Optically anisotropic films and laminates containing the same

Abstract

To provide an optically anisotropic film with which it is possible to more effectively reduce a hue difference between front and oblique hues of an organic EL display device during white display time and exhibit good image display characteristics, and a laminate that includes the optically anisotropic film.SOLUTION: Provided is an optically anisotropic film which is a cured film of a polymerizable liquid crystal composition that includes a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and at least two kinds of dichroic dyes, wherein the polymerizable liquid crystal compound and the at least two kinds of dichroic dyes are hardened in the state of being molecular-oriented in a direction perpendicular to the film plane, the optically anisotropic film further satisfying formulas (1) to (6) related to the absorbance Axλ in wavelength λnm of linear polarized light that vibrates in the x-axis direction or formulas (4) to (9) related to the absorbance Axλ (z=50) of linear polarized light that vibrates in the x-axis direction when the optically anisotropic film is rotated 50 degrees around the y axis as the axis of rotation.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optically anisotropic film, a laminate containing the optically anisotropic film, and an organic EL display device containing the laminate. [Background technology]

[0002] In commonly used organic EL display devices, the hue when viewed from the front and the hue when viewed from an oblique angle differ when displaying white, which can cause the color to change depending on the viewing angle. To address this, it has been found that applying a laminate containing a vertically aligned liquid crystal cured film, which is a cured product of a polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a dichroic dye having a single maximum absorption wavelength, and a horizontally aligned phase difference film can reduce viewing angle dependence (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-076920 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] However, there is a strong demand for improved oblique hue when displaying white in organic EL displays, and further improvements in the effect of reducing viewing angle dependence when displaying white are expected, which could even improve the slight color tint of the oblique hue. Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an optically anisotropic film and a laminate containing the same that can more effectively reduce the hue difference between the front hue and the oblique hue when an organic EL display device displays white, thereby exhibiting good image display characteristics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present inventors, after diligently studying to solve the above problems, have completed the present invention. That is, the present invention encompasses the following aspects. [1] A cured film of a polymerizable liquid crystal composition comprising a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and at least two dichroic dyes, The film is cured in which the polymerizable liquid crystal compound and at least two dichroic dyes are molecularly oriented perpendicular to the film plane, and The following equations (1) to (6) or (4) to (9): 0.001≦Ax450(z=50)≦0.100 (1) 0.070≦Ax550(z=50)≦1.000 (2) 0.070≦Ax650(z=50)≦1.000 (3) 0.001 ≤ A x 450 ≤ 0.050 (4) 0.001 ≤ A x 550 ≤ 0.050 (5) 0.001 ≤ A x 650 ≤ 0.050 (6) 0.050≦Ax450(z=50)≦1.000 (7) 0.070≦Ax550(z=50)≦1.000 (8) 0.001≦Ax650(z=50)≦0.100 (9) [In equations (1) to (9), Axλ and Axλ(z=50) are both absorbances at a wavelength of λnm, where Ax represents the absorbance of linearly polarized light vibrating in the x-axis direction, and Ax(z=50) represents the absorbance of linearly polarized light vibrating in the x-axis direction when the optical anisotropic film is rotated by 50° around the y-axis as the axis of rotation, where the x-axis is any direction within the film plane of the optical anisotropic film, the y-axis is a direction perpendicular to the x-axis within the film plane, and the z-axis is the thickness direction of the optical anisotropic film.] An optically anisotropic film that satisfies the following conditions. [2] The optical anisotropic film according to [1], wherein the at least two dichroic dyes consist of a combination of at least one cyan dye and at least one magenta dye, or a combination of at least one yellow dye and at least one magenta dye. [3] Equations (10) and (11) below: 0.1≦Ax450(z=50) / Ax550(z=50)≦1.5 (10) 0.1≦Ax650(z=50) / Ax550(z=50)≦1.5 (11) [In equations (10) and (11), Axλ and Axλ(z=50) have the same meanings as described above.] An optical anisotropic film according to [1] or [2] above, which satisfies either of the following conditions. [4] The film thickness is 0.1 μm or more and 5 μm or less, An optical anisotropic film according to any one of [1] to [3], comprising at least two of the aforementioned dichroic dyes in an amount of 0.1 parts by mass or more and 5 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound. [5] The at least two dichroic dyes consist of a combination of at least one cyan dye and at least one magenta dye, or a combination of at least one yellow dye and at least one magenta dye. Equations (12) and (13) below: T × D1 = 0.4 ~ 1.7 (12) T × D² = 0.6 ~ 2.7 (13) [In formulas (12) and (13), T represents the film thickness (μm), D1 represents the amount (parts by mass) of cyan or yellow dye per 100 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound, and D2 represents the amount (parts by mass) of magenta dye per 100 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound.] The optical anisotropic film described in [4] above, which satisfies the condition. [6] The optical anisotropic film according to any one of [1] to [5], comprising at least one azo dye as the dichroic dye. [7] The optical anisotropic film according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is a liquid crystal compound exhibiting a higher-order smectic liquid crystal phase. [8] A laminate comprising an optically anisotropic film, a polarizing film, and a horizontally oriented phase difference film as described in any of [1] to [7] above. [9] The laminate according to [8], comprising, in this order, an optically anisotropic film, a polarizing film, and a horizontally oriented phase difference film.

[10] The laminate according to [9], further comprising a vertically oriented phase difference film on the side opposite to the polarizing film of the horizontally oriented phase difference film.

[11] An organic EL display device comprising the laminate described in any of [8] to

[10] above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optically anisotropic film and a laminate containing the same that can more effectively reduce the hue difference between the front hue and the oblique hue when an organic EL display device displays white, thereby exhibiting good image display characteristics. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] <Optical anisotropy> The optically anisotropic film of the present invention is a cured film of a polymerizable liquid crystal composition (hereinafter also referred to as "composition for forming an optically anisotropic film") comprising a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and at least two dichroic dyes. The cured film is a film in which the polymerizable liquid crystal compound and the at least two dichroic dyes are molecularly oriented perpendicular to the film plane of the liquid crystal cured film, and satisfies the following formulas (1) to (6) or (4) to (9). 0.001≦Ax450(z=50)≦0.100 (1) 0.070≦Ax550(z=50)≦1.000 (2) 0.070≦Ax650(z=50)≦1.000 (3) 0.001 ≤ A x 450 ≤ 0.050 (4) 0.001 ≤ A x 550 ≤ 0.050 (5) 0.001 ≤ A x 650 ≤ 0.050 (6) 0.050≦Ax450(z=50)≦1.000 (7) 0.070≦Ax550(z=50)≦1.000 (8) 0.001≦Ax650(z=50)≦0.100 (9)

[0008] In equations (1) to (9), Axλ and Axλ(z=50) are both absorbances at a wavelength of λnm. Ax represents the absorbance of linearly polarized light vibrating in the x-axis direction, and Axλ(z=50) represents the absorbance of linearly polarized light vibrating in the x-axis direction when the optically anisotropic film is rotated by 50° around the y-axis as the axis of rotation. Here, the x-axis represents any direction within the film plane of the optically anisotropic film, the y-axis represents the direction perpendicular to the x-axis within the film plane, and the z-axis represents the thickness direction of the optically anisotropic film. All absorbance values ​​in this specification represent absorbance measured after removing the effect of interfacial reflection during measurement. Methods for removing the effect of interfacial reflection include, for example, using a spectrophotometer to set the absorbance at wavelengths where the absorption of the compound is negligible, such as 800 nm, to 0, and then measuring the absorbance at wavelength λ in the region where the absorption of the compound exists.

[0009] The above Axλ(z=50) can be measured by rotating the optical anisotropic film by 50° around the y-axis as the axis of rotation, and then incident light with the same linear polarization as the linearly polarized light used to measure Ax. Here, the film rotation is performed by rotating the film, which is in the state in which Ax was measured, by 50° around the y-axis as the axis of rotation in the direction of incidence of the linearly polarized light. The smaller the value of Axλ(z=50), the smaller the absorption of light around wavelength λnm in the oblique direction by the optical anisotropic film, and the larger the value of Axλ(z=50), the greater the absorption of light around wavelength λnm in the oblique direction by the optical anisotropic film. By controlling the value of Axλ(z=50) at 450nm, 550nm, and 650nm, it is possible to selectively absorb light of specific wavelengths in the oblique direction of the optical anisotropic film, which can improve the oblique hue when displaying white when incorporated into an organic EL display device. In this specification, the effect of improving (changing) the "oblique hue" refers to the improvement effect on the oblique hue when displaying white (i.e., the effect of reducing color fringing when viewed from an oblique direction when displaying white) when an optically anisotropic film is applied to a display device in combination with a horizontally aligned phase difference film. A high improvement effect on the oblique hue when displaying white is preferable because it tends to reduce the hue difference between the front hue and the oblique hue when displaying white.

[0010] The above Axλ can be measured by incidenting linearly polarized light that vibrates in the x-axis direction toward the film surface of the optically anisotropic film from the z-axis direction. The smaller the value of Axλ, the smaller the absorption of light near wavelength λnm in the front direction of the optically anisotropic film, which means that it has excellent transmittance to light from the front direction and excellent front color when white is displayed when incorporated into an organic EL display device. In this specification, the effect of improving (changing) the "front hue" refers to the improvement effect on the front hue when white is displayed, when an optically anisotropic film is applied to a display device in combination with a horizontally aligned phase difference film (i.e., the effect of reducing coloration when viewed from the front when white is displayed). Furthermore, the absorbance of linearly polarized light vibrating in the y-axis direction toward the film surface of the optically anisotropic film from the z-axis direction is expressed as Ayλ, but in the optically anisotropic film of the present invention, Axλ and Ayλ are usually approximately equal in value. If Axλ and Ayλ are different, dichroism will occur in the plane, and in this case, the coloration of the front hue of the optically anisotropic film tends to increase.

[0011] By satisfying the above equations (1) to (6) or (4) to (9), an optically anisotropic film is obtained that effectively transmits light in the direction of the optical anisotropy film and selectively absorbs light of a specific wavelength in the oblique direction. An optically anisotropic film having such optical properties can be said to have excellent polarization performance (light absorption anisotropy performance), and when incorporated into an organic EL display device, it is possible to reduce the hue difference between the front hue and the oblique hue when displaying white.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the optical anisotropic film of the present invention satisfies the above formulas (1) to (6) (hereinafter, the optical anisotropic film that satisfies formulas (1) to (6) is also referred to as "optical anisotropic film (a)"). By satisfying the above formulas (1) to (3), optical anisotropic film (a) shows almost no absorption for light around 450 nm in its oblique direction, while absorbing light around 550 nm and 650 nm. Furthermore, by satisfying formulas (4) to (6), it has almost no absorption for light between 450 nm and 650 nm in its front direction.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, the optical anisotropic film of the present invention satisfies the above formulas (4) to (9) (hereinafter, an optical anisotropic film satisfying formulas (4) to (9) is also referred to as "optical anisotropic film (b)"). The optically anisotropic film (b) satisfies equations (7) to (9) above, showing almost no absorption for light around 650 nm in its oblique direction, while absorbing light around 450 nm and 550 nm. Furthermore, by satisfying equations (4) to (6), it shows almost no absorption for light between 450 nm and 650 nm in its front direction.

[0014] In the optically anisotropic film of the present invention that satisfies formulas (1) to (6) or formulas (4) to (9), at least two dichroic dyes are encapsulated in a polymerizable liquid crystal compound, and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound and at least two dichroic dyes are oriented with a high degree of order in the direction perpendicular to the liquid crystal cured film. Due to these optical properties, it exhibits excellent transmittance to light from the front direction when displaying white, and high selective absorption for light of specific wavelengths in the oblique direction. Therefore, when incorporated into an organic EL display device, the hue difference between the front hue and the oblique hue can be made smaller when displaying white. Since such an optically anisotropic film of the present invention can cancel out coloration when viewing the display constituting the organic EL display device from an oblique direction, it can effectively suppress oblique hue changes when displaying white in the organic EL display device. For example, by selecting an optically anisotropic film (a) or optically anisotropic film (b) that is complementary to the hue of the organic EL display when white is displayed (when white light is emitted) at a 45° angle, the hue of the display when the organic EL display device is viewed from an oblique direction can be canceled out, and changes in oblique hue can be suppressed without affecting the hue in the front direction when white is displayed.

[0015] Conventional organic EL displays, which are widely used, generally appear yellowish or bluish when viewed from an oblique angle. For example, by using an optically anisotropic film (a) that shows almost no absorption for light around 450 nm but absorbs light around 550 nm and 650 nm in combination with a display that has maximum emission between 550 and 700 nm when displaying white at a 45° angle (for example, a typical display with a yellowish oblique hue), the oblique hue when displaying white can be improved. Also, for example, by using an optically anisotropic film (b) that shows almost no absorption for light around 650 nm but absorbs light around 450 nm and 550 nm in combination with a display that has maximum emission between 400 and 550 nm when displaying white at a 45° angle (for example, a typical display with a bluish oblique hue), the oblique hue when displaying white can be improved.

[0016] In the optically anisotropic film (a), the value of Ax450 (z=50) is 0.001 or more and 0.100 or less, and the values ​​of Ax550 (z=50) and Ax650 (z=50) are 0.070 or more and 1.000 or less, respectively. In order to selectively absorb light of the aforementioned specific wavelengths in the oblique direction and to improve the oblique hue when displaying white, the value of Ax450 (z=50) in the optically anisotropic film (a) is preferably 0.005 or more, more preferably 0.010 or more, and also preferably 0.080 or less, and more preferably 0.075 or less. In addition, the value of Ax550 (z=50) is preferably 0.080 or more, more preferably 0.100 or more, and also preferably 0.800 or less, and more preferably 0.500 or less. Furthermore, the value of Ax650(z=50) is preferably 0.080 or higher, more preferably 0.100 or higher, and also preferably 0.800 or lower, more preferably 0.500 or lower.

[0017] In the optically anisotropic film (b), the value of Ax450 (z=50) is 0.050 or more and 1.000 or less, the value of Ax550 (z=50) is 0.070 or more and 1.000 or less, and the value of Ax650 (z=50) is 0.001 or more and 0.1 or less. In order to selectively absorb light of the aforementioned specific wavelengths in the oblique direction and to improve the oblique hue when displaying white, the value of Ax450 (z=50) in the optically anisotropic film (b) is preferably 0.060 or more, more preferably 0.070 or more, even more preferably 0.080 or more, particularly preferably 0.100 or more, and also preferably 0.800 or less, more preferably 0.500 or less. Furthermore, the value of Ax550(z=50) is preferably 0.080 or higher, more preferably 0.090 or higher, even more preferably 0.100 or higher, and also preferably 0.800 or lower, more preferably 0.500 or lower. Furthermore, the value of Ax650(z=50) is preferably 0.005 or higher, more preferably 0.010 or higher, and also preferably 0.080 or lower, more preferably 0.075 or lower.

[0018] In optically anisotropic film (a) and optically anisotropic film (b), the values ​​of Ax450, Ax550, and Ax650 are all between 0.001 and 0.050. From the viewpoint of improving the front color hue when displaying white, the values ​​of Ax450, Ax550, and Ax650 are preferably 0.040 or less, more preferably 0.030 or less, and even more preferably 0.025 or less.

[0019] The values ​​of Axλ and Axλ(z=50) in an optically anisotropic film can be controlled, for example, by the type and amount of dichroic dyes that constitute the optically anisotropic film. They can also be controlled by adjusting, for example, the film thickness of the optically anisotropic film, the manufacturing process conditions, and the type and amount of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds that constitute the optically anisotropic film.

[0020] The optically anisotropic film of the present invention is composed of at least two dichroic dyes. A dichroic dye is a dye that has the property that its absorbance in the long axis direction of the molecule is different from its absorbance in the short axis direction. The dichroic dye is not limited as long as it has such a property, and may be a dye or a pigment. Two or more dyes may be used in combination, two or more pigments may be used in combination, or a dye and a pigment may be used in combination.

[0021] In order for the optically anisotropic layer to satisfy the optical properties represented by formulas (1) to (3) or formulas (7) to (9) above, it is preferable that the at least two dichroic dyes constituting the optically anisotropic film of the present invention include two different dichroic dyes, usually selected from the group consisting of cyan dye, magenta dye, and yellow dye. Hereinafter, cyan dye refers to a dichroic dye having maximum absorption between wavelengths of 570 nm and 700 nm. Magenta dye refers to a dichroic dye having maximum absorption between wavelengths of 480 nm and less than 570 nm. Yellow dye refers to a dichroic dye having maximum absorption between wavelengths of 380 nm and less than 480 nm.In the present invention, "including two different dichroic dyes" means including at least two dichroic dyes selected from different dye groups classified as cyan dye, magenta dye, or yellow dye, such as a combination of cyan dye and magenta dye, or a combination of magenta dye and yellow dye. Therefore, if the dichroic dyes constituting the optically anisotropic film include, for example, only two or more dichroic dyes, all of which belong to the cyan dye family, then, in the sense of this specification, the optically anisotropic film is not said to "contain at least two types of dichroic dyes." The absorbance of the dichroic dyes can be measured by a spectrophotometer while they are dissolved in a solvent that dissolves dichroic dyes, such as chloroform.

