Liquid crystal composition, liquid crystal cured layer, optical film, polarizing plate, and image display device

Abstract

To provide a liquid crystal composition which suppresses steak defects and offers superior temporal stability, and to provide a liquid crystal cured layer, optical film, polarizing plate, and image display device.SOLUTION: A liquid crystal composition is provided containing a liquid crystal compound and a basic compound having a conjugate acid pKa in a range of 4 to 10.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid crystal composition, a liquid crystal cured layer, an optical film, a polarizing plate, and an image display device. [Background technology]

[0002] Optical films such as optical compensation sheets and phase difference films are used in various image display devices to eliminate image coloration or expand the viewing angle. While stretched birefringent films have traditionally been used as optical films, in recent years, it has been proposed to use optical films having an optically anisotropic layer made of liquid crystal compounds instead of stretched birefringent films.

[0003] Such optical films are known to be formed using compositions containing a predetermined polymerizable compound and a polymerization initiator (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-031223 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2014 / 010325 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-081035 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The present inventors investigated the compositions described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 and found that precipitates may form during application, and these precipitates may cause streaky film thickness irregularities (hereinafter also referred to as "streaky defects"). Furthermore, the inventors have revealed that when additives (for example, non-liquid crystal compounds) are incorporated from the viewpoint of suppressing streak defects, the long-term stability of the composition may be poor depending on the type of additive.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal composition, a liquid crystal cured layer, an optical film, a polarizing plate, and an image display device that suppress streak defects and have excellent aging stability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a result of diligent research to achieve the above objectives, the inventors of the present invention discovered that a liquid crystal composition containing a liquid crystal compound along with a basic compound whose conjugate acid has a pKa of 4 to 10 suppresses streak defects and exhibits good stability over time, thus completing the present invention. In other words, the inventors have found that the above problem can be solved by the following configuration.

[0008] [1] A liquid crystal composition comprising a liquid crystal compound and a basic compound, A liquid crystal composition in which the pKa of the conjugate acid of a basic compound is 4 to 10. [2] The liquid crystal composition according to [1], wherein the content of the basic compound is 0.01 to 5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound. [3] A liquid crystal composition according to [1] or [2] that satisfies formula (i) described later. [4] The liquid crystal composition according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the basic compound is a heterocyclic amine compound. [5] The liquid crystal composition according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the basic compound is an aromatic heterocyclic amine compound. [6] A liquid crystal composition according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the liquid crystal compound has polymerizable groups. [7] A liquid crystal composition according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the liquid crystal compound is a compound represented by formula (I) described later. [8] The liquid crystal compound is a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound, A liquid crystal composition according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the refractive index difference Δn between the long axis and the short axis of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound satisfies formula (ii) described later. [9] A liquid crystal composition according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the liquid crystal compound has an aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of groups represented by formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5) described later.

[10] A liquid crystal cured layer obtained by fixing the orientation state of a liquid crystal composition described in any of [1] to [9]. An optical film having the liquid crystal curing layer described in

[11]

[10] .

[12] The optical film according to

[11] , wherein a liquid crystal curing layer is formed on the surface of the photoalignment film.

[13] The optical film according to

[11] , wherein a liquid crystal hardened layer is formed on the surface of another liquid crystal hardened layer. A polarizing plate having an optical film as described in any of

[14]

[11] to

[13] . An image display device having an optical film according to any one of

[11] to

[13] , or a polarizing plate according to claim 14.

[16] A liquid crystal display device, as described in

[15] .

[17] The image display device described in

[15] , which is an organic EL display device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal composition, a liquid crystal cured layer, an optical film, a polarizing plate, and an image display device that suppress streak defects and have excellent aging stability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical film. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The present invention will be described in detail below. The following description of the constituent elements may be based on typical embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. In this specification, a numerical range represented by "~" means a range that includes the numbers written before and after "~" as the lower and upper limits, respectively. Furthermore, in this specification, each component may be represented by a single substance or by a combination of two or more substances. When two or more substances are used in combination for each component, the content of that component refers to the total content of the combined substances, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, in this specification, "(meth)acrylic" is a term that represents "acrylic" or "methacrylic." Furthermore, in this specification, the bonding direction of the divalent group (e.g., -CO-O-) is not particularly limited unless the bonding position is specified, for example, D in formula (I) described later. 1 If G is -CO-NR-, 1 If we denote the bonded position on the Ar side as *1 and the bonded position on the Ar side as *2, then D 1 This may be *1-CO-NR-*2, or *1-NR-CO-*2.

[0012] In this specification, Re(λ) and Rth(λ) represent the in-plane retardation and thickness-direction retardation at wavelength λ, respectively. Unless otherwise specified, wavelength λ is assumed to be 550 nm. Furthermore, in this specification, Re(λ) and Rth(λ) are values ​​measured at wavelength λ using an AxoScan OPMF-1 (manufactured by OptoScience Co., Ltd.). Specifically, by inputting the average refractive index ((nx+ny+nz) / 3) and film thickness (d(μm)) into the AxoScan OPMF-1, Slow axis direction (°) Re(λ)=R0(λ) Rth(λ)=((nx+ny) / 2-nz)×d This is calculated. Note that R0(λ) is a value displayed by the AxoScan OPMF-1, and it means Re(λ).

[0013] [Liquid crystal composition] The present invention relates to a liquid crystal composition comprising a liquid crystal compound and a basic compound, wherein the pKa of the conjugate acid of the basic compound is 4 to 10.

[0014] In the present invention, as described above, a liquid crystal composition containing a basic compound having a conjugate acid pKa of 4 to 10, along with a liquid crystal compound, exhibits suppressed streak defects and good long-term stability. The reason for this effect is not entirely clear, but the inventors speculate as follows: In other words, the inventors surmise that by incorporating a basic compound having a pKa of 4 or higher for its conjugate acid, the basic compound and the liquid crystal compound interact, thereby suppressing the formation of precipitates when the liquid crystal composition is applied, and thus suppressing streak defects. Furthermore, the inventors surmise that by incorporating a basic compound whose conjugate acid has a pKa of 10 or less, the discoloration of the liquid crystal composition over time was suppressed, resulting in improved stability over time. The components of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0015] [Liquid crystal compound] The liquid crystal compound contained in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, and conventionally known liquid crystal compounds can be used. Generally, liquid crystal compounds can be classified into rod-shaped and disc-shaped types based on their shape. Furthermore, each of these types can be further divided into low-molecular-weight and high-molecular-weight types. High-molecular-weight compounds generally refer to those with a degree of polymerization of 100 or more (Polymer Physics and Phase Transition Dynamics, by Masao Doi, p. 2, Iwanami Shoten, 1992). In this invention, any liquid crystal compound can be used, but it is preferable to use a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound or a discotic liquid crystal compound (disc-shaped liquid crystal compound). Two or more rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds, two or more disc-shaped liquid crystal compounds, or a mixture of rod-shaped and disc-shaped liquid crystal compounds may also be used. As rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds, for example, those described in claim 1 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-513019 or paragraphs

[0026] to

[0098] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-289980 can be preferably used, and as discotic liquid crystal compounds, for example, those described in paragraphs

[0020] to

[0067] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-108732 or paragraphs

[0013] to

[0108] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-244038 can be preferably used, but are not limited to these.

[0016] In the present invention, it is preferable that the liquid crystal compound is a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound and that the refractive index difference Δn between the long axis and the short axis satisfies the following formula (ii), in order to further suppress streak defects. Δn(450) / Δn(550)<1.0 (ii) Here, in equation (ii) above, Δn(450) represents the refractive index difference at 450 nm, and Δ(550) represents the refractive index difference at 550 nm. Furthermore, in rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds, the long axis direction refers to the orientation of the longest axis within the molecule, while the short axis direction refers to the orientation perpendicular to the long axis direction. Furthermore, the refractive index difference Δn is the value obtained by dividing the Re(λ) value (nm) measured by the method described above for an optically anisotropic layer fabricated using a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound by the thickness value (nm) of the optically anisotropic layer. The optically anisotropic layer to be measured, i.e., the optically anisotropic layer fabricated using a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound, is the optically anisotropic layer fabricated using the following procedure. Specifically, a liquid crystal composition L having the following composition is applied by spin coating to a glass substrate with a rubbing-treated polyimide alignment film (SE-150, manufactured by Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.). Next, the coating film is heated and subjected to an orientation treatment at a temperature that exhibits liquid crystal properties to form a liquid crystal layer. Next, it is cooled from the temperature showing liquid crystallinity to a temperature 40 °C lower, and alignment fixation by ultraviolet irradiation of 1000 mJ / cm 2 is performed to produce an optically anisotropic film.

[0017] ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Liquid crystal composition L ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― · Rod-like liquid crystal compound 15.00 parts by mass · Photoinitiator (Irgacure 819, manufactured by BASF) 0.45 parts by mass · The following fluorine-containing compound A 0.12 parts by mass · Chloroform 35.00 parts by mass ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

[0018] Fluorine-containing compound A

Chemical formula

[0019] In the present invention, for the reason that the durability of the liquid crystal cured layer is improved, it is preferable that the above liquid crystal compound has a polymerizable group, and more preferably has two or more polymerizable groups. Here, as the polymerizable group, P in formula (I) described later 1 and P 2 include the same polymerizable groups as those described in, and among them, the polymerizable groups represented by any of formulas (P-1) to (P-20) described later are preferably exemplified.

[0020] In the present invention, for the reason that the liquid crystal alignment property of the produced liquid crystal cured layer becomes better, it is preferable that the above liquid crystal compound is a compound represented by the following formula (I). P 1 -L 1 -D 5 -(A 1 ) a1 -D 3 -(G 1 )g1 -D 1 - [Ar-D 2 ] q1 -(G 2 ) g2 -D 4 -( A 2 ) a2 -D 6 -L 2 -P 2 ...(I)

[0021] In equation (I) above, a1, a2, g1, and g2 each independently represent either 0 or 1. However, at least one of a1 and g1 represents 1, and at least one of a2 and g2 represents 1. Furthermore, in equation (I) above, q1 represents either 1 or 2. Also, in the above formula (I), D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5 and D 6 These are, independently, single bonds, or -CO-, -O-, -S-, -C(=S)-, -CR 1 R 2 -, -CR 3 =CR 4 -, -NR 5 -, or represents a divalent linking group consisting of two or more combinations thereof, R 1 ~R 5 Each of these independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. However, if q1 is 2, multiple D 2 These may be the same or different. Also, in the above formula (I), G 1 and G 2 Each of these independently represents an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, which may have substituents, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms, which may have substituents, and one or more of the -CH2- groups constituting the alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with -O-, -S-, or -NH-. Also, in the above formula (I), A 1 and A 2Each of these independently represents an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, which may have substituents, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms, which may have substituents, and one or more of the -CH2- groups constituting the alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with -O-, -S-, or -NH-. Furthermore, in the above formula (I), L 1 and L 2 Each of these independently represents a single bond, a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, or a divalent linking group in which one or more of the -CH2- groups constituting a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 14 carbon atoms are substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)-, or -CO-, where Q represents a substituent. Also, in the above formula (I), P 1 and P 2 Each of these independently represents a monovalent organic group, and P 1 and P 2 At least one of them represents a polymerizable group. However, if Ar is an aromatic ring represented by formula (Ar-3) described later, P 1 and P 2 Furthermore, P in equation (Ar-3) described later 3 and P 4 At least one of them represents a polymerizable group. Furthermore, in formula (I) above, Ar represents an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have substituents, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms which may have substituents, and one or more of the -CH2- groups constituting the alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with -O-, -S-, or -NH-. However, when q1 is 2, the multiple Ars may be the same or different.

