Image recording material, method for producing image recording material, and decorated molded object

Abstract

Provided are an image recording material and an application thereof, the image recording material comprising a substrate, and an inkjet image disposed on the substrate, wherein: the inkjet image includes a cholesteric liquid crystal layer; the cholesteric liquid crystal layer has, in a cross section along the thickness direction of the inkjet image, a striped pattern of a bright portion and a dark portion, as observed with a scanning electron microscope; and at least a portion of a line indicating the bright portion or the dark portion is a wavy line.

Description

Image recording material, method for manufacturing image recording material, and decorated molded body

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image recorded material, a method for manufacturing an image recorded material, and a decorated molded article.

[0002] In recent years, image recording methods using inks containing liquid crystal compounds have been proposed. Cholesteric liquid crystals, which are produced by adding chiral agents to liquid crystal compounds, have unique light reflectivity and exhibit characteristics such as changing color tone depending on the viewing angle. Using inks containing liquid crystal compounds makes it possible to record unique images not seen with other image recording materials, which is expected to find application in building materials such as glass decorative films, special decorations for packaging and other items, and security printing.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-114661 discloses a method for manufacturing an optical element, which includes forming dots made of a liquid crystal material having a cholesteric structure on a substrate surface, the dot formation including ejecting droplets of a liquid crystal composition containing a liquid crystal compound and a chiral agent onto the substrate, and the droplet ejection is performed two or more times per dot. International Publication No. 2020 / 194831 discloses an inkjet recording ink set including a base ink containing at least one polymerizable compound selected from the group consisting of monofunctional polymerizable compounds and bifunctional polymerizable compounds, and an image recording ink containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a chiral compound.

[0004] However, there are cases where it is desired to obtain an image that combines good color development and a three-dimensional effect using ink containing a liquid crystal compound.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an image recording material that has excellent color development and an image with a three-dimensional feel, a method for manufacturing an image recording material, and a decorated molded body.

[0006] The present disclosure includes the following aspects. <1> An image recorded matter comprising a substrate and an inkjet image disposed on the substrate, wherein the inkjet image comprises a cholesteric liquid crystal layer, wherein the cholesteric liquid crystal layer has a striped pattern of light and dark areas observed with a scanning electron microscope in a cross section along the thickness direction of the inkjet image, and at least some of the lines representing the light or dark areas are wavy lines. <2> The image recorded matter according to <1>, wherein the lines representing the light or dark areas have a wave period length of 5 μm to 125 μm. <3> The image recorded matter according to <1> or <2>, wherein the lines representing the light or dark areas have a maximum amplitude of 100 nm to 1000 nm in a direction perpendicular to an imaginary straight line of the lines representing the light or dark areas. <4> The image recorded matter according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the cholesteric liquid crystal layer includes a region where the orientation angle is 5° or more, when the angle between the imaginary straight line of the lines representing the light or dark areas and the main surface of the substrate is defined as an orientation angle. <5> The image recorded matter according to any one of <1> to <4>, which is a decorative sheet. <6> The image recorded matter according to any one of <1> to <5>, which has an underlayer disposed between the substrate and the inkjet image. <7> A method for producing an image recorded matter, comprising the steps of: preparing an ink containing a solvent having a boiling point of 100°C or higher but lower than 300°C, a polymerizable liquid crystal compound, a chiral compound, a polymerization initiator, and a surfactant; heating the substrate to 45°C or higher; applying the ink to the heated substrate by an inkjet recording method; heating the applied ink; and irradiating the applied ink with actinic energy rays. <8> A method for producing an image recorded matter according to <7>, wherein the ink preparing step includes preparing two or more types of ink; and the ink applying step includes forming a mixed region on at least a portion of the substrate by application of the two or more types of ink, wherein when each of the two or more inks forms an ink film, the color difference between the two ink films is 25 or more. <9> The image recording method according to <7> or <8>, wherein the ink is applied using a multi-pass method in the ink application step.<10> The method for producing an image-recorded article according to any one of <7> to <9>, wherein the active energy rays are irradiated using a mercury lamp, and the content of the polymerization initiator relative to 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is 6 parts by mass to 15 parts by mass. <11> A decorated molded article comprising a molded article of the image-recorded article according to <5>.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there are provided an image recorded article having excellent color development and a three-dimensional image, a method for producing an image recorded article, and a decorated molded article.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a striped pattern of light areas 14 and dark areas 16 observed by SEM in the cross section of an image recorded matter 100 in which an inkjet image 12 is arranged on a substrate 10. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a striped pattern of light areas 24 and dark areas 26 observed by SEM in the cross section of an image recorded matter 200 in which an inkjet image 22 is arranged on a substrate 20, and is a diagram for explaining the orientation angle.

[0009] The image recording material and the method for manufacturing the image recording material of the present disclosure are described in detail below. In this specification, a numerical range indicated using "to" means a range that includes the numerical values ​​before and after "to" as the minimum and maximum values, respectively. In the numerical ranges described in this specification, the upper or lower limit of a certain numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit of another numerical range described in this specification. Furthermore, in the numerical ranges described in this specification, the upper or lower limit of a certain numerical range may be replaced with a value shown in the Examples. In this specification, when multiple substances corresponding to each component are present in the composition, the amount of each component refers to the total amount of the multiple substances present in the composition, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, in this specification, a combination of two or more preferred embodiments is a more preferred embodiment. Furthermore, in this specification, the term "process" includes not only independent processes but also processes that cannot be clearly distinguished from other processes, as long as the intended purpose of the process is achieved. In this specification, "(meth)acrylate" means acrylate or methacrylate.

[0010] In this specification, the term "image" refers to a film in general, and the term "image recording" refers to the formation of an image (i.e., a film). The concept of "image" in this specification also includes a solid image.

[0011] [Image Recorded Material] The image recorded material of the present disclosure includes a substrate and an inkjet image recorded on the substrate, the inkjet image including a cholesteric liquid crystal layer, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer having a striped pattern of light and dark areas observed with a scanning electron microscope (hereinafter referred to as "SEM") in a cross section along the thickness direction of the inkjet image, and at least some of the lines indicating the light or dark areas are wavy lines.

[0012] The image recorded matter of the present disclosure has excellent color development and a three-dimensional image. The reason why such an image is obtained is not clear, but the inventors speculate as follows.

[0013] In the image recording material of the present disclosure, in the striped pattern of bright and dark areas observed by SEM of the image cross section, the lines indicating the bright or dark areas are wavy lines. Therefore, when light is incident from the normal direction of the image, part of the incident light is reflected in a direction (diagonal direction) at an angle θ (<90°) relative to the normal direction. Reflection not only in the normal direction but also in diagonal directions improves visibility from diagonal directions and provides excellent color development. Furthermore, reflection of the incident light in various directions locally changes brightness, creating a three-dimensional effect on the image.

[0014] On the other hand, JP 2016-114661 A only discloses applying image recording ink in a dot shape, and does not mention color development or three-dimensional effect. Furthermore, WO 2020 / 194831 A discloses color development, but does not mention three-dimensional effect. Furthermore, the method described in JP 2016-114661 A forms a reflective layer parallel to the ink film. Therefore, even if a uniform image is recorded to increase color density, it is difficult to form a wavy or inclined reflective surface. When the reflective layer is flat relative to the ink film, the specular reflection component is dominant and the diffuse reflection component is small. With such reflection characteristics, the gloss and color are perceived strongly when viewed from the direction of specular reflection, but lack vividness when viewed from another direction.

