Decorative material, decorative panel, electronic device, and method for manufacturing decorative material

Abstract

Provided is a decorative material comprising an adhesive layer and a cholesteric liquid crystal layer in contact with this adhesive layer. The content in this cholesteric liquid crystal layer, per unit volume of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, of compounds having a molecular weight not greater than 10,000 is less than 44 mg / cm3. Also provided are applications of this decorative material.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to decorative materials, decorative panels, electronic devices, and methods for manufacturing decorative materials. [Background technology]

[0002] Cholesteric liquid crystal phases are known to be formed by the helical arrangement of multiple liquid crystal compounds. Layers containing cholesteric liquid crystal phases (hereinafter referred to as "cholesteric liquid crystal layers") are applied to various uses by taking advantage of the optical properties of the cholesteric liquid crystal phase. For example, the following technologies are known as technologies related to decorative materials.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a cholesteric resin laminate comprising a base material, an intermediate layer, and a cholesteric resin layer in that order.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 2 below discloses a decorative film for molding, which has a cured liquid crystal layer formed by curing a liquid crystal layer containing a cholesteric liquid crystal compound and a photoisomerizable compound on a substrate, and the cured liquid crystal layer has multiple regions in which the photoisomerization ratio of the photoisomerizable compound is different from that of the others.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 3 below discloses a decorative sheet having a patterned cholesteric liquid crystal reflective layer.

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2017 / 018468 Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2020 / 122245 Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-205988 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In the manufacturing process of decorative materials, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer may be cured to maintain the orientation of the liquid crystal compounds in the cholesteric liquid crystal phase. This curing is carried out, for example, by polymerization of the polymerizable compounds (i.e., monomers) used as raw materials for the cholesteric liquid crystal layer. However, despite the curing of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, the color of the decorative material may change, for example, under thermal conditions. Furthermore, studies on the stretchability of decorative materials have revealed that a lower crosslinking density in the cholesteric liquid crystal layer makes the color of the decorative material more susceptible to change under thermal conditions. The term "color of decorative material" encompasses the hue, saturation, and brightness of the decorative material as perceived by the observer's vision.

[0008] One embodiment of this disclosure aims to provide a decorative material that exhibits minimal color change in a thermal environment. Another embodiment of this disclosure aims to provide a method for manufacturing a decorative material that exhibits minimal color change in a thermal environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This disclosure includes the following aspects: <1> The material comprises an adhesive layer and a cholesteric liquid crystal layer in contact with the adhesive layer, wherein the content of a compound having a molecular weight of 10,000 or less per unit volume of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is 44 mg / cm³. 3 A decorative material that is less than [amount missing]. <2> The fracture elongation of the above cholesteric liquid crystal layer is 20% or more. <1> The decorative materials described above. <3> The structure further comprises a releaseable substrate, wherein the releaseable substrate, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and the adhesive layer are arranged in this order. <1> or <2> The decorative materials described above. <4> Further comprising a base material, <1> ~ <3> A decorative material listed in any one of the following. <5> The above substrate has an uneven structure, <4> The decorative materials described above. <6> The visible light reflection band center wavelengths measured in at least two regions are different from each other. <1> ~ <5> A decorative material listed in any one of the following. <7> The absolute difference between the center wavelength of the visible light reflection band measured before the 240-hour heating test at 80°C and the center wavelength of the visible light reflection band measured after the 240-hour heating test at 80°C is between 0 nm and 20 nm. <1> ~ <6> A decorative material listed in any one of the following. <8> <1> ~ <7> A decorative panel comprising a molded product of any one of the decorative materials described in any one of the above. <9> <8> Electronic devices including decorative panels as described above. <10> A method for producing a decorative material, comprising: preparing a composition containing a liquid crystal compound having polymerizable groups, a photoisomerizable chiral agent having polymerizable groups, and a photopolymerization initiator; applying the composition onto a releaseable substrate; curing the composition with light to form a cholesteric liquid crystal layer; and forming an adhesive layer on the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, wherein the photoisomerizable chiral agent contains a photoisomerizable chiral agent having two polymerizable groups, and the ratio of the total amount of the compound having two polymerizable groups to the total amount of solids in the composition is 4% to 20% by mass. <11> The above photoisomerized chiral agent is a compound represented by the following formula (C1): <10> A method for manufacturing decorative materials as described above.

[0010] [ka]

[0011] <12> The method further includes irradiating the above composition with light through a photomask before curing the above composition, wherein the transmittance measured in at least two regions of the photomask is different from that of the other. <10> or <11> A method for manufacturing decorative materials as described above. <13> <10> ~ <12> A method for manufacturing a decorative material, comprising: preparing a laminate including an adhesive layer and a cholesteric liquid crystal layer in contact with the adhesive layer by the method for manufacturing a decorative material described in any one of the above; and bonding the laminate to a substrate having an uneven structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a decorative material that exhibits minimal color change in a thermal environment is provided. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a decorative material that exhibits minimal color change in a thermal environment is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a patterning mask used for photoisomerization. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below. This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. The embodiments described below may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the purposes of this disclosure.

[0015] In this disclosure, numerical ranges indicated using "~" represent ranges that include the numbers before and after "~" as the lower and upper limits, respectively. In numerical ranges described in stages in this disclosure, the upper or lower limit stated in one numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit of another numerical range described in stages. Furthermore, in numerical ranges described in this disclosure, the upper or lower limit stated in one numerical range may be replaced with the values ​​shown in the examples.

[0016] In this disclosure, the amount of each component in a composition means the total amount of multiple substances present in the composition, unless otherwise specified, if there are multiple substances corresponding to each component in the composition.

[0017] In this disclosure, the term "process" includes not only independent processes but also processes that cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes, as long as their intended purpose is achieved.

[0018] In this disclosure, "mass%" and "weight%" are synonymous, and "parts by mass" and "parts by weight" are synonymous.

[0019] In this disclosure, "(meth)acrylate" encompasses both acrylate and methacrylate.

[0020] In this disclosure, "(meth)acrylic" includes acrylic and methacrylic.

[0021] In this disclosure, "solids" refers to components other than solvents. Liquid components that do not fall under the category of solvents are considered to be solids.

[0022] In this disclosure, groups (atomic groups) that are not explicitly labeled as "substituted" or "unsubstituted" include both substituted and unsubstituted groups. For example, "alkyl group" includes both substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups.

[0023] In this disclosure, a combination of two or more preferred embodiments is a more preferred embodiment.

[0024] In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) and number-average molecular weight (Mn) are determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis using TSKgel GMHxL, TSKgel G4000HxL, and TSKgel G2000HxL columns (all product names of Tosoh Corporation), detecting the molecular weight using THF (tetrahydrofuran) as the solvent and a differential refractometer, and converting it using polystyrene as the standard substance.

[0025] Unless otherwise specified, the transmittances in this disclosure are measured using a spectrophotometer (for example, a spectrophotometer UV-3100PC manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation).

[0026] <Decorative materials> A decorative material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an adhesive layer and a cholesteric liquid crystal layer in contact with the adhesive layer, wherein the content of a compound having a molecular weight of 10,000 or less per unit volume of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer in the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is 44 mg / cm³. 3 It is less than. According to the above embodiment, a decorative material is provided that shows little change in color under thermal conditions.

[0027] The reason why a decorative material with minimal color change under thermal conditions is provided in this disclosure is presumed to be as follows: The cholesteric liquid crystal layer includes a cholesteric liquid crystal phase, which is a type of liquid crystal form. The orientation of the liquid crystal compounds in the cholesteric liquid crystal phase, in particular the helical structure formed by the liquid crystal compounds, affects, for example, the wavelength and intensity of light reflected by the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and thus greatly influences the color of the decorative material. Compared to conventional decorative materials, the decorative material according to one embodiment of this disclosure has an upper limit on the content of low molecular weight compounds in the cholesteric liquid crystal layer. Specifically, the content of compounds having a molecular weight of 10,000 or less per unit volume of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer in the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is 44 mg / cm³. 3 It is less than [a certain value]. As described above, if the upper limit of the content of low molecular weight compounds in the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is regulated, it is thought that even if the decorative material is exposed to a thermal environment, the migration of low molecular weight compounds from the cholesteric liquid crystal layer to other layers (e.g., adhesive layer) will be suppressed, and changes in the helical structure (especially the pitch of the helical structure) will be suppressed. Therefore, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, a decorative material that undergoes little change in color under thermal conditions is provided.

[0028] (Adhesive layer) A decorative material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an adhesive layer. For example, the adhesive layer can improve the interlayer adhesion in the decorative material. For example, the adhesive layer can facilitate the attachment of the decorative material to other components. Preferably, the adhesive layer is an adhesive layer that exhibits viscoelasticity at room temperature (e.g., 25°C).

[0029] Components of the adhesive layer include, for example, adhesives and bonding agents. Examples of adhesives include acrylic adhesives, rubber adhesives, and silicone adhesives. Examples of adhesives include the acrylic adhesives, ultraviolet (UV) curing adhesives, and silicone adhesives described in "Characterization and Control Technology of Release Paper, Release Film, and Adhesive Tape," Information Organization, 2004, Chapter 2. "Acrylic adhesive" means an adhesive containing a polymer of (meth)acrylic monomer. If the adhesive layer contains an adhesive, the adhesive layer may further contain a tackifier.

[0030] Examples of adhesives include urethane resin adhesives, polyester adhesives, acrylic resin adhesives, ethylene vinyl acetate resin adhesives, polyvinyl alcohol adhesives, polyamide adhesives, and silicone adhesives. From the viewpoint of higher adhesive strength, urethane resin adhesives or silicone adhesives are preferred.

[0031] From the viewpoint of adhesive strength and handling properties, the thickness of the adhesive layer is preferably 5 μm to 200 μm.

[0032] The adhesive layer is formed using a composition comprising, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of adhesives and bonding agents. The adhesive layer may also be formed using, for example, a sheet-type adhesive or bonding agent. A commercially available sheet-type adhesive is, for example, G25 double-sided tape without a moldable substrate (Nichiei Shinka Co., Ltd.).

[0033] (Cholesteric liquid crystal layer) A decorative material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cholesteric liquid crystal layer in contact with an adhesive layer. When the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is in contact with the adhesive layer, the adhesive layer functions like a cushion, improving the conformability of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer to uneven shapes.

[0034] The cholesteric liquid crystal layer is a layer containing a cholesteric liquid crystal phase. The cholesteric liquid crystal phase is confirmed by known means (e.g., polarizing microscope and scanning electron microscope). The orientation state of the liquid crystal compound in the cholesteric liquid crystal phase may be an orientation state that reflects right-circularly polarized light, left-circularly polarized light, or both right-circularly polarized and left-circularly polarized light. The orientation state of the liquid crystal compound in the cholesteric liquid crystal phase may be fixed. The orientation state of the liquid crystal compound is fixed, for example, by polymerization or crosslinking of the liquid crystal compound. In some or all of the liquid crystal compound whose orientation state is fixed, the liquid crystalline properties of the liquid crystal compound may be lost.

[0035] The cholesteric liquid crystal layer contributes to the design of the decorative material. For example, the color of the decorative material and the degree of color change of the decorative material depending on the viewing angle are adjusted by the pitch of the helical structure in the cholesteric liquid crystal phase, the refractive index of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and the thickness of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer. The pitch of the helical structure may also be adjusted by the amount of chiral agent added. The relationship between the helical structure and the chiral agent is described, for example, in "Fujifilm Research Report, No. 50 (2005), pp. 60-63". Furthermore, the pitch of the helical structure may also be adjusted by conditions such as temperature, illuminance, and irradiation time when fixing the cholesteric liquid crystal phase.

[0036] The content of compounds with a molecular weight of 10,000 or less per unit volume of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "content of low molecular weight compounds") is 44 mg / cm³. 3 It is less than 44 mg / cm³. The content of low molecular weight compounds is 44 mg / cm³. 3 If the content is below 35 mg / cm³, color changes in decorative materials caused by migration of low-molecular-weight compounds are suppressed in thermal environments. 3 Preferably less than 20 mg / cm³ 3 It is more preferable that it be less than 10 mg / cm³. 3It is more preferable that it is less than. Examples of the low molecular weight compound include monomers, oligomers, polymerization initiators, and surfactants. However, as long as the molecular weight is 10,000 or less, the type of the low molecular weight compound is not limited to the above specific examples. The content of the low molecular weight compound is adjusted, for example, according to the components of the composition forming the cholesteric liquid crystal layer and the curing conditions. For example, optimization of the type (for example, the type and number of polymerizable groups) and addition amount of the polymerizable compound and the addition amount of the non-polymerizable compound can promote the curing reaction and reduce the content of the low molecular weight compound. For example, in curing by light, optimization of the illuminance, irradiation amount, and temperature can promote the curing reaction and reduce the content of the low molecular weight compound. Preferred embodiments of the components of the composition and the curing conditions will be described later.

[0037] The low molecular weight compound (that is, a compound having a molecular weight of 10,000 or less) is identified by known analysis methods (for example, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry). The quantitative analysis of the low molecular weight compound is carried out by liquid chromatography in comparison with a standard. Specific conditions of the liquid chromatography are shown below. The measurement sample is prepared by immersing a 1 cm 2 cholesteric liquid crystal layer in tetrahydrofuran (THF, 1 mL) and leaving it standing overnight, and then recovering the THF. The content of the low molecular weight compound is determined in consideration of the results of the quantitative analysis and the thickness of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer taken. · Apparatus: HP1260 manufactured by Agilent · Column: Kinetex EVO C18 manufactured by Phenomenex, 100 Å, 2.6 μm, 2.1 mm × 100 mm · Mobile phase A: 10 mmol / L aqueous ammonium acetate solution · Mobile phase B: Acetonitrile · Flow rate: 0.3 mL / min · Column temperature: 40 °C · Injection volume: 2 μL · Detection: Photodiode array (PDA) · Detection channels: 265 nm, 280 nm, and 315 nm

[0038] The elongation at break of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is preferably 20% or more, more preferably 25% or more, and even more preferably 30% or more. When the elongation at break of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is 20% or more, the conformability of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer to the shape of the object to be decorated and the moldability of the decorative material (especially the moldability in three dimensions) are improved. The elongation at break of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is preferably 500% or less, more preferably 400% or less, and even more preferably 300% or less. When the elongation at break of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is 500% or less, the strength of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is improved. The elongation at break of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is adjusted, for example, by the crosslinking density of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer. When the crosslinking density of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer decreases, the elongation at break of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer tends to increase. The crosslinking density of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is adjusted, for example, by the components of the composition forming the cholesteric liquid crystal layer and the curing conditions. For example, optimizing the type of polymerizable compound (e.g., the type and number of polymerizable groups) and the amount added can reduce the crosslinking density of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer and increase the elongation at break of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer. The components of the composition forming the cholesteric liquid crystal layer and the curing conditions for the cholesteric liquid crystal layer will be described later.

