Optical films, optical laminates, and image display devices

Abstract

To provide an optical film which exhibits a neutral color both when viewed from a direction of a transmittance center axis and when viewed from a direction at an angle with the transmittance center axis, and to provide an optical laminate using the same and an image display device.SOLUTION: An optical film is provided, comprising a light absorbing anisotropic layer featuring an angle θ of 0-45° between a transmittance center axis and a line normal to a surface of the layer, and a color adjustment layer containing at least one organic dye compound.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to optical films, optical laminates, and image display devices. [Background technology]

[0002] A technique is known that uses a light-absorbing anisotropic layer with an absorption axis in the thickness direction to prevent people from looking into liquid crystal displays or to control the viewing angle. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a polarizing element for a viewing angle control system using a film containing a dichroic substance in which the angle between the absorption axis and the normal to the film surface is 0° to 45°. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-145776 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The inventors investigated an optical film having a light-absorbing anisotropic layer containing a dichroic substance and found that it has excellent processability because the film thickness can be reduced. However, they also found that because the orientation of the dichroic substance in the visible range is not uniform, it is difficult to control the color of the optical film to be neutral both when viewed from the direction of the transmittance center axis of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer and when viewed from a direction tilted from the transmittance center axis.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an optical film that can make both the color when viewed from the direction of the transmittance center axis and the color when viewed from a direction tilted from the transmittance center axis neutral, as well as an optical laminate and an image display device using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a result of diligent research to solve the above problems, the present inventors have found that an optical film having a color adjustment layer containing at least one organic dye compound, along with a predetermined light-absorbing anisotropic layer, can make both the color when viewed from the direction of the transmittance center axis and the color when viewed from a direction tilted from the transmittance center axis neutral, thus completing the present invention.

[0007] In other words, we found that the above problem could be solved with the following configuration.

[0008] [1] An optical film comprising a light-absorbing anisotropic layer in which the angle θ between the transmittance central axis and the normal direction of the layer surface is 0 to 45°, and a color-adjusting layer containing at least one organic dye compound. [2] The optical film according to [1], wherein the light-absorbing anisotropic layer comprises a liquid crystalline compound and at least one dichroic dye compound. [3] The optical film according to [1] or [2], wherein the above-mentioned light-absorbing anisotropic layer satisfies both formula (1) and formula (2) described later. [4] The optical film according to [2] or [3], wherein at least one of the dichroic dye compounds contained in the above-mentioned light-absorbing anisotropic layer is represented by formula (3) described later. [5] An optical film as described in any one of [1] to [4], wherein the above color adjustment layer satisfies any one of requirements 1 to 3 described below. [6] An optical film according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the absorption peak wavelength of the organic dye compound contained in the above color adjustment layer is 500 to 650 nm. [7] The optical film according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the organic dye compound contained in the color adjustment layer has at least one of a benzene ring and a heterocycle structure in its molecule. [8] The optical film according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the organic dye compound contained in the color adjustment layer has an anthraquinone structure. [9] An optical film described in any one of [1] to [8] that satisfies formula (7) described later.

[10] An optical film according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the transmittance of light with a wavelength of 550 nm in the direction along the transmittance central axis is 65% or more.

[11] An optical laminate comprising an optical film described in any one of [1] to

[10] and a polarizer layer in which a dichroic substance is oriented horizontally to the film surface.

[12] An optical laminate having an optical film described in any one of [1] to

[10] and an uneven layer having an arithmetic mean roughness Ra of 35 to 125 nm.

[13] An image display device having an optical film described in any one of [1] to

[10] , or an optical laminate described in

[11] or

[12] . [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical film that can make both the color when viewed from the direction of the transmittance center axis and the color when viewed from a direction tilted from the transmittance center axis neutral, as well as an optical laminate and an image display device using the same. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The present invention will be described in detail below. The following description of the constituent elements may be based on typical embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. In this specification, a numerical range represented by "~" means a range that includes the numbers written before and after "~" as the lower and upper limits, respectively. In this specification, "parallel" and "orthogonal" do not mean parallel and orthogonal in the strict sense, but rather within a range of ±5° parallel and ±5° orthogonal, respectively. In this specification, visible light refers to electromagnetic waves with wavelengths between 380 and 800 nm, unless otherwise specified. In this specification, room temperature means 20 to 28°C unless otherwise specified.

[0011] In this specification, the terms "liquid crystal composition" and "liquid crystal compound" conceptually include materials that no longer exhibit liquid crystal properties due to curing or other reasons.

[0012] In this specification, each component may be represented by a single substance or by a combination of two or more substances. When two or more substances are used in combination for each component, the content of that component refers to the total content of the combined substances unless otherwise specified. In this specification, "(meth)acrylate" refers to "acrylate" or "methacrylate," "(meth)acrylic" refers to "acrylic" or "methacrylic," and "(meth)acryloyl" refers to "acryloyl" or "methacryloyl."

[0013] The substituent W in this specification will be described below. Examples of substituents W include alkyl groups (preferably C1-C20, more preferably C1-C12, and particularly preferably C1-C8 alkyl groups, such as methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, n-octyl, n-decyl, n-hexadecyl, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl groups), alkenyl groups (preferably C2-C20, more preferably C2-C12, and particularly preferably C2-C8 alkenyl groups, such as vinyl, aryl, and 2-butyric groups), Examples of aryl groups include nyl groups and 3-pentenyl groups), alkynyl groups (preferably alkynyl groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and particularly preferably 2 to 8 carbon atoms, such as propargyl groups and 3-pentinyl groups), and aryl groups (preferably aryl groups having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 20 carbon atoms, and particularly preferably 6 to 12 carbon atoms, such as phenyl groups, 2,6-diethylphenyl groups, 3,5-ditrifluoromethylphenyl groups, styryl groups, naphthyl groups, and biphenyl groups). (can be used), substituted or unsubstituted amino groups (preferably having 0 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 0 to 10 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 0 to 6 carbon atoms, for example, unsubstituted amino groups, methylamino groups, dimethylamino groups, diethylamino groups, and anilino groups), alkoxy groups (preferably having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 15 carbon atoms, for example, methoxy groups, ethoxy groups, and butoxy groups), oxycarbonyl groups (preferably having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 15 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 2 ~10, for example, methoxycarbonyl group, ethoxycarbonyl group, and phenoxycarbonyl group), acyloxy group (preferably 2 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 10 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms, for example, acetoxy group, benzoyloxy group, acryloyl group, and methacryloyl group), acylamino group (preferably 2 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 10 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms, for example, acetylamino group and benzoylamino group),Alkoxycarbonylamino groups (preferably having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 10 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms, for example, methoxycarbonylamino groups), aryloxycarbonylamino groups (preferably having 7 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 7 to 16 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 7 to 12 carbon atoms, for example, phenyloxycarbonylamino groups), sulfonylamino groups (preferably having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, for example, methanesulfonylamino groups, Examples include benzenesulfonylamino groups, etc.), sulfamoyl groups (preferably having 0 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 0 to 10 carbon atoms, and particularly preferably 0 to 6 carbon atoms, such as sulfamoyl groups, methylsulfamoyl groups, dimethylsulfamoyl groups, and phenylsulfamoyl groups), carbamoyl groups (preferably having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and particularly preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, such as unsubstituted carbamoyl groups, methylcarbamoyl groups, diethylcarbamoyl groups, and phenylcarbamoyl groups) Examples include: alkylthio groups (preferably having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, for example, methylthio groups and ethylthio groups), arylthio groups (preferably having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 16 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 6 to 12 carbon atoms, for example, phenylthio groups), sulfonyl groups (preferably having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, for example, mesyl groups and tosyl groups), sulfinyl Groups (preferably having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, for example, methanesulfinyl group and benzenesulfinyl group), ureido groups (preferably having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, for example, unsubstituted ureido groups, methylureido groups and phenylureido groups), phosphate amide groups (preferably having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, for example, diethyl phosphate amide group,Examples include phenyl phosphate amide groups, hydroxyl groups, mercapto groups, halogen atoms (e.g., fluorine atoms, chlorine atoms, bromine atoms, and iodine atoms), cyano groups, nitro groups, hydroxamic acid groups, sulfino groups, hydrazino groups, imino groups, azo groups, heterocyclic groups (preferably heterocyclic groups having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 12 carbon atoms, such as heterocyclic groups having heteroatoms such as nitrogen atoms, oxygen atoms, and sulfur atoms, such as epoxy groups and oxetanyl groups) Examples of carbon-12 groups include imidazolyl, pyridyl, quinolyl, furyl, piperidyl, morpholino, maleimide, benzoxazolyl, benzimidazolyl, and benzthiazolyl groups), silyl groups (preferably silyl groups having 3 to 40 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 to 30 carbon atoms, and particularly preferably 3 to 24 carbon atoms, such as trimethylsilyl and triphenylsilyl groups), carboxyl groups, sulfonic acid groups, and phosphate groups.

[0014] The following describes optical films, optical laminates, and image display devices. Furthermore, the state in which "the color when viewed from the direction of the transmittance center axis, and the color when viewed from a direction tilted from the transmittance center axis, are both neutral" is also referred to as "excellent wide-angle color suppression."

[0015] <Optical film> The optical film of the present invention comprises a light-absorbing anisotropic layer in which the angle θ between the transmittance central axis and the normal direction of the layer surface is 0 to 45°, and a color-adjusting layer containing at least one organic dye compound. The mechanism by which the optical film of the present invention can achieve neutral color when viewed from the direction of the transmittance center axis, and when viewed from a direction tilted from the transmittance center axis, is not entirely clear, but the inventors speculate as follows. In optical films, the reason why the color is not neutral when viewed from both of the above two directions in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is presumed to be due to the color caused by the orientation of the substances contained in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. Here, it is thought that the above color can be reduced by a color adjustment layer containing at least one organic dye compound, thereby making the color neutral when viewed from both of the above two directions.

[0016] In addition to the light-absorbing anisotropic layer and the color-adjusting layer, the optical film of the present invention may also have a transparent substrate film, an alignment film, a barrier layer, an adhesive layer, and a bonding layer. The following describes in detail the light-absorbing anisotropic layer, color adjustment layer, transparent substrate film, alignment film, and barrier layer. Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the optical film will be described in detail below. The adhesive layer and bonding layer will be explained in the section on the manufacturing method of the optical film.

[0017] [Light-absorbing anisotropic layer] The light-absorbing anisotropic layer of the optical film of the present invention has an angle of 0° to 45° between the transmittance central axis and the normal direction of the layer surface. Here, the transmittance center axis refers to the direction that exhibits the highest transmittance when the transmittance is measured while varying the tilt angle (polar angle) and tilt direction (azimuth angle) of the surface of the optical absorption anisotropy layer relative to the normal direction. Specifically, the Müller matrix at a wavelength of 550 nm is measured using an AxoScan OPMF-1 (OptoScience Co., Ltd.). More specifically, during the measurement, the azimuth angle at which the transmittance center axis is tilted is first found, and then, within the plane containing the normal direction of the optical absorption anisotropy layer along that azimuth angle (a plane containing the transmittance center axis and perpendicular to the layer surface), the Müller matrix at a wavelength of 550 nm is measured while changing the polar angle, which is the angle of the surface of the optical absorption anisotropy layer relative to the normal direction, from 0 to 90° in 5° increments, and the transmittance of the optical absorption anisotropy layer is derived. As a result, the direction with the highest transmittance is defined as the transmittance center axis. By adjusting the angle between the transmittance center axis of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer and the normal direction of the layer surface, the viewing angle center of the liquid crystal display device can be shifted not only vertically and horizontally from the front, but also diagonally. To control the transmission axis central axis of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer, it is preferable to orient the dichroic material, and even more preferable to orient the dichroic material using the orientation of a liquid crystalline compound. Therefore, it is preferable that the light-absorbing anisotropic layer contains a liquid crystalline compound and a dichroic material. One example is a light-absorbing anisotropic layer in which at least one type of organic dichroic dye is oriented perpendicular to the plane. The light-absorbing anisotropic layer is preferably manufactured using a light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition described later. The light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition preferably contains a liquid crystalline compound and a dichroic substance. The composition for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer and the method for forming it using the same will be described in detail later.

[0018] (liquid crystal compound) The light-absorbing anisotropic layer of the optical film of the present invention preferably contains a liquid crystalline compound. By including a liquid crystalline compound when forming the light-absorbing anisotropic layer, it is possible to suppress the precipitation of dichroic substances while increasing the degree of orientation of dichroic substances in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. A liquid crystalline compound is a liquid crystalline compound that does not exhibit dichroism in relation to visible light. As the liquid crystalline compound, either a low-molecular-weight liquid crystalline compound or a high-molecular-weight liquid crystalline compound can be used, and it is also preferable to use both in combination. Here, "low-molecular-weight liquid crystalline compound" refers to a liquid crystalline compound that does not have repeating units in its chemical structure. "High-molecular-weight liquid crystalline compound" refers to a liquid crystalline compound that has repeating units in its chemical structure.

[0019] -Low molecular liquid crystal compounds- Examples of low-molecular-weight liquid crystalline compounds include the liquid crystalline compounds described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-228706.

[0020] -Polymer liquid crystal compound- Examples of polymeric liquid crystalline compounds include the thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-237513. Furthermore, polymeric liquid crystalline compounds are preferably those having repeating units with crosslinkable groups at their ends, in that they exhibit excellent strength (particularly flexibility) of the light-absorbing anisotropic film. Examples of crosslinkable groups include the polymerizable groups described in paragraphs

[0040] to

[0050] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-244038. Among these, acryloyl groups, methacryloyl groups, epoxy groups, oxetanyl groups, and styryl groups are preferred in terms of improving reactivity and synthetic suitability, with acryloyl groups and methacryloyl groups being more preferred.

[0021] In the present invention, when the light-absorbing anisotropic layer includes a polymeric liquid crystalline compound, the polymeric liquid crystalline compound It is preferable to form a nematic liquid crystal phase. The temperature range for exhibiting the nematic liquid crystal phase is preferably above room temperature and below 450°C, and 50 to 400°C is preferred in terms of handling and / or manufacturability.

[0022] The content of the liquid crystalline compound is preferably 25 to 2000 parts by mass, more preferably 100 to 1300 parts by mass, and even more preferably 200 to 900 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the dichroic substance. When the content of the liquid crystalline compound is within the above range, the degree of orientation of the dichroic substance in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is further improved. The liquid crystalline compound may be present as a single compound or as two or more compounds. If two or more liquid crystalline compounds are present, the content of the liquid crystalline compound refers to the total content of the liquid crystalline compounds.

[0023] The liquid crystalline compound is preferably a polymer liquid crystalline compound containing a repeating unit represented by the following formula (1L) (hereinafter also referred to as "repeating unit (1L)"), as it exhibits a superior degree of orientation of the dichroic material in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer.

[0024] [ka]

[0025] In the above formula (1L), P1 represents the repeating main chain, L1 represents a single bond or a divalent linking group, SP1 represents a spacer group, M1 represents a mesogenic group, and T1 represents a terminal group.

[0026] Specifically, the main chain of the repeating unit represented by P1 can be, for example, a group represented by the following formulas (P1-A) to (P1-D), and among these, the group represented by the following formula (P1-A) is preferred from the viewpoint of the diversity of monomers used as raw materials and ease of handling.

[0027] [ka]

[0028] In equations (P1-A) to (P1-D), "*" represents the bond position with L1 in equation (1L). In equations (P1-A) to (P1-D), R 1 , R 2 , R 3 and R 4 Each of these independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-C10 alkyl group, or a C1-C10 alkoxy group. The alkyl group may be a linear or branched alkyl group, or a cyclic alkyl group (cycloalkyl group). The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group is preferably 1 to 5. The group represented by formula (P1-A) is preferably a unit of the substructure of a poly(meth)acrylic acid ester obtained by polymerization of (meth)acrylic acid esters. The group represented by formula (P1-B) is preferably an ethylene glycol unit formed by ring-opening polymerization of the epoxy group of a compound having an epoxy group. The group represented by formula (P1-C) is preferably a propylene glycol unit formed by ring-opening polymerization of the oxetane group of a compound having an oxetane group. The group represented by formula (P1-D) is preferably a siloxane unit of polysiloxane obtained by polycondensation of a compound having at least one of an alkoxysilyl group and a silanol group. Here, examples of the compound having at least one of an alkoxysilyl group and a silanol group include a compound having a group represented by formula SiR 4 (OR 5 )2-. In the formula, R 4 is synonymous with R 4 in (P1-D), and each of the plurality of R 5 independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0029] L1 is a single bond or a divalent linking group. Examples of the divalent linking group represented by L1 include -C(O)O-, -OC(O)-, -O-, -S-, -C(O)NR 3 -, -NR 3 C(O)-, -SO2-, and -NR 3 R 4 -. In the formula, R 3 and R 4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms which may have a substituent W. When P1 is a group represented by formula (P1-A), L1 is preferably a group represented by -C(O)O- in terms of better alignment degree of the dichroic substance in the light absorption anisotropic layer. When P1 is a group represented by formula (P1-B) to (P1-D), L1 is preferably a single bond in terms of better alignment degree of the dichroic substance in the light absorption anisotropic layer.