[0015] Hereinafter, each component of the image recording material of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0016] <Substrate> The image recorded matter of the present disclosure includes a substrate.

[0017] The substrate is not particularly limited, and any substrate can be selected. The substrate may be any of an ink-absorbent substrate, a low ink-absorbent substrate, and a non-ink-absorbent substrate. Examples of the substrate include paper, leather, cloth, and resin. Among these, from the viewpoint of color development, the substrate is preferably an ink-non-absorbent substrate, and more preferably a resin substrate.

[0018] Examples of resins constituting the resin substrate include cellulose diacetate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose nitrate, acrylic resin, chlorinated polyolefin resin, polyethersulfone resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate, nylon, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polycycloolefin resin, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, polyimide, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyetheretherketone, polyvinyl acetal, and polyurethane. The resin substrate may contain only one of these resins, or may be a mixture of two or more of these resins. Furthermore, other layers such as an easy-adhesion layer, an antistatic layer, and an antifouling layer may be formed on these resins, and the surface of the substrate may be subjected to a hydrophilization treatment. Furthermore, the substrate may include an adhesive layer or a protective layer, and may be provided with a coating layer such as an ink-receiving layer or an easy-adhesion layer.

[0019] Among these, it is preferable that the substrate contains polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0020] The substrate may contain various additives such as UV (ultraviolet) absorbers, matting agent particles, plasticizers, anti-degradation agents, and release agents.

[0021] The substrate may be transparent or colored. When the image recorded product is viewed from the opposite side of the image-recorded surface, the substrate preferably has a visible light transmittance of 60% or more. The transmittance is more preferably 80% or more, and even more preferably 90% or more. The substrate may be translucent, and one side may be matte-finished.

[0022] The substrate preferably has low birefringence in the visible light region. For example, the retardation of the substrate at a wavelength of 550 nm is preferably 50 nm or less, and more preferably 20 nm or less.

[0023] In the image recording material of the present disclosure, if the alignment control force exerted by the substrate on the liquid crystal is strong, the diffuse reflectivity decreases, so it is preferable to use a substrate that has not been subjected to surface treatment such as corona treatment or rubbing treatment.

[0024] The thickness of the substrate is not particularly limited and is, for example, 1 μm to 10 mm. From the viewpoints of thinning and ease of handling, the thickness of the substrate is preferably 10 μm to 200 μm, and more preferably 20 μm to 200 μm.

[0025] The above thickness means an average thickness, which is obtained by measuring the thickness at any five points on the substrate and calculating the arithmetic average thereof.

[0026] Inkjet Image The image recording of the present disclosure includes an inkjet image disposed on a substrate.

[0027] In the image recording material of the present disclosure, an inkjet image may be provided directly on a substrate, or other layers may be provided between the substrate and the inkjet image. Examples of other layers include an ink-receiving layer, an easy-adhesion layer, a base layer or overcoat layer made of clear ink, and a printed layer made of color ink. Details of the other layers will be described later.

[0028] In the present disclosure, an inkjet image refers to an image recorded using an inkjet recording method. Whether an image is an inkjet image or not can be determined by observing the surface of the image (ink film) with an optical microscope. If it is an inkjet image, dots specific to the inkjet recording method can be confirmed.

[0029] Inkjet images have higher diffuse reflectivity, better color development, and a three-dimensional appearance than images formed by coating methods.

[0030] In the present disclosure, the inkjet image includes a cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and the cholesteric liquid crystal layer has a striped pattern of light and dark areas observed by SEM in a cross section along the thickness direction of the image, and the lines indicating the light or dark areas are wavy lines. In this case, some areas may include light or dark areas that are not wavy lines, and some areas may not have a striped pattern.

[0031] A cholesteric liquid crystal layer is a layer containing at least a cholesteric liquid crystal phase. The cholesteric liquid crystal phase refers to a phase in which liquid crystal molecules are arranged in a helical shape. In the case of a cholesteric liquid crystal layer, a striped pattern of light and dark areas is observed under SEM.

[0032] The striped pattern of light and dark areas observed with an SEM can be confirmed, for example, by the following method. The image is cut in the thickness direction of the image to obtain a cross-sectional sample. When the SEM image of the cross section is observed using a scanning electron microscope (acceleration voltage: 2 kV, observation magnification: 5000x and 10000x), the presence of a striped pattern of light and shade can be confirmed. In the present disclosure, in the striped pattern of light and shade, parts that have a high color density and are observed as black are referred to as dark parts, and parts that have a low color density and are observed as white are referred to as light parts.

[0033] In the cross-sectional SEM image, one period of light and dark areas corresponds to 180 degrees of twist in the liquid crystal. Therefore, two periods of light and dark areas correspond to 360 degrees of twist in the liquid crystal. In other words, the width of two periods of light and dark areas corresponds to the length of the helical pitch in the cholesteric liquid crystal layer.

[0034] The normal direction of the line indicating the bright or dark area means the direction of the helical axis in the cholesteric liquid crystal layer.

[0035] In the present disclosure, a line indicating a light or dark area is a wavy line. A wavy line is a wavy, undulating line, unlike a straight line.

[0036] The waves that make up the wavy line may or may not be periodic. The wavy line may be a line having a shape that has periodic amplitudes in the direction of gravity and anti-gravity with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0037] For example, wavy lines can be formed by maintaining the wettability of the ink with the substrate within an appropriate range and suppressing the ink from spreading. Furthermore, the shape of the wavy lines (periodic length, amplitude, etc.) can be controlled by adjusting the amounts of surfactant and horizontal alignment agent contained in the ink and the drying speed after application of the ink. The drying speed can be controlled by adjusting the boiling point of the solvent contained in the ink, the solvent content, the heating temperature of the substrate during image recording, the amount of ink applied, the printing speed, etc.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a striped pattern of light areas 14 and dark areas 16 observed by SEM of a cross section of an image recording material 100 in which an inkjet image 12 is disposed on a substrate 10. In FIG.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, image recording 100 includes a substrate 10 and an inkjet image 12 disposed on substrate 10 .

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, in the cross section of the image recording 100, the lines 14 indicating the light areas and the lines 16 indicating the dark areas are both wavy lines.

[0041] The lines (wavy lines) indicating the light or dark areas preferably have a wave period length L1 of 5 μm to 125 μm, more preferably 5 μm to 80 μm, and even more preferably 10 μm to 80 μm. When the wave period length L1 is within the above range, high diffuse reflectance and excellent color development can be achieved, resulting in an image with a more three-dimensional appearance.

[0042] For example, if the lines representing the bright or dark areas are formed almost horizontally and flatly relative to the surface of the substrate or ink film, and the proportion of wavy lines is small, the ratio of the reflectance of the diffuse reflection component to the reflectance of the total reflection component of the ink film will be 15% or less. In this case, high brilliance will be exhibited at specific observation angles, but vivid colors will not be perceived at other angles. On the other hand, if the lines representing the bright or dark areas are wavy, the diffuse reflection component will be 50% or more, and vivid colors will be perceived at various observation angles. In particular, if the diffuse reflection component is 80% or more, visibility will be high regardless of the observation angle, making it preferable for decorative purposes.