[0022] In formula (I) above, a1, a2, g1, and g2 are all preferably 1, for the reason that the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is more likely to exhibit a smectic phase liquid crystal state. Furthermore, it is preferable that both a1 and a2 are 0, and both g1 and g2 are 1, in order to achieve better durability of the resulting liquid crystal cured layer.

[0023] In the above formula (I), q1 is preferably 1.

[0024] In the above formula (I), D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5 and D 6 As the divalent linking group represented by one embodiment of these, for example, -CO-, -O-, -CO-O-, -C(=S)O-, -CR 1 R 2 -, -CR 1 R 2 -CR 1 R 2 -O-CR 1 R 2 -, -CR 1 R 2 -O-CR 1 R 2 -, -CO-O-CR 1 R 2 -, -O-CO-CR 1 R 2 -, -CR 1 R 2 -O-CO-CR 1 R 2 -, -CR 1 R 2 -CO-O-CR 1 R 2 -, -NR 5 -CR 1 R 2 -, and, -CO-NR 5 - etc. are mentioned. R 1 , R 2 and R 5 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Among these, it is preferably any one of -CO-, -O-, and -CO-O-.

[0025] In the above formula (I), G 1 and G 2Examples of the aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms shown in one embodiment include aromatic hydrocarbon rings such as benzene ring, naphthalene ring, anthracene ring, phenanthroline ring; aromatic heterocyclic rings such as furan ring, pyrrole ring, thiophene ring, pyridine ring, thiazole ring, benzothiazole ring; Among them, a benzene ring (for example, 1,4-phenyl group, etc.) is preferable.

[0026] In the above formula (I), G 1 and G 2 Examples of the divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms shown in one embodiment of G 1 and G 2 are preferably a 5-membered ring or a 6-membered ring. The alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be saturated or unsaturated, but a saturated alicyclic hydrocarbon group is preferable. For the divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group represented by G 1 and G 2 , for example, the description in paragraph

[0078] of JP-A-2012-21068 can be referred to, and this content is incorporated into the present specification.

[0027] In the present invention, for the reason that the durability of the produced liquid crystal cured layer becomes better, G 1 and G 2 in the above formula (I) are preferably cycloalkane rings. Specific examples of the cycloalkane ring include cyclohexane ring, cyclopentane ring, cyclooctane ring, cyclododecane ring, cyclodocosane ring, etc. Among these, a cyclohexane ring is preferable, a 1,4-cyclohexylene group is more preferable, and a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group is even more preferable.

[0028] Also, in the above formula (I), G 1 and G 2 1 and G 2 ​​​​​​​​Regarding this, examples of substituents that may be present on an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms include alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, alkylcarbonyl groups, alkoxycarbonyl groups, alkylcarbonyloxy groups, alkylamino groups, dialkylamino groups, alkylamide groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, halogen atoms, cyano groups, nitro groups, alkylthiol groups, and N-alkylcarbamate groups, among which alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, alkoxycarbonyl groups, alkylcarbonyloxy groups, or halogen atoms are preferred. As the alkyl group, linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl groups having 1 to 18 carbon atoms are preferred, alkyl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms (e.g., methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butyl group, isobutyl group, sec-butyl group, t-butyl group, and cyclohexyl group, etc.) are more preferred, alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms are even more preferred, and methyl or ethyl groups are particularly preferred. As for the alkoxy group, an alkoxy group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms is preferred, an alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms (e.g., a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, an n-butoxy group, and a methoxyethoxy group) is more preferred, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is even more preferred, and a methoxy group or an ethoxy group is particularly preferred. Examples of alkoxycarbonyl groups include groups in which an oxycarbonyl group (-O-CO- group) is bonded to an alkyl group as exemplified above. Among these, methoxycarbonyl groups, ethoxycarbonyl groups, n-propoxycarbonyl groups, or isopropoxycarbonyl groups are preferred, with methoxycarbonyl groups being more preferred. Examples of alkylcarbonyloxy groups include groups in which a carbonyloxy group (-CO-O- group) is bonded to an alkyl group as exemplified above. Among these, methylcarbonyloxy groups, ethylcarbonyloxy groups, n-propylcarbonyloxy groups, or isopropylcarbonyloxy groups are preferred, with methylcarbonyloxy groups being more preferred. Examples of halogen atoms include fluorine atoms, chlorine atoms, bromine atoms, and iodine atoms, with fluorine atoms or chlorine atoms being preferred.

[0029] In the above formula (I), A 1 and A 2 As an aromatic ring with 6 to 20 or more carbon atoms shown in one aspect, G in formula (I) above. 1 and G 2 The same examples as those explained in [previous section] can be cited. Also, in the above formula (I), A 1 and A 2 One embodiment of the divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms is G in formula (I) above. 1 and G 2 The same examples as those explained in [previous section] can be cited. Note A 1 and A 2 Regarding this, the substituents that may be present on an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms include G in formula (I) above. 1 and G 2 Examples of substituents that may be present include those similar to those that the molecule may have.

[0030] In the above formula (I), L 1 and L 2 Examples of linear or branched alkylene groups having 1 to 14 carbon atoms as shown in one embodiment include, for example, methylene, ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, hexylene, methylhexylene, and heptylene groups. 1 and L 2 As described above, the substituent represented by Q may be a divalent linking group in which one or more of the -CH2- groups constituting a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 14 carbon atoms are substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)-, or -CO-, and the substituent represented by Q is G in formula (I) above. 1 and G 2 Examples of substituents that may be present include those similar to those that the molecule may have.

[0031] In the above formula (I), P 1 and P 2Examples of monovalent organic groups represented by include alkyl groups, aryl groups, and heteroaryl groups. Alkyl groups may be linear, branched, or cyclic, but linear is preferred. The number of carbon atoms in an alkyl group is preferably 1 to 30, more preferably 1 to 20, and even more preferably 1 to 10. Aryl groups may be monocyclic or polycyclic, but monocyclic is preferred. The number of carbon atoms in an aryl group is preferably 6 to 25, more preferably 6 to 10. Heteroaryl groups may be monocyclic or polycyclic. The number of heteroatoms constituting a heteroaryl group is preferably 1 to 3. The heteroatoms constituting a heteroaryl group are preferably nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen atoms. The number of carbon atoms in a heteroaryl group is preferably 6 to 18, more preferably 6 to 12. Alkyl groups, aryl groups, and heteroaryl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted. Examples of substituents include G in formula (I) above. 1 and G 2 Examples of substituents that may be present include those similar to those that the molecule may have.

[0032] In the above formula (I), P 1 and P 2 The polymerizable group represented by at least one of the two is not particularly limited, but a polymerizable group capable of radical polymerization or cationic polymerization is preferred. As the radical polymerizable group, known radical polymerizable groups can be used, and preferred examples include the acryloyloxy group or the methacryloyloxy group. In this case, the polymerization rate is generally known to be faster with the acryloyloxy group, and from the viewpoint of improving productivity, the acryloyloxy group is preferred, but the methacryloyloxy group can also be used as a polymerizable group in the same way. Known cationic polymerizable groups can be used as the cationic polymerizable group, specifically including alicyclic ether groups, cyclic acetal groups, cyclic lactone groups, cyclic thioether groups, spiroorthoester groups, and vinyloxy groups. Among these, alicyclic ether groups or vinyloxy groups are preferred, and epoxy groups, oxetanyl groups, or vinyloxy groups are particularly preferred. Particularly preferred examples of polymerizable groups include polymerizable groups represented by any of the following formulas (P-1) to (P-20).

[0033] [ka]

[0034] In the above formula (I), the reason why the resulting liquid crystal cured layer has good durability is that P in the above formula (I) 1 and P 2 However, it is preferable that all of them be polymerizable groups, and more preferably that they be acryloyloxy groups or methacryloyloxy groups.

[0035] On the other hand, in formula (I) above, the aromatic ring with 6 to 20 or more carbon atoms represented by one aspect of Ar is G in formula (I) above. 1 and G 2 The same examples as those explained in [previous section] can be cited. Furthermore, in formula (I) above, the divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms represented by one aspect of Ar is G in formula (I) above. 1 and G 2 The same examples as those explained in [previous section] can be cited. Regarding Ar, the substituents that may be present on an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms include G in formula (I) above. 1 and G 2 Examples of substituents that may be present include those similar to those that the molecule may have.

[0036] In the present invention, for the reason that streak defects are more suppressed, the liquid crystal compound is preferably a compound having an aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of groups represented by the following formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5), and more preferably a compound represented by the above formula (I), wherein the Ar in the above formula (I) represents an aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of groups represented by the following formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5). In the following formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5), * represents the bond position, but if the Ar in the above formula (I) represents an aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of groups represented by the following formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5), then * is D 1 Or D 2 This indicates the connection point with [the other element].

[0037] [ka]

[0038] In the above equation (Ar-1), Q 1 represents N or CH, and Q 2 -S-, -O-, or -N(R 6 )- represents R 6 Y represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. 1 This represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms that may have substituents, an aromatic heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms that may have substituents, or an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms that may have substituents, and one or more of the -CH2- groups constituting the alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with -O-, -S-, or -NH-. R 6 Examples of C1-C6 alkyl groups represented by include, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, and n-hexyl groups. Y 1 Examples of aromatic hydrocarbon groups with 6 to 12 carbon atoms include aryl groups such as phenyl, 2,6-diethylphenyl, and naphthyl groups. Y 1Examples of aromatic heterocyclic groups having 3 to 12 carbon atoms include heteroaryl groups such as thienyl, thiazolyl, furyl, and pyridyl groups. Y 1 Examples of alicyclic hydrocarbon groups having 6 to 20 carbon atoms include cyclohexylene, cyclopentylene, norbornylene, and adamantylene. Also, Y 1 The substituents that may be present are G in formula (I) above. 1 and G 2 Examples of substituents that may be present include those similar to those that the molecule may have.