[0030] The spacer group represented by SP1 preferably contains at least one structure selected from the group consisting of an oxyethylene structure, an oxypropylene structure, a polysiloxane structure, and a fluoroalkylene structure in terms of ease of exhibiting liquid crystallinity and / or availability of raw materials. Here, when SP1 represents an oxyethylene structure, *-(CH2-CH2O) n1A group represented by -* is preferred. In the formula, n1 represents an integer from 1 to 20, and * represents the bonding position with L1 or M1 in the above formula (1L). n1 is preferably an integer from 2 to 10, more preferably an integer from 2 to 4, and most preferably 3, in that it provides a better degree of orientation of the dichroic material in the light absorption anisotropy layer. Furthermore, when SP1 represents an oxypropylene structure, the degree of orientation of the dichroic material in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is superior, as is the case with *-(CH(CH3)-CH2O) n2 A base represented by -* is preferred. In the formula, n2 represents an integer from 1 to 3, and * represents the bonding position with L1 or M1. Furthermore, when SP1 represents a polysiloxane structure, the degree of orientation of the dichroic material in the light-absorbing anisotropy layer is superior, as is the case with *-(Si(CH3)2-O) n3 A base represented by -* is preferred. In the formula, n3 represents an integer between 6 and 10, and * represents the bonding position with L1 or M1. Furthermore, the alkylene fluoride structure represented by SP1 exhibits superior orientation of the dichroic material in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer, as shown by *-(CF2-CF2) n4 A base represented by -* is preferred. In the formula, n4 represents an integer between 6 and 10, and * represents the bonding position with L1 or M1.

[0031] The mesogenic group represented by M1 is the main backbone of liquid crystal molecules that contribute to liquid crystal formation. Liquid crystal molecules exhibit liquid crystalline properties, which is an intermediate state (mesophase) between the crystalline state and the isotropic liquid state. There are no particular restrictions on the mesogenic group; for example, refer to the description on pages 7-16 of "Flussige Kristalle in Tabellen II" (VEB Deutsche Verlag fur Grundstoff Industrie, Leipzig, 1984) and the description on Chapter 3 of the Liquid Crystal Handbook (Maruzen, 2000), edited by the Liquid Crystal Handbook Editorial Committee. As the mesogenic group, a group having at least one cyclic structure selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon groups, heterocyclic groups, and alicyclic groups is preferred. The mesogenic group is preferably having aromatic hydrocarbon groups, more preferably having 2 to 4 aromatic hydrocarbon groups, and even more preferably having 3 aromatic hydrocarbon groups, in that it provides a superior degree of orientation of the dichroic substance in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer.

[0032] As the mesogenic group, a group represented by the following formula (M1-A) or (M1-B) is preferred, with the group represented by formula (M1-B) being more preferred, from the viewpoint of exhibiting liquid crystalline properties, adjusting the liquid crystal phase transition temperature, availability of raw materials, and suitability for synthesis, as well as having a superior degree of orientation of the dichroic substance in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer.

[0033] [ka]

[0034] In formula (M1-A), A1 is a divalent group selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon groups, heterocyclic groups, and alicyclic groups. These groups may be substituted with alkyl groups, alkyl fluoride groups, alkoxy groups, or substituent W. The divalent group represented by A1 is preferably a 4- to 6-membered ring. Furthermore, the divalent group represented by A1 may be a monoring or a fused ring. * indicates the binding site with SP1 or T1.

[0035] Examples of the divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group represented by A1 include phenylene, naphthylene, fluorene-diyl, anthracene-diyl, and tetracene-diyl groups. In terms of the diversity of mesogenic skeleton design and / or the availability of raw materials, phenylene or naphthylene is preferred, and phenylene is more preferred.

[0036] The divalent heterocyclic group represented by A1 may be either aromatic or non-aromatic, but it is preferable that it be a divalent aromatic heterocyclic group in that it further improves the degree of orientation of the dichroic substance in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. Atoms other than carbon that constitute a divalent aromatic heterocyclic group include nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen atoms. If an aromatic heterocyclic group has multiple atoms other than carbon that constitute the ring, these may be the same or different. Specific examples of divalent aromatic heterocyclic groups include, for example, pyridylene (pyridine-diyl group), pyridazine-diyl group, imidazole-diyl group, thienylene (thiophene-diyl group), quinolylene (quinoline-diyl group), isoquinolylene (isoquinoline-diyl group), oxazole-diyl group, thiazole-diyl group, oxadiazole-diyl group, benzothiazole-diyl group, benzothiadiazole-diyl group, phthalimide-diyl group, thienothiazole-diyl group, thiazolothiazole-diyl group, thienothiophene-diyl group, and thienoxazole-diyl group.

[0037] Specific examples of the divalent alicyclic group represented by A1 include the cyclopentylene group and the cyclohexylene group.

[0038] In equation (M1-A), a1 represents an integer between 1 and 10. If a1 is 2 or greater, multiple A1s may be the same or different.

[0039] In formula (M1-B), A2 and A3 are each independently divalent groups selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon groups, heterocyclic groups, and alicyclic groups. Specific examples and preferred embodiments of A2 and A3 are the same as those for A1 in formula (M1-A), so their explanation is omitted. In formula (M1-B), a2 represents an integer from 1 to 10. When a2 is 2 or greater, multiple A2s may be the same or different, multiple A3s may be the same or different, and multiple LA1s may be the same or different. a2 is preferably an integer of 2 or greater, and more preferably 2, in that it provides a superior degree of orientation of the dichroic material in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. In formula (M1-B), when a2 is 1, LA1 is a divalent linking group. When a2 is 2 or more, each of the multiple LA1s is independently either a single bond or a divalent linking group, and at least one of the multiple LA1s is a divalent linking group. When a2 is 2, it is preferable that one of the two LA1s is a divalent linking group and the other is a single bond, as this provides a better degree of orientation of the dichroic material in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer.

[0040] In formula (M1-B), the divalent linking group represented by LA1 is -O-, -(CH2) g -,-(CF2) g -, -Si(CH3)2-, -(Si(CH3)2O) g -,-(OSi(CH3)2) g -(g represents an integer from 1 to 10.), -N(Z)-, -C(Z)=C(Z')-, -C(Z)=N-, -N=C(Z)-, -C(Z)2-C (Z')2-, -C(O)-, -OC(O)-, -C(O)O-, -OC(O)O-, -N(Z)C(O)-, -C(O)N(Z)-, -C (Z)=C(Z')-C(O)O-, -OC(O)-C(Z)=C(Z')-, -C(Z)=N-, -N=C(Z)-, -C(Z)=C(Z ')-C(O)N(Z”)-, -N(Z”)-C(O)-C(Z)=C(Z')-, -C(Z)=C(Z')-C(O)-S-, -SC(O) Examples include -C(Z)=C(Z')-, -C(Z)=NN=C(Z')- (where Z, Z', and Z'' independently represent hydrogen, a C1-C4 alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, a cyano group, or a halogen atom), -C≡C-, -N=N-, -S-, -S(O)-, -S(O)(O)-, -(O)S(O)O-, -O(O)S(O)O-, -SC(O)-, and -C(O)S-. Among these, -C(O)O- is preferred because it provides a superior degree of orientation of the dichroic material in the light absorption anisotropy layer. LA1 may be a group formed by combining two or more of these groups.

[0041] An example of M1 is the following structure. In the example below, "Ac" represents an acetyl group.

[0042] [ka]

[0043] [ka]

[0044] Examples of terminal groups represented by T1 include hydrogen atoms, halogen atoms, cyano groups, nitro groups, hydroxyl groups, C1-C10 alkyl groups, C1-C10 alkoxy groups, C1-C10 alkylthio groups, C1-C10 alkoxycarbonyloxy groups, C1-C10 alkoxycarbonyl groups (ROC(O)-: R is an alkyl group), C1-C10 acyloxy groups, C1-C10 acylamino groups, C1-C10 alkoxycarbonylamino groups, C1-C10 sulfonylamino groups, C1-C10 sulfamoyl groups, C1-C10 carbamoyl groups, C1-C10 sulfinyl groups, and C1-C10 ureido groups, (meth)acryloyloxy group-containing groups, etc. Examples of the (meth)acryloyloxy group-containing groups mentioned above include the group represented by -LA (where L represents a single bond or a linking group; specific examples of linking groups are the same as those for L1 and SP1 above; A represents a (meth)acryloyloxy group). T1 is preferably an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a methoxy group, in terms of superior orientation of the dichroic material in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. These terminal groups may be further substituted with these groups or the crosslinking groups described above. The number of atoms in the main chain of T1 is preferably 1 to 20, more preferably 1 to 15, even more preferably 1 to 10, and particularly preferably 1 to 7, in that it provides a superior degree of orientation of the dichroic material in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. When the number of atoms in the main chain of T1 is 20 or less, the degree of orientation of the dichroic material in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is further improved. Here, "main chain" in T1 refers to the longest molecular chain bonded to M1, and hydrogen atoms are not counted in the number of atoms in the main chain of T1. For example, when T1 is an n-butyl group, the number of atoms in the main chain is 4, and when T1 is a sec-butyl group, the number of atoms in the main chain is 3.

[0045] The content of repeating units (1L) is preferably 20 to 100% by mass relative to 100% by mass of the total repeating units of the polymeric liquid crystalline compound, as this provides a superior degree of orientation of the dichroic material in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. In this invention, the content of each repeating unit in the polymeric liquid crystalline compound is calculated based on the amount (mass) of each monomer used to obtain each repeating unit. The repeating unit (1L) may be present alone or in combination of two or more types in the polymeric liquid crystalline compound. In particular, it is preferable to have two types of repeating units (1L) in the polymeric liquid crystalline compound, as this results in a superior degree of orientation of the dichroic material in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer.

[0046] When a polymeric liquid crystalline compound contains two types of repeating units (1L), it is preferable that the terminal group represented by T1 in one repeating unit (repeating unit A) is an alkoxy group, and the terminal group represented by T1 in the other repeating unit (repeating unit B) is a group other than an alkoxy group, in order to obtain a superior degree of orientation of the dichroic material in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. In the repeating unit B described above, the terminal group represented by T1 is preferably an alkoxycarbonyl group, a cyano group, or a (meth)acryloyloxy group-containing group, and more preferably an alkoxycarbonyl group or a cyano group, in that it provides a superior degree of orientation of the dichroic substance in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. The ratio (A / B) of the content of repeating unit A in the polymeric liquid crystalline compound to the content of repeating unit B in the polymeric liquid crystalline compound is preferably 50 / 50 to 95 / 5, more preferably 60 / 40 to 93 / 7, and even more preferably 70 / 30 to 90 / 10, in terms of having a superior degree of orientation of the dichroic substance in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer.

[0047] Furthermore, the polymeric liquid crystalline compound may have repeating units (1L) that do not have a mesogenic group. An example of a repeating unit that does not have a mesogenic group is a repeating unit in formula (1L) where M1 is a single bond. When the polymeric liquid crystalline compound has repeating units that do not have mesogenic groups, the degree of orientation of the dichroic material in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is better when the amount of repeating units is more than 0% by mass and 30% by mass or less, and more than 10% by mass and 20% by mass or less, relative to 100% by mass of the total repeating units of the polymeric liquid crystalline compound.

[0048] -Weight average molecular weight- The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the polymeric liquid crystalline compound is preferably between 1,000 and 500,000, and more preferably between 2,000 and 300,000, in that it provides a superior degree of orientation of the dichroic material in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. If the Mw of the polymeric liquid crystalline compound is within the above range, the polymeric liquid crystalline compound becomes easier to handle. In particular, in terms of suppressing cracks during coating, the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the polymeric liquid crystalline compound is preferably 10,000 or more, and more preferably between 10,000 and 300,000. Furthermore, in terms of the temperature latitude of the degree of orientation, the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the polymeric liquid crystalline compound is preferably less than 10,000, and preferably between 2,000 and less than 10,000. Here, the weight-average molecular weight and number-average molecular weight in this invention are values ​​measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). • Solvent (eluent): N-methylpyrrolidone ·Device name: TOSOH HLC-8220GPC • Column: Three TOSOH TSKgelSuperAWM-H (6mm x 15cm) columns connected together are used. • Column temperature: 25℃ • Sample concentration: 0.1% by mass ·Flow rate: 0.35mL / min • Calibration curve: A calibration curve was used based on 7 samples of TOSOH TSK standard polystyrene with Mw=2,800,000 to 1,050 (Mw / Mn=1.03 to 1.06).

[0049] (dichroic substance) The light-absorbing anisotropic layer of the present invention preferably contains a dichroic substance. Dichroic materials are substances whose absorbance differs depending on the direction. Dichroic materials are not particularly limited and include, for example, visible light absorbing materials (e.g., dichroic dye compounds and dichroic azo dye compounds), luminescent materials (e.g., fluorescent materials and phosphorescent materials), ultraviolet absorbing materials, infrared absorbing materials, nonlinear optical materials, carbon nanotubes, and inorganic materials (e.g., quantum rods), and conventionally known dichroic materials (dichroic dye compounds) can be used.

[0050] Among these, dichroic dye compounds are preferred, and dichroic azo dye compounds are more preferred. The dichroic azo dye compound is not particularly limited, and conventionally known dichroic azo dye compounds can be used, but the compounds described below are preferred. The following describes dichroic azo dye compounds.

[0051] The dichroic azo dye compound may or may not exhibit liquid crystalline properties. When a dichroic azo dye compound exhibits liquid crystalline properties, it may exhibit either nematic or smectic properties. The temperature range in which the liquid crystalline phase is exhibited is preferably above room temperature and below 300°C, and more preferably between 50°C and 200°C in terms of handling and manufacturability.

[0052] In terms of color adjustment, it is preferable that the dichroic azo dye compound has at least one light-absorbing anisotropic layer having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 560 to 700 nm (hereinafter also referred to as the "first dichroic azo dye compound") and at least one dye compound having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 455 nm to less than 560 nm (hereinafter also referred to as the "second dichroic azo dye compound"). More specifically, it is more preferable that it has at least a dichroic azo dye compound represented by formula (3) described later and a dichroic azo dye compound represented by formula (4) described later.

[0053] Furthermore, three or more dichroic azo dye compounds may be used in combination. For example, in order to bring the light-absorbing anisotropic layer closer to black, it is preferable to use a first dichroic azo dye compound, a second dichroic azo dye compound, and at least one dye compound having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 380 nm to less than 455 nm (hereinafter also referred to as the "third dichroic azo dye compound").

[0054] Furthermore, in terms of having good resistance to pressure, it is preferable that the dichroic azo dye compound has a crosslinking group. Examples of crosslinkable groups include (meth)acryloyl groups, epoxy groups, oxetanyl groups, and styryl groups, with (meth)acryloyl groups being preferred.

[0055] -The first dichroic azo dye compound- The first dichroic azo dye compound, as described above, is a dichroic azo dye compound having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 560 to 700 nm. The first dichroic azo dye compound is preferably a dichroic azo dye compound having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 560 to 700 nm, more preferably a dichroic azo dye compound having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 560 to 650 nm from the viewpoint of adjusting the color of the polarizer, and even more preferably a dichroic azo dye compound having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 560 to 640 nm. In this specification, the maximum absorption wavelength (nm) of a dichroic azo dye compound is determined from the ultraviolet-visible light spectrum in the wavelength range of 380 to 800 nm, measured by a spectrophotometer using a solution of the dichroic azo dye compound dissolved in a good solvent. The first dichroic azo dye compound is preferably a compound having a chromophore and a side chain bound to the end of the chromophore. Specific examples of chromophores include aromatic ring groups (e.g., aromatic hydrocarbon groups, aromatic heterocyclic groups) and azo groups. Structures having both aromatic ring groups and azo groups are preferred, and bis-azo structures having an aromatic heterocyclic group (preferably a thienothiazole group) and two azo groups are more preferred. The side chain is not particularly limited, and is L in equation (3) described later. 3 , R 2 or L 4 Examples of groups represented by the following are given.

[0056] In terms of further improving the degree of orientation of the dichroic azo dye compound in the formed light-absorbing anisotropic layer, the first dichroic azo dye compound is preferably a compound represented by the following formula (3).

