Coiled body

Abstract

The present invention provides a winding body for an optical laminate that can suppress the adhesion of the optical laminate at the end of the winding shaft. [Solution] The winding body is a winding body formed by winding an optical laminate. The optical laminate has a base layer, a cured layer of a curable composition formed on the base layer, and a light-absorbing anisotropic layer formed on the side of the base layer opposite to the cured layer. The light-absorbing anisotropic layer contains a polymer of a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a dichroic dye, and has a light absorption axis perpendicular to the plane of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. In a cross section perpendicular to the winding direction of the optical laminate, when the width of the base layer is A, the width of the cured layer is B, and the width of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is C, the following relationships (1) to (3) are satisfied. 0.90 ≤ B / C ≤ 1.10 (1) 0.90 ≤ B / A < 1.00 (2) 0.88 ≤ C / A < 1.00 (3)

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wound body, and more particularly to a wound body for optical laminates. [Background technology]

[0002] To prevent unauthorized viewing of a display device, it is known to use a light-absorbing anisotropic film in which dichroic dyes and liquid crystalline compounds are vertically oriented (for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, in organic electroluminescent (EL) display devices, it is known to use a laminated film having a vertically oriented liquid crystal cured film containing a dichroic dye and a horizontally oriented phase difference film to reduce the hue difference between the front hue when viewed from the front and the oblique hue when viewed from an oblique angle when displaying white (for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-27387 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-76920 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] A light-absorbing anisotropic layer in which dichroic dyes and liquid crystalline compounds are vertically oriented may be formed on a long substrate layer and stored as an optical laminate. Long optical laminates are usually stored in the form of a roll. When stored in a roll for a long period of time, adhesion to the optical laminate may occur at the ends of the winding axis of the roll. This adhesion is presumed to be due to pressure being easily applied to the ends when the optical laminate is wound while it is curled (with large edges) during transport, or because the curled portion at the end of the optical laminate is forcibly straightened. Such adhered areas tend to appear as wrinkles in the optical laminate when it is unwound from the roll.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a winding body for an optical laminate that can suppress the adhesion of the optical laminate at the end of the winding shaft. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides the following wound body. [1] A wound body formed by winding an optical laminate, The optical laminate comprises a substrate layer, a cured layer of a curable composition formed on the substrate layer, and a light-absorbing anisotropic layer formed on the side of the substrate layer opposite to the cured layer. The light-absorbing anisotropic layer comprises a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a dichroic dye, and has a light-absorbing axis perpendicular to the plane of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. A wound body that satisfies the following relationships (1) to (3) in a cross section perpendicular to the winding direction of the optical laminate, where A is the width of the substrate layer, B is the width of the cured layer, and C is the width of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. 0.90 ≤ B / C ≤ 1.10 (1) 0.90 ≤ B / A < 1.00 (2) 0.88 ≤ C / A < 1.00 (3) [2] The polymerizable liquid crystal compound is a liquid crystal compound that forms a smectic phase, as described in [1]. [3] The wound body according to [1] or [2], wherein the thickness of the base material layer is 20 μm or more and 80 μm or less. [4] The winding body according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the thickness of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is 0.5 μm or more and 2.5 μm or less. [5] The wound body according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the thickness of the cured layer is 0.5 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less. [6] The winding body according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the amount of lift at the end of the optical laminate unwound from the winding body that is perpendicular to the winding direction is less than 20 mm. [7] The light-absorbing anisotropic layer is a wound body according to any of [1] to [6] that satisfies the relationship of formula (4) below. Ax ≤ 0.05 (4) [In formula (4), Ax is the absorbance of the optical absorption anisotropy layer at the wavelength of maximum absorption in the range of 380 nm to 780 nm, and represents the absorbance of linearly polarized light oscillating in the x-axis direction. Here, the x-axis is any one direction within the plane of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. [8] The winding body according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the optical laminate further has a protective layer on the side of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer opposite to the substrate layer. [9] The curable composition contains polymerizable components, The polymerizable component is a wound body according to any one of [1] to [8], comprising a (meth)acrylic compound.

[10] The wound body according to [9], wherein the polymerizable component further comprises a urethane (meth)acrylate compound. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a winding body that can suppress the adhesion of the optical laminate at the end of the winding shaft. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical laminate having a wound body according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical laminate having a wound body according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A preferred embodiment of the winding body will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (Revolving body) The winding body of this embodiment is a winding body in which an optical laminate is wound. The winding body may be in which an optical laminate is wound in a roll shape around a winding core, or it may be in which an optical laminate is wound in a roll shape without using a winding core. The optical laminate may be wound so that the light-absorbing anisotropic layer side is on the outer circumference, or so that the cured material layer side is on the outer circumference.

[0011] The roll diameter (diameter) of the winding body can be, for example, 50 mm or more and 1000 mm or less. The optical laminate that is wound into a roll to form a winding body is a long optical laminate. The optical laminate may have a length of 5 m or more and 10000 m or less in the length direction which is the winding direction of the winding body, or it may be 5 m or more and 5000 m or less, or it may be 100 m or more and 5000 m or less, or it may be 500 m or more and 3000 m or less. The optical laminate may have a length of 300 mm or more and 5000 mm or less in the width direction which is the winding axis direction of the winding body, or it may be 500 mm or more and 3000 mm or less, or it may be 500 mm or more and 2500 mm or less, or it may be 500 mm or more and 2000 mm or less.

[0012] (optical laminate) Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical laminate having a wound body according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical laminate having a wound body according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the optical laminates 1 and 2 include a base layer 11, a cured product layer 12 of a curable composition formed on the base layer 11, and a light-absorbing anisotropic layer 15 formed on the side of the base layer 11 opposite to the cured product layer 12. The light-absorbing anisotropic layer 15 contains a polymer of a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a dichroic dye, and has a light-absorbing axis perpendicular to the plane of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer 15.

[0013] In optical laminates 1 and 2, it is preferable that the base layer 11 and the cured layer 12 are in direct contact. In optical laminates 1 and 2, the base layer 11 and the light-absorbing anisotropy layer 15 may be in direct contact, or there may be a vertical alignment layer between the base layer 11 and the light-absorbing anisotropy layer 15. When optical laminates 1 and 2 have a vertical alignment layer, it is preferable that the base layer 11 and the vertical alignment layer are in direct contact, and it is preferable that the light-absorbing anisotropy layer 15 and the vertical alignment layer are in direct contact. Optical laminate 2 may have a protective layer 16 on the side of the light-absorbing anisotropy layer 15 opposite to the base layer 11 (Figure 2). It is preferable that the light-absorbing anisotropy layer 15 and the protective layer 16 are in direct contact.

[0014] In a cross-section perpendicular to the winding direction, the optical laminates 1 and 2 satisfy the following relationships (1) to (3), where A is the width of the base layer 11, B is the width of the cured layer 12, and C is the width of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer 15. 0.90 ≤ B / C ≤ 1.10 (1) 0.90 ≤ B / A < 1.00 (2) 0.88 ≤ C / A < 1.00 (3)

[0015] By satisfying the relationship between equations (1) to (3) above, the optical laminates 1 and 2 can suppress adhesion to the optical laminate at the end of the winding axis of the winding body. It is presumed that adhesion to the optical laminate at the end of the winding axis of the winding body occurs when the optical laminate is wound with a large curl (edge), which makes it easier for pressure to be applied to the end, or when the curled portion is forcibly stretched during winding of the optical laminate. Such adhered portions tend to appear as wrinkles in the optical laminate when it is unwound from the winding body. As described above, the optical laminates 1 and 2 can suppress adhesion to the end of the winding axis of the winding body, and therefore can suppress the occurrence of wrinkles in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer of the optical laminate when it is unwound from the winding body. This suppresses the visibility of unevenness in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer.

[0016] B / C may be 0.92 or more and 1.08 or less, 0.95 or more and 1.05 or less, or 0.97 or more and 1.03 or less. B / A may be 0.92 or more and 0.98 or less, 0.92 or more and 0.97 or less, or 0.93 or more and 0.95 or less. C / A may be 0.90 or more and 0.98 or less, 0.92 or more and 0.97 or less, or 0.93 or more and 0.95 or less.

[0017] It is preferable that both the cured layer 12 and the light-absorbing anisotropic layer 15 are formed on the base layer 11 such that both ends of the base layer 11 are exposed in a direction perpendicular to the winding direction of the optical laminates 1 and 2 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "orthogonal direction") (Figures 1 and 2).

[0018] When the optical laminates 1 and 2 have a vertically oriented layer, in a cross-section perpendicular to the winding direction of the optical laminates 1 and 2, the width of the vertically oriented layer may be the same as the width of the light-absorbing anisotropy layer 15, or it may be wider or narrower than that width.

[0019] If the optical laminate 2 has a protective layer 16, in a cross-section perpendicular to the winding direction of the optical laminate 2, the width of the protective layer 16 may be the same as the width of the light-absorbing anisotropy layer 15, or it may be wider or narrower than that width.

[0020] The amount of lift at the orthogonal ends of the optical laminates 1 and 2 unwound from the winding is preferably less than 20 mm, may be 15 mm or less, may be 10 mm or less, and more preferably less than 5 mm. The amount of lift is determined as the average value of the heights from the reference surface at both orthogonal ends of the optical laminates 1 and 2, as will be explained in the embodiments described later, by placing the optical laminates 1 and 2 on a horizontal stand (reference surface) with the concave surfaces of the unwound optical laminates 1 and 2 facing upward. The concave surfaces of the optical laminates 1 and 2 unwound from the winding may be on the side of the cured material layer 12 or on the side of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer 15.

[0021] The amount of lift of the optical laminates 1 and 2 described above can be adjusted by the relationship in formulas (1) to (3) above, the thickness of the cured layer, the thickness of the light-absorbing anisotropy layer, the width and thickness (rigidity) of the substrate layer, the composition of the curable composition, the type of polymerizable liquid crystal compound and dichroic dye contained in the light-absorbing anisotropy layer, the amount of exposure and heat during polymerization of the light-absorbing anisotropy layer forming composition (described later) and the curable composition used to form the light-absorbing anisotropy layer, and the amount of heat when these compositions are applied and dried.

[0022] The combination of thicknesses of the cured layer 12 and the light-absorbing anisotropic layer 15 (thickness of cured layer 12 / thickness of light-absorbing anisotropic layer 15) is, for example, 0.5~5.0 μm / 0.2~5.0 μm, and may also be 1.0~4.0 μm / 0.5~4.0 μm. From the viewpoint of suppressing curling and warping of the optical laminates 1 and 2 and keeping the amount of lifting within the above range, the combination of thicknesses (thickness of cured layer 12 / thickness of light-absorbing anisotropic layer 15) is preferably 1.0~5.0 μm / 0.5~2.5 μm, but may also be 1.0~5.0 μm / 0.5~2.0 μm, or 1.5~3.0 μm / 0.7~1.5 μm.

[0023] From the viewpoint of further suppressing the curling of the optical laminates 1 and 2, the ratio of the thickness of the cured layer 12 to the light-absorbing anisotropic layer (thickness of the cured layer 12 / thickness of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer 15) is preferably 1.5 or more and 2.0 or less, more preferably 1.2 or more and less than 1.5, or 0.9 or more and less than 1.2.

[0024] The combination of thicknesses of the cured layer 12, the light-absorbing anisotropic layer 15, and the protective layer 16 (thickness of cured layer 12 / thickness of light-absorbing anisotropic layer 15 / thickness of protective layer 16) is, for example, 0.5~5.0 μm / 0.2~5.0 μm / 0.5~5.0 μm, and may also be 1.0~4.0 μm / 0.5~4.0 μm / 0.5~4.0 μm. From the viewpoint of suppressing curling and warping of the optical laminates 1 and 2 and keeping the amount of lifting within the above range, the combination of thicknesses is preferably 1.0~5.0 μm / 0.5~2.5 μm / 0.5~2.0 μm, but may also be 1.0~5.0 μm / 0.5~2.0 μm / 0.5~2.0 μm, or 1.5~3.0 μm / 0.7~1.5 μm / 0.7~1.5 μm.

[0025] The indentation moduli of the cured layer 12, the light-absorbing anisotropic layer 15, and the protective layer 16 can be, for example, within the range described later.

[0026] In this specification, the indentation modulus refers to the DMT modulus obtained by analyzing the force curve retraction process based on the theory (DMT theory) developed by Derjaguim-Muller-Toporov et al., or the JKR modulus obtained by analyzing it based on the JKR (Johnson-Kendall-Roberts) theory, after performing mechanical property evaluation of the cross-section of a sample piece using a scanning probe microscope (SPM). The indentation modulus is the value at a temperature of 24°C and a relative humidity of 41%. The DMT modulus is measured for each layer of the optical laminate, and the DMT modulus is used for layers with a DMT modulus of 1000 MPa or more, while the JKR modulus is used for layers with a DMT modulus of less than 1000 MPa.

[0027] The specimen used for measuring the indentation modulus is prepared by the following procedure. First, an optical laminate is prepared, and a portion of the prepared optical laminate is cut and embedded in resin so that the cross-section in the thickness direction is visible. Next, a glass knife and a SYM knife (SYM2045 Ultra Cryo / Wet (model: SYM2045C) manufactured by Syntec) are attached to a microtome (Leica EM UC7) equipped with a Leica EMFC7 cryopreservation system. After the resin-embedded optical laminate, glass knife, and SYM knife have cooled to -100°C, they are left to stand for 10 minutes. Then, the blade of the glass knife is scanned perpendicular to the surface of the optical laminate, and after reaching the surface of the resin-embedded optical laminate, a depth of 100 μm or more is cut in the depth direction of the specimen (plane direction relative to the optical laminate). Next, using the blade of the SYM knife, a cutting is performed at 100 nm / 0.6 mms. -1 Cutting of 1 μm or more at a pitch of 50 nm / 0.6 mms -1 Cutting is performed at a pitch of 0.5 μm or more, and finally at 30 nm / 0.3 mms -1 Cutting is performed at a pitch of 0.3 μm or more to obtain a test specimen. The obtained test specimen is left to stand in a nitrogen atmosphere until it returns to room temperature.

[0028] The indentation modulus is measured by setting the test specimen in an SPM (Bruker; Dimension Icon) so that the cross-section cut as described above becomes the observation surface. The cut cross-section (observation surface) is the plane aligned with the light absorption axis of the light absorption anisotropy layer, and the indentation modulus is measured on this cross-section aligned with the light absorption axis.

[0029] The indentation modulus obtained by SPM is acquired by the following procedure. The mechanical properties of the cross-section of the test specimen are evaluated under the conditions shown below, and the indentation modulus is calculated based on the JKR theory or the DMT theory. Specifically, first, the displacement of the piezo scanner and the warping of the cantilever are measured during the process in which the cantilever probe and the test specimen come into contact, and a curve (force curve) showing the relationship between the load F and the deformation δ of the test specimen is obtained. For each measurement point, the value of the indentation modulus is first determined by performing an analysis using the DMT theory formula on the pull-back process of the obtained force curve (the process from the point in which the cantilever probe pushes the test specimen to a preset maximum load until the probe completely leaves the surface of the test specimen). For layers with an obtained indentation modulus of less than 1000 MPa, the indentation modulus obtained by performing an analysis using the JKR theory formula is adopted.

[0030] In the analysis, the analysis software (NanoScope Analysis ver.2.00) is used. When using the DMT theoretical formula, the indentation modulus is calculated by fitting the F value in the force curve from the minimum to the maximum value, with the range from 0 to 1, within the range of 0.05 to 0.7. When using the JKR theoretical formula, the indentation modulus is calculated by fitting the F value in the force curve from the minimum value to 0nN. The indentation modulus is calculated at 1024 or more points for each layer constituting the optical laminate, and the average indentation modulus calculated by averaging these values ​​is taken as the indentation modulus for each layer.