[0022] The at least two dichroic dyes are preferably a combination of at least one cyan dye and at least one magenta dye (hereinafter also referred to as "combination (a)") or a combination of at least one yellow dye and at least one magenta dye (hereinafter also referred to as "combination (b)"). By including combination (a) as the dichroic dyes, an optically anisotropic film satisfying formulas (2) and (3) can be prepared. Furthermore, by including combination (b) as the dichroic dyes, an optically anisotropic film satisfying formulas (7) and (8) can be prepared. When the optically anisotropic film is composed of combination (a) as the dichroic dyes, it is preferable that the yellow dye is substantially omitted in order to impart the desired optical properties (i.e., optical properties that satisfy formula (1)) to the optically anisotropic film. Such an optically anisotropic film may be optically anisotropic film (a). Similarly, when an optically anisotropic film is composed of combination (b) as a dichroic dye, it is preferable that the cyan dye is substantially absent in order to impart the desired optical properties (i.e., optical properties that satisfy formula (9)) to the optically anisotropic film. Such an optically anisotropic film may be optically anisotropic film (b). Here, "substantially absent" means that the content of the target dye is 0.25 parts by mass or less, preferably 0.10 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound forming the optically anisotropic film, and the content of the target dye may be 0 parts by mass. In addition, as long as the optically anisotropic film satisfies formulas (1) to (3) or formulas (7) to (9), it may contain a small amount of yellow dye together with combination (a), and it may also contain a small amount of cyan dye together with combination (b).

[0023] In the present invention, it is preferable that the optically anisotropic film satisfies either formula (10) or formula (11) below. 0.1≦Ax450(z=50) / Ax550(z=50)≦1.5 (10) 0.1≦Ax650(z=50) / Ax550(z=50)≦1.5 (11) [In equations (10) and (11), Axλ(z=50) has the same meaning as described above.]

[0024] Equation (10) means that the ratio of the absorbance of the optically anisotropic film at a wavelength of 450 nm to the absorbance at a wavelength of 550 nm in the oblique direction is 0.1 or more and 1.5 or less. Equation (11) means that the ratio of the absorbance of the optically anisotropic film at a wavelength of 650 nm to the absorbance at a wavelength of 550 nm in the oblique direction is 0.1 or more and 1.5 or less. When the optically anisotropic film satisfies either equation (10) or equation (11), the selective absorption of light of a specific wavelength in the oblique direction is increased, and the oblique hue when displaying white is improved. In particular, when the optically anisotropic film is optically anisotropic film (a), it is preferable that it satisfies equation (11), and when the optically anisotropic film is optically anisotropic film (b), it is preferable that it satisfies equation (10). Since the oblique hue is more easily improved when displaying white, the value of Ax450(z=50) / Ax550(z=50) is more preferably 0.2 or more, even more preferably 0.3 or more, and more preferably 1.2 or less, and even more preferably 1.0 or less. Similarly, since the oblique hue is more easily improved when displaying white, the value of Ax650(z=50) / Ax550(z=50) is more preferably 0.3 or more, even more preferably 0.4 or more, and even more preferably 1.4 or less, and even more preferably 1.3 or less.

[0025] The values ​​of Ax450(z=50) / Ax550(z=50) and Ax650(z=50) / Ax550(z=50) can be controlled by adjusting the type and amount of dichroic dyes that constitute the optically anisotropic film. Specifically, by using yellow and magenta dyes as dichroic dyes and adjusting their mixing ratio, an optically anisotropic film satisfying equation (10) can be obtained. Furthermore, by using cyan and magenta dyes as dichroic dyes and adjusting their mixing ratio, an optically anisotropic film satisfying equation (11) can be obtained.

[0026] In the present invention, the content of the above-mentioned at least two dichroic dyes can be appropriately determined according to the desired optical properties of the optically anisotropic film and the type of display constituting the display device incorporating the optically anisotropic film. In one embodiment of the present invention, when the film thickness of the present invention is 0.1 μm or more and 5 μm or less, it is preferable to form the optically anisotropic film of the present invention from a polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing the above-mentioned at least two dichroic dyes in an amount of 0.1 parts by mass or more and 5 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound. When the content of the dichroic dyes is within the above range, it is easier to control the absorbance of the optically anisotropic film to a desired range, and an optically anisotropic film with excellent oblique hue when displaying white can be obtained. In the optically anisotropic film of the present invention, the content of the dichroic dyes is more preferably 0.3 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 0.5 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 4.5 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 4 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound. Furthermore, if the product contains two or more dichroic dyes of the same type, classified as cyan, magenta, or yellow (i.e., for example, multiple dichroic dyes classified as cyan), it is preferable that the total content of the same type of dichroic dye is within the aforementioned range.

[0027] When the optically anisotropic film is optically anisotropic film (a), it is preferable that the film thickness is 0.1 μm or more and 5 μm or less, and that it contains magenta dye and cyanide dye in an amount of 0.1 parts by mass or more and 5 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound. In the optically anisotropic film (a) of the aforementioned film thickness, the cyanide dye content (total content if two or more types are included) is preferably 0.3 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.5 parts by mass or more, and also preferably 4.5 parts by mass or less, more preferably 4 parts by mass or less. In addition, in the optically anisotropic film (a) of the aforementioned film thickness, the magenta dye content (total content if two or more types are included) is preferably 0.3 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.5 parts by mass or more, and also preferably 4.5 parts by mass or less, more preferably 4 parts by mass or less.

[0028] When the optically anisotropic film is optically anisotropic film (b), it is preferable that the film thickness is 0.1 μm or more and 5 μm or less, and that it contains magenta dye and yellow dye in an amount of 0.1 parts by mass or more and 5 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound. In the optically anisotropic film (a) of the aforementioned film thickness, the content of yellow dye (total content if two or more types are included) is preferably 0.3 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.5 parts by mass or more, and also preferably 4.5 parts by mass or less, more preferably 4 parts by mass or less. In addition, in the optically anisotropic film (a) of the aforementioned film thickness, the content of magenta dye (total content if two or more types are included) is preferably 0.3 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.5 parts by mass or more, and also preferably 4.5 parts by mass or less, more preferably 4 parts by mass or less.

[0029] When the displays constituting the display device are the same, the absorbance of the optical anisotropic film required to improve the oblique hue when displaying white in the display device incorporating the said display is the same (constant). For this reason, the content of the dichroic dye in the optical anisotropic film of the present invention can be determined in relation to the thickness of the optical anisotropic film, based on the amount of polymerizable liquid crystal compound constituting the optical anisotropic film.

[0030] In the present invention, if at least two dichroic dyes consist of a combination of at least one cyan dye and at least one magenta dye, or a combination of at least one yellow dye and at least one magenta dye, Equations (12) and (13) below: T × D1 = 0.4 ~ 1.7 (12) T × D² = 0.6 ~ 2.7 (13) It is preferable that the following conditions be met. In formulas (12) and (13), T represents the film thickness (μm), D1 represents the amount (parts by mass) of cyan or yellow dye per 100 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound, and D2 represents the amount (parts by mass) of magenta dye per 100 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound. When the optically anisotropic film satisfies the above formulas (12) and (13), the absorbance of the optically anisotropic film can be easily controlled to a desired range, and an optically anisotropic film with excellent oblique hue when displaying white can be easily obtained. Since the oblique hue when displaying white is easily improved, the value of T × D1 is more preferably 0.5 or more, even more preferably 0.7 or more, and also more preferably 1.6 or less, and even more preferably 1.3 or less. Similarly, the value of T × D2 is more preferably 0.8 or more, even more preferably 1.0 or more, and also more preferably 2.5 or less, and even more preferably 2.2 or less.

[0031] In the present invention, the dichroic dye is not particularly limited as long as it can form an optically anisotropic film that satisfies formulas (1) to (3) or (7) to (9), and dichroic dyes known in the field of optical films can be used. Examples of such dichroic dyes include acridine dyes, oxazine dyes, cyanine dyes, naphthalene dyes, azo dyes, and anthraquinone dyes. Among these, azo dyes are preferred. Examples of azo dyes include monoazo dyes, bisazo dyes, trisazo dyes, tetrakisazo dyes, and stilbenazo dyes, with bisazo dyes and trisazo dyes being preferred.

[0032] Examples of azo dyes include the compound represented by formula (I) (hereinafter also referred to as "compound (I)"). K 1 (-N=NK 2 ) p -N=NK 3 (I) [In formula (I), K 1 and K 3 These independently represent an optionally substituted phenyl group, an optionally substituted naphthyl group, an optionally substituted phenyl benzoate group, or an optionally substituted monovalent heterocyclic group.2 represents a p-phenylene group which may have a substituent, a naphthalene-1,4-diyl group which may have a substituent, a 4,4'-stilbenylene group which may have a substituent, or a divalent heterocyclic group which may have a substituent. p represents an integer from 0 to 4. When p is an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of K 2 may be the same as or different from each other. In the range showing absorption in the visible region, the -N=N- bond may be replaced by a -C=C-, -COO-, -NHCO-, or -N=CH- bond.]

[0033] Examples of the monovalent heterocyclic group include a group obtained by removing one hydrogen atom from a heterocyclic compound such as quinoline, thiazole, benzothiazole, thienothiazole, imidazole, benzimidazole, oxazole, or benzoxazole. Examples of the divalent heterocyclic group include a group obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from the heterocyclic compound.

[0034] K 1 and K 3 in the phenyl group, naphthyl group, phenyl benzoate group, and monovalent heterocyclic group, and K 2The p-phenylene group, naphthalene-1,4-diyl group, 4,4'-stilbenylene group, and divalent heterocyclic group may optionally have substituents such as C1-C20 alkyl groups, C1-C20 alkyl groups with polymerizable groups, C1-C4 alkenyl groups; C1-C20 alkoxy groups such as methoxy, ethoxy, and butoxy groups; C1-C20 alkoxy groups with polymerizable groups; C1-C4 fluorinated alkyl groups such as trifluoromethyl groups; and Examples include ano groups; nitro groups; halogen atoms; substituted or unsubstituted amino groups such as amino groups, diethylamino groups, and pyrrolidino groups (a substituted amino group means an amino group having one or two C1-C6 alkyl groups, an amino group having one or two C1-C6 alkyl groups that have a polymerizable group, or an amino group in which two substituted alkyl groups are bonded to each other to form an alkanediyl group having 2-C8. An unsubstituted amino group is -NH2). Examples of polymerizable groups include (meth)acryloyl groups and (meth)acryloyloxy groups.

[0035] Among the compounds (I), compounds represented by any of the following formulas (I-1) to (I-8) are preferred. [ka] [In equations (I-1) to (I-8), B 1 ~B 30 These independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-C6 alkyl group, a C1-C6 alkenyl group, a C1-C4 alkoxy group, a cyano group, a nitro group, a substituted or unsubstituted amino group (as defined above), a chlorine atom, or a trifluoromethyl group. n1 to n4 represent integers from 0 to 3, independently of each other. If n1 is 2 or more, multiple B 2 They may be the same or different from each other. If n2 is 2 or more, multiple B 6 They may be the same or different from each other. If n3 is 2 or more, multiple B 9They may be the same or different from each other. If n4 is 2 or more, multiple B 14 They may be the same or different from each other.

[0036] As the anthraquinone dye, compounds represented by formula (I-9) are preferred. [ka] [In formula (I-9), R 1 ~R 8 These are, independently of each other, hydrogen atoms, -R x -NH2, -NHR x , -NR x 2, -SR x Alternatively, it represents a halogen atom. R x This represents an alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms or an aryl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0037] As the oxazone dye, a compound represented by formula (I-10) is preferred. [ka] [In formula (I-10), R 9 ~R 15 These are, independently of each other, hydrogen atoms, -R x -NH2, -NHR x , -NR x 2, -SR x Alternatively, it represents a halogen atom. R x This represents an alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms or an aryl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0038] As the acridine dye, a compound represented by formula (I-11) is preferred. [ka] [In formula (I-11), R 16 ~R 23These are, independently of each other, hydrogen atoms, -R x -NH2, -NHR x , -NR x 2, -SR x Alternatively, it represents a halogen atom. R x This represents an alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms or an aryl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms. In equations (I-9), (I-10), and (I-11), R x Examples of alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms include methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, and hexyl groups, while examples of aryl groups having 6 to 12 carbon atoms include phenyl, toluyl, xylyl, and naphthyl groups.

[0039] As the cyanine dye, compounds represented by formula (I-12) and compounds represented by formula (I-13) are preferred. [ka] [In formula (I-12), D 1 and D 2 These represent, independently of each other, a base represented by any of the formulas (I-12a) to (I-12d). [ka] n5 represents an integer between 1 and 3. [ka] [In formula (I-13), D 3 and D 4 These represent, independently of each other, a base represented by any of the formulas (I-13a) to (1-13h). [ka] n6 represents an integer between 1 and 3.

[0040] Specific examples of the dichroic dyes described above include compounds such as those described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-210624. From these dichroic dyes, a dichroic dye in the desired wavelength range can be appropriately selected and used to satisfy formulas (1) to (3) or formulas (7) to (9).

[0041] Among the dichroic dyes described above, azo dyes have high linearity, making them excellent in orientation and suitable for creating optically anisotropic films with superior polarization performance. In the present invention, it is preferable that at least one of the at least two dichroic dyes constituting the optically anisotropic film is an azo dye, and it is more preferable that at least two are azo dyes.

[0042] The weight-average molecular weight of dichroic dyes is typically 300 to 2000, preferably 400 to 1000.

[0043] The polymerizable liquid crystal compound (hereinafter also referred to as "polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A)") contained in the optical anisotropic film-forming composition for forming the optical anisotropic film of the present invention is a compound having at least one polymerizable group and being liquid crystalline. Here, a polymerizable group means a group that participates in the polymerization reaction, and it is preferably a photopolymerizable group. A photopolymerizable group is a group that can participate in the polymerization reaction by active radicals or acids generated from the polymerization initiator. Examples of polymerizable groups that the polymerizable liquid crystal compound has include vinyl group, vinyloxy group, 1-chlorovinyl group, isopropenyl group, 4-vinylphenyl group, acryloyloxy group, methacryloyloxy group, oxyranil group, oxetanil group, etc. Among these, radical polymerizable groups are preferred, acryloyloxy group, methacryloyloxy group, vinyloxy group, oxyranil group and oxetanil group are more preferred, and acryloyloxy group is even more preferred.

[0044] In the present invention, the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is preferably a liquid crystal compound exhibiting a smectic liquid crystal phase. By using a polymerizable liquid crystal compound exhibiting a smectic liquid crystal phase, the polymerizable liquid crystal compound tends to align with a high degree of order, making it easier to control the absorbance of the optically anisotropic film within the range represented by formulas (4) to (6). This makes it possible to form an optically anisotropic film with excellent front-view hue when displaying white. From the viewpoint of achieving a higher degree of orientational order, it is more preferable that the liquid crystal state exhibited by the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A) is a higher-order smectic phase (higher-order smectic liquid crystal state). Here, higher-order smectic phases refer to smectic B phase, smectic D phase, smectic E phase, smectic F phase, smectic G phase, smectic H phase, smectic I phase, smectic J phase, smectic K phase, and smectic L phase, among which smectic B phase, smectic F phase, and smectic I phase are more preferred. The liquid crystalline properties may be thermotropic or lyotropic, but thermotropic liquid crystalline properties are preferred because they allow for precise control of film thickness. Furthermore, the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A) may be a monomer, an oligomer formed by polymerization of polymerizable groups, or a polymer.

[0045] As the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A), a liquid crystal compound having at least one polymerizable group can be used. Examples of such polymerizable liquid crystal compounds include the compound represented by the following formula (A) (hereinafter also referred to as "polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A)"). U 1 -V 1 -W 1 -(X 1 -Y 1 ) n -X 2 -W 2 -V 2 -U 2 (A) [In formula (A), X 1 and X 2Each independently represents a divalent aromatic group or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group, where the hydrogen atoms in the divalent aromatic group or divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with halogen atoms, C1-C4 alkyl groups, C1-C4 fluoroalkyl groups, C1-C4 alkoxy groups, cyano groups, or nitro groups, and the carbon atoms constituting the divalent aromatic group or divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with oxygen atoms, sulfur atoms, or nitrogen atoms. However, X 1 and X 2 At least one of these is a optionally substituted 1,4-phenylene group or an optionally substituted cyclohexane-1,4-diyl group. Y 1 It is a single bond or a divalent linking group. n is 1 to 3, and if n is 2 or greater, multiple X 1 They may be the same or they may be different. 2 is multiple X 1 It may be the same as or different from any or all of the following. Also, if n is 2 or more, there may be multiple Y 1 These values ​​may be the same or different. From the viewpoint of liquid crystalline properties, n is preferably 2 or greater. U 1 represents a hydrogen atom or a polymerizable group. U 2 This represents a polymerizable group. W 1 and W 2 These are, independently of each other, single or divalent linking groups. V 1 and V 2 Each of these independently represents an alkanediyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, which may have substituents, and the -CH2- group constituting the alkanediyl group may be replaced with -O-, -CO-, -S-, or NH-.

[0046] In polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A), X 1 and X 2These are, independently of each other, preferably a substituted 1,4-phenylene group or a substituted cyclohexane-1,4-diyl group, X 1 and X 2 At least one of these is an optionally substituted 1,4-phenylene group or an optionally substituted cyclohexane-1,4-diyl group, preferably a trans-cyclohexane-1,4-diyl group. Optional substituents on the optionally substituted 1,4-phenylene group or the optionally substituted cyclohexane-1,4-diyl group include C1-C4 alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, and butyl groups, cyano groups, and halogen atoms such as chlorine and fluorine atoms. It is preferably unsubstituted.

[0047] Furthermore, polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A) is a compound of formula (A1): -(X 1 -Y 1 ) n -X 2 - (A1) [In the formula, X 1 , Y 1 , X 2 And n have the same meaning as above. The fact that the portion indicated by [hereinafter also referred to as substructure (A1)] has an asymmetric structure is preferable in that it readily exhibits smectic liquid crystal properties, particularly higher-order smectic liquid crystal properties. A polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A) in which the substructure (A1) is an asymmetric structure is, for example, n is 1 and one X 1 and X 2 A polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A) in which the two have different structures is also an example. 1 Compounds in which two X have the same structure 1 They have the same structure as each other, and one X 2 These two X 1 Polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A) has a different structure from two X 1 W 1 X that binds 1 However, the other X 1and X 2 has a structure different from that of the other X 1 X and 2 There is also a polymeric liquid crystal compound (A) having the same structure as each other. Further, when n is 3, a compound in which three Ys 1 have the same structure as each other, and any one of the three Xs 1 and one X 2 has a structure different from all of the other three, there is a polymeric liquid crystal compound (A).