[0057] [ka]

[0058] In formula (3), A 4 This represents a divalent aromatic group which may have substituents. In formula (3), L 3 and L 4 Each of these independently represents a substituent. In formula (3), E represents one of the following atoms: nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. In formula (3), R 1 This represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl group, or an optionally substituted alkoxy group. In formula (3), R 2 This represents an alkyl group which may have a hydrogen atom or a substituent. In formula (3), R 3represents a hydrogen atom or substituent. In equation (3), n represents either 0 or 1. However, if E is a nitrogen atom, n is 1, and if E is an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, n is 0. Furthermore, substituent W is preferred.

[0059] In formula (3), A 4 This section explains the "divalent aromatic group which may have substituents" represented by [the symbol]. Examples of the substituents include the substituent group G described in paragraphs

[0237] to

[0240] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-237513, among which halogen atoms, alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, alkoxycarbonyl groups (e.g., methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, etc.), and aryloxycarbonyl groups (e.g., phenoxycarbonyl, 4-methylphenoxycarbonyl, 4-methoxyphenylcarbonyl, etc.) are preferred, alkyl groups are more preferred, and alkyl groups having 1 to 5 carbon atoms are even more preferred. On the other hand, examples of divalent aromatic groups include divalent aromatic hydrocarbon groups and divalent aromatic heterocyclic groups. Examples of the above-mentioned divalent aromatic hydrocarbon groups include arylene groups having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, specifically phenylene groups, cumenylene groups, mesitylene groups, torylene groups, xylylene groups, etc. Among these, phenylene groups are preferred.

[0060] In formula (3), L 3 and L 4The substituent represented by is a substituent W. Among these, the substituent is preferably an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an alkenyl group which may have a substituent, an alkynyl group which may have a substituent, an aryl group which may have a substituent, an alkoxy group which may have a substituent, an oxycarbonyl group which may have a substituent, an acyloxy group which may have a substituent, an acylamino group which may have a substituent, an amino group which may have a substituent, an alkoxycarbonylamino group which may have a substituent, an sulfonylamino group which may have a substituent, an sulfamoyl group which may have a substituent, an alkylthio group which may have a substituent, an sulfonyl group which may have a substituent, an ureido group which may have a substituent, a nitro group which may have a substituent, a hydroxyl group which may have a substituent, a cyano group which may have a substituent, an imino group which may have a substituent, an azo group which may have a substituent, or a heterocyclic group which may have a substituent. L 3 and L 4 Preferably, at least one of them contains a crosslinkable group (polymerizable group), L 3 and L 4 It is more preferable that both contain crosslinking groups. Specifically, examples of crosslinkable groups include the polymerizable groups described in paragraphs

[0040] to

[0050] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-244038. From the viewpoint of reactivity and synthetic suitability, acryloyl groups, methacryloyl groups, epoxy groups, oxetanyl groups, or styryl groups are preferred, with acryloyl groups or methacryloyl groups being preferred.

[0061] In formula (3), E represents one of the atoms of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur, and from the viewpoint of synthetic suitability, it is preferably a nitrogen atom.

[0062] In formula (3), R1 This represents a group or atom that is one of a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl group, or an optionally substituted alkoxy group, with a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl group being preferred. Examples of the substituents mentioned above include halogen atoms. Examples of alkyl groups include linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Among these, linear alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms are preferred, linear alkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms are more preferred, and methyl or ethyl groups are even more preferred. Examples of alkoxy groups include alkoxy groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Among these, alkoxy groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms are preferred, alkoxy groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms are more preferred, and methoxy or ethoxy groups are even more preferred.

[0063] In formula (3), R 2 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group which may have substituents, and it is preferable that it is an alkyl group which may have substituents. R 2 Specific examples and preferred embodiments of the "alkyl group which may have substituents" represented by are the R of formula (3) described above. 1 This is similar to the "alkyl group which may have substituents" in the previous definition, so the explanation is omitted.

[0064] In formula (3), R 3 represents a hydrogen atom or substituent. R 3 The specific examples and preferred embodiments of the "substituents" represented by are the same as the substituents in the "divalent aromatic group which may have substituents" described above, and the preferred embodiments are also the same, so their explanation is omitted.

[0065] In terms of lightfastness, L 3 It is preferable that R is an electron-withdrawing group. 2 and L 4 It is preferable that the group has low electron-donating properties. As a concrete example of such a base, L 3Examples include alkylsulfonyl groups, alkylcarbonyl groups, alkyloxycarbonyl groups, acyloxy groups, alkylsulfonylamino groups, alkylsulfamoyl groups, alkylsulfinyl groups, and alkylureido groups, R 2 and L 4 Examples include the base with the following structure. Note that in the base with the following structure, R in formula (3) above, 2 and L 4 This is shown in a form that includes the nitrogen atom to which it is bonded.

[0066] [ka]

[0067] Specific examples of the first dichroic azo dye compounds are shown below, but are not limited to these.

[0068] [ka] JPEG0007882902000009.jpg161127

[0069] -The second dichroic azo dye compound- The second dichroic azo dye compound is a different compound from the first dichroic azo dye compound, specifically in its chemical structure. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the second dichroic azo dye compound is a dichroic azo dye compound having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 455 nm to less than 560 nm. The second dichroic azo dye compound is preferably a dichroic azo dye compound having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 455 nm to less than 560 nm, more preferably a dichroic azo dye compound having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 455 to 555 nm, and even more preferably a dichroic azo dye compound having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 455 to 550 nm, from the viewpoint of adjusting the color of the polarizer. In particular, using a first dichroic azo dye compound with a maximum absorption wavelength of 560-700 nm and a second dichroic azo dye compound with a maximum absorption wavelength of 455 nm or more and less than 560 nm makes it easier to adjust the color of the polarizer. The second dichroic azo dye compound is preferably a compound having a chromophore, which is the core of the dichroic azo dye compound, and a side chain bound to the end of the chromophore. Specific examples of chromophores include aromatic ring groups (e.g., aromatic hydrocarbon groups, aromatic heterocyclic groups) and azo groups. Structures having both aromatic hydrocarbon groups and azo groups are preferred, and bisazo or trisazo structures having an aromatic hydrocarbon group and two or three azo groups are more preferred. The side chain is not particularly limited and may include groups represented by R4, R5, or R6 in formula (4) described later.

[0070] The second dichroic azo dye compound is preferably the compound represented by formula (4) because it further improves the orientation of the polarizer.

[0071] Formula (4) [ka]

[0072] In equation (4), n represents either 1 or 2. In formula (4), Ar3, Ar4, and Ar5 each independently represent an optionally substituted phenylene group or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group. The substituent is not particularly limited, but an example is substituent W. The heterocyclic group may be either aromatic or non-aromatic. Atoms other than carbon that constitute an aromatic heterocyclic group include nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen atoms. If an aromatic heterocyclic group has multiple atoms other than carbon that constitute the ring, these may be the same or different. Specific examples of aromatic heterocyclic groups include, for example, pyridylene (pyridine-diyl group), pyridazine-diyl group, imidazole-diyl group, thienylene (thiophene-diyl group), quinolylene (quinoline-diyl group), isoquinolylene (isoquinoline-diyl group), oxazole-diyl group, thiazole-diyl group, oxadiazole-diyl group, benzothiazole-diyl group, benzothiadiazole-diyl group, phthalimide-diyl group, thienothiazole-diyl group, thiazolothiazole-diyl group, thienothiophene-diyl group, and thienoxazole-diyl group.

[0073] In equation (4), the definition of R4 is given by L in equation (3). 3 It is similar to that. In equation (4), the definitions of R5 and R6 are, respectively, the R in equation (3). 2 and L 4 It is similar to that.

[0074] In terms of lightfastness, R4 is preferably an electron-withdrawing group, and R5 and R6 are preferably groups with low electron-donating properties. Among such groups, a specific example where R4 is an electron-withdrawing group is L 3 The specific example is similar to the case where R is an electron-withdrawing group, and the specific example where R5 and R6 are groups with low electron-donating ability is R 2 and L 4 This is similar to a specific example of a group with low electron-donating ability.

[0075] Specific examples of the second type of dichroic azo dye compound are shown below, but are not limited to these.

[0076] [ka] JPEG0007882902000012.jpg155111 JPEG0007882902000013.jpg160105 JPEG0007882902000014.jpg167111

[0077] -Difference in logP values- The logP value is one of the indicators that expresses the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of a chemical structure. The absolute difference between the logP value of the side chain of the first dichroic azo dye compound and the logP value of the side chain of the second dichroic azo dye compound (hereinafter also referred to as the "logP difference") is preferably 2.30 or less, more preferably 2.0 or less, even more preferably 1.5 or less, and particularly preferably 1.0 or less. If the logP difference is 2.30 or less, the affinity between the first dichroic azo dye compound and the second dichroic azo dye compound is increased, making it easier to form a sequence structure, and thus the degree of orientation of the dichroic azo dye compounds is further improved. Furthermore, if the first dichroic azo dye compound or the second dichroic azo dye compound has multiple side chains, it is preferable that at least one logP difference satisfies the above value. Here, the side chains of the first dichroic azo dye compound and the second dichroic azo dye compound refer to the groups that bind to the ends of the chromophore described above. For example, if the first dichroic azo dye compound is the compound represented by formula (3), then L in formula (3) 3 , L 4 and R 2 If R4 is a side chain and the second dichroic azo dye compound is the compound represented by formula (4), then R4, R5, and R6 in formula (4) are side chains. In particular, if the first dichroic azo dye compound is the compound represented by formula (3) and the second dichroic azo dye compound is the compound represented by formula (4), then L 3 The difference in logP values ​​between R4 and L 3 The difference in logP values ​​between R5 and L 4 The difference in logP values ​​between and R4, and L 4 It is preferable that at least one of the logP differences between R5 and the value above satisfies the above value.

[0078] The logP value is sometimes called the hydrophilic / hydrophobic parameter. The logP value can be calculated using software such as ChemBioDraw Ultra or HSPiP (Ver. 4.1.07). It can also be determined experimentally using methods such as those described in OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals, Section 1, Test No. 117. Unless otherwise specified in this specification, the logP value will be the value calculated by inputting the structural formula of the compound into HSPiP (Ver. 4.1.07).

[0079] -The third dichroic azo dye compound- The third dichroic azo dye compound is a dichroic azo dye compound other than the first and second dichroic azo dye compounds, and specifically, it has a different chemical structure from the first and second dichroic azo dye compounds. If the light-absorbing anisotropic layer contains the third dichroic azo dye compound, it has the advantage of making it easier to adjust the color of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the third dichroic azo dye compound is a dichroic azo dye compound having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 380 nm to less than 455 nm. The third dichroic azo dye compound is preferably a dichroic azo dye compound having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 380 nm to less than 455 nm, more preferably a dichroic azo dye compound having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 400 to 455 nm, and even more preferably a dichroic azo dye compound having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 410 to 455 nm, from the viewpoint of adjusting the color of the polarizer.

[0080] The third dichroic azo dye compound preferably contains a dichroic azo dye compound represented by the following formula (6).

[0081] [ka]

[0082] In formula (6), A and B each independently represent a crosslinking group or a monovalent substituent. In formula (6), a and b each independently represent either 0 or 1. For superior orientation at 420 nm, it is preferable that both a and b are 0. In equation (6), when a=0, L1 represents a monovalent substituent, and when a=1, L1 represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Also, when b=0, L2 represents a monovalent substituent, and when b=1, L2 represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. In formula (6), Ar1 represents an (n1+2) valent aromatic hydrocarbon group or heterocyclic group, Ar2 represents an (n2+2) valent aromatic hydrocarbon group or heterocyclic group, and Ar3 represents an (n3+2) valent aromatic hydrocarbon group or heterocyclic group. In equation (6), R1, R2, and R3 each independently represent a monovalent substituent. If n1 ≥ 2, the multiple R1s may be identical or different from each other; if n2 ≥ 2, the multiple R2s may be identical or different from each other; and if n3 ≥ 2, the multiple R3s may be identical or different from each other. In equation (6), k represents an integer from 1 to 4. When k ≥ 2, multiple Ar2s may be identical or different from each other, and multiple R2s may be identical or different from each other. In equation (6), n1, n2, and n3 each independently represent integers from 0 to 4. However, when k=1, n1+n2+n3≧0, and when k≧2, n1+n2+n3≧1.

[0083] In formula (6), examples of the crosslinkable groups represented by A and B include the polymerizable groups described in paragraphs

[0040] to

[0050] of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-244038. Among these, acryloyl groups, methacryloyl groups, epoxy groups, oxetanyl groups, and styryl groups are preferred from the viewpoint of improving reactivity and synthetic suitability, and acryloyl groups and methacryloyl groups are more preferred from the viewpoint of further improving solubility.

[0084] In formula (6), an example of a monovalent substituent represented by A and B is substituent W.

[0085] The monovalent substituents represented by L1 and L2 are preferably groups introduced to enhance the solubility of dichroic substances, or electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups introduced to adjust the color tone as a dye. An example of a substituent is substituent W. Substituent W may be further substituted by substituent W. If there are two or more substituents, they may be the same or different. Furthermore, where possible, they may be bonded to each other to form a ring. Examples of groups in which the above substituent W is further substituted by the above substituent W include groups in which an alkoxy group is substituted with an alkyl group, such as R B -(OR A ) na - Groups, and groups in which the carboxyl group is substituted with an alkyl group, R B -OCO-R A -A base can be listed. Here, in the formula, R A R represents an alkylene group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms. B represents an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and na represents an integer from 1 to 10 (preferably 1 to 5, more preferably 1 to 3). In particular, the monovalent substituents represented by L1 and L2 include alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkoxy groups, and groups in which these groups are further substituted by these groups (for example, the R mentioned above). B -(OR A ) na -Base, and R B -OCO-R A -Groups are preferred, alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, and groups in which these groups are further substituted by these groups (for example, the R groups mentioned above) B -(OR A ) na -Base, and R B -OCO-R A -Base) is more preferable.

[0086] Examples of the divalent linking groups represented by L1 and L2 include, for example, -O-, -S-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -O-CO-O-, -CO-NR N -, -O-CO-NR N -, -NR N -CO-NR N -, -SO2-, -SO-, alkylene groups, cycloalkylene groups, and alkenylene groups, and groups formed by combining two or more of these groups, etc. Among them, a group combining an alkylene group and one or more groups selected from the group consisting of -O-, -COO-, -OCO-, and -O-CO-O- is preferable, and a group combining an alkylene group and -OCO- is particularly preferable. Here, R N represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. When there are a plurality of R N , the plurality of R N may be the same as or different from each other.

[0087] In terms of further improving the solubility of the dichroic substance, the number of atoms in the main chain of at least one of L1 and L2 is preferably 3 or more, more preferably 5 or more, still more preferably 7 or more, and particularly preferably 10 or more. Also, the upper limit value of the number of atoms in the main chain is preferably 20 or less, and more preferably 12 or less. On the other hand, in terms of further improving the degree of orientation of the dichroic substance in the light absorption anisotropic layer, the number of atoms in the main chain of at least one of L1 and L2 is preferably 1 to 5. Here, when A in formula (6) exists, the "main chain" in L1 refers to the part necessary to directly connect the "O" atom connected to L1 and "A", and the "number of atoms in the main chain" refers to the number of atoms constituting the above part. Similarly, when B in formula (6) exists, the "main chain" in L2 refers to the part necessary to directly connect the "O" atom connected to L2 and "B", and the "number of atoms in the main chain" refers to the number of atoms constituting the above part. Note that the "number of atoms in the main chain" does not include the number of atoms in the branched chain described later. Furthermore, if A does not exist, the "number of atoms in the main chain" in L1 refers to the number of atoms in L1 that do not include branched chains. If B does not exist, the "number of atoms in the main chain" in L2 refers to the number of atoms in L2 that do not include branched chains. Specifically, in equation (D1) below, the number of atoms in the L1 main chain is 5 (the number of atoms in the dotted box on the left side of equation (D1) below), and the number of atoms in the L2 main chain is 5 (the number of atoms in the dotted box on the right side of equation (D1) below). Also, in equation (D10) below, the number of atoms in the L1 main chain is 7 (the number of atoms in the dotted box on the left side of equation (D10) below), and the number of atoms in the L2 main chain is 5 (the number of atoms in the dotted box on the right side of equation (D10) below).