[0039] Also, in the above equations (Ar-1) to (Ar-5), Z 1 , Z 2 and Z 3 These are, independently, a hydrogen atom, a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group with 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group with 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic heterocyclic group with 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, and -OR. 7 , -NR 8 R 9 , -SR 10 ,-COOR 11 , or -COR 12 Represents R 7 ~R 12 Each of these independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, Z 1 and Z 2 These may combine with each other to form an aromatic ring. As the monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, alkyl groups having 1 to 15 carbon atoms are preferred, and alkyl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms are more preferred. Specifically, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-pentyl (1,1-dimethylpropyl), tert-butyl, and 1,1-dimethyl-3,3-dimethyl-butyl groups are even more preferred, and methyl, ethyl, and tert-butyl groups are particularly preferred. Examples of monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon groups having 3 to 20 carbon atoms include monocyclic saturated hydrocarbon groups such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclodecyl, methylcyclohexyl, and ethylcyclohexyl; monocyclic unsaturated hydrocarbon groups such as cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl, cyclooctenyl, cyclodecenyl, cyclopentadienyl, cyclohexadienyl, cyclooctadienyl, and cyclodecadien; bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, and tricyclo[5.2.1.0] 2,6 ]decyl group, tricyclo[3.3.1.1 3,7 ] Decyl group, tetracyclo[6.2.1.1 3,6 .0 2,7 Examples include polycyclic saturated hydrocarbon groups such as dodecyl groups and adamantyl groups. Examples of monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon groups having 6 to 20 carbon atoms include, for example, phenyl groups, 2,6-diethylphenyl groups, naphthyl groups, and biphenyl groups, with aryl groups having 6 to 12 carbon atoms (particularly phenyl groups) being preferred. Examples of monovalent aromatic heterocyclic groups having 6 to 20 carbon atoms include, for example, 4-pyridyl group, 2-furyl group, 2-thienyl group, 2-pyrimidinyl group, and 2-benzothiazolyl group. Examples of halogen atoms include fluorine atoms, chlorine atoms, bromine atoms, and iodine atoms, with fluorine atoms, chlorine atoms, and bromine atoms being preferred. On the other hand, R 7 ~R 10 Examples of C1-C6 alkyl groups represented by include, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, and n-hexyl groups.

[0040] Z 1 and Z 2 As mentioned above, these may combine with each other to form an aromatic ring, for example, Z in formula (Ar-1) above. 1and Z 2 An example of a structure in which these groups combine to form an aromatic ring is the group represented by the following formula (Ar-1a). In the following formula (Ar-1a), * represents D in formula (I) above. 1 Or D 2 This indicates the connection point with [the other element]. [ka] Here, in the above equation (Ar-1a), Q 1 Q 2 and Y 1 These are the same as those explained in equation (Ar-1) above.

[0041] Furthermore, in the above formulas (Ar-2) and (Ar-3), A 3 and A 4 These are -O- and -N(R) independently of each other. 13 R represents a group selected from the group consisting of -, -S-, and -CO-. 13 represents a hydrogen atom or substituent. R 13 The substituent shown is G in formula (I) above. 1 and G 2 Examples of substituents that may be present include those similar to those that the molecule may have.

[0042] Furthermore, in the above formula (Ar-2), X represents a nonmetal atom of Groups 14 to 16, which may have a hydrogen atom or a substituent attached. Furthermore, nonmetal atoms of groups 14-16 represented by X include, for example, oxygen atoms, sulfur atoms, hydrogen atoms, or nitrogen atoms to which substituents are attached [=NR]. N1 ,R N1 represents a hydrogen atom or substituent. ], a carbon atom to which a hydrogen atom or substituent is bonded [=C-(R C1 )2,R C1 represents a hydrogen atom or substituent. Examples include: Specific examples of substituents include alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, alkyl-substituted alkoxy groups, cyclic alkyl groups, aryl groups (e.g., phenyl groups, naphthyl groups, etc.), cyano groups, amino groups, nitro groups, alkylcarbonyl groups, sulfo groups, hydroxyl groups, and the like.

[0043] Also, in the above formula (Ar-3), D 7 and D 8 These are, independently, single bonds, or -CO-, -O-, -S-, -C(=S)-, -CR 1 R 2 -, -CR 3 =CR 4 -, -NR 5 -, or represents a divalent linking group consisting of two or more combinations thereof, R 1 ~R 5 Each of these independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Here, the divalent linking group is D in formula (I) above. 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5 and D 6 The same examples as those explained in [previous section] can be cited.

[0044] Furthermore, in the above formula (Ar-3), L 3 and L 4 Each of these independently represents a single bond, a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, or a divalent linking group in which one or more of the -CH2- groups constituting a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 14 carbon atoms are substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)-, or -CO-, where Q represents a substituent. As a substituent, G in formula (I) above is... 1 and G 2 Examples of substituents that may be present include those similar to those that the molecule may have. Here, the alkylene group is L in formula (I) above. 1 and L 2 The same examples as those explained in [previous section] can be cited.

[0045] Furthermore, in the above formula (Ar-3), P 3 and P 4 Each of these independently represents a monovalent organic group, and P 3 and P 4 At least one of them represents a polymerizable group. As a monovalent organic group, P in formula (I) above is 1 and P 2 The same examples as those explained in [previous section] can be cited. Furthermore, the polymerizable group is P in formula (I) above. 1 and P 2 The same examples as those explained in [previous section] can be cited.

[0046] Furthermore, in the above formulas (Ar-4) to (Ar-5), Ax represents an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and having at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon rings and aromatic heterocycles. Furthermore, in the above formulas (Ar-4) to (Ar-5), Ay represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may have substituents, or an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms which has at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon rings and aromatic heterocycles. Here, the aromatic rings in Ax and Ay may have substituents, or Ax and Ay may be bonded together to form a ring. Also, Q 3 This represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, which may have substituents. Examples of Ax and Ay are those described in paragraphs

[0039] to

[0095] of International Publication No. 2014 / 010325. Also, Q 3 Examples of alkyl groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms that can be represented by include, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, and n-hexyl groups, and as substituents, G in formula (I) above. 1 and G 2 Examples of substituents that may be present include those similar to those that the molecule may have.

[0047] Examples of compounds represented by the above formula (I) include polymerizable compounds described in paragraphs

[0019] to

[0023] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-139222; polymerizable compounds described in paragraphs

[0059] to

[0061] of International Publication No. 2019 / 160014; polymerizable compounds described in paragraph

[0055] of International Publication No. 2019 / 160016; compounds (1-1) to (1-19) represented by the following formulas; compounds (2-1) to (2-5) represented by the following formulas; and others. In the structure of compound (1-14), the group adjacent to the acryloyloxy group represents a propylene group (a group in which a methyl group is replaced by an ethylene group), and compound (1-14) represents a mixture of positional isomers with different positions of the methyl group.

[0048] [ka]

[0049] [ka]

[0050] [ka]

[0051] [ka]

[0052] [ka] JPEG2023031737000010.jpg70162

[0053] [ka]

[0054] [ka] JPEG2023031737000013.jpg54148

[0055] Furthermore, examples of compounds represented by the above formula (I) include compounds represented by general formula (1) described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-084032 (particularly the compounds described in paragraphs

[0067] to

[0073] ), compounds represented by general formula (II) described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-053709 (particularly the compounds described in paragraphs

[0036] to

[0043] ), and compounds represented by general formula (1) described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-081035 (particularly the compounds described in paragraphs

[0043] to

[0055] ), among those that exhibit smectic properties.

[0056] Furthermore, as compounds represented by formula (I) above, those exhibiting smectic properties from among the compounds represented by formulas (1) to (22) below are preferred. Specifically, as K (side chain structure) in formulas (1) to (22) below, compounds having the side chain structures shown in Tables 1 to 3 below are examples. In Tables 1 to 3 below, the asterisk (*) next to the side chain structure of K indicates the position of attachment to the aromatic ring. Furthermore, in the side chain structures represented by 2-2 in Table 2 and 3-2 in Table 3, the groups adjacent to the acryloyloxy group and methacryloyl group, respectively, represent propylene groups (groups in which a methyl group is replaced by an ethylene group), and represent a mixture of positional isomers with different methyl group positions. [ka] JPEG2023031737000015.jpg132136

[0057] [Table 1]

[0058] [Table 2]

[0059] [Table 3]

[0060] [Basic compounds] The basic compound contained in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is a conjugate acid (i.e., H by acid). + This is a compound in which the pKa of the donated basic compound is between 4 and 10. Here, pKa (acid dissociation constant) refers to the pKa in aqueous solution and is defined in the Chemical Handbook (II) (4th revised edition, 1993, edited by the Chemical Society of Japan, Maruzen Co., Ltd.). A lower pKa value indicates greater acid strength. Specifically, the pKa in aqueous solution can be measured by using an infinitely diluted aqueous solution and measuring the acid dissociation constant at 25°C. Alternatively, the value can be calculated using the software package 1 described below, based on a database of Hammett substituent constants and publicly known literature values. All pKa values ​​described herein are those calculated using this software package. Software Package 1: Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD / Labs) Software V8.14 for Solaris (1994-2007 ACD / Labs).

[0061] In the present invention, the pKa of the conjugate acid of the basic compound is preferably 4.5 to 9.5, more preferably 5.0 to 9.2, even more preferably 6.0 to 9.0, and particularly preferably 6.5 to 9.0, for the reasons that streak defects are more suppressed and the stability over time is better.

[0062] Furthermore, in the present invention, for the reason that streak defects are further suppressed, the molecular weight of the basic compound is preferably 500 or less, more preferably 40 to 400, even more preferably 50 to 300, and particularly preferably 60 to 200.

[0063] In the present invention, the basic compound is preferably a heterocyclic amine compound, and more preferably an aromatic heterocyclic amine compound, for the reason that it provides better stability over time.

[0064] Among the basic compounds mentioned above, specific examples of aromatic heterocyclic amine compounds include the following compounds. [ka]

[0065] Among the basic compounds mentioned above, examples of heterocyclic amine compounds that do not fall under the category of aromatic heterocyclic amine compounds include the following compounds. [ka]

[0066] Among the basic compounds listed above, those that do not fall under the category of heterocyclic amine compounds include, for example, the following compounds. [ka]

[0067] In the present invention, for reasons that streak defects are further suppressed and the stability over time is improved, the content of the basic compound is preferably 0.01 to 5 parts by mass, more preferably 0.010 to 5.000 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 parts by mass, particularly preferably 0.05 to 4 parts by mass, and most preferably 0.08 to 2 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound described above.

[0068] In the present invention, it is preferable that the content of the above basic compound satisfies the following formula (i) in order to further suppress streak defects and improve stability over time. 1.0 × 10 -10 <a×10 -(14-pKa) <1.0 × 10-6 ...(i) Here, in formula (i) above, a represents the content of the basic compound, and is in parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound. Furthermore, pKa represents the acid dissociation constant of the conjugate acid of the basic compound mentioned above. Furthermore, multiply the content a of the above basic compound by "10 -(14-pKa) Considering that pKb (base dissociation constant) is a logarithmic value represented as "14-pKa", this value is intended to represent the basicity concentration coefficient. Therefore, in the above formula (i), "a × 10 -(14-pKa) This value represents the intended basic concentration.

[0069] [Polymerization initiator] The liquid crystal composition of the present invention preferably contains a polymerization initiator. As a polymerization initiator, a photopolymerization initiator that can initiate the polymerization reaction by ultraviolet irradiation is preferred. Examples of photopolymerization initiators include α-carbonyl compounds (as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 2367661 and 2367670), acyloin ethers (as described in U.S. Patent No. 2448828), α-hydrocarbon-substituted aromatic acyloin compounds (as described in U.S. Patent No. 2722512), polynuclear quinone compounds (as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3046127 and 2951758), triarylimidazole dimers and p-aminophenyl ketones. Examples include combinations of these compounds (as described in U.S. Patent No. 3,549,367), acridine and phenazine compounds (as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 60-105667 and U.S. Patent No. 4,239,850) and oxadiazole compounds (as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,212,970), and acylphosphine oxide compounds (as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-40799, Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-29234, Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-95788 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-29997). Oxime-type polymerization initiators are also preferred as polymerization initiators. Specific examples include the initiators described in paragraphs

[0049] to

[0052] of International Publication No. 2017 / 170443.