[0048] Y 1 is preferably -CH2CH2-, -CH2O-, -CH2CH2O-, -COO-, -OCOO-, a single bond, -N=N-, -CR a =CR b -, -C≡C-, -CR a =N- or -CO-NR a -. R a and R b each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Y 1 is more preferably -CH2CH2-, -CH2O-, -COO-, -OCOO-, a single bond, -N=N-, -CR a =CR b -, -C≡C- or -CR a =N-, still more preferably -CH2CH2-, -COO-, -CH2O- or a single bond. When a plurality of Ys 1 are present, the Y 2 bonded to X 1 is -CH2CH2- or -CH2O-, and the Y 2 not bonded to X 1 is more preferably -CH2CH2-, -COO- or a single bond. When X 1 and X 2 all have the same structure, it is preferable that two or more Ys 1 having different bonding modes from each other are present. When a plurality of Ys 1 having different bonding modes from each other are present, an asymmetric structure is formed, and thus smectic liquid crystallinity, particularly higher-order smectic liquid crystallinity, tends to be easily exhibited.

[0049] U 2 U is a polymerizable group. 1 is a hydrogen atom or a polymerizable group, preferably a polymerizable group. 1 and U 2 It is preferable that both are polymerizable groups, more preferably that both are photopolymerizable groups, and even more preferably that both are photoradical polymerizable groups. Examples of polymerizable groups include those similar to those previously exemplified as polymerizable groups possessed by polymerizable liquid crystal compounds. 1 Polymerizable group shown and U 2 The polymerizable groups shown may be different from each other, but are preferably of the same type, U 1 and U 2 It is preferable that at least one of the groups is a (meth)acryloyloxy group, more preferably both are (meth)acryloyloxy groups, and even more preferably both are acryloyloxy groups. The polymerizable group may be polymerized or unpolymerized, but it is preferably unpolymerized.

[0050] V 1 and V 2 Examples of alkanediyl groups represented by include methylene group, ethylene group, propane-1,3-diyl group, butane-1,3-diyl group, butane-1,4-diyl group, pentane-1,5-diyl group, hexane-1,6-diyl group, heptane-1,7-diyl group, octane-1,8-diyl group, decane-1,10-diyl group, tetradecane-1,14-diyl group, and eicosane-1,20-diyl group. 1 and V 2 The group is preferably an alkanediyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and more preferably an alkanediyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0051] The alkanediyl group may optionally have substituents such as cyano groups and halogen atoms such as chlorine and fluorine atoms, but the alkanediyl group is preferably unsubstituted, and more preferably an unsubstituted linear alkanediyl group.

[0052] W 1 and W 2 These are preferably single bonds, -O-, -S-, -COO-, or -OCOO-, and more preferably single bonds or -O-.

[0053] For polymerizable liquid crystal compounds that readily exhibit smectic liquid crystal properties, it is preferable that the molecular structure has an asymmetric molecular structure, and more preferably, it is a polymerizable liquid crystal compound that has the substructures (Aa) to (Ai) below and exhibits smectic liquid crystal properties. From the viewpoint of readily exhibiting higher-order smectic liquid crystal properties, it is even more preferable to have the substructures (Aa), (Ab), or (Ac). In (Aa) to (Ai) below, * represents a bond (single bond).

[0054] [ka]

[0055] Examples of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds (A) include compounds represented by the following formulas (A-1) to (A-25). When polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A) has a cyclohexane-1,4-diyl group, it is preferable that the cyclohexane-1,4-diyl group is in the trans isomer.

[0056] [ka]

[0057] [ka]

[0058] [ka]

[0059] Among these, at least one selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formulas (A-2), (A-3), (A-4), (A-6), (A-7), (A-8), (A-13), (A-14), and (A-15) is preferred. As the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A), one type may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0060] Polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A) can be produced by known methods, such as those described in Lub et al., Recl. Trav. Chim. Pays-Bas, 115, 321-328 (1996), or Japanese Patent No. 4719156.

[0061] In the present invention, the optically anisotropic film is preferably formed by comprising a polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A), and the composition for forming the optically anisotropic film preferably comprises a polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A). When the composition for forming the optically anisotropic film contains two or more polymerizable liquid crystal compounds, the ratio of polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A) to the total mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds contained in the composition for forming the optically anisotropic film is preferably 51% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, and even more preferably 90% by mass or more. When the ratio of polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A) is within the above range, it becomes easier to obtain an optically anisotropic film with a high degree of orientation order.

[0062] When an optically anisotropic film-forming composition contains two or more polymerizable liquid crystal compounds, at least one of them may be polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A), or all of them may be polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A). By combining multiple polymerizable liquid crystal compounds, it may be possible to temporarily maintain liquid crystalline properties even at temperatures below the liquid crystal-crystal phase transition temperature.

[0063] The content of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds in the optical anisotropic film-forming composition is preferably 40 to 99.9% by mass, more preferably 60 to 99% by mass, and even more preferably 70 to 99% by mass, relative to the solid content of the optical anisotropic film-forming composition. When the content of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds is within the above range, the orientation of the polymerizable liquid crystal compounds tends to be high. In this specification, the solid content of the optical anisotropic film-forming composition means the total amount of components excluding volatile substances such as solvents from the composition. Similarly, the solid content of other compositions, etc., refers to the total amount of components excluding volatile substances such as solvents from the composition, etc., hereinafter.

[0064] The optically anisotropic film-forming composition may contain a polymerization initiator. The polymerization initiator is a compound capable of initiating a polymerization reaction, such as a polymerizable liquid crystal compound. As the polymerization initiator, a photopolymerization initiator that generates active radicals or acids upon the action of light is preferred, and a photopolymerization initiator that generates radicals upon the action of light is more preferred, as it can initiate the polymerization reaction under lower temperature conditions. The polymerization initiator may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0065] As photopolymerization initiators, known photopolymerization initiators can be used. For example, photopolymerization initiators that generate active radicals include self-cleaving type photopolymerization initiators and hydrogen abstraction type photopolymerization initiators. Self-cleaving photopolymerization initiators include self-cleaving benzoin compounds, acetophenone compounds, hydroxyacetophenone compounds, α-aminoacetophenone compounds, oxime ester compounds, acylphosphine oxide compounds, azo compounds, etc. In addition, hydrogen abstraction type photopolymerization initiators include hydrogen abstraction benzophenone compounds, benzoin ether compounds, benzyl ketal compounds, dibenzosverone compounds, anthraquinone compounds, xanthone compounds, thioxanthone compounds, halogenoacetophenone compounds, dialkoxyacetophenone compounds, halogenobisimidazole compounds, halogenotriazine compounds, triazine compounds, etc.

[0066] Iodonium salts and sulfonium salts can be used as photopolymerization initiators that generate acid.

[0067] In particular, reactions at low temperatures are preferred from the viewpoint of preventing the dissolution of the dye, and self-cleaving photopolymerization initiators are preferred from the viewpoint of reaction efficiency at low temperatures, with acetophenone compounds, hydroxyacetophenone compounds, α-aminoacetophenone compounds, and oxime ester compounds being especially preferred.

[0068] Examples of photopolymerization initiators include the following: Benzoin compounds such as benzoin, benzoin methyl ether, benzoin ethyl ether, benzoin isopropyl ether, and benzoin isobutyl ether; Hydroxyacetophenone compounds such as oligomers of 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-1-one, 1,2-diphenyl-2,2-dimethoxyethane-1-one, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-[4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]propan-1-one, 1-hydroxycyclohexylphenyl ketone, and 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-[4-(1-methylvinyl)phenyl]propan-1-one; α-aminoacetophenone compounds such as 2-methyl-2-morpholino-1-(4-methylthiophenyl)propan-1-one and 2-dimethylamino-2-benzyl-1-(4-morpholinophenyl)butan-1-one; Oxime ester compounds such as 1,2-octanedione, 1-[4-(phenylthio)-,2-(O-benzoyl oxime)], ethanone, 1-[9-ethyl-6-(2-methylbenzoyl)-9H-carbazole-3-yl]-,1-(O-acetyl oxime); acylphosphine oxide compounds such as 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide and bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenylphosphine oxide; Benzophenone compounds such as benzophenone, o-methyl benzoylbenzoate, 4-phenylbenzophenone, 4-benzoyl-4'-methyldiphenyl sulfide, 3,3',4,4'-tetra(tert-butylperoxycarbonyl)benzophenone, and 2,4,6-trimethylbenzophenone; Dialkoxyacetophenone compounds such as diethoxyacetophenone; 2,4-Bis(trichloromethyl)-6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-Bis(trichloromethyl)-6-(4-methoxynaphthyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-Bis(trichloromethyl)-6-(4-methoxystyryl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-Bis(trichloromethyl)-6-[2-(5-methylfuran-2-yl)ethenyl]-1,3,5- Triazine compounds such as lyazine, 2,4-bis(trichloromethyl)-6-[2-(furan-2-yl)ethenyl]-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-bis(trichloromethyl)-6-[2-(4-diethylamino-2-methylphenyl)ethenyl]-1,3,5-triazine, and 2,4-bis(trichloromethyl)-6-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethenyl]-1,3,5-triazine. The photopolymerization initiator can be appropriately selected in relation to the polymerizable liquid crystal compound that forms an optically anisotropic film from the above-mentioned photopolymerization initiator.

[0069] Alternatively, commercially available photopolymerization initiators may be used. Examples of commercially available polymerization initiators include Irgacure (registered trademark) 907, 184, 651, 819, 250 and 369, 379, 127, 754, OXE01, OXE02, OXE03 (manufactured by BASF); Omnirad BCIM, Esacure 1001M, Esacure KIP160 (IDM Resins). Examples include: BV Corporation; Seikaol (registered trademark) BZ, Z, and BEE (manufactured by Seiko Chemical Co., Ltd.); Kayacure (registered trademark) BP100 and UVI-6992 (manufactured by Dow Chemical Ltd.); Adeka Optomer SP-152, N-1717, N-1919, SP-170, Adeka Arclus NCI-831, Adeka Arclus NCI-930 (manufactured by ADEKA Corporation); TAZ-A and TAZ-PP (manufactured by Nippon Siber Hegner Co., Ltd.); and TAZ-104 (manufactured by Sanwa Chemical Co., Ltd.).

[0070] The content of the polymerization initiator is preferably 0.1 to 20 parts by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 15 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.5 to 10 parts by mass, and particularly preferably 0.5 to 8 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound. When the content of the polymerization initiator is within the above range, the polymerization reaction can be carried out without significantly disrupting the orientation of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound.

[0071] The optically anisotropic film may contain a leveling agent. The leveling agent has the function of adjusting the fluidity of the composition for forming the optically anisotropic film and making the coating obtained by applying the composition flatter. Specifically, surfactants are examples of such agents. As the leveling agent, at least one selected from the group consisting of leveling agents mainly composed of polyacrylate compounds and leveling agents mainly composed of fluorine atom-containing compounds is preferred. Leveling agents can be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0072] Examples of leveling agents primarily composed of polyacrylate compounds include BYK-350, BYK-352, BYK-353, BYK-354, BYK-355, BYK-358N, BYK-361N, BYK-380, BYK-381, and BYK-392 (BYK Chemie).

[0073] Examples of leveling agents whose main component is a fluorine atom-containing compound include Megafac® R-08, R-30, R-90, F-410, F-411, F-443, F-445, F-470, F-471, F-477, F-479, F-482 and F-483 (DIC Corporation); Surflon® S-381, S-382, S-383, S-393, SC-101, SC-105, KH-40 and SA-100 (AGC Seimi Chemical Co., Ltd.); E1830, E5844 (Daikin Fine Chemical Laboratories, Inc.); F-Top EF301, F-Top EF303, F-Top EF351 and F-Top EF352 (Mitsubishi Materials Electronic Chemicals Co., Ltd.).

[0074] If the optically anisotropic film contains a leveling agent, its content is preferably 0.01 to 5 parts by mass, and more preferably 0.05 to 3 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound. When the leveling agent content is within the above range, it tends to be easier to orient the polymerizable liquid crystal compound, less unevenness occurs, and a smoother optically anisotropic film can be obtained.

[0075] The optically anisotropic film may contain additives other than leveling agents. Examples of other additives include photosensitizers, antioxidants, mold release agents, stabilizers, colorants such as bluing agents, flame retardants, and lubricants. When other additives are included, the content of the other additives is preferably more than 0% and 20% by mass or less, and more preferably more than 0% and 10% by mass or less, relative to the solid content of the optically anisotropic film-forming composition.

[0076] Compositions for forming optically anisotropic films can be prepared by conventionally known methods for preparing liquid crystal compositions, and are typically prepared by mixing and stirring polymerizable liquid crystal compounds and dichroic dyes, as well as polymerization initiators and additives as needed. Furthermore, since liquid crystal compounds that generally exhibit smectic liquid crystal properties have high viscosity, viscosity adjustment may be performed by adding a solvent to the composition for forming optically anisotropic films to improve the coatability of the composition and facilitate the formation of optically anisotropic films.

[0077] The solvent can be appropriately selected according to the solubility of the polymerizable liquid crystalline compound and dichroic dye used, and it is preferable that the solvent be able to completely dissolve the components and is inert to the polymerization reaction.

[0078] Examples of solvents include alcoholic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol butyl ether, and propylene glycol monomethyl ether; ester solvents such as ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, ethylene glycol methyl ether acetate, γ-butyrolactone or propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, and ethyl lactate; ketone solvents such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone, 2-heptanone, and methyl isobutyl ketone; aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents such as pentane, hexane, and heptane; aromatic hydrocarbon solvents such as toluene and xylene, and nitrile solvents such as acetonitrile; ether solvents such as tetrahydrofuran and dimethoxyethane; and chlorine-containing solvents such as chloroform and chlorobenzene. These solvents may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0079] The solvent content is preferably 50 to 98 parts by mass, more preferably 70 to 95 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the optical anisotropic film-forming composition. Therefore, the solid content in 100 parts by mass of the optical anisotropic film-forming composition is preferably 2 to 50 parts by mass. If the solid content is 50 parts by mass or less, the viscosity of the optical anisotropic film-forming composition becomes low, which tends to result in a nearly uniform film thickness and reduced unevenness. The above solid content can be appropriately determined considering the thickness of the optical anisotropic film to be manufactured.

[0080] The optically anisotropic film of the present invention is a film cured in which a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and at least two dichroic dyes are oriented perpendicular to the film plane, and it is preferable that the following formula (14) is satisfied when any direction within the optically anisotropic film plane is defined as the x-axis, the direction perpendicular to the x-axis within the film plane is defined as the y-axis, and the film thickness direction perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis is defined as the z-axis. Az > (Ax + Ay) / 2 (14) [Ax, Ay, and Az are all absorbances of dichroic dyes in optically anisotropic films at the wavelength of absorption maximum, Ax represents the absorbance of linearly polarized light vibrating in the x-axis direction. Ay represents the absorbance of linearly polarized light vibrating in the y-axis direction. Az represents the absorbance of linearly polarized light vibrating in the z-axis direction.

[0081] Ax can be measured by incident linearly polarized light vibrating in the x-axis direction toward the film surface from the z-axis direction. Ay can be measured by incident linearly polarized light vibrating in the y-axis direction toward the film surface from the z-axis direction. Az can be measured, for example, by incident linearly polarized light vibrating in the z-axis direction toward the side surface of the film from the xy-plane direction, that is, perpendicular to the side surface (thickness direction) when the optically anisotropic film is considered as the xy-plane.

[0082] By using a polymerizable liquid crystal compound that forms a smectic liquid crystal phase, particularly a higher-order smectic liquid crystal phase, it is easy to obtain an optically anisotropic film in which the polymerizable liquid crystal compound and at least two dichroic dyes are highly orderedly oriented perpendicular to the film plane. This results in an optically anisotropic film that exhibits excellent light transmittance from the front and effectively absorbs light of specific wavelengths from oblique directions.

[0083] The thickness of the optically anisotropic film may be, for example, 0.05 μm to 5 μm, preferably 0.1 μm or more, more preferably 0.3 μm or more, and also preferably 3 μm or less, more preferably 2 μm or less. If the thickness of the optically anisotropic film is above the lower limit, light absorption from oblique directions is improved, and the oblique hue when displaying white is easily enhanced. If the thickness is below the upper limit, the orientation of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound and dichroic dye is less likely to be disrupted, high transmittance in the front direction can be ensured, and a thinner design can be expected when incorporated into a display device, etc. The thickness of the optically anisotropic film can be measured using a laser microscope or a film thickness gauge, and the same method can be used to measure the thickness of each layer constituting the laminate containing the optically anisotropic film.

[0084] In the present invention, the optically anisotropic film is preferably a liquid crystal cured film with a high degree of orientational order. Liquid crystal cured films with a high degree of orientational order yield Bragg peaks in X-ray diffraction measurements that originate from higher-order structures such as the hexatic phase and the crystalline phase. A Bragg peak refers to a peak that originates from the periodic plane structure of molecular orientation. Therefore, it is preferable that the optically anisotropic film of the present invention exhibits a Bragg peak in X-ray diffraction measurements. In other words, in the optically anisotropic film of the present invention, it is preferable that the polymerizable liquid crystal compound or its polymer is oriented such that the film exhibits a Bragg peak in X-ray diffraction measurements. In the present invention, an optically anisotropic film with a periodic plane spacing of molecular orientation of 3.0 to 6.0 Å is preferred. A high degree of orientational order that exhibits a Bragg peak can be achieved by controlling the type of polymerizable liquid crystal compound used, the type and amount of dichroic dye, and the type and amount of polymerization initiator.