[0088] [ka]

[0089] L1 and L2 may have branched chains. Here, if A is present in equation (6), the "branched chain" in L1 refers to the part of L1 other than the part necessary to directly connect the "O" atom that connects to L1 in equation (6) and "A". Similarly, if B is present in equation (6), the "branched chain" in L2 refers to the part of L2 other than the part necessary to directly connect the "O" atom that connects to L2 in equation (6) and "B". Furthermore, if A does not exist in equation (6), the "branched chain" in L1 refers to the portion other than the longest atomic chain (i.e., the main chain) that extends from the "O" atom connected to L1 in equation (6). Similarly, if B does not exist in equation (6), the "branched chain" in L2 refers to the portion other than the longest atomic chain (i.e., the main chain) that extends from the "O" atom connected to L2 in equation (6). The number of atoms in the branched chain is preferably three or less. Having three or fewer atoms in the branched chain offers advantages such as improved orientation of the dichroic material in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. Note that the number of hydrogen atoms is not included in the number of atoms in the branched chain.

[0090] In equation (6), Ar1 represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group or heterocyclic group with (n1+2) valency (for example, trivalent when n1 is 1), Ar2 represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group or heterocyclic group with (n2+2) valency (for example, trivalent when n2 is 1), and Ar3 represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group or heterocyclic group with (n3+2) valency (for example, trivalent when n3 is 1). Here, Ar1 to Ar3 can be rephrased as a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group or a divalent heterocyclic group substituted with n1 to n3 substituents (R1 to R3 described later). The divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group represented by Ar1 to Ar3 may be a monocyclic or have a fused ring structure of two or more rings. From the viewpoint of improving solubility, the number of rings in the divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group is preferably 1 to 4, more preferably 1 to 2, and even more preferably 1 (i.e., a phenylene group). Specific examples of divalent aromatic hydrocarbon groups include phenylene groups, azulene-diyl groups, naphthylene groups, fluorene-diyl groups, anthracene-diyl groups, and tetracene-diyl groups. From the viewpoint of improving solubility, phenylene groups and naphthylene groups are preferred, with phenylene groups being more preferred. The following are specific examples of the third dichroic dye compound, but the present invention is not limited to these. In the following examples, n represents an integer from 1 to 10.

[0091] [ka]

[0092] [ka]

[0093] Furthermore, it is preferable that the third dye has a structure that does not have radical polymerizable groups. When the structure does not have radical polymerizable groups, the degree of orientation is excellent when the measurement wavelength for the degree of orientation, as described later, is 420 nm. Examples of structures that do not have radical polymerizable groups include the following: [ka] JPEG0007882902000020.jpg12119

[0094] The third dichroic azo dye compound is more preferably a dichroic azo dye compound having the structure represented by the following formula (1-1), as it is particularly excellent in terms of the degree of orientation when the measurement wavelength for the degree of orientation, described later, is 420 nm.

[0095] [ka]

[0096] In equation (1-1), the definitions of R1, R3, n1, n3, L1, and L2 are equivalent to R1, R3, n1, n3, L1, and L2 in equation (6), respectively. In formula (1-1), the definitions of R4 and R5 are synonymous with substituent W. In formula (1-1), R 21 and R 22 Each of these definitions is independent and equivalent to R2 in equation (6). In equation (1-1), the definitions of n21 and n22 are independently synonymous with n2 in equation (6). n1+n21+n22+n3≧1, where n1+n21+n22+n3 is preferably 1 to 9, and more preferably 1 to 5.

[0097] The following are specific examples of the third dichroic azo dye compound, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0098] [ka]

[0099] [ka]

[0100] [ka]

[0101] [Composition for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer] The light-absorbing anisotropic layer of the optical film of the present invention is preferably prepared using, for example, a light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition containing a liquid crystalline compound and a dichroic substance. The composition for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer may contain components other than liquid crystalline compounds and dichroic substances, such as solvents, interface modifiers, vertical alignment agents, polymerizable components, polymerization initiators (e.g., radical polymerization initiators), and leveling agents suitable for vertical alignment. In this case, the light-absorbing anisotropic layer in the present invention contains solid components other than liquid components (solvents, etc.). The following describes the components that may be included in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition. Furthermore, the liquid crystalline compounds and dichroic substances described above can be used, and the preferred embodiments are also as described above.

[0102] (solvent) The composition for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer preferably contains a solvent. Examples of solvents include ketones (e.g., acetone, 2-butanone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclopentanone, and cyclohexanone), ethers (e.g., dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, cyclopentyl methyl ether, tetrahydropyran, and dioxolane), aliphatic hydrocarbons (e.g., hexane), alicyclic hydrocarbons (e.g., cyclohexane), aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylene, and trimethylbenzene), halogenated carbons (e.g., dichloromethane, trichloromethane, dichloroethane, dichlorobenzene, and chlorotoluene), and esters (e.g., acetic acid). Examples of solvents include organic solvents such as methyl, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, and ethyl lactate, alcohols (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, cyclohexanol, isopentyl alcohol, neopentyl alcohol, diacetone alcohol, and benzyl alcohol), cellosolves (e.g., methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, and 1,2-dimethoxyethane), cellosolve acetates, sulfoxides (e.g., dimethyl sulfoxide), amides (e.g., dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, and N-ethylpyrrolidone), and heterocyclic compounds (e.g., pyridine), as well as water. These solvents may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Of these solvents, ketones (especially cyclopentanone and cyclohexanone), ethers (especially tetrahydrofuran, cyclopentyl methyl ether, tetrahydropyran, and dioxolane), alcohols (especially benzyl alcohol), and amides (especially dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, and N-ethylpyrrolidone) are preferred. If the liquid crystalline composition contains a solvent, the solvent content is preferably 80 to 99% by mass, more preferably 83 to 98% by mass, and even more preferably 85 to 96% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid crystalline composition. If two or more solvents are present, the solvent content mentioned above refers to the total content of all solvents.

[0103] (Interface modifier) The composition for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer preferably contains an interface modifier. As the interface modifier, the interface modifier described in the examples section below can be used. If the coloring composition contains an interface modifier, the amount of the interface modifier is preferably 0.001 to 5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the total of the dichroic dye compound and the liquid crystalline compound in the coloring composition.

[0104] (Vertical alignment agent) The composition for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer preferably contains a vertical alignment agent. A vertical alignment agent is a substance that has the effect of aligning dichroic substances vertically. Examples of vertical orientation agents include boronic acid compounds and onium salts.

[0105] As the boronic acid compound, the compound represented by formula (30) is preferred.

[0106] Formula (30) [ka]

[0107] In formula (30), R 1 and R 2 Each of these independently represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group. R 3 R represents substituents containing functional groups that can bond to (meth)acrylic groups. 3 The functional group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbon group, an aryl group, or a heterocyclic group having a functional group that can bond with the (meth)acrylic group. Examples of functional groups capable of bonding to an acrylic group include polymerizable groups such as a vinyl group, an acrylate group, a methacrylate group, an acrylamide group, a styryl group, a vinyl ketone group, a butadiene group, a vinyl ether group, an oxiranyl group, an aziridinyl group, and an oxetane group. Among them, a vinyl group, an acrylate group, a methacrylate group, a styryl group, an oxiranyl group, or an oxetane group is preferable, and a vinyl group, an acrylate group, an acrylamide group, or a styryl group is more preferable. Specific examples of the boronic acid compound include boronic acid compounds represented by the general formula (I) described in paragraphs 0023 to 0032 of JP-A-2008-225281. As the boronic acid compound, the compounds exemplified below are also preferable.

[0108]

Chemical formula

[0109] As the onium salt, the compound represented by the formula (31) is preferable.

[0110] Formula (31)

Chemical formula

[0111] In the formula (31), ring A represents a quaternary ammonium ion composed of a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring. X represents an anion. L 1 represents a divalent linking group. L 2 represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Y 1 represents a divalent linking group having a 5- or 6-membered ring as a partial structure. Z represents a divalent linking group having an alkylene group of 2 to 20 as a partial structure. P 1 and P 2 each independently represent a monovalent substituent having a polymerizable ethylenic unsaturated bond. Specific examples of onium salts include the onium salts described in paragraphs 0052 to 0058 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-208397, the onium salts described in paragraphs 0024 to 0055 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-026730, and the onium salts described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-37777.

[0112] The content of the vertical alignment agent in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition is preferably 0.1 to 400% by mass, and more preferably 0.5 to 350% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid crystalline compound. Vertical alignment agents may be used individually or in combination of two or more types. When two or more vertical alignment agents are used, it is preferable that their total amount is within the above range.

[0113] -Leveling agent suitable for vertical orientation- When vertically aligning dichroic materials using a light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition containing a vertical alignment agent, it is preferable that the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition contains the following leveling agent. When the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition contains a leveling agent, surface roughness caused by drying air on the surface of the anisotropic light-absorbing layer is suppressed, and the dichroic materials are oriented more uniformly. The leveling agent is not particularly limited, but a leveling agent containing a fluorine atom (fluorine-based leveling agent) or a leveling agent containing a silicon atom (silicon-based leveling agent) is preferred, and a fluorine-based leveling agent is more preferred.

[0114] Examples of fluorine-based leveling agents include fatty acid esters of polycarboxylic acids in which a portion of the fatty acid is substituted with a fluoroalkyl group, and polyacrylates having fluoro substituents. In particular, when rod-shaped compounds are used as the dichroic substance and liquid crystalline compound, leveling agents containing repeating units derived from the compound represented by formula (40) are preferred because they promote the vertical orientation of the dichroic substance and liquid crystalline compound.

[0115] Formula (40) [ka]

[0116] R 0 This represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a methyl group. L represents a divalent linking group. L is preferably an alkylene group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, and any non-adjacent -CH2- in the alkylene group may be substituted with -O-, -COO-, -CO-, or -CONH-. n represents an integer between 1 and 18.

[0117] A leveling agent having repeating units derived from a compound represented by formula (40) may further contain other repeating units. Other repeating units include those derived from compounds represented by formula (41).

[0118] Formula (41) [ka]

[0119] R 11 This represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a methyl group. X is an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or -N(R) 13 ) represents R 13 This represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. R 12 represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl group, or an optionally substituted aromatic group. The alkyl group preferably has 1 to 20 carbon atoms. The alkyl group may be linear, branched, or cyclic. Furthermore, examples of substituents that the alkyl group may have include a poly(alkylene oxy) group and a polymerizable group. Examples of polymerizable groups are as described above.

[0120] When the leveling agent contains repeating units derived from the compound represented by formula (40) and repeating units derived from the compound represented by formula (41), the content of the repeating units derived from the compound represented by formula (40) is preferably 10 to 95 mol%, and more preferably 15 to 90 mol%, relative to the total repeating units contained in the leveling agent. When the leveling agent contains repeating units derived from the compound represented by formula (40) and repeating units derived from the compound represented by formula (41), the content of the repeating units derived from the compound represented by formula (41) is preferably 10 to 90 mol%, and more preferably 20 to 80 mol%, relative to the total repeating units contained in the leveling agent.

[0121] Furthermore, as a leveling agent, a leveling agent containing repeating units derived from the compound represented by formula (42) can also be mentioned, instead of the repeating units derived from the compound represented by formula (40) described above.

[0122] Formula (42) [ka]

[0123] R 2 This represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a methyl group. L 2 This represents a divalent linking group. n represents an integer between 1 and 18.

[0124] Specific examples of leveling agents include the compounds exemplified in paragraphs 0046 to 0052 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-331812, and the compounds described in paragraphs 0038 to 0052 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-257205.

[0125] The leveling agent content in the composition is preferably 0.001 to 10% by mass, and more preferably 0.01 to 5% by mass, relative to the total mass of the liquid crystalline compound. Leveling agents may be used individually or in combination of two or more types. When two or more leveling agents are used, it is preferable that their total amount is within the above range.

[0126] (polymerizable components) The composition for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer preferably contains polymerizable components. Examples of polymerizable components include compounds containing acrylates (e.g., acrylate monomers). In this case, the light-absorbing anisotropic layer in the present invention includes polyacrylate obtained by polymerizing the above-mentioned acrylate-containing compound. Specifically, examples include the compound described in paragraph 0058 of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-122776. When the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition contains polymerizable components, the amount of polymerizable components is preferably 3 to 20 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the total of the dichroic substance and the liquid crystalline compound in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition.

[0127] (Polymerization initiator) The composition for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer preferably contains a polymerization initiator. There are no particular restrictions on the polymerization initiator, but it is preferable that it be a photosensitive compound, i.e., a photopolymerization initiator. Various compounds can be used as photopolymerization initiators without particular limitations. Examples of photopolymerization initiators include α-carbonyl compounds (US Patent Nos. 2,367,661 and 2,367,670), acyloin ethers (US Patent No. 2,448,828), α-hydrocarbon-substituted aromatic acyloin compounds (US Patent No. 2,722,512), polynuclear quinone compounds (US Patent Nos. 3,046,127 and 2,951,758), and combinations of triarylimidazole dimers and p-aminophenyl ketones (US Patent No. 3,549,367). Examples include acridine and phenazine compounds (Japanese Patent Publication No. 60-105667 and U.S. Patent No. 4239850), oxadiazole compounds (U.S. Patent No. 4212970), o-acyloxime compounds (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-27384

[0065] ), and acylphosphine oxide compounds (Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-40799, Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-29234, Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-95788, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-29997). Commercially available photopolymerization initiators can also be used, including BASF's IRGACURE 184, IRGACURE 907, IRGACURE 369, IRGACURE 651, IRGACURE 819, IRGACURE 2959, IRGACURE OXE-01, and IRGACURE OXE-02.

[0128] When the composition for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer contains a polymerization initiator, the amount of polymerization initiator is preferably 0.01 to 30 parts by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 15 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of the total of the dichroic substance and the polymeric liquid crystalline compound in the composition for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer. A polymerization initiator content of 0.01 parts by mass or more results in good durability of the light-absorbing anisotropic film, while a content of 30 parts by mass or less results in better orientation of the dichroic substance in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. Polymerization initiators may be used individually or in combination of two or more. When two or more polymerization initiators are included, it is preferable that their total amount is within the above range.

[0129] (Content of dichroic substances) The content of the dichroic substance is preferably 10 to 30% by mass, more preferably 15 to 30% by mass, still more preferably 18 to 28% by mass, and particularly preferably 20 to 26% by mass with respect to the total solid content mass of the light absorption anisotropic layer. The total solid content mass means the mass obtained by removing the solvent component from the mass of the composition for forming the light absorption anisotropic layer. When the content of the dichroic substance is within the above range, even when the light absorption anisotropic layer is formed into a thin film, a light absorption anisotropic layer with a high degree of orientation can be obtained. Therefore, a light absorption anisotropic layer excellent in flexibility is easily obtained. The content of the first dichroic azo dye compound is preferably 40 to 90 parts by mass, more preferably 45 to 75 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the total content of the dichroic substance. The content of the second dichroic azo dye compound is preferably 6 to 50 parts by mass, more preferably 8 to 35 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the total content of the dichroic substance. The content of the third dichroic azo dye compound is preferably 3 to 50 parts by mass, more preferably 5 to 40 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the content of the dichroic azo dye compound. The content ratios of the first dichroic azo dye compound, the second dichroic azo dye compound, and the third dichroic azo dye compound optionally used can be arbitrarily set in order to adjust the color tone of the light absorption anisotropic layer. However, the content ratio of the second dichroic azo dye compound to the first dichroic azo dye compound (second dichroic azo dye compound / first dichroic azo dye compound) is preferably 0.1 to 10, more preferably 0.2 to 5, and still more preferably 0.3 to 0.8 in terms of molar conversion. When the content ratio of the second dichroic azo dye compound to the first dichroic azo dye compound is within the above range, the degree of orientation can be increased.

[0130] [Properties of Light Absorption Anisotropic Layer] The light absorption anisotropic layer of the present invention preferably has a transmittance inclined 30° from the transmittance central axis (hereinafter, the transmittance at a wavelength of 550 nm is shown unless otherwise specified) of 60% or less, more preferably 40% or less, and even more preferably 20% or less. Thereby, it becomes possible to increase the contrast of the illuminance between the transmittance center and the direction deviated from the transmittance center, and the viewing angle can be made sufficiently narrow.

[0131] The transmittance of the transmittance central axis of the light absorption anisotropic layer used in the present invention is preferably 65% or more, more preferably 75% or more, and even more preferably 85% or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, but is less than 100%. When the transmittance is within the above range, the illuminance at the viewing angle center of the image display device using the light absorption anisotropic layer can be increased and the visibility can be improved.