[0070] [Dichroic substance] The liquid crystal composition of the present invention may contain a dichroic substance, from the viewpoint of utilizing the liquid crystal curing layer described later as a polarizer (light-absorbing anisotropic film). In this invention, a dichroic substance refers to a dye whose absorbance differs depending on the direction. The dichroic substance may or may not exhibit liquid crystalline properties.

[0071] Dichroic materials are not particularly limited and include visible light absorbing materials (dichroic dyes), luminescent materials (fluorescent materials, phosphorescent materials), ultraviolet absorbing materials, infrared absorbing materials, nonlinear optical materials, carbon nanotubes, and inorganic materials (e.g., quantum rods). Conventionally known dichroic materials (dichroic dyes) can be used. Specifically, for example, paragraphs

[0067] to

[0071] of JP 2013-228706, paragraphs

[0008] to

[0026] of JP 2013-227532, paragraphs

[0008] to

[0015] of JP 2013-209367, paragraphs

[0045] to

[0058] of JP 2013-14883, paragraphs

[0012] to

[0029] of JP 2013-109090, paragraphs

[0009] to

[0017] of JP 2013-101328, paragraphs

[0051] to

[0065] of JP 2013-37353, and JP 20 Paragraphs

[0049] to

[0073] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 12-63387, paragraphs

[0016] to

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

[0009] to

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

[0030] to

[0169] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-215337, paragraphs

[0021] to

[0075] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-106242, paragraphs

[0011] to

[0025] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-215846, paragraphs

[0017] to

[0069] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-048311, paragraphs [00 Paragraphs 13] to 0133, paragraphs 0074 to 0246 of JP 2011-237513, paragraphs 0005 to 0051 of JP 2016-006502, paragraphs 0014 to 0032 of JP 2018-053167, paragraphs 0014 to 0033 of JP 2020-11716, paragraphs 0005 to 0041 of International Publication No. 2016 / 060173, paragraphs 0008 to 0062 of International Publication No. 2016 / 136561, and paragraphs 0014 to 003 of International Publication No. 2017 / 154835. 3) paragraph, paragraphs

[0014] to

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

[0013] to

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

[0014] to

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

[0021] to

[0030] of International Publication No. 2018 / 186503, paragraphs

[0043] to

[0063] of International Publication No. 2019 / 189345, paragraphs

[0043] to

[0085] of International Publication No. 2019 / 225468, paragraphs

[0050] to

[0074] of International Publication No. 2020 / 004106,Examples include those described in paragraphs

[0015] to

[0038] of International Publication No. 2021 / 044843.

[0072] In the present invention, two or more dichroic materials may be used in combination. For example, from the viewpoint of making the polarizer (light-absorbing anisotropic film) used as a liquid crystal curing layer, described later, closer to black, it is preferable to use in combination at least one dichroic material having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 370 nm to less than 500 nm and at least one dichroic material having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 500 nm to less than 700 nm.

[0073] The above-mentioned dichroic substance may have a crosslinking group. Examples of the above crosslinkable groups include (meth)acryloyl groups, epoxy groups, oxetanyl groups, and styryl groups, with (meth)acryloyl groups being preferred.

[0074] When the liquid crystal composition of the present invention contains a dichroic substance, the amount of the dichroic substance is preferably 1 to 400 parts by mass, more preferably 2 to 100 parts by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 30 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound. Furthermore, the amount of dichroic substance is preferably 1 to 50% by mass of the solid content in the liquid crystal composition, and more preferably 2 to 40% by mass.

[0075] 〔solvent〕 The liquid crystal composition of the present invention preferably contains a solvent, from the viewpoint of workability when forming a liquid crystal cured layer. Examples of solvents include ketones (e.g., acetone, 2-butanone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, and cyclopentanone), ethers (e.g., dioxane and tetrahydrofuran), aliphatic hydrocarbons (e.g., hexane), alicyclic hydrocarbons (e.g., cyclohexane), aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., toluene, xylene, and trimethylbenzene), halogenated carbons (e.g., dichloromethane, dichloroethane, dichlorobenzene, and chlorotoluene), esters (e.g., methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate), water, alcohols (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, and cyclohexanol), cellosolves (e.g., methyl cellosolve and ethyl cellosolve), cellosolve acetates, sulfoxides (e.g., dimethyl sulfoxide), and amides (e.g., dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide). The solvent may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0076] [Leveling agent] The liquid crystal composition of the present invention preferably contains a leveling agent, from the viewpoint of keeping the surface of the liquid crystal cured layer smooth and facilitating orientation control. As such leveling agents, fluorine-based leveling agents or silicon-based leveling agents are preferred because they have a high leveling effect relative to the amount added, and fluorine-based leveling agents are more preferred because they are less likely to cause blooming or bleeding. Examples of leveling agents include the compounds described in paragraphs

[0079] to

[0102] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-069471, the compounds represented by general formula (I) described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-047204 (particularly the compounds described in paragraphs

[0020] to

[0032] ), and the compounds represented by general formula (I) described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-211306 (particularly the compounds described in paragraphs

[0022] to

[0029] ). Examples include the compound described above, liquid crystal alignment promoters represented by general formula (I) as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-129162 (particularly the compounds described in paragraphs

[0076] to

[0078] and

[0082] to

[0084] ), and compounds represented by general formulas (I), (II), and (III) as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-099248 (particularly the compounds described in paragraphs

[0092] to

[0096] ). The leveling agent may also have the function of an alignment control agent, as described later.

[0077] [Orientation control agent] The liquid crystal composition of the present invention may optionally contain an alignment control agent. Orientation control agents can create various orientation states, including homogeneous orientation, homeotropic orientation (vertical orientation), tilted orientation, hybrid orientation, and cholesteric orientation, and can also enable more uniform and precise control of specific orientation states.

[0078] As orientation control agents that promote homogeneous orientation, for example, low molecular weight orientation control agents and high molecular weight orientation control agents can be used. For low molecular weight orientation control agents, for example, reference can be given to paragraphs

[0009] to

[0083] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-20363, paragraphs

[0111] to

[0120] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-106662, and paragraphs

[0021] to

[0029] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-211306, the contents of which are incorporated into the present specification. Furthermore, as polymer orientation control agents, for example, paragraphs

[0021] to

[0057] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-198511 and paragraphs

[0121] to

[0167] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-106662 can be referenced, and the contents of these are incorporated into the present specification.

[0079] Furthermore, examples of orientation-controlling agents that form or promote homeotropic orientation include boronic acid compounds and onium salt compounds. Examples of such orientation-controlling agents include those described in paragraphs

[0023] to

[0032] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-225281, paragraphs

[0052] to

[0058] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-208397, paragraphs

[0024] to

[0055] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-026730, and paragraphs

[0043] to

[0055] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-193869, the contents of which are incorporated into this specification.

[0080] On the other hand, cholesteric orientation can be achieved by adding a chiral agent to the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, and the direction of rotation of the cholesteric orientation can be controlled by the direction of its chirality. Furthermore, the pitch of cholesteric orientation may be controlled according to the orientation-regulating power of the chiral agent.

[0081] When the liquid crystal composition of the present invention contains an orientation control agent, the content is preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass, and more preferably 0.05 to 5% by mass, relative to the total solid content mass in the composition. When the content is within this range, a desired orientation state can be achieved while suppressing precipitation, phase separation, and orientation defects, resulting in a uniform and highly transparent cured product.

[0082] [Other ingredients] The liquid crystal composition of the present invention may contain other components besides those described above. Examples of other components include other liquid crystal compounds other than those described above (e.g., liquid crystal compounds that do not satisfy formula (1) above), surfactants, tilt angle control agents, orientation aids, plasticizers, and crosslinking agents.

[0083] [Liquid crystal hardening layer] The liquid crystal curing layer of the present invention is a liquid crystal curing layer obtained by fixing the orientation state of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention as described above. Examples of methods for forming a liquid crystal hardened layer include using the liquid crystal composition of the present invention described above to achieve a desired orientation, and then fixing it by polymerization. Here, the polymerization conditions are not particularly limited, but in polymerization by light irradiation, ultraviolet light is preferred. The irradiation dose is 10 mJ / cm². 2 ~50J / cm 2 Preferably, 20 mJ / cm 2 ~5J / cm 2 More preferably, 30 mJ / cm 2 ~3J / cm 2 More preferably, 50-1000 mJ / cm² 2 This is particularly preferable. Furthermore, the polymerization reaction may be carried out under heating conditions to accelerate it. The liquid crystal curing layer can be formed on any support or alignment film in the optical film described later, or on the polarizer in the polarizing plate described later.

[0084] The orientation state of the liquid crystal compound in the liquid crystal cured layer of the present invention may be any of the following: horizontal orientation, vertical orientation, tilted orientation, or torsional orientation, but it is preferable that it is fixed in a state of horizontal orientation with respect to the main surface of the liquid crystal cured layer. In this specification, "horizontal orientation" means that the main surface of the liquid crystal curing layer (or, if the liquid crystal curing layer is formed on a support or alignment film, the surface of that component) is parallel to the long axis of the liquid crystal compound. However, strict parallelism is not required; in this specification, it means an orientation in which the angle between the long axis of the liquid crystal compound and the main surface of the liquid crystal curing layer is less than 10°. In the liquid crystal cured layer, the angle between the long axis direction of the liquid crystal compound and the main surface of the liquid crystal cured layer is preferably 0 to 5°, more preferably 0 to 3°, and even more preferably 0 to 2°.

[0085] The liquid crystal curing layer of the present invention is preferably an optically anisotropic layer, more preferably a positive A plate or a positive C plate, and even more preferably a positive A plate.

[0086] Here, positive A plates and positive C plates are defined as follows: When the refractive index in the slow axis direction within the film plane (the direction in which the refractive index is maximum within the plane) is nx, the refractive index in the direction perpendicular to the slow axis within the plane is ny, and the refractive index in the thickness direction is nz, a positive A plate satisfies the relationship in equation (A1), and a positive C plate satisfies the relationship in equation (C1). Note that a positive A plate shows a positive value for Rth, and a positive C plate shows a negative value for Rth. Formula (A1) nx>ny≒nz Formula (C1) nz>nx≒ny Furthermore, the above "≒" includes not only cases where the two are completely identical, but also cases where they are substantially identical. Regarding this "substantially identical" condition, for positive A plates, for example, cases where (ny-nz)×d (where d is the film thickness) is -10 to 10 nm, preferably -5 to 5 nm, are included in "ny≒nz", and cases where (nx-nz)×d is -10 to 10 nm, preferably -5 to 5 nm, are also included in "nx≒nz". Furthermore, for positive C plates, for example, cases where (nx-ny)×d (where d is the film thickness) is 0 to 10 nm, preferably 0 to 5 nm, are also included in "nx≒ny".

[0087] When the liquid crystal cured layer of the present invention is a positive A plate, from the viewpoint of functioning as a λ / 4 plate, Re(550) is preferably 100 to 180 nm, more preferably 120 to 160 nm, even more preferably 130 to 150 nm, and particularly preferably 130 to 145 nm. Here, a "λ / 4 plate" refers to a plate that has λ / 4 functionality, specifically a plate that has the function of converting linearly polarized light of a certain wavelength into circularly polarized light (or circularly polarized light into linearly polarized light).