[0031] The cantilever used is the RTESPA-300 (manufactured by Bruker; nominal spring constant 40 N / m, nominal probe tip radius 8 nm). The spring constant of the cantilever is the value calculated by the Sader Method (Reference: Sader JE, Sanelli JA, Adamson B.D., Monty JP, Wei X., Crawford SA, Rev. Sci. Instrum., 2012, Vol. 83, pp. 103705-1 to 103705-16) built into the SPM instrument. The probe tip radius of the cantilever is the value at a position 2 nm above the tip, calculated by the Reconstruction Method (Reference: ISO13095:2014) built into the SPM instrument, and only cantilevers with a value of 15 nm or less are used for measurement.

[0032] If a layer is detected in which the indentation modulus obtained by analysis using the DMT theoretical formula is less than 1000 MPa, the cantilever is changed to an RTESPA-150 (manufactured by Bruker; nominal spring constant 5 N / m, nominal probe tip radius 8 nm), and the measurement is performed again on that layer. The cantilever's spring constant and probe tip diameter are calculated in the same way as above, except that the probe tip diameter value at a position on the average specimen deformation value from the tip is used. Here, the average δ value is obtained by calculating the average value of the indentation amount at 1024 or more points, with an upper limit of 50 nm. The maximum load is set to a value such that the average δ value is 3 nm or more, and the measurement is performed. In addition, the indentation direction scanning amplitude (Peak Force Amplitude), which is the distance from the maximum height to the minimum height during the indentation direction scanning of the cantilever probe, is set to a value such that it is within 5 times the pull-back process of the force curve, and the measurement is performed.

[0033] To acquire the force curve, use the Peak Force QNM (Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping) mode. The measurement conditions for measurements using the RTESPA-300 and the RTESPA-150 are shown below.

[0034] <Measurement conditions for measurements using RTESPA-300> Cantilever: RTESPA-300 (Bruker) Device: Dimension Icon (Bruker) Measurement mode: Peak Force QNM Measurement atmosphere: 24°C / under atmospheric pressure / humidity 41% Measurement range: 10μm × 10μm Number of measurement points: 256 × 256 points Cantilever movement speed: 0.2μm / s Maximum load: 40nN Peak Force Frequency: 1kHz Peak Force Amplitude: 30nm Feedback Gain: Auto

[0035] <Measurement conditions for measurements using RTESPA-150> Cantilever: RTESPA-150 (Bruker) Device: Dimension Icon (Bruker) Measurement mode: Peak Force QNM Measurement atmosphere: 24°C / under atmospheric pressure / humidity 41% Measurement range: 1μm × 1μm Number of measurement points: 32 × 32 points Cantilever movement speed: 0.1μm / s Maximum load: 0.5nN Peak Force Frequency: 1kHz Peak Force Amplitude: 300nm Feedback Gain: Auto

[0036] Hereinafter, the layers of the optical laminate, the components contained in the layers, etc. will be described in detail.

[0037] (Substrate layer) The substrate layer may include one or more of the following: a resin film (film substrate) and a glass substrate. The substrate layer may be a single layer or a multilayer structure. The substrate layer is preferably a resin film.

[0038] When the substrate layer is a resin film, the substrate layer can support, for example, a light-absorbing anisotropic layer and a cured product layer. The substrate layer can be a layer to which a light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition is applied for forming the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. When a vertically oriented layer is used when forming the light-absorbing anisotropic layer, the vertically oriented layer should be formed on the side of the substrate layer's surface where the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is formed.

[0039] Examples of resins that make up resin films include olefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene; cyclic olefin resins having a cyclo or norbornene structure; polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate; cellulose ester resins such as triacetylcellulose, diacetylcellulose, and cellulose acetate propionate; polyvinyl alcohol; (meth)acrylic resins; polyimide resins; polycarbonate; polysulfone; polyethersulfone; polyetherketone; polyphenylene sulfide; polyphenylene oxide, etc. (Meth)acrylic refers to at least one of acrylic and methacrylic. The same applies to notations such as (meth)acryloyl.

[0040] A commercially available cellulose ester resin film may be used as the resin film. Examples of such cellulose ester resin films include "Fujitac Film" (manufactured by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.), "KC8UX2M", "KC8UY", and "KC4UY" (all manufactured by Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.).

[0041] The surface on which the light-absorbing anisotropic layer and the cured layer of the substrate layer are formed may be subjected to surface treatment. Examples of surface treatment methods include corona treatment or plasma treatment, laser treatment, ozone treatment, flame treatment, and saponification treatment of the surface of the substrate layer under a vacuum or atmospheric pressure atmosphere.

[0042] While a thinner base layer is preferable in terms of having a mass that can be practically handled, if it is too thin, the strength decreases, the processability tends to be poor, and it becomes difficult to suppress curling and warping of the optical laminate. From this viewpoint, the thickness of the base layer is preferably 20 μm or more and 80 μm or less, but may also be 25 μm or more and 70 μm or less, 30 μm or more and 60 μm or less, 35 μm or more and 55 μm or less, or 40 μm or more and 50 μm or less.

[0043] The width A of the base layer may be 300 mm or more and 5000 mm or less, 500 mm or more and 3000 mm or less, 500 mm or more and 2500 mm or less, or 500 mm or more and 2000 mm or less.

[0044] (cured material layer) The cured layer is a cured layer of a curable composition. Examples of curable compositions include compositions containing a curable compound, compositions containing a curable compound in addition to a resin other than the curable compound, and so on. The curable composition may also be a resin composition containing a resin as the curable compound. The cured layer is preferably a cured layer of a curable composition containing an active energy ray curable resin, and more preferably a cured layer of a curable composition containing an ultraviolet-curable resin.

[0045] Curable compounds include active energy ray curable resins such as UV-curable resins and electron beam-curable resins; thermosetting resins; monomers having polymerizable groups such as (meth)acryloyl groups and vinyl groups; and oligomers having polymerizable groups. Resins other than curable compounds include thermoplastic resins.

[0046] The curable composition contains polymerizable components, preferably a (meth)acrylic compound. The (meth)acrylic compound is a compound having at least one (meth)acryloyl group, and may be a monomer, oligomer, or polymer. Examples of (meth)acrylic compounds include (meth)acrylate compounds such as monofunctional (meth)acrylate compounds and polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compounds; urethane (meth)acrylate compounds such as polyfunctional urethane (meth)acrylate compounds; epoxy (meth)acrylate compounds such as polyfunctional epoxy (meth)acrylate compounds; carboxyl group-modified epoxy (meth)acrylate compounds; and polyester (meth)acrylate compounds. These can be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, from the viewpoint of adhesion between the substrate layer and the cured layer, polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compounds or urethane (meth)acrylate compounds are preferred, and a combination of polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compounds and urethane (meth)acrylate is more preferred.

[0047] A polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound refers to a compound having two or more (meth)acryloyloxy groups in its molecule. Examples of polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compounds include a difunctional (meth)acrylate monomer having two (meth)acryloyloxy groups in its molecule, and a trifunctional or more (meth)acrylate monomer having three or more (meth)acryloyloxy groups in its molecule.

[0048] The polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound may contain one or more polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compounds. If two or more polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compounds are included, the number of (meth)acryloyloxy groups may be the same or different among the polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compounds.

[0049] A difunctional (meth)acrylate monomer is a monomer that has two (meth)acryloyloxy groups in its molecule. Examples of difunctional (meth)acrylate monomers include: Alkylene glycol di(meth)acrylates such as ethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, 1,3-butanediol di(meth)acrylate, 1,4-butanediol di(meth)acrylate, 1,6-hexanediol di(meth)acrylate, 1,9-nonanediol di(meth)acrylate, and neopentyl glycol di(meth)acrylate; Polyoxyalkylene glycol di(meth)acrylates such as diethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, triethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, dipropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, tripropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, polypropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, and polytetramethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate; Di(meth)acrylates of halogen-substituted alkylene glycols such as tetrafluoroethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate; Di(meth)acrylates of aliphatic polyols such as trimethylolpropane di(meth)acrylate, ditrimethylolpropane di(meth)acrylate, and pentaerythritol di(meth)acrylate; Hydrogenated dicyclopentadienyl di(meth)acrylate, tricyclodecane dimethanol di(meth)acrylate, and other di(meth)acrylates of hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene or tricyclodecane dialkanol; Di(meth)acrylates of dioxane glycols or dioxane dialkanols, such as 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyldi(meth)acrylate (also known as dioxane glycol di(meth)acrylate); Di(meth)acrylates of alkylene oxide adducts of bisphenol A or bisphenol F, such as bisphenol A ethylene oxide adduct diacrylate and bisphenol F ethylene oxide adduct diacrylate; Epoxy di(meth)acrylates of bisphenol A or bisphenol F, such as acrylic acid adducts of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether and acrylic acid adducts of bisphenol F diglycidyl ether; Silicone di(meth)acrylate; Di(meth)acrylate of neopentyl glycol hydroxypivalate; 2,2-Bis[4-(meth)acryloyloxyethoxyethoxyphenyl]propane; 2,2-Bis[4-(meth)acryloyloxyethoxyethoxycyclohexyl]propane; Di(meth)acrylate of 2-(2-hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-ethyl-5-hydroxymethyl-1,3-dioxane; Examples include tris(hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate di(meth)acrylate.

[0050] Trifunctional (meth)acrylate monomers are monomers that have three (meth)acryloyloxy groups in their molecule. Examples of trifunctional (meth)acrylate monomers include glycerin tri(meth)acrylate, trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, ditrimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, reaction products of pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate and acid anhydrides, caprolactone-modified trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, caprolactone-modified pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, ethylene oxide-modified trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, and ethylene oxide Examples include modified pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, propylene oxide-modified trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, propylene oxide-modified pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, isocyanurate tri(meth)acrylate, reaction products of caprolactone-modified pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate and acid anhydrides, reaction products of ethylene oxide-modified pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate and acid anhydrides, and reaction products of propylene oxide-modified pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate and acid anhydrides.

[0051] A tetrafunctional (meth)acrylate monomer is a monomer having four (meth)acryloyloxy groups in its molecule. Examples of tetrafunctional (meth)acrylate monomers include ditrimethylolpropanetetra(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritoltetra(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritoltetra(meth)acrylate, tripentaerythritoltetra(meth)acrylate, caprolactone-modified pentaerythritoltetra(meth)acrylate, caprolactone-modified tripentaerythritoltetra(meth)acrylate, ethylene oxide-modified pentaerythritoltetra(meth)acrylate, ethylene oxide-modified tripentaerythritoltetra(meth)acrylate, propylene oxide-modified pentaerythritoltetra(meth)acrylate, and propylene oxide-modified tripentaerythritoltetra(meth)acrylate.

[0052] Pentafunctional (meth)acrylate monomers are monomers that have five (meth)acryloyloxy groups in their molecule. Examples of pentafunctional (meth)acrylate monomers include dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate, tripentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate, reaction products of dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate and acid anhydrides, caprolactone-modified dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate, caprolactone-modified tripentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate, ethylene oxide-modified dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate, and ethylene oxide-modified tripentaerythritol Examples include litol penta(meth)acrylate, propylene oxide-modified dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate, propylene oxide-modified tripentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate, reaction products of caprolactone-modified dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate with acid anhydrides, reaction products of ethylene oxide-modified dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate with acid anhydrides, and reaction products of propylene oxide-modified dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate with acid anhydrides.

[0053] A hexafunctional (meth)acrylate monomer is a monomer having six (meth)acryloyloxy groups in its molecule. Examples of hexafunctional (meth)acrylate monomers include dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, tripentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, caprolactone-modified dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, caprolactone-modified tripentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, ethylene oxide-modified dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, ethylene oxide-modified tripentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, propylene oxide-modified dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, and propylene oxide-modified tripentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate.

[0054] Heptafunctional (meth)acrylate monomers are monomers that have seven (meth)acryloyloxy groups in their molecule. Examples of heptafunctional (meth)acrylate monomers include tripentaerythritol hepta(meth)acrylate, reaction products of tripentaerythritol hepta(meth)acrylate and acid anhydrides, caprolactone-modified tripentaerythritol hepta(meth)acrylate, reaction products of caprolactone-modified tripentaerythritol hepta(meth)acrylate and acid anhydrides, ethylene oxide-modified tripentaerythritol hepta(meth)acrylate, reaction products of ethylene oxide-modified tripentaerythritol hepta(meth)acrylate and acid anhydrides, propylene oxide-modified tripentaerythritol hepta(meth)acrylate, and reaction products of propylene oxide-modified tripentaerythritol hepta(meth)acrylate and acid anhydrides.

[0055] An octafunctional (meth)acrylate monomer is a monomer that has eight (meth)acryloyloxy groups in its molecule. Examples of octafunctional (meth)acrylate monomers include tripentaerythritol octa(meth)acrylate, caprolactone-modified tripentaerythritol octa(meth)acrylate, ethylene oxide-modified tripentaerythritol octa(meth)acrylate, and propylene oxide-modified tripentaerythritol octa(meth)acrylate.

[0056] The number of (meth)acryloyl groups in the polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound is preferably 5 or more, more preferably 6 or more, even more preferably 7 or more, and may be 8 or more, and is usually 20 or less.

[0057] The crosslinking density of the cured product layer can be adjusted by controlling the molecular weight between crosslinking points and the number of crosslinking points of the polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound. More specifically, the crosslinking density increases as the molecular weight between crosslinking points decreases, and also as the number of crosslinking points increases.

[0058] A polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound has a branched structure, and it is preferable that the number of atoms in the chain connecting the branching point closest to the (meth)acryloyl group in the branched structure to the (meth)acryloyl group (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "linking chain") is 3 or less, and more preferably 2 or less. Here, if there are multiple linking chains, it is sufficient that at least one linking chain satisfies the above range of number of atoms.

[0059] Among polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compounds, dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate and tripentaerythritol octa(meth)acrylate are preferred.

[0060] When the curable composition contains a polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound, the content of the polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound is preferably 30 parts by mass or more and 100 parts by mass or less, more preferably 40 parts by mass or more and 95 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 45 parts by mass or more and 90 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the curable composition. Having the polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound content within the above range makes it easier to improve the adhesion between the substrate layer and the cured layer. In this specification, the solid content of the curable composition refers to the total amount of components excluding the solvent from the curable composition, if the curable composition contains a solvent.

[0061] The urethane (meth)acrylate compound that may be included in the curable composition generally refers to a reaction product of an isocyanate compound, a polyol compound, and a (meth)acrylate compound. From the viewpoint of being able to form a crosslinked structure, the urethane (meth)acrylate compound is preferably a polyfunctional urethane (meth)acrylate compound having two or more (meth)acryloyloxy groups in the molecule.

[0062] The number of functional groups in the polyfunctional urethane (meth)acrylate compound can be, for example, 2 or more and 5 or less, preferably 3 or less, and more preferably 2.

[0063] The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the urethane (meth)acrylate compound is preferably 300 to 10,000, more preferably 350 to 7,000, even more preferably 400 to 5,000, and particularly preferably 430 to 3,000, in terms of polystyrene. When the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the urethane (meth)acrylate compound is within the above range, it is easier to improve the adhesion between the substrate layer and the cured layer. The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) can be measured, for example, by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

[0064] Urethane (meth)acrylate compounds have 15 × 10⁶ (meth)acryloyl groups per unit molecular weight. -4 Preferably, it is 20 × 10 -4More preferably, 30 × 10 -4 It is even more preferable that the above be 40 × 10 -4 The above is particularly preferable. When the number of (meth)acryloyl groups per unit molecular weight is within the above range, it is easier to improve the adhesion between the substrate layer and the cured layer. The number of (meth)acryloyl groups per unit molecular weight is usually 20 or less. The number of (meth)acryloyl groups per unit molecular weight can be calculated according to the following formula. Number of (meth)acryloyl groups per unit molecular weight = Number of (meth)acryloyl groups in the urethane (meth)acrylate compound / Weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the urethane (meth)acrylate compound

[0065] When the curable composition contains a urethane (meth)acrylate compound, the content of the urethane (meth)acrylate compound is preferably 10 parts by mass or more, more preferably 30 parts by mass or more, and preferably 100 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of solid content of the curable composition. When the content of the urethane (meth)acrylate compound is within the above range, it is easier to improve the adhesion between the substrate layer and the cured layer.