[0132] In the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, in order to achieve reducing the illuminance of the peripheral portion as much as possible while not reducing the illuminance at the viewing angle center as much as possible, the degree of alignment measured at a wavelength of 550 nm of the light absorption anisotropic layer is preferably 0.80 or more, more preferably 0.90 or more, and even more preferably 0.95 or more. Here, the degree of alignment measured at a wavelength of λ nm shall follow the following definition in this specification. Using AxoScan OPMF-1 (manufactured by OptoSciences), during the measurement, while changing the polar angle, which is the angle with respect to the normal direction of the light absorption anisotropic layer, every 5° from 0 to 90°, the Mueller matrix at a wavelength of 550 nm at each polar angle is actually measured, and the minimum transmittance (Tmin) is derived. Next, after removing the influence of surface reflection, the Tmin at the polar angle where Tmin is the highest is defined as Tm(0), and the Tmin in the direction where the polar angle is further increased by 40° from the polar angle where Tmin is the highest is defined as Tm(40). The absorbance is calculated from the obtained Tm(0) and Tm(40) by the following formula, and A(0) and A(40) are calculated. A = -log(Tm) Here, Tm represents the transmittance and A represents the absorbance. From the calculated A(0) and A(40), the degree of alignment S at a wavelength of 550 nm defined by the following formula is calculated. S=(4.6×A(40)-A(0)) / (4.6×A(40)+2×A(0)) By changing the above wavelength from 550 nm to 420 nm or 650 nm, the degree of orientation S at wavelengths of 420 nm and 650 nm is calculated.

[0133] The optical film using the light-absorbing anisotropic layer of the present invention has high transmittance along the transmittance center axis and low transmittance in directions offset from the transmittance center axis. This is presumed to be due to the following reasons. Lowering the transmittance in directions offset from the transmittance center axis can be achieved by increasing the thickness of the anisotropic light absorption layer, but this simultaneously reduces the transmittance along the transmittance center axis. Here, if the degree of orientation measured at a wavelength of 550 nm is set to 0.95 or higher, it is thought that dichroic materials are mainly contributing to the degree of orientation measured at a wavelength of 550 nm, and therefore the frequency of dichroic materials whose absorption axis is offset from the transmittance center axis is thought to decrease. As a result, it can be estimated that the absorption by dichroic materials when viewed from the transmittance center axis was suppressed, and the transmittance in the direction of the transmittance center axis was increased.

[0134] Furthermore, it is preferable that the light-absorbing anisotropic layer satisfies both equation (1) and equation (2) below. S P (420nm) P (550nm) Formula (1) S P (420nm) P (650nm) Formula (2) Here, the above S P (λ) represents the degree of orientation of the optical absorption anisotropy layer, measured at a wavelength of λnm.

[0135] The thickness of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is not particularly limited, but in terms of flexibility when the optical laminate of the present invention, described later, is used as a polarizing element, it is preferably 100 to 8000 nm, and more preferably 300 to 5000 nm.

[0136] [Method for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer] ​​The method for forming the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is not particularly limited, and examples include a method comprising, in this order, a step of applying the above-mentioned light-absorbing anisotropic layer forming composition to form a coated film (hereinafter also referred to as the "coated film forming step"), and a step of aligning the liquid crystalline components and dichroic substances contained in the coated film (hereinafter also referred to as the "orientation step"). Furthermore, the term "liquid crystallinity component" includes not only the liquid crystallinity compounds mentioned above, but also, if the dichroic substance mentioned above also possesses liquid crystallinity, the component also includes the dichroic substance that is liquid crystallinity.

[0137] Furthermore, techniques for oriented organic dichroic dyes to a desired orientation can be referenced from techniques for fabricating polarizers using organic dichroic dyes and techniques for fabricating guest-host liquid crystal cells. For example, techniques used in the fabrication methods for dichroic polarizing elements described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-305036 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-90526, and in the fabrication methods for guest-host type liquid crystal display devices described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-99388 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-27387 can also be used to fabricate the light-absorbing anisotropic layer used in the present invention.

[0138] For example, by utilizing guest-host liquid crystal cell technology, the molecules of an organic dichroic dye can be aligned to the desired orientation as described above in conjunction with the orientation of the host liquid crystal. Specifically, by mixing a guest organic dichroic dye with a rod-shaped liquid crystalline compound that serves as the host liquid crystal, aligning the host liquid crystal, and aligning the molecules of the organic dichroic dye in accordance with the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, and fixing this orientation, a light-absorbing anisotropic layer used in the present invention can be fabricated.

[0139] To prevent variations in the light absorption properties of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer used in the present invention due to the operating environment, it is preferable to fix the orientation of the organic dichroic dye by forming chemical bonds. For example, the orientation can be fixed by promoting polymerization of the host liquid crystal, the organic dichroic dye, or a polymerizable component added as desired.

[0140] Alternatively, a guest-host type liquid crystal cell itself, having a liquid crystal layer containing at least an organic dichroic dye and a host liquid crystal on a pair of substrates, may be used as the light-absorbing anisotropic layer in the present invention. The orientation of the host liquid crystal (and the orientation of the associated organic dichroic dye molecules) can be controlled by an alignment film formed on the inner surface of the substrate, and unless external stimuli such as an electric field are applied, the orientation state is maintained, and the light-absorbing characteristics of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer used in the present invention can be kept constant.

[0141] Furthermore, by impregnating a polymer film with an organic dichroic dye and orienting the organic dichroic dye along the orientation of the polymer molecules in the polymer film, a polymer film that satisfies the light absorption characteristics required for the light absorption anisotropy layer used in the present invention can be produced. Specifically, this can be done by coating a solution of the organic dichroic dye onto the surface of the polymer film and allowing it to penetrate the film. The orientation of the organic dichroic dye can be adjusted by the orientation of the polymer chains in the polymer film, their properties (chemical and physical properties of the polymer chains or the functional groups they possess), the coating method, etc. Details of this method are described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-90526.

[0142] The coating film formation process, orientation process, and other processes will be described below.

[0143] (Coating film formation process) The coating film formation process involves applying a light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition to form a coating film. By using a light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition containing the aforementioned solvent, or by using a light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition that has been heated or otherwise converted into a liquid such as a molten liquid, it becomes easier to apply the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition. Examples of known methods for applying the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition include roll coating, gravure printing, spin coating, wire bar coating, extrusion coating, direct gravure coating, reverse gravure coating, die coating, spray coating, and inkjet coating.

[0144] (Orientation process) The orientation step is a process of aligning the liquid crystalline components contained in the coated film. This results in a light-absorbing anisotropic layer. The orientation step may also include drying, heating, and cooling processes. Each of these processes will be described below. The orientation step may include a drying process. The drying process can remove components such as solvents from the coating film. The drying process may be carried out by leaving the coating film at room temperature for a predetermined time (e.g., natural drying), or by heating and / or blowing air. Here, the liquid crystalline components contained in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition may be oriented by the coating film formation process or drying treatment described above. For example, in embodiments in which the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition is prepared as a coating solution containing a solvent, a coating film with light-absorbing anisotropy (i.e., a light-absorbing anisotropic film) is obtained by drying the coating film to remove the solvent from the coating film. If the drying process is carried out at a temperature above the transition temperature of the liquid crystalline components in the coated film to the liquid crystal phase, the heat treatment described later may not be necessary.

[0145] The transition temperature of the liquid crystalline component in the coated film to the liquid crystal phase is preferably 10 to 250°C, and more preferably 25 to 190°C, from the viewpoint of manufacturing suitability. A transition temperature of 10°C or higher is preferable because it eliminates the need for cooling treatment to lower the temperature to the temperature range in which the liquid crystal phase is observed. Furthermore, a transition temperature of 250°C or lower is preferable because it eliminates the need for high temperatures even when creating an isotropic liquid state at a temperature higher than the temperature range in which the liquid crystal phase is observed, thereby reducing the waste of thermal energy and the deformation and deterioration of the substrate.

[0146] The alignment process preferably includes a heat treatment. By doing so, the liquid crystal components contained in the coating film can be aligned, and thus the coating film after the heat treatment can be suitably used as a light absorption anisotropic film. From the perspective of manufacturing suitability and the like, the heat treatment temperature is preferably 10 to 250 °C, more preferably 25 to 190 °C. Also, the heating time is preferably 1 to 300 seconds, more preferably 1 to 60 seconds.

[0147] The alignment process may include a cooling treatment performed after the heat treatment. The cooling treatment is a process of cooling the coating film after heating to about room temperature (20 to 25 °C). By doing so, the alignment of the liquid crystal components contained in the coating film can be fixed. The cooling means is not particularly limited and can be carried out by a known method. Through the above processes, a light absorption anisotropic film can be obtained. In this embodiment, examples of the method for aligning the liquid crystal components contained in the coating film include a drying treatment and a heat treatment, etc., but it is not limited thereto and can be carried out by a known alignment treatment.

[0148] (Other processes) The method for forming the light absorption anisotropic layer may include a process of curing the light absorption anisotropic layer (hereinafter, also referred to as the "curing process") after the above alignment process. The curing process is carried out, for example, by heating and / or light irradiation (exposure) when the light absorption anisotropic layer has a crosslinkable group (polymerizable group). Among these, the curing process is preferably carried out by light irradiation. Various light sources such as infrared rays, visible light, or ultraviolet rays can be used as the light source for curing, but ultraviolet rays are preferred. Also, ultraviolet rays may be irradiated while heating during curing, or ultraviolet rays may be irradiated through a filter that transmits only a specific wavelength. When exposure is carried out while heating, the heating temperature during exposure preferably ranges from 25 to 140 °C, depending on the transition temperature of the liquid crystal components contained in the liquid crystal film to the liquid crystal phase. Furthermore, exposure may be performed under a nitrogen atmosphere. When the curing of the liquid crystal film progresses by radical polymerization, exposure under a nitrogen atmosphere is preferable because it reduces the inhibition of polymerization by oxygen.

[0149] The thickness of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of flexibility when the laminate of the present invention, described later, is used as a polarizing element, it is preferably 100 to 8000 nm, and more preferably 300 to 5000 nm.

[0150] (Patterning of light-absorbing anisotropic layers) Furthermore, the light-absorbing anisotropic layer of the present invention can have regions A and B in its plane, and the oblique transmittance of regions A and B as viewed from a 30° polar angle (hereinafter referred to as the 30° polar angle transmittance) is different. In this case, it is preferable that the 30° polar angle transmittance of region A is 10% or less, and the 30° polar angle transmittance of region B is 80% or more. In the areas described above, patterning can be used to strengthen or weaken the viewing angle dependence. This makes it possible to display highly confidential information only in areas where the viewing angle dependence is strengthened. Furthermore, by freely controlling the viewing angle dependence of the display device, it becomes possible to create designs with superior aesthetics. In display devices such as μLEDs, in order to prevent light leakage from the light-emitting part to the surrounding area, it is possible to enhance the contrast between light and dark areas on the screen by patterning the area other than the light-emitting part to have high transmittance at the extreme angle of 30° and the light-emitting part to have low transmittance at the extreme angle of 30°.

[0151] -Pattern Formation Method- The method for forming a patterned optical anisotropy layer having two or more different regions in a plane is not particularly limited, and various known methods, such as those described in WO2019 / 176918, can be used. Examples include methods for controlling the thickness of the patterned optical anisotropy layer in a plane, methods for unevenly distributing dichroic dye compounds in the patterned optical anisotropy layer, and methods for post-processing an optically uniform patterned optical anisotropy layer. Methods for controlling the thickness of the patterned light-absorbing anisotropic layer in a plane include using lithography, using imprinting, and forming the patterned light-absorbing anisotropic layer on a substrate with an uneven structure. A method for unevenly distributing the dichroic dye compound in the patterned light-absorbing anisotropic layer is to extract the dichroic dye compound by solvent immersion (bleaching). Furthermore, a method for post-processing an optically uniform patterned light-absorbing anisotropic layer is to cut a portion of the flat light-absorbing anisotropic layer by laser processing or the like.

[0152] [Color adjustment layer] The optical film of the present invention has a color adjustment layer containing at least one organic dye compound. The following describes in detail how an optical film with excellent wide-angle color suppression can be obtained by using a color adjustment layer (principle of color adjustment), the organic dye compounds contained in the color adjustment layer, and the properties of the color adjustment layer.

[0153] (Principles of color adjustment) The color of optical films containing dichroic substances is usually controlled by adjusting the amount and / or ratio of the dichroic substance added to the film. However, when the degree of orientation calculated with wavelength changes, it is difficult to obtain an optical film with excellent wide-angle color suppression simply by adjusting the amount and / or ratio of the dichroic substance added. For example, when using a dichroic substance having the thienothiazole skeleton described above, it may have different absorption wavelengths in multiple directions, which can lead to a problem where the degree of orientation measured at wavelengths outside the main absorption wavelength range of the dichroic substance is reduced. Specifically, for example, when a dichroic dye compound having a thienothiazole skeleton is used in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer, the degree of orientation measured in the short-wavelength range decreases, and when the degree of orientation measured at each wavelength is denoted as S(λ), the relationship between equations (1) and (2) above becomes more easily satisfied. When the relationship between equations (1) and (2) is satisfied, S P (420nm) is S P (550nm) and S PBecause it is smaller than (650nm), the apparent degree of orientation is low only in the short wavelength range. In this case, for example, even if multiple dichroic substances are blended and the color is made neutral when viewed from the transmittance center axis, the color will not be neutral when viewed from an oblique direction. In other words, when the relationships of equations (1) and (2) are satisfied, it is difficult to obtain an optical film with excellent wide-angle color suppression by adjusting only the amount and / or ratio of dichroic substances added to the optical film.

[0154] Furthermore, when multiple dichroic substances are included in an optical film, even if the ease of orientation of each dichroic substance in the optical film differs, the degree of orientation calculated by the wavelength at which the degree of orientation is measured may change. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain an optical film with excellent wide-angle color suppression simply by adjusting the amount and / or ratio of dichroic substances added to the optical film.

[0155] In the present invention, when the amount and / or ratio of dichroic substances added to the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is adjusted to neutralize the color along the transmittance center axis, the change in color when viewed from an oblique direction to the transmittance center axis may become large. Here, by adjusting the amount and / or ratio of dichroic substances added, and adjusting the color using a color adjustment layer that satisfies any one of the following requirements 1 to 3, it becomes easier to suppress the change in color when viewed along the transmittance center axis and from an oblique direction, and thus an optical film with better wide-angle color suppression can be obtained. In this case, if the color adjustment layer satisfies any one of the following requirements 1 to 3, the color adjustment layer exhibits minimal color change when viewed in the direction of the transmittance center axis and from oblique directions, canceling out the color change of the light absorption anisotropy layer, and as a result, an optical film with better wide-angle color suppression is obtained. Requirement 1:S C (420nm)<0.1 Requirement 2:S C (550nm)<0.1 Requirement 3:S C (650nm)<0.1 However, S C(λnm) represents the degree of orientation of the color adjustment layer, measured at a wavelength of λnm.

[0156] (Organic pigment compounds contained in the color adjustment layer) The color adjustment layer contains at least one organic dye compound. Examples of structures of the dye compounds contained in the color adjustment layer include azo structures, methine structures, anthraquinone structures, triarylmethane structures, oxazine structures, azomethine structures, phthalocyanine structures, porphyrin structures, perylene structures, pyrrolopyrrole structures, and squarylium structures. Here, methine structures, azomethine structures, azo structures, phthalocyanine structures, and anthraquinone structures are preferred in terms of excellent absorption waveform, heat resistance, and light resistance, compounds having azo structures, phthalocyanine structures, and anthraquinone structures are more preferred, and compounds having anthraquinone structures are even more preferred. Specific examples of compounds having the above structure include, for example, the dye compounds described in "Functional Dyes" by Shin Okawara, Ken Matsuoka, Tsuneaki Hirashima, and Teijiro Kitao, Kodansha, 1992, and "Electronics-Related Materials" supervised by Sumio Tokita, CMC Co., Ltd., 1998.

[0157] Furthermore, it is preferable that the dye compound contained in the color adjustment layer has at least one of a benzene ring and a heterocycle structure in its molecule. A structure containing a benzene ring only needs to have a benzene ring as part of its structure. Examples of structures containing a benzene ring include benzene rings, naphthalene rings, anthracene rings, phenanthrene rings, fluorene rings, and pyrene rings, as well as anthraquinone structures, oxazine structures, phthalocyanine structures, porphyrin structures, and perylene structures. Examples of heterocyclic structures include cyclic structures containing heteroatoms other than carbon. Heterocyclic structures may or may not be aromatic, but are preferably aromatic. Examples of heterocyclic structures include pyrrole rings, furan rings, thiophene rings, imidazole rings, pyrazole rings, oxazole rings, benzimidazole rings, indole rings, purine rings, and benzotriazole rings, as well as oxazine structures, phthalocyanine structures, and porphyrin structures.

[0158] The absorption peak wavelength of the dye compound contained in the color adjustment layer used in the present invention is preferably 500 to 650 nm, and more preferably 550 to 600 nm. By setting the absorption peak wavelength of the dye compound within this range, the color of the optical film in the present invention can be adjusted to be more neutral.