[0085] In the present invention, an optically anisotropic film is obtained by orienting the absorption axis of the dichroic dye in a direction perpendicular to the film surface. In such a host-guest type optically anisotropic film, the direction of the absorption axis of the dichroic dye is usually controlled by the direction in which the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is oriented. By orienting the molecular long axis of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound in a direction perpendicular to the film surface, the absorption axis of the dichroic dye can usually be oriented perpendicular to the film surface. The orientation direction of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound can be controlled by the properties of the substrate to which the optically anisotropic film-forming composition containing the polymerizable liquid crystal compound and the dichroic dye is coated, or by the properties of the orientation film, as well as the properties of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound.

[0086] The optical anisotropic film of the present invention is, for example, A step of forming a coating film on a substrate with or without an alignment film of an optically anisotropic film-forming composition containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and at least two dichroic dyes, A step of drying the obtained coating film to obtain a dried coating film, and, A process of curing the coating film in which the polymerizable liquid crystal compound and the dichroic dye in the coating film are oriented perpendicularly to the surface of the coating film. It can be manufactured by a method that includes [a specific component].

[0087] Examples of substrates include glass substrates and film substrates, but resin film substrates are preferred from the viewpoint of processability. Examples of resins constituting the film substrate include polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and norbornene polymers; cyclic olefin resins; polyvinyl alcohol; polyethylene terephthalate; polymethacrylate esters; polyacrylic acid esters; cellulose esters such as triacetylcellulose, diacetylcellulose, and cellulose acetate propionate; polyethylene naphthalate; polycarbonate; polysulfone; polyethersulfone; polyetherketone; and plastics such as polyphenylene sulfide and polyphenylene oxide. Such resins can be formed into a film to serve as the substrate by known means such as solvent casting or melt extrusion. The surface of the substrate may have a protective layer formed from acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, epoxy resin, oxetane resin, urethane resin, melamine resin, etc., and may be subjected to surface treatments such as mold release treatments like silicone treatment, corona treatment, or plasma treatment.

[0088] Commercially available products may be used as the base material. Examples of commercially available cellulose ester base materials include cellulose ester base materials manufactured by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., such as Fujitac Film; and cellulose ester base materials manufactured by Konica Minolta Opto, Inc., such as "KC8UX2M," "KC8UY," and "KC4UY." Examples of commercially available cyclic olefin resins include cyclic olefin resins manufactured by Ticona GmbH (Germany), such as "Topas®"; cyclic olefin resins manufactured by JSR Corporation, such as "Arton®"; cyclic olefin resins manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd., such as "ZEONOR®" and "ZEONEX®"; and cyclic olefin resins manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., such as "APPEL®." Commercially available cyclic olefin resin base materials can also be used. Examples of commercially available cyclic olefin resin substrates include cyclic olefin resin substrates manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., such as "S-Cina®" and "SCA40®"; cyclic olefin resin substrates manufactured by Optes Co., Ltd., such as "Zeonor Film®"; and cyclic olefin resin substrates manufactured by JSR Corporation, such as "Arton Film®".

[0089] The thickness of the substrate is not particularly limited, and is usually 5 to 300 μm, and may be 10 to 150 μm.

[0090] In the present invention, the optically anisotropic film may be formed on an alignment film. The alignment film has an orientation-regulating force that causes polymerizable liquid crystal compounds to be liquid crystal-aligned in a desired direction, and an optically anisotropic film with high precision can be easily obtained by applying an optically anisotropic film-forming composition onto the alignment film. The alignment film is preferably solvent-resistant, not dissolved by the application of the optically anisotropic film-forming composition, and also has heat resistance for solvent removal and heat treatment for the orientation of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound. Examples of such alignment films include an alignment film containing a compound that can promote the orientation of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds in a direction perpendicular to the film plane (hereinafter referred to as "vertical alignment promoting compound"), and an alignment film containing an oriented polymer.

[0091] An orientation film containing a vertical orientation promoting compound is typically obtained by coating a substrate with a composition in which the vertical orientation promoting compound is dissolved in a solvent (hereinafter also referred to as the "vertical orientation promoting compound-containing composition") and then removing the solvent. Examples of solvents include water, alcohol solvents, mixed solvents of water and alcohol, and other solvents similar to those exemplified above that can be used in compositions for forming optically anisotropic films.

[0092] Examples of vertical orientation promoting compounds include silicon polymers such as polysilanes, silicone resins such as silicone oils and silicone resins, and nonionic silane compounds such as silicone oligomers, silethsiloxanes, and alkoxysilanes (more specifically, silane coupling agents, etc.), with silane coupling agents being preferred.

[0093] The concentration of the vertical orientation promoting compound in the composition containing the vertical orientation promoting compound should be within a range in which the vertical orientation promoting compound can be completely dissolved in the solvent, but it is preferably 0.1 to 20% in terms of solid content relative to the solution, and more preferably about 0.1 to 10%.

[0094] Orientation films containing oriented polymers are typically obtained by applying a composition in which the oriented polymer is dissolved in a solvent (hereinafter also referred to as the "oriented polymer composition") to a substrate and removing the solvent, or by applying the oriented polymer composition to a substrate, removing the solvent, and rubbing (rubbing method). Examples of solvents include those similar to those previously exemplified as solvents that can be used in compositions for forming optically anisotropic films.

[0095] Examples of oriented polymers include polyamides and gelatins having amide bonds in their molecules, polyimides having imide bonds in their molecules and their hydrolysates such as polyamic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, alkyl-modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide, polyoxazole, polyethyleneimine, polystyrene, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid, and polyacrylic acid esters. Among these, polyvinyl alcohol is preferred. The oriented polymers can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0096] The concentration of the oriented polymer in the oriented polymer composition should be within a range in which the oriented polymer material can be completely dissolved in the solvent, but it is preferably 0.1 to 20% in terms of solid content relative to the solution, and more preferably about 0.1 to 10%.

[0097] As the oriented polymer composition, commercially available oriented film materials may be used as is. Examples of commercially available oriented film materials include SunEver (registered trademark, manufactured by Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.) and Optomer (registered trademark, manufactured by JSR Corporation).

[0098] Methods for applying an oriented polymer composition to a substrate include known methods such as spin coating, extrusion, gravure coating, die coating, bar coating, and applicator coating, as well as printing methods such as flexographic coating.

[0099] Methods for removing solvents contained in oriented polymer compositions include natural drying, forced-air drying, heat drying, and reduced-pressure drying.

[0100] To impart orientation-restricting force to the orientation film, a rubbing process can be performed as needed (rubbing method). One method of imparting orientation-restricting force using the rubbing method involves applying an orientation-restricting polymer composition to a substrate and annealing it to bring the orientation-restricting polymer film formed on the substrate surface into contact with a rotating rubbing roll around which a rubbing cloth is wrapped. By performing masking during the rubbing process, multiple regions (patterns) with different orientation directions can be formed on the orientation film.

[0101] Methods for applying an optically anisotropic film-forming composition to a substrate include those similar to those exemplified for applying an oriented polymer composition to a substrate.

[0102] If the composition for forming an optically anisotropic film contains a solvent, the solvent is usually removed from the applied composition. Methods for removing the solvent include natural drying, forced-air drying, heat drying, and reduced-pressure drying. Preferably, the dried coating is dried so that the residual solvent in the optically anisotropic film is 1% by weight or less of the total mass of the optically anisotropic film. Each condition, such as drying temperature and drying time, can be appropriately determined depending on the composition of the composition for forming the optically anisotropic film, the material of the film substrate, etc.

[0103] Polymerizable liquid crystal compounds in a coating film are typically heated above the temperature at which they transition to a liquid crystal state or solution state, and then cooled to the temperature at which they become liquid crystal oriented. This causes them to orient together with the dichroic dye and form a liquid crystal phase.

[0104] The temperature at which the polymerizable liquid crystal compound in the coating film aligns can be determined in advance by observing the texture of a composition containing the polymerizable liquid crystal compound. Alternatively, solvent removal and liquid crystal orientation may be performed simultaneously. The temperature for this process depends on the solvent to be removed and the type of polymerizable liquid crystal compound used, but is preferably in the range of 50 to 200°C, and more preferably in the range of 80 to 130°C.

[0105] By polymerizing and curing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound while maintaining its liquid crystal state, an optically anisotropic film is formed as a cured film of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition. Photopolymerization is preferred as the polymerization method. In photopolymerization, the light (active energy rays) irradiated onto the dried coating film is appropriately selected according to the type of polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the dried coating film (especially the type of polymerizable group possessed by the polymerizable liquid crystal compound), the type of polymerization initiator, and their amounts. A liquid crystal cured film containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound polymerized while maintaining the (higher-order) smectic phase liquid crystal phase has higher polarization performance compared to a conventional liquid crystal cured film obtained by polymerizing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound while maintaining the nematic phase liquid crystal phase, and also exhibits superior polarization performance and film strength compared to films coated only with dichroic dyes or lyotropic liquid crystals.

[0106] Examples of light sources for active energy rays include low-pressure mercury lamps, medium-pressure mercury lamps, high-pressure mercury lamps, ultra-high-pressure mercury lamps, xenon lamps, halogen lamps, carbon arc lamps, tungsten lamps, gallium lamps, excimer lasers, LED light sources emitting in the wavelength range of 380-440 nm, chemical lamps, black light lamps, microwave-excited mercury lamps, and metal halide lamps. Preferably, the light source has an emission distribution with a wavelength of 400 nm or less, such as low-pressure mercury lamps, medium-pressure mercury lamps, high-pressure mercury lamps, ultra-high-pressure mercury lamps, chemical lamps, black light lamps, microwave-excited mercury lamps, and metal halide lamps, and is more preferably ultraviolet light parallel to the normal direction of the substrate.

[0107] The irradiation energy of the active energy rays is in the wavelength range effective for activating polymerization initiators, with an irradiation intensity of 10-5000 mJ / cm². 2 It is preferable to set it to such a value, and more preferably to 100-2000 mJ / cm². 2 That is the case.

[0108] <Laminate> The laminate of the present invention includes the optical anisotropic film, polarizing film, and horizontal orientation phase difference film of the present invention. By laminating the optical anisotropic film of the present invention onto a laminate that includes the polarizing film and horizontal orientation phase difference film and functions as a circular polarizer, the hue difference between the front hue and the oblique hue can be effectively reduced when displaying white, and good image display characteristics can be achieved when incorporated into an organic EL display device or the like.

[0109] The polarizing film constituting the laminate of the present invention is a film that has the function of extracting linearly polarized light from incident natural light. Examples of polarizing films include stretched films on which an absorption-anisotropic dye is adsorbed, and films containing a film coated with an absorption-anisotropic dye as a polarizer. Examples of absorption-anisotropic dyes include dichroic dyes.

[0110] A film containing a stretched film on which an absorption anisotropic dye is adsorbed as a polarizer is typically manufactured by a process of uniaxial stretching of a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film, a process of dyeing the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film with a dichroic dye to adsorb the dichroic dye, a process of treating the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film on which the dichroic dye has been adsorbed with an aqueous boric acid solution, and a process of washing with water after treatment with the aqueous boric acid solution.

[0111] Polyvinyl alcohol-based resins are obtained by saponifying polyvinyl acetate-based resins. Polyvinyl acetate-based resins include polyvinyl acetate, which is a homopolymer of vinyl acetate, as well as copolymers of vinyl acetate with other monomers copolymerizable thereto. Examples of other monomers copolymerizable with vinyl acetate include unsaturated carboxylic acids, olefins, vinyl ethers, unsaturated sulfonic acids, and acrylamides having ammonium groups.

[0112] The degree of saponification of the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin is typically around 85 to 100 mol%, preferably 98 mol% or higher. The polyvinyl alcohol-based resin may be modified; for example, polyvinyl formal or polyvinyl acetal modified with aldehydes can also be used. The average degree of polymerization of the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin is typically around 1,000 to 10,000, preferably in the range of 1,500 to 5,000.

[0113] A film made from such polyvinyl alcohol-based resin is used as the base film for polarizing films. The method for producing the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film is not particularly limited and can be done by known methods. The film thickness of the polyvinyl alcohol-based base film can be, for example, about 10 to 150 μm.

[0114] Uniaxial stretching of polyvinyl alcohol-based resin films can be performed before, simultaneously with, or after dyeing with dichroic dyes. When uniaxial stretching is performed after dyeing, it may be performed before or during boric acid treatment. It is also possible to perform uniaxial stretching at multiple stages. Uniaxial stretching may be performed uniaxially between rolls with different peripheral speeds, or using a heated roll. Uniaxial stretching may be performed using dry stretching in the atmosphere, or wet stretching in which the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film is swollen with a solvent before stretching. The stretching ratio is usually around 3 to 8 times.

[0115] Dyeing of polyvinyl alcohol-based resin films with dichroic dyes is carried out, for example, by immersing the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film in an aqueous solution containing a dichroic dye.

[0116] Specifically, iodine and dichroic organic dyes are used as dichroic dyes. Examples of dichroic organic dyes include dichroic direct dyes made from disazo compounds such as CI DIRECT RED 39, and dichroic direct dyes made from compounds such as trisazo and tetrakissazo. It is preferable to immerse the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film in water before dyeing.

[0117] When iodine is used as a dichroic dye, the usual method involves immersing a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film in an aqueous solution containing iodine and potassium iodide for dyeing. The iodine content in this aqueous solution is typically about 0.01 to 1 part by mass per 100 parts by mass of water. The potassium iodide content is typically about 0.5 to 20 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of water. The temperature of the aqueous solution used for staining is typically about 20 to 40°C. The immersion time (staining time) in this aqueous solution is typically about 20 to 1,800 seconds.

[0118] On the other hand, when using dichroic organic dyes as dichroic pigments, the usual method involves immersing a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film in an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble dichroic dye for dyeing. The content of dichroic organic dyes in this aqueous solution is typically 1 × 10⁻⁶ per 100 parts by mass of water. -4 It is approximately 10 parts by mass, preferably 1 × 10 -3 It is approximately 1 part by mass, and more preferably 1 × 10 -3 ~1 × 10 -2 This is in parts by mass. This aqueous solution may contain inorganic salts such as sodium sulfate as dyeing aids. The temperature of the dichroic dye aqueous solution used for dyeing is usually around 20 to 80°C. The immersion time (dyeing time) in this aqueous solution is usually around 10 to 1,800 seconds.

[0119] Boric acid treatment after dyeing with a dichroic dye can usually be performed by immersing the dyed polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film in an aqueous boric acid solution. The boric acid content in this aqueous boric acid solution is usually about 2 to 15 parts by mass, preferably 5 to 12 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of water. When iodine is used as the dichroic dye, it is preferable that this aqueous boric acid solution contains potassium iodide, in which case the potassium iodide content is usually about 0.1 to 15 parts by mass, preferably 5 to 12 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of water. The immersion time in the aqueous boric acid solution is usually about 60 to 1,200 seconds, preferably 150 to 600 seconds, and more preferably 200 to 400 seconds. The temperature for the boric acid treatment is usually 50°C or higher, preferably 50 to 85°C, and more preferably 60 to 80°C.

[0120] Polyvinyl alcohol-based resin films treated with boric acid are typically washed with water. This washing can be performed, for example, by immersing the boric acid-treated polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film in water. The water temperature during this washing process is usually around 5 to 40°C. The immersion time is typically around 1 to 120 seconds.

[0121] After washing with water, a drying process is performed to obtain a polarizing film (polarizer). The drying process can be carried out, for example, using a hot air dryer or a far-infrared heater. The drying temperature is usually around 30 to 100°C, preferably 50 to 80°C. The drying time is usually around 60 to 600 seconds, preferably 120 to 600 seconds. Through the drying process, the moisture content of the polarizing film is reduced to a practical level. The moisture content is usually around 5 to 20% by mass, preferably 8 to 15% by mass. When the moisture content is within the above range, a polarizing film with appropriate flexibility and excellent thermal stability can be obtained.

[0122] The thickness of the polarizing film obtained by uniaxial stretching, dyeing with a dichroic dye, boric acid treatment, water washing, and drying of a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film is preferably 5 to 40 μm.

[0123] Examples of films coated with an absorption anisotropy dye include films obtained by coating a composition containing a liquid crystalline dichroic dye or a composition containing a dichroic dye and a polymerizable liquid crystal.

[0124] While a thin film coated with an absorption-anisotropic dye is preferable, if it is too thin, its strength decreases and it tends to have poor processability. The thickness of the film is usually 20 μm or less, preferably 5 μm or less, and more preferably 0.5 to 3 μm.

[0125] Specific examples of films coated with the aforementioned absorption anisotropy dye include the film described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-33249, etc.

[0126] A transparent protective layer may be laminated to one or both sides of the polarizing film obtained in this manner, for example, via an adhesive layer. The transparent protective layer can contribute to preventing shrinkage and expansion of the polarizing film, preventing deterioration of the polarizing film due to temperature, humidity, ultraviolet rays, etc., and preventing scratches on the polarizing film. As the protective film, a transparent film similar to the resin film exemplified earlier as a substrate that can be used in the manufacture of optically anisotropic films can be used.

[0127] The laminate of the present invention includes a horizontally oriented phase difference film. The horizontally oriented phase difference film that can constitute the laminate of the present invention means a phase difference film oriented horizontally with respect to the in-plane direction of the film, and may be, for example, a stretched film or a cured product of a polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound (hereinafter also referred to as a "horizontally oriented liquid crystal cured film composition"), wherein the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is cured in a state in which it is oriented horizontally with respect to the plane of the phase difference film (hereinafter also referred to as a "horizontally oriented liquid crystal cured film").