[0066] When the curable composition contains a polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound and a urethane (meth)acrylate compound, the mass ratio of the polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound to the urethane (meth)acrylate compound (polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound: urethane (meth)acrylate compound) is preferably 90:10 to 30:70, more preferably 80:20 to 40:60, and may also be 60:40 to 40:60. Being within this range of ratios makes it easier to improve the adhesion between the substrate layer and the cured layer.

[0067] The curable composition may optionally contain a monofunctional (meth)acrylate compound. The monofunctional (meth)acrylate compound may be a monomer, oligomer, or polymer, and among these, a monofunctional (meth)acrylate monomer can be preferably used.

[0068] Examples of monofunctional (meth)acrylate monomers include methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, isopropyl (meth)acrylate, butyl (meth)acrylate, isobutyl (meth)acrylate, tert-butyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, isononyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2- or 3-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, 4-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl (meth)acrylate, trimethylolpropane mono(meth)acrylate, and pentaerythritol mono(meth)acrylate. Examples include acrylate, ethyl carbitol (meth)acrylate, 2-phenoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, phenoxypolyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-carboxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 1-[2-(meth)acryloyloxyethyl]phthalic acid, 1-[2-(meth)acryloyloxyethyl]hexahydrophthalic acid, 1-[2-(meth)acryloyloxyethyl]succinic acid and 4-[2-(meth)acryloyloxyethyl]trimellit, tetrahydrofurfuryl (meth)acrylate, dicyclopentanyl (meth)acrylate and dicyclopentenyl (meth)acrylateic acid. Monofunctional (meth)acrylate monomers can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0069] When the curable composition contains a monofunctional (meth)acrylate compound, the content of the monofunctional (meth)acrylate compound is preferably 0 to 50 parts by mass, and more preferably 20 to 45 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of solids of the curable composition. When the content of the monofunctional (meth)acrylate compound is within the above range, the viscosity of the curable composition is easily adjusted and the coatability is improved.

[0070] The curable composition may contain a polymerization initiator such as a photopolymerization initiator or a thermal polymerization initiator, and preferably contains a photopolymerization initiator. The polymerization initiator may be at least one of a radical polymerization initiator and a cationic polymerization initiator. From the viewpoint of improving curability, the polymerization initiator contained in the curable composition is preferably a radical polymerization initiator. The radical polymerization initiator is not particularly limited as long as it can initiate the curing of the curable compound by irradiation with active energy rays such as visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, or electron beams.

[0071] As radical polymerization initiators, Acetophenone-based initiators such as acetophenone, 3-methylacetophenone, benzyldimethyl ketal, 1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-1-one, 2-methyl-1-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-2-morpholinopropan-1-one, and 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-1-one; Benzophenone-based initiators such as benzophenone, 4-chlorobenzophenone, and 4,4'-diaminobenzophenone; Alkylphenone initiators such as 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenylethane-1-one and 1-hydroxycyclohexylphenyl-ketone; Benzoin ether-based initiators such as benzoin propyl ether and benzoin ethyl ether; Thioxanthone-based initiators such as 4-isopropylthioxanthone; Acylphosphine oxide initiators such as bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphine oxide; Other examples include xanthones, fluorenones, camphorquinones, benzaldehyde, and anthraquinones. These radical polymerization initiators can be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0072] When the curable composition contains a radical polymerization initiator, the content of the radical polymerization initiator is preferably 1 to 10 parts by mass, and more preferably 2 to 8 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the curable compound. When the content of the radical polymerization initiator is within the above range, the polymerization initiation ability is sufficiently expressed, improving curability, and the residual radical polymerization initiator is less likely to remain, making it easier to suppress a decrease in visible light transmittance, etc.

[0073] The curable composition may optionally contain additives other than radical polymerization initiators, such as leveling agents, fillers such as organic or inorganic fine particles, UV absorbers, antistatic agents, stabilizers, antioxidants, colorants, surface modifiers, etc. Additives can be used individually or in combination of two or more. The content of the additives is, for example, 0.1% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, relative to the mass of the solid content of the curable composition.

[0074] Examples of leveling agents that may be included in the curable composition include leveling agents that may be included in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer forming composition, and it is preferable that they include fluorine-based leveling agents or silicon leveling agents. By including a leveling agent in the curable composition, the cured layer can also include a leveling agent.

[0075] If the light-absorbing anisotropic layer contains a leveling agent, it is preferable that the cured layer does not contain a leveling agent. If the cured layer contains a leveling agent, it is preferable that the light-absorbing anisotropic layer does not contain a leveling agent. If both the light-absorbing anisotropic layer and the cured layer contain a leveling agent, the affinity between the light-absorbing anisotropic layer and the cured layer increases, making it easier for the optical laminate to stick to the end of the winding axis when the optical laminate is wound into a winding body.

[0076] The cured layer may contain fillers such as organic or inorganic fine particles. When the light-absorbing anisotropic layer or the cured layer contains a leveling agent, adhesion of the wound body can be suppressed, but by further including fillers in the cured layer, the slipperiness when the optical laminate is used as a wound body can also be improved. As this further suppresses adhesion of the wound body, it is preferable that the cured layer contains fillers. The cured layer containing fillers can be formed by a curable composition containing fillers.

[0077] The curable composition can be prepared by mixing and stirring a (meth)acrylic compound and, if necessary, additives. To improve the applicability of the curable composition, the viscosity may be adjusted by adding a solvent to the curable composition.

[0078] The solvent can be any solvent capable of dissolving the components constituting the curable composition, for example, Aliphatic hydrocarbons such as hexane and octane; aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene and xylene; Alcohols such as ethanol, 1-propanol, isopropanol, and 1-butanol; Ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone and methyl isobutyl ketone; Esters such as ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, and isobutyl acetate; Glycol ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, and propylene glycol monoethyl ether; Esterified glycol ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate and propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate can be appropriately selected and used. These solvents can be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0079] The type and content of the solvent are appropriately selected according to the type, content, shape, application method, and thickness of the resin layer of the components contained in the curable composition. For example, the solvent content is preferably 3 to 1000 parts by mass, more preferably 5 to 100 parts by mass, and even more preferably 7 to 50 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of solids of the curable composition.

[0080] A cured layer can be obtained by applying a curable composition onto a substrate layer and curing the curable composition. An example of an application method for the curable composition is the application method described later as a method for applying a light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition. The curable composition can be cured by irradiating it with active energy rays, thereby polymerizing polymerizable components such as (meth)acrylic compounds. The active energy rays are appropriately selected depending on the type of polymerizable component such as (meth)acrylic compounds, the type and amount of radical polymerization initiators, etc. Examples of active energy rays include one or more selected from the group consisting of visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared light, X-rays, alpha rays, beta rays, and gamma rays. Ultraviolet light is preferred as the active energy ray because it allows for easy control of the polymerization reaction and because photopolymerization equipment widely used in this field can be used. The irradiation intensity, irradiation time, and integrated light amount of the active energy rays should be selected according to the type of curable composition, etc.

[0081] The cured layer may be a hard coat layer. When the cured layer is a hard coat layer, it has the function of improving the surface hardness of the substrate layer and can improve the scratch resistance of the surface. The hard coat layer preferably shows a value of 8B or harder in the pencil hardness test (measured by placing the optical laminate on a glass plate) specified in JIS K 5600-5-4:1999 "General test methods for paints - Part 5: Mechanical properties of coatings - Section 4: Scratch hardness (pencil method)", but it may also be 5B or harder.

[0082] The thickness of the cured layer is, for example, 0.5 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less, and may also be 1.0 μm or more and 4.0 μm or less, or 1.0 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less, and more preferably 1.5 μm or more and 3.0 μm or less.

[0083] The width B of the hardened layer may be 270 mm or more and less than 5000 mm, 450 mm or more and 3000 mm or less, 450 mm or more and 2500 mm or less, or 450 mm or more and 2000 mm or less.

[0084] The indentation modulus of the hardened layer is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of suppressing wrinkles, it is preferable to have a modulus of 1000 MPa or higher, more preferably 1500 MPa or higher, and even more preferably 2000 MPa or higher. It is also usually 10000 MPa or lower. The indentation modulus is as described above, and its measurement method is also as described above.

[0085] (Light-absorbing anisotropic layer) The light-absorbing anisotropic layer contains a dichroic dye and has a light absorption axis perpendicular to the plane of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. Therefore, the light-absorbing anisotropic layer can have the characteristic of easily transmitting light from the front and easily absorbing light from oblique directions.

[0086] A light absorption axis is said to be perpendicular to the plane of the light absorption anisotropy layer if Ax(z=60°) / Ax is 5 or greater. Ax is the absorbance at the wavelength of maximum absorption in the range of wavelengths from 380 nm to 780 nm of the light absorption anisotropy layer, and represents the absorbance of linearly polarized light vibrating in the x-axis direction. Ax(z=60°) is the absorbance at the wavelength of maximum absorption in the range of wavelengths from 380 nm to 780 nm when the light absorption anisotropy layer is rotated 60° around the y-axis as the axis of rotation, and represents the absorbance of linearly polarized light vibrating in the x-axis direction. Here, the x-axis is any one direction within the plane of the light absorption anisotropy layer, the y-axis is the direction perpendicular to the x-axis within the plane of the light absorption anisotropy layer, and the z-axis is the direction perpendicular to both the x-axis and the y-axis.

[0087] The light-absorbing anisotropic layer preferably satisfies the following formula (4). Ax ≤ 0.05 (4) [In formula (4), Ax represents the absorbance at the wavelength of maximum absorption in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm in the anisotropic light absorption layer, and represents the absorbance of linearly polarized light oscillating in the x-axis direction. Here, the x-axis represents any one direction within the plane of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer.

[0088] A smaller absorbance Ax indicates that the light absorption axis of the dichroic dye is precisely oriented perpendicular to the plane of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. Therefore, a light-absorbing anisotropic layer whose absorbance Ax satisfies the relationship in equation (4) above has a generally small absorbance Ax within the plane, and the light absorption axis of the dichroic dye is precisely oriented perpendicularly overall. Perpendicular means 90° ± 20° with respect to the plane of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. Ax may be 0.045 or less, 0.040 or less, or even 0, but is usually 0.001 or greater.

[0089] The light-absorbing anisotropic layer preferably satisfies the following formula (5). Az > (Ax + Ay) / 2 (5) [In formula (5), Ax is as described above. Ay and Az represent the absorbance at the maximum absorption wavelength in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm in the anisotropic light absorption layer, and represent the absorbance of linearly polarized light vibrating in the y-axis and z-axis directions, respectively. The x, y, and z axes are as described above.

[0090] The absorbance Az in the z direction in equation (5) above is difficult to measure because it requires irradiating the side surface of the anisotropic light-absorbing layer with light. Therefore, by setting the angle between the vibration plane of the linearly polarized light (the light to be measured) and the xy plane of the anisotropic light-absorbing layer to 90°, the absorbance Az in the z direction can be estimated by tilting the xy plane of the anisotropic light-absorbing layer by 30° and 60° relative to this vibration plane in the direction of incidence of the linearly polarized light.

[0091] Specifically, it can be estimated by the following methods or the like. With the light absorption anisotropic layer rotated by 30° and 60° around the y-axis as the rotation axis, the same linearly polarized light as the linearly polarized light for measuring Ax is incident, and the absorbance Ax(z = 30°) and the absorbance Ax(z = 60°) are measured respectively. Similarly, with the light absorption anisotropic layer rotated by 30° and 60° around the x-axis as the rotation axis, the same linearly polarized light as the linearly polarized light for measuring Ay is incident, and the absorbance Ay(z = 30°) and the absorbance Ay(z = 60°) are measured respectively. At this time, if Ax(z = 30°) < Ax(z = 60°) and Ay(z = 30°) = Ay(z = 60°), then Ax(z = 30°) < Ax(z = 60°) < Ax(z = 90°) = Az, and if Ay(z = 30°) < Ay(z = 60°) and Ax(z = 30°) = Ax(z = 60°), then Ay(z = 30°) < Ay(z = 60°) < Ay(z = 90°) = Az. Therefore, it can be said that the relationship of formula (5) is necessarily satisfied. Here, Ax(z = 90°) is the absorbance measured by making the same linearly polarized light as the linearly polarized light for measuring Ax incident with the light absorption anisotropic layer rotated by 90° around the y-axis as the rotation axis. Ay(z = 90°) is the absorbance measured by making the same linearly polarized light as the linearly polarized light for measuring Ax incident with the light absorption anisotropic layer rotated by 90° around the x-axis as the rotation axis.

[0092] Particularly, when there is no absorption anisotropy in the x - y plane of the light absorption anisotropic layer, that is, when Ax and Ay are equal, Ax(z = 30°) = Ay(z = 30°) and Ax(z = 60°) = Ay(z = 60°). Here, let Ax(z = 30°) = Ay(z = 30°) = A(z = 30°), Ax(z = 60°) = Ay(z = 60°) = A(z = 60°), and Ax(z = 90°) = Ay(z = 90°) = A(z = 90°). Then, if A(z = 30°) < A(z = 60°), the relationship A(z = 30°) < A(z = 60°) < A(z = 90°) = Az is satisfied. Furthermore, if A(z = 30°) > (Ax + Ay) / 2, it can be said that Az necessarily satisfies formula (5).

[0093] The above Ax and Ay represent the absorbance in the front direction of the light absorption anisotropic layer. The smaller the values of Ax and Ay, the more accurately the dichroic dyes in the light absorption anisotropic layer are oriented perpendicular to the plane. Preferably, both values of Ax and Ay are 0.3 or less. When both values of Ax and Ay exceed 0.3, the coloring in the front direction of the light absorption anisotropic layer becomes strong, so the front - transmission hue tends to be poor when the light absorption anisotropic layer is applied to a display device. The values of Ax and Ay are each independently preferably 0.1 or less, more preferably 0.05 or less, and even more preferably 0.02 or less. Also, the lower limit values of the values of Ax and Ay are each independently usually 0.001 or more, may be 0.003 or more, or may be 0.005 or more. It can be said that the light absorption anisotropic layer satisfying the relationship of formula (5) has the light absorption axes of the dichroic dyes accurately oriented perpendicular to the plane of the light absorption anisotropic layer. When the absorbance Ax exceeds 0.3, the coloring in the front direction of the light absorption anisotropic layer becomes strong, so the front hue tends to be poor when applied to an organic EL display device in combination, for example, in combination with a circular polarizing plate.

[0094] In the light absorption anisotropic layer, it is preferable that Ax and Ay have the same value. When Ax and Ay are different, there is absorption anisotropy in the plane of the light absorption anisotropic layer, and when the light absorption anisotropic layer is applied to a display device, the coloring of the front hue tends to increase.

[0095] A light-absorbing anisotropic layer having Ax(z=60°) / Ax greater than or equal to 5 and satisfying the relationships in equations (4) and (5) above can be adjusted, for example, by the thickness of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer, the conditions of the manufacturing process of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer, and the type or content of the dichroic dye and polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer forming composition for obtaining the light-absorbing anisotropic layer.

[0096] The light-absorbing anisotropic layer contains polymers of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds and dichroic dyes. The light-absorbing anisotropic layer may contain polymers of one polymerizable liquid crystal compound, or it may contain polymers of two or more polymerizable liquid crystal compounds. The light-absorbing anisotropic layer may contain one dichroic dye, or it may contain two or more dichroic dyes.

[0097] The light-absorbing anisotropic layer can be formed using a light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a dichroic dye. The light-absorbing anisotropy-forming composition may, as a solid component, include, in addition to the polymerizable liquid crystal compound and dichroic dye, a non-liquid crystal compound having polymerizable groups, and additives such as polymerization initiators, leveling agents, orientation promoters, reactive additives, antioxidants, and photosensitizers, as described later. Therefore, the light-absorbing anisotropic layer may contain polymers of non-liquid crystal compounds having polymerizable groups and additives.