[0088] The liquid crystal curing layer of the present invention can be used as a polarizer (light-absorbing anisotropic film) when the liquid crystal composition of the present invention described above contains a dichroic substance.

[0089] [Optical film] The optical film of the present invention is an optical film having the liquid crystal curing layer of the present invention. The structure of an optical film will be explained with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical film. Note that Figure 1 is a schematic diagram, and the relationships between the thicknesses and positions of each layer do not necessarily correspond to the actual structure. The support and orientation film shown in Figure 1 are all arbitrary components.

[0090] The optical film 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises, in this order, a support 16, an alignment film 14, and a liquid crystal cured layer 12 as a cured product of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention. Furthermore, the liquid crystal curing layer 12 may be a laminate of two or more different liquid crystal curing layers. For example, when the polarizing plate of the present invention, described later, is used as a circular polarizing plate, or when the optical film of the present invention is used as an optical compensation film for an IPS (In-Plane-Switching) or FFS (Fringe-Field-Switching) liquid crystal display device, it is preferable that it be a laminate of a positive A plate and a positive C plate. Alternatively, the liquid crystal curing layer may be peeled off the support and used as an optical film on its own. The following provides a detailed explanation of the various components used in optical films.

[0091] [Liquid crystal hardening layer] The liquid crystal curing layer of the optical film of the present invention is the liquid crystal curing layer of the present invention described above. In the optical film, the thickness of the liquid crystal curing layer is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 0.1 to 10 μm, and more preferably 0.5 to 5 μm.

[0092] [Support] As described above, the optical film may have a support as a substrate for forming the liquid crystal curing layer. Such a support is preferably transparent. Specifically, it is preferable that its light transmittance is 80% or higher.

[0093] Examples of such supports include glass substrates and polymer films. Examples of polymer film materials include cellulose polymers; acrylic polymers having acrylic acid ester polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate and lactone ring-containing polymers; thermoplastic norbornene polymers; polycarbonate polymers; polyester polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate; styrene polymers such as polystyrene and acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer (AS resin); polyolefin polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-propylene copolymer; vinyl chloride polymers; amide polymers such as nylon and aromatic polyamides; imide polymers; sulfone polymers; polyethersulfone polymers; polyetheretherketone polymers; polyphenylene sulfide polymers; vinylidene chloride polymers; vinyl alcohol polymers; vinyl butyral polymers; arylate polymers; polyoxymethylene polymers; epoxy polymers; and polymers obtained by mixing these polymers. Furthermore, the polarizer, as described later, may also serve as such a support.

[0094] The thickness of the support described above is not particularly limited, but 5 to 60 μm is preferred, and 5 to 40 μm is more preferred.

[0095] [Orientation film] In an optical film, the liquid crystal curing layer is preferably formed on the surface of an alignment layer (particularly a photo-alignment layer, as described later). If the optical film has any of the above-mentioned supports, the alignment layer may be sandwiched between the support and the liquid crystal curing layer. Alternatively, the above-mentioned support may also serve as the alignment layer.

[0096] The alignment film can be any film that has the function of horizontally aligning the polymerizable liquid crystal compounds contained in the composition. Alignment films are generally composed primarily of polymers. Numerous polymer materials for alignment films are described in various publications, and many commercially available products are available. As polymer materials for alignment films, polyvinyl alcohol, polyimide, or derivatives thereof are preferred, with modified or unmodified polyvinyl alcohol being more preferred. Examples of alignment films that an optical film may have include the alignment film described on page 43, line 24 to page 49, line 8 of International Publication No. 01 / 88574; the alignment film made of modified polyvinyl alcohol described in paragraphs

[0071] to

[0095] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 3907735; and the liquid crystal alignment film formed by the liquid crystal alignment agent described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-155308.

[0097] It is preferable to use a photo-alignment film as the alignment film because it prevents objects from coming into contact with the surface of the alignment film during its formation, thereby preventing deterioration of the surface quality. The photo-alignment film is not particularly limited, but can be an alignment film formed from polymer materials such as polyamide compounds and polyimide compounds as described in paragraphs

[0024] to

[0043] of International Publication No. 2005 / 096041; a liquid crystal alignment film formed from a liquid crystal alignment agent having photo-aligning groups as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-155308; or Rolic Technologies' trade name LPP-JP265CP, etc.

[0098] The thickness of the alignment film is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of mitigating surface irregularities that may exist on the support and forming a liquid crystal cured layer with a uniform film thickness, it is preferably 0.01 to 10 μm, more preferably 0.01 to 1 μm, and even more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 μm.

[0099] [Other liquid crystal curing layers] In optical films, it is preferable that the liquid crystal curing layer is formed on the surface of another liquid crystal curing layer. Other examples of liquid crystal curing layers include, for instance, liquid crystal curing layers obtained by fixing the orientation state of a composition obtained by removing the basic compound from the liquid crystal composition of the present invention described above. Specifically, these include liquid crystal curing layers obtained by fixing the orientation state of a composition containing the liquid crystal compound, polymerization initiator, leveling agent, and solvent described above; and liquid crystal curing layers (light-absorbing anisotropic films) obtained by fixing the orientation state of a composition containing the liquid crystal compound, polymerization initiator, dichroic substance, leveling agent, and solvent described above.

[0100] [UV absorber] The optical film preferably contains an ultraviolet (UV) absorber, taking into account the effects of ambient light (especially ultraviolet light). The ultraviolet absorber may be contained in the liquid crystal curing layer, or it may be contained in a component other than the liquid crystal curing layer that constitutes the optical film. A support is a suitable example of a component other than the liquid crystal curing layer. Any conventionally known UV absorber capable of exhibiting UV absorption can be used. Among such UV absorbers, benzotriazole-based or hydroxyphenyltriazine-based UV absorbers are preferred from the viewpoint of obtaining high UV absorption capacity (UV blocking capacity) suitable for use in image display devices. Furthermore, in order to broaden the range of ultraviolet light absorption, it is also preferable to use two or more ultraviolet absorbers with different maximum absorption wavelengths in combination.

[0101] Examples of ultraviolet absorbers include the compounds described in paragraphs

[0258] to

[0259] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-18395, and the compounds described in paragraphs

[0055] to

[0105] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-72163. In addition, commercially available products such as Tinuvin 400, Tinuvin 405, Tinuvin 460, Tinuvin 477, Tinuvin 479, and Tinuvin 1577 (all manufactured by BASF) can be used.

[0102] [Polarizing plate] The polarizing plate of the present invention is a polarizing plate having the optical film of the present invention described above. Here, if the liquid crystal curing layer of the optical film of the present invention is not a light-absorbing anisotropic film, the polarizing plate of the present invention has a polarizer described later or the liquid crystal curing layer of the present invention described above (however, limited to a light-absorbing anisotropic film). The polarizing plate of the present invention may have other optical films, protective films (described later), and other functional layers in addition to the optical film of the present invention described above. The function of the functional layer is not particularly limited, and for example, in addition to the alignment film described above, it may be a layer having functions such as an adhesive layer, a stress relaxation layer, a planarization layer, an anti-reflective layer, a refractive index adjustment layer, or an ultraviolet absorption layer. The protective film may be used on both sides of the polarizer, or on only one side of the polarizer. Furthermore, if the protective film is on the same side as the optical film of the present invention, it may be placed between the polarizer and the optical film, or on the opposite side of the optical film from the polarizer, via an adhesive or bonding agent. A polarizing plate can be used as a circular polarizing plate if the optical anisotropy layer described above is a λ / 4 plate (positive A plate). When using a polarizer as a circular polarizer, the optical anisotropy layer described above is a λ / 4 plate (positive A plate), and the angle between the slow axis of the λ / 4 plate and the absorption axis of the polarizer described later is preferably 30 to 60°, more preferably 40 to 50°, even more preferably 42 to 48°, and particularly preferably 45°. Here, the "slow axis" of the λ / 4 plate refers to the direction in which the refractive index is maximum within the plane of the λ / 4 plate, and the "absorption axis" of the polarizer refers to the direction in which the absorbance is highest. Furthermore, polarizing plates can also be used as optical compensation films for IPS or FFS type liquid crystal display devices. When using a polarizing plate as an optical compensation film for an IPS or FFS type liquid crystal display device, it is preferable that the optical anisotropy layer described above be at least one plate of a laminate of a positive A plate and a positive C plate, and that the angle between the slow axis of the positive A plate layer and the absorption axis of the polarizer described later be orthogonal or parallel. More specifically, it is more preferable that the angle between the slow axis of the positive A plate layer and the absorption axis of the polarizer described later be 0 to 5° or 85 to 95°. Furthermore, if the optical compensation film is constructed by laminating a polarizer, a positive C plate, and a positive A plate in this order, it is even more preferable that the angle between the slow axis of the positive A plate and the absorption axis of the polarizer is parallel. Similarly, if the optical compensation film is constructed by stacking a polarizer, a positive A plate, and a positive C plate in that order, it is even more preferable that the angle between the slow axis of the positive A plate and the absorption axis of the polarizer is orthogonal. When using the polarizing plate of the present invention in a liquid crystal display device described later, it is preferable that the angle between the slow axis of the optical anisotropy layer and the absorption axis of the polarizer described later is parallel or orthogonal. In this specification, "parallel" does not require that the lines be strictly parallel, but rather means that the angle between the lines is less than 10°. Similarly, in this specification, "orthogonal" does not require that the lines be strictly orthogonal, but rather means that the angle between the lines is greater than 80° but less than 100°.

[0103] [Polarizer] The polarizer is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that has the function of converting light into a specific linear polarization, and conventionally known absorptural polarizers and reflective polarizers can be used. Absorbing polarizers include iodine-based polarizers, dye-based polarizers using dichroic dyes, and polyene-based polarizers. Iodine-based and dye-based polarizers include coated polarizers and stretched polarizers, both of which are applicable, but polarizers made by adsorbing iodine or a dichroic dye onto polyvinyl alcohol and then stretching it are preferred. Furthermore, as a method for obtaining a polarizer by stretching and dyeing a laminated film in which a polyvinyl alcohol layer is formed on a substrate, examples include those described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5048120, Japanese Patent Publication No. 5143918, Japanese Patent Publication No. 4691205, Japanese Patent Publication No. 4751481, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 4751486, and these known technologies related to polarizers can also be preferably utilized. Examples of coated polarizers include WO2018 / 124198, WO2018 / 186503, WO2019 / 132020, WO2019 / 132018, WO2019 / 189345, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-197168, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-194685, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-139222, and known technologies related to these polarizers can also be preferably utilized. Reflective polarizers include polarizers made by stacking thin films with different birefringences, wire grid polarizers, and polarizers that combine a cholesteric liquid crystal with a selective reflection range and a quarter-wave plate. Of these, polarizers containing polyvinyl alcohol-based resin (polymers containing -CH2-CHOH- as repeating units; in particular, at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers) are preferred because they exhibit superior adhesion. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of providing crack resistance, the polarizer may have a polarization depolarization portion formed along the opposing edges. An example of a polarization depolarization portion is shown in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-240970. Furthermore, the polarizer may have non-polarizing portions arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal and / or widthwise directions. The non-polarizing portions are partially decolorized. The arrangement pattern of the non-polarizing portions can be appropriately set according to the purpose. For example, when the polarizer is cut (cut, punched, etc.) to a predetermined size for mounting on an image display device of a predetermined size, the non-polarizing portions are arranged at positions corresponding to the camera portion of the image display device. An example of an arrangement pattern of non-polarizing portions is given in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-27392.