[0039] The elongation at break of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer being 20% ​​or more is confirmed by the following method. Specifically, if the elongation at break of each layer excluding the adhesive layer and the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is 20% or more, the following method (1) is used, and if the elongation at break of the layers excluding the adhesive layer and the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is less than 20%, the following method (2) or (3) is used. Regarding methods (2) and (3), if the decorative material includes a substrate having an uneven structure (however, among substrates having an uneven structure, this is limited to substrates in which the ratio of "the length of the path measured along the surface of the uneven structure from one minimum to the next minimum" to "the distance between two adjacent minimums" in one cycle of the uneven structure is 120% or more), method (2) is used, and if the decorative material does not include a substrate having the above-mentioned specific uneven structure, method (3) is used. The elongation at break is measured by a method similar to the method described in the "Stretchability" section of the examples described later. Matters concerning substrates with an uneven surface are described in the "Substrates" section below. (1) If the elongation at break of the decorative material is 20% or more, the elongation at break of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is considered to be 20% or more. (2) When the shape of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer corresponds to the shape of the substrate having an uneven structure in a cross-sectional view along the thickness direction of the decorative material, the elongation at break of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is considered to be 20% or more. "The shape of the liquid crystal layer corresponds to the shape of the substrate having an uneven structure" means that the liquid crystal layer is arranged to follow the shape of the surface of the substrate having an uneven structure (specifically, the surface that defines the uneven structure). (3) A laminate is prepared by bonding a decorative material with a substrate having an uneven structure, thereby including an adhesive layer, a cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and a substrate having an uneven structure in that order. In a cross-sectional view along the thickness direction of the obtained laminate, if the shape of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer corresponds to the uneven shape of the substrate, the elongation at break of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is considered to be 20% or more. However, in method (3), the height (H) of the protrusions in the uneven structure is set to 10 μm and the width (W) of the protrusions is set to 30 μm.

[0040] The cholesteric liquid crystal layer preferably has selective reflectivity. For example, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer preferably has reflectivity to at least one of the wavelengths between 380 nm and 1,200 nm (preferably between 380 nm and 780 nm). The wavelength of light reflected by the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is measured using a spectrophotometer (for example, a UV-3100PC spectrophotometer manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation).

[0041] From the viewpoint of suppressing changes in reflectivity after molding, the thickness of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is preferably less than 10 μm, more preferably 5 μm or less, even more preferably 0.05 μm to 5 μm, and particularly preferably 0.1 μm to 4 μm.

[0042] The cholesteric liquid crystal layer is formed, for example, using a composition containing a liquid crystal compound (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "composition"). The composition preferably contains a liquid crystal compound, a chiral agent, and a polymerization initiator, and more preferably contains a liquid crystal compound, a photoisomerizing chiral agent, and a photopolymerization initiator. The photoisomerizing chiral agent is a photoisomerizing compound that also acts as a chiral agent. The cholesteric liquid crystal layer is preferably a cured product of a composition containing a liquid crystal compound. The curing method of the composition is described in the section "Method for Manufacturing Decorative Materials" below. The embodiments of the composition will be described in detail below. As a preferred embodiment of the composition, the embodiment of the composition described in the section "Method for Manufacturing Decorative Materials" below may be applied.

[0043] The ratio of the total amount of compounds having two polymerizable groups to the total amount of solids in the composition (i.e., [total amount of compounds having two polymerizable groups] / [total amount of solids in the composition]) is preferably 4% to 25% by mass. When the above ratio is 4% by mass or more, reactivity is improved and the content of compounds having a molecular weight of 10,000 or less per unit volume of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer (i.e., the content of low molecular weight compounds) is reduced. The ratio of the total amount of compounds having two polymerizable groups to the total amount of solids in the composition is preferably 6% by mass or more, more preferably 8% by mass or more, and even more preferably 10% by mass or more. On the other hand, when the above ratio is 25% by mass or less, the increase in the crosslinking density of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is suppressed and the elongation at break of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is increased. The ratio of the total amount of the compound having two polymerizable groups to the total amount of solids in the composition is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, even more preferably 10% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 5% by mass or less.

[0044] The composition contains a liquid crystal compound. A liquid crystal compound is a compound that has liquid crystal properties. However, the liquid crystal properties of the liquid crystal compound may be lost in the cured product of the composition.

[0045] The liquid crystal compound may be selected from known compounds having cholesteric liquid crystal properties. Liquid crystal compounds are broadly classified, for example, into rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds and disc-shaped liquid crystal compounds according to their chemical structure. Furthermore, rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds are broadly classified into low-molecular-weight and high-molecular-weight types, and disc-shaped liquid crystal compounds are also broadly classified into low-molecular-weight and high-molecular-weight types. The term "high-molecular-weight" used in relation to liquid crystal compounds refers to compounds with a degree of polymerization of 100 or more (e.g., Polymer Physics and Phase Transition Dynamics, by Masao Doi, p. 2, Iwanami Shoten, 1992). As the liquid crystal compound, two or more rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds, two or more disc-shaped liquid crystal compounds, or mixtures of rod-shaped and disc-shaped liquid crystal compounds may be used.

[0046] As the 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 be used. Since temperature and humidity changes can be minimized, it is more preferable to use rod-shaped or disc-shaped liquid crystal compounds having reactive groups as the liquid crystal compound, and it is even more preferable that at least one of these liquid crystal compounds has two or more reactive groups in one liquid crystal molecule. In the case of a mixture of two or more liquid crystal compounds, it is preferable that at least one of them has two or more reactive groups.

[0047] Furthermore, it is preferable to use a liquid crystal compound having two or more reactive groups with different crosslinking mechanisms. The crosslinking mechanism is not particularly limited and can include condensation reactions, hydrogen bonding, polymerization, etc., but when two or more reactive groups are present, it is preferable that at least one of the two or more crosslinking mechanisms used is polymerization, and it is even more preferable to use two or more different polymerization reactions. In the crosslinking reaction described above, not only vinyl groups, (meth)acryloyl groups, epoxy groups, oxetanyl groups, and vinyl ether groups used in polymerization can be used, but also hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, amino groups, etc.

[0048] In this disclosure, a compound having two or more reactive groups with different crosslinking mechanisms is a compound that can be crosslinked stepwise using different crosslinking reaction steps, where the reactive group corresponding to each crosslinking mechanism reacts as a functional group in each crosslinking reaction step. For example, in the case of a polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol having hydroxyl groups in its side chains, if the hydroxyl groups of the side chains are crosslinked with an aldehyde or the like after a polymerization reaction to polymerize the polymer, then two or more different crosslinking mechanisms are used. However, in this disclosure, when referring to a compound having two or more different reactive groups, it is preferable that the compound has two or more different reactive groups in the layer formed on a support or the like at the time the layer is formed, and that the reactive groups can then be crosslinked stepwise.

[0049] The reactive group is preferably a polymerizable group. Examples of polymerizable groups include radical polymerizable groups and cationic polymerizable groups. Examples of preferred polymerizable groups include acryloyl groups and methacryloyl groups. It is particularly preferable to use a liquid crystal compound having two or more polymerizable groups.

[0050] The differences in reaction conditions for stepwise crosslinking can be differences in temperature, wavelength of light (irradiation line), or polymerization mechanism. However, it is preferable to use differences in polymerization mechanism because it makes it easier to separate the reactions, and it is even more preferable to control this by the type of polymerization initiator used.

[0051] As for the combination of polymerizable groups, a combination of a radical polymerizable group and a cationic polymerizable group is preferred. Among these, a combination in which the radical polymerizable group is a vinyl group or a (meth)acryloyl group and the cationic polymerizable group is an epoxy group, an oxetanyl group, or a vinyl ether group is particularly preferred because it is easier to control the reactivity.

[0052] From the viewpoint of reactivity and ease of fixing the pitch of the helical structure, it is preferable that the liquid crystal compound has radical polymerizable groups.

[0053] Examples of reactive groups are shown below. Note that Et represents an ethyl group and n-Pr represents an n-propyl group.

[0054] [ka]

[0055] Preferred rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds include azomethines, azoxys, cyanobiphenyls, cyanophenyl esters, benzoic acid esters, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid phenyl esters, cyanophenylcyclohexanes, cyanosubstituted phenylpyrimidines, alkoxysubstituted phenylpyrimidines, phenyldioxanes, trans, and alkenylcyclohexylbenzonitriles. In addition to the low-molecular-weight liquid crystal compounds described above, high-molecular-weight liquid crystal compounds can also be used. High-molecular-weight liquid crystal compounds are polymers formed by polymerizing rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds having low-molecular-weight reactive groups. Examples of rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds include those described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-281989, Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-513019 (International Publication No. 97 / 00600), or Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-526165.

[0056] The following are specific examples of rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds, but are not limited to these. The compounds listed below can be synthesized by the method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-513019 (International Publication No. 97 / 00600).

[0057] [ka]

[0058] [ka]

[0059] [ka]

[0060] [ka]

[0061] [ka]

[0062] [ka]

[0063] [ka]

[0064] [ka]

[0065] [ka]

[0066] [ka]

[0067] [ka]

[0068] Examples of disc-shaped liquid crystal compounds include low molecular weight disc-shaped liquid crystal compounds such as monomers, or polymerizable disc-shaped liquid crystal compounds.

[0069] Examples of disc-shaped liquid crystal compounds include benzene derivatives described in the research report of C. Destrade et al., Mol. Cryst. Vol. 71, p. 111 (1981); torxene derivatives described in the research report of C. Destrade et al., Mol. Cryst. Vol. 122, p. 141 (1985) and Physicslett, A, Vol. 78, p. 82 (1990); cyclohexane derivatives described in the research report of B. Kohne et al., Angew. Chem. Vol. 96, p. 70 (1984); and azacrown or phenylacetylene macrocycles described in the research report of J. MLehn et al., J. Chem. Commun., p. 1794 (1985) and J. Zhang et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. Vol. 116, p. 2655 (1994).

[0070] Disc-shaped liquid crystal compounds include liquid crystal compounds that have the above-mentioned structures as a central disc-shaped core, with linear alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, substituted benzoyloxy groups, and other groups (L) substituted radially, exhibiting liquid crystal properties, and are generally called disc-shaped liquid crystals. When such an aggregate of molecules is uniformly oriented, it exhibits negative uniaxiality, but disc-shaped cholesteric compounds are not limited to this description. Examples of disc-shaped liquid crystal compounds are those described in paragraphs 0061 to 0075 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-281989.

[0071] When a disc-shaped liquid crystal compound having a reactive group is used as the liquid crystal compound, it may be fixed in any of the following orientation states in the cured cholesteric liquid crystal layer: horizontal orientation, vertical orientation, tilted orientation, or twisted orientation.

[0072] The cholesteric liquid crystal layer may contain one or more liquid crystal compounds.

[0073] From the viewpoint of design aesthetics, the content of the liquid crystal compound is preferably 30% to 99% by mass, more preferably 40% to 99% by mass, even more preferably 60% to 99% by mass, and particularly preferably 70% to 98% by mass, based on the total mass of the solid content of the composition.

[0074] The composition may contain polymerizable monomers to promote crosslinking of the liquid crystal compound. For example, monomers or oligomers having two or more ethylenically unsaturated bonds and undergoing addition polymerization upon irradiation with light can be used as polymerizable monomers. Examples of monomers and oligomers include compounds having at least one addition polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated group in the molecule. Examples include monofunctional acrylates or monofunctional methacrylates such as polyethylene glycol mono(meth)acrylate, polypropylene glycol mono(meth)acrylate and phenoxyethyl(meth)acrylate; polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, polypropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, trimethylolethane triacrylate, trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, trimethylolpropane diacrylate, neopentyl glycol di(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate Examples of polyfunctional acrylates or polyfunctional methacrylates include lylate, dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate, hexanediol di(meth)acrylate, trimethylolpropane tri(acryloyloxypropyl) ether, tri(acryloyloxyethyl) isocyanurate, tri(acryloyloxyethyl) cyanurate, glycerin tri(meth)acrylate; and polyfunctional acrylates or polyfunctional methacrylates obtained by adding ethylene oxide or propylene oxide to polyfunctional alcohols such as trimethylolpropane and glycerin, and then (meth)acrylateting them.

[0075] Furthermore, examples include urethane acrylates described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 48-41708, Japanese Patent Publication No. 50-6034, and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 51-37193; polyester acrylates described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 48-64183, Japanese Patent Publication No. 49-43191, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 52-30490; and polyfunctional acrylates or methacrylates such as epoxy acrylates which are reaction products of epoxy resin and (meth)acrylic acid.

[0076] Trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, and dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate are preferred.

[0077] In addition, "polymerizable compound B" described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-133600 can also be cited as a suitable candidate.

[0078] These monomers or oligomers may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0079] Cationic polymerizable monomers can also be used. Examples include epoxy compounds, vinyl ether compounds, and oxetane compounds as exemplified in Japanese Patent Publication Nos. 6-9714, 2001-31892, 2001-40068, 2001-55507, 2001-310938, 2001-310937, and 2001-220526. Examples of epoxy compounds include aromatic epoxides, alicyclic epoxides, and aliphatic epoxides.

[0080] Examples of aromatic epoxides include bisphenol A or its alkylene oxide adduct di or polyglycidyl ethers, hydrogenated bisphenol A or its alkylene oxide adduct di or polyglycidyl ethers, and novolac-type epoxy resins. Examples of alkylene oxides include ethylene oxide and propylene oxide.

[0081] Examples of alicyclic epoxides include cyclohexene oxide or cyclopentene oxide-containing compounds obtained by epoxidizing a compound having at least one cyclohexene or cyclopentene ring with a suitable oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide or a per acid.