[0098] Polymers of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds may or may not exhibit liquid crystalline properties. The light-absorbing anisotropic layer can be formed from a light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a dichroic dye, or it may be a liquid crystal cured film (cured layer of polymerizable liquid crystal compound) obtained by polymerizing and curing the polymerizable liquid crystal compound in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition. Polymers of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds are formed by polymerizing polymerizable liquid crystal compounds with each other, but polymerizable liquid crystal compounds may also be polymerized with non-liquid crystal compounds having polymerizable groups, or polymerizable liquid crystal compounds may be polymerized with dichroic dyes.

[0099] The content of polymerizable liquid crystalline compound polymers in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is preferably 40 parts by mass or more and 99.9 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer, but may also be 60 parts by mass or more and 99 parts by mass or 70 parts by mass or more and 99 parts by mass. When the content of polymerizable liquid crystalline compound polymers is within the above range, the orientation of the polymerizable liquid crystalline compound polymers when forming the light-absorbing anisotropic layer tends to be high. The content ratio of polymerizable liquid crystalline compound polymers in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer can be calculated as the ratio of polymerizable liquid crystalline compounds (total amount if two or more types are included) to 100 parts by mass of solids of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition used to form the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. The solids of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition refer to all components of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition excluding volatile components such as organic solvents.

[0100] The content of the dichroic dye in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is preferably 0.1 parts by mass or more and 30 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer, but may also be 0.5 parts by mass or more and 20 parts by mass or 1 part by mass or more and 10 parts by mass or less, or 1 part by mass or more and 5 parts by mass or less. The content ratio of the dichroic dye in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer can be calculated as the ratio of the dichroic dye to 100 parts by mass of solid content of the composition for forming the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. When the light-absorbing anisotropic layer contains two or more types of dichroic dyes, the content of the dichroic dyes refers to their total amount.

[0101] The thickness of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer may be 0.2 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less, 0.5 μm or more and 4.0 μm or less, 0.5 μm or more and 2.5 μm or less, 0.5 μm or more and 2.0 μm or less, or 0.7 μm or more and 1.5 μm or less. When the thickness of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is small, light absorption from oblique directions tends to be weaker, and when the thickness is large, the orientation of the dichroic dye tends to be disrupted, so the transmission characteristics in the front direction tend to decrease.

[0102] The width C of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer may be 260 mm or more and less than 5000 mm, 440 mm or more and 3000 mm or less, 440 mm or more and 2500 mm or less, or 440 mm or more and 2000 mm or less.

[0103] The indentation modulus of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of suppressing wrinkles, it is preferable to have a modulus of 1000 MPa or higher, more preferably 1500 MPa or higher, and even more preferably 2000 MPa or higher. It is also usually 10000 MPa or lower. The indentation modulus is as described above, and its measurement method is also as described above.

[0104] If the optical laminate has a protective layer, the surface of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer opposite to the substrate layer may be subjected to surface treatment. Examples of surface treatment methods include corona treatment or plasma treatment, laser treatment, ozone treatment, and flame treatment of the surface of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer under a vacuum or atmospheric pressure atmosphere.

[0105] (Polymerizable liquid crystal compound) Polymerizable liquid crystal compounds included in light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming compositions are used to orient dichroic dyes through host-guest interactions. Polymerizable liquid crystal compounds are compounds that have one or more polymerizable groups in their molecule and are liquid crystalline.

[0106] A polymerizable group refers to a group that participates in the polymerization reaction, and is preferably a photopolymerizable group. Here, a photopolymerizable group is a group that can participate in the polymerization reaction by active radicals or acids generated from a photopolymerization initiator, which will be described later. Examples of polymerizable groups include vinyl groups, vinyloxy groups, 1-chlorovinyl groups, isopropenyl groups, 4-vinylphenyl groups, (meth)acryloyl groups, (meth)acryloyloxy groups, oxyranyl groups, and oxetanyl groups. Among these, (meth)acryloyl groups, (meth)acryloyloxy groups, vinyloxy groups, oxyranyl groups, and oxetanyl groups are preferred, and (meth)acryloyl groups and (meth)acryloyloxy groups are more preferred. The liquid crystalline properties may be thermotropic liquid crystal or lyotropic liquid crystal, but when mixed with the dichroic dye described above, thermotropic liquid crystal is preferred.

[0107] The polymerizable liquid crystal compound may be a liquid crystal compound that forms a nematic liquid crystal phase, but from an optical property standpoint, it is preferable to be a liquid crystal compound that forms a smectic phase. Furthermore, when a liquid crystal compound that forms a smectic phase is used, the surface shape tends to become rough, and it is difficult for the wound body to adhere to the optical laminate at the end of the winding axis.

[0108] When a polymer of a polymerizable liquid crystal compound is formed by a polymerization reaction, and a film containing the polymer and a dichroic dye exhibits light absorption anisotropy, the liquid crystal state exhibited by the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is preferably a smectic phase, and preferably a higher-order smectic phase, from the viewpoint of improving optical performance. Among these, higher-order smectic polymerizable liquid crystal compounds that form smectic B phase, smectic D phase, smectic E phase, smectic F phase, smectic G phase, smectic H phase, smectic I phase, smectic J phase, smectic K phase, or smectic L phase are more preferred, and higher-order smectic polymerizable liquid crystal compounds that form smectic B phase, smectic F phase, or smectic I phase are even more preferred. When the liquid crystal phase formed by the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is one of these higher-order smectic phases, a light absorption anisotropy layer with higher light absorption anisotropy can be produced. Such highly optically absorbed anisotropic layers yield Bragg peaks originating from higher-order structures such as the hexatic phase and crystalline phase in X-ray diffraction measurements. These Bragg peaks originate from the periodic structure of molecular orientation, and the periodic interval of the optically absorbed anisotropic layer can be 3 to 6 Å. From the viewpoint of obtaining even higher optically absorbed anisotropic properties, it is preferable that the optically absorbed anisotropic layer contains a polymer of a polymerizable liquid crystal compound oriented in the smectic phase state.

[0109] The polymerizable liquid crystal compound may be a monomer, an oligomer formed by polymerization of polymerizable groups, or a polymer. Known polymerizable liquid crystal compounds can be used, such as those described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-76920 and Japanese Patent No. 6728581.

[0110] (Dichroic pigment) Dichroic dyes are dyes that have different absorbances along the long axis of the molecule and along the short axis of the molecule. Dichroic dyes preferably have the property of absorbing visible light, and more preferably have an absorption maximum wavelength (λmax) in the range of 380 to 680 nm.

[0111] Examples of such dichroic dyes include acridine dyes, oxazine dyes, cyanine dyes, naphthalene dyes, azo dyes, and anthraquinone dyes. Among them, azo dyes are preferred. Examples of azo dyes include monoazo dyes, bisazo dyes, trisazo dyes, tetrakisazo dyes, and stilbene azo dyes. Bisazo dyes and trisazo dyes are preferred. The dichroic dye may be used alone or in combination of two or more. However, depending on the wavelength range in which light absorption anisotropy is required in the light absorption anisotropic layer, it is preferable to use a combination of two or more.

[0112] Examples of azo dyes include compounds represented by formula (I) (hereinafter also referred to as "compound (I)"). K 1 (-N=N-K 2 ) p -N=N-K 3 (I) [In formula (I), K 1 and K 3 each independently represent a phenyl group which may have a substituent, a naphthyl group which may have a substituent, or a monovalent heterocyclic group which may have a substituent. K 2 represents a p-phenylene group which may have a substituent, a naphthalene-1,4-diyl group which may have a substituent, or a divalent heterocyclic group which may have a substituent. p represents an integer of 1 to 4. When p is an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of K 2 may be the same or different from each other. In the range showing absorption in the visible region, the -N=N- bond may be replaced by a -C=C-, -COO-, -NHCO-, or -N=CH- bond.

[0113] Examples of the monovalent heterocyclic group include groups obtained by removing one hydrogen atom from heterocyclic compounds such as quinoline, thiazole, benzothiazole, thienothiazole, imidazole, benzimidazole, oxazole, and benzoxazole. Examples of the divalent heterocyclic group include groups obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from the above heterocyclic compounds.

[0114] K 1 and K 3 The phenyl group, naphthyl group and monovalent heterocyclic group in, and K 2 The p-phenylene group, naphthalene-1,4-diyl group, and divalent heterocyclic group in this compound may optionally have substituents such as C1-C4 alkyl groups; C1-C4 alkoxy groups such as methoxy, ethoxy, and butoxy groups; C1-C4 fluorinated alkyl groups such as trifluoromethyl groups; cyano groups; nitro groups; halogen atoms; and substituted or unsubstituted amino groups such as amino groups, diethylamino groups, and pyrrolidino groups (a substituted amino group means an amino group having one or two C1-C6 alkyl groups, or an amino group in which two substituted alkyl groups are bonded to each other to form a C2-C8 alkanediyl group. An unsubstituted amino group is -NH2).

[0115] Among compound (I), compounds represented by any of formulas (I-1) to (I-8) are preferred, compounds represented by any of formulas (I-1) to (I-3) are more preferred, and compounds represented by either formula (I-1) or formula (I-3) are even more preferred. [ka] [In equations (I-1) to (I-8), B 1 ~B 30 These terms independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-C6 alkyl group, a C1-C4 alkoxy group, a cyano group, a nitro group, a substituted or unsubstituted amino group (as defined above), a chlorine atom, or a trifluoromethyl group. n1 to n4 represent integers from 0 to 3, independently of each other. If n1 is 2 or more, multiple B 2 They may be the same or different from each other. If n2 is 2 or more, multiple B 6 They may be the same or different from each other. If n3 is 2 or more, multiple B 9They may be the same or different from each other. If n4 is 2 or more, multiple B 14 They may be the same or different from each other.

[0116] As the above anthraquinone dye, compounds represented by formula (I-9) are preferred. [ka] [In formula (I-9), R 1 ~R 8 These are, independently of each other, hydrogen atoms, -R x -NH2, -NHR x , -NR x 2, -SR x Alternatively, it represents a halogen atom. R x This represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0117] As the oxazone dye mentioned above, compounds represented by formula (I-10) are preferred. [ka] [In formula (I-10), R 9 ~R 15 These are, independently of each other, hydrogen atoms, -R x -NH2, -NHR x , -NR x 2, -SR x Alternatively, it represents a halogen atom. R x This represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0118] As the acridine dye, the compound represented by formula (I-11) is preferred. [ka] [In formula (I-11), R16 ~R 23 These are, independently of each other, hydrogen atoms, -R x -NH2, -NHR x , -NR x 2, -SR x Alternatively, it represents a halogen atom. R x This represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0119] In equations (I-9), (I-10), and (I-11), R x Examples of alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms include methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl groups, while examples of aryl groups having 6 to 12 carbon atoms include phenyl, toluyl, xylyl, and naphthyl groups.

[0120] As the above cyanine dyes, compounds represented by formula (I-12) and compounds represented by formula (I-13) are preferred. [ka] [In formula (I-12), D 1 and D 2 These represent, independently of each other, a base represented by any of the formulas (I-12a) to (I-12d). [ka] n5 represents an integer between 1 and 3.

[0121] [ka] [In formula (I-13), D 3 and D 4 These represent, independently of each other, a base expressed by any of the formulas (I-13a) to (I-13h). [ka] n6 represents an integer between 1 and 3.

[0122] Among these dichroic dyes, azo dyes are preferred from the viewpoint of orientation.

[0123] The content of dichroic dyes in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition (total amount if two or more types are included) is usually 1 to 60 parts by mass, preferably 1 to 40 parts by mass, and more preferably 1 to 20 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound, from the viewpoint of obtaining good light absorption characteristics. If the content of dichroic dyes is less than this range, light absorption will be insufficient and sufficient light absorption anisotropic characteristics cannot be obtained, and if it is more than this range, it may inhibit the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the polymerizable liquid crystal compound.

[0124] (Method for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer) A light-absorbing anisotropic layer can be formed, for example, by coating a light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition onto a substrate layer. The light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition contains a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a dichroic dye, and may also contain a non-liquid crystal compound having polymerizable groups, a solvent, and additives, as described later.

[0125] The coated layer formed by applying the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition is subjected to a drying treatment to remove solvents and other substances. By polymerizing the polymerizable liquid crystal compound by irradiating the dried coated layer with active energy rays, a light-absorbing anisotropic layer as a cured product layer (liquid crystal cured film) of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition can be formed on the substrate layer. The light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition may be applied to the surface of the substrate layer, or to the surface of a vertically oriented layer formed on the surface of the substrate layer.

[0126] Methods for applying the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition include known methods such as spin coating, extrusion, gravure coating, die coating, bar coating, and applicator coating, as well as printing methods such as flexographic coating.

[0127] It is preferable to perform a drying treatment on the coating layer of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition formed on the substrate layer. If the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition contains a solvent, the solvent in the coating layer can be removed by drying the coating layer. Known drying methods include one or more methods such as natural drying, heat drying, forced-air drying, and reduced-pressure drying.

[0128] The drying conditions in the drying process can be appropriately determined by the components contained in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition. For example, the drying temperature in the drying process may be 50°C to 150°C, or 60°C to 120°C. The drying time in the drying process may be 15 seconds to 10 minutes, or 0.5 minutes to 5 minutes.

[0129] When heat treatment is performed during the drying process, heating to a temperature above the liquid crystal phase transition temperature at which the polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition undergoes a phase transition allows the polymerizable liquid crystal compound to be oriented while removing the solvent in the coated layer. In particular, when oriented the polymerizable liquid crystal compound that forms the smectic phase perpendicular to the surface of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer, it is preferable to heat in the temperature range at which it transitions to the smectic phase. This allows the polymerizable liquid crystal compound to be oriented perpendicular to the surface of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer, and along with the orientation of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound, the dichroic dye can also be oriented.

[0130] After drying the coating layer formed on the substrate layer, a light-absorbing anisotropic layer can be formed by irradiating it with active energy rays while the polymerizable liquid crystal compound and dichroic dye are oriented, thereby polymerizing and curing the polymerizable liquid crystal compound.

[0131] Photopolymerization is preferred as a method for polymerizing polymerizable liquid crystal compounds. Photopolymerization is carried out by irradiating a laminated structure, which includes a coated layer on a substrate layer coated with a composition for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer, with active energy rays. The active energy rays to be irradiated are appropriately selected according to the type of polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the coated layer (particularly the type of photopolymerizable functional group possessed by the polymerizable liquid crystal compound), the type of photopolymerization initiator if one is included, and their amounts. Specifically, this includes one or more types of light selected from the group consisting of visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared light, X-rays, alpha rays, beta rays, and gamma rays. Among these, ultraviolet light is preferred because it is easy to control the progress of the polymerization reaction and because photopolymerization apparatus widely used in this field can be used. It is preferable to select the type of polymerizable liquid crystal compound so that it can be photopolymerized by ultraviolet light.

[0132] Examples of light sources for active energy rays include low-pressure mercury lamps, medium-pressure mercury lamps, high-pressure mercury lamps, ultra-high-pressure mercury lamps, xenon lamps, halogen lamps, carbon arc lamps, tungsten lamps, gallium lamps, excimer lasers, LED light sources emitting in the wavelength range of 380-440 nm, chemical lamps, black light lamps, microwave-excited mercury lamps, and metal halide lamps.