[0104] The thickness of the polarizer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 3 to 60 μm, more preferably 3 to 30 μm, and even more preferably 3 to 10 μm.

[0105] [Protective film] The material for the protective film is not particularly limited and includes, for example, cellulose acylate films (e.g., cellulose triacetate film, cellulose diacetate film, cellulose acetate butyrate film, cellulose acetate propionate film), polyacrylic resin films such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyester resin films such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate, polyethersulfone films, polyurethane resin films, polyester films, polycarbonate films, polysulfone films, polyether films, polymethylpentene films, polyetherketone films, (meth)acrylonitrile films, polyolefins, and polymers having an alicyclic structure (norbornene resin (Arton: trade name, manufactured by JSR Corporation, amorphous polyolefin (Zeonex: trade name, manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.))). Of these, cellulose acylate films are preferred.

[0106] The optical properties of the protective film are not particularly limited, but when the protective film is on the same side as the optical film of the present invention, it is preferable that it satisfies the following formula. 0nm ≤ Re(550) ≤ 10nm -40nm ≤ Rth(550) ≤ 40nm

[0107] [Adhesive layer] In a polarizing plate, an adhesive layer may be placed between the liquid crystal hardened layer of the optical film and the polarizer. Examples of materials used to form the adhesive layer for lamination between the cured material and the polarizer include components formed from substances whose ratio of storage modulus G' to loss modulus G'' (tanδ=G'' / G') measured by a dynamic viscoelasticity measuring device is 0.001 to 1.5, and which include so-called adhesives and creep-prone substances. Examples of adhesives include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl alcohol-based adhesives.

[0108] [Adhesive layer] The polarizing plate may have an adhesive layer placed between the liquid crystal curing layer and the polarizer in the optical film. For the adhesive layer used to laminate the cured material and the polarizer, a curable adhesive composition that hardens by irradiation with active energy rays or heating is preferred. Examples of curable adhesive compositions include curable adhesive compositions containing cationic polymerizable compounds and curable adhesive compositions containing radical polymerizable compounds. The thickness of the adhesive layer is preferably 0.01 to 20 μm, more preferably 0.01 to 10 μm, and even more preferably 0.05 to 5 μm. If the thickness of the adhesive layer is within this range, no lifting or peeling will occur between the laminated protective layer or liquid crystal curing layer and the polarizer, and a practically satisfactory adhesive strength can be obtained. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing the generation of air bubbles, the thickness of the adhesive layer is preferably 0.4 μm or more. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of durability, the bulk water absorption rate of the adhesive layer may be adjusted to 10% by mass or less, and preferably 2% by mass or less. The bulk water absorption rate is measured in accordance with the water absorption rate test method described in JIS K 7209. For example, paragraphs

[0062] to

[0080] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-35579 can be referenced as the adhesive layer, and the contents of these paragraphs are incorporated into the present specification.

[0109] [Easy adhesive layer] The polarizing plate may have an easy-adhesion layer placed between the liquid crystal hardened layer and the polarizer in the optical film. From the viewpoint of excellent adhesion between the liquid crystal hardened layer and the polarizer, and further suppressing the occurrence of cracks in the polarizer, the storage modulus of the easy-adhesion layer at 85°C should be 1.0 × 10⁻⁶. 6 Pa~1.0×10 7 Pa is preferred. Examples of constituent materials for the easy-adhesion layer include polyolefin-based components and polyvinyl alcohol-based components. The thickness of the easy-adhesion layer is preferably 500 nm to 1 μm. For example, paragraphs

[0048] to

[0053] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-36345 can be considered as an easy-adhesion layer, and these contents are incorporated into the present specification.

[0110] [Image display device] The image display device of the present invention is an image display device having the optical film of the present invention or the polarizing plate of the present invention. The display elements used in the image display device are not particularly limited, and examples include liquid crystal cells, organic electroluminescent (hereinafter abbreviated as "EL (Electro Luminescence)") display panels, and plasma display panels. Of these, liquid crystal cells and organic EL display panels are preferred, and liquid crystal cells are more preferred. In other words, as the image display device, a liquid crystal display device using a liquid crystal cell as the display element, or an organic EL display device using an organic EL display panel as the display element is preferred, and a liquid crystal display device is more preferred.

[0111] [Liquid crystal display device] One example of an image display device is a liquid crystal display device having the polarizing plate and liquid crystal cells described above. Furthermore, it is preferable to use the above-mentioned polarizing plate as the front polarizing plate among the polarizing plates provided on both sides of the liquid crystal cell, and it is more preferable to use the above-mentioned polarizing plates as both the front and rear polarizing plates. The following provides a detailed description of the liquid crystal cells that make up a liquid crystal display device.

[0112] <Liquid crystal cell> The liquid crystal cells used in liquid crystal display devices are preferably in VA (Vertical Alignment) mode, OCB (Optically Compensated Bend) mode, IPS (In-Plane-Switching) mode, FFS (Fringe-Field-Switching) mode, or TN (Twisted Nematic) mode, but are not limited to these. In TN mode liquid crystal cells, when no voltage is applied, the rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are substantially horizontally oriented and further twisted to a 60-120° angle. TN mode liquid crystal cells are the most widely used in color TFT liquid crystal display devices and are described in numerous publications. In VA mode liquid crystal cells, rod-shaped liquid crystalline molecules are substantially oriented vertically when no voltage is applied. VA mode liquid crystal cells include (1) narrowly defined VA mode liquid crystal cells in which rod-shaped liquid crystalline molecules are substantially oriented vertically when no voltage is applied and substantially oriented horizontally when voltage is applied (described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-176625), (2) multi-domain liquid crystal cells (MVA mode) in which the VA mode is multi-domain to expand the viewing angle (described in SID97, Digest of tech.Papers (Proceedings) 28 (1997) 845), (3) liquid crystal cells in a mode (n-ASM mode) in which rod-shaped liquid crystalline molecules are substantially oriented vertically when no voltage is applied and twisted multi-domain orientation when voltage is applied (described in the Proceedings of the Japan Liquid Crystal Symposium 58-59 (1998)), and (4) SURVIVAL mode liquid crystal cells (presented at LCD International 98). Furthermore, the liquid crystal cell in VA mode may be of the PVA (Patterned Vertical Alignment) type, optical alignment type, or PSA (Polymer-Sustained Alignment) type. Details of these modes are described in detail in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-215326 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-538819. In an IPS-mode liquid crystal cell, rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are oriented substantially parallel to the substrate, and when an electric field parallel to the substrate surface is applied, the liquid crystal molecules respond planar. In the IPS mode, the display is black in the absence of an electric field, and the absorption axes of the pair of upper and lower polarizing plates are orthogonal. Methods for reducing leakage light during black display in an oblique direction and improving the viewing angle by using an optical compensation sheet are disclosed in, for example, JP-A-10-54982, JP-A-11-202323, JP-A-9-292522, JP-A-11-133408, JP-A-11-305217, and JP-A-10-307291.

[0113] 〔Organic EL display device〕 As an example of an organic EL display device which is an example of an image display device, for example, a mode having a polarizer, a λ / 4 plate (positive A plate) composed of the above-described liquid crystal cured layer, and an organic EL display panel in this order from the viewing side can be mentioned. Further, the organic EL display panel is a display panel configured using an organic EL element in which an organic light emitting layer (organic electroluminescence layer) is sandwiched between electrodes (between a cathode and an anode). The configuration of the organic EL display panel is not particularly limited, and a known configuration is adopted.

Example

[0114] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail based on examples. The materials, amounts used, ratios, processing contents, processing procedures, etc. shown in the following examples can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the examples shown below.

[0115] [Example 1] 〔Production of protective film 1〕 <Preparation of core layer cellulose acylate dopant 1> The following composition was put into a mixing tank and stirred to dissolve each component, thereby preparing core layer cellulose acylate dopant 1. ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Core layer cellulose acylate dopant 1 -------------------------------------------------- • 100 parts by mass of cellulose acetate with an acetyl substitution degree of 2.88 • 12 parts by mass of the following polyester • 4 parts by mass of the following durability improver • Methylene chloride (first solvent) 430 parts by mass • Methanol (second solvent) 64 parts by mass --------------------------------------------------

[0116] Polyester (number average molecular weight 800) [ka]

[0117] Durability enhancer [ka]

[0118] <Preparation of outer layer cellulose acylate dope 1> To 90 parts by mass of the above-mentioned core layer cellulose acylate dope 1, 10 parts by mass of the following mat agent dispersion 1 was added to prepare the outer layer cellulose acylate dope 1. -------------------------------------------------- Mat agent dispersion 1 -------------------------------------------------- • Silica particles with an average particle size of 20 nm (AEROSIL R972, manufactured by Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd.) 2 parts by mass • Methylene chloride (first solvent) 76 parts by mass • Methanol (second solvent) 11 parts by mass • Core layer cellulose acylate doped 1 1 part by mass --------------------------------------------------

[0119] <Fabrication of the protective film 1> The above core layer cellulose acylate dope 1 and the above outer layer cellulose acylate dope 1 were filtered using filter paper with an average pore size of 34 μm and a sintered metal filter with an average pore size of 10 μm. Then, using a band casting machine, the above core layer cellulose acylate dope 1 and the outer layer cellulose acylate dope 1 on both sides thereof were simultaneously cast onto a drum at 20 °C from a casting nozzle in three layers. Next, the film was peeled off from the drum when the solvent content of the film on the drum was approximately 20% by mass. Both ends in the width direction of the obtained film were fixed with tenter clips, and the film was dried while being stretched 1.1 times in the width direction in a state where the solvent content of the film was 3 to 15% by mass. Thereafter, the obtained film was further dried by being conveyed between the rolls of a heat treatment apparatus to produce a cellulose acylate film 1 with a film thickness of 40 μm, which was used as the protective film 1. As a result of measuring the retardation of the protective film 1, Re = 1 nm and Rth = -5 nm.

[0120] [Fabrication of the optically anisotropic layer 1] <Preparation of the composition for the photo-alignment film 1> To a mixed liquid containing 80 parts by mass and 20 parts by mass of butyl acetate and methyl ethyl ketone, respectively, 8.4 parts by mass of the following copolymer C1 and 0.3 parts by mass of the following thermal acid generator D1 were added to prepare the composition for the photo-alignment film 1.

[0121] · Copolymer C1 (weight average molecular weight: 40,000)

Chemical formula

[0122] · Thermal acid generator D1

Chemical formula

[0123] <Preparation of the liquid crystal composition 1> A liquid crystal composition 1 for forming an optically anisotropic layer having the following composition was prepared.