[0159] In this specification, the absorption peak wavelength of a dye compound refers to the maximum absorption wavelength in the absorption spectrum measured by the following method. Prepare a solution by dissolving 1.0 mg of the dye compound to be measured in 100 ml of chloroform or 100 ml of water. Next, the prepared solution is placed in a quartz cell (1 cm rectangular cell), and the absorbance of the solution in the wavelength range of 200 to 800 nm is measured using an ultraviolet-visible-infrared spectrophotometer U-3150 (Shimadzu Corporation). Next, the maximum absorption wavelength is determined from the obtained absorption spectrum.

[0160] The following are specific examples of dye compounds used in the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0161] - Compounds containing anthraquinone structure - [ka]

[0162] - Compounds having an azo structure - [ka]

[0163] - Compounds having a triarylmethane structure - [ka]

[0164] - Compounds having an oxazine structure - [ka]

[0165] - Compounds containing a phthalocyanine structure - [ka]

[0166] (Properties of the color adjustment layer) Furthermore, the color adjustment layer preferably satisfies one of the following requirements 1 to 3, more preferably satisfies two of the following requirements 1 to 3, and even more preferably satisfies all of requirements 1 to 3. Requirement 1:S C (420nm)<0.1 Requirement 2:S C (550nm)<0.1 Requirement 3:S C (650nm)<0.1 Note S C (λnm) represents the degree of orientation of the color adjustment layer, measured at a wavelength of λnm. The degree of orientation measured at a wavelength of λnm is obtained using the same method as for measuring the degree of orientation of the light absorption anisotropy layer described above, and is obtained when the measurement target is the color adjustment layer. When obtaining an optical film by laminating a color adjustment layer, the color adjustment layer may be measured before transfer lamination, the color adjustment layer may be formed on a separate substrate and then measured, or the color adjustment layer may be separated from the laminated optical film and then measured. In this specification, the degree of orientation is described when the object to be measured is the color adjustment layer separated from the laminated optical film.

[0167] The color adjustment layer must satisfy one of the above requirements 1 to 3, but may also satisfy all of requirements 1 to 3, or two selected from requirements 1 to 3. Furthermore, the above requirements that the color adjustment layer must satisfy are preferably selected appropriately depending on the degree of orientation of the dichroic substance contained in the light absorption anisotropy layer. Below, examples of the relationship between the degrees of orientation of the light absorption anisotropy layer and the preferred combination of requirements that the color adjustment layer must satisfy in that case are given. For example, see below "Combination 1: S P (420nm) P (650nm): Requirement 3 states that the light-absorbing anisotropic layer comprises the first dichroic azo dye compound and the third dichroic azo dye compound, and the S P (420nm) is the above S P If it is smaller than (650nm), it means that the color adjustment layer preferably satisfies requirement 3. Combination 1: S P (420nm) P (650nm): Requirement 3 Combination 2: S P (420nm) P (550nm): Requirement 2 Combination 3: S P (550nm) P (420nm): Requirement 1 Combination 4: S P (550nm) P (650nm): Requirement 3 Combination 5: S P (650nm) P (420nm): Requirement 1 Combination 6: S P (650nm) P (550nm): Requirement 2 Among the above combinations, combinations 1, 2, 5, or 6 are preferred, and combination 1 or 5 is more preferred.

[0168] Furthermore, it is preferable that the color adjustment layer satisfies the following formula (7). 0.005≦(c(C)×d(C)) / (c(P)×d(P))≦0.06 Equation (7) ​​​​​​​In formula (7), c(C) represents the mass ratio of the organic dye compound in the color adjustment layer to the total mass of the color adjustment layer. In equation (7), d(C) represents the film thickness (μm) of the color adjustment layer. In equation (7), c(P) represents the mass ratio of the dichroic dye compound in the light-absorbing anisotropy layer to the total mass of the light-absorbing anisotropy. In equation (7), d(P) represents the thickness (μm) of the anisotropic light-absorbing layer. In equation (7) above, the lower limit is more preferably 0.01 or higher, and the upper limit is more preferably 0.03 or lower. When the color adjustment layer satisfies equation (7), the color when viewed from the transmittance center axis direction becomes neutral, and the transmittance in the transmittance center axis direction can be increased. In this specification, the film thickness can be measured by cutting a cross-section of the optical film obtained using a microtome cutting machine and observing and measuring its length with a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

[0169] The color adjustment layer may have only the function of a color adjustment layer on its own, or its function may be integrated with that of other layers. That is, the light-absorbing anisotropic layer, transparent substrate film, alignment film, and barrier layer may all have the function of a color adjustment layer. When the color adjustment layer of an optical film is a separate layer from the light absorption anisotropy layer, the lamination position of the color adjustment layer in the optical film is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it is in direct contact with the light absorption anisotropy layer and is located on the viewing side of the light absorption anisotropy layer.

[0170] [Transparent base film] The transparent substrate film is not particularly limited and includes, for example, known transparent resin films, known transparent resin plates, and known transparent resin sheets. Examples of transparent resin films include cellulose acylate films (e.g., cellulose triacetate film (refractive index 1.48), cellulose diacetate film, cellulose acetate butyrate film, cellulose acetate propionate film), polyethylene terephthalate film, polyethersulfone film, polyacrylic resin film, polyurethane resin film, polyester film, polycarbonate film, polysulfone film, polyether film, polymethylpentene film, polyetherketone film, and (meth)acrylonitrile film.

[0171] Among these, cellulose acylate film is preferred because it has high transparency, low optical birefringence, and is easy to manufacture, and is commonly used as a protective film for polarizing plates, with cellulose triacetate film being more preferred. The thickness of the transparent substrate film is typically between 20 μm and 100 μm.

[0172] [Orientation layer] The optical film of the present invention may have an alignment layer between the transparent substrate film and the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. The orientation film is not particularly limited as long as the dichroic dye compound can be oriented in the desired state on the orientation film. Examples include films formed from polyfunctional acrylate compounds and polyvinyl alcohol films, with polyvinyl alcohol films being preferred. The polyvinyl alcohol used in the polyvinyl alcohol film may be modified polyvinyl alcohol.

[0173] [Barrier layer] The optical laminate of the present invention may have a barrier layer along with the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. Here, the barrier layer is also called a gas barrier layer (oxygen barrier layer) and has the function of protecting the polarizing element of the present invention from gases such as oxygen in the atmosphere, moisture, or compounds contained in adjacent layers. For information regarding the barrier layer, see, for example, paragraphs

[0014] to

[0054] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-159124, paragraphs

[0042] to

[0075] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-121721, paragraphs

[0045] to

[0054] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-115076, paragraphs

[0010] to

[0061] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-213938, and paragraphs

[0021] to

[0031] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-169994.

[0174] [Refractive index adjustment layer] In the optical laminate of the present invention, the above-mentioned light-absorbing anisotropy layer has a dichroic material, and internal reflection due to the high refractive index of the light-absorbing anisotropy layer may be a problem. In such cases, it is preferable to have a refractive index adjustment layer. The refractive index adjustment layer is a layer arranged in contact with the light-absorbing anisotropy layer, and it is preferable that the in-plane average refractive index at a wavelength of 550 nm is 1.55 or more and 1.70 or less. It is preferable that the refractive index adjustment layer is a refractive index adjustment layer for so-called index matching.

[0175] [Properties of optical film] The transmittance of the optical film of the present invention in the direction of the central axis is preferably 65% ​​or more, more preferably 75% or more, and even more preferably 85% or more. There is no particular upper limit, but it is less than 100%.

[0176] The thickness of the optical film of the present invention is preferably 30 to 90 μm, more preferably 35 to 70 μm, and even more preferably 40 to 50 μm.

[0177] <Method for manufacturing optical films> The manufacturing of the optical film of the present invention can be carried out using known methods and is not particularly limited. Each step in the manufacturing process can also be carried out using known methods and is not particularly limited. An example of a method for manufacturing the optical film of the present invention is a method comprising, in this order, the steps of: applying an alignment film-forming composition onto the transparent substrate film to form an alignment film; applying the light-absorbing anisotropy layer-forming composition onto the alignment film to orient the dichroic dye compounds contained in the coated film to obtain the light-absorbing anisotropy layer; and forming the color adjustment layer adjacent to the light-absorbing anisotropy layer. The following describes layers that may be included when manufacturing optical films. Specifically, adhesive layers and bonding layers will be described.

[0178] [Adhesive layer] In the manufacture of optical films, an adhesive layer may be provided. The adhesive layer in this invention is preferably a transparent, optically isotropic adhesive similar to those used in conventional liquid crystal displays, and is typically a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0179] In addition to the base material (adhesive), conductive particles, and thermally expandable particles used as needed, the adhesive layer of the present invention may also contain additives such as crosslinking agents (e.g., isocyanate-based crosslinking agents, epoxy-based crosslinking agents, etc.), tackifiers (e.g., rosin derivative resins, polyterpene resins, petroleum resins, oil-soluble phenolic resins, etc.), plasticizers, fillers, antioxidants, surfactants, ultraviolet absorbers, light stabilizers, and antioxidants.

[0180] The thickness of the adhesive layer is typically 20 to 500 μm, preferably 20 to 250 μm. If it is less than 20 μm, the required adhesive strength and / or reworkability may not be obtained, and if it exceeds 500 μm, the adhesive may ooze or seep out from the peripheral edges of the image display device.

[0181] The adhesive layer can be formed by any suitable method, such as directly applying a coating liquid containing a base material, conductive particles, and optionally thermally expandable particles, additives, and solvents onto the protective member support 110 and pressing it down via a release liner; or applying a coating liquid onto a suitable release liner (such as release paper) to form a thermally expandable adhesive layer and then transferring it to the protective member support 110 by pressure.

[0182] In addition, as a protective member, for example, a configuration in which conductive particles are added to the structure of a heat-removable adhesive sheet described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-292916 can be applied. Alternatively, as a protective material, a commercially available product such as "Riva Alpha" manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation, in which conductive particles are scattered on the surface of the adhesive layer, may be used. The method for forming the adhesive layer is not particularly limited. Details will be explained in the section on the method for forming the adhesive layer later.

[0183] [Adhesive layer] In the manufacture of optical films, an adhesive layer may be provided. The adhesive layer refers to a layer formed by an adhesive. The adhesive develops its adhesive properties through drying or reaction after bonding. Examples of adhesives that develop their adhesive properties upon drying include polyvinyl alcohol-based adhesives (PVA-based adhesives). Examples of curing adhesives that exhibit adhesive properties through reaction include active energy ray curing adhesives such as (meth)acrylate adhesives, and cationic polymerization curing adhesives. (Meth)acrylate refers to both acrylate and / or methacrylate. Examples of curing components in (meth)acrylate adhesives include compounds having a (meth)acryloyl group and compounds having a vinyl group. Furthermore, compounds having epoxy groups and / or oxetanyl groups can also be used as cationic polymerization-curing adhesives. Compounds having epoxy groups are not particularly limited as long as they have at least two epoxy groups in their molecule, and various generally known curable epoxy compounds can be used. Examples of preferred epoxy compounds include compounds having at least two epoxy groups and at least one aromatic ring in their molecule (aromatic epoxy compounds), and compounds having at least two epoxy groups in their molecule, at least one of which is formed between two adjacent carbon atoms constituting an alicyclic ring (alicyclic epoxy compounds). In particular, UV-curing adhesives that harden with UV irradiation are preferred in terms of heat deformation resistance.

[0184] [Formation method] A method for forming an adhesive layer and / or a tack layer will be described. Each layer of the adhesive layer and / or tack layer may contain ultraviolet-absorbing compounds such as salicylic acid ester compounds, benzophenol compounds, benzotriazole compounds, cyanoacrylate compounds, and nickel complex salt compounds. The adhesive layer and / or tack layer may also be treated by irradiating them with ultraviolet light.

[0185] The adhesive layer and / or bonding layer can be attached to an optical film by an appropriate method. For example, an adhesive solution of about 10 to 40% by mass can be prepared by dispersing or dissolving the base polymer or polymer composition of the adhesive layer in a solvent containing a suitable solvent such as toluene and ethyl acetate. The prepared solution can be directly attached to the film by an appropriate development method such as casting and coating, or by forming the adhesive layer or bonding layer on another substrate other than an optical film and then transferring it.

[0186] The adhesive layer and / or bonding layer can be formed by superimposing layers of different compositions and types. Furthermore, the adhesive layer and / or bonding layer may be provided on one side of the optical film or on both sides. If the adhesive layer and / or bonding layer is provided on both sides of the optical film, the composition, type, and thickness of the adhesive layer and / or bonding layer may differ on each side of the film.

[0187] Furthermore, the optical film may have a protective film, and the protective film may undergo surface modification treatment to improve adhesion or the like before the adhesive or tack is applied. Specific surface modification treatments include, for example, corona treatment, plasma treatment, primer treatment, and saponification treatment.

[0188] <Optical laminate> The optical laminate of the present invention is an optical laminate comprising an optical film of the present invention having an angle θ between the transmittance center axis and the film normal of 0° to 45°, and a polarizer layer in which a dichroic material is oriented horizontally to the film surface. This makes it possible to reduce the transmittance of light oblique to the transmittance center axis, and by narrowing the viewing angle, it can be used in applications such as privacy films. The polarizer layer in which the dichroic material is horizontally oriented is not particularly limited. The polarizer layer may be a polarizer in which the dichroic material is horizontally oriented by dyeing and stretching a polyvinyl alcohol or other polymer resin with a dichroic material, or it may be a polarizer in which the dichroic material is horizontally oriented by utilizing the orientation of a liquid crystalline compound, as in the light absorption anisotropy layer of the present invention. Among these, a polarizer in which the dichroic material is horizontally oriented by utilizing the orientation of a liquid crystalline compound is preferred. Polarizers that use the orientation properties of liquid crystals to orient dichroic materials have many advantages, including being able to be made into very thin layers with a thickness of about 0.1 to 5 μm, being resistant to cracking when bent as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-194685, exhibiting small thermal deformation, and having excellent durability even in polarizers with high transmittance exceeding 50%, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6483486. Taking advantage of these benefits, the optical laminate of the present invention can be applied to applications requiring high brightness and / or small size and light weight, to fine optical systems, to molding curved surfaces, and to flexible applications.

[0189] The film thickness of the optical laminate of the present invention is preferably 40 to 150 μm, more preferably 45 to 100 μm, and even more preferably 50 to 70 μm, in terms of application to molding curved surfaces and application to flexible applications.

[0190] [Optical laminate with textured surface] The optical laminate of the present invention is affected by the contact between smooth surfaces. To suppress blocking, it is preferable to impart surface irregularities with an arithmetic surface roughness Ra of 35 to 125 nm. More preferably, the arithmetic surface roughness Ra of the surface irregularities is 50 to 110 nm, and even more preferably 65 to 95 nm. By setting the arithmetic surface roughness Ra to 35 nm or more, when optical films are stacked, it is possible to prevent the films from sticking together and to reduce the amount of adhesive residue left behind. Furthermore, by setting the arithmetic surface roughness Ra to 125 nm or less, it is possible to maintain the narrowed viewing angle of the optical film of the present invention, especially when used in privacy film applications.

[0191] The arithmetic mean roughness Ra is the arithmetic mean roughness according to JIS B0601:2001. The arithmetic mean roughness Ra can be measured using a stylus-type surface roughness meter (for example, the Mitutoyo SJ-401 surface roughness measuring instrument). In this specification, the arithmetic surface roughness Ra measured using a stylus-type surface roughness meter (Mitutoyo SJ-401 surface roughness measuring instrument) is described.

[0192] As for the method of imparting the above surface roughness, it may be laminated with other optical films having surface irregularities, a further layer of surface irregularities may be laminated, or irregularities may be directly imparted to a barrier layer or the like on the outermost surface of the optical laminate of the present invention. For example, other optical films having surface irregularities include (A) styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymer resin particles with an average particle size of 1.0 to 3.0 μm and a refractive index of 1.50 to 1.54, (B) a curable compound having two or more curable groups in the molecule, (C) a smectite-type clay organic composite obtained by intercalating a quaternary ammonium salt represented by the following general formula (1R) into smectite-type clay, and (D) an anti-glare film formed from a compound containing a volatile organic solvent. General formula (1R) [(R 1 )3(R 2 )N] + ·X - (1st Round) (In the formula, R 1 and R 2 They are not identical, R 1 R represents an alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 4 to 24 carbon atoms. 2 X represents an alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkynyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. - (This represents an anion.) Other optical films having the above-mentioned surface irregularities may be bonded together using an adhesive, or only the surface irregularity layer described in Japanese Patent No. 5909454 may be applied to the outermost layer of the optical film of the present invention.