[0133] The UV irradiation intensity is typically 10 mW / cm². 2 ~3,000 mW / cm² 2 The ultraviolet irradiation intensity is preferably in the wavelength range effective for activating the cationic polymerization initiator or radical polymerization initiator. The irradiation time is usually 0.1 seconds to 10 minutes, preferably 1 second to 5 minutes, more preferably 5 seconds to 3 minutes, and even more preferably 10 seconds to 1 minute. When irradiation is performed once or multiple times at such ultraviolet irradiation intensity, the integrated light amount is 10 mJ / cm². 2 ~3,000 mJ / cm 2 Preferably 50 mJ / cm² 2 ~2,000 mJ / cm 2 More preferably 100 mJ / cm² 2 ~1,000 mJ / cm 2If the integrated light intensity is below this range, the curing of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound may be insufficient. Conversely, if the integrated light intensity is above this range, the light-absorbing anisotropic layer may become discolored.

[0134] (Non-crystalline compounds with polymerizable groups) Non-crystalline compounds having polymerizable groups (hereinafter also referred to as "non-crystalline compounds") are compounds that have polymerizable groups but do not exhibit crystalline properties. Examples of polymerizable groups in non-crystalline compounds include vinyl groups, vinyloxy groups, 1-chlorovinyl groups, isopropenyl groups, 4-vinylphenyl groups, (meth)acryloyl groups, (meth)acryloyloxy groups, oxyranyl groups, and oxetanyl groups. Among these, preferred polymerizable groups are (meth)acryloyl groups, (meth)acryloyloxy groups, vinyloxy groups, oxyranyl groups, and oxetanyl groups; more preferred polymerizable groups are (meth)acryloyl groups and (meth)acryloyloxy groups; and even more preferred polymerizable groups are (meth)acryloyloxy groups. The polymerizable group in a non-crystalline compound may be one type or a combination of two or more types, but it is preferable that it be the same polymerizable group as the polymerizable group in a polymerizable crystalline compound.

[0135] The number of polymerizable groups in a non-liquid crystal compound is not particularly limited and may be, for example, 1 to 20. However, from the viewpoint of easily increasing the film strength of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer, it is preferably 2 to 10, more preferably 3 to 6. When a non-liquid crystal compound has two or more polymerizable groups, these polymerizable groups may be the same or different from each other.

[0136] Examples of non-liquidental compounds include monofunctional (meth)acrylates and polyfunctional (meth)acrylates. Since monofunctional and polyfunctional acrylates, as non-liquidental compounds having polymerizable groups, are non-liquidental, it is preferable that they do not have a mesogenic structure. Monofunctional and polyfunctional acrylates may contain urethane structures, amino structures, epoxy structures, ethylene glycol structures, and / or polyester structures within their molecules.

[0137] (solvent) The solvent that may be included in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition is preferably one that can completely dissolve the polymerizable liquid crystal compound, and is also preferably an inert solvent in the polymerization reaction of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound. Examples of solvents include: Alcohol solvents such as methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol butyl ether, and propylene glycol monomethyl ether; Ester solvents such as ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, ethylene glycol methyl ether acetate, γ-butyrolactone, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, and ethyl lactate; Ketone solvents such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone, 2-heptanone, and methyl isobutyl ketone; Aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents such as pentane, hexane, and heptane; Aromatic hydrocarbon solvents such as toluene and xylene; Nitrile solvents such as acetonitrile; Ether solvents such as tetrahydrofuran and dimethoxyethane; Chlorine-containing solvents such as chloroform and chlorobenzene; Examples include amide solvents such as dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, and 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone. These solvents may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0138] The solvent content in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition is preferably 50 to 98% by mass relative to the total amount of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition. In other words, the solid content in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition is preferably 2 to 50% by mass, and more preferably 5 to 30% by mass. When the solid content is 50% by mass or less, the viscosity of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition decreases, making it easier to form the light-absorbing anisotropic layer with a substantially uniform thickness, and reducing the likelihood of thickness variations in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. The solid content can be determined considering the desired thickness of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer to be manufactured.

[0139] (Additives) The light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition may contain polymerization initiators such as photopolymerization initiators or thermal polymerization initiators, leveling agents, orientation promoters, reactive additives, antioxidants, photosensitizers, and other additives.

[0140] (Polymerization initiator) The light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition may contain a polymerization initiator. The polymerization initiator is used when the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition contains a compound involved in the polymerization reaction, such as a polymerizable liquid crystal compound, and is a compound that can initiate the polymerization reaction of the said compound. As a polymerization initiator to initiate the polymerization reaction of a polymerizable liquid crystal compound, a photopolymerization initiator that generates active radicals upon the action of light is preferred from the viewpoint of not being dependent on the phase state of the thermotropic liquid crystal.

[0141] Any known photopolymerization initiator can be used as the photopolymerization initiator, as long as it is a compound capable of initiating polymerization reactions, such as polymerizable liquid crystal compounds. Specifically, photopolymerization initiators that can generate active radicals or acids upon the action of light are recommended, and among these, photopolymerization initiators that generate radicals upon the action of light are preferred. Photopolymerization initiators can be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0142] Any known photopolymerization initiator can be used. For example, a photopolymerization initiator that generates active radicals is: Self-cleaving benzoin compounds, acetophenone compounds, hydroxyacetophenone compounds, α-aminoacetophenone compounds, oxime ester compounds, acylphosphine oxide compounds, azo compounds, etc. Hydrogen abstraction type benzophenone compounds, alkylphenone compounds, benzoin ether compounds, benzyl ketal compounds, dibenzosverone compounds, anthraquinone compounds, xanthone compounds, thioxanthone compounds, halogenoacetophenone compounds, dialkoxyacetophenone compounds, halogenobisimidazole compounds, halogenotriazine compounds, triazine compounds, etc. can be used.

[0143] Iodonium salts and sulfonium salts can be used as photopolymerization initiators that generate acid.

[0144] From the viewpoint of excellent reaction efficiency at low temperatures, self-cleaving photopolymerization initiators are preferred, and acetophenone compounds, hydroxyacetophenone compounds, α-aminoacetophenone compounds, and oxime ester compounds are particularly preferred.

[0145] The content of the polymerization initiator in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition can be appropriately adjusted depending on the type and amount of polymerizable liquid crystal compound, but is usually 0.1 to 30 parts by mass, preferably 0.5 to 10 parts by mass, and more preferably 0.5 to 8 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound. When the content of the polymerization initiator is within the above range, polymerization can be carried out without disturbing the orientation of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound.

[0146] (Leveling agent) The light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition may contain a leveling agent. A leveling agent is an additive that adjusts the fluidity of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition and makes the film obtained by coating the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition flatter. The light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition may contain a silicon-based leveling agent, a polyacrylate-based leveling agent, a perfluoroalkyl-based fluorine-based leveling agent, etc., and it is preferable that it contains a fluorine-based leveling agent or a silicon leveling agent. When the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition contains a silicon leveling agent, its content is, for example, within the range described later as the content in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer.

[0147] The silicon-based leveling agent is a leveling agent containing silicon atoms, and it is preferable to use a leveling agent having a polyorganosiloxane skeleton. Examples of groups bonded to the silicon atoms in the polyorganosiloxane (silicon atoms forming siloxane bonds) include hydrocarbon groups. Among these, preferably are alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, ester groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and aryl groups, more preferably methyl groups and phenyl groups, and even more preferably methyl groups. The group bonded to the silicon atoms may be only one type or two or more types. The number of repeats of the siloxane units (degree of polymerization) is not particularly limited, but is preferably 2 to 10,000, more preferably 3 to 5,000, and even more preferably 5 to 1,000.

[0148] A commercially available silicone-based leveling agent can be used. Examples of commercially available silicone-based leveling agents include BYK-300, BYK-302, BYK-306, BYK-307, BYK-310, BYK-313, BYK-315N, BYK-320, BYK-322, BYK-323, BYK-325, BYK-330, BYK-331, BYK-333, BYK-337, BYK-342, BYK-345, BYK-346, BYK-347, BYK-348, BYK-349, BYK-370, BYK-377, BYK-378, BYK-3455, BYK-UV3510 (all manufactured by Bic Chemie Japan Co., Ltd.), KF-945, KF-6015, KF-6020 (all manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.). Examples include TEGORad2300, TEGORad2200N, TEGORad2011 (manufactured by Degussa), and BYK-UV3500, BYK-UV3505, BYK-3510, BYK-UV3530, BYK-UV3570, BYK-UV3575, BYK-UV3576 (all manufactured by BIC Chemie Japan Co., Ltd.), KP-422, KP-416, KP-418, KP-410, KP-411, KP-412, KP-413, KP-423, KP-414, KP-415, KP-420, KP-983 (all manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.), which have radical polymerizable groups such as (meth)acryloyl groups added to the polyether chain.

[0149] The silicon-based leveling agent is preferably 0.01 parts by mass to 5.0 parts by mass, more preferably 0.05 parts by mass to 3.0 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.05 parts by mass to 2.0 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.1 parts by mass to 1.0 part by mass, and particularly preferably 0.1 parts by mass to 0.5 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. The content of polymerizable liquid crystal compound and the content of silicon-based leveling agent can be calculated as the content of polymerizable liquid crystal compound and silicon-based leveling agent in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer forming composition. When the content of silicon-based leveling agent is within the above range, it becomes easier to form a flat light-absorbing anisotropic layer and easier to suppress blocking. When the content of silicon-based leveling agent is 5.0 parts by mass or less, it becomes easier to suppress repelling when the light-absorbing anisotropic layer forming composition is applied to the substrate layer.

[0150] (Orientation promoter) When a composition for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer is applied directly to the surface of a substrate layer (when a vertical alignment layer is not used), the composition for forming the light-absorbing anisotropic layer preferably contains an alignment promoter. An alignment promoter refers to a material that promotes the liquid crystal alignment of a polymerizable liquid crystal compound in a desired direction. Examples of alignment promoters that promote the vertical alignment of a polymerizable liquid crystal compound include ionic compounds and nonionic silane compounds composed of nonmetallic atoms. The composition for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer preferably contains at least one of an ionic compound and a nonionic silane compound composed of nonmetallic atoms, and more preferably contains both an ionic compound and a nonionic silane compound.

[0151] As silane compounds, nonionic silane compounds and silane-containing ionic compounds, as described later, can be used, and the vertical orientation restricting force can be increased by using these silane compounds. These silane compounds may be used individually, in combination of two or more, or mixed with other materials. When the silane compound is a nonionic silane compound, a silane compound having an alkyl group at the molecular end is preferred from the viewpoint of easily increasing the vertical orientation restricting force, and a silane compound having an alkyl group with 3 to 30 carbon atoms is more preferred.

[0152] When a light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition contains an ionic compound made of nonmetallic atoms, in the dried coating film of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition formed on the substrate layer, electrostatic interactions exert a vertical orientation restricting force on the polymerizable liquid crystal compound, causing the polymerizable liquid crystal compound to tend to orient perpendicularly to the surface of the substrate layer within the dried coating film. As a result, the polymerizable liquid crystal compound can maintain a vertically oriented state, enabling the formation of a light-absorbing anisotropic layer, which is a liquid crystal cured film.

[0153] Examples of ionic compounds consisting of nonmetallic atoms include onium salts (more specifically, quaternary ammonium salts, tertiary sulfonium salts, and quaternary phosphonium salts, etc., in which the nitrogen atom has a positive charge). Of these onium salts, quaternary onium salts are preferred from the viewpoint of further improving the vertical orientation of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds, and quaternary phosphonium salts or quaternary ammonium salts are more preferred from the viewpoint of improving availability and mass production. Onium salts may have two or more quaternary onium salt moieties in the molecule, and may be oligomers or polymers.

[0154] The molecular weight of the ionic compound is preferably between 100 and 10,000. When the molecular weight is within this range, it is easier to improve the vertical orientation of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound while ensuring the coatability of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition. More preferably, the molecular weight of the ionic compound is 5,000 or less, and even more preferably 3,000 or less.

[0155] Examples of cation components in ionic compounds include inorganic cations and organic cations. Among these, organic cations are preferred because they are less likely to cause orientation defects in polymerizable liquid crystal compounds. Examples of organic cations include imidazolium cations, pyridinium cations, ammonium cations, sulfonium cations, and phosphonium cations.

[0156] Ionic compounds generally have counter anions. Examples of anion components that act as counterions to the cationic components include inorganic and organic anions. Among these, organic anions are preferred because they are less likely to cause orientation defects in polymerizable liquid crystal compounds. It should be noted that there is not necessarily a one-to-one correspondence between cations and anions.

[0157] Examples of anionic components include the following: Chloride anion [Cl - ), Bromide Anion [Br - ), Iodion [I - ), Tetrachloroaluminate anion [AlCl4] - ), Heptachlorodialuminate anion [Al2Cl7] - ), Tetrafluoroborate anion [BF4] - ), Hexafluorophosphate anion [PF6] - ), Perchlorate anion [ClO4] - ), Nitrate anion [NO3] - ), Acetate anion [CH3COO - ), Trifluoroacetate anion [CF3COO - ), Fluorosulfonate anion [FSO3 - ), Methanesulfonate anion [CH3SO3] - ), Trifluoromethanesulfonate anion [CF3SO3] - ), p-toluenesulfonate anion [p-CH3C6H4SO3] - ), Bis(fluorosulfonyl)imido anion [(FSO2)2N] - ), Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imido anion [(CF3SO2)2N] - ), Tris(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)methanide anion [(CF3SO2)3C - ), Hexafluoroarsenate anion [AsF6] - ), Hexafluoroantimonate anion [SbF6] - ), Hexafluoroniobate anion [NbF6] - ), Hexafluorotantalate anion [TaF6] - ), Dimethylphosphinate anion [(CH3)2POO - ), (Poly)hydrofluorofluoride anion [F(HF)] n - (For example, n represents an integer from 1 to 3.) Dicyanamide anion (CN)2N - ), Thiocyanine anion [SCN - ), Perfluorobutanesulfonate anion [C4F9SO3 - ), Bis(pentafluoroethanesulfonyl)imide anion [(C2F5SO2)2N - ), Perfluorobutanoate anion [C3F7COO-], and, (Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)(Trifluoromethanecarbonyl)imido anion [(CF3SO2)(CF3CO)N - ]

[0158] Specific examples of ionic compounds can be appropriately selected from the above combinations of cationic and anionic components. Examples of compounds with specific combinations of cationic and anionic components include the following:

[0159] (Pyridinium salt) N-hexylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate, N-octylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate, N-methyl-4-hexylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate, N-butyl-4-methylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate, N-octyl-4-methylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate, N-hexylpyridinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, N-octylpyridinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, N-methyl-4-hexylpyridinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, N-butyl-4-methylpyridinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, N-octyl-4-methylpyridinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, N-hexylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide N-octylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, N-methyl-4-hexylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide N-butyl-4-methylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide N-octyl-4-methylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, N-hexylpyridinium p-toluenesulfonate, N-octylpyridinium p-toluenesulfonate, N-methyl-4-hexylpyridinium p-toluenesulfonate, N-butyl-4-methylpyridinium p-toluenesulfonate, and N-octyl-4-methylpyridinium p-toluenesulfonate.

[0160] (Imidazorium salt) 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium p-toluenesulfonate, 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate, etc.

[0161] (Pyrrolidinium salt) N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium hexafluorophosphate, N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium p-toluenesulfonate, etc.

[0162] (Ammonium salt) Tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate, Tetrabutylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, Tetrahexylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, Trioctylmethylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, (2-hydroxyethyl)trimethylammonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide Tetrabutylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, Tetrahexylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, Trioctylmethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, (2-hydroxyethyl)trimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide Tetrabutylammonium p-toluenesulfonate, Tetrahexylammonium p-toluenesulfonate, Trioctylmethylammonium p-toluenesulfonate, (2-hydroxyethyl)trimethylammonium p-toluenesulfonate, (2-hydroxyethyl)trimethylammonium dimethylphosphine, 1-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)-1,1,1-tributylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide 1-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)-1,1,1-trimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, 1-(3-trimethoxysilylbutyl)-1,1,1-tributylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide 1-(3-trimethoxysilylbutyl)-1,1,1-trimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide N-{(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)carbamoyloxyethyl)}-N,N,N-trimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, and N-[2-{3-(3-trimethoxysilylpropylamino)-1-oxopropoxy}ethyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide.