[0124] ------------------------------------------------------------------ Liquid crystal composition 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------ • 100.00 parts by mass of the following liquid crystal compound R1 • 0.10 parts by mass of the following basic compound A1 • Polymerization initiator S1: 0.50 parts by mass • Leveling agent P1: 0.09 parts by mass Cyclopentanone 179.67 parts by mass Methyl ethyl ketone 53.67 parts by mass ------------------------------------------------------------------

[0125] Polymerization initiator S1 [ka]

[0126] Leveling agent P1 (In the formula below, the numbers indicate the content (mass %) of each repeating unit relative to the total repeating units in leveling agent P1.) [ka]

[0127] <Fabrication of optically anisotropic layer 1> The previously prepared photo-alignment film composition 1 was continuously applied to one side of the fabricated cellulose acylate film 1 (protective film 1) using a bar coater. After application, the solvent was removed by drying in a 120°C heating zone for 1 minute, forming a 0.3 μm thick photo-isomerized composition layer. Subsequently, while being wrapped around a mirror-finish back-applied roller, polarized ultraviolet irradiation (10 mJ / cm²) was applied. 2 The photo-alignment film was formed by using an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp. Subsequently, the previously prepared liquid crystal composition 1 was coated onto the elongated photo-alignment film using a bar coater to form a composition layer. The temperature of the coating chamber was set to 23°C. The formed composition layer was heated to 120°C in a heating zone and then cooled to 60°C. After that, while maintaining the temperature, it was irradiated with ultraviolet light (300 mJ / cm²) under a nitrogen atmosphere (oxygen concentration 100 ppm). 2 By using an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, the orientation was fixed, and an optically anisotropic layer 1 with a thickness of 2.1 μm was fabricated. The obtained optically anisotropic layer 1 was peeled off from the protective film 1, and the phase difference of the optically anisotropic layer 1 was measured. The in-plane retardation Re1(550) was 145 nm, and the Re1(450) / Re1(550) was 0.83.

[0128] [Examples 2-26] Optical anisotropic layers 2 to 26 of Examples 2 to 26 were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the liquid crystal compounds and non-liquid crystal compounds listed in Table 4 below were used instead of the liquid crystal compounds contained in liquid crystal composition 1. Furthermore, when the phase difference of the optically anisotropic layer 9 in Example 9 was measured, the in-plane retardation Re(550) was 135 nm and the Re(450) / Re(550) was 0.86.

[0129] [Example 27] [Fabrication of optically anisotropic layer 27] <Preparation of Composition 2 for Photoalignment Film> A photo-alignment film composition 2 with the following composition was prepared. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Composition 2 for photo alignment film ------------------------------------------------------------------ • 100 parts by mass of the following liquid crystal compound R11 (a mixture of rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds) • Acrylate monomer (A-400) 4.2 parts by mass • Polymer C (see below) 2.0 parts by mass • Compound H (listed below): 1.9 parts by mass • 5.1 parts by mass of the above photopolymerization initiator S1 • 3.0 parts by mass of the following photoacid generator A • Polymer D (see below): 0.8 parts by mass • Methyl isobutyl ketone 374 parts by mass • Ethyl propionate 94 parts by mass ------------------------------------------------------------------

[0130] Polymer C (The numerical values ​​in the following formula indicate the content (mass %) of each repeating unit relative to the total repeating units in the polymer.) [ka]

[0131] Compound H [ka]

[0132] Photoacid generator A [ka]

[0133] Polymer D (In the formula below, a to c represent the content of each repeating unit relative to the total number of repeating units in the polymer, where a:b:c = 17:64:19.) [ka]

[0134] <Preparation of liquid crystal composition 27> A liquid crystal composition 27 for forming an optically anisotropic layer was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the liquid crystal compounds and non-liquid crystal compounds listed in Table 4 below were used instead of the liquid crystal compound R1 contained in liquid crystal composition 1.

[0135] <Fabrication of optically anisotropic layer 27> The previously prepared photo-alignment film composition 2 was continuously applied to one side of the fabricated cellulose acylate film 1 using a bar coater. After application, the solvent was removed by drying in a 70°C heating zone for 2 minutes, and then sterilized at 150 mJ / cm² under a nitrogen atmosphere (oxygen concentration 100 ppm). 2 The material was then irradiated with ultraviolet light (10 mJ / cm²). After that, it was heated at 120°C for 1 minute and then wrapped around a mirror-finish backing while being irradiated with polarized ultraviolet light (10 mJ / cm²). 2 A photo-alignment film 27 with a thickness of 0.4 μm was formed by using an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp. The photo-alignment film 27 was a positive C plate. The retardation Rth(550) in the thickness direction was -50 nm. Subsequently, the previously prepared liquid crystal composition 27 was coated onto the elongated photo-alignment film using a bar coater to form a composition layer. The temperature in the coating chamber was set to 23°C. The formed composition layer was heated to 120°C in a heating zone and then cooled to 60°C. After that, while maintaining the temperature, it was irradiated with ultraviolet light (300 mJ / cm²) under a nitrogen atmosphere (oxygen concentration 100 ppm). 2 By using an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, the orientation was fixed, and an optically anisotropic layer 27 with a thickness of 2.6 μm was fabricated. The obtained optically anisotropic layer 27 was peeled off from the protective film 1, and the phase difference of the optically anisotropic layer 27 was measured. The in-plane retardation Re27(550) was 135 nm, and the Re27(450) / Re27(550) ratio was 0.86.

[0136] [Examples 28-29] The optical anisotropic layers 28 to 29 of Examples 28 to 29 were prepared in the same manner as in Example 27, except that the liquid crystal compounds and non-liquid crystal compounds listed in Table 4 below were used instead of those contained in liquid crystal composition 27.

[0137] [Comparative Examples 1-7] Optical anisotropic layers C1 to C7 of Comparative Examples 1 to 7 were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the liquid crystal compounds listed in Table 4 below were used instead of the liquid crystal compounds contained in liquid crystal composition 1.

[0138] 〔evaluation〕 <Suppression of streak defects> In Examples 1-29 and Comparative Examples 1-7, when preparing optically anisotropic layers, the coated areas were observed after continuous application of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition and evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 4 below. Note that streaks are due to precipitates. (Evaluation Criteria) A: Even after applying 3000m of the coating, no streak defects were detected. When B: 3000m is applied, slight streaks are visible, but this does not pose a practical problem. When C:3000m is applied, strong streaks and defects become visible, posing a practical problem.

[0139] <Liquid coloring stability> In Examples 1-29 and Comparative Examples 1-7, the liquid crystal compositions were allowed to age at 25°C, and their color was observed. The results of the evaluation according to the following criteria are shown in Table 4 below. (Evaluation Criteria) A: No change in color is visible even after leaving it undisturbed for 5 days. B: After 5 days of standing, a slight change in color may be visible, but this does not pose any practical problems. C: After being left undisturbed for 5 days, a significant change in color is clearly visible, posing a practical problem.

[0140] [Table 4]

[0141] The structures of the liquid crystal compounds, non-liquid crystal compounds, and basic compounds in Table 4 above are shown below.

[0142] Liquid crystal compound R1 [Δn(450) / Δn(550):0.83] [ka]

[0143] Liquid crystal compound R2 [Δn(450) / Δn(550):0.58] [ka]

[0144] Liquid crystal compound R3〔Δn(450) / Δn(550):0.68〕

change

[0145] Liquid crystal compound R4〔Δn(450) / Δn(550):0.80〕

change

[0146] Liquid crystal compound R5〔Δn(450) / Δn(550):1.03〕

change

[0147] Liquid crystal compound R6〔Δn(450) / Δn(550):1.02〕

change

[0148] Liquid crystal compound R7〔Δn(450) / Δn(550):1.03〕

change

[0149] Liquid crystal compound R8〔Δn(450) / Δn(550):1.04〕

change

[0150] Liquid crystal compound R9〔Δn(450) / Δn(550):1.05〕

change

[0151] Liquid crystal compound R10 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 1.04]

change

[0152] Liquid crystal compound R11 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 1.10]

change

[0153] Liquid crystal compound R12〔Δn(450) / Δn(550):0.83〕

change

[0154] Liquid crystal compound R13 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 0.83]

change

[0155] Liquid crystal compound R14 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 0.75]

change

[0156] Liquid crystal compound R15 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 0.82]

change

[0157] Liquid crystal compound R16 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 0.83]

change

[0158] Liquid crystal compound R17 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 1.09]

change

[0159] Liquid crystal compound R18 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 1.09]

change

[0160] Non-liquid crystal compound M1

change

[0161] Non-liquid crystal compound M2

change

[0162] Basic compound A1

change

[0163] Salt-based compound A2

change

[0164] Basic compound A3

change

[0165] Basic compound A4

change

[0166] Basic compound A5

change

[0167] Basic compound A6 [ka]

[0168] Basic compound A7 [ka]

[0169] Basic compound A8 [ka]

[0170] Basic compound A9 [ka]

[0171] Basic compound A10 [ka]

[0172] Basic compound A11 [ka]

[0173] Basic compound A12 [ka]

[0174] The results shown in Table 4 above indicate that streak defects cannot be suppressed when basic compounds are not included (Comparative Examples 1 and 2). Furthermore, it was found that even when basic compounds were incorporated, streak defects could not be suppressed when basic compounds with a conjugate acid pKa of less than 4 were used (Comparative Examples 3 and 7). Furthermore, even when basic compounds were incorporated, it was found that the long-term stability was poor when basic compounds with a conjugate acid pKa greater than 10 were used (Comparative Examples 4-6).

[0175] In contrast, when a basic compound with a conjugate acid pKa of 4-10 was incorporated, streak defects were suppressed and long-term stability was also improved (Examples 1-29). Furthermore, a comparison of Examples 2 to 8 revealed that when the basic compound content is 0.01 to 5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound, streak defects are further suppressed and the stability over time is improved. Furthermore, a comparison of Examples 4 and 17-22 revealed that when the basic compound is a heterocyclic amine compound, the stability over time is better. Furthermore, a comparison of Examples 1, 4 and 23-24 revealed that when the liquid crystal compound satisfies formula (ii) above, streak defects are further suppressed. Furthermore, a comparison of Examples 3-6 and Examples 25-26 revealed that when the content of the basic compound satisfies formula (i) above, streak defects are further suppressed and the stability over time is improved.