[0043] The wave period length L1 means the length of one wave period, where one period means the distance between adjacent convex portions in the wavy line.

[0044] The wave period length L1 is measured in the following manner.

[0045] First, an imaginary straight line representing a bright or dark area is drawn. The imaginary straight line representing a bright or dark area is an approximation of a wavy line. The calculation is based on how many wave periods are included within a 500 μm wide range of the imaginary wavy line.

[0046] The maximum amplitude L2 of the line (wavy line) representing the bright or dark area in the direction perpendicular to the imaginary straight line of the line representing the bright or dark area is preferably 20 nm to 3000 nm, more preferably 50 nm to 1000 nm, even more preferably 100 nm to 1000 nm, and particularly preferably 100 nm to 500 nm. When the maximum amplitude L2 is within the above range, a high diffuse reflectance, excellent color development, and a more three-dimensional image can be obtained.

[0047] The maximum amplitude L2 means the sum of the distance from the imaginary line to the maximum displacement in one direction and the distance from the imaginary line to the minimum displacement in the other direction, with the imaginary line as the center.

[0048] The maximum amplitude L2 is measured in the following manner.

[0049] First, an imaginary wavy line is drawn. The direction perpendicular to the imaginary wavy line is defined as the amplitude direction. The distance between the convex and concave portions of the wavy line is measured along the amplitude direction.

[0050] The lines representing the light or dark areas may be continuous or may contain discontinuous portions. When the lines representing the light or dark areas are continuous, the image has low haze and excellent transparency. When the lines represent discontinuous portions, the image has high haze and appears cloudy.

[0051] Within a width of 500 μm in a direction parallel to the imaginary straight wavy line, there are preferably 20 or less discontinuous portions, more preferably 10 or less, and particularly preferably 0.

[0052] In the image recording material of the present disclosure, when the angle between the imaginary straight line of the line (wavy line) indicating the light or dark area and the main surface of the substrate is taken as the orientation angle, it is preferable that the cholesteric liquid crystal layer includes a region in which the orientation angle is 5° or more.

[0053] The main surface of the substrate refers to the surface having the largest area among the surfaces of the substrate.

[0054] The method for measuring the orientation angle will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a striped pattern of light areas 24 and dark areas 26 observed by SEM of a cross section of an image recorded matter 200 in which an inkjet image 22 is arranged on a substrate 20, and is a diagram for explaining the orientation angle.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 2, image recording 200 includes a substrate 20 and an inkjet image 22 disposed on substrate 20 .

[0056] For example, as shown in Figure 2, an imaginary straight line 24A is drawn on the line 24 indicating the bright portion. The angle θ1 between the main surface 21 of the substrate and the imaginary straight line 24A is measured as the orientation angle. Note that in Figure 2, the imaginary straight line 24A slopes upward to the right (i.e., has a positive slope in the XY coordinate system). The orientation angle is expressed as a positive value both when the imaginary straight line slopes upward to the right (i.e., has a positive slope in the XY coordinate system) and when the imaginary straight line slopes downward to the right (i.e., has a negative slope in the XY coordinate system).

[0057] In regions where the orientation angle is 5° or more, the reflectance and reflection wavelength at the same light source and observation angle are different from those in regions where the orientation angle is 0°. Therefore, in the image, they appear as shadows, highlights, etc., creating a three-dimensional effect. Furthermore, when two regions with an orientation angle of 5° or more are adjacent to each other, one with a positive orientation angle and the other with a negative orientation angle, a similar effect is achieved in which shadows and highlights are interchanged when the observation angle is changed, creating a three-dimensional effect.

[0058] The presence or absence of differences in orientation angle can also be detected by measuring colors with a multi-angle colorimeter. Even when an image is recorded with the same ink, the color difference ΔEab is large in areas where the color appears to change or where the brightness changes significantly. For example, when comparing color measurement values ​​at 45° using a multi-angle colorimeter such as the CM-M6 (manufactured by Konica Minolta), if the color difference is 25 or more, the color difference can be clearly detected even when observed visually. In particular, images with areas where the orientation angle is 5° or more are characterized by larger color differences at light-receiving angles of 25° and 45° than areas where the orientation angle is 0° or areas where the orientation angle is 5° or more and the inclination is opposite.

[0059] Furthermore, the slope of the virtual line (i.e., positive or negative slope) is determined by the type of chiral compound. The positive or negative slope is reversed depending on whether the helical twisting force induced by the chiral compound contained in the ink is rightward or leftward. In other words, for the same image, the tilt direction is determined by whether the helical twisting force of the chiral compound contained in the ink is rightward or leftward. An observation angle at which light reflection is strong with a chiral compound having rightward helical twisting force will be dark in an image recorded using a chiral compound having leftward helical twisting force, and the reverse phenomenon also occurs.

[0060] The orientation angle is preferably from 5° to 45°, more preferably from 10° to 30°, and most preferably from 10° to 20°.

[0061] By keeping the orientation angle within an appropriate range, the brightness when viewing the entire image recording surface can be maintained within a preferable range, and high designability can be achieved.

[0062] The image recorded matter of the present disclosure has excellent color development and has a three-dimensional image, and therefore can be suitably used as a decorative sheet.

[0063] The image recording material of the present disclosure may further include a transparent or opaque substrate on the inkjet image. It may be used by laminating it with a laminating film, or by laminating it with a laminating film containing a UV cutter. An adhesive layer may be provided between the inkjet image and the transparent or opaque substrate. It may also be combined with a color image, an undercoat layer, or an overcoat layer, or may be transferred to another substrate after printing. It may also be laminated to glass, transferred after printing, or used in combination with a polarizing plate.

[0064] In the image recorded matter of the present disclosure, it is preferable that an underlayer be disposed between the substrate and the inkjet image.

[0065] Examples of the underlayer include a layer for improving the color development of an inkjet image and a functional layer such as an easy-adhesion layer. The underlayer preferably contains at least one binder. In addition to the binder, the underlayer may contain, for example, a crosslinking agent, a matting agent, a surfactant, etc. Examples of binders include polyester resins, polyurethane resins, polyester-based polyurethanes, acrylic resins, polyolefins, and polyvinyl alcohols.

[0066] The functional layer such as the easy-adhesion layer preferably contains at least one type of particle. Suitable particles include silica, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, and tin oxide. Among these, tin oxide or silica particles are preferred because they show little decrease in adhesiveness under a humid and hot atmosphere.

[0067] The average particle size of the particles is preferably 10 nm to 700 nm, more preferably 20 nm to 300 nm, and even more preferably 20 nm to 100 nm. By using particles with an average particle size within the above range, good adhesion can be achieved. There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the particles, and they may be spherical, irregular, or acicular.

[0068] Methods for forming an underlayer on a substrate include a method of laminating an easily adhesive polymer sheet to the substrate, and a method of applying and drying a composition for forming an underlayer.

[0069] The coating method is not particularly limited, and known methods such as gravure coating and bar coating can be used.

[0070] The thickness of the underlayer is not particularly limited, but if it is 0.01 μm to 8 μm, the surface condition can be maintained better.

[0071] The underlayer is preferably transparent.