[0163] (Phosphonium salt) Tributyl(2-methoxyethyl)phosphonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, Tributylmethylphosphonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, 1,1,1-trimethyl-1-[(trimethoxysilyl)methyl]phosphonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide 1,1,1-Trimethyl-1-[2-(trimethoxysilyl)ethyl]phosphonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide 1,1,1-Trimethyl-1-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]phosphonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide 1,1,1-Trimethyl-1-[4-(trimethoxysilyl)butyl]phosphonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide 1,1,1-Tributyl-1-[(trimethoxysilyl)methyl]phosphonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide 1,1,1-Tributyl-1-[2-(trimethoxysilyl)ethyl]phosphonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, and 1,1,1-Tributyl-1-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]phosphonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide. These ionic compounds may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0164] From the viewpoint of further improving the vertical orientation of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds, it is preferable that the ionic compound has Si and / or F elements in the molecular structure of the cation moiety. When the ionic compound has Si and / or F elements in the molecular structure of the cation moiety, it becomes easier to segregate the ionic compound on the surface of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. Among these, the following ionic compounds (i) to (iii) are preferred as ionic compounds in which all constituent elements are nonmetallic elements.

[0165] Ionic compounds (i): [Chemistry] Ionic compound (ii): [Chemistry] Ionic compound (iii) [Chemistry]

[0166] As a method for improving the vertical alignment property of a polymerizable liquid crystal compound, for example, a method of treating the surface of a substrate layer with a surfactant having an alkyl group with a certain chain length is known (for example, see Chapter 2, Alignment and Physical Properties of Liquid Crystals, published by Maruzen Co., Ltd.). Such a method of improving the vertical alignment property of a polymerizable liquid crystal compound with a surfactant can also be applied to ionic compounds. That is, by treating the surface of the substrate layer with an ionic compound having an alkyl group with a certain chain length, the vertical alignment property of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound can be effectively improved.

[0167] Specifically, the ionic compound has the following relationship: 5 < M < 16 It is preferable to satisfy the above relationship. M in the above relationship is represented by the following formula: M = (the number of covalent bonds from the positively charged atom to the molecular chain end of the substituent having the largest number of covalent bonds to the molecular chain end among the substituents directly bonded to the positively charged atom) ÷ (the number of positively charged atoms) is represented by. When the ionic compound satisfies the above-mentioned relationship, the vertical alignment property of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound can be effectively improved.

[0168] If an ionic compound molecule contains two or more positively charged atoms, for substituents with two or more positively charged atoms, the number of covalent bonds from the positively charged atom considered as the starting point to the nearest other positively charged atom shall be used as the "number of covalent bonds from the positively charged atom to the end of the molecular chain" as defined above for M. If the ionic compound is an oligomer or polymer with two or more repeating units, the constituent units shall be considered as one molecule, and M shall be calculated accordingly. If a positively charged atom is incorporated into a ring structure, the number of covalent bonds from the positively charged atom to the same positively charged atom via the ring structure, or the number of covalent bonds to the end of the substituent bonded to the ring structure, whichever is greater, shall be used as the "number of covalent bonds from the positively charged atom to the end of the molecular chain" as defined above for M.

[0169] When the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition contains an ionic compound, its content is usually preferably 0.01 to 5% by mass, more preferably 0.05 to 4% by mass, and even more preferably 0.1 to 3% by mass, relative to the solid content of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition. When the content of the ionic compound is within the above range, the vertical orientation of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound can be effectively promoted while maintaining the good coatability of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition.

[0170] When a light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition contains a nonionic silane compound, the nonionic silane compound reduces the surface tension of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition. In the dried coating film of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition formed on the substrate layer, the nonionic silane compound is present on the side of the dried coating film opposite to the substrate layer, increasing the vertical orientation restricting force for the polymerizable liquid crystal compound. This causes the polymerizable liquid crystal compound to tend to orient perpendicularly to the surface of the substrate layer within the dried coating film. As a result, the polymerizable liquid crystal compound can maintain its vertical orientation and form a light-absorbing anisotropic layer, which is a liquid crystal cured film.

[0171] Nonionic silane compounds are compounds that are nonionic and contain the element Si. Examples of nonionic silane compounds include silicon polymers such as polysilanes, silicone resins such as silicone oils and silicone resins, and organic inorganic silane compounds such as silicone oligomers, silethsiloxanes and alkoxysilanes (more specifically, silane coupling agents, etc.), and silane-containing compounds as described in the section on leveling agents.

[0172] The nonionic silane compound may be of the silicone monomer type or the silicone oligomer (polymer) type. When the silicone oligomer is expressed in the form of a (monomer)-(monomer) copolymer, it may include mercaptopropyl group-containing copolymers such as 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer, 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane copolymer, 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer, and 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane copolymer; mercaptomethyl group-containing copolymers such as mercaptomethyltrimethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer, mercaptomethyltriethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer, and mercaptomethyltriethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane copolymer; and 3-meth Methacryloyloxypropyl group-containing copolymers such as cryoyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer, 3-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane copolymer, 3-methacryloyloxypropyltriethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer, 3-methacryloyloxypropyltriethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane copolymer, 3-methacryloyloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer, 3-methacryloyloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane copolymer, 3-methacryloyloxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer, and 3-methacryloyloxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane copolymer;3-Acryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer, 3-Acryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane copolymer, 3-Acryloyloxypropyltriethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer, 3-Acryloyloxypropyltriethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane copolymer, 3-Acryloyloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer, 3-Acryloyloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane copolymer, 3-Acryloyloxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer and 3-Acryloyloxypropyl Copolymers containing acryloyloxypropyl groups, such as tyldiethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane copolymer; copolymers containing vinyl groups, such as vinyltrimethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer, vinyltrimethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane copolymer, vinyltriethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer, vinyltriethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane copolymer, vinylmethyldimethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer, vinylmethyldimethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane copolymer, vinylmethyldiethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer, and vinylmethyldiethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane copolymer;Examples include amino group-containing copolymers such as 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer, 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane copolymer, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane copolymer, 3-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer, 3-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane copolymer, 3-aminopropylmethyldiethoxysilane-tetramethoxysilane copolymer, and 3-aminopropylmethyldiethoxysilane-tetraethoxysilane copolymer. These nonionic silane compounds may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, silane coupling agents are preferred from the viewpoint of further improving adhesion with adjacent layers.

[0173] The silane coupling agent is a compound containing an element Si having at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of vinyl, epoxy, styryl, methacrylic, acrylic, amino, isocyanurate, ureido, mercapto, isocyanate, carboxy, and hydroxyl groups at its terminal end, and at least one alkoxysilyl or silanol group. By appropriately selecting these functional groups, it is possible to impart unique effects such as improving the mechanical strength of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer, modifying the surface of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer, and improving the adhesion between the light-absorbing anisotropic layer and adjacent layers (e.g., substrate layers). From the viewpoint of adhesion, it is preferable that the silane coupling agent has an alkoxysilyl group and another different reactive group (e.g., the above functional group). It is preferable that the silane coupling agent has an alkoxysilyl group and a polar group. When a silane coupling agent has at least one alkoxysilyl group and at least one polar group within its molecule, the vertical orientation of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds tends to be improved, and a significant vertical orientation promoting effect is likely to be obtained. Examples of polar groups include epoxy groups, amino groups, isocyanurate groups, mercapto groups, carboxyl groups, and hydroxyl groups. The polar groups may have substituents or protecting groups as appropriate to control the reactivity of the silane coupling agent.

[0174] Examples of silane coupling agents include vinyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltriethoxysilane, vinyltris(2-methoxyethoxy)silane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, 3-triethoxysilyl-N-(1,3-dimethylbutylidene)propylamine, 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, and 3-glycidoxypropyl Examples include tyldimethoxysilane, 2-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltrimethoxysilane, 3-chloropropylmethyldimethoxysilane, 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-glycidoxypropyltriethoxysilane, 3-glycidoxypropyldimethoxymethylsilane, and 3-glycidoxypropylethoxydimethylsilane.

[0175] Examples of commercially available silane coupling agents include KP321, KP323, KP324, KP326, KP340, KP341, X22-161A, KF6001, KBM-1003, KBE-1003, KBM-303, KBM-402, KBM-403, KBE-402, KBE-403, KBM-1403, KBM-502, KBM-503, KBE- Examples of silane coupling agents manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. include 502, KBE-503, KBM-5103, KBM-602, KBM-603, KBM-903, KBE-903, KBE-9103, KBM-573, KBM-575, KBM-9659, KBE-585, KBM-802, KBM-803, KBE-846, and KBE-9007.

[0176] When the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition contains a nonionic silane compound, its content is usually preferably 0.01% to 5% by mass, more preferably 0.05% to 4% by mass, and even more preferably 0.1% to 3% by mass, relative to the solid content of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition. When the content of the nonionic silane compound is within the above range, the vertical orientation of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound can be effectively promoted while maintaining the good coatability of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition.

[0177] Because the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition contains both an ionic compound and a nonionic silane compound, in the dried coating film of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition formed on the substrate layer, the vertical orientation of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is more easily promoted due to the electrostatic interaction originating from the ionic compound and the surface tension reduction effect originating from the nonionic silane compound. As a result, the polymerizable liquid crystal compound can maintain a state of more precise vertical orientation, and the light-absorbing anisotropic layer, which is a liquid crystal cured film, can be formed.

[0178] (Reactive additives) The light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition may contain a reactive additive. The reactive additive is preferably one having a carbon-carbon unsaturated bond and an active hydrogen-reactive group within its molecule. Here, "active hydrogen-reactive group" refers to a group that reacts to groups containing active hydrogen, such as carboxyl groups (-COOH), hydroxyl groups (-OH), and amino groups (-NH2). Typical examples include glycidyl groups, oxazoline groups, carbodiimide groups, aziridine groups, imide groups, isocyanate groups, thioisocyanate groups, and maleic anhydride groups. The number of carbon-carbon unsaturated bonds or active hydrogen-reactive groups in the reactive additive is usually 1 to 20, preferably 1 to 10.

[0179] In reactive additives, it is preferable that at least two active hydrogen reactive groups are present, and in this case, the multiple active hydrogen reactive groups may be the same or different.

[0180] The carbon-carbon unsaturated bond in the reactive additive may be a carbon-carbon double bond, a carbon-carbon triple bond, or a combination thereof, but a carbon-carbon double bond is preferred. In particular, the reactive additive preferably contains a carbon-carbon unsaturated bond as a vinyl group and / or a (meth)acrylic group. Furthermore, the reactive additive is preferably one in which the active hydrogen reactive group is selected from the group consisting of epoxy group, glycidyl group, and isocyanate group, and the reactive additive having both an acrylic group and an isocyanate group is more preferred.

[0181] Specific examples of reactive additives include compounds having a (meth)acrylic group and an epoxy group, such as methacryloxyglycidyl ether and acryloxyglycidyl ether; compounds having a (meth)acrylic group and an oxetane group, such as oxetane acrylate and oxetane methacrylate; compounds having a (meth)acrylic group and a lactone group, such as lactone acrylate and lactone methacrylate; compounds having a vinyl group and an oxazoline group, such as vinyl oxazoline and isopropenyloxazoline; and oligomers of compounds having a (meth)acrylic group and an isocyanate group, such as isocyanatomethyl acrylate, isocyanatomethyl methacrylate, 2-isocyanatoethyl acrylate, or 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate. Other examples include compounds having a vinyl group or vinylene group and an acid anhydride, such as methacrylic anhydride, acrylic anhydride, maleic anhydride, or vinyl maleic anhydride. Among these, methacryloxyglycidyl ether, acryloxyglycidyl ether, isocyanatomethyl acrylate, isocyanatomethyl methacrylate, vinyl oxazoline, 2-isocyanatoethyl acrylate, 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate, or the above oligomers are preferred, and isocyanatomethyl acrylate, 2-isocyanatoethyl acrylate, or the above oligomers are particularly preferred.

[0182] Reactive additives can be used as is from the market, or purified as needed. Examples of commercially available products include Laromer® LR-9000 (manufactured by BASF).

[0183] When the composition for forming the light absorption anisotropic layer contains a reactive additive, the content of the reactive additive is usually 0.01 to 10 parts by mass, preferably 0.1 to 5 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound.

[0184] (Vertical alignment layer) The vertical alignment layer has an alignment regulating force capable of aligning the polymerizable liquid crystal compound in the composition for forming the light absorption anisotropic layer for forming the light absorption anisotropic layer in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the light absorption anisotropic layer. When the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is aligned in the vertical direction, it means that the major axis of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is aligned in the vertical direction, and the vertical direction means 90° ± 20° with respect to the plane of the light absorption anisotropic layer. The state of the liquid crystal alignment changes depending on the properties of the vertical alignment layer and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound, and the combination thereof can be arbitrarily selected.

[0185] When the alignment layer is formed of an alignment polymer, the alignment regulating force can be arbitrarily adjusted depending on the surface state and rubbing conditions. When the alignment layer is formed of a photoalignment polymer, the alignment regulating force can be arbitrarily adjusted depending on the polarized light irradiation conditions and the like. Further, the liquid crystal alignment can also be controlled by selecting physical properties such as the surface tension and liquid crystallinity of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound.

[0186] As the vertical alignment layer, it is preferable that it is insoluble in the solvent used when forming the light absorption anisotropic layer on the vertical alignment layer and has heat resistance in the heat treatment for removing the solvent and aligning the liquid crystal. The vertical alignment layer can be formed using a composition for forming a vertical alignment layer. Examples of the vertical alignment layer include a polymer alignment layer made of an alignment polymer, a photoalignment layer, a groove alignment layer, a stretched film stretched in the alignment direction, etc. When applied to a long roll-shaped film, the photoalignment layer is preferable in that the alignment direction can be easily controlled.

[0187] The thickness of the vertically aligned layer is typically in the range of 10 nm to 5000 nm, preferably in the range of 10 nm to 1000 nm, and more preferably in the range of 30 nm to 300 nm.

[0188] The vertical orientation layer forming composition used for forming the rubbing orientation layer contains an orientation polymer. Examples of orientation polymers include polyamides and gelatins having amide bonds in the molecule, polyimides having imide bonds in the molecule and their hydrolysates such as polyamic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, alkyl-modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide, polyoxazole, polyethyleneimine, polystyrene, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid, and polyacrylic acid esters. Among these, polyvinyl alcohol is preferred. These orientation polymers may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0189] An orientation polymer composition containing an orientation polymer for forming a rubbing orientation layer (a composition for forming a vertical orientation layer) may also be a resin composition containing a water-soluble polymer used in a protective layer formation composition for forming a protective layer, as described later (a water-soluble polymer-containing resin composition).

[0190] One method of rubbing involves applying an oriented polymer composition to the surface of a substrate layer, annealing it to form a film of the oriented polymer that constitutes the surface of the substrate layer, wrapping a rubbing cloth around it, and bringing it into contact with a rotating rubbing roll.

[0191] The vertical alignment layer-forming composition used to form the photo-alignment layer contains a polymer, oligomer, or monomer having a photoreactive group. The photo-alignment layer is formed by irradiating a coated layer, on which the composition for forming the photo-alignment layer (vertical alignment layer-forming composition) has been applied to a substrate layer, with polarized light to obtain an orientation-regulating force. The photo-alignment layer is preferred because the direction of the orientation-regulating force can be arbitrarily controlled by selecting the polarization direction of the irradiated polarized light.

[0192] A photoreactive group is a group that generates liquid crystal alignment ability upon irradiation with light. Specifically, it is a group that induces molecular orientation upon irradiation with light, or generates a photoreaction that is the origin of liquid crystal alignment ability, such as isomerization, dimerization, photocrosslinking, or photodegradation. Among these photoreactive groups, those that undergo dimerization or photocrosslinking are preferred in terms of their excellent orientation properties. As photoreactive groups that can generate such reactions, those having unsaturated bonds, especially double bonds, are preferred, and more preferably groups having at least one selected from the group consisting of carbon-carbon double bonds (C=C bonds), carbon-nitrogen double bonds (C=N bonds), nitrogen-nitrogen double bonds (N=N bonds), and carbon-oxygen double bonds (C=O bonds).

