500 hours (cumulative light intensity: 459 MJ / m²) 2 Weather resistance tests were conducted on resin particles under the conditions of irradiation with light. The aforementioned solar carbon arc lamp used was the "Sunlight Carbon Arc (Open Flame Carbon Arc) Lamp Type Light Resistance and Weather Resistance Tester: WEL-300L" manufactured by SUGA TEST INSTRUMENTS Co., Ltd. For resin particles before and after the aforementioned weather resistance test, the compression recovery rate at 20% compression deformation was measured using the method described above. Furthermore, the ratio (compression recovery rate of resin particles at 20% compression deformation after the weather resistance test / compression recovery rate of resin particles at 20% compression deformation before the weather resistance test) was calculated and recorded in the ratio (compression recovery rate after weather resistance test / compression recovery rate before weather resistance test) column of the table.

[0286] (3) 20% compression modulus

[0287] The 20% compression modulus of the obtained resin particles was determined using the Fischerscope H-100 (Fischer GmbH) and the method described above.

[0288] (4) Insulation breaking strength

[0289] The insulation breaking strength of the obtained resin particles was determined using the method described above.

[0290] (5) Sphericity when clamped between two substrates under a pressure of 0.1 MPa

[0291] The sphericity of the obtained resin particles when they were clamped between two substrates under a pressure of 0.1 MPa was determined using the method described above.

[0292] (6) Angle of repose

[0293] The static angle of repose of the obtained resin particles was determined using the method described above.

[0294] (7) Aggregation inhibition of resin particles

[0295] The aggregation inhibition of resin particles was determined based on the measured static angle of repose and according to the following criteria.

[0296] [Criteria for determining the aggregation inhibition of resin particles]

[0297] A: Static angle of repose is less than 30°

[0298] B: The static angle of repose is greater than 30° and less than 40°

[0299] C: The static angle of repose is greater than 40° and less than 50°

[0300] D1: Static angle of repose is greater than 50° and less than 60°

[0301] D2: The static angle of repose is greater than 60° and less than 65°

[0302] E: Static angle of repose is 65° or higher

[0303] (8) Conductivity reliability of the dimming laminate

[0304] For the obtained PDLC dimming laminate, an electric field was applied using a "PMX-A" sensor manufactured by Kikusui Electronics Co., Ltd., and the voltage at which conduction occurred was measured. The conduction reliability of the dimming laminate was determined according to the following criteria.

[0305] [Criteria for determining the conduction reliability of dimming laminates]

[0306] A: No conduction occurred even at voltages above 300V.

[0307] B: Conduction occurs at voltages above 250V and below 300V.

[0308] C: Conduction occurs at voltages above 200V and below 250V.

[0309] D1: Conducts when the voltage is above 150V and below 200V.

[0310] D2: Conducts when the voltage is above 100V and below 150V.

[0311] E: Conduction occurs at voltages below 100V.

[0312] (9) Gap control

[0313] For the obtained dimming laminate, the maximum and minimum distances between the substrates (transparent glass) were measured, and the gap controllability (initial) was determined according to the following criteria. Additionally, a solar carbon arc lamp was used at 85°C, 50% RH, wavelength 300nm~700nm, and illuminance 255W / m². 2 And 500 hours (cumulative light intensity: 459 MJ / m) 2 The resulting dimming laminate was irradiated with light under the following conditions. The aforementioned solar carbon arc lamp was a "Sunlight Carbon Arc (Open Flame Carbon Arc) Lamp Type Light Resistance and Weather Resistance Tester: WEL-300L" manufactured by SUGA TEST INSTRUMENTS Co., Ltd. The gap control of the dimming laminate after irradiation was also determined according to the following criteria (after 500 hours).

[0314] [Criteria for Judging Gap Control]

[0315] A: The maximum distance between substrates is less than 1.05 times the minimum distance.

[0316] B: The maximum distance between substrates is more than 1.05 times but less than 1.10 times the minimum distance.

[0317] C: The maximum distance between substrates is more than 1.10 times but less than 1.15 times the minimum distance.

[0318] D: The maximum distance between substrates is more than 1.15 times but less than 1.20 times the minimum distance.

[0319] E: The maximum distance between substrates is more than 1.20 times the minimum distance.

[0320] The composition and results of the resin particles are shown in Tables 1-12 below.

[0321] It should be noted that in Examples 7 to 12, since the coating layer contains inorganic particles or pigments as colorants, the light leakage suppression of the resin particles is further improved compared with Examples 13 and 33 to 35, and the display quality of the resulting dimming laminate is further improved.

[0322]

[0323]

[0324]

[0325]

[0326]

[0327]

Claims

1. A resin particle, wherein, Using a solar carbon arc lamp at 85℃, 50%RH, and an illuminance of 255W / m² 2 When a weathering test was conducted under conditions of 500 hours, the ratio of the compression recovery rate of the resin particles under 20% compression deformation after the weathering test to the compression recovery rate of the resin particles under 20% compression deformation before the weathering test was greater than 0.

50.

2. The resin particles according to claim 1, wherein, The insulation breaking strength of the resin particles is above 10kV / mm.

3. The resin particles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The compression recovery rate of the resin particles under 20% compression deformation before the weathering test is above 30%.

4. The resin particles according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The sphericity of the resin particles when clamped between two substrates under a pressure of 0.1 MPa is ≥0.55 and ≤0.

98.

5. The resin particles according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the resin particles contain a colorant.

6. The resin particles according to claim 5, wherein, The particle size of the colorant is below 500 nm.

7. The resin particles according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The colorant comprises carbon black, titanium black, manganese oxide, organic black pigments, or organic black dyes.

8. The resin particles according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The static angle of repose of the resin particles is greater than 2° and less than 60°.

9. The resin particles according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The resin particles have a particle size of 1 μm or more and 150 μm or less.

10. The resin particles according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The 20% compressive modulus of the resin particles is 1 N / mm². 2 Above and 5000 N / mm 2 the following.

11. The resin particles according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: Substrate particles, and A coating layer disposed on the surface of the substrate particles.

12. The resin particles according to claim 11, wherein, The thickness of the coating layer is greater than 30 nm and less than 500 nm.

13. The resin particles according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The coating material comprises a compound having an aromatic skeleton, a compound having a hydrocarbon group having 3 or more carbon atoms in the main chain, or silicon atoms.

14. The resin particles according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The surface of the resin particles has irregularities.

15. The resin particles according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which are used as spacers.

16. The resin particles according to claim 15, which are used as spacers in a dimming laminate.

17. A dimming laminate, comprising: First substrate, Second substrate, and A dimming layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The dimming layer comprises resin particles according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. The dimming laminate according to claim 17, wherein it is a dimming laminate different from that of a liquid crystal display device.

19. The dimming laminate according to claim 17, wherein it is a dimming laminate of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal, a dimming laminate of suspended particle device, or a dimming laminate of host-guest liquid crystal.

20. The use of the resin particles according to any one of claims 1 to 16 in the dimming layer of a dimming laminate, wherein the dimming laminate comprises: First substrate, Second substrate, and The dimming layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

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