[0072] The underlayer preferably contains at least one binder resin selected from polyester resins, polyurethane resins, and acrylic resins, and at least one crosslinking agent selected from oxazoline compounds and carbodiimide compounds. The underlayer may also contain other components as needed.

[0073] Examples of polyester resins include polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polycaprolactone (PCL), polycaprolactone butylene succinate, polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA), polybutylene succinate carbonate, polyethylene terephthalate succinate, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, polytetramethylene adipate terephthalate, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, polyethylene succinate (PES), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), carbonate copolymers of aliphatic polyesters, copolymers of aliphatic polyesters and polyamides, etc. The polyester resin may be a commercially available product. Examples of commercially available products include Finetex ES650 and ES2200 (manufactured by DIC Corporation), Vylonal MD1245, MD1400, and MD1480 (manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.), PES Resin A-110, A-124GP, A-520, and A-640 (manufactured by Takamatsu Oil & Fats Co., Ltd.), and Pluscoat Z561, Z730, Z687, and Z592 (manufactured by Goo Chemical Co., Ltd.).

[0074] Polyurethane resin is a general term for polymers having urethane bonds in the main chain, and is usually obtained by reacting polyisocyanates with polyols. Examples of polyisocyanates include TDI (toluene diisocyanate), MDI (diphenylmethane diisocyanate), NDI (naphthalene diisocyanate), TODI (tolidine diisocyanate), HDI (hexamethylene diisocyanate), and IPDI (isophorone diisocyanate). Examples of polyols include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, and hexanetriol. Polyurethane resins may also be polymers obtained by chain-extending a urethane polymer obtained by reacting a polyisocyanate with a polyol to increase its molecular weight. Polyisocyanates, polyols, and chain-extension treatments are described, for example, in "Polyurethane Handbook" (edited by Keiji Iwata, published by Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, 1987). Polyurethane resins may also be commercially available products. Examples of commercially available products include Superflex 470, 210, 150HS, and Elastron H-3 (manufactured by Dai-ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.), Hydran AP-20, AP-40F, and WLS-210 (manufactured by DIC Corporation), Takelac W-6061, and Olestar UD-350 (manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.).

[0075] Among these, the binder resin is preferably a polyurethane resin.

[0076] The acrylic resin refers to a resin having a structural unit derived from a (meth)acrylic compound. The acrylic resin may be a commercially available product. Examples of commercially available products include JURYMER ET-410 (manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd.) and EM-48D (manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.).

[0077] The binder resin may be a resin other than polyester resin, polyurethane resin, and acrylic resin, such as polystyrene, polyolefin, or polyamide.

[0078] The binder resin contained in the underlayer preferably contains at least one of a polyester resin, a polyurethane resin, and an acrylic resin, and the mass ratio of the polyester resin, polyurethane resin, and acrylic resin (polyester resin:polyurethane resin:acrylic resin) is preferably 0.1-0.9:0.1-0.9:0-0.3, more preferably 0.3-0.7:0.3-0.7:0-0.2, and particularly preferably 0.4-0.6:0.4-0.6:0.

[0079] The content of the binder resin is preferably 67% by mass to 97% by mass, more preferably 77% by mass to 97% by mass, and particularly preferably 87% by mass to 97% by mass, based on the total solid content of the undercoat layer. When two or more types of resins are used, the above content refers to the total content of the resins.

[0080] The underlayer preferably contains at least one crosslinking agent selected from the group consisting of an oxazoline compound and a carbodiimide compound. The crosslinking agent may be of one type or of two or more types.

[0081] The oxazoline compound is a compound having an oxazoline group.

[0082] Examples of the oxazoline compound include polymers having an oxazoline group, such as polymers obtained by copolymerizing a polymerizable monomer having an oxazoline group, if necessary, with other polymerizable monomers by a known method (e.g., solution polymerization, emulsion polymerization, etc.). Examples of the polymerizable monomer having an oxazoline group include 2-vinyl-2-oxazoline, 2-vinyl-4-methyl-2-oxazoline, 2-vinyl-5-methyl-2-oxazoline, 2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline, 2-isopropenyl-4-methyl-2-oxazoline, and 2-isopropenyl-5-methyl-2-oxazoline. The oxazoline compound may be a commercially available product. Examples of commercially available products include Epocross K-2020E, Epocross K-2010E, Epocross K-2020E, Epocross K-2030E, Epocross WS-300, Epocross WS-500, and Epocross WS-700 (manufactured by Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.).

[0083] A carbodiimide compound is a compound having a functional group represented by -N=C=N-. Polycarbodiimides are usually synthesized by a condensation reaction of organic diisocyanates. The organic diisocyanate is not particularly limited, and may be an aromatic diisocyanate or an aliphatic diisocyanate, but an aliphatic diisocyanate is preferable from the viewpoint of reactivity. Organic isocyanates, organic diisocyanates, organic triisocyanates, etc. are used as raw materials for synthesizing polycarbodiimides. Examples of organic isocyanates include aromatic isocyanates and aliphatic isocyanates.

[0084] Examples of organic diisocyanates include 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 4,4-diphenyldimethylmethane diisocyanate, 1,4-phenylene diisocyanate, 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate, 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, cyclohexane diisocyanate, xylylene diisocyanate, 2,2,4-trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate, 4,4'-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, and 1,3-phenylene diisocyanate.

[0085] Examples of organic monoisocyanates include isophorone isocyanate, phenyl isocyanate, cyclohexyl isocyanate, butyl isocyanate, and naphthyl isocyanate. The carbodiimide compound may be a commercially available product. An example of a commercially available product is Carbodilite V-02-L2 (manufactured by Nisshinbo Co., Ltd.).

[0086] The content of the crosslinking agent is preferably 3% by mass to 30% by mass, more preferably 3% by mass to 15% by mass, relative to the content of the binder resin. When the content of the crosslinking agent is within this range, adhesion to the substrate is further improved. When the content of the crosslinking agent is 3% by mass or more relative to the content of the binder resin, ink penetrates well into the underlayer, making it easier to improve ink adhesion immediately after image recording. When the content of the crosslinking agent is 30% by mass or less relative to the content of the binder resin, the crosslinking reaction of the underlayer does not proceed too far, and the underlayer does not become too hard, making it easier to improve ink adhesion after heat treatment.

[0087] In addition to the binder resin and the crosslinking agent, the undercoat layer may contain surfactants, slipping agents, antifoaming agents, foam suppressors, dyes, fluorescent brighteners, preservatives, water-resistant agents, particles, distilled water, etc., as necessary.

[0088] The particles may be organic or inorganic.

[0089] Examples of organic particles include particles of polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), silicone resin, benzoguanamine resin, etc. Examples of inorganic particles include particles of silica, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, etc.

[0090] The particles may be commercially available products, such as crosslinked PMMA particles MR-2G (manufactured by Soken Chemical & Engineering Co., Ltd.), silica particles Seahoster KE-W10 (manufactured by Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.), "Quattron PL-3" (manufactured by Fuso Chemical Co., Ltd.), and OX-50 (manufactured by Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd.).

[0091] Among these, silica is preferred because it can prevent a decrease in adhesiveness when exposed to a moist and hot atmosphere.

[0092] The particles may be of one type only, or may be of two or more types.

[0093] The average particle size of the particles is preferably 10 nm to 700 nm, more preferably 20 nm to 300 nm, and even more preferably 20 nm to 100 nm. By using particles with an average particle size within the above range, good adhesion can be achieved. There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the particles, and they may be spherical, irregular, or acicular.