[0193] Examples of photoreactive groups having a C=C bond include vinyl groups, polyene groups, stilbene groups, stilbazole groups, stilbazolium groups, chalcone groups, and cinnamoyl groups. Chalcone groups and cinnamoyl groups are preferred from the viewpoint of ease of controlling reactivity and the expression of orientation-regulating power during photo-orientation. Examples of photoreactive groups having a C=N bond include groups having structures such as aromatic Schiff bases and aromatic hydrazones. Examples of photoreactive groups having an N=N bond include azobenzene groups, azonaphthalene groups, aromatic heterocyclic azo groups, bisazo groups, and formazan groups, as well as those with azoxybenzene as their basic structure. Examples of photoreactive groups having a C=O bond include benzophenone groups, coumarin groups, anthraquinone groups, and maleimide groups. These groups may have substituents such as alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, aryl groups, allyloxy groups, cyano groups, alkoxycarbonyl groups, hydroxyl groups, sulfonic acid groups, and halogenated alkyl groups. From the viewpoint of excellent orientation and reactivity, photo-oriented polymers preferably have photoreactive groups that undergo dimerization or photocrosslinking reactions, and more preferably have photoreactive groups that undergo dimerization reactions. Examples of such photoreactive groups include groups having a cinnamoyl structure, a chalcone structure, a coumarin structure, a benzophenone structure, and an anthracene structure. Of these, groups having a cinnamoyl structure and groups having a chalcone structure are preferred, and groups having a cinnamoyl structure are more preferred.

[0194] The method of irradiating with polarized light may be either by directly irradiating with polarized light from the film surface of the coating layer of the composition for forming the photo-alignment layer, or by irradiating with polarized light from the substrate layer side and transmitting the polarized light. Furthermore, it is particularly preferable that the polarized light is substantially parallel light. The wavelength of the irradiated polarized light should be in the wavelength range in which the photoreactive groups of the polymer or monomer having photoreactive groups can absorb light energy. Specifically, UV (ultraviolet light) in the wavelength range of 250 to 400 nm is particularly preferred. Examples of light sources used for the polarization irradiation include xenon lamps, high-pressure mercury lamps, ultra-high-pressure mercury lamps, metal halide lamps, and ultraviolet light lasers such as KrF and ArF, with high-pressure mercury lamps, ultra-high-pressure mercury lamps and metal halide lamps being more preferred. These lamps are preferred because they have a high emission intensity of ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 313 nm. Polarized light can be irradiated by passing the light from the above-mentioned light source through a suitable polarizer. As such a polarizer, a polarizing filter, a polarizing prism such as a Grant-Thomson or Grant-Taylor, or a wire grid type polarizer can be used.

[0195] (protective layer) The protective layer can suppress the diffusion of dichroic dyes contained in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer and prevent damage to the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. The protective layer can be formed from a protective layer-forming composition. Examples of protective layer-forming compositions include a layer formed from a resin composition containing a water-soluble polymer (hereinafter also referred to as "water-soluble polymer-containing resin composition"), and a curable composition containing an active energy ray-curable resin. Since water-soluble polymers generally have a significantly different polarity from dichroic dyes, they have an excellent effect in preventing the diffusion of dichroic dyes; therefore, the protective layer is preferably a layer formed from a water-soluble polymer-containing resin composition.

[0196] Examples of water-soluble polymers include polyacrylamide polymers; vinyl alcohol polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, and (meth)acrylic acid or its anhydride-vinyl alcohol copolymers; carboxyvinyl polymers; polyvinylpyrrolidone; starches; sodium alginate; polyethylene oxide polymers; and water-soluble polyamide epoxy resins. The degree of saponification of vinyl alcohol polymers used as water-soluble polymers is usually 90 to 100 mol%, preferably 95 mol% or more, and more preferably 98 mol% or more. These polymers may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0197] When the protective layer is formed from a water-soluble polymer-containing resin composition, the water-soluble polymer content in the layer is preferably 75% by mass or more, more preferably 80% by mass or more, and even more preferably 85% by mass or more.

[0198] If the protective layer is formed from a water-soluble polymer-containing resin composition, a crosslinked structure may be introduced by using a crosslinking agent to increase the density of the layer. Examples of crosslinking agents include water-soluble crosslinking agents such as ionic crosslinking agents and epoxy crosslinking agents such as glyoxylates; and hydrophobic crosslinking agents such as isocyanate crosslinking agents, polyhydric aldehyde crosslinking agents such as glyoxal and glyoxal derivatives, and metal compound crosslinking agents such as zirconium chloride or titanium lactate, for the purpose of imparting water resistance.

[0199] The amount of crosslinking agent added can be appropriately determined depending on the type of crosslinking agent, etc. For example, it may be 0.1 to 100 parts by mass, preferably 1 to 50 parts by mass, and more preferably 10 to 30 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of water-soluble polymer. When the crosslinking agent content is within the above range, a dense protective layer can be formed.

[0200] Water-soluble polymer-containing resin compositions are typically prepared as a solution in which the water-soluble polymer is dissolved in a solvent. The solvent can be selected depending on the water-soluble polymer used, but typical examples include water, alcohol, and mixtures of water and alcohol, with water being preferred.

[0201] The solid content concentration of the water-soluble polymer-containing resin composition obtained by adding a solvent to components constituting the protective layer, such as a water-soluble polymer and a crosslinking agent, is preferably 1 to 50% by mass, more preferably 2 to 30% by mass, and even more preferably 3 to 15% by mass. When the solid content concentration of the water-soluble polymer-containing resin composition is within the above range, the viscosity of the composition becomes low, resulting in good coating properties and handling properties.

[0202] The water-soluble polymer-containing resin composition may contain other components such as additives in addition to the water-soluble polymer, crosslinking agent, and solvent such as water. Examples of other components include preservatives and leveling agents. When the water-soluble polymer-containing resin composition contains other components such as additives, the amount thereof is preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, based on the solid content of the resin composition.

[0203] If the cured layer contains a leveling agent, it is preferable that the protective layer does not contain a leveling agent. This is because if both the cured layer and the protective layer contain a leveling agent, the affinity between the cured layer and the protective layer increases, making it easier for the optical laminate to stick to the end of the winding axis when the optical laminate is wound into a winding body.

[0204] A water-soluble polymer-containing resin composition, prepared by dissolving necessary components such as water-soluble polymers and crosslinking agents in a solvent, can be applied to the surface of a substrate layer, and a protective layer can be formed by drying and removing the solvent in the coating film and allowing it to cure.

[0205] The method for applying the water-soluble polymer-containing resin composition is not particularly limited, and examples include applying the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition described later. The surface on which the protective layer of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is formed may be subjected to surface treatment such as corona treatment or plasma treatment.

[0206] The drying temperature and time for forming a protective layer from a coating film of a water-soluble polymer-containing resin composition are not particularly limited and can be appropriately determined according to the composition of the water-soluble polymer-containing resin composition used. The drying process can be carried out, for example, by blowing hot air, and the temperature is usually in the range of 40 to 100°C, preferably 60 to 100°C. The drying time is usually 10 to 600 seconds.

[0207] Examples of active energy ray curable resins included in the curable composition include curable compositions for forming the cured layer described above. The curable composition can be applied to the surface of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer opposite to the substrate layer side, and a protective layer can be formed by irradiating it with active energy rays. As described above, the surface on which the protective layer of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is formed may be subjected to a surface treatment.

[0208] The thickness of the protective layer may be 0.5 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less, 0.5 μm or more and 4.0 μm or less, 0.5 μm or more and 2.0 μm or less, or 0.7 μm or more and 1.5 μm or less.

[0209] The indentation modulus of the protective layer is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of suppressing wrinkles, it is preferable to have a modulus of 1000 MPa or higher, more preferably 1500 MPa or higher, and even more preferably 2000 MPa or higher. It is also usually 10000 MPa or lower. The indentation modulus is as described above, and its measurement method is also as described above.

[0210] (Applications of optical laminates) The optical laminates 1 and 2 can be used in display devices, for example, as a composite laminate laminated with an elliptical polarizing plate. The optical laminates 1 and 2 are laminated on the polarization layer side (viewing side) of the elliptical polarizing plate. By laminating the optical laminates 1 and 2 on the viewing side of the elliptical polarizing plate, when the composite laminate is applied to a display device, the hue difference between the front hue when viewed from the front and the oblique hue when viewed from an oblique angle during white display can be reduced.

[0211] The optical laminates 1 and 2 may be laminated onto an elliptic polarizer that already has a polarizing layer and a phase difference layer laminated onto it, or the polarizing layer and phase difference layer constituting the elliptic polarizer may be laminated onto the optical laminates 1 and 2 in this order. The optical laminates 1 and 2 are laminated on the polarizing layer side of the elliptic polarizer. The elliptic polarizer is preferably laminated on the side of the light absorption anisotropy layer 15 or the protective layer 16, but it may also be laminated on the side of the cured product layer 12 of the optical laminates 1 and 2.

[0212] An elliptic polarizer may have, in order from the viewing side, a polarizing layer and a first phase difference layer having an in-plane phase difference. The first phase difference layer may include two or more phase difference layers having different in-plane phase differences. In order to achieve a high level of anti-reflective function of the elliptic polarizer as an anti-reflective film, it is preferable to include a λ / 4 phase difference layer having a λ / 4 plate function (i.e., a π / 2 phase difference function) across the entire visible light range. A λ / 4 phase difference layer with inverse wavelength dispersion is preferred. The first phase difference layer may be a combination of a phase difference layer having a positive wavelength dispersion λ / 2 plate function (λ / 2 phase difference layer) and a positive wavelength dispersion λ / 4 phase difference layer.

[0213] The elliptical polarizing plate may further include a second phase difference layer (positive C plate) having anisotropy in the thickness direction, from the viewpoint of compensating for the anti-reflective function in oblique directions.

[0214] The first and second phase difference layers preferably contain a cured polymerizable liquid crystal compound. In this case, each of these phase difference layers may independently form a tilt orientation or a cholesteric orientation.

[0215] When the elliptic polarizer includes a first phase difference layer and a second phase difference layer, the elliptic polarizer in the composite laminate may have the polarizing layer, the first phase difference layer, and the second phase difference layer in that order from the optical laminate side, or it may have the polarizing layer, the second phase difference layer, and the first phase difference layer in that order. A bonding layer may be present between the layers constituting the elliptic polarizer. The bonding layer is an adhesive layer or a bonding agent layer.

[0216] The polarizing layer contained in an elliptical polarizer has anisotropic light absorption. The polarizing layer is a so-called linear polarizing layer. The polarizing layer is, for example, a layer in which dichroic dyes, which are dyes having anisotropic light absorption, are uniaxially oriented. Examples of polarizing layers in which dichroic dyes are uniaxially oriented include a polarizing layer formed by uniaxially stretching a polymer such as a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin impregnated with iodine or an organic dichroic dye, and a polarizing layer made of a polymer of a polymerizable liquid crystal compound containing a dichroic dye, formed by oriented the dichroic dye and polymerizable liquid crystal compound from a composition containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a dichroic dye. Such a polarizing layer can exhibit polarizing function by anisotropic absorption of light by the dichroic dye encapsulated in the stretched film or polymer of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound. The polarizing layer may be incorporated into an elliptical polarizer as a polarizer in which a protective film is laminated on one or both sides.

[0217] The in-plane phase difference R(λ) of the first phase difference layer contained in the elliptic polarizer with respect to light of wavelength λ [nm] preferably satisfies the optical properties shown in the following equation (6), and more preferably satisfies the optical properties shown in the following equations (6), (7), and (8). 100nm <Re(550)<160nm (6) Re(450) / Re(550)≦1.00 (7) 1.00 ≤ Re(650) / Re(550) (8) [In formulas (6) to (8), Re(550) represents the in-plane phase difference value (in-plane retardation) for light with a wavelength of 550 nm in the first phase difference layer. Re(450) represents the in-plane phase difference value for light with a wavelength of 450 nm in the first phase difference layer. Re(650) represents the in-plane phase difference value for light with a wavelength of 650 nm in the first phase difference layer.

[0218] When "Re(450) / Re(550)" in the above formula (7) exceeds 1.0, the light leakage on the short wavelength side increases in the elliptic polarizer equipped with a λ / 4 phase difference layer. "Re(450) / Re(550)" is preferably 0.70 to 1.00, more preferably 0.80 to 0.95, even more preferably 0.80 to 0.92, and particularly preferably 0.82 to 0.88. The value of "Re(450) / Re(550)" can be arbitrarily adjusted by adjusting the stacking angle and phase difference value of the multiple phase difference layers constituting the first phase difference layer, or by adjusting the mixing ratio of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound when a polymerizable liquid crystal compound is used to obtain the phase difference layer constituting the first phase difference layer.

[0219] The in-plane phase difference values ​​of the phase difference layers constituting the first phase difference layer can be adjusted by the thickness of these layers. Since the in-plane phase difference value is determined by the following equation (9), in order to make the in-plane phase difference value (Re(λ)) at wavelength λ [nm] a desired value, it is necessary to adjust Δn(λ) and the film thickness d. Re(λ)=d×Δn(λ) (9) [In formula (9), Re(λ) represents the in-plane phase difference value of the phase difference layer at wavelength λ[nm], d represents the thickness of the phase difference layer, Δn(λ) represents the birefringence of the phase difference layer at wavelength λ [nm].

[0220] The birefringence Δn(λ) is obtained by measuring the in-plane phase difference value and dividing it by the thickness of the phase difference layer. For measurement, by measuring a film deposited on a substrate that does not have an in-plane phase difference itself, such as a glass substrate, the characteristics of the phase difference layer can be measured effectively.

[0221] The thicknesses of the retardation layers constituting the first retardation layer are each independently preferably from 0.5 μm to 5 μm, more preferably from 1 μm to 3 μm. The thickness can be measured by an interference film thickness meter, a laser microscope, or a stylus type film thickness meter. When a polymerizable liquid crystal compound is used to obtain the retardation layer constituting the first retardation layer, Δn(λ) will depend on the molecular structure of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound.

[0222] The second retardation layer included in the elliptical polarizing plate is preferably a positive C plate. The retardation value Rth(550) in the thickness direction of the positive C plate at a wavelength of 550 nm is usually in the range of -170 nm or more and -10 nm or less, preferably in the range of -150 nm or more and -20 nm or less, more preferably in the range of -100 nm or more and -40 nm or less. If the retardation value in the thickness direction of the positive C plate is within this range, the antireflection characteristics from an oblique direction can be further improved.

[0223] The retardation value Rth(λ) in the thickness direction of the second retardation layer with respect to light of wavelength λ [nm] can be calculated from the retardation value (R 40 ) measured by tilting 40 degrees with the in-plane fast axis as the tilt axis and the in-plane retardation value (Re(λ)). That is, Rth(λ) can be calculated by obtaining nx, ny, and nz from Re, R 40 , d (the thickness of the second retardation layer), and n0 (the average refractive index of the second retardation layer) according to the following formulas (11) to (13) and substituting them into formula (10). Rth(λ)=[(nx + ny) / 2 - nz]×d (10) Re=(nx - ny)×d (11) R 40 =(nx - ny')×d / cos(φ) (12) (nx + ny + nz) / 3 = n0 (13) [In formulas (10) to (13), nx, ny, and nz each represent the refractive indices in three directions in the refractive index ellipsoid formed by the second retardation layer, nx represents the principal refractive index in the direction parallel to the plane of the second retardation layer, ny represents the refractive index in a direction parallel to the plane of the second retardation layer and perpendicular to the direction of nx. nz represents the refractive index in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the second retardation layer. In Equation (12), φ = sin -1 [sin(40°) / n0], and ny’ = ny × nz / [ny 2 × sin 2 (φ) + nz 2 × cos 2 (φ)] 1 / 2 is used.