[0128] In the present invention, it is preferable that the horizontally aligned phase difference film satisfies the following formulas (15) and (16). ReA(450) / ReA(550)≦1.0 (15) 1.0 ≤ ReA(650) / ReA(550) (16) [In equations (15) and (16), ReA(λ) represents the in-plane phase difference value of the horizontally oriented phase difference film at a wavelength of λnm, and ReA(λ) = (nxA(λ) - nyA(λ)) × dA (wherein nxA(λ) represents the principal refractive index at a wavelength of λnm in the plane of the horizontally oriented phase difference film, nyA(λ) represents the refractive index at a wavelength of λnm in a direction perpendicular to the direction of nxA within the same plane as nxA, and dA represents the film thickness of the horizontally oriented phase difference film)]

[0129] When a horizontally aligned phase difference film satisfies formulas (15) and (16), the horizontally aligned phase difference film exhibits so-called inverse wavelength dispersion, where the in-plane phase difference value at short wavelengths is smaller than the in-plane phase difference value at long wavelengths. For example, when such a horizontally aligned phase difference film is combined with the optical anisotropy film of the present invention, it can show excellent effects in improving the front hue and oblique hue when displaying white, as well as improving the front reflected hue when displaying black, when incorporated into an organic EL display device. Because the inverse wavelength dispersion is improved and the effect of improving the front reflected hue of the horizontally aligned phase difference film can be further enhanced, ReA(450) / ReA(550) is preferably 0.70 or higher, more preferably 0.78 or higher, and also preferably 0.92 or lower, more preferably 0.90 or lower, even more preferably 0.87 or lower, particularly preferably 0.86 or lower, and most particularly preferably 0.85 or lower. Furthermore, ReA(650) / ReA(550) is preferably 1.01 or higher, more preferably 1.02 or higher. Furthermore, the effect of improving (changing) the "front reflection hue when displaying black" mentioned above refers to the improvement effect on the front reflection hue when displaying black (i.e., the effect of reducing light leakage when viewed from the front when displaying black) when an optical anisotropy film and a horizontally aligned phase difference film are applied to a display device in combination.

[0130] The above in-plane phase difference value can be adjusted by the thickness dA of the horizontally oriented phase difference film. Since the in-plane phase difference value is determined by the above formula ReA(λ)=(nxA(λ)-nyA(λ))×dA, to obtain the desired in-plane phase difference value (ReA(λ): in-plane phase difference value of the horizontally oriented phase difference film at wavelength λ (nm)), the three-dimensional refractive index and the film thickness dA should be adjusted.

[0131] Furthermore, it is preferable that the horizontally aligned phase difference film satisfies the following formula (17). 120nm ≤ ReA(550) ≤ 170nm (17) [In equation (17), ReA(λ) has the same meaning as above.] When the in-plane phase difference ReA(550) of the horizontally oriented phase difference film is within the range of equation (17), the effect of improving the front reflection hue during black display (effect of suppressing coloration) when the laminate (elliptic polarizer) containing the horizontally oriented phase difference film is applied to an organic EL display device becomes significant. A more preferable range for the in-plane phase difference value is 130 nm ≤ ReA(550) ≤ 150 nm.

[0132] Since the desired phase difference of the phase difference film can be easily controlled and thinned, it is preferable that the horizontally aligned phase difference film be a horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured film. As the polymerizable liquid crystal compound for forming the horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured film, polymerizable liquid crystal compounds conventionally known in the field of phase difference films can be used.

[0133] The polymerizable liquid crystal compound that forms the horizontally oriented liquid crystal cured film is a liquid crystal compound having at least one polymerizable group. Generally, polymerizable liquid crystal compounds include polymerizable liquid crystal compounds that exhibit positive wavelength dispersibility and polymerizable liquid crystal compounds that exhibit inverse wavelength dispersibility, obtained by polymerizing the polymerizable liquid crystal compound alone in a state oriented in a specific direction. In the present invention, only one type of polymerizable liquid crystal compound may be used, or both types of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds may be used in mixture form. From the viewpoint of easily improving the optical properties of the laminate, the horizontally oriented phase difference film in the laminate of the present invention is preferably a cured film of a polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound that exhibits so-called inverse wavelength dispersibility.

[0134] In the present invention, the polymerizable groups of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound that forms the horizontally oriented liquid crystal cured film are preferably photopolymerizable groups. Examples of photopolymerizable groups include those similar to those that may be present in polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A) that forms an optically anisotropic film. Among these, (meth)acryloyl groups, vinyloxy groups, oxyranyl groups, and oxetanyl groups are preferred, with acryloyl groups being more preferred.

[0135] The polymerizable liquid crystal compound that forms the horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured film may exhibit thermotropic or lyotropic liquid crystal properties, but thermotropic liquid crystals are preferred because they allow for precise control of film thickness. Furthermore, the phase order structure in the thermotropic liquid crystal may be nematic, smectic, or discotic liquid crystal. The polymerizable liquid crystal compound that forms the horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured film can be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0136] Polymerizable liquid crystal compounds having a so-called T-shaped or H-shaped molecular structure tend to exhibit inverse wavelength dispersion when polymerized and cured, and polymerizable liquid crystal compounds having a T-shaped molecular structure tend to exhibit stronger inverse wavelength dispersion.

[0137] As a polymerizable liquid crystal compound exhibiting inverse wavelength dispersion, it is preferable to have a compound having the following characteristics (a) to (d). (a) A compound that can form a nematic or smectic phase. (i) The polymerizable liquid crystal compound has π electrons along the long axis (a). (c) It has π electrons in a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis (a) [intersecting direction (b)]. (e) The π electron density in the long axis direction (a) of a polymerizable liquid crystal compound defined by the following formula (i), where N(πa) is the total number of π electrons present in the long axis direction (a) and N(Aa) is the total molecular weight present in the long axis direction: D(πa)=N(πa) / N(Aa) (i) The π electron density in the cross direction (b) of a polymerizable liquid crystal compound defined by the following formula (ii), where N(πb) is the total number of π electrons present in the cross direction (b) and N(Ab) is the total molecular weight present in the cross direction (b): D(πb) = N(πb) / N(Ab) (ii) And, equation (iii) 0≦[D(πa) / D(πb)]<1 (iii) This relationship exists [that is, the π electron density in the intersecting direction (b) is greater than the π electron density in the long axis direction (a)]. As described above, polymerizable liquid crystal compounds having π electrons on the long axis and in the direction intersecting it generally tend to form a T-shaped structure.

[0138] In the characteristics described in (a) to (d) above, the major axis direction (a) and the number of π electrons N are defined as follows. • The longitudinal axis direction (a) is, for example, the longitudinal axis direction of the rod-shaped structure of a compound. The number of π electrons N(πa) located along the long axis (a) does not include the π electrons that are lost due to polymerization reactions. The number of π electrons N(πa) located along the long axis (a) is the total number of π electrons on the long axis and their conjugate π electrons, and includes, for example, the number of π electrons in a ring located along the long axis (a) that satisfies Hückel's rule. The number of π electrons N(πb) present in the intersecting direction (b) does not include the π electrons that are lost due to polymerization reactions. Polymerizable liquid crystal compounds that satisfy the above conditions have a mesogenic structure along their long axis. This mesogenic structure gives rise to the liquid crystal phase (nematic phase, smectic phase).

[0139] By heating a polymerizable liquid crystal compound that satisfies the above conditions (a) to (d) above to a temperature above the phase transition temperature, it is possible to form a nematic phase or a smectic phase. In the nematic or smectic phase formed by the orientation of this polymerizable liquid crystal compound, the long axes of the polymerizable liquid crystal compounds are usually oriented parallel to each other, and this long axis direction becomes the orientation direction of the nematic or smectic phase. When such a polymerizable liquid crystal compound is made into a film and polymerized in the nematic or smectic phase state, a polymer film can be formed consisting of polymers polymerized in a state oriented along the long axis (a). This polymer film absorbs ultraviolet light by π electrons along the long axis (a) and π electrons along the intersecting direction (b). Here, the wavelength of maximum absorption of ultraviolet light absorbed by π electrons along the intersecting direction (b) is denoted as λbmax. λbmax is usually 300 nm to 400 nm. The density of π electrons satisfies equation (iii) above, and the π electron density in the crossing direction (b) is greater than the π electron density in the long axis direction (a). Therefore, the polymer film absorbs linearly polarized ultraviolet light (wavelength λbmax) with a vibration plane in the crossing direction (b) greater than the absorption of linearly polarized ultraviolet light (wavelength λbmax) with a vibration plane in the long axis direction (a). The ratio (the ratio of absorbance in the crossing direction (b) of linearly polarized ultraviolet light to the absorbance in the long axis direction (a)) is, for example, greater than 1.0, preferably 1.2 or more, usually 30 or less, and for example 10 or less.

[0140] Polymerizable liquid crystal compounds having the above characteristics generally exhibit inverse wavelength dispersion in the birefringence of the polymer when polymerized in a unidirectional orientation. Specifically, for example, a compound represented by the following formula (X) (hereinafter also referred to as "polymerizable liquid crystal compound (X)") can be cited. [ka]

[0141] In formula (X), Ar represents a divalent group having an aromatic group which may have a substituent. Examples of the aromatic group herein include the groups exemplified by (Ar-1) to (Ar-23) described later. Also, Ar may have two or more aromatic groups. At least one of a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, and a sulfur atom may be contained in the aromatic group. When there are two or more aromatic groups contained in Ar, the two or more aromatic groups may be bonded to each other by a divalent bonding group such as a single bond, -CO-O-, or -O-.

[0142] In formula (X), G 1 and G 2 each independently represent a divalent aromatic group or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group. Here, the hydrogen atom contained in the divalent aromatic group or the divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a fluoroalkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a cyano group, or a nitro group, and the carbon atom constituting the divalent aromatic group or the divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a nitrogen atom.

[0143] In formula (X), L 1 and L 2 and B 1 and B 2 each independently represent a single bond or a divalent linking group.

[0144] In formula (X), k and l each independently represent an integer of 0 to 3 and satisfy the relationship of 1 ≦ k + l. Here, when 2 ≦ k + l, B 1 and B 2 and G 1 and G 2 may each be the same as or different from each other.

[0145] In formula (X), E 1 and E 2Each of these independently represents an alkanediyl group having 1 to 17 carbon atoms, with an alkanediyl group having 4 to 12 carbon atoms being more preferred. Furthermore, the hydrogen atoms in the alkanediyl group may be substituted with halogen atoms, and the -CH2- in the alkanediyl group may be substituted with -O-, -S-, or -C(=O)-.

[0146] In formula (X), P 1 and P 2 Each of these independently represents a polymerizable group or a hydrogen atom, and at least one of them is a polymerizable group.

[0147] G 1 and G 2 Each of these is independently preferably a 1,4-phenylenediyl group which may be substituted with at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a halogen atom and an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a 1,4-cyclohexanediyl group which may be substituted with at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a halogen atom and an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably a methyl-substituted 1,4-phenylenediyl group, an unsubstituted 1,4-phenylenediyl group, or an unsubstituted 1,4-trans-cyclohexanediyl group, and particularly preferably an unsubstituted 1,4-phenylenediyl group or an unsubstituted 1,4-trans-cyclohexandiyl group. Also, there are multiple G 1 and G 2 Preferably, at least one of them is a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group, and L 1 or L 2 G that joins 1 and G 2 It is more preferable that at least one of these is a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group.

[0148] L 1 and L 2 Each of these is independently, preferably a single bond, an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -O-, -S-, -R a1 Ure a2 -, -R a3 COOR a4 -, -Ra5 OCOR a6 -, -R a7 OC=OOR a8 -, -N=N-, -CR c =CR d -, or -C≡C-. Here, R a1 ~R a8 Each of these independently represents a single bond or an alkylene group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R c and R d L represents an alkyl group or hydrogen atom with 1 to 4 carbon atoms. 1 and L 2 Each is independently, more preferably a single bond, -OR a2-1 -, -CH2-, -CH2CH2-, -COOR a4-1 -, or -OCOR a6-1 - is the case here R a2-1 , R a4-1 , R a6-1 Each of these independently represents either a single bond, -CH2-, or -CH2CH2-. 1 and L 2 Each of these is independently, and more preferably, a single bond, -O-, -CH2CH2-, -COO-, -COOCH2CH2-, or -OCO-.

[0149] B 1 and B 2 Each of these is independently, preferably a single bond, an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -O-, -S-, -R a9 Ure a10 -, -R a11 COOR a12 -, -R a13 OCOR a14 -, or -R a15 OC=OOR a16 - is the case here R a9 ~R a16 Each of these independently represents a single bond or an alkylene group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms. 1 and B 2 Each is independently, more preferably a single bond, -OR a10-1 -, -CH2-, -CH2CH2-, -COOR a12-1 -, or -OCOR a14-1 - is the case here Ra10-1 , R a12-1 , R a14-1 Each of these independently represents either a single bond, -CH2-, or -CH2CH2-. 1 and B 2 Each of these is independently, and more preferably, a single bond, -O-, -CH2CH2-, -COO-, -COOCH2CH2-, -OCO-, or -OCOCH2CH2-.

[0150] From the viewpoint of exhibiting inverse wavelength dispersion, k and l are preferably in the range of 2 ≤ k + l ≤ 6, preferably k + l = 4, and more preferably k = 2 and l = 2. The case where k = 2 and l = 2 is preferable because it results in a symmetric structure.

[0151] P 1 or P 2 Examples of polymerizable groups represented by include epoxy groups, vinyl groups, vinyloxy groups, 1-chlorovinyl groups, isopropenyl groups, 4-vinylphenyl groups, (meth)acryloyl groups, oxyranyl groups, and oxetanyl groups. Among these, (meth)acryloyl groups, vinyl groups, and vinyloxy groups are preferred, with (meth)acryloyl groups being more preferred.

[0152] It is preferable that Ar has at least one selected from an aromatic hydrocarbon ring which may have substituents, an aromatic heterocycle which may have substituents, and an electron-withdrawing group. Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon ring include a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, an anthracene ring, etc., with benzene rings and naphthalene rings being preferred. Examples of the aromatic heterocycle include a furan ring, a benzofuran ring, a pyrrole ring, an indole ring, a thiophene ring, a benzothiophene ring, a pyridine ring, a pyrazine ring, a pyrimidine ring, a triazole ring, a triazine ring, a pyrroline ring, a pyrodazole ring, an imidazole ring, a pyrazole ring, a thiazole ring, a benzothiazole ring, a thienothiazole ring, an oxazole ring, a benzoxazole ring, and a phenantholine ring, etc. Among these, it is preferable to have a thiazole ring, a benzothiazole ring, or a benzofuran ring, and it is even more preferable to have a benzothiazole ring. Furthermore, if Ar contains a nitrogen atom, it is preferable that the nitrogen atom has π electrons.

[0153] In equation (X), the total number of π electrons possessed by the group represented by Ar is N. π It is usually 6 or more, preferably 8 or more, more preferably 10 or more, even more preferably 14 or more, and particularly preferably 16 or more. Also, it is preferably 36 or less, more preferably 32 or less, even more preferably 26 or less, and particularly preferably 24 or less.

[0154] Examples of aromatic groups contained in Ar include the following groups:

[0155] [ka]

[0156] In equations (Ar-1) to (Ar-23), the asterisk (*) indicates a connecting part, Z 0 , Z 1 and Z 2Each of these independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-C12 alkyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, a C1-C12 alkylsulfinyl group, a C1-C12 alkylsulfonyl group, a carboxyl group, a C1-C12 fluoroalkyl group, a C1-C12 alkoxy group, a C1-C12 alkylthio group, a C1-C12 N-alkylamino group, a C2-C12 N,N-dialkylamino group, a C1-C12 N-alkylsulfamoyl group, or a C2-C12 N,N-dialkylsulfamoyl group. 0 , Z 1 and Z 2 It may contain polymerizable groups.

[0157] In formula (Ar-1) ~ formula (Ar-23), Q 1 and Q 2 These are, independently, -CR 2’ R 3’ -, -S-, -NH-, -NR 2’ - represents -CO- or -O-, R 2’ and R 3’ Each of these independently represents either a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0158] In formula (Ar-1) ~ formula (Ar-23), J 1 and J 2 Each of these independently represents either a carbon atom or a nitrogen atom.

[0159] In formula (Ar-1) ~ formula (Ar-23), Y 1 , Y 2 and Y 3 Each of these independently represents an optionally substituted aromatic hydrocarbon group or an aromatic heterocyclic group.

[0160] In equations (Ar-1) to (Ar-23), W 1 and W 2 Each of these independently represents a hydrogen atom, a cyano group, a methyl group, or a halogen atom, and m represents an integer from 0 to 6.

[0161] Y 1 , Y 2and Y 3 Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group in 3 include aromatic hydrocarbon groups having 6 to 20 carbon atoms such as phenyl group, naphthyl group, anthryl group, phenanthryl group, biphenyl group, etc., with phenyl group and naphthyl group being preferred, and phenyl group being more preferred. Examples of the aromatic heterocyclic group include aromatic heterocyclic groups having 4 to 20 carbon atoms containing at least one heteroatom such as nitrogen atom, oxygen atom, sulfur atom, etc., like furyl group, pyrrolyl group, thienyl group, pyridinyl group, thiazolyl group, benzothiazolyl group, etc., with furyl group, thienyl group, pyridinyl group, thiazolyl group, benzothiazolyl group being preferred.