[0094] The thickness of the underlayer is, for example, preferably 0.01 μm to 10 μm, more preferably 0.01 to 5 μm, and particularly preferably 0.05 to 1 μm.

[0095] The image recording material of the present disclosure may further include an overcoat layer on the inkjet image. By providing a transparent layer having a small refractive index difference from that of the inkjet image as the overcoat layer, graininess and scattering can be reduced and color vividness can be imparted. Methods for forming the overcoat layer include a method of laminating a film having an adhesive layer such as OCA to the inkjet image, a method of applying an overcoat layer-forming composition and drying it, and a method of curing an overcoat layer-forming composition composed of a curable monomer or the like to form a film.

[0096] [Decorated Molded Body] When the image recorded article of the present disclosure is a decorative sheet, it is suitable for producing a decorated molded article. The decorated molded article of the present disclosure is preferably a decorated molded article having a molded article of the image recorded article of the present disclosure. Specifically, the decorated molded article can be produced by molding the image recorded article of the present disclosure into, for example, a three-dimensional shape. A molding tool such as a metal mold may be used for molding. A decorated product can be obtained by applying the decorated molded article to an article having a desired three-dimensional shape.

[0097] The surface of the image recording material of the present disclosure may be flat or may have an uneven structure, but in order to obtain better color development and three-dimensional effect, it is preferable that the flat portion occupies a certain area or more.

[0098] [Method for manufacturing image recorded matter] The method for manufacturing an image recorded matter according to the present disclosure preferably includes the steps of: preparing an ink containing a solvent having a boiling point of 100°C or higher but lower than 300°C (ink preparation step); heating a substrate to 45°C or higher (substrate heating step); applying the ink onto the heated substrate by an inkjet recording method (ink application step); heating the applied ink (ink heating step); and irradiating the applied ink with active energy rays (activation energy ray irradiation step).

[0099] Hereinafter, each step in the method for producing an image recorded matter of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0100] (Ink Preparation Step) The method for producing an image recorded matter according to the present disclosure includes a step of preparing ink containing a solvent having a boiling point of 100° C. or higher and lower than 300° C., a polymerizable liquid crystal compound, a chiral compound, a polymerization initiator, and a surfactant.

[0101] <Polymerizable Liquid Crystal Compound> In the present disclosure, a polymerizable liquid crystal compound refers to a liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable group. The liquid crystal compound may be a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound or a discotic liquid crystal compound, but is preferably a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound.

[0102] Examples of rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds include rod-shaped nematic liquid crystal compounds. Preferred rod-shaped nematic liquid crystal compounds include azomethine compounds, azoxy compounds, cyanobiphenyl compounds, cyanophenyl ester compounds, benzoic acid esters, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid phenyl esters, cyanophenylcyclohexane compounds, cyano-substituted phenylpyrimidine compounds, alkoxy-substituted phenylpyrimidine compounds, phenyldioxane compounds, tolan compounds, and alkenylcyclohexylbenzonitrile compounds. Not only low-molecular-weight liquid crystal compounds but also high-molecular-weight liquid crystal compounds can be used as rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds.

[0103] A polymerizable liquid crystal compound can be obtained by introducing a polymerizable group into a liquid crystal compound. Examples of the polymerizable group include a polymerizable unsaturated group, an epoxy group, and an aziridinyl group. Among these, the polymerizable group is preferably a polymerizable unsaturated group, and an ethylenically unsaturated group is particularly preferred. The number of polymerizable groups contained in the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is preferably 1 to 6, and more preferably 1 to 3. From the viewpoint of durability of the resulting image, it is even more preferred that the polymerizable liquid crystal compound has two polymerizable groups in the molecule.

[0104] As the polymerizable liquid crystal compound, there are mentioned Makromol. Chem. , Vol. 190, p. 2255 (1989), Advanced Materials Vol. 5, p. 107 (1993), U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,327, U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,648, U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,107, WO 95 / 22586, WO 95 / 24455, WO 97 / 00600, WO 98 / 23580, WO 98 / 52905, JP-A-1-272551, JP-A-6-16616, JP-A-7-110469, JP-A-11-80081 and JP-A-2001-328973 compounds described therein. In addition, those described in International Publication No. 2017 / 169696 and International Publication No. 2019 / 181247 may also be used.

[0105] Specific examples of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound include the following compounds (1) to (17): However, the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is not limited to the following examples.

[0106]

[0107]

[0108]

[0109] In compound (12), X １ each independently represents an integer of 2 to 5.

[0110]

[0111]

[0112] Examples of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds other than those exemplified above include cyclic organopolysiloxane compounds such as those disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-165480.

[0113] The ink may contain only one type of polymerizable liquid crystal compound, or may contain two or more types of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds.

[0114] In particular, the ink preferably contains two or more different polymerizable liquid crystal compounds, and more preferably contains three or more different polymerizable liquid crystal compounds. By using two or more polymerizable liquid crystal compounds, the stability of the ink can be further improved.

[0115] The content of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is preferably 1% by mass to 70% by mass, more preferably 5% by mass to 60% by mass, and particularly preferably 15% by mass to 45% by mass, based on the total amount of the ink.

[0116] In the present disclosure, when two or more types of inks (e.g., a first ink, a second ink, a third ink, etc.) are prepared, from the viewpoint of improving color reproducibility, the type of polymerizable liquid crystal compound and the content of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound between the first ink and the second ink may be the same or different. Furthermore, when a third ink is used together with the first ink and the second ink, the type of polymerizable liquid crystal compound and the content of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound between the first ink, the second ink, and the third ink may be the same or different. Depending on the type of polymerizable liquid crystal compound, the pitch of the helical structure when the polymerizable liquid crystal compound becomes a cholesteric liquid crystal differs, and the wavelength of light that is selectively reflected differs. By changing the type of polymerizable liquid crystal compound, ink films of different hues can be obtained. Furthermore, by changing the content of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound, the mixing ratio with the chiral compound changes, and ink films of different hues can be obtained.

[0117] (Chiral Compound) A chiral compound is also called an optically active compound. A chiral compound has the function of inducing a helical structure in a polymerizable liquid crystal compound. The twist direction or pitch of the induced helical structure varies depending on the type and content of the chiral compound.

[0118] The chiral compound is not particularly limited, and known compounds (for example, those described in "Liquid Crystal Device Handbook," Chapter 3, Section 4-3, Chiral Agents for TN and STN, p. 199, edited by the 142nd Committee of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 1989) can be used, and examples thereof include isosorbide derivatives and isomannide derivatives.

[0119] Chiral compounds generally contain an asymmetric carbon atom, but may also contain no asymmetric carbon atom as long as they have chirality. Examples of chiral compounds include axially asymmetric compounds having a binaphthyl structure, helical asymmetric compounds having a helicene structure, and planar asymmetric compounds having a cyclophane structure.