[0193] Furthermore, other optical films having surface irregularities include a film formed from a cured product of a curable composition containing a polymer composed of a polymerizable (meth)acrylic resin and a cellulose derivative, a curable resin precursor, and a fluorine-based leveling agent made of a resin having radical polymerizable groups and branched fluoroaliphatic hydrocarbon groups, as described in Japanese Patent No. 6093153, and having a surface irregularity layer having a phase separation structure. These optical films may be bonded together using an adhesive, or only the surface irregularity layer having a phase separation structure may be further coated onto the optical film of the present invention.

[0194] The aforementioned surface-textured film preferably has low internal scattering, preferably an internal haze of 5% or less, more preferably 3% or less, and even more preferably 1% or less. By keeping the internal haze at 5% or less, the narrowed viewing angle of the optical film of the present invention can be maintained, especially when used in privacy film applications.

[0195] <Image display device> The image display device of the present invention comprises the optical film of the present invention described above, or the optical laminate of the present invention described above. The display elements used in the image display device of the present invention are not particularly limited, and examples include liquid crystal cells, organic electroluminescent (hereinafter abbreviated as "EL") display panels, and plasma display panels. Of these, liquid crystal cells or organic EL display panels are preferred, and liquid crystal cells are more preferred. In other words, as the image display device of the present invention, a liquid crystal display device using a liquid crystal cell as a display element is preferred, an organic EL display device using an organic EL display panel as a display element is preferred, and a liquid crystal display device is more preferred.

[0196] [Liquid crystal display device] As an example of the image display device of the present invention, a liquid crystal display device having the optical film of the present invention described above and a liquid crystal cell is preferred. A more preferred embodiment of the liquid crystal display device having the optical laminate of the present invention described above (however, not including a λ / 4 plate) and a liquid crystal cell is preferred. In this invention, it is preferable to use the optical laminate of the present invention as the front polarizing element among the polarizing elements provided on both sides of the liquid crystal cell, and it is more preferable to use the optical laminate of the present invention as both the front and rear polarizing elements. The following provides a detailed description of the liquid crystal cells that make up a liquid crystal display device.

[0197] (Liquid crystal cell) The liquid crystal cells used in liquid crystal display devices are preferably in VA (Vertical Alignment) mode, OCB (Optically Compensated Bend) mode, IPS (In-Plane-Switching) mode, or TN (Twisted Nematic) mode, but are not limited to these. In TN mode liquid crystal cells, when no voltage is applied, the rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are substantially horizontally oriented and further twisted to a 60-120° angle. TN mode liquid crystal cells are the most widely used in color TFT (Thin Film Transistor) liquid crystal display devices and are described in numerous publications. In VA mode liquid crystal cells, rod-shaped liquid crystalline molecules are substantially oriented vertically when no voltage is applied. VA mode liquid crystal cells include (1) narrowly defined VA mode liquid crystal cells in which rod-shaped liquid crystalline molecules are substantially oriented vertically when no voltage is applied and substantially oriented horizontally when voltage is applied (described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-176625), (2) multi-domain liquid crystal cells (MVA mode) in which the VA mode is multi-domain to expand the viewing angle (described in SID97, Digest of tech.Papers (Proceedings) 28 (1997) 845), (3) liquid crystal cells in a mode (n-ASM mode) in which rod-shaped liquid crystalline molecules are substantially oriented vertically when no voltage is applied and twisted multi-domain orientation when voltage is applied (described in the Proceedings of the Japan Liquid Crystal Symposium 58-59 (1998)), and (4) SURVIVAL mode liquid crystal cells (presented at LCD International 98). Furthermore, the liquid crystal cell in VA mode may be of the PVA (Patterned Vertical Alignment) type, optical alignment type, or PSA (Polymer-Sustained Alignment) type. Details of these modes are described in detail in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-215326 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-538819. In IPS mode liquid crystal cells, rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are oriented substantially parallel to the substrate, and when an electric field parallel to the substrate surface is applied, the liquid crystal molecules respond in a planar manner. In IPS mode, black is displayed when no electric field is applied, and the absorption axes of the upper and lower polarizers are orthogonal. Methods for reducing light leakage when displaying black at an oblique angle and improving the viewing angle using an optical compensation sheet are disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-54982, Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-202323, Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-292522, Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-133408, Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-305217, Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-307291, etc.

[0198] [Organic EL display device] As an example of an organic EL display device, which is an image display device of the present invention, a preferred configuration is one in which, from the viewing side, the polarizer of the present invention described above, a λ / 4 plate, and an organic EL display panel are arranged in this order. More preferably, the optical laminate of the present invention having a λ / 4 plate, and an organic EL display panel are arranged in this order from the viewing side. In this case, the optical laminate is arranged in the following order from the viewing side: a substrate, an alignment film, a polarizer of the present invention, a barrier layer provided as needed, and a λ / 4 plate. Furthermore, an organic EL display panel is a display panel constructed using an organic EL element in which an organic light-emitting layer (organic electroluminescent layer) is sandwiched between electrodes (between the cathode and the anode). The configuration of the organic EL display panel is not particularly limited, and known configurations can be adopted.

[0199] [Curved Image Display Device] Examples of the curved surface image display device of the present invention are disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-181821, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-181819, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-102456, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-95901, and others. [Examples]

[0200] The present invention will be specifically described below based on examples. The materials, reagents, amounts and proportions of substances, and procedures shown in the following examples can be modified as appropriate, as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0201] <Example 1> [Formation of alignment film] The surface of a cellulose acylate film (TAC substrate with a thickness of 40 μm; TG40, Fujifilm Corporation) was saponified with an alkaline solution, and the following alignment film-forming composition 1 was applied thereon using a wire bar. The support with the coated film was dried with 60°C hot air for 60 seconds, and then with 100°C hot air for 120 seconds to form an alignment film AL1, and an alignment film-coated TAC film 1 was obtained. The thickness of the alignment film AL1 was 1 μm.

[0202] ------------------------------------------------------------------ (Composition for forming alignment film 1) ------------------------------------------------------------------ • 3.80 parts by mass of the following modified polyvinyl alcohol PVA-1 ·IRGACURE 2959 0.20 parts by mass ·Water 70 parts by mass • Methanol 30 parts by mass ------------------------------------------------------------------

[0203] Modified polyvinyl alcohol PVA-1 [ka]

[0204] [Formation of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer P1] The following light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition P1 was continuously applied to the resulting alignment-coated TAC film 1 using a wire bar, heated at 120°C for 60 seconds, and then cooled to room temperature (23°C). Next, it was heated at 80°C for 60 seconds and then cooled again to room temperature. Subsequently, an illuminance of 200 mW / cm was achieved using an LED lamp (center wavelength 365 nm). 2 A light-absorbing anisotropic layer P1 was fabricated on the oriented film AL1 by irradiating it for 2 seconds under the specified irradiation conditions. The thickness of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer P1 was 3.5 μm.

[0205] ------------------------------------------------------------------ Composition of composition P1 for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer ------------------------------------------------------------------ • The following dichroic substance D-1: 0.63 parts by mass • The following dichroic substance D-2: 0.17 parts by mass • The following dichroic substance D-3: 1.13 parts by mass • 8.18 parts by mass of the following polymeric liquid crystalline compound P-1 • IRGACURE OXE-02 (BASF) 0.16 parts by mass • Compound E-1 (listed below): 0.12 parts by mass • Compound E-2 (listed below): 0.12 parts by mass • Surfactant F-1 (listed below): 0.005 parts by mass Cyclopentanone 85.00 parts by mass Benzyl alcohol 4.50 parts by mass ------------------------------------------------------------------

[0206] Dichroic substance D-1 [ka]

[0207] Dichroic substance D-2 [ka]

[0208] Dichroic substance D-3 [ka]

[0209] Polymer liquid crystal compound P-1 [ka]

[0210] Compound E-1 [ka]

[0211] Compound E-2 [ka]

[0212] Surfactant F-1 [ka]

[0213] [Formation of color adjustment layer C1] The following color adjustment layer-forming composition C1 was continuously applied to the obtained light-absorbing anisotropic layer P1 using a wire bar to form a coating film. Next, the support on which the coating film was formed was dried with 60°C hot air for 60 seconds, and then with 100°C hot air for 120 seconds to form a color adjustment layer C1, which was then used to form optical film 1. The thickness of the color adjustment layer was 0.5 μm. ------------------------------------------------------------------ (Composition C1 for forming a color adjustment layer) ------------------------------------------------------------------ • 3.80 parts by mass of the above-mentioned modified polyvinyl alcohol PVA-1 ·IRGACURE 2959 0.20 parts by mass • 0.08 parts by mass of the following dye compound G-1 ·Water 70 parts by mass • Methanol 30 parts by mass ------------------------------------------------------------------

[0214] Pigment compound G-1 [ka]

[0215] [Fabrication of optical laminate A1] A polarizing plate 1 with a polarizer thickness of 8 μm and one side of the polarizer exposed was fabricated using the same method as for polarizing plate 02 with a protective film on one side, as described in International Publication No. 2015 / 166991. The surface of the polarizer of the polarizing plate 1 with the surface of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer of the fabricated optical film 1 was corona-treated, and then bonded together using the PVA adhesive 1 described below to produce an optical laminate A1.

[0216] (Preparation of PVA adhesive 1) An aqueous solution was prepared by dissolving 20 parts of methylolmelamine in pure water at a temperature of 30°C with 100 parts of a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin containing acetoacetyl groups (average degree of polymerization: 1200, degree of saponification: 98.5 mol%, degree of acetoacetylation: 5 mol%), and adjusting the solid content to 3.7%.

[0217] [Fabrication of Image Display Device I1] An iPad Air® Wi-Fi model 16GB (manufactured by Apple), which is an IPS mode liquid crystal display device, was disassembled and the liquid crystal cell was removed. The viewing-side polarizing plate was peeled off the liquid crystal cell, and the optical laminate A1 prepared above was bonded to the surface from which the viewing-side polarizing plate had been peeled off, with the polarizing plate 1 side facing the liquid crystal cell side, using the adhesive sheet 1 described below. At this time, the direction of the absorption axis of the polarizing plate 1 was made to be the same as the absorption axis of the viewing-side polarizing plate that was bonded to the product. After bonding, it was reassembled and an image display device I1 was fabricated.

[0218] (Preparation of adhesive sheet 1) Acrylate polymers were prepared according to the following procedure. In a reaction vessel equipped with a condenser, nitrogen inlet, thermometer, and stirring device, 95 parts by mass of butyl acrylate and 5 parts by mass of acrylic acid were mixed and polymerized by solution polymerization to obtain acrylate polymer PL1 with an average molecular weight of 2 million and a molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) of 3.0.

[0219] Next, to the obtained acrylate polymer PL1 (100 parts by mass), Coronate L (75% by mass ethyl acetate solution of trimethylolpropane adduct of tolylene diisocyanate, number of isocyanate groups per molecule: 3, manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane Industry Co., Ltd.) (1.0 part by mass) and silane coupling agent KBM-403 (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) (0.2 parts by mass) were mixed, and finally, ethyl acetate was added to make the total solids content 10% by mass to prepare an adhesive-forming composition. This composition was applied to a separator film surface-treated with a silicone-based release agent using a die coater and dried at 90°C for 1 minute to obtain an acrylate-based adhesive sheet. The film thickness of the adhesive sheet was 25 μm and the storage modulus was 0.1 MPa.

[0220] <Example 2> Optical film 2 of Example 2 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that composition C1 for forming the color adjustment layer was changed to composition C2 for forming the color adjustment layer in optical film 1 of Example 1. ------------------------------------------------------------------ (Composition C2 for forming a color adjustment layer) ------------------------------------------------------------------ • 3.80 parts by mass of the above-mentioned modified polyvinyl alcohol PVA-1 ·IRGACURE 2959 0.20 parts by mass • 0.01 parts by mass of the following dye compound G-2 ·Water 70 parts by mass • Methanol 30 parts by mass ------------------------------------------------------------------

[0221] Pigment compound G-2 [ka]

[0222] <Example 3> An optical film 3 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that composition P2 for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer was used, in which the dichroic substance D-3 in composition P1 of Example 1 was replaced with dichroic substance D-4.

[0223] Dye compound D-4 [ka]

[0224] <Example 4> An optical film 4 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that composition P3 for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer was used instead of composition P1 for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer in Example 1. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Composition of composition P3 for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer ------------------------------------------------------------------ • 0.63 parts by mass of the above dichroic substance D-1 • 0.17 parts by mass of the above dichroic substance D-2 • The following dichroic substance D-5: 1.13 parts by mass • 5.45 parts by mass of the following liquid crystalline compound L-1 • 2.72 parts by mass of the following liquid crystalline compound L-2 • IRGACURE OXE-02 (BASF) 0.16 parts by mass • 0.12 parts by mass of the above compound E-1 • 0.12 parts by mass of the above compound E-2 • 0.005 parts by mass of the above surfactant F-1 Cyclopentanone 85.00 parts by mass Benzyl alcohol 4.50 parts by mass ------------------------------------------------------------------

[0225] Dichroic substance D-5 [ka]

[0226] Liquid crystal compound L-1 [ka]

[0227] Liquid crystal compound L-2 [ka]

[0228] <Example 5> Optical film 5 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the color adjustment layer forming composition C1 was replaced with color adjustment layer forming composition C3 in the optical film 1 of Example 1. ------------------------------------------------------------------ (Color adjustment layer forming composition C3) ------------------------------------------------------------------ • 3.80 parts by mass of the above-mentioned modified polyvinyl alcohol PVA-1 ·IRGACURE 2959 0.20 parts by mass • 0.16 parts by mass of the following dye compound G-3 ·Water 70 parts by mass • Methanol 30 parts by mass ------------------------------------------------------------------

[0229] Pigment compound G-3 [ka]

[0230] <Comparative Example 1> Optical film 6 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a color adjustment layer was not provided in optical film 1 of Example 1.

[0231] <Comparative Example 2> Optical film 7 was prepared in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, except that the composition for forming the light-absorbing anisotropic layer was P4 as described below, in the optical film 6 of Comparative Example 1. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Composition of composition P4 for forming a light-absorbing anisotropic layer ------------------------------------------------------------------ • 0.75 parts by mass of the above dichroic substance D-1 • 0.34 parts by mass of the above dichroic substance D-2 • 1.13 parts by mass of the above dichroic substance D-3 • 7.88 parts by mass of the above polymeric liquid crystalline compound P-1 • IRGACURE OXE-02 (BASF) 0.16 parts by mass • 0.12 parts by mass of the above compound E-1 • 0.12 parts by mass of the above compound E-2 • 0.005 parts by mass of the above surfactant F-1 Cyclopentanone 85.00 parts by mass Benzyl alcohol 4.50 parts by mass ------------------------------------------------------------------

[0232] <Comparative Example 3> An optical film 8 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 3, except that a color adjustment layer was not provided in the optical film 3 of Example 3.

[0233] <Example 6> [Formation of photo-aligned layer] A TAC film 1 with an alignment film was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, and the following photo-alignment layer forming solution E1 was applied to the alignment film AL1 and dried at 60°C for 2 minutes. After that, the obtained coated film was exposed to ultraviolet light (irradiation dose 2000 mJ / cm²) using an ultraviolet exposure apparatus. 2A photo-oriented layer E1 with a thickness of 0.03 μm was fabricated by irradiating the film from a polar angle of 15° relative to the film normal direction.

[0234] [Preparation of composition liquid E1 for forming photo-alignment layer] Prepare the photo-alignment layer formation solution E1 with the following composition, and dissolve it while stirring for 1 hour. After dissolution, the solution was filtered through a 0.45 μm filter to obtain the photo-alignment layer formation composition solution E1. -------------------------------------------------- Composition liquid E1 for forming photo-alignment layer -------------------------------------------------- • The following photo-oriented material E-3: 0.3 parts by mass 2-Butoxyethanol 41.6 parts by mass • Dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether 41.6 parts by mass ·Pure water 16.5 parts by mass --------------------------------------------------

[0235] Photo-alignment material E-3 [ka]

[0236] [Formation of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer P9] The photo-alignment layer E1 was then continuously coated with the light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition P1 using a wire bar, heated at 120°C for 60 seconds, and then cooled to room temperature (23°C). Next, it was heated at 80°C for 60 seconds and then cooled again to room temperature. Subsequently, an illuminance of 200 mW / cm was measured using an LED lamp (center wavelength 365 nm). 2 A light-absorbing anisotropic layer P9 was fabricated on the orientation film AL1 by irradiating it for 2 seconds under the specified irradiation conditions. The thickness of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer P9 was 3.5 μm. The angle between the transmittance center axis of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer P9 and the film normal was 15 degrees.

[0237] [Formation of color adjustment layer C9] A color adjustment layer-forming composition C1 was applied to the obtained light-absorbing anisotropic layer P9, and an optical film 9 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0238] <Examples 7-10> Optical films 10 to 13 were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the film thickness d(C) of the color adjustment layer in optical film 1 of Example 1 was changed, and the value expressed in formula (7) above, c(C) × d(C) / (c(P) × d(P)), was adjusted to the value shown in Table 2.