[0162] Y 1 、Y 2 and Y 3 Y, and Y may each independently be an optionally substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon group or polycyclic aromatic heterocyclic group. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon group refers to a condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon group or a group derived from an aromatic ring assembly. The polycyclic aromatic heterocyclic group refers to a condensed polycyclic aromatic heterocyclic group or a group derived from an aromatic ring assembly.

[0163] Z 0 、Z 1 and Z 2 Z, and Z are each independently preferably a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a cyano group, a nitro group, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Z is more preferably a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or a cyano group. Z, and Z are more preferably a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a methyl group, or a cyano group. Also, Z, Z, and Z may contain a polymerizable group. 0 Z is more preferably a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or a cyano group. 1 and Z 2 Z is more preferably a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a methyl group, or a cyano group. 0 、Z 1 and Z 2 Z may contain a polymerizable group.

[0164] Q 1 and Q 2 Q and Q are preferably -NH-, -S-, -NR 2’ -, -O-, and R 2’ is preferably a hydrogen atom. Among them, -S-, -O-, and -NH- are particularly preferred.

[0165] Among formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-23), formulas (Ar-6) and (Ar-7) are preferred from the viewpoint of molecular stability.

[0166] In equations (Ar-16) to (Ar-23), Y 1 This is the nitrogen atom and Z that it bonds to. 0 It may also form an aromatic heterocyclic group. Examples of aromatic heterocyclic groups that Ar may have include those mentioned above, such as a pyrrole ring, imidazole ring, pyrroline ring, pyridine ring, pyrazine ring, pyrimidine ring, indole ring, quinoline ring, isoquinoline ring, purine ring, pyrrolidine ring, etc. This aromatic heterocyclic group may have substituents. Also, Y 1 This is the nitrogen atom and Z that it bonds to. 0 In addition, the aforementioned substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon groups or polycyclic aromatic heterocyclic groups may also be used. Examples include benzofuran rings, benzothiazole rings, and benzoxazole rings.

[0167] The compound represented by formula (X) can be produced, for example, by the method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-31223.

[0168] Furthermore, in the present invention, as the polymerizable liquid crystal compound that forms the horizontally oriented liquid crystal cured film, for example, a compound containing a group represented by the following formula (Y) (hereinafter also referred to as "polymerizable liquid crystal compound (Y)") may be used. Polymerizable liquid crystal compound (Y) generally tends to exhibit positive wavelength dispersion.

[0169] P11-B11-E11-B12-A11-B13- (Y) [In formula (Y), P11 represents a polymerizable group. A11 represents a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group or a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group. B11 is -O-, -S-, -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -O-CO-O-, -CO-NR 16 -, -NR 16 -CO-, -CO-, -CS-, or single bond.16 This represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. B12 and B13 are independently -C≡C-, -CH=CH-, -CH2-CH2-, -O-, -S-, -C(=O)-, -C(=O)-O-, -OC(=O)-, -OC(=O)-O-, -CH=N-, -N=CH-, -N=N-, -C(=O)-NR 16 -, -NR 16 -C(=O)-, -OCH2-, -OCF2-, -CH2O-, -CF2O-, -CH=CH-C(=O)-O-, -OC(=O)-CH=CH-, -H, -C≡N, or single bond. E11 represents an alkanediyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. The hydrogen atoms in the alkanediyl group may be substituted with an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and the hydrogen atoms in the alkoxy group may be substituted with a halogen atom. Furthermore, the -CH2- group constituting the alkanediyl group may be replaced with -O- or -CO-.

[0170] The number of carbon atoms in the aromatic hydrocarbon group and alicyclic hydrocarbon group of A11 is preferably in the range of 3 to 18, more preferably in the range of 5 to 12, and particularly preferably 5 or 6. The hydrogen atoms in the divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group and divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group represented by A11 may be substituted with halogen atoms, C1-C6 alkyl groups, C1-C6 alkoxy groups, cyano groups, or nitro groups, and the hydrogen atoms in the C1-C6 alkyl groups and C1-C6 alkoxy groups may be substituted with fluorine atoms. As A11, cyclohexane-1,4-diyl groups and 1,4-phenylene groups are preferred.

[0171] As E11, a linear alkanediyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms is preferred. The -CH2- group constituting the alkanediyl group may be replaced with -O-. Specifically, examples include linear alkanediyl groups having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, such as methylene group, ethylene group, propane-1,3-diyl group, butane-1,4-diyl group, pentane-1,5-diyl group, hexane-1,6-diyl group, heptane-1,7-diyl group, octane-1,8-diyl group, nonane-1,9-diyl group, decane-1,10-diyl group, undecane-1,11-diyl group, and dodecane-1,12-diyl group; and -CH2-CH2-O-CH2-CH2-, -CH2-CH2-O-CH2-CH2-O-CH2-CH2-, and -CH2-CH2-O-CH2-CH2-O-CH2-CH2-. For B11, -O-, -S-, -CO-O-, and -O-CO- are preferred, with -CO-O- being the most preferred among them. For B12 and B13, independently, -O-, -S-, -C(=O)-, -C(=O)-O-, -OC(=O)-, and -OC(=O)-O- are preferred, with -O- or -OC(=O)-O- being more preferred.

[0172] As for the polymerizable group represented by P11, radical polymerizable groups or cationic polymerizable groups are preferred in terms of high polymerization reactivity, particularly photopolymerization reactivity, and are easy to handle, as well as the liquid crystal compound itself is easy to manufacture. Therefore, the polymerizable group is preferably a group represented by the following formulas (P-11) to (P-15). [ka] [In formulas (P-11) to (P-15), R 17 ~R 21 Each of these independently represents an alkyl group or hydrogen atom having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0173] Specific examples of the groups represented by equations (P-11) to (P-15) include the groups represented by equations (P-16) to (P-20) below. [ka]

[0174] P11 is preferably a group represented by formulas (P-14) to (P-20), and more preferably a vinyl group, a p-stilbene group, an epoxy group, or an oxetanyl group. It is even more preferable that the group represented by P11-B11- is an acryloyloxy group or a methacryloyloxy group.

[0175] Examples of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds (Y) include compounds represented by formulas (I), (II), (III), (IV), (V), or (VI). P11-B11-E11-B12-A11-B13-A12-B14-A13-B15-A14-B16-E12-B17-P12 (I) P11-B11-E11-B12-A11-B13-A12-B14-A13-B15-A14-F11 (II) P11-B11-E11-B12-A11-B13-A12-B14-A13-B15-E12-B17-P12 (III) P11-B11-E11-B12-A11-B13-A12-B14-A13-F11 (IV) P11-B11-E11-B12-A11-B13-A12-B14-E12-B17-P12 (V) P11-B11-E11-B12-A11-B13-A12-F11 (VI) (In the formula, A11, B11-B13 and P11 are equivalent to those in formula (A) above. A12 to A14 are each independently synonymous with A11, B14 to B16 are each independently synonymous with B12, B17 is synonymous with B11, E12 is synonymous with E11, and P12 is synonymous with P11. F11 represents a hydrogen atom, a C1-C13 alkyl group, a C1-C13 alkoxy group, a cyano group, a nitro group, a trifluoromethyl group, a dimethylamino group, a hydroxyl group, a methylol group, a formyl group, a sulfo group (-SO3H), a carboxyl group, a C1-C10 alkoxycarbonyl group, or a halogen atom, and the -CH2- group constituting the alkyl and alkoxy groups may be replaced with -O-.

[0176] Specific examples of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds (Y) include compounds having polymerizable groups among the compounds described in "3.8.6 Network (Fully Crosslinked Type)" and "6.5.1 Liquid Crystal Materials b. Polymerizable Nematic Liquid Crystal Materials" of the Liquid Crystal Handbook (edited by the Liquid Crystal Handbook Editorial Committee, published by Maruzen Co., Ltd. on October 30, 2000), as well as polymerizable liquid crystals described in Japanese Patent Publication Nos. 2009-173893, 2010-31223, 2010-270108, 2011-6360, and 2011-207765.

[0177] The content of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds in the composition for forming a horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured film is, for example, 70 to 99.5 parts by mass, preferably 80 to 99 parts by mass, more preferably 85 to 98 parts by mass, and even more preferably 90 to 95 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of solid content of the composition for forming a horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured film. Having a polymerizable liquid crystal compound content within the above range is advantageous from the viewpoint of the orientation of the resulting liquid crystal cured film. When the composition for forming a horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured film contains two or more polymerizable liquid crystal compounds, it is preferable that the total content of all polymerizable liquid crystal compounds in the composition for forming a horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured film is within the above range.

[0178] A composition for forming a horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured film may contain a polymerization initiator for initiating the polymerization reaction of a polymerizable liquid crystal compound. The polymerization initiator can be appropriately selected from those conventionally used in the art, and may be either a thermal polymerization initiator or a photopolymerization initiator. A photopolymerization initiator is preferred because it allows the polymerization reaction to be initiated under lower temperature conditions. Preferably, the same photopolymerization initiators exemplified above can be used in compositions for forming optically anisotropic films.

[0179] Compositions for forming horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured films are usually applied to a substrate or the like in a dissolved state, so it is preferable that they contain a solvent. The solvent is preferably one that can dissolve the polymerizable liquid crystal compound used, and is also preferably one that is inert to the polymerization reaction of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound. Examples of solvents are the same as those previously exemplified for use in compositions for forming optically anisotropic films.

[0180] Furthermore, the composition for forming a horizontally aligned liquid crystal curing film may optionally contain photosensitizers, leveling agents, and additives exemplified as additives included in the composition for forming an optically anisotropic film. Examples of photosensitizers and leveling agents are the same as those previously exemplified as those that can be used in the composition for forming an optically anisotropic film.

[0181] A composition for forming a horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured film can be prepared, for example, by mixing and stirring a polymerizable liquid crystal compound with a polymerization initiator, solvent, additives, etc., as needed.

[0182] A horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured film can be obtained, for example, by applying a composition for forming a horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured film onto a substrate or an alignment film, drying the coating film, aligning the polymerizable liquid crystal compound in the composition for forming a horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured film in the horizontal direction, and then polymerizing the polymerizable liquid crystal compound by light irradiation or the like while maintaining the alignment state. Methods that can be used for applying the composition for forming a horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured film and for curing the polymerizable liquid crystal compound by light irradiation include the methods exemplified in the method for forming an optically anisotropic film, and appropriate methods and conditions can be adopted depending on the components constituting the horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured film.

[0183] As alignment films, in addition to the alignment films containing the alignment polymers exemplified above that can be used when producing the optically anisotropic film of the present invention, photo-alignment films can also be used. From the viewpoint of accuracy of the alignment angle and quality, photo-alignment films are preferred as alignment films for forming horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured films.

[0184] Photoalignment films are typically obtained by applying a composition containing a polymer or monomer having a photoreactive group and a solvent (hereinafter also referred to as a "photoalignment film forming composition") to a substrate, removing the solvent, and then irradiating it with polarized light (preferably polarized UV). Photoalignment films are also advantageous in that the direction of the alignment restricting force can be arbitrarily controlled by selecting the polarization direction of the polarized light used for irradiation.

[0185] A photoreactive group is a group that generates liquid crystal alignment ability upon light irradiation. Specifically, this includes groups involved in photoreactions that are the origin of liquid crystal alignment ability, such as molecular orientation induction or isomerization reactions, dimerization reactions, photocrosslinking reactions, or photodegradation reactions, which are induced by light irradiation. Among these, groups involved in dimerization reactions or photocrosslinking reactions are preferred because they exhibit excellent orientation properties. As photoreactive groups, groups having unsaturated bonds, especially double bonds, are preferred, and groups having at least one selected from the group consisting of carbon-carbon double bonds (C=C bonds), carbon-nitrogen double bonds (C=N bonds), nitrogen-nitrogen double bonds (N=N bonds), and carbon-oxygen double bonds (C=O bonds) are particularly preferred.

[0186] Examples of photoreactive groups having a C=C bond include vinyl groups, polyene groups, stilbene groups, stilbazole groups, stilbazolium groups, chalcone groups, and cinnamoyl groups. Examples of photoreactive groups having a C=N bond include groups with structures such as aromatic Schiff bases and aromatic hydrazones. Examples of photoreactive groups having an N=N bond include azobenzene groups, azonaphthalene groups, aromatic heterocyclic azo groups, bisazo groups, formazan groups, and groups having an azoxybenzene structure. Examples of photoreactive groups having a C=O bond include benzophenone groups, coumarin groups, anthraquinone groups, and maleimide groups. These groups may have substituents such as alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, aryl groups, allyloxy groups, cyano groups, alkoxycarbonyl groups, hydroxyl groups, sulfonic acid groups, and halogenated alkyl groups.

[0187] Among these, photoreactive groups involved in the photodimerization reaction are preferred, and cinnamoyl groups and chalcone groups are preferred because they require a relatively small amount of polarized irradiation for photo-orientation, and it is easy to obtain a photo-orientation film with excellent thermal stability and chronological stability. As for polymers having photoreactive groups, those having cinnamoyl groups such that the terminal portion of the polymer side chain has a cinnamic acid structure are particularly preferred.

[0188] A photo-alignment film-forming composition can be applied to a substrate to form a photo-alignment-inducing layer on the substrate. The solvent included in the composition is similar to those previously exemplified as solvents usable in optically anisotropic film-forming compositions, and can be appropriately selected depending on the solubility of the polymer or monomer having a photoreactive group.

[0189] The content of photo-alignment film-forming polymers or monomers having photoreactive groups in the photo-alignment film-forming composition can be appropriately adjusted depending on the type of polymer or monomer and the desired thickness of the photo-alignment film, but it is preferably at least 0.2% by mass, and more preferably in the range of 0.3 to 10% by mass, relative to the mass of the photo-alignment film-forming composition. The photo-alignment film-forming composition may also contain polymer materials such as polyvinyl alcohol or polyimide, or photosensitizers, as long as the properties of the photo-alignment film are not significantly impaired.

[0190] Methods for applying the photo-alignment film-forming composition to a substrate include those similar to those for applying an oriented polymer composition to a substrate. Methods for removing the solvent from the applied photo-alignment film-forming composition include, for example, natural drying, forced-air drying, heat drying, and reduced-pressure drying.

[0191] The method of irradiating with polarized light may be either by directly irradiating a photo-alignment film-forming composition coated on a substrate with polarized UV light after removing the solvent, or by irradiating with polarized light from the substrate side and transmitting the polarized light. Furthermore, it is particularly preferable that the polarized light is substantially parallel light. The wavelength of the polarized light to be irradiated should be in the wavelength range in which the photoreactive groups of the polymer or monomer having photoreactive groups can absorb light energy. Specifically, UV (ultraviolet) light in the wavelength range of 250 to 400 nm is particularly preferred. Examples of light sources used for the polarization irradiation include xenon lamps, high-pressure mercury lamps, ultra-high-pressure mercury lamps, metal halide lamps, and ultraviolet light lasers such as KrF and ArF, with high-pressure mercury lamps, ultra-high-pressure mercury lamps and metal halide lamps being more preferred. Among these, high-pressure mercury lamps, ultra-high-pressure mercury lamps and metal halide lamps are preferred because they have a high emission intensity of ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 313 nm. Polarized UV light can be irradiated by passing the light from the light source through a suitable polarizer. Such polarizers can include polarizing filters, polarizing prisms such as Grant-Thomson and Grant-Taylor, and wire grid type polarizers.

[0192] The thickness of the photo-alignment film used to form a horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured film is typically in the range of 10 to 10,000 nm, preferably in the range of 10 to 1,000 nm.

[0193] In the laminate of the present invention, the thickness of the horizontally aligned phase difference film (horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured film) can be appropriately selected depending on the applicable display device, but from the viewpoint of thinning, it is preferably 0.1 to 10 μm, more preferably 0.5 to 5 μm, and even more preferably 1 to 3 μm.

[0194] When laminating a polarizing film and a horizontally oriented phase difference film, it is preferable to laminate them so that the slow axis (optical axis) of the horizontally oriented phase difference film and the absorption axis of the polarizing film are substantially 45° apart. By laminating them so that the slow axis (optical axis) of the phase difference film and the absorption axis of the polarizing film are substantially 45° apart, the function of a circular polarizer can be obtained. Note that substantially 45° is usually in the range of 45 ± 5°.

[0195] The laminate of the present invention preferably further includes a vertically oriented phase difference film on the side of the horizontally oriented phase difference film opposite to the polarizing film. The vertically oriented phase difference film that can constitute the laminate of the present invention means a phase difference film oriented perpendicular to the in-plane direction of the film, and may be, for example, a cured product of a polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound (hereinafter also referred to as "vertically oriented liquid crystal cured film composition"), wherein the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is cured in a state in which it is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the phase difference film (hereinafter also referred to as "vertically oriented liquid crystal cured film"). In this specification, the terms "vertically aligned phase difference film" and "vertically aligned liquid crystal cured film" differ from the optical anisotropic film of the present invention in that they do not satisfy formulas (1) to (6) or (4) to (9) of this application, unless otherwise specified.

[0196] By combining a vertically aligned liquid crystal cured film with a laminate (circular polarizer) comprising a polarizing film and a horizontally aligned phase difference film, the vertically aligned liquid crystal cured film can function as an optical compensation film, thereby improving the oblique reflection hue when displaying black. The effect of improving (changing) the "oblique reflection hue when displaying black" refers to the improvement effect on the oblique reflection hue when displaying black when an optical anisotropic film and a horizontally aligned phase difference film are applied to a display device (i.e., the effect of reducing light leakage when viewed from an oblique direction when displaying black).

[0197] In the laminate of the present invention, the vertically aligned liquid crystal cured film preferably satisfies the following formulas (18) and (19). -100nm≦RthC(550)≦-20nm (18) RthC(450) / RthC(550)>1.00 (19) In equations (18) and (19), Rth(λ) represents the phase difference value in the thickness direction of the vertically aligned phase difference film at a wavelength of λnm. The values ​​of RthC(550) and RthC(450) / RthC(550) represent the orientation state of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound in the vertically aligned liquid crystal cured film and serve as an indicator of the degree of oblique optical compensation effect when displaying black.