[0082] Preferred aliphatic epoxides include di- or polyglycidyl ethers of aliphatic polyhydric alcohols or their alkylene oxide adducts. Representative examples include diglycidyl ethers of alkylene glycols such as ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, propylene glycol diglycidyl ether, or 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether; polyglycidyl ethers of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin or its alkylene oxide adduct di- or triglycidyl ether; diglycidyl ethers of polyethylene glycol or its alkylene oxide adduct; and diglycidyl ethers of polyalkylene glycols such as polypropylene glycol or its alkylene oxide adduct. Examples of alkylene oxides include ethylene oxide and propylene oxide.

[0083] Furthermore, monofunctional or difunctional oxetane monomers can also be used as cationic polymerizable monomers. For example, 3-ethyl-3-hydroxymethyl oxetane (product name OXT101, etc., manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd.), 1,4-bis[(3-ethyl-3-oxetanyl)methoxymethyl]benzene (product name OXT121, etc.), 3-ethyl-3-(phenoxymethyl)oxetane (product name OXT211, etc.), di(1-ethyl-3-oxetanyl)methyl ether (product name OXT221, etc.), 3-ethyl-3-(2-ethylhexyloxymethyl) (1-ethyl-3-oxetanyl)oxetane (such as OXT212) can be preferably used, and in particular, compounds such as 3-ethyl-3-hydroxymethyloxetane, 3-ethyl-3-(phenoxymethyl)oxetane, and di(1-ethyl-3-oxetanyl)methyl ether, as well as any known monofunctional or polyfunctional oxetane compounds described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-220526 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-310937 can be used.

[0084] The composition preferably contains a chiral agent, and more preferably a photoisomerizing chiral agent. The chiral agent can induce a helical structure by the liquid crystal compound. The photoisomerizing chiral agent preferably contains a photoisomerizing chiral agent having two polymerizable groups (hereinafter referred to as a "bifunctional photoisomerizing chiral agent" in this paragraph). The bifunctional photoisomerizing chiral agent not only induces a helical structure by the liquid crystal compound, but also promotes the curing reaction and can reduce the content of low molecular weight compounds in the cholesteric liquid crystal layer.

[0085] While known compounds can be used as chiral agents, chiral agents having a cinnamoyl group are preferred. Examples of chiral agents include compounds described in the Liquid Crystal Device Handbook (Chapter 3, Section 4-3, Chiral Agents for TN and STN, p. 199, edited by the 142nd Committee of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 1989), as well as in Japanese Patent Publication Nos. 2003-287623, 2002-302487, 2002-80478, 2002-80851, 2010-181852, and 2014-034581.

[0086] Chiral agents preferably contain an asymmetric carbon atom, but axially asymmetric compounds or planar asymmetric compounds that do not contain an asymmetric carbon atom can also be used as chiral agents. Examples of axially asymmetric compounds or planar asymmetric compounds include binaphthyl, helicene, paracyclophane, and their derivatives.

[0087] The chiral agent may have polymerizable groups. If both the chiral agent and the liquid crystal compound have polymerizable groups, a polymer can be formed by a polymerization reaction between the polymerizable chiral agent (polymerizable chiral agent) and the liquid crystal compound (polymerizable liquid crystal compound), which will have structural units derived from the polymerizable liquid crystal compound and structural units derived from the chiral agent. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the polymerizable groups of the polymerizable chiral agent are of the same type as the polymerizable groups of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound. The polymerizable groups of the chiral agent are preferably ethylenically unsaturated groups, epoxy groups, or aziridinyl groups, and more preferably ethylenically unsaturated groups.

[0088] The chiral agent preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of isosorbide derivatives, isomannide derivatives, and binaphthyl derivatives. As the isosorbide derivative, commercially available products such as LC-756 manufactured by BASF may be used.

[0089] The chiral agent may also be a Cholestec liquid crystal compound.

[0090] The chiral agent preferably contains a photoisomerized compound that also acts as a chiral agent (i.e., a photoisomerized chiral agent), and more preferably contains a compound represented by formula (CH1), as described later.

[0091] The photoisomerizable compound can be any compound that can be photoisomerized, but from the viewpoint of suppressing changes in reflectivity after molding and maintaining the isomerized structure, it is preferable that the compound changes its three-dimensional structure upon exposure.

[0092] The isomerized structure of the photoisomerizable compound is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of suppressing changes in reflectance after molding, ease of photoisomerization, and maintenance of the isomerized structure, it is preferable that the structure changes upon exposure, more preferably has two or more substituted ethylenically unsaturated bonds whose EZ configuration isomerized upon exposure, and particularly preferably has a disubstituted ethylenically unsaturated bond whose EZ configuration isomerized upon exposure. Isomerization of the EZ configuration includes cis-trans isomerization. The disubstituted ethylenically unsaturated bond is preferably an ethylenically unsaturated bond in which an aromatic group and an ester bond are substituted.

[0093] Photoisomerizable compounds may have only one isomerized structure or two or more, but from the viewpoint of suppressing changes in reflectance after molding, ease of photoisomerization, and maintenance of the isomerized structure, it is preferable to have two or more isomerized structures, more preferably two to four, and particularly preferable to have two.

[0094] The photoisomerized compound that also acts as a chiral agent is preferably a chiral agent with a molar extinction coefficient of 30,000 or more at a wavelength of 313 nm.

[0095] As a photoisomerizable compound that also acts as a chiral agent, the compound represented by the following formula (CH1) is preferred. The compound represented by the following formula (CH1) can change the orientation structure, such as the helical pitch (torsional force, helical twist angle) of the cholesteric liquid crystal phase, depending on the amount of light irradiated. Furthermore, the compound represented by the following formula (CH1) is a compound in which the EZ configuration of the two ethylenically unsaturated bonds can be isomerized by exposure.

[0096] [ka]

[0097] In formula (CH1), Ar CH1 and Ar CH2 Each of these independently represents an aryl group or a heteroaromatic ring group, RCH1 and R CH2 Each of these independently represents either a hydrogen atom or a cyano group.

[0098] Ar in equation (CH1) CH1 and Ar CH2 Each of these is preferably an aryl group.

[0099] Ar in equation (CH1) CH1 and Ar CH2 The aryl group in may have substituents, preferably having a total of 6 to 40 carbon atoms, and more preferably 6 to 30 carbon atoms. Preferred substituents include halogen atoms, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, alkoxy groups, hydroxy groups, acyl groups, alkoxycarbonyl groups, aryloxycarbonyl groups, acyloxy groups, carboxyl groups, cyano groups, or heterocyclic groups, and more preferably halogen atoms, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkoxy groups, hydroxy groups, acyloxy groups, alkoxycarbonyl groups, or aryloxycarbonyl groups.

[0100] R in equation (CH1) CH1 and R CH2 Each of these is preferably a hydrogen atom.

[0101] Ar CH1 and Ar CH2 Preferably, it is an aryl group represented by the following formula (CH2) or formula (CH3).

[0102] [ka]

[0103] In formulas (CH2) and (CH3), R CH3 and R CH4Each of these independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, an alkoxy group, a hydroxyl group, an acyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an aryloxycarbonyl group, an acyloxy group, a carboxyl group, or a cyano group, L CH1 and L CH2 Each of the following independently represents a halogen atom, alkyl group, alkoxy group, or hydroxyl group; nCH1 represents an integer from 0 to 4; nCH2 represents an integer from 0 to 6; and * represents the bond position with the ethylenically unsaturated bond in formula (CH1).

[0104] R in equations (CH2) and (CH3) CH3 and R CH4 Each of these is preferably independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, an alkoxy group, a hydroxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an aryloxycarbonyl group, or an acyloxy group, more preferably an alkoxy group, a hydroxy group, or an acyloxy group, and particularly preferably an alkoxy group.

[0105] L in equations (CH2) and (CH3) CH1 and L CH2 Each of these is preferably an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a hydroxyl group.

[0106] In formula (CH2), nCH1 is preferably 0 or 1.

[0107] In formula (CH3), nCH2 is preferably 0 or 1.

[0108] Ar in equation (CH1) CH1 and Ar CH2The heteroaromatic ring group in may have substituents, preferably having a total of 4 to 40 carbon atoms, and more preferably 4 to 30 carbon atoms. Preferred substituents include halogen atoms, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, aryl groups, alkoxy groups, hydroxyl groups, acyl groups, alkoxycarbonyl groups, aryloxycarbonyl groups, acyloxy groups, or cyano groups, and more preferably halogen atoms, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, aryl groups, alkoxy groups, or acyloxy groups. Preferred heteroaromatic ring groups include pyridyl groups, pyrimidinyl groups, furyl groups, or benzofuranyl groups, and more preferably pyridyl groups or pyrimidinyl groups.

[0109] The following compounds are preferred as photoisomerizable compounds. Note that Bu represents an n-butyl group. The following compounds have an E-isomer (trans isomer) stereochemistry at each ethylenically unsaturated bond, but change to a Z-isomer (cis isomer) upon exposure to light.

[0110] [ka]

[0111] Photoisomerized compounds that also act as chiral agents (i.e., photoisomerized chiral agents) preferably include compounds represented by the following formula (1). The compound represented by the following formula (1) is a photoisomerized chiral agent containing a polymerizable group.

[0112] [ka]

[0113] In formula (1), L 3 ~L 6These independently represent a single bond, -COO-, -OCO-, -CH=CH-COO-, -OCO-CH=CH-, -CH=C(CN)-COO-, -OCO-C(CN)=CH-, -CH=CH-CO-, -CO-CH=CH-, -CH=N-, -N=CH-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -CH2O-, -OCH2-, -CH2-CH2-O-, -OCH2-CH2-, -O-, -S-, -CO-, -CH=CH-, -C≡C-, or -N=N-, and A 1 and A 2 Each of these independently represents a hydrocarbon ring group or a heterocyclic group, P 3 and P 4 Each of these independently comprises a hydrogen atom, a C1-C20 alkyl group, a group having a structure in which at least one -CH2- in a C2-C2 alkyl group is substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(CH3)-, -C(=O)-, -OC(=O)-, or -C(=O)O-, -CN, or -Sp 2 -P 5 Represents, Sp 2 This represents a group in which at least one -CH2- in a single bond, an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or an alkylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms is substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(CH3)-, -C(=O)-, -OC(=O)-, or -C(=O)O-, P 5 P represents a polymerizable group represented by the following formula (P-1) or formula (P-2), and P 3 and P 4 At least one of them is -Sp 2 -P 5 Here, Q represents a divalent chiral source, n and m each independently represent integers from 1 to 3, and if n or m is an integer of 2 or more, multiple A 1 They may be the same or different from each other, and there may be multiple A 2 The Ls may be the same or different from each other, and there may be multiple Ls. 5 The Ls may be the same or different from each other, and there may be multiple Ls. 6 They may be the same or they may be different from one another.

[0114] [ka]

[0115] In equations (P-1) and (P-2), * indicates a bonding position.

[0116] Below, P 3 and P 4 A group having a structure in which at least one -CH2- in an alkyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms is substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(CH3)-, -C(=O)-, -OC(=O)-, or -C(=O)O- is sometimes referred to as a "specific substituted alkyl group X1". With respect to a specific substituted alkyl group X1, at least two -CH2- in the alkyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms may each be independently substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(CH3)-, -C(=O)-, -OC(=O)-, or -C(=O)O-. In other words, the group of atoms substituting one -CH2- may be the same as or different from the group of atoms substituting another -CH2-. The structure of a specific substituted alkyl group X1 may not contain two adjacent oxygen atoms (i.e., -OO-).

[0117] Below, Sp 2 A group in which at least one -CH2- in an alkylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms is substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(CH3)-, -C(=O)-, -OC(=O)-, or -C(=O)O- is sometimes referred to as a "specific substituted alkylene group Y1". With respect to a specific substituted alkylene group Y1, at least two -CH2- in the alkylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms may each be independently substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(CH3)-, -C(=O)-, -OC(=O)-, or -C(=O)O-. In other words, the atomic group that substitutes one -CH2- may be the same as or different from the atomic group that substitutes another -CH2-. The structure of a specific substituted alkylene group Y1 may not contain two adjacent oxygen atoms (i.e., -OO-).

[0118] From the perspective of improving the reflection wavelength conversion capability, in equation (1), L 3~L 6 Preferably, at least one of them is -CH=CH-COO-, -OCO-CH=CH-, -CH=C(CN)-COO-, -OCO-C(CN)=CH-, -CH=CH-CO-, -CO-CH=CH-, -CH=N-, -N=CH-, -CH=CH-, or -N=N-. Also, in formula (1), L 3 ~L 6 It is also preferable that at least one of them is -CH=CH-COO-, -OCO-CH=CH-, -CH=C(CN)-COO-, or -OCO-C(CN)=CH-. Furthermore, in equation (1), L 3 ~L 6 Preferably, at least one of them is -CH=C(CN)-COO- or -OCO-C(CN)=CH-. "Reflection wavelength conversion ability" means the property that the reflection wavelength changes due to intentional external factors.

[0119] From the perspective of improving the reflection wavelength conversion capability, in equation (1), L 3 and L 4 Preferably, at least one of them is -CH=CH-COO-, -OCO-CH=CH-, -CH=C(CN)-COO-, -OCO-C(CN)=CH-, -CH=CH-CO-, -CO-CH=CH-, -CH=N-, -N=CH-, -CH=CH-, or -N=N-. Also, in formula (1), L 3 and L 4 It is also preferable that at least one of them is -CH=CH-COO-, -OCO-CH=CH-, -CH=C(CN)-COO-, or -OCO-C(CN)=CH-. Furthermore, in equation (1), L 3 and L 4 It is also preferable that at least one of them is -CH=C(CN)-COO- or -OCO-C(CN)=CH-.

[0120] From the perspective of improving the reflection wavelength conversion capability, in equation (1), L 3 and L 4It is preferable that each of these independently be -CH=CH-COO-, -OCO-CH=CH-, -CH=C(CN)-COO-, -OCO-C(CN)=CH-, -CH=CH-CO-, -CO-CH=CH-, -CH=N-, -N=CH-, -CH=CH-, or -N=N-. Also, in equation (1), L 3 and L 4 It is also preferable that each of them independently be -CH=CH-COO-, -OCO-CH=CH-, -CH=C(CN)-COO-, or -OCO-C(CN)=CH-. Furthermore, in equation (1), L 3 and L 4 It is also preferable that each of these independently be -CH=C(CN)-COO- or -OCO-C(CN)=CH-.

[0121] From the standpoint of ease of synthesis, in equation (1), L 5 and L 6 Preferably, at least one of them is a single bond, -COO-, -OCO-, or -O-. Also, in formula (1), L 5 and L 6 These can also preferably be a single bond, -COO-, -OCO-, or -O-, independently of each other.