[0120] The chiral compound may have a polymerizable group. When the chiral compound has a polymerizable group, a polymer having a structural unit derived from the polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a structural unit derived from the chiral compound is formed by a polymerization reaction between the chiral compound and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound. When the chiral compound has a polymerizable group, the polymerizable group is preferably the same type of group as the polymerizable group possessed by the polymerizable liquid crystal compound. Therefore, the polymerizable group of the chiral compound is preferably a polymerizable unsaturated group, an epoxy group, or an aziridinyl group, more preferably a polymerizable unsaturated group, and particularly preferably an ethylenically unsaturated group. Alternatively, the chiral compound itself may be a liquid crystal compound.

[0121] The content of the chiral compound in the ink is preferably 0.5% by mass to 30% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid crystal compound. A smaller content of the chiral compound is preferred because it tends to have less of an effect on the liquid crystal properties. Therefore, the chiral compound is preferably a compound with a strong twisting power so that even a small amount can achieve the twisted orientation of the desired helical pitch.

[0122] Chiral compounds exhibiting such a strong twisting power are disclosed, for example, in JP-A Nos. 2002-302487, 2002-80478, 2002-80851, 2002-179668, 2002-179670, 2002-338575, 2002-180051, and JP-A No. 62-81354. No. 2002 / 006195, JP 2011-241215, JP 2003-287623, JP 2002-302487, JP 2002-80478, JP 2002-80851, and JP 2014-034581, as well as LC-756 manufactured by BASF.

[0123] Specific examples of chiral compounds include the following compounds: Note that chiral compounds that can be used in inks are not limited to the following examples: "Me" in the compounds means a methyl group.

[0124]

[0125]

[0126]

[0127]

[0128] In the above compounds, X's each independently represent an integer of 2 to 5.

[0129] The content of the chiral compound in the ink is preferably 1 to 15 parts by mass, and more preferably 3 to 9 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound.

[0130] In the present disclosure, when two or more inks (e.g., a first ink, a second ink, a third ink, etc.) are prepared, it is preferable that the first ink and the second ink have different chiral compound contents. Furthermore, when a third ink is further used, it is preferable that the first ink, the second ink, and the third ink have different chiral compound contents. Depending on the chiral compound content, the pitch of the helical structure when the polymerizable liquid crystal compound becomes a cholesteric liquid crystal differs, and the wavelength of light that is selectively reflected differs. By varying the chiral compound content, it is possible to obtain ink films of different hues. Increasing the chiral compound content tends to shift the reflected wavelength to the shorter wavelength side, while decreasing the chiral compound content tends to shift the reflected wavelength to the longer wavelength side.

[0131] <Solvent with a boiling point of 100° C. or higher and lower than 300° C.> The solvent may be selected appropriately depending on the purpose as long as it has a boiling point of 100° C. or higher and lower than 300° C. The boiling point is measured under 1 atmosphere.

[0132] When the boiling point of the solvent is 100°C or higher, the ejection stability is good. Furthermore, depending on the drying speed during image recording, lines indicating light or dark areas can be made into wavy lines, and images exhibiting vivid colors can be recorded. When the boiling point of the solvent is less than 300°C, landing interference during image recording is suppressed, and high-resolution images can be recorded. Furthermore, it is preferable because lines indicating light or dark areas can be made into wavy lines.

[0133] Examples of the solvent include ketone-based solvents, alkyl halide-based solvents, amide-based solvents, sulfoxide-based solvents, heterocyclic compounds, hydrocarbon-based solvents, ester-based solvents, and ether-based solvents (e.g., diethylene glycol diethyl ether).

[0134] The solvent may also be an alcohol-based solvent or a pyrrolidone-based solvent.

[0135] Examples of ether-based solvents include glycol ethers and glycol ether esters. Examples of glycol ethers include ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether, and triethylene glycol monomethyl ether. Examples of ketone-based solvents include methyl ethyl ketone and cyclohexanone. Examples of esters include 3-methoxybutyl acetate and γ-butyrolactone. Examples of pyrrolidone-based solvents include N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. Among these, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, or 3-methoxybutyl acetate is preferred as the ether-based solvent. The boiling point of the solvent is more preferably 100°C to 250°C, even more preferably 100°C to 220°C, and particularly preferably 120°C to 190°C.

[0136] The content of the solvent having a boiling point of 100° C. or higher and lower than 300° C. is preferably 20% by mass to 90% by mass, more preferably 40% by mass to 80% by mass, and even more preferably 50% by mass to 80% by mass, relative to the total amount of the ink. These solvents may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0137] <Polymerization Initiator> The polymerization initiator is preferably a photopolymerization initiator, and more preferably a radical polymerization initiator that generates radicals upon irradiation with ultraviolet light. Examples of photopolymerization initiators include α-carbonyl compounds (described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,367,661 and 2,367,670), acyloin ethers (described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,448,828), α-hydrocarbon-substituted aromatic acyloin compounds (described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,722,512), polynuclear quinone compounds (described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,046,127 and 2,951,758), combinations of triarylimidazole dimers and p-aminophenyl ketones (described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,549,367), acridine and phenazine compounds (described in JP-A-60-105667 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,850), and oxadiazole compounds (described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,212,970).

[0138] Examples of the polymerization initiator include alkylphenone-based photopolymerization initiators, acylphosphine oxide-based photopolymerization initiators, intramolecular hydrogen abstraction photopolymerization initiators, oxime ester-based photopolymerization initiators, and cationic photopolymerization initiators. Among these, the polymerization initiator is preferably an acylphosphine oxide-based photopolymerization initiator, and specifically, (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)diphenylphosphine oxide or bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenylphosphine oxide is preferred.

[0139] Furthermore, the ink preferably contains two or more photopolymerization initiators with different absorption wavelengths. When the ink contains two or more photopolymerization initiators with different absorption wavelengths, if the ink is cured using a light source with emission lines at multiple wavelengths, the amount of radicals generated per exposure dose can be increased by mixing photopolymerization initiators suitable for the light source. As a result, the curing sensitivity is improved, and the scratch resistance and adhesion of the image are improved.

[0140] The content of the polymerization initiator is preferably 0.1 to 20 parts by mass, and more preferably 0.5 to 12 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound.

[0141] The content of the polymerization initiator is preferably 1.3% by mass or more, and more preferably 1.5% by mass or more, relative to the total amount of the ink. The upper limit of the content of the polymerization initiator is, for example, 7% by mass.

[0142] <Alignment Control Agent (Alignment Agent)> The ink may contain an alignment control agent. By including an alignment control agent in the ink, a cholesteric liquid crystal layer can be formed stably or quickly.

[0143] Examples of alignment control agents include fluorine-containing (meth)acrylate polymers, compounds represented by general formulas (X1) to (X3) described in WO 2011 / 162291, compounds described in paragraphs

[0007] to

[0029] of JP 2012-211306 A, compounds described in paragraphs

[0020] to

[0031] of JP 2013-47204 A, compounds described in paragraphs

[0165] to

[0170] of WO 2016 / 009648 A, compounds described in paragraphs

[0077] to

[0081] of WO 2016 / 092844 A, and general formulas (Cy201) to (Cy211) described in Japanese Patent No. 4592225 A. These compounds can reduce the tilt angle of the liquid crystal compound molecules or achieve substantially horizontal alignment at the air interface of the layer. In this specification, "horizontal alignment" means that the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules is parallel to the film surface, but does not require strict parallelism. In this specification, it means an alignment in which the tilt angle with respect to the horizontal plane is less than 20°.