[0198] From the viewpoint of further improving the oblique reflection hue when displaying black, the phase difference value RthC(550) in the film thickness direction of the vertically aligned liquid crystal cured film is more preferably -90 nm or more, even more preferably -80 nm or more, even more preferably -40 nm or less, and even more preferably -50 nm or less.

[0199] The phase difference value RthC(λ) in the film thickness direction of a vertically oriented liquid crystal cured film can be adjusted by the thickness dC of the vertically oriented liquid crystal cured film. The in-plane phase difference value is given by the following formula: RthC(λ)=((nxC(λ)+nyC(λ)) / 2-nzC(λ))×dC (Here, in the formula, nxC(λ) represents the in-plane principal refractive index of the vertically aligned liquid crystal cured film at a wavelength of λnm, nyC(λ) represents the refractive index in the direction perpendicular to nxC(λ) in the plane at a wavelength of λnm, and nzC(λ) represents the refractive index in the thickness direction of the vertically aligned liquid crystal cured film at a wavelength of λnm. When nxC(λ) = nyC(λ), nxC(λ) can be the refractive index in any direction within the film plane, and dC represents the thickness of the vertically aligned liquid crystal cured film.) Since it is determined by [the following factors], in order to obtain the desired phase difference value RthC(λ) in the film thickness direction, it is necessary to adjust the three-dimensional refractive index and the film thickness dC. Note that the three-dimensional refractive index depends on the molecular structure and orientation state of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound.

[0200] As an example of the laminate of the present invention, a laminate is provided in which the optical anisotropic film of the present invention is laminated to the horizontal orientation phase difference film side of a circular polarizing plate, which is made by laminating a polarizing film and a horizontal orientation phase difference film. When this laminate is incorporated into an organic EL display device or the like, the front hue and oblique hue when displaying white can be improved, and an improvement effect on the oblique hue when displaying black can be observed.

[0201] Another example of the laminate of the present invention is a laminate comprising, in this order, the optical anisotropic film, polarizing film, horizontally aligned phase difference film, and vertically aligned phase difference film of the present invention. Such a laminate of the present invention has a high frontal hue enhancement effect and oblique hue enhancement effect when displaying white, while being superior in oblique hue enhancement effect when displaying black.

[0202] Examples of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds that form the vertically aligned phase difference film constituting the laminate of the present invention include the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (X) and polymerizable liquid crystal compound (Y) previously exemplified as polymerizable liquid crystal compounds that can form a horizontally aligned phase difference film.

[0203] A vertically aligned phase difference film can be obtained, for example, by applying a composition for forming a vertically aligned liquid crystal cured film, which comprises a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and, if necessary, additives such as a polymerization initiator and a leveling agent, and a solvent, onto a substrate, with or without an alignment film, drying the coating, and then aligning the polymerizable liquid crystal compound in the composition for forming the vertically aligned liquid crystal cured film vertically, and then polymerizing the polymerizable liquid crystal compound by light irradiation or the like while maintaining the alignment state. Possible additives such as polymerization initiators and leveling agents, and solvents include those previously exemplified as those that can be used when producing the optically anisotropic film of the present invention. Examples of alignment films include alignment films containing the vertical alignment promoting compound and alignment films containing the alignment polymer, as previously exemplified as those that can be used when producing the optically anisotropic film of the present invention. Furthermore, methods that can be used for applying the composition for forming the vertically aligned liquid crystal cured film and for curing the polymerizable liquid crystal compound by light irradiation include those exemplified in the method for forming the optically anisotropic film, and appropriate methods and conditions can be adopted depending on the components constituting the vertically aligned liquid crystal cured film.

[0204] In the laminate of the present invention, the thickness of the vertically aligned phase difference film (vertically aligned liquid crystal cured film) can be appropriately selected depending on the applicable display device, but from the viewpoint of thinning, it is preferably 0.1 to 10 μm, more preferably 0.5 to 5 μm, and even more preferably 1 to 3 μm.

[0205] In the laminate of the present invention, the optical anisotropic film, polarizing film, horizontal orientation phase difference film, and vertical orientation phase difference film may each be bonded together via an adhesive layer. The adhesive for forming the adhesive layer is not particularly limited, and any adhesive known in the art may be appropriately selected and used. Furthermore, for example, by forming a vertical orientation phase difference film made of a composition for forming a vertical orientation liquid crystal cured film on the horizontal orientation phase difference film, with or without an orientation film having a vertical orientation restricting force, it is easier to achieve a thinner laminate.

[0206] The laminate of the present invention may have a configuration similar to that of a conventional circular polarizer, or a polarizing film and a phase difference film. Examples of such configurations include an adhesive layer (sheet) for bonding the circular polarizer to a display element such as an organic EL, and a protective film used to protect the surface of the polarizing film and the phase difference film from scratches and dirt.

[0207] The optically anisotropic film and laminate of the present invention can be used in various display devices. A display device is a device having a display element, and includes a light-emitting element or light-emitting device as a light source. Examples of display devices include liquid crystal displays, organic electroluminescent (EL) displays, inorganic electroluminescent (EL) displays, touch panel displays, electron emission displays (e.g., electric field emission displays (FEDs), surface field emission displays (SEDs)), electronic paper (display devices using electronic ink or electrophoretic elements), plasma displays, projection-type displays (e.g., grating light bulb (GLV) displays, displays having digital micromirror devices (DMDs)), and piezoelectric ceramic displays. Liquid crystal displays include transmissive liquid crystal displays, semi-transmissive liquid crystal displays, and reflective liquid crystal displays. The present invention includes any of the following: a device, a direct-view liquid crystal display device, and a projection-type liquid crystal display device. These display devices may be devices that display two-dimensional images or stereoscopic displays that display three-dimensional images. In particular, the laminate of the present invention can be suitably used in organic electroluminescent (EL) display devices and inorganic electroluminescent (EL) display devices, and can also be suitably used in liquid crystal display devices and touch panel display devices. These display devices exhibit excellent frontal and oblique hue when displaying white, as well as excellent frontal and oblique reflective hue when displaying black, and can exhibit good image display characteristics. [Examples]

[0208] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. In the examples, "%" and "parts" refer to mass percent and parts by mass, respectively, unless otherwise specified.

[0209] 1. Fabrication of horizontally oriented phase difference film (1) Preparation of composition for forming horizontally aligned film A composition for forming horizontally aligned films was obtained by mixing 5 parts of a photo-oriented material with the structure shown below (weight-average molecular weight: 30,000) and 95 parts of cyclopentanone (solvent) as components, and stirring the resulting mixture at 80°C for 1 hour. [ka]

[0210] (2) Preparation of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds Polymerizable liquid crystal compounds (X1) and (X2) having the molecular structures described below were prepared. Polymerizable liquid crystal compound (X1) was produced according to the method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-31223. Polymerizable liquid crystal compound (X2) was produced according to the method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-173893.

[0211] Polymerizable liquid crystal compound (X1) [ka]

[0212] Polymerizable liquid crystal compound (X2) [ka]

[0213] A solution was obtained by dissolving 1 mg of polymerizable liquid crystal compound (X1) in 50 mL of tetrahydrofuran. The obtained solution was placed as a sample in a measuring cell with a path length of 1 cm, and the measuring cell was then set in a UV-Vis spectrophotometer (Shimadzu Corporation "UV-2450") to measure the absorption spectrum. When the wavelength at which the absorption maximum was obtained was read from the obtained absorption spectrum, the maximum absorption wavelength λmax in the wavelength range of 300-400 nm was found to be 350 nm.

[0214] (3) Preparation of polymerizable liquid crystal composition for forming horizontally aligned phase difference film Polymerizable liquid crystal compound (X1) and polymerizable liquid crystal compound (X2) were mixed in a mass ratio of 90:10 to obtain a mixture. To 100 parts by mass of the obtained mixture, 0.1 parts by mass of the leveling agent "BYK-361N" (manufactured by BM Chemie) and 6 parts by mass of 2-dimethylamino-2-benzyl-1-(4-morpholinophenyl)butan-1-one (manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd., "Irgacure® 369 (Irg369)") were added as a photopolymerization initiator. Furthermore, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) was added to achieve a solid content concentration of 13%. By stirring this mixture at 80°C for 1 hour, a polymerizable liquid crystal composition for forming a horizontally aligned phase difference film was obtained.

[0215] (4) Fabrication of horizontally aligned phase difference film (horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured film) After corona treatment on a COP film (ZF-14-50) manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd., a composition for horizontal alignment film formation was applied using a bar coater, dried at 80°C for 1 minute, and then subjected to integrated light intensity of 100 mJ / cm² at a wavelength of 313 nm using a polarized UV irradiation device (SPOT CURE SP-9; manufactured by Ushio Inc.). 2 Polarized UV exposure was performed to obtain a horizontally aligned film. Next, a polymerizable liquid crystal composition for forming a horizontal alignment phase difference film is applied to the horizontal alignment film using a bar coater, heated at 120°C for 60 seconds, and then ultraviolet light is irradiated from the surface coated with the polymerizable liquid crystal composition using a high-pressure mercury lamp (UniCure VB-15201BY-A, manufactured by Ushio Inc.) (under a nitrogen atmosphere, integrated light intensity at a wavelength of 365 nm: 500 mJ / cm²). 2 By doing so, a horizontally aligned phase difference film (horizontally aligned liquid crystal cured film) was formed.

[0216] After confirming that there was no phase difference in the COP film, Re(450) and Re(550) were measured using a KOBRA-WPR manufactured by Oji Instruments Co., Ltd., and α = Re(450) / Re(550) was calculated. The resulting horizontal orientation phase difference film had an α of 0.92.

[0217] 2. Preparation of polarizing film A 75 μm thick polyvinyl alcohol film with an average degree of polymerization of approximately 2,400 and a degree of saponification of 99.9 mol% or more was immersed in pure water at 30°C, and then iodine-stained by immersion in an aqueous solution of iodine / potassium iodide / water with a mass ratio of 0.02 / 2 / 100 at 30°C (iodine staining step). The polyvinyl alcohol film that had undergone the iodine staining step was then boric acid-treated by immersion in an aqueous solution of potassium iodide / boric acid / water with a mass ratio of 12 / 5 / 100 at 56.5°C (boric acid treatment step). After the boric acid treatment step, the polyvinyl alcohol film was washed with pure water at 8°C and then dried at 65°C to obtain a polarizer (thickness 27 μm after stretching) in which iodine was adsorbed and oriented on the polyvinyl alcohol. Stretching was performed during both the iodine staining step and the boric acid treatment step. The total stretching ratio in this stretching process was 5.3 times. The obtained polarizer and a saponified triacetylcellulose film (Konica Minolta KC4UYTAC 40 μm) were bonded together using a water-based adhesive via a nip roll. The resulting bond was dried at 60°C for 2 minutes while maintaining a tension of 430 N / m to obtain a polarizing film having a triacetylcellulose film as a protective film on one side. The aforementioned water-based adhesive was prepared by adding 3 parts by mass of carboxyl group-modified polyvinyl alcohol (Kuraray Poval KL318, manufactured by Kuraray) and 1.5 parts by mass of water-soluble polyamide epoxy resin (a 30% solid content aqueous solution of Sumire's Resin 650, manufactured by Sumika Chemtex).

[0218] 3. Fabrication of vertically aligned phase difference film (1) Preparation of composition for forming vertically aligned films A composition for forming vertically aligned films was prepared by mixing 0.5 parts by mass of polyimide ("SunEver SE-610" manufactured by Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.), 72.3 parts by mass of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 18.1 parts by mass of 2-butoxyethanol, 9.1 parts by mass of ethylcyclohexane, and 0.01 parts by mass of DPHA (manufactured by Shin Nakamura Chemical).

[0219] (2) Preparation of polymerizable liquid crystal composition for forming vertically aligned liquid crystal cured film To 100 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound LC242:PaliocolorLC242 (a registered trademark of BASF) shown in the following formula (LC242), 0.1 parts by mass of a leveling agent (DIC Corporation's "F-556") and 3 parts by mass of polymerization initiator Irg369 were added, and cyclopentanone was added to achieve a solid content concentration of 13 parts by mass. These were mixed to obtain a polymerizable liquid crystal composition for forming vertically aligned liquid crystal cured films.

[0220] Liquid crystal compound LC242: Paliocolor LC242 (BASF registered trademark) [ka]

[0221] (3) Fabrication of vertically aligned phase difference film (vertically aligned liquid crystal cured film) A COP film (ZF-14-23, manufactured by Zeon Corporation) was used as the substrate, and the COP film was subjected to corona treatment. A composition for forming a vertical alignment film was applied to the corona-treated COP film using a bar coater to form a coating film. The coating film was dried at 80°C for 1 minute to obtain a vertical alignment film. The thickness of the obtained vertical alignment film was measured with an ellipsometer and found to be 0.2 μm. Subsequently, a polymerizable liquid crystal composition for forming a vertical alignment liquid crystal curing film was applied to the prepared vertical alignment film to form a coating film. After drying the coating film at 80°C for 1 minute, a high-pressure mercury lamp (UniCure VB-15201BY-A, manufactured by Ushio Inc.) was used under a nitrogen atmosphere and with an integrated light intensity of 500 mJ / cm² at a wavelength of 365 nm. 2 Under these conditions, the dried coating was irradiated with ultraviolet light to form a vertically aligned phase difference film (vertically aligned liquid crystal cured film).

[0222] 4. Components used in compositions for forming optically anisotropic films (1) Polymerizable liquid crystal compound The polymerizable liquid crystal compounds represented by (A1) and (A2) were synthesized according to the method described in lub et al., Recl. Trav. Chim. Pays-Bas, 115, 321-328 (1996).

[0223] [ka]

[0224] (2) Dichroic pigments • Dichroic dye A (Cyan 1: cyan dye): Maximum absorption wavelength 592 nm (measured in chloroform solution) [ka]

[0225] • Dichroic dye B (Yellow 1: yellow dye): Maximum absorption wavelength 445 nm (measured in chloroform solution) [ka]

[0226] • Dichroic dye C (Magenta 1: magenta dye): Maximum absorption wavelength 546 nm (measured in chloroform solution) [ka]

[0227] • Dichroic dye D (Cyan2: cyan dye): Maximum absorption wavelength 600 nm (measured in chloroform solution) [ka]

[0228] • Dichroic dye E (Cyan3: cyan dye): Maximum absorption wavelength 600 nm (measured in chloroform solution) [ka]

[0229] • Dichroic dye F (Yellow2: yellow dye): Maximum absorption wavelength 386 nm (measured in chloroform solution) [ka]

[0230] • Dichroic dye G (Magenta 2: magenta dye): Maximum absorption wavelength 489 nm (measured in chloroform solution) [ka]

[0231] Example 1 (1) Fabrication of optically anisotropic films (i) Preparation of compositions for forming optically anisotropic films To 100 parts by mass of a polymerizable liquid crystal compound mixture obtained by mixing polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A1) and polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A2) in a mass ratio of 90:10, 0.25 parts by mass of the leveling agent "F-556" (manufactured by DIC Corporation), 1.2 parts by mass of dichroic dye A, 1.7 parts by mass of dichroic dye C, and 6 parts by mass of 2-dimethylamino-2-benzyl-1-(4-morpholinophenyl)butan-1-one (manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd., "Irgacure® 369 (Irg369)") as a photopolymerization initiator were added. Furthermore, o-xylene was added to achieve a solid content concentration of 25%. By stirring this mixture at 80°C for 30 minutes, a composition for forming optically anisotropic films was obtained.

[0232] (ii) Preparation of compositions for forming vertically aligned films The silane coupling agent "KBE-9103" (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) was dissolved in a mixed solvent of ethanol and water in a ratio of 9:1 (by mass) to obtain a vertically aligned film-forming composition with a solid content of 1%.

[0233] (iii) Fabrication of optically anisotropic films After performing corona treatment on a COP film (ZF-14-50) manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd., a composition for forming a vertically aligned film was applied using a bar coater and dried at 120°C for 1 minute to obtain a vertically aligned film. Next, the optically anisotropic film-forming composition was applied to the obtained vertically aligned film using a bar coater, dried at 120°C for 1 minute, and then irradiated with ultraviolet light from the side coated with the optically anisotropic film-forming composition using a high-pressure mercury lamp (UniCure VB-15201BY-A, manufactured by Ushio Inc.) (under a nitrogen atmosphere, integrated light intensity at a wavelength of 365 nm: 500 mJ / cm²). 2 An optically anisotropic film was formed by ). The thickness of the obtained optically anisotropic film was measured using an interferometer and found to be 0.9 μm.

[0234] (2) Measurement of absorbance of optically anisotropic film The coated surface of the obtained optically anisotropic film was bonded to a 4 × 4 cm × 0.7 mm thick piece of glass via a 25 μm pressure-sensitive adhesive (Lintec Corporation). This was then placed in a UV-Vis spectrophotometer (Shimadzu Corporation "UV-2450") to measure the absorbance, and Axλ and Axλ(z=50) were calculated. The results are shown in Table 2. Note that the x-axis represents any direction within the plane of the optically anisotropic film, the y-axis represents the direction perpendicular to the x-axis within the film plane, and the z-axis represents the thickness direction of the optically anisotropic film. Axλ and Axλ(z=50) are both the absorbance of the optically anisotropic film at wavelengths λ (450 nm, 550 nm, 650 nm), where Axλ represents the absorbance of linearly polarized light vibrating in the x-axis direction, and Axλ(z=50) represents the absorbance of linearly polarized light vibrating in the x-axis direction when the film is rotated 50° around the y-axis as the axis of rotation. Furthermore, when measuring absorbance, the sample was placed in a UV-Vis spectrophotometer (Shimadzu Corporation "UV-2450"), corrected so that the absorbance at 800 nm was zero, and then Axλ was measured. Similarly, for Axλ(z=50), the sample was placed and tilted, corrected so that the absorbance at 800 nm was zero, and then Axλ(z=50) was measured.