[0122] A hydrocarbon ring group comprises at least one hydrocarbon ring. The hydrocarbon ring may be a fused ring. The number of atoms constituting the hydrocarbon ring is preferably 5 to 18, more preferably 5 to 10, and even more preferably 5 or 6. Examples of hydrocarbon ring groups include aliphatic hydrocarbon ring groups and aromatic hydrocarbon ring groups.

[0123] The aliphatic hydrocarbon ring group comprises at least one aliphatic hydrocarbon ring. If the aliphatic hydrocarbon ring has a polycyclic structure, it is preferable that at least one of the rings included in the polycyclic structure is a five-membered ring or more. The number of atoms constituting the aliphatic hydrocarbon ring is preferably 5 to 10, and more preferably 5 or 6. Examples of aliphatic hydrocarbon rings include cyclopentane rings, cyclohexane rings, cycloheptane rings, cyclooctane rings, norbornene rings, and adamantane rings. Cyclopentane rings or cyclohexane rings are preferred.

[0124] An aromatic hydrocarbon ring group comprises at least one aromatic hydrocarbon ring. If the aromatic hydrocarbon ring has a polycyclic structure, it is preferable that at least one of the rings included in the polycyclic structure is a five-membered ring or more. The number of atoms constituting the aromatic hydrocarbon ring is preferably 6 to 18, more preferably 6 to 10, and even more preferably 6. Examples of aromatic hydrocarbon rings include benzene rings, naphthalene rings, anthracene rings, phenanthrene rings, and fluorene rings. Benzene rings or naphthalene rings are preferred, and benzene rings are more preferred.

[0125] Specific examples of hydrocarbon rings are shown below. However, the types of hydrocarbon rings are not limited to these examples.

[0126] [ka]

[0127] In equation (1), A 1 and A 2 The hydrocarbon ring group represented by may have substituents. Examples of substituents include alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, amino groups, nitro groups, hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, and halogen atoms. The hydrocarbon ring group is preferably an unsubstituted hydrocarbon ring group.

[0128] A heterocyclic group contains at least one heterocycle. The heterocycle may be a fused ring. The number of atoms constituting the heterocycle is preferably 5 to 18. Examples of heteroatoms included in the heterocycle include nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur atoms. Examples of heterocyclic groups include aliphatic heterocyclic groups and aromatic heterocyclic groups.

[0129] An aliphatic heterocyclic group contains at least one aliphatic heterocyclic ring. If the aliphatic heterocyclic ring has a polycyclic structure, it is preferable that at least one of the rings included in the polycyclic structure is a five-membered ring or more. The number of atoms constituting the aliphatic heterocyclic ring is preferably 5 to 10. Examples of aliphatic heterocyclic rings include oxolane rings, oxane rings, piperidine rings, and piperazine rings. The aliphatic heterocyclic ring may also have a ring structure containing -CO-. An example of an aliphatic heterocyclic ring having a ring structure containing -CO- is a phthalimide ring.

[0130] An aromatic heterocyclic group contains at least one aromatic heterocyclic ring. If the aromatic heterocyclic ring has a polycyclic structure, it is preferable that at least one of the rings included in the polycyclic structure is a five-membered ring or more. The number of atoms constituting the aromatic heterocyclic ring is preferably 5 to 18. Examples of aromatic heterocyclic rings include pyridine rings, pyridazine rings, pyrimidine rings, pyrazine rings, triazine rings, thiophene rings, thiazole rings, and imidazole rings.

[0131] Specific examples of complex algebras are shown below. However, the types of complex algebras are not limited to these examples.

[0132] [ka]

[0133] In equation (1), A 1 and A 2 The heterocyclic group represented by may have substituents. Examples of substituents include substituents of the hydrocarbon ring group described above. The heterocyclic group is preferably an unsubstituted heterocyclic group.

[0134] In equation (1), P 3 and P 4 The alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms represented by (excluding the alkyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms that defines the specific substituted alkyl group X1) may be a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group.

[0135] In equation (1), P 3 and P 4 The alkyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms that defines the specific substituted alkyl group X1 represented by may be a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group.

[0136] In equation (1), Sp 2 The alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms represented by (excluding the alkylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms that defines the specific substituted alkylene group Y1) may be a linear, branched, or cyclic alkylene group.

[0137] In equation (1), Sp 2 The alkylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms that defines the specific substituted alkylene group Y1 represented by (hereinafter simply referred to as "alkylene group" in this paragraph) may be a linear, branched, or cyclic alkylene group. From the viewpoint of suppressing defects in the liquid crystal phase and ease of availability, the alkylene group is preferably a linear alkylene group or a branched alkylene group, and more preferably a linear alkylene group. From the viewpoint of suppressing defects in the liquid crystal phase and ease of availability, the number of carbon atoms in the alkylene group is preferably 2 to 10, more preferably 2 to 8, and even more preferably 4 to 6. The alkylene group is preferably an unsubstituted alkylene group.

[0138] From the standpoint of suppressing defects in the liquid crystal phase and ease of availability, in equation (1), Sp 2 The specific substituted alkylene group Y1 represented by is preferably a group having a structure in which at least one -CH2- in an alkylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms is replaced by -O-. Also, in formula (1), Sp 2The specific substituted alkylene group Y1 represented by is also preferably a group having a structure in which at least two -CH2- in an alkylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms are substituted with -O-.

[0139] From the viewpoints of suppressing defects in the liquid crystal phase and ease of availability, in formula (1), Sp 2 The specific substituted alkylene group Y1 represented by is preferably an alkyleneoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms or an alkylenedioxy group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms. Further, in formula (1), Sp 2 The specific substituted alkylene group Y1 represented by is also preferably an alkyleneoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms. Further, in formula (1), Sp 2 The specific substituted alkylene group Y1 represented by is also preferably an alkylenedioxy group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms.

[0140] The alkyleneoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms may be a linear or branched alkyleneoxy group. The alkyleneoxy group is preferably a linear alkyleneoxy group. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyleneoxy group is preferably 2 to 10, more preferably 4 to 8, and particularly preferably 4 to 6. Examples of the alkyleneoxy group include, for example, -OC2H2-, -OC3H6-, -OC4H8-, -OC5H 10 - and -OC6H 12 -.

[0141] The alkylenedioxy group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms may be a linear or branched alkylenedioxy group. The alkylenedioxy group is preferably a linear alkylenedioxy group. The number of carbon atoms of the alkylenedioxy group is preferably 2 to 10, more preferably 4 to 8, and particularly preferably 4 to 6.

[0142] From the viewpoints of ease of availability and reactivity, in formula (1), P 5 is preferably a polymerizable group represented by formula (P-1).

[0143] From the perspective of improving the durability of the cured product, in equation (1), P 3 and P 4 Each of these is independently, -Sp 2 -P 5 It is preferable that this be the case.

[0144] In equation (1), the divalent chiral source represented by Q contributes to the expression of chirality. As long as the divalent chiral source contributes to the expression of chirality, its chemical structure is not restricted. Specific examples of divalent chiral sources are shown below. However, the types of divalent chiral sources are not limited to the examples below.

[0145] [ka]

[0146] In the specific examples above, * represents a bond position, and R represents a substituent. In the specific examples above, the binaphthyl skeleton may be the (R) or (S) isomer. In the specific examples above, the binaphthyl skeleton may be a mixture of the (R) and (S) isomers.

[0147] In formula (1), Q is preferably a divalent chiral source containing a binaphthyl skeleton, an isosorbide skeleton, or an isomannide skeleton. Furthermore, in formula (1), Q is preferably a divalent chiral source represented by the following formula (Q-1) or the following formula (Q-2), and more preferably a divalent chiral source represented by the following formula (Q-1).

[0148] [ka]

[0149] In equations (Q-1) and (Q-2), * indicates a bonding position.

[0150] From the perspective of improving the reflection wavelength conversion ability, in formula (1), n and m are each independently preferably 2 or 3, and more preferably 2.

[0151] Examples of the compound represented by formula (1) include, for example, the compound represented by the following formula (1-1) or the following formula (1-2). The compound represented by formula (1) is preferably the compound represented by the following formula (1-1) or the following formula (1-2).

[0152] [Chemical formula]

[0153] In formula (1-1) and formula (1-2), L 5 is synonymous with L in the above formula (1), L 5 is synonymous with L in the above formula (1), A 6 is synonymous with A in the above formula (1), A 6 is synonymous with A in the above formula (1), P 1 is synonymous with P in the above formula (1), P 1 is synonymous with P in the above formula (1), n is synonymous with n in the above formula (1), m is synonymous with m in the above formula (1), R 2 is synonymous with P in the above formula (1), P 2 is synonymous with P in the above formula (1), R 3 is synonymous with P in the above formula (1), P 3 is synonymous with P in the above formula (1), R 4 is synonymous with P in the above formula (1), R 4 is synonymous with P in the above formula (1), and m is synonymous with m in the above formula (1). R 5 and R 6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, -CN or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0154] In formula (1-1) and formula (1-2), R 5 and R 6The alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms represented by may be linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl groups. From the viewpoint of exhibiting a large helical induced force, the alkyl group is preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, and more preferably a linear alkyl group. The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group is preferably 1 to 3, and more preferably 1. That is, the alkyl group is preferably a methyl group.

[0155] From the perspective of improving the reflection wavelength conversion capability, in equations (1-1) and (1-2), R 5 and R 6 At least one of them is preferably -CN. Also, in formula (1-1) or formula (1-2) above, R 5 and R 6 It is also preferable that it be -CN.

[0156] Specific examples of compounds represented by formula (1) are shown below. However, the types of compounds represented by formula (1) are not limited to the following examples.

[0157] [ka]

[0158] [ka]

[0159] [ka]

[0160] [ka]

[0161] The binaphthyl compound shown in the above chemical formula is either the (R) or (S) isomer.

[0162] [ka]

[0163] The photoisomerizing chiral agent is preferably a compound represented by the following formula (C1). The compound represented by the following formula (C1) has two polymerizable groups and can suppress changes in the color of the decorative material under thermal conditions. Furthermore, the compound represented by the following formula (C1) can impart a design to the decorative material that changes color depending on the viewing angle through photoisomerization.

[0164] [ka]

[0165] The composition may contain one or more chiral agents.

[0166] The chiral agent content can be appropriately selected according to the structure of the liquid crystal compound used and the desired pitch of the helical structure. However, from the viewpoint of ease of liquid crystal layer formation, ease of adjusting the pitch of the helical structure, and suppression of reflectance changes after molding, it is preferable that the chiral agent content be 1% to 20% by mass, more preferably 2% to 10% by mass, even more preferably 3% to 9% by mass, and particularly preferably 4% to 8% by mass, based on the total mass of the solid content of the composition.

[0167] From the viewpoint of suppressing changes in reflectance after molding, the content of the chiral agent having polymerizable groups is preferably 0.2% to 15% by mass, more preferably 0.5% to 10% by mass, even more preferably 1% to 8% by mass, and particularly preferably 1.5% to 5% by mass, based on the total mass of the solids of the composition.

[0168] When a chiral agent without polymerizable groups is included, the content of the chiral agent without polymerizable groups is preferably 0.2% to 20% by mass, more preferably 0.5% to 10% by mass, and particularly preferably 2% to 8% by mass, based on the total mass of the solids of the composition, from the viewpoint of suppressing changes in reflectance after molding.

[0169] Furthermore, the pitch of the helical structure of the cholesteric liquid crystal phase, as well as the reflection wavelength and its range, can be easily changed not only by the type of liquid crystal compound used, but also by adjusting the content of the chiral agent. Although it is not a general rule, if the chiral agent content in the liquid crystal layer doubles, the pitch may be halved.

[0170] The composition preferably contains a polymerization initiator, and more preferably a photopolymerization initiator. Known polymerization initiators can be used as the polymerization initiator. Furthermore, the polymerization initiator is preferably a photopolymerization initiator capable of initiating the polymerization reaction by ultraviolet irradiation.

[0171] Examples of photopolymerization initiators include α-carbonyl compounds (described in U.S. Patent Nos. 2,367,661 and 2,367,670), acyloin ether compounds (described in U.S. Patent No. 2,448,828), α-hydrocarbon-substituted aromatic acyloin compounds (described in U.S. Patent No. 2,722,512), polynuclear quinone compounds (described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,046,127 and 2,951,758), combinations of triarylimidazole dimers and p-aminophenyl ketones (described in U.S. Patent No. 3,549,367), acridine compounds and phenazine compounds (described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 60-105,667 and U.S. Patent No. 4,239,850), oxadiazole compounds (described in U.S. Patent No. 4,212,970), and the like.

[0172] As the photoradical polymerization initiator, known photoradical polymerization initiators can be used. Preferred photoradical polymerization initiators include α-hydroxyalkylphenone compounds, α-aminoalkylphenone compounds, acylphosphine oxide compounds, thioxanthone compounds, oxime ester compounds, and the like.

[0173] As the photocationic polymerization initiator, known photocationic polymerization initiators can be used. Preferred photocationic polymerization initiators include iodonium salt compounds and sulfonium salt compounds.

[0174] The composition may contain one or more polymerization initiators.

[0175] The content of the polymerization initiator can be appropriately selected according to the structure of the liquid crystal compound used and the desired pitch of the helical structure. However, from the viewpoint of ease of adjusting the pitch of the helical structure, polymerization rate, and strength of the liquid crystal layer after curing, it is preferably 0.05% to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.05% to 5% by mass, even more preferably 0.1% to 4% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.2% to 3% by mass, based on the total mass of the solids of the composition. From the viewpoint of reducing the content of low molecular weight compounds in the cholesteric liquid crystal layer and suppressing changes in the color of the decorative material under thermal conditions, the content of the polymerization initiator is preferably 0.05% to 1% by mass, and more preferably 0.05% to 0.5% by mass, based on the total mass of the solids of the composition.

[0176] The composition may contain a crosslinking agent to improve the strength and durability of the liquid crystal layer after curing. Suitable crosslinking agents include those that cure under ultraviolet light, heat, or moisture.