[0239] <Example 11> In the optical film 1 of Example 1, after forming the light absorption anisotropy layer P1, an alignment film was formed again using the alignment film forming composition 1 in the same manner as the alignment film AL1. Then, the color adjustment layer forming composition C1 was changed to the color adjustment layer forming composition C4. The optical film 14 of Example 11 was then prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. ------------------------------------------------------------------ (Color adjustment layer forming composition C4) ------------------------------------------------------------------ • 1.13 parts by mass of the above dichroic substance D-3 • 9.22 parts by mass of the above polymeric liquid crystalline compound P-1 • IRGACURE OXE-02 (BASF) 0.16 parts by mass • Surfactant F-1: 0.005 parts by mass Cyclopentanone 85.00 parts by mass Benzyl alcohol 4.50 parts by mass ------------------------------------------------------------------

[0240] <Rating> [Evaluation of Orientation] (Light-absorbing anisotropic layer) The degree of orientation of the obtained optically absorbed anisotropic layer at a wavelength of 550 nm was calculated by the following method. Using an AxoScan OPMF-1 (OptoScience Co., Ltd.), the Mueller matrix at a wavelength of 550 nm was measured at each pole angle, changing the pole angle (angle with respect to the normal direction of the optical absorption anisotropy layer) from 0 to 90° in 5° increments, and the minimum transmittance (Tmin) was derived. Next, after removing the effect of surface reflection, the Tmin at the pole angle where Tmin was highest was defined as Tm(0), and the Tmin at the direction where the pole angle was increased by another 40° from the pole angle with the highest Tmin was defined as Tm(40). Absorbance (A) was calculated from the obtained Tm(0) and Tm(40) using the following formula, and A(0) and A(40) were calculated. A = -log(Tm) Here, Tm represents transmittance and A represents absorbance. From the calculated A(0) and A(40), the degree of orientation S at a wavelength of 550 nm is defined by the following formula. P The result was calculated. S P =(4.6×A(40)-A(0)) / (4.6×A(40)+2×A(0)) By changing the above wavelength from 550 nm to 420 nm or 650 nm, the degree of orientation S at wavelengths of 420 nm and 650 nm can be changed. P The result was calculated.

[0241] (Color adjustment layer) From the obtained optical film, only the color adjustment layer was transferred via an adhesive to a cellulose acylate film (TAC substrate with a thickness of 40 μm; TG40, Fujifilm Corporation). The degree of orientation S of the color adjustment layer. C This was determined using the transferred film, in the same manner as the light absorption anisotropy layer.

[0242] [Evaluation of Transmittance and Color] The image display device I1 fabricated above was measured using a measuring instrument (EZ-Contrast XL88, manufactured by ELDIM) to obtain the following values: luminance Y(0)A1 at the center of the transmittance axis of the white display screen, luminance Y(30)A1 in the direction shifted 30° from the center of the transmittance axis (diagonal direction) on the plane formed by the center of the transmittance axis and the film normal, and color a at the center of the transmittance axis. * (0) A1, b *(0) A1, the color a in the direction shifted 30° from the transmittance center axis in the plane formed by the transmittance center axis and the film normal. * (30) A1, b * (30) A1 was measured. Furthermore, in the fabrication of the image display device I1, an image display device B was fabricated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that an optical laminate without a light-absorbing anisotropy layer was bonded to a liquid crystal cell. The luminance Y(0)B at the extreme angle 0° (front direction) of the white display screen was measured in the same manner as described above. The front transmittance T(0) was determined by comparing it with the luminance of the image display device B without a light-absorbing anisotropy layer. Specifically, it was calculated using the following formula. T(0) = Y(0)A1 / Y(0)B Transmittance and color were evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria.

[0243] (Evaluation criteria for transmittance) A:T(0) is 75% or higher B:T(0) is between 65% and 75% C:T(0) is less than 65%

[0244] (Criteria for evaluating color tone) A:|a * (0)| is less than 3 B:|a * (0)|is 3 or greater and less than 5 C:|a * (0)|is 5 or greater Also, b * (0), a * (30), and b * (30) was evaluated in the same manner.

[0245] Furthermore, image display devices fabricated by replacing optical film 1 with optical films 2 to 8 were designated I2 to I8, and their transmittance and color were evaluated using the same method.

[0246] The evaluation results are shown in Table 1.

[0247] In Table 1, "Polar Angle" represents the angle of the transmittance center axis of the optical film with respect to the normal direction of the optical film. In Table 1, the "A" notation in the "Orientation Degree" column represents the orientation degree S of the color adjustment layer, measured at 420nm, 550nm, and 650nm using the method described above. C However, all of these values ​​were less than 0.1. In other words, the "A" notation in the "Orientation Degree" column indicates that all of the above requirements 1 to 3 are met. Also, in Table 1, the "B" notation in the "Color Adjustment Layer Orientation Degree" column indicates the color adjustment layer orientation degree S measured at 420nm, 550nm, and 650nm. C This indicates that any of the following values ​​was 0.1 or greater. In Table 1, “S P (420) "S P (550) and "S P "(650)" represents the degree of orientation of the optical film measured at 450nm, 550nm, and 650nm, respectively. In Table 1, “S P (420) P (550) and "S P (420) P In column (650), the "A" notation indicates that the respective inequality is true, and the "B" notation indicates that the respective inequality is false. P (420) P (550) and "S P (420) P "(650)" corresponds to equations (1) and (2) above, respectively.

[0248] [Table 1]

[0249] Table 1 shows that, comparing the results of the examples and comparative examples, the optical film of the examples exhibited superior wide-angle color suppression. Table 1 shows that, comparing the results of the examples, it was confirmed that when the light-absorbing anisotropic layer satisfies the above formulas (1) and (2), the optical film exhibits superior transmittance. ​​​​Table 1 shows that when at least one of the dichroic dye compounds included in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is a dichroic dye compound represented by formula (3) above, the optical film exhibits superior transmittance. Table 1 shows that when the color adjustment layer satisfies requirements 1 to 3 above, the optical film exhibits superior wide-angle color suppression. Table 1 shows that when the absorption peak wavelength of the organic dye compound contained in the color adjustment layer is between 500 and 650 nm, the optical film exhibits superior wide-angle color suppression.

[0250] Table 2 shows the results of the evaluation of formula (7) and color for Examples 1, 7-10, and Comparative Example 1. Furthermore, the degree of orientation of the color adjustment layer was 0 regardless of whether it was measured at 420nm, 550nm, or 650nm. In Table 2, the notation "(c(C)×d(C)) / (c(P)×d(P))" corresponds to the value in equation (7) above.

[0251] [Table 2]

[0252] Table 2 shows that when the optical film satisfies formula (7) above, the optical film exhibits superior wide-angle color suppression.

[0253] (Confirmation of suitability for curved surface processing) [Suitability for curved surface processing] The optical laminate A1 prepared in Example 1 was bonded to the display screen of a curved smartphone (Galaxy Note9, manufactured by Samsung) using a commercially available adhesive SK2057 (manufactured by Soken Chemical Co., Ltd.), with the optical film 1 side facing the display screen. The optical laminate A1 has a film thickness of 100 μm or less and is highly flexible, allowing for clean bonding without air bubbles even on the curved portion of the display screen. Next, a louver-type optical film (3M® Security / Privacy Filter PF12 H2 series), which has similar performance to the optical film of the present invention and is widely available on the market, was laminated onto the display screen of the smartphone using a commercially available adhesive SK2057 (manufactured by Soken Chemical). However, the louver-type optical film had a film thickness of 500 μm and low flexibility, resulting in air bubbles forming in the curved parts of the display screen, making it impossible to laminate it cleanly.

[0254] [Evaluation of patterned products] An optical absorption anisotropy layer having the patterns of regions A and B described above was fabricated and evaluated as follows.

[0255] (Formation of patterned light absorption anisotropy layer) The above-mentioned light-absorbing anisotropic layer-forming composition P1 was continuously applied to the orientation film AL1 of Example 1 using a wire bar to form a coated layer P1. Next, the coated layer P1 was heated at 140°C for 30 seconds, and then cooled to room temperature (23°C). Next, it was heated at 80°C for 60 seconds and then cooled again to room temperature. Subsequently, the light emitted from the high-pressure mercury lamp is filtered through a mask to achieve an illuminance of 28 mW / cm². 2 By irradiating under these conditions for 60 seconds, a light-absorbing anisotropic layer having a cured region and an uncured region of the liquid crystalline compound was fabricated on the alignment film AL1. The mask was a mask pattern having a light-shielding region (region B) and a light-transmitting region, with region A being a rectangular light-transmitting region measuring 10 mm vertically and 50 mm horizontally. A film having a polarizing layer with a cured region (region A) and an uncured region (region B) of a liquid crystalline compound was immersed in ethanol for 3 minutes to wash away the unpolymerized liquid crystalline compound, forming a patterned optical film 10 having a patterned light absorption anisotropy layer with regions A and B having different degrees of polarization on the surface. Region A had a transmittance of 10% or less at an extreme angle of 30° and a frontal transmittance of 80% or more. Region B had a transmittance of 80% or more at both an extreme angle of 30° and a frontal transmittance. -Fabrication of optical laminate A10- The exposed polarizer surface of the polarizing plate 1 and the surface of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer of the fabricated pattern optical film 10 were bonded together using the adhesive sheet 1 to create an optical laminate A10.

[0256] -Fabrication of the image display device I10- In the same manner as the image display device I1 described above, the optical laminate A10 was replaced with the optical laminate A10 to fabricate the image display device I10. Only area A had a narrow viewing angle and could only be clearly seen from the front.

[0257] [Evaluation of surface textured products] The optical laminate with the above-described surface irregularities was fabricated and evaluated as follows.

[0258] (Fabrication of the image display device I11) To impart a surface texture of Ra90nm, the surface textured film described in Example 3 of Japanese Patent No. 6093153 was bonded to the exposed polarizer surface of the polarizing plate 1 using the adhesive sheet 1 to create an optical laminate A11. In the same manner as with the image display device I1 described above, the optical laminate A1 was replaced with optical laminate A11 to fabricate the image display device I11.

[0259] (Fabrication of the image display device I12) To impart a surface texture of Ra50nm, the surface textured film described in Example 101 of Japanese Patent No. 5909454 was bonded to the exposed polarizer surface of the polarizing plate 1 using the adhesive sheet 1 to create an optical laminate A12. In the same manner as with the image display device I1 described above, the optical laminate A1 was replaced with the optical laminate A12 to fabricate the image display device I12.

[0260] (Fabrication of the image display device I13) To impart a surface texture of Ra130nm, the surface textured film described in Example 7 of Japanese Patent No. 6093153 was bonded to the exposed polarizer surface of the polarizing plate 1 using the adhesive sheet 1 to create an optical laminate A13. In the same manner as with the image display device I1 described above, the optical laminate A1 was replaced with the optical laminate A13 to fabricate the image display device I13.

[0261] (Evaluation: Antiblocking properties) For each optical laminate in the examples, the adhesion between the outermost surfaces of the optical laminates was evaluated according to the following criteria. The laminated optical laminates were from the same example. For example, two optical laminates A1 were laminated together. By evaluating the adhesion between optical laminates from the same example in this way, the antiblocking properties of the optical laminate can be evaluated more accurately without being affected by the physical properties of the other surfaces to which it is laminated, compared to evaluating the antiblocking properties by laminating it to other surfaces. Antiblocking properties were evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria.

[0262] - Criteria for evaluating antiblocking properties - A: There is absolutely no feeling of sticking. B: There is almost no feeling of sticking. C: It feels very sticky.

[0263] (Evaluation: Narrow field of view) For each image display device in the examples, the narrow viewing angle was evaluated according to the following criteria when viewed from the front and when viewed at a 20-degree tilt to the side.

[0264] -Evaluation Criteria for Narrow Field of View- A: There is a clear difference in visibility from the front and from an oblique angle. B: You can see the difference in visibility from the front and from an angle. C: It can be seen from an oblique angle as well.

[0265] The evaluation results for the antiblocking properties of optical stacks A1, A11, A12, and A13, and the narrow viewing angle properties of image display devices I1, I11, I12, and I13 are shown in Table 3 as Examples 1, 11, 12, and 13, respectively. [Table 3]

[0266] Table 3 shows that when the arithmetic surface roughness Ra of the optical laminate of the present invention is 50 nm or greater, the antiblocking properties when films are stacked are superior. On the other hand, when the arithmetic surface roughness Ra of the surface roughness is less than 130 nm, the narrow viewing angle properties are superior.

Claims

1. An optical film comprising a light-absorbing anisotropic layer having an angle θ between the transmittance central axis and the normal direction of the layer surface of 0 to 45°, and a color adjustment layer separate from the light-absorbing anisotropic layer containing at least one organic dye compound, The transmittance of the optical film at a wavelength of 550 nm in the direction along the central axis of transmittance is 65% or more. The aforementioned color adjustment layer satisfies any one of the following requirements 1 to 3, satisfies any two of the following requirements 1 to 3, or satisfies all of the following requirements 1 to 3. An optical film that satisfies one or more of the following combinations 1 to 6 of the relationship between the degree of orientation of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer and the requirements that the color adjustment layer satisfies. Requirement 1: S Ｃ (420nm)<0.1 Requirement 2: S Ｃ (550nm)<0.1 Requirement 3: S Ｃ (650nm)<0.1 However, S Ｃ (λnm) represents the degree of orientation of the color adjustment layer, measured at a wavelength of λnm. Combination 1: S Ｐ (420 nm) < S Ｐ (650 nm): Requirement 3 Combination 2: S Ｐ (420 nm) < S Ｐ (550 nm): Requirement 2 Combination 3: S Ｐ (550 nm) < S Ｐ (420 nm): Requirement 1 Combination 4: S Ｐ (550 nm) < S Ｐ (650 nm): Requirement 3 Combination 5: S Ｐ (650 nm) < S Ｐ (420 nm): Requirement 1 Combination 6: S Ｐ (650 nm) < S Ｐ (550 nm): Requirement 2 However, S Ｐ (λnm) represents the degree of orientation of the optical absorption anisotropy layer, measured at a wavelength of λnm.

2. The optical film according to claim 1, wherein the light-absorbing anisotropic layer comprises a liquid crystalline compound and at least one dichroic dye compound.

3. The optical film according to claim 2, satisfying the following formula (7). 0.005≦(c(C)×d(C)) / (c(P)×d(P))≦0.06 Formula (7) In formula (7), c(C) represents the mass ratio of the organic dye compound in the color adjustment layer to the total mass of the color adjustment layer. In formula (7) above, d(C) represents the film thickness (μm) of the color adjustment layer. In formula (7), c(P) represents the mass ratio of the dichroic dye compound in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer to the total mass of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer. In formula (7) above, d(P) represents the film thickness (μm) of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer.

4. The optical film according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least one of the dichroic dye compounds contained in the light-absorbing anisotropic layer is represented by the following formula (3). 【Chemistry 1】 In the above formula (3), A ４ This represents a divalent aromatic group which may have substituents. In the above formula (3), L ３ and L ４ Each of these independently represents a substituent. In formula (3) above, E represents one of the atoms: a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. In the above formula (3), R １ This represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl group, or an optionally substituted alkoxy group. In the above formula (3), R ２ This represents an alkyl group which may have a hydrogen atom or a substituent. In the above formula (3), R ３ represents a hydrogen atom or substituent. In formula (3) above, n represents 0 or 1. However, if E is a nitrogen atom, n is 1, and if E is an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, n is 0.

5. The optical film according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light-absorbing anisotropic layer satisfies both formula (1) and formula (2) below. S Ｐ (420 nm) < S Ｐ (550 nm) Equation (1) S Ｐ (420 nm) < S Ｐ (650 nm) Equation (2) However, S Ｐ (λnm) represents the degree of orientation of the optical absorption anisotropy layer, measured at a wavelength of λnm.

6. The optical film according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the absorption peak wavelength of the organic dye compound contained in the color adjustment layer is 500 to 650 nm.

7. The optical film according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the organic dye compound contained in the color adjustment layer has at least one of a benzene ring and a heterocycle structure in its molecule.

8. The optical film according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the organic dye compound contained in the color adjustment layer has an anthraquinone structure.

9. An optical laminate comprising an optical film according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and a polarizer layer in which a dichroic substance is oriented horizontally with respect to the film surface.

10. An optical laminate comprising an optical film according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and an uneven layer having an arithmetic mean roughness Ra of 35 to 125 nm.

11. An image display device having an optical film according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or an optical laminate according to claim 9 or 10.

Images