[0144] The content of the alignment control agent is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01 to 10 parts by mass, more preferably 0.01 to 5 parts by mass, and even more preferably 0.01 to 1 part by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound.

[0145] <Surfactant> When the ink contains a surfactant, the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is horizontally oriented on the air interface side when the ink is cured, and the effect of controlling the helical axis direction to be more uniform can be obtained. The surfactant is preferably a compound that can function as an alignment control agent that stably or quickly forms a cholesteric structure with planar alignment. Examples of surfactants include silicone surfactants and fluorine-based surfactants, with fluorine-based surfactants being preferred. The fluorine-based surfactant may be a commercially available product, such as the Ftergent series manufactured by Neos Corporation (e.g., Ftergent 208G).

[0146] The content of the surfactant is preferably 0.001 to 10 parts by mass, more preferably 0.01 to 5 parts by mass, and even more preferably 0.01 to 1 part by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the ink content.

[0147] <Additives> The ink may contain additives as needed, as long as the effects of the present disclosure are not impaired.

[0148] Examples of additives include crosslinking agents, non-polymerizable polymers, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, sensitizers, stabilizers, plasticizers, chain transfer agents, polymerization inhibitors, antifoaming agents, leveling agents, thickeners, flame retardants, dispersants, and coloring materials such as dyes and pigments.

[0149] <Physical Properties> The viscosity of the ink is preferably 5 mPa·s or more, and more preferably 8 mPa·s or more. From the viewpoint of ink ejection properties, the upper limit of the ink viscosity is, for example, 30 mPa·s.

[0150] The viscosity of the ink is measured at 25° C. using a viscometer, for example, a viscometer (product name "RE-85L" manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.).

[0151] The surface tension of the ink is preferably 20 mN / m to 40 mN / m, more preferably 23 mN / m to 35 mN / m, even more preferably 26 mN / m to 30 mN / m, and most preferably 26 mN / m to 29 mN / m.

[0152] The surface tension of the ink is measured at 25° C. using a surface tensiometer, for example, a surface tensiometer (product name "DY-700", manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.).

[0153] The ink prepared in the ink preparation step may be one type only or two or more types, but it is preferable to prepare two or more types of ink in order to be able to reproduce a variety of colors.

[0154] When two or more types of ink are prepared, the types and contents of the components contained in the two or more types of ink may be partially different from each other, or may be partially the same.

[0155] In the ink preparation step, from the viewpoint of ease of mixing of the inks, it is preferable to prepare at least two types of inks containing the same types of polymerizable liquid crystal compound and chiral compound, and in this case, it is preferable that the at least two types of inks have different contents of chiral compound.

[0156] When the absolute value of the difference between the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by the first ink and the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by the second ink is 80 nm or more, the hue difference is large and a variety of colors can be reproduced. The absolute value of this difference is more preferably 100 nm or more, and even more preferably 130 nm or more. The upper limit of the absolute value of this difference is, for example, 400 nm.

[0157] Hereinafter, the polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the first ink will be referred to as the first polymerizable liquid crystal compound, and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the second ink will be referred to as the second polymerizable liquid crystal compound. The same applies to other components contained in the inks.

[0158] When the first polymerizable liquid crystal compound and the second polymerizable liquid crystal compound are the same and the first chiral compound and the second chiral compound are the same, the absolute value of the difference between the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by the first ink and the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by the second ink can be made 80 nm or more by adjusting the content of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound or the chiral compound.

[0159] Specifically, from the viewpoint of reproducing a variety of colors, the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by the first ink is preferably 380 nm to 490 nm, and the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by the second ink is preferably 600 nm to 800 nm, more preferably 390 nm to 450 nm, and more preferably 600 nm to 750 nm.

[0160] The maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film is measured by the following method. An ink is applied to a transparent polyethylene terephthalate substrate and heated at 80°C for 5 minutes. Next, an ink film is formed by exposing the ink to light using a metal halide lamp (product name "CSOT-40", manufactured by GS Yuasa Corporation) at 120 W and a conveying speed of 10 m / min. A fluorescence spectrodensitometer (product name "FD-7", manufactured by Konica Minolta Inc.) is used to measure the reflectance in the visible light region by placing a hiding power measurement paper (standard: JIS K 5600-4-1:1999, (ISO / FDIS 6504-3:1998), manufactured by TP Giken) on the side opposite the image-recorded surface of the substrate and irradiating visible light from the image-recorded surface of the substrate.

[0161] Furthermore, when two or more types of ink are prepared, when each of the two or more types of ink is made into an ink film, the color difference between the two ink films is preferably 25 or more, and more preferably 30 or more. There is no particular upper limit to the color difference. Note that, when three types of ink are prepared, it is sufficient that two of the three types of ink satisfy the above color difference conditions.

[0162] If the color difference is 25 or more, a wide variety of colors can be reproduced.

[0163] The color difference of the ink film is measured by the following method. An ink is applied to a transparent polyethylene terephthalate substrate and heated at 80°C for 5 minutes. Then, a metal halide lamp (product name "CSOT-40", manufactured by GS Yuasa Corporation) is used to expose the ink once at 120 W and a conveying speed of 10 m / min to form an ink film. A fluorescence spectrodensitometer (product name "FD-7", manufactured by Konica Minolta Inc.) is used to place a hiding power measurement paper (standard: JIS K 5600-4-1:1999, (ISO / FDIS 6504-3:1998), manufactured by TP Giken) under the opposite side of the substrate from the image recording surface, and the L-axis is measured at a viewing angle of 2° from the image recording surface. ＊ , a * , b * The L of the first ink film is measured. ＊ and L of the second ink film ＊ The difference between ＊ , a of the first ink film ＊ and a of the second ink film ＊ The difference between △a ＊ , b of the first ink film ＊ and b of the second ink film ＊ The difference between △b ＊ Color difference △E * ab is calculated using the following formula: ΔE * ab = {(△L ＊ ) ２ + (△a ＊ ) ２ + (△ b ＊ ) ２} 1 / 2

[0164] In the ink preparation step, it is preferable to further prepare a third ink from the viewpoint of reproducing a wider variety of colors. The absolute values ​​of the differences between the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by the first ink, the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by the second ink, and the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by the third ink are preferably 40 nm or greater. In other words, it is preferable that the absolute values ​​of the differences between the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by the first ink and the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by the third ink, and the absolute values ​​of the differences between the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by the second ink and the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by the third ink are all 40 nm or greater.

[0165] The third polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the third ink may be the same as or different from either the first polymerizable liquid crystal compound or the second polymerizable liquid crystal compound. The third chiral compound contained in the third ink may be the same as or different from either the first chiral compound or the second chiral compound. The third organic solvent contained in the third ink may be the same as or different from either the first organic solvent or the second organic solvent.

[0166] The compounds being the same means that the two compounds have the same structure as each other.

[0167] When the absolute value of the difference between the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by the first ink, the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by the second ink, and the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by the third ink is 40 nm or more, a wider variety of colors can be reproduced. The absolute value of this difference is more preferably 40 nm or more, and even more preferably 70 nm or more. The upper limit of the absolute value of this difference is, for example, 150 nm.

[0168] For example, when the first polymerizable liquid crystal compound, the second polymerizable liquid crystal compound, and the third polymerizable liquid crystal compound are the same, and the first chiral compound, the second chiral compound, and the third chiral compound are the same, by adjusting the content of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound or the chiral compound, it is possible to make the absolute value of the difference between the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by the first ink, the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by the second ink, and the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by the third ink 40 nm or more.