[0177] There are no particular restrictions on the crosslinking agent, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include polyfunctional acrylate compounds such as trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate and pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate; glycidyl(meth)acrylate, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, and 3',4'-epoxycyclohexylmethyl Examples include epoxy compounds such as 3,4-epoxycyclohexanecarboxylate; oxetane compounds such as 2-ethylhexyloxetane and xylylenebisoxetane; aziridine compounds such as 2,2-bishydroxymethylbutanol-tris[3-(1-aziridinyl)propionate] and 4,4-bis(ethyleneiminocarbonylamino)diphenylmethane; isocyanate compounds such as hexamethylene diisocyanate and biuret-type isocyanates; polyoxazoline compounds having an oxazoline group in the side chain; and alkoxysilane compounds such as vinyltrimethoxysilane and N-(2-aminoethyl)3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. Furthermore, known catalysts can be used depending on the reactivity of the crosslinking agent, which can improve productivity in addition to improving the strength and durability of the liquid crystal layer.

[0178] The composition may contain one or more crosslinking agents.

[0179] From the viewpoint of strength and durability of the liquid crystal layer, the crosslinking agent content is preferably 1% to 20% by mass, and more preferably 3% to 15% by mass, based on the total mass of the solids in the composition.

[0180] The composition may contain other additives. Other known additives can be used, and examples include surfactants, polymerization inhibitors, antioxidants, horizontal orientation agents, ultraviolet absorbers, light stabilizers, colorants, metal oxide particles, and the like.

[0181] The composition may contain a solvent. There are no particular restrictions on the solvent, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but organic solvents are preferably used.

[0182] There are no particular restrictions on the organic solvent, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone and methyl isobutyl ketone, alkyl halides, amides, sulfoxides, heterocyclic compounds, hydrocarbons, esters, ethers, and alcohols. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, ketones are particularly preferred when considering the environmental impact. Furthermore, the above-mentioned components may also function as solvents.

[0183] The composition may contain one or more solvents.

[0184] (Releasable substrate) A decorative material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a release substrate. The release substrate can, for example, be peeled off from the decorative material as needed, exposing the surface of the layer that was covered by the release substrate. The release substrate can also function, for example, as a support or protective layer. The decorative material including the release substrate preferably has a structure in which the release substrate, cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and adhesive layer are arranged in this order. The release substrate may be in contact with the cholesteric liquid crystal layer. Other layers may be arranged between the release substrate and the cholesteric liquid crystal layer.

[0185] Examples of the components of the peelable substrate include resins. Examples of the resins include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), acrylic resin, urethane resin, urethane-acrylic resin, polycarbonate (PC), acrylic-polycarbonate resin, polyethylene (e.g., polypropylene), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), cycloolefin polymer (COP), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin (ABS resin). From the viewpoints of molding processability and strength, the peelable substrate preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylic resin, urethane resin, urethane-acrylic resin, polycarbonate, acrylic-polycarbonate resin, and polypropylene, and more preferably contains polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0186] The peelable substrate may have a single-layer structure or a multilayer structure. The peelable substrate may, for example, contain an easy-adhesion layer. The peelable substrate may, for example, contain a layer containing an acrylic resin and a layer containing a polycarbonate.

[0187] The peelable substrate may contain additives as needed. Examples of the additives include mineral oil, hydrocarbon, fatty acid, alcohol, fatty acid ester, fatty acid amide, metal soap, natural wax, silicone, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, halogen-based organic flame retardant, phosphorus-based organic flame retardant, metal powder, talc, calcium carbonate, potassium titanate, glass fiber, carbon fiber, wood powder, antioxidant, ultraviolet light absorber, lubricant, dispersant, coupling agent, foaming agent, and colorant.

[0188] The peelable substrate may be a commercially available product. Examples of the commercially available products include Cosmo Shine (a polyethylene terephthalate film, manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.).

[0189] The thickness of the release substrate is preferably 1 μm or more, more preferably 10 μm or more, still more preferably 20 μm or more, and particularly preferably 50 μm or more. The thickness of the release substrate is preferably 500 μm or less, more preferably 450 μm or less, and still more preferably 200 μm or less.

[0190] (Substrate) The decorative material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a substrate. The decorative material including the substrate preferably has a structure in which a cholesteric liquid crystal layer, an adhesive layer, and the substrate are arranged in this order. The decorative material including the substrate preferably also has a structure in which the substrate, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and the adhesive layer are arranged in this order. The substrate may be in contact with the adhesive layer or the cholesteric liquid crystal layer. Another layer may be disposed between the substrate and the adhesive layer or the cholesteric liquid crystal layer.

[0191] Examples of the components of the substrate include resins. Examples of the resin include the resins described in the section of "Release Substrate" above. The preferred embodiments of the resin contained in the substrate are the same as the preferred embodiments of the resins described in the section of "Release Substrate" above.

[0192] The substrate may contain additives as necessary. Examples of the additives include the additives described in the section of "Release Substrate" above.

[0193] The substrate may be a commercially available product. Examples of the commercially available products include Technolo (registered trademark) series (acrylic resin film or acrylic resin / polycarbonate resin laminated film, manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.), ABS film (manufactured by Okamoto Corporation), ABS sheet (manufactured by Sekisui Kaseihin Kogyo Co., Ltd.), Teflex (registered trademark) series (PET film, manufactured by Teijin Film Solutions Co., Ltd.), Lumirror (registered trademark) easy molding type (PET film, manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.), and Purethermo (polypropylene film, manufactured by Idemitsu Unitech Co., Ltd.).

[0194] The thickness of the substrate is preferably 1 μm or more, more preferably 10 μm or more, even more preferably 20 μm or more, and particularly preferably 50 μm or more. The thickness of the releaseable substrate is preferably 500 μm or less, more preferably 450 μm or less, and even more preferably 200 μm or less.

[0195] The substrate preferably has an uneven surface. An "uneven surface" means a structure that is not flat in appearance due to the presence of recesses, protrusions, or both. The uneven surface may be formed from portions that protrude relative to a reference surface, from portions that are recessed relative to a reference surface, or from both portions that protrude and recessed relative to a reference surface. An "uneven surface" means an uneven surface in which the average difference in height between adjacent maximum and minimum parts is 3 μm to 100 μm. The average difference in height between adjacent maximum and minimum parts is measured by a method similar to the method for measuring the height (H) of the protrusions described later.

[0196] Examples of the shapes of the convex parts in a plan view include linear structures, spiral structures, concentric circular structures, and wavy linear structures. Linear means a shape that has length in a specific direction. Specifically, a form in which the ratio of length (L) to average line width (W) (L / W) is 5 or more is preferred. Examples of the shapes of the convex parts in a cross-sectional view include triangles, squares, rectangles, trapezoids, semicircles, and semiellipses. For example, if the substrate has a region in which multiple linear convex structures are arranged and a region in which multiple linear convex structures with different longitudinal directions from the linear convex structures in the first region are arranged, a decorative material can be obtained in which the visibility is such that one region is brighter and the other is darker depending on the direction of viewing. Also, for example, if the substrate has a region with a concentric circular convex structure, a decorative material can be obtained in which light and dark areas radiate from the center of the concentric circles, and the light and dark areas change depending on the direction of viewing.

[0197] In a textured surface, the protrusions are preferably arranged at a periodic pitch. The pitch is the distance between adjacent protrusions in the textured surface. The distance between protrusions is the distance between the highest points of the protrusions. For example, if the protrusions are hemispherical, the pitch corresponds to the distance between the vertices of two nearest hemispherical protrusions. For example, if the protrusions are triangular, the pitch corresponds to the distance between the vertices of two nearest triangular protrusions.

[0198] From the viewpoint of obtaining visibility with rich color changes depending on the viewing angle and brilliance, the height (H) of the protrusions in the uneven structure is preferably 3 μm to 100 μm, more preferably 3 μm to 50 μm, even more preferably 3 μm to 40 μm, and particularly preferably 4 μm to 20 μm. The height of the protrusions is expressed as the average value of the height difference between adjacent maximum and minimum parts on the surface to be measured, measured using a laser microscope (for example, VK-X1000 manufactured by Keyence Corporation).

[0199] From the viewpoint of obtaining visibility with rich color changes depending on the viewing angle and brilliance, the width (W) of the protrusions in the uneven structure is preferably 1 μm or more, more preferably 2 μm to 200 μm, even more preferably 30 μm to 100 μm, and particularly preferably 4 μm to 40 μm. The width of the protrusions is expressed as the average value of the distance between adjacent minute parts on the surface to be measured, measured using a laser microscope (for example, VK-X1000 manufactured by Keyence Corporation).

[0200] From the viewpoint of obtaining visibility with rich color changes depending on the viewing angle and brilliance, the length (L) of the protrusions in the uneven structure is preferably 5 μm or more, more preferably 10 μm to 100 m, even more preferably 30 μm to 20 m, and particularly preferably 50 μm to 10 m. The length of the protrusions is measured using a laser microscope (for example, a VK-X1000 manufactured by Keyence Corporation).

[0201] From the viewpoint of obtaining visibility with rich color changes depending on the viewing angle and brilliance, the ratio of the width of the protrusions in the uneven structure to the height of the protrusions (width:height) is preferably 20:1 to 1:2, more preferably 10:1 to 1:0.8, even more preferably 8:1 to 1:1, and particularly preferably 4:1 to 1:1.2.

[0202] Base material thickness H T and the height H of the protrusions in the fine uneven structure of the substrate. D is 0.1 <H D / H T It is preferable that the relationship is satisfied, 0.5 <H D / H T It is more preferable that the relationship <200 is satisfied, 1 <H D / H T It is even more preferable that the relationship <100 is satisfied, 5 <H D / H T It is particularly preferable that the relationship <50 is satisfied. The thickness of the substrate represents the distance between the top surface and the bottom surface of the substrate.

[0203] When the substrate has a linear convex structure, the ratio (L / W) of the length of the convex portion in the uneven structure to the width (W) of the convex portion is preferably 5 or more, more preferably 8 or more, even more preferably 10 or more, and particularly preferably 20 or more. Within this range, high brilliance and visibility with rich color changes depending on the viewing angle can be obtained.

[0204] When the substrate has a linear convex structure, it is preferable that a single linear convex shape has at least a region where the angle formed in the in-plane direction of the length (L) is 45° or more, more preferably at least a region where it is 60° or more, even more preferably at least a region where it is 70° or more, and particularly preferably at least a region where it is 90° or more. Within this range, high brilliance and visibility with rich color changes depending on the viewing angle can be obtained. Here, within a single linear convex shape, adjacent convex shapes within the line width (W) where the angle formed in the in-plane direction of the length (L) is less than 20° are considered to be within the range of a single convex shape.

[0205] When the substrate has a linear convex structure, it is preferable that there be at least a region in the plane where the angle between adjacent linear convex structures in the length (L) direction is 45° or more, more preferably 60° or more, even more preferably 70° or more, and particularly preferably 80° or more. Within this range, high brilliance and visibility with rich color changes depending on the viewing angle can be obtained. Here, "adjacent" means that they exist adjacent to each other at a distance of no more than 10 times the average value Wa = (W1 + W2) / 2 of the line widths (W1 and W2) of adjacent linear convex shapes.

[0206] When the substrate has a linear convex structure, the relationship between the distance (D) between the vertices of adjacent convex structures and the average line width Wa = (W1 + W2) / 2 of adjacent convex structures preferably includes a region where D > 1.5Wa, more preferably a region where 1.75Wa ≤ D ≤ 10Wa, even more preferably a region where 1.8Wa ≤ D ≤ 8Wa, and particularly preferably a region where 2DWa ≤ D ≤ 6Wa. Within this range, high luminosity and visibility with rich color changes depending on the viewing angle can be obtained.

[0207] (Orientation layer) A decorative material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an alignment layer. The alignment layer is used to align the liquid crystal compound during the formation of the liquid crystal layer. The thickness of the alignment layer is preferably in the range of 0.01 μm to 10 μm.

[0208] The orientation layer can be provided by means of rubbing an organic compound (preferably a polymer), oblique deposition of an inorganic compound such as SiO, or formation of a layer having microgrooves. Furthermore, orientation layers that exhibit orientation function upon application of an electric field, a magnetic field, or light irradiation are also known.

[0209] Depending on the materials of the underlying layers such as the substrate and the liquid crystal layer, even without providing an alignment layer, the underlying layer can be directly subjected to an alignment treatment (e.g., rubbing treatment) to function as an alignment layer. As an example of such a support serving as the underlying layer, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be mentioned.

[0210] Also, when directly laminating a layer on the liquid crystal layer, there are cases where the underlying liquid crystal layer behaves as an alignment layer and can align the liquid crystal compound for fabricating the upper layer. In such cases, even without providing an alignment layer and without performing a special alignment treatment (e.g., rubbing treatment), the liquid crystal compound in the upper layer can be aligned.

[0211] Hereinafter, as preferred examples, a rubbed alignment layer and a photoalignment layer used by subjecting the surface to a rubbing treatment will be described.

[0212] Examples of polymers that can be used for the rubbed alignment layer include, for example, the methacrylate copolymer, styrene copolymer, polyolefin, polyvinyl alcohol and modified polyvinyl alcohol, poly(N-methylolacrylamide), polyester, polyimide, vinyl acetate copolymer, carboxymethyl cellulose, polycarbonate, etc. described in paragraph 0022 of JP-A-8-338913. A silane coupling agent can be used as the polymer. As the polymer that can be used for the rubbed alignment layer, water-soluble polymers (e.g., poly(N-methylolacrylamide), carboxymethyl cellulose, gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, modified polyvinyl alcohol) are preferred, gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol or modified polyvinyl alcohol are more preferred, and polyvinyl alcohol or modified polyvinyl alcohol are particularly preferred.

[0213] A composition is applied to the rubbed surface of the alignment layer to align the molecules of the liquid crystal compound. Thereafter, if necessary, the liquid crystal layer can be formed by reacting the alignment layer polymer with a polyfunctional monomer contained in the liquid crystal layer or by crosslinking the alignment layer polymer using a crosslinking agent.

[0214] The surface of the orientation layer, substrate, or other layer to which the composition is applied may be rubbed as needed. Rubbing can generally be performed by rubbing the surface of a polymer-based film in a specific direction with paper or cloth. A general method of rubbing is described, for example, in the "Liquid Crystal Handbook" (published by Maruzen, October 30, 2000).

[0215] The method for changing the rubbing density can be found in the "Liquid Crystal Handbook" (published by Maruzen). The rubbing density (L) is quantified by the following formula (A). Formula (A) L=Nl(1+2πrn / 60v) In equation (A), N is the number of rubbing cycles, l is the contact length of the rubbing roller, r is the radius of the roller, n is the rotational speed of the roller (rpm: revolutions per minute), and v is the stage movement speed (millimeters per second).