[0176] The optically anisotropic layer 9 prepared in Example 9 was applied to a liquid crystal display device using the method described below, and sufficient display performance as an optical compensation film was confirmed. [Fabrication of optically anisotropic layer 51] <Preparation of polymerizable liquid crystal composition 51> A polymerizable liquid crystal composition 51 for forming an optically anisotropic layer 51 was prepared with the following composition. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Polymerizable liquid crystal composition 51 ------------------------------------------------------------------ • 24.5 parts by mass of the above liquid crystal compound R2 • 24.5 parts by mass of the above liquid crystal compound R3 ·10.0 parts by mass of the above liquid crystal compound R4 • 20.5 parts by mass of the above liquid crystal compound R5 ·20.5 parts by mass of the above liquid crystal compound R6 ·15.0 parts by mass of the above liquid crystal compound R7 • Compound B1 (listed below): 3.0 parts by mass • Compound C1 (listed below): 8.0 parts by mass • Polymerization initiator S1: 3.0 parts by mass • Leveling agent P2: 0.3 parts by mass • Leveling agent P3: 0.3 parts by mass Cyclopentanone 232.9 parts by mass Methyl ethyl ketone 105.9 parts by mass • Methanol 19.4 parts by mass Isopropyl alcohol 19.41 parts by mass ------------------------------------------------------------------

[0177] Compound B1 [ka]

[0178] Compound C1 (a mixture of the following compounds) [ka] JPEG2023031737000067.jpg4258

[0179] Leveling agent P2 [Weight-average molecular weight: 15000; the values ​​in the formula below indicate the content (mass%) of each repeating unit relative to the total number of repeating units.] [ka]

[0180] Leveling agent P3 [Weight-average molecular weight: 11200; the values ​​in the formula below indicate the content (mass%) of each repeating unit relative to the total number of repeating units.] [ka]

[0181] <Fabrication of the optically anisotropic layer 51> For the optical film prepared in Example 9 before peeling from the protective film, the surface on the optical anisotropy layer 9 side was discharged at a discharge rate of 150 W·min / m 2 Corona treatment was performed, and the polymerizable liquid crystal composition 51 prepared earlier was applied to the corona-treated surface using a bar coater to form a composition layer. Next, the composition was heated with 85°C hot air for 60 seconds to dry the solvent and allow the liquid crystal compound to be oriented and matured. Under nitrogen purging, the mixture was irradiated with ultraviolet light (150 mJ / cm²) at 50°C with an oxygen concentration of 100 ppm. 2 By fixing the orientation, an optically anisotropic layer C1 with a thickness of 2.0 μm was fabricated, and optical films 9-51 were obtained having a protective film 1, a photo-alignment film 1, an optically anisotropic layer 9, and an optically anisotropic layer 51 in this order. Furthermore, after peeling off the protective film 1 and the photo-alignment film 1 from the fabricated phase difference film, the phase difference of the laminate (optical anisotropy layer 51 / optical anisotropy layer 9) was measured, and the phase difference of optical anisotropy layer 51 was calculated by subtracting the phase difference of optical anisotropy layer 9 measured earlier. The retardation Rth(550) in the thickness direction was -90 nm, confirming that optical anisotropy layer 51 is a positive C plate.

[0182] [Preparation of protective film 2] The following compositions were placed in a mixing tank and stirred while heating to dissolve each component, thereby preparing a cellulose acetate solution. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Cellulose acetate solution ------------------------------------------------------------------ • 100 parts by mass of cellulose acetate with an acetate concentration of 60.7-61.1% • Triphenyl phosphate (plasticizer) 7.8 parts by mass • Biphenyldiphenyl phosphate (plasticizer) 3.9 parts by mass • Methylene chloride (first solvent) 336 parts by mass • Methanol (second solvent) 29 parts by mass • 11 parts by mass of 1-butanol (third solvent) ------------------------------------------------------------------

[0183] In a separate mixing tank, 16 parts by mass of the retardation-enhancing agent (A), 92 parts by mass of methylene chloride, and 8 parts by mass of methanol were added and stirred while heating to prepare a retardation-enhancing agent solution. 25 parts by mass of the retardation-enhancing agent solution was mixed with 474 parts by mass of cellulose acetate solution and stirred thoroughly to prepare a dope. The amount of retardation-enhancing agent added was 6.0 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of cellulose acetate.

[0184] Letteration enhancer (A) [ka]

[0185] The obtained dope was cast using a band stretcher. After the film surface temperature on the band reached 40°C, it was dried with 70°C hot air for 1 minute, and the film was dried from the band with 140°C dry air for 10 minutes to produce a triacetylcellulose film with a residual solvent content of 0.3% by mass. The film thickness was 41 μm. This film was designated as protective film 2. The phase difference of protective film 2 was measured and found to be Re=1nm and Rth=40nm.

[0186] <Saponification treatment of protective film 2> The protective film 2 prepared above was immersed in a 2.3 mol / L sodium hydroxide aqueous solution at 55°C for 3 minutes. Afterward, it was washed in a bathtub of water at room temperature and neutralized with 0.05 mol / L sulfuric acid at 30°C. It was then washed again in a bathtub of water at room temperature and further dried with hot air at 100°C to perform saponification treatment on the surface of protective film 2.

[0187] [Fabrication of polarizing plates] The saponified protective film 2, polyvinyl alcohol-based polarizer, and optical film 9-51 prepared above were bonded together using an adhesive so that the absorption axis of the polarizer and the slow phase axis of the optical film 9-51 were parallel, and the optical anisotropy layer 51 side of the optical film 9-51 faced the polarizer. After bonding, the protective film 1 and the photo-alignment film 1 were peeled off to prepare the first polarizer plate. A 3% aqueous solution of PVA (PVA-117H, manufactured by Kuraray Co., Ltd.) was used as the adhesive. Furthermore, the second polarizing plate was manufactured by laminating a saponified protective film 2, a polyvinyl alcohol-based polarizer, and a protective film 1 that had been saponified using the same procedure. Furthermore, the side of the second polarizer facing the protective film 1 and the side of the optical film 9-51 facing the optical anisotropy layer 51 were bonded together using an adhesive (SK2057 manufactured by Soken Kagaku Co., Ltd.) so that the absorption axis of the polarizer and the slow phase axis of the optical film 9-51 were parallel. Then, the protective film 1 and photo-alignment film 1 were peeled off from the optical film 9-51, and a third polarizer was fabricated by laminating the protective film 2, polarizer, protective film 1, optical anisotropy layer 51, and optical anisotropy layer 9 in that order.

[0188] [Fabrication of liquid crystal display device 1] A commercially available liquid crystal display device (iPad, manufactured by Apple Inc.) was disassembled, and the polarizing plates on both sides that were bonded together were peeled off. The first polarizing plate was placed on the viewing side and the second polarizing plate on the backlight side to create a liquid crystal display device 1. At this time, the optical anisotropy layer 9 side of the phase difference film of the first polarizing plate and the protective film 1 side of the second polarizing plate were bonded together using an adhesive (SK2057 manufactured by Soken Kagaku Co., Ltd.) so that they faced the liquid crystal cell side. Furthermore, the slow phase axis of the liquid crystal in the cell and the absorption axis of the first polarizing plate were aligned orthogonal, and the slow phase axis of the liquid crystal in the cell and the absorption axis of the second polarizing plate were aligned parallel. Using the liquid crystal display devices 1 and 2 fabricated in this manner, it was confirmed that the optical film of the present invention has sufficient performance as an optical compensation film.

[0189] [Fabrication of Liquid Crystal Display Device 2] Liquid crystal display device 2 was fabricated using the same procedure as for liquid crystal display device 1, except that a third polarizing plate was used instead of the first polarizing plate.

[0190] Using the liquid crystal display devices 1 and 2 fabricated in this manner, it was confirmed that the optical film of the present invention has sufficient performance as an optical compensation film. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0191] 10 Optical film 12 Liquid crystal hardening layer 14. Alignment film 16 Support

Claims

1. A liquid crystal composition comprising a liquid crystal compound and a basic compound, The liquid crystal composition comprises a conjugate acid of the basic compound having a pKa of 4 to 10.

2. 2. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the content of the basic compound is 0.01 to 5 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound.

3. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1 or 2, which satisfies the following formula (i): 1.0×10 －１０ <a×10 －（１４－ｐＫａ） <1.0×10 －６ ・・・(i) Here, in the formula (i), a represents the content of the basic compound, and represents parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound. pKa represents the acid dissociation constant of the conjugate acid of the basic compound.

4. 4. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the basic compound is a heterocyclic amine compound.

5. 5. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the basic compound is an aromatic heterocyclic amine compound.

6. 6. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal compound has a polymerizable group.

7. 7. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal compound is a compound represented by the following formula (I): P １ -L １ -D ５ -(A １ ) ａ１ -D ３ -(G １ ) ｇ１ -D １ -〔Ar-D ２ 〕 ｑ１ -(G ２ ) ｇ２ -D ４ -(A ２ ) ａ２ -D ６ -L ２ -P ２ ・・・(I) Here, in the formula (I), a1, a2, g1, and g2 each independently represent 0 or 1, provided that at least one of a1 and g1 represents 1, and at least one of a2 and g2 represents 1. q1 represents 1 or 2. D １ , D ２ , D ３ , D ４ , D ５ and D ６ each independently represents a single bond, or —CO—, —O—, —S—, —C(═S)—, or —CR １ R ２ -, -CR ３ =CR ４ -, -NR ５ -, or a divalent linking group formed by a combination of two or more thereof, R １ ~R ５ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. However, when q1 is 2, a plurality of D ２ may be the same or different. G １ and G ２ each independently represents an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and —CH ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-. A １ and A ２ each independently represents an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and —CH ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-. L １ and L ２ are each independently a single bond, a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, or —CH ２ represents a divalent linking group in which one or more -'s are substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)-, or -CO-, and Q represents a substituent. P １ and P ２ each independently represents a monovalent organic group; P １ and P ２ At least one of these groups represents a polymerizable group. Ar represents an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and —CH ２ One or more - may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-, provided that when q1 is 2, the multiple Ar's may be the same or different.

8. the liquid crystal compound is a rod-like liquid crystal compound, 8. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the refractive index difference Δn between the major axis direction and the minor axis direction of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound satisfies the following formula (ii): Δn(450) / Δn(550)<1.0...(ii) Here, in the formula (ii), Δn(450) represents the refractive index difference at 450 nm, and Δ(550) represents the refractive index difference at 550 nm.

9. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the liquid crystal compound has any aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of groups represented by the following formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5): 【Chemistry 1】 Here, in the formulae (Ar-1) to (Ar-5), * indicates the bond position. Q １ represents N or CH. Q ２ is -S-, -O-, or -N(R ６ )-, R ６ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Y １ represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, an aromatic heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and -CH ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-. Z １ , Z ２ and Z ３ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic heterocyclic group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, -OR ７ , -NR ８ R ９ , -SR １０ , -COOR １１ , or -COR １２ represents R ７ ~R １２ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; Z １ and Z ２ may be bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring. A ３ and A ４ are each independently —O—, —N(R １３ represents a group selected from the group consisting of —, —S—, and —CO—; R １３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. X represents a hydrogen atom or a nonmetallic atom of Groups 14 to 16 which may have a substituent bonded thereto. D ７ and D ８ each independently represents a single bond, or —CO—, —O—, —S—, —C(═S)—, or —CR １ R ２ -, -CR ３ =CR ４ -, -NR ５ -, or a divalent linking group formed by a combination of two or more thereof, R １ ~R ５ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. L ３ and L ４ are each independently a single bond, a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, or —CH ２ represents a divalent linking group in which one or more -'s are substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)-, or -CO-, and Q represents a substituent. P ３ and P ４ each independently represents a monovalent organic group; P ３ and P ４ At least one of the groups represents a polymerizable group. Ax represents an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and having at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon rings and aromatic heterocycles. Ay represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and having at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of an aromatic hydrocarbon ring and an aromatic heterocycle. The aromatic rings in Ax and Ay may have a substituent, and Ax and Ay may be bonded to form a ring. Q ３ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent.

10. A liquid crystal cured layer obtained by fixing the alignment state of the liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An optical film comprising the liquid crystal cured layer according to claim 10.

12. The optical film according to claim 11 , wherein the liquid crystal cured layer is formed on a surface of a photo-alignment film.

13. The optical film according to claim 11 , wherein the liquid crystal cured layer is formed on a surface of another liquid crystal cured layer.

14. A polarizing plate comprising the optical film according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

15. An image display device comprising the optical film according to any one of claims 11 to 13 or the polarizing plate according to claim 14.

16. The image display device according to claim 15, which is a liquid crystal display device.

17. The image display device according to claim 15, which is an organic EL display device.

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