[0224] Examples of display devices to which the optical laminate or composite laminate is applied include organic EL display devices. The organic EL display device can have a structure in which the above-described composite laminate is laminated on an image display element via an adhesive layer. In the organic EL display device, the composite laminate is incorporated so as to be arranged in the order of the optical laminate, the elliptical polarizing plate, and the image display element from the viewing side. The composite laminate can be used as an antireflection film.

Examples

[0225] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the Examples and Comparative Examples, “%” and “parts” are mass % and parts by mass, respectively, unless otherwise specified.

[0226] [Preparation of Base Material Layer] (Base Material Layer (1): COP Film) An annular olefin (COP) film (manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd., “ZF-14-50”) having a width of 700 mm and a long length was prepared as a roll body and used as the base material layer (1). The thickness of the base material layer (1) was 50 μm.

[0227] (Base Material Layer (2): TAC Film) A long triacetylcellulose (TAC) film (Konica Minolta's "KC4UA-TAC") with a width of 700 mm was prepared as a roll and used as the base layer (2). The thickness of the base layer (2) was 40 μm.

[0228] [Preparation of curable compositions] A curable composition was obtained by mixing the components listed below and stirring at a temperature of 80°C for 1 hour. Acrylate compound (dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate): 50 parts Urethane acrylate compound (urethane acrylate, "Ebecryl 4858" manufactured by Daicel Ornex Co., Ltd.): 50 units Radical polymerization initiator (Omnirad907, manufactured by IGM Resins BV): 3 parts Solvent (methyl ethyl ketone): 10 parts

[0229] [Preparation of compositions for forming light-absorbing anisotropic layers] (Preparation of composition (1) for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer) The components listed below were added to cyclopentanone to a solid content concentration of 9%, mixed, and stirred at 80°C for 1 hour to obtain a light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition (1). Polymerizable liquid crystal compound (1): 90 parts Polymerizable liquid crystal compound (2): 10 parts Dichroic dye (azo dye) (1): 1.5 parts Dichroic dye (azo dye) (2): 1.5 parts Polymerization initiator (2-dimethylamino-2-benzyl-1-(4-morpholinophenyl)butan-1-one (Irgacure 369, BASF)): 6 parts Silane coupling agent (KBE-9103, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.): 0.5 parts Leveling agent (Megafac F-556, manufactured by DIC): 0.25 parts

[0230] Polymerizable liquid crystal compounds (1) and (2) have the structures shown below. Polymerizable liquid crystal compound (1) was synthesized according to the method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-31223. Polymerizable liquid crystal compound (2) was synthesized according to the method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-173893. ·Polymerizable liquid crystal compound (1): [ka] [ka]

[0231] The dichroic dyes (1) and (2) used were azo dyes having the structures shown below. • Dichroic pigments (1): [ka] • Dichroic pigments (2): [ka]

[0232] (Preparation of composition (2) for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer) The components listed below were added to o-xylene to a solid content concentration of 10%, mixed, and stirred at 80°C for 1 hour to obtain a light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition (2). Polymerizable liquid crystal compound (3): 75 parts Polymerizable liquid crystal compound (4): 25 parts Dichroic dye (azo dye) (1): 1.5 parts Dichroic dye (azo dye) (2): 1.5 parts Polymerization initiator (2-dimethylamino-2-benzyl-1-(4-morpholinophenyl)butan-1-one (Irgacure 369, BASF)): 6 parts Leveling agent (Megafac F-556, manufactured by DIC): 1.00 part

[0233] Polymerizable liquid crystal compounds (3) and (4) have the structures shown below and were synthesized according to the method described in lub et al., Recl. Trav. Chim. Pays-Bas, 115, 321-328 (1996). The structures of the dichroic dyes (1) and (2) are as described above. ·Polymerizable liquid crystal compound (3): [ka] ·Polymerizable liquid crystal compound (4): [ka]

[0234] [Preparation of a composition for forming a protective layer] (Preparation of protective layer-forming composition (1)) A water-soluble polymer-containing resin composition was prepared by adding 3 parts of carboxyl group-modified polyvinyl alcohol (Kuraray Poval KL318, manufactured by Kuraray Co., Ltd.) and 1.5 parts of water-soluble polyamide epoxy resin (Sumire's Resin 650 (aqueous solution with a solid content of 30%), manufactured by Sumika Chemtex Co., Ltd.) to 100 parts of water.

[0235] (Preparation of protective layer-forming composition (2)) A protective layer-forming composition (2) was obtained using the same procedure as for the preparation of the curable composition.

[0236] [Example 1] (Formation of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer (1)) Corona treatment was performed on one side of the substrate layer (1). Using a slit die coater, the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition (1) was applied to the corona-treated surface of the substrate layer (1) so that uncoated areas were formed at both ends in the width direction of the substrate layer (1) and the coating width was as shown in Table 1. After application, it was heated at 120°C for 60 seconds. Using a high-pressure mercury lamp, ultraviolet light was irradiated from the surface coated with the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition (1) (under a nitrogen atmosphere, wavelength: 365 nm, integrated light intensity at wavelength 365 nm: 500 mJ / cm²). 2By doing so, a light-absorbing anisotropic layer (1) containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a dichroic dye was formed, and a laminate (1) having a layer structure of substrate layer (1) / light-absorbing anisotropic layer (1) was obtained. The laminate (1) was wound into a roll. The thickness of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer (1) contained in the laminate (1) was measured with an ellipsometer M-220 (manufactured by JASCO Corporation) and was found to be 1.0 μm.

[0237] (Fabrication of optical laminate (1)) Next, the rolled laminate (1) was unwound, and corona treatment was applied to the side of the substrate layer (1) opposite to the light-absorbing anisotropic layer (1). Using a slit die coater, the curable composition was applied to the corona-treated surface (the side opposite to the light-absorbing anisotropic layer (1)) of the substrate layer (1) so that uncoated areas were formed at both ends in the width direction of the substrate layer (1) and the coating width was as shown in Table 1. Then, it was heated and dried in a drying oven set to 80°C for 1 minute to form a dried film. Next, ultraviolet light was irradiated onto the dried film using a high-pressure mercury lamp (under a nitrogen atmosphere, wavelength: 365 nm, integrated light intensity at wavelength 365 nm: 500 mJ / cm²). 2 By doing so, a cured layer was formed, and an optical laminate (1) of a light-absorbing anisotropic layer (1) / substrate layer (1) / cured layer was obtained. The optical laminate (1) was wound onto a core and rolled up so that the cured layer side was on the outer circumference, to obtain a wound body (1). The thickness of the cured layer contained in the optical laminate (1) was measured with an ellipsometer M-220 (manufactured by JASCO Corporation) and was found to be 1.0 μm.

[0238] [Comparative Example 1] An optical laminate (c1) and a wound body (c1) were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the thickness of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer was 0.6 μm and no cured layer was formed. The optical laminate (c1) had a layer structure of a substrate layer (1) / light-absorbing anisotropic layer (1), and the wound body (c1) was wound so that the substrate layer side was the outer circumference.

[0239] [Example 2] (Formation of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer (2)) Corona treatment was performed on one side of the substrate layer (2), and the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition (2) was applied using a slit die coater so that uncoated areas were formed at both ends in the width direction of the substrate layer (2) and the coating width was as shown in Table 1. After that, it was heated at 120°C for 60 seconds. Ultraviolet light was irradiated from the surface coated with the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition (2) using a high-pressure mercury lamp (under a nitrogen atmosphere, wavelength: 365 nm, integrated light intensity at wavelength 365 nm: 500 mJ / cm²). 2 By doing so, a light-absorbing anisotropic layer (2) containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a dichroic dye was formed, and a laminate (2) of the substrate layer (2) / light-absorbing anisotropic layer (2) was obtained. The laminate (2) was wound into a roll. The thickness of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer (2) contained in the laminate (2) was measured with an ellipsometer M-220 (manufactured by JASCO Corporation) and was found to be 1.0 μm.

[0240] (Fabrication of optical laminate (2)) An optical laminate (2) and a wound body (2) were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a roll-shaped laminate (2) was used instead of a roll-shaped laminate (1).

[0241] [Examples 3 and 4, Comparative Examples 2-4] A laminate was obtained in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the light-absorbing anisotropic layer forming composition (2) was applied to the light-absorbing anisotropic layer to the coating width and thickness shown in Tables 1 and 2. Using this, optical laminates (3), (4), and (c2) to (c4), as well as wound bodies (3), (4), (c2) to (c4), were obtained.

[0242] [Example 5] A laminate (2) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 2. Corona treatment was performed on the light-absorbing anisotropic layer (2) side of the laminate (2). Using a slit die coater, the protective layer-forming composition (1) was applied to the corona-treated surface of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer (2) contained in the laminate (2) to the same width as the light-absorbing anisotropic layer (2), and dried at 100°C for 1.5 minutes to obtain a laminate (5) having a layer structure of substrate layer (2) / light-absorbing anisotropic layer (2) / protective layer (1). The thickness of the protective layer (1) was measured with an ellipsometer M-220 (manufactured by JASCO Corporation) and was found to be 1.0 μm. An optical laminate (5) and a wound body (5) were obtained in the same manner as in Example 2, except that laminate (5) was used instead of laminate (2). The optical laminate (5) has a layer structure of protective layer (1) / light-absorbing anisotropic layer (2) / substrate layer (2) / cured layer.

[0243] [Example 6] A laminate (2) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 2. Corona treatment was performed on the light-absorbing anisotropic layer (2) side of the laminate (2). Using a slit die coater, a protective layer-forming composition (2) was applied to the corona-treated surface of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer (2) contained in the laminate (2) to the same width as the light-absorbing anisotropic layer (2), and ultraviolet light was irradiated using a high-pressure mercury lamp (under a nitrogen atmosphere, wavelength: 365 nm, integrated light intensity at wavelength 365 nm: 500 mJ / cm²). 2 By doing so, a protective layer (2) was formed, and a laminate (6) having a layer structure of base layer (2) / light absorption anisotropy layer (2) / protective layer (2) was obtained. The thickness of the protective layer (2) was measured with an ellipsometer M-220 (manufactured by JASCO Corporation) and was found to be 1.0 μm. An optical laminate (6) and a wound body (6) were obtained in the same manner as in Example 4, except that laminate (6) was used instead of laminate (2) and the thickness of the cured layer was changed to 2.0 μm. The optical laminate (6) has a layer structure of protective layer (2) / light absorption anisotropy layer (2) / base layer (2) / cured layer.

[0244] [Measurement of absorbance of anisotropic light-absorbing layer] The optical anisotropic layer side of the optical laminate (or the protective layer side, if present) was bonded to a 4cm x 4cm x 0.7mm thick glass object via a 25μm thick pressure-sensitive adhesive (Lintec Corporation), and this was used as the measurement sample. The measurement sample was set in a UV-Vis spectrophotometer (Shimadzu Corporation "UV-2450") and its absorbance was measured to determine Ax at the absorption maximum wavelength in the range of 380nm to 780nm. The value of Ay at the absorption maximum wavelength in the range of 380nm to 780nm is substantially the same as Ax. Furthermore, using the above UV-Vis spectrophotometer, the absorbance Ax (z=60) at the absorption maximum wavelength in the range of 380nm to 780nm was determined when the optical anisotropic layer was rotated 60° around the y-axis as the rotation axis. Since the absorbance of the substrate layer and protective layer can be considered to be 0 (zero), the Ax and Ax(z=60) measured for the measurement sample can be said to be the absorbance of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer.

[0245] The x-axis represents any direction within the plane of the anisotropic light-absorbing layer, the y-axis represents the direction perpendicular to the x-axis within the film plane, and the z-axis represents the thickness direction of the anisotropic light-absorbing layer. Ax is the absorbance at the maximum absorption wavelength of the anisotropic light-absorbing layer, and represents the absorbance of linearly polarized light vibrating in the x-axis direction. Ax(z=60) is the absorbance at the maximum absorption wavelength when the anisotropic light-absorbing layer is rotated 60° around the y-axis as the axis of rotation, and represents the absorbance of linearly polarized light vibrating in the x-axis direction.

[0246] [Evaluation of optical laminates and wound materials] The condition of the optical laminate and the winding body at the end of the winding axis of the winding body were checked and evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2. (Evaluation Criteria) A: There is almost no adhesion of the optical laminate to the ends of the winding axis of the wound body. B: There was some adhesion to the optical laminate at the end of the winding axis of the wound body, and the wound body was slightly deformed. C: Adhesion to the optical laminate was observed at the end of the winding axis of the wound body, and the wound body was deformed.

[0247] [Evaluation of lifting at the edges] The optical laminate on the outer circumference of the wound body was unwound. The unwound optical laminate was placed on a horizontal stand (reference plane) with the concave side facing upwards, and the height from the reference plane was measured at both ends in a direction perpendicular to the winding direction. The average value of these measurements was defined as the amount of lift. The amount of lift was evaluated according to the following criteria. The amount of lift and the concave side are shown in Tables 1 and 2. (Evaluation Criteria) A: The amount of buoyancy was less than 5 mm. B: The amount of buoyancy was between 5mm and 20mm. C: The amount of buoyancy was 20 mm or more.

[0248] [Evaluation of unevenness in the light absorption anisotropy layer] The wound material was left undisturbed for 3 months in an environment of 25°C and 55% relative humidity. Afterward, the optical laminate was unwound from the wound material, and a section of the optical laminate was cut from the core side of the wound material, with a length of 30 cm in the winding direction and the entire width in the direction perpendicular to the winding direction. The end portion of the cut optical laminate in the direction perpendicular to the winding direction was placed between two polarizing plates in a crossed nicol state, and the anisotropic light absorption layer was visually inspected from an oblique direction and evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2. (Evaluation Criteria) A: No unevenness was observed. B: A slight unevenness was visible. C: Strong inconsistencies were observed.

[0249] [Table 1]

[0250] [Table 2] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0251] 1,2 Optical laminate, 11 Substrate layer, 12 Cured layer, 15 Light-absorbing anisotropic layer, 16 Protective layer.

Claims

1. A wound body formed by winding an optical laminate, The optical laminate comprises a substrate layer, a cured layer of a curable composition formed on the substrate layer, and a light-absorbing anisotropic layer formed on the side of the substrate layer opposite to the cured layer. The light-absorbing anisotropic layer comprises a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a dichroic dye, and has a light-absorbing axis perpendicular to the plane of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. A wound body that satisfies the following relationships (1) to (3) in a cross section perpendicular to the winding direction of the optical laminate, where A is the width of the substrate layer, B is the width of the cured layer, and C is the width of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. 0.90 ≤ B / C ≤ 1.10 (1) 0.90≦B / A<1.00 (2) 0.88≦C / A<1.00 (3)

2. The wound body according to claim 1, wherein the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is a liquid crystal compound that forms a smectic phase.

3. The wound body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the base material layer is 20 μm or more and 80 μm or less.

4. The winding body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is 0.5 μm or more and 2.5 μm or less.

5. The wound body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the cured layer is 0.5 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less.

6. The winding body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the amount of lift at the end of the optical laminate unwound from the winding body that is perpendicular to the winding direction is less than 20 mm.

7. The winding body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light-absorbing anisotropic layer satisfies the relationship of the following formula (4). Ax ≤ 0.05 (4) [In formula (4), Ax is the absorbance of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer at the wavelength of maximum absorption in the range of 380 nm to 780 nm, and represents the absorbance of linearly polarized light oscillating in the x-axis direction. Here, the x-axis is any one direction within the plane of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer.

8. The winding body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the optical laminate further has a protective layer on the side of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer opposite to the substrate layer.

9. The curable composition comprises a polymerizable component, The wound body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polymerizable component comprises a (meth)acrylic compound.

10. The wound body according to claim 9, wherein the polymerizable component further comprises a urethane (meth)acrylate compound.

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