[0216] To increase rubbing density, one should increase the number of rubbing passes, lengthen the contact length of the rubbing roller, increase the roller radius, increase the roller rotation speed, and decrease the stage movement speed. Conversely, to decrease rubbing density, the opposite should be done. Furthermore, for conditions during the rubbing process, one can refer to the description in Japanese Patent Publication No. 4052558.

[0217] Numerous publications describe the photo-alignment materials used in photo-alignment layers formed by light irradiation. For example, the azo compounds described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-285197, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-76839, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-138138, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-94071, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-121721, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-140465, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-156439, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-133184, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-109831, Japanese Patent Publication No. 3883848, Japanese Patent Publication No. 4151746, and the azo compounds described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-229039. Preferred examples include aromatic ester compounds, maleimides and / or alkenyl-substituted nadiimide compounds having photo-orienting units as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-265541 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-317013, photocrosslinkable silane derivatives as described in Japanese Patent No. 4205195 and Japanese Patent No. 4205198, and photocrosslinkable polyimides, polyamides, or esters as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-520878, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-529220 and Japanese Patent No. 4162850. Particularly preferred are azo compounds, photocrosslinkable polyimides, polyamides, or esters.

[0218] A photo-alignment layer formed from the above materials is subjected to linearly polarized or unpolarized irradiation to produce a photo-alignment layer. In this specification, "linearly polarized irradiation" refers to an operation to induce a photoreaction in the photo-alignment material. The wavelength of the light used varies depending on the photo-alignment material used and is not particularly limited as long as it is the wavelength necessary for the photoreaction. The light used for irradiation is preferably light with a peak wavelength of 200 nm to 700 nm, and more preferably ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of 400 nm or less.

[0219] Light sources used for light irradiation include known light sources such as tungsten lamps, halogen lamps, xenon lamps, xenon flash lamps, mercury lamps, mercury xenon lamps, carbon arc lamps, and other lamps; various lasers (e.g., semiconductor lasers, helium-neon lasers, argon ion lasers, helium-cadmium lasers, YAG lasers); light-emitting diodes; cathode ray tubes; and others.

[0220] Methods for obtaining linearly polarized light include using polarizers (e.g., iodine polarizers, dichromatic polarizers, wire grid polarizers), using prism-type elements (e.g., Grant-Thomson prisms) or reflective polarizers utilizing the Brewster angle, or using light emitted from a polarized laser light source. Alternatively, filters or wavelength conversion elements may be used to selectively irradiate only the light of the required wavelength.

[0221] When the irradiated light is linearly polarized, examples include irradiating the orientation layer from the top or back surface perpendicular to the orientation layer surface, or from an oblique angle. The angle of incidence of the light varies depending on the photo-orientation material, but is preferably 0° to 90° (perpendicular) and more preferably 40° to 90° with respect to the orientation layer. When using unpolarized light, the unpolarized light is irradiated from an oblique angle. The angle of incidence is preferably 10° to 80°, more preferably 20° to 60°, and particularly preferably 30° to 50°. The irradiation time is preferably 1 minute to 60 minutes, more preferably 1 minute to 10 minutes.

[0222] (colored layer) A decorative material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a colored layer. In the decorative material, it is preferable that at least one of the colored layers is a layer for viewing through a liquid crystal layer. By viewing at least one of the colored layers through a liquid crystal layer, it is inferred that a change in color occurs depending on the viewing angle of the colored layer, based on the anisotropy in the liquid crystal layer according to the angle of incident light, and that a special design is exhibited.

[0223] Furthermore, in the case of a decorative material according to one embodiment of this disclosure having two or more colored layers, it is preferable that at least one of the colored layers is a layer for viewing through the liquid crystal layer, and at least one of the other colored layers is a layer closer to the viewing direction than the liquid crystal layer (also referred to as a "color filter layer"). "Close to the viewing direction" means being close to the viewer when it is viewed. The colored layer (color filter layer) that is closer to the viewing direction than the liquid crystal layer is a layer that is highly transparent to light of at least a specific wavelength, and there are no particular restrictions on its layer configuration. It may be a single-color color filter layer, or it may be a color filter layer having a two-color or more color filter structure and, if necessary, a black matrix or the like. By having a color filter layer in the decorative material, it is possible to obtain a decorative material that has further design appeal and that is visible only in a specific wavelength range.

[0224] From the viewpoint of visibility, the total light transmittance of at least one colored layer, preferably a liquid crystal layer, for viewing through the colored layer is preferably 10% or less.

[0225] The color of the colored layer is not limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the application of the decorative material. Examples of colored layer colors include black, gray, white, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. The colored layer may also be a metallic color.

[0226] The colored layer preferably contains a resin from the viewpoint of strength and scratch resistance. Examples of resins include binder resins, which will be described later. The colored layer may also be a layer formed by curing a polymerizable compound, or a layer containing a polymerizable compound and a polymerization initiator. There are no particular restrictions on the polymerizable compound and polymerization initiator, and known polymerizable compounds and known polymerization initiators can be used.

[0227] Examples of colorants include pigments and dyes, with pigments being preferred from the viewpoint of durability. To give the colored layer a metallic appearance, metal particles, pearl pigments, etc., can be applied, and methods such as vapor deposition and plating can also be used.

[0228] The pigment is not limited and known inorganic pigments, organic pigments, etc., can be used. Examples of inorganic pigments include white pigments such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, lithopon, light calcium carbonate, white carbon, aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide, and barium sulfate; black pigments such as carbon black, titanium black, titanium carbon, iron oxide, and graphite; and iron oxide, barium yellow, cadmium red, and chromium yellow. As inorganic pigments, the inorganic pigments described in paragraphs 0015 and 0114 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-7765 can also be used.

[0229] Examples of organic pigments include phthalocyanine pigments such as phthalocyanine blue and phthalocyanine green; azo pigments such as azo red, azo yellow, and azo orange; quinacridone pigments such as quinacridone red, syncasha red, and syncasha magenta; perylene pigments such as perylene red and perylene maroon; carbazole violet, anthrapyridine, flavanthrone yellow, isoindoline yellow, induthrone blue, dibromoanzathrone red, anthraquinone red, and diketopyrrolopyrrole. Specific examples of organic pigments include red pigments such as CIPigment Red 177, 179, 224, 242, 254, 255, and 264; yellow pigments such as CIPigment Yellow 138, 139, 150, 180, and 185; orange pigments such as CIPigment Orange 36, 38, and 71; green pigments such as CIPigment Green 7, 36, and 58; blue pigments such as CIPigment Blue 15:6; and purple pigments such as CIPigment Violet 23. As organic pigments, the organic pigments described in paragraph 0093 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-256572 can also be used.

[0230] The pigment may include pigments having light transmittance and light reflectivity (so-called luminous pigments). Examples of luminous pigments include metallic luminous pigments such as aluminum, copper, zinc, iron, nickel, tin, aluminum oxide, and alloys thereof, interference mica pigments, white mica pigments, graphite pigments, and glass flake pigments. The luminous pigment may be uncolored or colored. When exposure is performed during the molding of decorative films for molding, it is preferable to use the luminous pigment in a range that does not hinder curing by exposure.

[0231] The colorants may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Furthermore, when using two or more colorants, inorganic pigments and organic pigments may be combined.

[0232] From the viewpoint of achieving the desired color and suitability for molding, the content of the coloring agent is preferably 1% to 50% by mass, more preferably 5% to 50% by mass, and particularly preferably 10% to 40% by mass, relative to the total mass of the colored layer.

[0233] From the viewpoint of improving the dispersibility of the colorants, particularly pigments, contained in the colored layer, the colored layer may contain a dispersant. By including a dispersant, the dispersibility of the colorants in the formed colored layer is improved, and uniformity of color in the resulting decorative film can be achieved.

[0234] The dispersant can be appropriately selected depending on the type and shape of the colorant, and a polymer dispersant is preferred. Examples of polymer dispersants include silicone polymers, acrylic polymers, and polyester polymers. When it is desired to impart heat resistance to the decorative film, it is preferable to use a silicone polymer, such as a graft-type silicone polymer, as the dispersant.

[0235] The weight-average molecular weight of the dispersant is preferably 1,000 to 5,000,000, more preferably 2,000 to 3,000,000, and particularly preferably 2,500 to 3,000,000. A weight-average molecular weight of 1,000 or more further improves the dispersibility of the colorant.

[0236] Commercially available dispersants may be used. Examples of commercially available dispersants include EFKA 4300 (acrylic polymer dispersant) from BASF Japan, Homogenol L-18, Homogenol L-95, and Homogenol L-100 from Kao Corporation, Solspers 20000 and Solspers 24000 from Lubrizol Japan Co., Ltd., and DISPERBYK-110, DISPERBYK-164, DISPERBYK-180, and DISPERBYK-182 from BIC Chemie Japan Co., Ltd. Note that "Homogenol," "Solspers," and "DISPERBYK" are all registered trademarks.

[0237] The dispersant may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0238] The dispersant content is preferably 1 to 30 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of colorant.

[0239] The colored layer preferably contains a binder resin from the viewpoint of suitability for molding and processing. The binder resin is not limited, and known resins can be used. From the viewpoint of obtaining the desired color, the binder resin is preferably a transparent resin, and specifically, a resin with a total light transmittance of 80% or more is preferred. The total light transmittance can be measured using a spectrophotometer (for example, a spectrophotometer UV-3100PC manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation).

[0240] Examples of binder resins include acrylic resins, silicone resins, polyesters, polyurethanes, and polyolefins. The binder resin may be a homopolymer of a specific monomer, or a copolymer of a specific monomer with other monomers.

[0241] The binder resin may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0242] From the viewpoint of moldability, the binder resin content is preferably 5% to 70% by mass, more preferably 10% to 60% by mass, and particularly preferably 20% to 60% by mass, relative to the total mass of the colored layer.

[0243] The colored layer may contain additives in addition to the above components, as needed. The additives are not limited, and known additives can be used. Examples of additives include the surfactant described in paragraph 0017 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 4502784 and paragraphs 0060-0071 of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-237362, the thermal polymerization inhibitor (also called a polymerization inhibitor; phenothiazine is preferred) described in paragraph 0018 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 4502784, and the additives described in paragraphs 0058-0071 of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-310706.

[0244] There are no particular restrictions on the thickness of the colored layer, but from the viewpoint of visibility and three-dimensional moldability, it is preferably 0.5 μm or more, more preferably 3 μm or more, even more preferably 3 μm to 50 μm, and particularly preferably 3 μm to 20 μm. If the decorative material has two or more colored layers, it is preferable that each colored layer is independently within the above thickness range.

[0245] (UV-absorbing layer) A decorative material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an ultraviolet absorbing layer from the viewpoint of light resistance. The ultraviolet absorbing layer is preferably a layer containing an ultraviolet absorber, and more preferably a layer containing an ultraviolet absorber and a binder polymer.

[0246] Any known ultraviolet absorber can be used without particular limitation, and may be an organic or inorganic compound. Examples of ultraviolet absorbers include triazine compounds, benzotriazole compounds, benzophenone compounds, salicylic acid compounds, and metal oxide particles. The ultraviolet absorber may also be a polymer containing an ultraviolet absorbing structure. Examples of polymers containing an ultraviolet absorbing structure include acrylic resins containing monomer units derived from acrylic acid ester compounds that include at least a part of the structure of triazine compounds, benzotriazole compounds, benzophenone compounds, salicylic acid compounds, etc. Examples of metal oxide particles include titanium dioxide particles, zinc oxide particles, and cerium oxide particles.

[0247] Examples of binder polymers include polyolefins, acrylic resins, polyesters, fluororesins, siloxane resins, and polyurethanes.

[0248] There are no particular restrictions on the thickness of the ultraviolet absorption layer, but from the viewpoint of light resistance and three-dimensional moldability, it is preferably 0.01 μm to 100 μm, more preferably 0.1 μm to 50 μm, and particularly preferably 0.5 μm to 20 μm.

[0249] (Reflection band center wavelength) In a decorative material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the visible light reflection band center wavelengths measured in at least two regions are different from each other. Having different visible light reflection band center wavelengths measured in at least two regions provides high brilliance and visibility with rich color changes depending on the viewing angle. The reflection band center wavelength is determined by inverting a transmittance graph obtained using a spectrophotometer (e.g., Shimadzu Corporation, UV-3100PC) and using the shorter wavelength λ1 and longer wavelength λ2 of the two wavelengths that exhibit a reflectance of 50% of the maximum reflectance Rmax, based on the formula λs = (λ1 + λ2) / 2. The visible light reflection band center wavelength is adjusted, for example, by a change in the pitch of the helical structure due to the isomerization of a photoisomerizable compound.

[0250] In a decorative material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the absolute difference between the center wavelength of the visible light reflection band measured before the heating test at 80°C for 240 hours and the center wavelength of the visible light reflection band measured after the heating test at 80°C for 240 hours is preferably 0 nm to 20 nm, more preferably 0 nm to 15 nm, even more preferably 0 nm to 10 nm, and particularly preferably 0 nm to 5 nm. When the above-mentioned difference in absolute value is small, changes in the color of the decorative material caused by migration of low-molecular-weight compounds are suppressed in the thermal environment. In the heating test, the sample is heated using an oven, and the measurement locations after the heating test are the same as the measurement locations before the heating test.

[0251] (Method of manufacturing decorative materials) The method for manufacturing the decorative material is not limited as long as the desired decorative material can be obtained. The decorative material is manufactured, for example, by combining the method for forming the adhesive layer described in the "Adhesive Layer" section and the method for forming the cholesteric liquid crystal layer described in the "Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Layer" section. A method for manufacturing the decorative material according to one embodiment of this disclosure preferably includes, in this order: preparing a composition containing a liquid crystalline compound having polymerizable groups, a photoisomerizable chiral agent having polymerizable groups, and a photopolymerization initiator (hereinafter referred to as the "preparation step"), applying the composition onto a releaseable substrate (hereinafter referred to as the "coating step"), curing the composition with light to form a cholesteric liquid crystal layer (hereinafter referred to as the "curing step"), and forming an adhesive layer on the cholesteric liquid crystal layer (hereinafter referred to as the "adhesive layer formation step").