[0235] (3) Evaluation of the orientation of optically anisotropic films The coated surface of the obtained optically anisotropic film was bonded to a 4 × 4 cm × 0.7 mm thick glass via a 25 μm pressure-sensitive adhesive (Lintec Corporation). The bonded optically anisotropic film was observed using a polarizing microscope, and defects due to poor orientation were evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 2. <Evaluation Criteria> A: When observed at 200x magnification, almost no defects are visible. B: A slight defect is visible when observed at 200x magnification. C: Defects are visible when observed at 200x magnification.

[0236] (4) Fabrication of a circular polarizing plate laminate (i) Fabrication of a laminate of a horizontally oriented phase difference film and an optically anisotropic film After performing corona treatment on the coated surfaces (liquid crystal layer side) of the horizontally aligned phase difference film and optical anisotropy film obtained by the manufacturing method described above, the respective coated surfaces (liquid crystal layer side) were bonded together via an adhesive (Lintec pressure-sensitive adhesive, 25 μm) to produce a laminate of the horizontally aligned phase difference film and the optical anisotropy film.

[0237] (ii) Fabrication of a circular polarizing plate laminate Next, the substrate (COP film) surface on the horizontal orientation phase difference film side of the resulting laminate was subjected to corona treatment. Then, the polarizing film and the polarizing film were bonded together via an adhesive (Lintec Corporation pressure-sensitive adhesive, 25 μm) so that the angle between the absorption axis of the polarizing film and the slow phase axis of the horizontal orientation phase difference film was 45°, thereby creating a circular polarizing plate laminate containing the polarizing film, the horizontal orientation phase difference film, and the optical anisotropy film in this order.

[0238] (5) Evaluation of optical properties (i) Hue evaluation when displaying black <Evaluation Panel> ·Diagonal yellow panel: ROYOLE FlexPai ·Diagonal blue panel: SAMSUNG Galaxy S8

[0239] <Confirmation of frontal and oblique reflection hues> The display device was removed from ROYOLE's "FlexPai" by removing the front glass and polarizing plates. Subsequently, the circular polarizing plate laminate prepared using the method described above was bonded to the display device via an adhesive (Lintec pressure-sensitive adhesive, 25 μm). With the display device powered off (black display), the front reflection hue and oblique reflection hue were checked and evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 3. Note that the frontal reflection hue is the hue determined by visually observing the sample from a distance of 50 cm from the front, while the oblique reflection hue is the hue determined by visually observing the sample from a distance of 30 cm from an elevation angle of 50° and an azimuth angle of 0 to 360°.

[0240] <Evaluation Criteria> A: Under conditions where the product was placed next to glossy black drawing paper at a distance of 1m directly under a 40W tri-wavelength lamp, the hue could be checked with the naked eye, and almost no color was perceived. When observed alone with the naked eye at a distance of 1.5m directly below a B 40W 3-wavelength lamp, a slight color is perceived, and this color varies depending on the azimuth, appearing as a slightly bluish black or a reddish black. When observed alone with the naked eye at a distance of 1.5m directly below a C:40W 3-wavelength lamp, a color was perceived, and this color varied depending on the azimuth, appearing as a bluish or reddish black.

[0241] (ii) Hue evaluation when displaying white Following the evaluation of the black display, the same sample was used, and the display device was powered on, the brightness was set to maximum, and all settings that change the screen display color, such as the blue light cut function and color balance adjustment, were turned off. With a white screen displayed (HTML color code #FFFFFF), the frontal and oblique hues in the white display state were checked and evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 3. Note that the frontal hue is the hue observed visually from a distance of 30 cm from the front of the sample, while the oblique hue is the hue observed visually from a distance of 30 cm from the sample at an elevation angle of 50° and an azimuth angle of 0 to 360°. <Evaluation Criteria> A: When displayed in white in a darkroom, the hue is checked with the naked eye and no color is perceived at all. B: When displayed in white in a darkroom, the hue can be checked with the naked eye and almost no color is perceived. C: Display in white under darkroom conditions, and observe the hue with the naked eye to perceive the color. D: Displayed in white under darkroom conditions, the hue is checked with the naked eye, and the color is strongly perceived.

[0242] Example 2 As the optically anisotropic film, an optically anisotropic film prepared using the same procedure as in Example 1 was used. After performing corona treatment on the coated surface (liquid crystal layer side) of the horizontally aligned phase difference film, a laminate was prepared by bonding it to the polarizing film via an adhesive (Lintec Corporation pressure-sensitive adhesive, 25 μm) so that the angle between the absorption axis of the polarizing film and the slow phase axis of the horizontally aligned phase difference film was 45°. Next, after performing corona treatment on the coated surface (liquid crystal layer side) of the optically anisotropic film, it was bonded to the polarizing film side of the above laminate via an adhesive (Lintec Corporation pressure-sensitive adhesive, 25 μm) to prepare a circular polarizing plate laminate containing the optically anisotropic film, polarizing film, and horizontally aligned phase difference film in this order. The optical properties of the circular polarizer laminate were evaluated using the same procedure as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0243] Example 3 As the optically anisotropic film, an optically anisotropic film prepared using the same procedure as in Example 1 was used. After performing corona treatment on the coated surface (liquid crystal layer side) of the horizontally aligned phase difference film, the polarizing film and the polarizing film were bonded together via an adhesive (Lintec Corporation pressure-sensitive adhesive, 25 μm) so that the angle between the absorption axis of the polarizing film and the slow axis of the horizontally aligned phase difference film was 45°, thereby creating a laminate of the polarizing film and the horizontally aligned phase difference film. Next, after performing corona treatment on the substrate side of the horizontally aligned phase difference film and the coated surface (liquid crystal layer side) of the vertically aligned phase difference film of the obtained laminate, these were bonded together via an adhesive (Lintec Corporation pressure-sensitive adhesive, 25 μm) to create a new laminate containing the polarizing film, horizontally aligned phase difference film, and vertically aligned phase difference film in that order. Next, after performing corona treatment on the coated surface (liquid crystal layer side) of the optically anisotropic film, it was bonded to the above laminate via an adhesive (Lintec pressure-sensitive adhesive, 25 μm) to produce a circular polarizing plate laminate containing the optically anisotropic film, polarizing film, horizontally aligned phase difference film, and vertically aligned phase difference film in that order. The optical properties of the circular polarizer laminate were evaluated using the same procedure as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0244] Examples 4 and 5 An optically anisotropic film was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 1, except that the amounts of dichroic dye A and dichroic dye C were changed to the amounts listed in Table 1. A circular polarizing plate laminate containing the optically anisotropic film, polarizing film, horizontally aligned phase difference film, and vertically aligned phase difference film in that order was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 3, except that the optically anisotropic film obtained therefrom was used. The optical properties of the circular polarizer laminate were evaluated using the same procedure as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0245] Examples 6 and 7 An optically anisotropic film was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 1, except that the amounts of dichroic dyes A and C were changed to the amounts shown in Table 1, and the film thickness was set to the thickness shown in Table 1. A circular polarizing plate laminate containing the optically anisotropic film, polarizing film, horizontally aligned phase difference film, and vertically aligned phase difference film in that order was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 3, except that the optically anisotropic film obtained thereby was used. The optical properties of the circular polarizer laminate were evaluated using the same procedure as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0246] Comparative Example 1 (1) Fabrication of optically anisotropic films (i) Preparation of compositions for forming optically anisotropic films To 100 parts by mass of a polymerizable liquid crystal compound mixture obtained by mixing polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A1) and polymerizable liquid crystal compound (A2) in a mass ratio of 90:10, 0.25 parts by mass of the leveling agent "F-556" (manufactured by DIC Corporation), 3.0 parts by mass of the dichroic dye A, and 6 parts by mass of 2-dimethylamino-2-benzyl-1-(4-morpholinophenyl)butan-1-one ("Irgacure® 369 (Irg369)" manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd.) as a photopolymerization initiator were added. Furthermore, o-xylene was added to achieve a solid content concentration of 25%. By stirring this mixture at 80°C for 30 minutes, a composition for forming optically anisotropic films was obtained.

[0247] (ii) Preparation of compositions for forming vertically aligned films The silane coupling agent "KBE-9103" (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) was dissolved in a mixed solvent of ethanol and water in a ratio of 9:1 (by mass) to obtain a vertically aligned film-forming composition with a solid content of 1%.

[0248] (iii) Fabrication of optically anisotropic films After performing corona treatment on a COP film (ZF-14-50) manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd., a composition for forming a vertically aligned film was applied using a bar coater and dried at 120°C for 1 minute to obtain a vertically aligned film. Next, the optically anisotropic film-forming composition was applied to the obtained vertically aligned film using a bar coater, dried at 120°C for 1 minute, and then irradiated with ultraviolet light from the side coated with the optically anisotropic film-forming composition using a high-pressure mercury lamp (UniCure VB-15201BY-A, manufactured by Ushio Inc.) (under a nitrogen atmosphere, integrated light intensity at a wavelength of 365 nm: 500 mJ / cm²). 2 An optically anisotropic film was formed by ). The thickness of the obtained optically anisotropic film was measured using an interferometer and found to be 0.6 μm. The absorbance of the optically anisotropic film was measured using the same procedure as in the examples. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0249] (2) Fabrication of a circular polarizing plate laminate A circular polarizer laminate containing a polarizing film, a horizontally aligned phase difference film, and an optically anisotropic film in that order was fabricated using the same procedure as in Example 1, except that the obtained optically anisotropic film was used as the optically anisotropic film. The optical properties of the circular polarizer laminate were evaluated using the same procedure as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0250] Comparative Example 2 Except for using an optically anisotropic film prepared using the same procedure as in Comparative Example 1, a circular polarizing plate laminate containing an optically anisotropic film, a polarizing film, and a horizontally aligned phase difference film in that order was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 2. The optical properties of the circular polarizer laminate were evaluated using the same procedure as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0251] Comparative Example 3 Except for using an optically anisotropic film prepared using the same procedure as in Comparative Example 1, a circular polarizing plate laminate containing an optically anisotropic film, a polarizing film, a horizontally aligned phase difference film, and a vertically aligned phase difference film in the same order was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 3. The optical properties of the circular polarizer laminate were evaluated using the same procedure as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0252] Comparative Example 4 An optically anisotropic film was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 1, except that the combination of dichroic dyes A and C was replaced with the combination of dichroic dyes A and B, and the amounts used were as shown in Table 1. A circular polarizing plate laminate containing the optically anisotropic film, polarizing film, horizontally aligned phase difference film, and vertically aligned phase difference film in that order was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 3, except that the obtained optically anisotropic film was used. The optical properties of the circular polarizer laminate were evaluated using the same procedure as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0253] Example 8 An optically anisotropic film was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 3, except that dichroic dye D (Cyan2) was used instead of dichroic dye A (Cyan1). A circular polarizer laminate containing the optically anisotropic film, polarizing film, horizontally aligned phase difference film, and vertically aligned phase difference film in that order was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 3, except that the optically anisotropic film obtained therefrom was used. The optical properties of the circular polarizer laminate were evaluated using the same procedure as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0254] Example 9 An optically anisotropic film was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 3, except that dichroic dye E (Cyan3) was used instead of dichroic dye A (Cyan1). A circular polarizer laminate containing the optically anisotropic film, polarizing film, horizontally aligned phase difference film, and vertically aligned phase difference film in that order was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 3, except that the optically anisotropic film obtained therefrom was used. The optical properties of the circular polarizer laminate were evaluated using the same procedure as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0255] Example 10 An optically anisotropic film was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 3, except that a mixture of dichroic dyes D (Cyan2) and E (Cyan3) in a mass ratio of D:E = 1.0:1.4 was used instead of dichroic dye A (Cyan1). A circular polarizer laminate containing the optically anisotropic film, polarizing film, horizontally oriented phase difference film, and vertically oriented phase difference film in that order was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 3, except that the optically anisotropic film obtained thereby was used. The optical properties of the circular polarizer laminate were evaluated using the same procedure as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0256] Example 11 An optically anisotropic film was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 3, except that dichroic dye G (Magenta 2) was used instead of dichroic dye C (Magenta 1). A circular polarizer laminate containing the optically anisotropic film, polarizing film, horizontally aligned phase difference film, and vertically aligned phase difference film in that order was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 3, except that the optically anisotropic film obtained therefrom was used. The optical properties of the circular polarizer laminate were evaluated using the same procedure as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0257] Example 12 An optically anisotropic film was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 10, except that dichroic dye G (Magenta 2) was used instead of dichroic dye C (Magenta 1). A circular polarizer laminate containing the optically anisotropic film, polarizing film, horizontally aligned phase difference film, and vertically aligned phase difference film in that order was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 3, except that the optically anisotropic film obtained therefrom was used. The optical properties of the circular polarizer laminate were evaluated using the same procedure as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0258] Example 13 An optically anisotropic film was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 3, except that dichroic dye B (Yellow 1) was used instead of dichroic dye A (Cyan 1), and dichroic dye G (Magenta 2) was used instead of dichroic dye C (Magenta 1). A circular polarizer laminate containing the optically anisotropic film, polarizing film, horizontally aligned phase difference film, and vertically aligned phase difference film in that order was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 3, except that the optically anisotropic film obtained thereby was used. The optical properties of the circular polarizer laminate were evaluated using the same procedure as in Example 1. A rhomboid blue panel (Samsung Galaxy S8) was used as the evaluation panel. The hue results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0259] Example 14 An optically anisotropic film was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 13, except that dichroic dye F (Yellow 2) was used instead of dichroic dye B (Yellow 1). A circular polarizing plate laminate containing the optically anisotropic film, polarizing film, horizontally aligned phase difference film, and vertically aligned phase difference film in that order was prepared using the same procedure as in Example 3, except that the optically anisotropic film obtained therefrom was used. The optical properties of the circular polarizer laminate were evaluated using the same procedure as in Example 13. The hue results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0260] [Table 1]

[0261] [Table 2]

[0262] [Table 3]

Claims

1. A cured film of a polymerizable liquid crystal composition comprising a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and at least two dichroic dyes, The film is cured in a state in which the polymerizable liquid crystal compound and at least two dichroic dyes are molecularly oriented perpendicular to the film plane, and The following equations (1) to (6) or (4) to (9): 0.001≦Ax450 (z=50)≦0.100 (1) 0.070≦Ax550 (z=50)≦1.000 (2) 0.070≦Ax650 (z=50)≦1.000 (3) 0.001 ≤ A x 450 ≤ 0.050 (4) 0.001 ≤ A x 550 ≤ 0.050 (5) 0.001 ≤ A x 650 ≤ 0.050 (6) 0.050≦Ax450 (z=50)≦1.000 (7) 0.070≦Ax550 (z=50)≦1.000 (8) 0.001≦Ax650 (z=50)≦0.100 (9) [In equations (1) to (9), Axλ and Axλ(z=50) are both absorbances at a wavelength of λnm, where Ax represents the absorbance of linearly polarized light vibrating in the x-axis direction, and Ax(z=50) represents the absorbance of linearly polarized light vibrating in the x-axis direction when the optically anisotropic film is rotated by 50° around the y-axis as the axis of rotation, where the x-axis is any direction within the film plane of the optically anisotropic film, the y-axis is a direction perpendicular to the x-axis within the film plane, and the z-axis is the thickness direction of the optically anisotropic film.] An optically anisotropic film that satisfies the following conditions.

2. The optical anisotropic film according to claim 1, wherein the at least two dichroic dyes consist of a combination of at least one cyan dye and at least one magenta dye, or a combination of at least one yellow dye and at least one magenta dye.

3. Equations (10) and (11) below: 0.1≦Ax450 (z=50) / Ax550 (z=50)≦1.5 (10) 0.1≦Ax650 (z=50) / Ax550 (z=50)≦1.5 (11) [In equations (10) and (11), Axλ and Axλ(z=50) have the same meanings as described above.] An optical anisotropic film according to claim 1, satisfying any of the following conditions.

4. The film thickness is 0.1 μm or more and 5 μm or less. The optical anisotropic film according to claim 1, comprising at least two dichroic dyes in an amount of 0.1 parts by mass or more and 5 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound.

5. The aforementioned at least two dichroic dyes consist of a combination of at least one cyan dye and at least one magenta dye, or a combination of at least one yellow dye and at least one magenta dye. Equations (12) and (13) below: T × D1 = 0.4 to 1.7 (12) T × D² = 0.6 to 2.7 (13) [In formulas (12) and (13), T represents the film thickness (μm), D1 represents the amount (parts by mass) of cyan or yellow dye per 100 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound, and D2 represents the amount (parts by mass) of magenta dye per 100 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound.] The optical anisotropic film according to claim 4, satisfying the requirements.

6. The optical anisotropic film according to claim 1, comprising at least one azo dye as the dichroic dye.

7. The optical anisotropic film according to claim 1, wherein the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is a liquid crystal compound exhibiting a higher-order smectic liquid crystal phase.

8. A laminate comprising the optically anisotropic film, polarizing film, and horizontally oriented phase difference film as described in claim 1.

9. The laminate according to claim 8, comprising an optically anisotropic film, a polarizing film, and a horizontally oriented phase difference film in that order.

10. The laminate according to claim 9, further comprising a vertically oriented phase difference film on the opposite side of the horizontally oriented phase difference film from the polarizing film.

11. An organic EL display device comprising the laminate described in claim 8.

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