[0252] In the preparation step, a composition is prepared comprising a liquid crystalline compound having polymerizable groups, a photoisomerizable chiral agent having polymerizable groups, and a photopolymerization initiator. The composition is obtained, for example, by mixing the raw materials by a known method. The embodiments of each component in the composition are described in the "Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Layer" section above. As a preferred embodiment of the composition, the embodiments of the composition described in the "Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Layer" section above may be applied.

[0253] In the preparation step, it is preferable that the photoisomerized chiral agent includes a photoisomerized chiral agent having two polymerizable groups. As described above, a photoisomerized chiral agent having two polymerizable groups not only induces a helical structure by the liquid crystal compound but also promotes the curing reaction and can reduce the content of low molecular weight compounds in the cholesteric liquid crystal layer.

[0254] In the preparation step, the ratio of the total amount of compounds having two polymerizable groups to the total amount of solids in the composition is preferably 4% to 25% by mass. As previously described, if the above ratio is 4% by mass or more, the change in the color of the decorative material under thermal conditions is suppressed, and if the above ratio is 25% by mass or less, the stretchability of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is increased. The preferred range of the above ratio is described in the "Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Layer" section above.

[0255] In the coating step, the composition is applied onto a release substrate. The form of the release substrate is described in the "Release Substrate" section above. Examples of methods for applying the composition include roll coating, gravure printing, spin coating, wire bar coating, extrusion coating, direct gravure coating, reverse gravure coating, and die coating. The composition may also be ejected from a nozzle using an inkjet device. The coating step preferably includes drying the composition applied onto the release substrate. The composition may be dried by, for example, a known method. The composition may be dried by standing. The composition may be dried by heating.

[0256] In the curing process, the composition is cured with light to form a cholesteric liquid crystal layer. The curing process can fix the orientation of the liquid crystal compound. The light source used in the curing process may be determined according to the type of photopolymerization initiator. Preferably, the light source is one that emits light including 365 nm, 405 nm, or both 365 nm and 405 nm. Examples of light sources include ultra-high pressure mercury lamps, high-pressure mercury lamps, and metal halide lamps.

[0257] From the perspective of accelerating the curing reaction, the illuminance should be 200 mW / cm². 2 Preferably, it is 200 mW / cm² or higher. 2 ~1,500 mW / cm 2 It is more preferable that it be 300 mW / cm². 2 ~1,000 mW / cm 2 It is even more preferable that this be the case.

[0258] From the perspective of accelerating the curing reaction, the irradiation dose is 500 mJ / cm². 2 Preferably, it should be 500 mJ / cm² or higher. 2 ~1,500 mJ / cm 2 It is more preferable that the concentration be 500 mJ / cm². 2 ~1,000 mJ / cm 2 It is even more preferable that this be the case.

[0259] As an exposure method, for example, the method described in paragraphs 0035 to 0051 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-23696 may be applied.

[0260] In the curing process, the composition may be cured not only by light, but also by a combination of light and heat. From the viewpoint of promoting the curing reaction, the heating temperature is preferably 50°C to 120°C, more preferably 60°C to 120°C, and even more preferably 70°C to 120°C. The heating time is preferably 1 minute to 2 hours. Examples of heating means include heaters, ovens, hot plates, infrared lamps, and infrared lasers.

[0261] The atmosphere in which the curing process is carried out is not limited. The curing process may be carried out in air, an oxygen atmosphere, or a low-oxygen atmosphere (preferably with an oxygen concentration of 1,000 ppm or less, i.e., an atmosphere that is oxygen-free or contains oxygen between 0 ppm and 1,000 ppm). To further accelerate curing, the curing process is preferably carried out in a low-oxygen atmosphere, and more preferably under heating and a low-oxygen atmosphere.

[0262] In the adhesive layer formation process, an adhesive layer is formed on top of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer. The specific method for forming the adhesive layer is described in the "Adhesive Layer" section above.

[0263] A method for producing a decorative material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure further comprises irradiating the composition with light through a photomask before the composition hardens (i.e., before the hardening step), wherein the transmittances measured in at least two regions of the photomask are preferably different from each other. Hereinafter, the method described above will be referred to as the "photoisomerization step" in this paragraph.

[0264] In the photoisomerization process, the range and percentage of isomerization of the photoisomerizable chiral agent are adjusted, for example, depending on the light irradiation range and the wavelength of light reaching the composition. The light irradiation range may be determined according to the purpose (e.g., the shape of the mold). Alternatively, light may be irradiated through a photomask so that a difference is created between the isomerization percentage of one region and that of another. For example, regions with a 0% isomerization percentage and regions with a 100% isomerization percentage may be formed in the composition. For example, regions with a continuously or discontinuously changing isomerization percentage from 0% to 100% may be formed in the composition. For example, regions with a 0% isomerization percentage and regions with a continuously or discontinuously changing isomerization percentage from 50% to 100% may be formed in the composition. For example, regions with a 10% isomerization percentage and regions with an 80% isomerization percentage may be formed in the composition. The progress of photoisomerization can be determined by measuring the wavelength of maximum reflectance in the isomerized region. The isomerization ratio represents the ratio of the number of photoisomerized photoisomerized compound molecules to the total number of molecules of the target photoisomerized compound, and can be similarly determined by measuring the wavelength of maximum reflectance.

[0265] In the photoisomerization process, the exposure intensity may be varied for each light-irradiated area. The exposure intensity can be used to adjust the isomerization rate. The exposure intensity may be changed continuously or discontinuously.

[0266] The light irradiated onto the composition in the photoisomerization step may be any light containing wavelengths capable of photoisomerization. Light in the wavelength range of 400 nm or less is preferred, light in the wavelength range of 360 nm or less is more preferred, and light in the wavelength range of 310 nm to 360 nm is even more preferred. The exposure wavelength in the photoisomerization step can be adjusted using known means and methods. For example, methods using optical filters, methods using two or more types of optical filters, and methods using a light source of a specific wavelength are possible. In the photoisomerization step, it is preferable to irradiate with light in a wavelength range in which polymerization initiator species are not generated from the polymerization initiator. For example, a mask that transmits light in the wavelength range in which photoisomerization of the photoisomerized compound occurs and blocks light in the wavelength range in which polymerization initiator species are generated from the polymerization initiator is preferably used.

[0267] Examples of light sources used in the photoisomerization process include ultra-high pressure mercury lamps, high-pressure mercury lamps, and metal halide lamps. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) capable of emitting light with a narrow wavelength range can also be used as light sources. In such cases, a mask may or may not be used, as needed.

[0268] There are no particular restrictions on the irradiation dose in the photoisomerization process; it can be set as appropriate, such as 5 mJ / cm². 2 ~2,000 mJ / cm 2 Preferably, it is 10 mJ / cm 2 ~1,000 mJ / cm 2 It is more preferable that this is the case. Furthermore, the irradiation dose may be varied for each irradiation area according to the desired isomerization ratio.

[0269] In the photoisomerization step, it is preferable to heat the composition. There are no particular restrictions on the heating temperature, and it can be selected according to the photoisomerizable compound used, for example, 60°C to 120°C.

[0270] As for the exposure method in the photoisomerization process, there are no particular restrictions as long as photoisomerization is possible, but for example, the method described in paragraphs 0035 to 0051 of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-23696 can be suitably used in this disclosure.

[0271] In the photoisomerization process, the transmittance measured in at least two regions of the photomask is different from that of the other. For example, the photomask may include a region with a transmittance of 0% and a region with a transmittance of 100%. For example, the photomask may include a region in which the transmittance changes continuously or discontinuously from 0% to 100%. An example of a photomask including a region in which the transmittance changes continuously from 0% to 100% is the patterning mask shown in Figure 1. Details of the patterning mask shown in Figure 1 will be described later.

[0272] A method for manufacturing a decorative material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include introducing a substrate having an uneven structure in place of the release substrate after the adhesive layer formation step. The release substrate is peeled off from the laminate obtained through the preparation step, coating step, photoisomerization step, curing step, and adhesive layer formation step described above, and the laminate containing the adhesive layer and cholesteric liquid crystal layer is bonded to the substrate having an uneven structure, thereby introducing a substrate having an uneven structure in place of the release substrate. The form of the substrate having an uneven structure is described in the "Substrate" section above. Bonding the laminate and the substrate is preferably carried out under heated conditions. The heating temperature is preferably 50°C to 90°C.

[0273] A method for manufacturing a decorative material according to another embodiment of the present disclosure preferably includes preparing a laminate comprising an adhesive layer and a cholesteric liquid crystal layer in contact with the adhesive layer by the method for manufacturing a decorative material described above, and bonding the laminate to a substrate having an uneven structure. The laminate is obtained, for example, by the preparation step, coating step, photoisomerization step, curing step, and adhesive layer formation step described above. If the laminate includes a release substrate, the substrate having an uneven structure may be introduced into the laminate in place of the release substrate by the method described above. The form of the substrate having an uneven structure is described in the "Substrate" section above. Bonding the laminate and the substrate is preferably carried out under heated conditions. The heating temperature is preferably 50°C to 90°C.

[0274] <Decorative Panel> A decorative panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a molded product of a decorative material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Preferred embodiments of the decorative material are the same as preferred embodiments of the decorative material described above in "Decorative Material".

[0275] Molded products of decorative materials are manufactured, for example, by known molding methods. Examples of molding methods include insert molding and three-dimensional molding. In insert molding, the molded product is obtained, for example, by placing the decorative material in a mold and injecting resin into the mold. Insert molding yields a molded product in which the resin molded product and the decorative material are integrated. Examples of three-dimensional molding methods include thermoforming, vacuum forming, pressure forming, and vacuum pressure forming. Vacuum refers to a state of 100 Pa or less. Vacuum forming is carried out, for example, using Formech508FS manufactured by Nippon Seizu Kogyo Co., Ltd. The temperature in three-dimensional molding is preferably 60°C or higher, more preferably 80°C or higher, and even more preferably 100°C or higher. The upper limit of the temperature in three-dimensional molding is preferably 200°C.

[0276] Decorative panels are used, for example, in the casings of electronic devices and the interior and exterior of automobiles. However, the uses of decorative panels are not limited to the specific examples mentioned above.

[0277] <Electronic Devices> An electronic device according to one embodiment of this disclosure includes a decorative panel according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Preferred embodiments of the decorative panel are the same as preferred embodiments of the decorative panel described above. Examples of electronic devices include smartphones, mobile phones, and tablets. [Examples]

[0278] The present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but this disclosure is not limited to these examples. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, "%" means "mass%" and "parts" means "parts by mass".

[0279] <Support> A polyethylene terephthalate film (Toyobo Co., Ltd., Cosmoshine A4100, film thickness 100 μm) with an easy-adhesion layer on one side was prepared as a support. A rubbing treatment (rayon cloth, pressure 0.1 kgf, rotation speed 1000 rpm (revolutions per minute), transport speed 10 m / min, 1 pass) was performed on one side of the support where the easy-adhesion layer was not formed.

[0280] <Coating solution 1A for forming liquid crystal layer> A coating solution 1A for forming a liquid crystal layer having the following composition was prepared. In the following chemical formula, Me represents a methyl group. ·Liquid crystal compound 1:11.01 parts by mass

[0281] [ka]

[0282] ·Liquid crystal compound 2: 11.01 parts by mass

[0283] [ka]

[0284] ·Liquid crystal compound 3: 1.16 parts by mass

[0285] [ka]

[0286] • Chiral agent 1:1.62 parts by mass

[0287] [ka]

[0288] • Photopolymerization initiator (diethylthioxanthone (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.)): 0.12 parts by mass

[0289] • Surfactant 1:0.07 parts by mass

[0290] [ka]

[0291] • Surfactant 2: 0.01 parts by mass

[0292] [ka]

[0293] Methyl ethyl ketone (solvent): 52.5 parts by mass Cyclohexanone (solvent): 22.5 parts by mass

[0294] <Coating liquid 2A for liquid crystal layer formation> A coating solution 2A for forming a liquid crystal layer having the following composition was prepared. ·Liquid crystal compound 4: 10.43 parts by mass

[0295] [ka]

[0296] ·Liquid crystal compound 5: 11.59 parts by mass

[0297] [ka]

[0298] ·Liquid crystal compound 3: 1.16 parts by mass • Chiral agent 1:1.62 parts by mass • Photopolymerization initiator (diethylthioxanthone (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.)): 0.12 parts by mass • Surfactant 1:0.07 parts by mass • Surfactant 2: 0.01 parts by mass Methyl ethyl ketone (solvent): 52.5 parts by mass Cyclohexanone (solvent): 22.5 parts by mass

[0299] <Coating solution 3A for forming liquid crystal layer> A coating solution 3A for forming a liquid crystal layer having the following composition was prepared. ·Liquid crystal compound 1: 11.81 parts by mass ·Liquid crystal compound 2: 11.81 parts by mass • Chiral agent 1:1.18 parts by mass • Photopolymerization initiator (diethylthioxanthone (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.)): 0.12 parts by mass • Surfactant 1:0.08 parts by mass • Surfactant 2: 0.01 parts by mass Methyl ethyl ketone (solvent): 52.5 parts by mass Cyclohexanone (solvent): 22.5 parts by mass

[0300] <Coating liquid 4A for liquid crystal layer formation> A coating solution 4A for forming a liquid crystal layer having the following composition was prepared. ·Liquid crystal compound 1: 10.08 parts by mass ·Liquid crystal compound 2: 10.08 parts by mass ·Liquid crystal compound 3: 3.01 parts by mass • Chiral agent 1:1.62 parts by mass • Photopolymerization initiator (diethylthioxanthone (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.)): 0.12 parts by mass • Surfactant 1:0.07 parts by mass • Surfactant 2: 0.01 parts by mass Methyl ethyl ketone (solvent): 52.5 parts by mass Cyclohexanone (solvent): 22.5 parts by mass

[0301] <Coating liquid 5A for liquid crystal layer formation> A coating solution 5A for forming a liquid crystal layer having the following composition was prepared. ·Liquid crystal compound 1:11.01 parts by mass ·Liquid crystal compound 2: 11.01 parts by mass ·Liquid crystal compound 3: 1.16 parts by mass • Chiral agent 2 (LC756 (BASF)): 1.62 parts by mass • Photopolymerization initiator (diethylthioxanthone (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.)): 0.12 parts by mass • Surfactant 1:0.07 parts by mass • Surfactant 2: 0.01 parts by mass Methyl ethyl ketone (solvent): 52.5 parts by mass Cyclohexanone (solvent): 22.5 parts by mass

[0302] <Coating solution 6A for forming liquid crystal layer> A coating solution 6A for forming a liquid crystal layer having the following composition was prepared. ·Liquid crystal compound 1: 9.85 parts by mass ·Liquid crystal compound 2: 9.85 parts by mass ·Liquid crystal compound 3: 3.48 parts by mass • Chiral agent 1:1.62 parts by mass • Photopolymerization initiator (diethylthioxanthone (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.)): 0.12 parts by mass • Surfactant 1:0.07 parts by mass • Surfactant 2: 0.01 parts by mass Methyl ethyl ketone (solvent): 52.5 parts by mass Cyclohexanone (solvent): 22.5 parts by mass

[0303] <Coating solution 1B for liquid crystal layer formation> A coating solution 1B for forming a liquid crystal layer having the following composition was prepared. • Liquid crystal compound 6 (LC242 (BASF)): 13.7 parts by mass • Chiral agent 2: 0.48 parts by mass • Photopolymerization initiator (Omnirad379EG (manufactured by IGM Resins)): 0.4 parts by mass • Surfactant 3 (KH40 (manufactured by AGC Seimi Chemical Co., Ltd.)): 0.03 parts by mass Cyclopentanone (solvent): 85.5 parts by mass

[0304] <Coating solution for forming liquid crystal layer 2B> A coating solution 2B for forming a liquid crystal layer having the following composition was prepared. ·Liquid crystal compound 3: 38.33 parts by mass • Chiral agent 2: 2.22 parts by mass • Photopolymerization initiator (Omnirad819 (manufactured by IGM Resins)): 3.83 parts by mass • Surfactant 1:0.03 parts by mass • Methoxyethyl acrylate: 55.59 parts by mass

[0305] <Coating liquid 3B for liquid crystal layer formation> A coating solution 3B for forming a liquid crystal layer having the following composition was prepared. ·Liquid crystal compound 7: 30.2 parts by mass

[0306] [ka]

[0307] • Chiral agent 2: 2.04 parts by mass

[0308] • Chiral agent 3: 0.23 parts by mass

[0309] [ka]

[0310] • Photopolymerization initiator (diethylthioxanthone (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.)): 0.91 parts by mass • Surfactant 1:0.1 parts by mass Methyl ethyl ketone (solvent): 53.3 parts by mass Cyclohexanone (solvent): 13.3 parts by mass

[0311] <Coating liquid 4B for liquid crystal layer formation> A coating solution 4B for forming a liquid crystal layer having the following composition was prepared. ·Liquid crystal compound 1: 11.92 parts by mass ·Liquid crystal compound 2: 11.92 parts by mass • Chiral agent 1:0.95 parts by mass • Photopolymerization initiator (diethylthioxanthone (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.)): 0.12 parts by mass • Surfactant 1:0.08 parts by mass • Surfactant 2: 0.01 parts by mass Methyl ethyl ketone (solvent): 52.5 parts by mass Cyclohexanone (solvent): 22.5 parts by mass

[0312] <Example 1> (Laminate 1A) A liquid crystal layer was formed by applying liquid crystal layer forming solution 1A to the rubbing surface of the support using a wire bar #5 and drying it at 85°C for 2 minutes.

[0313] Next, the liquid crystal layer was subjected to an isomerization treatment. Specifically, a patterning mask, as shown in Figure 1, was placed in close contact with the support in a laminate containing the support and the liquid crystal layer. Light from a metal halide lamp (GS Yuasa Corporation MAL625NAL) was irradiated onto the liquid crystal layer through the mask, thereby performing an isomerization treatment on a portion of the liquid crystal layer. The patterning mask shown in Figure 1 was made using black ink and polyethylene terephthalate as the substrate. The transmittance of the mask changes continuously from 100% to 0% from one end to the other. The transmittance of the mask was adjusted by the dot density, which consisted of dots of approximately 2 μm. The higher the dot density, the lower the transmittance. The dots were formed using black ink. The amount of light irradiation was 10 mJ / cm². 2 That was the case.

[0314] Next, the liquid crystal layer was cured. Specifically, the liquid crystal layer was cured by irradiating it with light from a metal halide lamp (GS Yuasa Corporation MAL625NAL) on a hot plate at 85°C in a low-oxygen atmosphere (oxygen concentration of 1,000 ppm or less). The light irradiation dose was 1,000 mJ / cm². 2The reflection wavelength range of the cured liquid crystal layer was 450 nm to 650 nm.

[0315] Next, an adhesive layer was formed on the cured liquid crystal layer using an adhesive (G25 manufactured by Nichiei Shinka Co., Ltd.).

[0316] The laminate 1A obtained by the above procedure includes, in this order, an adhesive layer, a cured liquid crystal layer (cholesteric liquid crystal layer), and a support.

[0317] (Laminate 1B for durability evaluation) A PET substrate (polyethylene terephthalate film, manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd., Cosmoshine A4360) was placed on the adhesive layer of laminate 1A. Next, glass (manufactured by Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd., OA-10G) was placed on the support of laminate A1 via an adhesive (manufactured by Nichiei Shinka Co., Ltd., G25). The resulting laminate 1B includes the PET substrate, adhesive layer, cured liquid crystal layer (cholesteric liquid crystal layer), support, adhesive layer, and glass in this order.

[0318] (Laminate 1C for evaluating conformability to uneven surfaces and aesthetic appeal) The support was peeled from the cured liquid crystal layer of laminate 1A, exposing the cured liquid crystal layer. A prism sheet with a mountain-shaped uneven structure with a height of 10 μm was attached to the cured liquid crystal layer while heating at 80°C. Next, the separator covering the adhesive layer was peeled off, and glass (OA-10G manufactured by Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd.) was attached to the adhesive layer. The resulting laminate 1C contains glass, an adhesive layer, a cured liquid crystal layer (cholesteric liquid crystal layer), and a prism sheet in this order.

[0319] (Laminate 1D for stretchability evaluation) A coating solution for the orientation layer having the following composition was prepared. Modified polyvinyl alcohol (the number in the lower right corner of each constituent unit represents the molar ratio): 10.00 parts by mass

[0320] [ka]

[0321] ·Water: 55.00 parts by mass Methanol: 35.00 parts by mass

[0322] Technoloy C000 (manufactured by Sumika Acrylic Sales Co., Ltd.) was prepared as the substrate. Corona treatment was performed on the surface of the substrate under the conditions of 75W, 0.5m / min, and a distance of 1mm between the substrate and the electrode. An orientation layer was formed by applying an orientation layer coating solution to the corona-treated surface of the substrate using a wire bar #10 and drying it at 85°C for 2 minutes.

[0323] Next, the liquid crystal layer forming solution 1 was applied to the alignment layer using a wire bar #5 to form a liquid crystal layer.

[0324] Next, the liquid crystal layer was subjected to isomerization and curing treatments in accordance with the method described for "Laminate 1A" above. The reflection wavelength range of the cured liquid crystal layer was 450 nm to 650 nm.

[0325] <Example 2> Each laminate was obtained using the same procedure as in Example 1, except that coating solution 1A for liquid crystal layer formation was replaced with coating solution 2A for liquid crystal layer formation. The reflection wavelength range of the cured liquid crystal layer was 450 nm to 650 nm.

[0326] <Example 3> Each laminate was obtained using the same procedure as in Example 1, except that coating solution 1A for liquid crystal layer formation was replaced with coating solution 3A for liquid crystal layer formation. The reflection wavelength range of the cured liquid crystal layer was 600 nm to 800 nm.

[0327] <Example 4> Each laminate was obtained using the same procedure as in Example 1, except that coating solution 1A for liquid crystal layer formation was replaced with coating solution 4A for liquid crystal layer formation. The reflection wavelength range of the cured liquid crystal layer was 450 nm to 650 nm.

[0328] <Example 5> Each laminate was obtained using the same procedure as in Example 1, except that coating solution 1A for liquid crystal layer formation was replaced with coating solution 5A for liquid crystal layer formation. The reflection wavelength range of the cured liquid crystal layer was 450 nm.

[0329] <Example 6> Each laminate was obtained using the same procedure as in Example 1, except that coating solution 1A for liquid crystal layer formation was replaced with coating solution 6A for liquid crystal layer formation. The reflection wavelength range of the cured liquid crystal layer was 450 nm to 650 nm.

[0330] <Comparative Example 1> Each laminate was obtained using the same procedure as in Example 1, except that coating solution 1A for liquid crystal layer formation was replaced with coating solution 1B for liquid crystal layer formation. The reflection wavelength range of the cured liquid crystal layer was 630 nm.

[0331] <Comparative Example 2> Each laminate was obtained using the same procedure as in Example 1, except that coating solution 1A for liquid crystal layer formation was replaced with coating solution 2B for liquid crystal layer formation. The reflection wavelength range of the cured liquid crystal layer was 550 nm.

[0332] <Comparative Example 3> Each laminate was obtained using the same procedure as in Example 1, except that coating solution 1A for liquid crystal layer formation was replaced with coating solution 3B for liquid crystal layer formation. The reflection wavelength range of the cured liquid crystal layer was 450 nm to 550 nm.

[0333] <Comparative Example 4> Each laminate was obtained using the same procedure as in Example 1, except that coating solution 1A for liquid crystal layer formation was replaced with coating solution 4B for liquid crystal layer formation. The reflection wavelength range of the cured liquid crystal layer was 750 nm to 950 nm.

[0334] <Rating> The following evaluations were performed using each laminate obtained in the examples and comparative examples. For durability, the durability evaluation laminate was used; for surface conformability and design, the surface conformability and design evaluation laminate was used; and for stretchability, the stretchability evaluation laminate was used.

[0335] (durability) The transmittance of the target laminate was measured using a spectrophotometer (Shimadzu Corporation, UV-3100PC; the same applies hereafter in this paragraph). Next, the laminate was left to stand in an 80°C oven for 240 hours, and the transmittance of the laminate after 240 hours was measured using the spectrophotometer. The difference Δλs between the visible light reflection band center wavelength calculated based on the transmittance measured before heating and the visible light reflection band center wavelength calculated based on the transmittance measured after heating was determined. The reflection band center wavelength was determined by inverting the transmittance graph obtained using the spectrophotometer and using the formula λs = (λ1 + λ2) / 2, based on the shorter wavelength λ1 and the longer wavelength λ2 of the two wavelengths that show the reflectance of 50% of the maximum reflectance Rmax. Durability was evaluated according to the following criteria. The smaller Δλs, the smaller the change in color under thermal conditions. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1. A to B are acceptable levels. A: Δλs ≤ 10nm B: 10nm < Δλs < 20nm • C: 20nm ≤ Δλs

[0336] (Ability to follow uneven surfaces) The appearance of the target laminate was visually inspected under white light, and its ability to follow surface irregularities was evaluated according to the following criteria. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1. Note that when the cholesteric liquid crystal layer follows the uneven structure of the prism sheet, a sense of depth is created visually. A: It has a sense of depth in its appearance. B: While it appears to have depth, some parts lack that sense of depth. C: It lacks visual depth.

[0337] (Design) The appearance of the laminated material was visually inspected under white light. Its aesthetic appeal was evaluated according to the following criteria. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1. A: The color changes gradually along a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the laminate. • C: The color does not change gradually along the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the laminate.

[0338] (Stretchability) The target laminate was cut into 1cm x 5cm pieces, and a tensile test was performed using a thermal tensile tester (RTF-1310, A&D Corporation, and constant temperature tester TKC) by chucking 1cm from both the top and bottom ends of the laminate and stretching it at a speed of 300mm / second in a 150°C atmosphere. The maximum value that could be stretched without breaking (i.e., elongation at break) was measured. The measurement results are shown in Table 1. In the evaluation of stretchability, a substrate with high stretchability (Technoloy C000) was used as a component of the laminate, and the obtained elongation at break is considered to be the elongation at break of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer.

[0339] [Table 1]

[0340] The following terms listed in Table 1 have the meanings described below. "[Bifunctional compound] / [Solid content of composition]": The ratio of the total amount of the compound having two polymerizable groups to the total amount of solid content of the composition. "Content of low molecular weight compounds": Content of compounds with a molecular weight of 10,000 or less per unit volume of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer.

[0341] Table 1 shows that the color change in thermal environments is smaller in Examples 1-6 compared to Comparative Examples 1-4.

[0342] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-045075, filed on 18 March 2021, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually noted to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. Adhesive layer, The adhesive layer includes a cholesteric liquid crystal layer in contact with the adhesive layer, The content of a compound having a molecular weight of 10,000 or less per unit volume of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is 35 mg / cm³. ３ It is less than, The rupture elongation of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is 20% or more. Decorative material.

2. The decorative material according to claim 1, further comprising a releaseable substrate, wherein the releaseable substrate, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and the adhesive layer are arranged in this order.

3. The decorative material according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a base material.

4. The decorative material according to claim 3, wherein the substrate has an uneven structure.

5. A decorative material according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the visible light reflection band center wavelengths measured in at least two regions are different from each other.

6. The decorative material according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the absolute value of the difference between the center wavelength of the visible light reflection band measured before a heating test at 80°C for 240 hours and the center wavelength of the visible light reflection band measured after a heating test at 80°C for 240 hours is between 0 nm and 20 nm.

7. A decorative panel comprising a molded product of the decorative material described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An electronic device comprising the decorative panel described in claim 7.

9. To prepare a composition comprising a liquid crystal compound having polymerizable groups, a photoisomerizable chiral agent having polymerizable groups, and a photopolymerization initiator, Applying the composition onto a releaseable substrate, The above composition is cured by light to form a cholesteric liquid crystal layer, This includes, in this order, forming an adhesive layer on the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, The photoisomerizable chiral agent comprises a photoisomerizable chiral agent having two polymerizable groups, The ratio of the total amount of the compound having two polymerizable groups to the total amount of solids in the composition is 6% by mass to 20% by mass. A method for manufacturing decorative materials.

10. The method for producing a decorative material according to claim 9, wherein the photoisomerizable chiral agent is a compound represented by the following formula (C1). 【Chemistry 1】

11. A method for producing a decorative material according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising irradiating the composition with light through a photomask before the composition hardens, wherein the transmittance measured in at least two regions of the photomask is different from that of the other.

12. A laminate comprising an adhesive layer and a cholesteric liquid crystal layer in contact with the adhesive layer, prepared by a method for manufacturing a decorative material according to any one of claims 9 to 11, This includes bonding the laminated body to a substrate having an uneven structure. A method for manufacturing decorative materials.

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