[0169] Specifically, from the viewpoint of reproducing a wider variety of colors, the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed using the first ink is preferably 380 nm to 490 nm, the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed using the second ink is preferably 600 nm to 800 nm, and the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed using the third ink is preferably 500 nm to 590 nm. Furthermore, the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed using the first ink is more preferably 390 nm to 470 nm, the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed using the second ink is more preferably 600 nm to 700 nm, and the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed using the third ink is more preferably 500 nm to 570 nm.

[0170] (Substrate Heating Step) The method for producing an image recording material according to the present disclosure includes a step of heating the substrate to 45°C or higher. By preheating the substrate, ink can be applied to the heated substrate. By applying ink to a heated substrate, the solvent contained in the ink can be evaporated more quickly. This allows the lines indicating light or dark areas caused by the orientation of liquid crystals that are locally formed when the ink is applied to be wavy lines, and these lines can be fixed in an inclined state relative to the substrate. This allows the desired diffuse reflectivity and chromaticity to be obtained, allowing for light and dark areas in the image to be created, creating areas that give a sense of stereoscopic vision.

[0171] Details of the substrate are as described above. The surface energy of the substrate is preferably higher than the surface tension of the ink. When the surface energy of the substrate is higher than the surface tension of the ink, the wettability of the ink is improved, and interference between ink droplets during image recording is suppressed, making it easier to form a continuous film and improving color development.

[0172] The surface tension of the ink (at 25°C) is preferably 26 mN / m to 29 mN / m, and the surface energy of the substrate is preferably 40 mN / m to 58 mN / m. The surface energy of the substrate is more preferably 40 mN / m to 53 mN / m, and most preferably 43 mN / m to 53 mN / m. When the surface energy of the substrate is within the above range, the wettability of the ink to the substrate and the angle of the ink film edge relative to the substrate are within appropriate ranges. As a result, the lines indicating light or dark areas tend to be wavy and tilted, and shading can be imparted to the resulting image.

[0173] In the substrate heating step, the means for heating the substrate is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a heat drum, hot air, an infrared lamp, an oven, a heat plate, and a hot plate. The heating temperature of the substrate is 45°C or higher, preferably 50°C to 100°C, and more preferably 55°C to 80°C. The heating time is preferably 0.5 minutes or longer, and although there is no upper limit, it is preferably in the range of 60 minutes or shorter.

[0174] (Ink Application Step) The method for producing an image recorded matter according to the present disclosure includes a step of applying ink onto a heated substrate using an inkjet recording method.

[0175] In the present disclosure, by applying the ink onto a heated substrate, the liquid crystal structure can be rapidly fixed, resulting in an image with a more three-dimensional appearance.

[0176] When two or more types of ink are prepared in the ink preparation step, it is preferable to use two or more types of ink to form a mixed region in which two or more types of ink are mixed on at least a part of the substrate.

[0177] The mixed region where the two types of inks are mixed may be formed in at least a part of the substrate, or may be formed over the entire surface of the substrate. Furthermore, as long as the mixed region is formed in a part of the substrate, it is not necessary that the mixed region is formed in other parts of the substrate.

[0178] In the present disclosure, the term "mixed region" refers to a region where at least two types of ink are mixed on a substrate. Specific embodiments in which the mixed region is formed include the following two embodiments.

[0179] When at least two types of ink are ejected consecutively, the at least two types of ink are mixed by having the subsequently ejected ink land on an ink landing area formed by the previously ejected ink. When at least two types of ink are ejected simultaneously, the at least two types of ink are mixed by having the ink landing areas formed by the at least two types of ink land so that at least a portion of the ink overlaps with one another. Note that the "mixed area" in the present disclosure does not include an area where the ink landing areas partially overlap as the ink spreads on the substrate after the at least two types of ink are ejected so that the ink landing areas do not overlap with one another.

[0180] The formation of a mixed region can be confirmed by the following method. By measuring the reflection wavelength of the mixed region with a fluorescent spectrodensitometer (product name "FD-7") or the like, it can be confirmed that it is different from the reflection wavelength of a non-mixed region. Furthermore, since the color development of the mixed region is different from that of a non-mixed region, it can be easily confirmed by visual inspection.

[0181] In the ink application step, the ink film (also referred to as "ink layer") formed on the substrate by applying the ink may be a single layer or a multilayer.

[0182] For example, one method for recording an image on a substrate is to laminate ink layers, but by forming the ink layer as a single layer, the number of steps can be reduced. Furthermore, the ink only needs to be designed taking into consideration the interaction between the substrate and the ink (e.g., wettability), and there is no need to consider the interaction between the ink layers, as opposed to laminating ink layers. Forming a structure by applying multiple inks to form a single layer reduces discontinuous portions of the striped pattern in the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, as compared to laminating ink layers, and allows for the production of an image with high color development, transparency, and reflection anisotropy.

[0183] The inkjet recording method can be a commonly known method, and examples thereof include a charge control method in which an ink composition is ejected by utilizing electrostatic attraction, a drop-on-demand method (pressure pulse method) in which the vibration pressure of a piezoelectric element is utilized, an acoustic inkjet method in which an electric signal is converted into an acoustic beam and the ink composition is irradiated with the acoustic beam, thereby ejecting the ink composition by utilizing radiation pressure, and a thermal inkjet method in which the ink composition is heated to form bubbles and the resulting pressure is utilized.

[0184] Generally, image recording methods using inkjet recording devices include a shuttle scan method (also called a "serial head method"), which uses a short serial head to record an image, and a single-pass method (also called a "line head method"), which uses a line head in which recording elements are arranged across the entire width of the substrate. In the shuttle scan method, an image is recorded by scanning the serial head across the width of the substrate. In contrast, in the single-pass method, an image can be recorded across the entire surface of the substrate by scanning the substrate in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the recording element arrangement. Therefore, unlike the shuttle scan method, the single-pass method does not require a transport system such as a carriage to scan the serial head. Furthermore, the single-pass method does not require complex scanning control of the carriage movement and the substrate; only the substrate moves, allowing for faster recording speeds compared to the shuttle scan method.

[0185] The method for applying the ink is not particularly limited, but a multi-pass method is preferred. Since the amount of ink applied at one time is limited, the formation of a liquid crystal structure by heating is promoted, and the striped pattern is likely to become wavy and tilted.

[0186] In the ink application process, the amount of ink applied per unit area was 0.1 g / m ２ ~20g / m ２ It is preferable to apply it in the range of 1 g / m ２ ~20g / m ２ It is more preferable to apply it in the range of 1 g / m ２ ~18g / m ２It is more preferable to apply it in the range of 3 g / m ２ ~25g / m ２ It is particularly preferable to apply the amount in the range of 3 g / m ２ ~20g / m ２ It is most preferable to give it in the range of

[0187] In particular, in the mixed region, at least two types of ink are mixed, so the amount of ink applied is greater than in regions other than the mixed region. In the mixed region, the total amount of ink applied is 3.0 g / m ２ ~20g / m ２ By applying the ink within the range of , the ink droplets that land are less likely to spread, and a high-definition image can be obtained.

[0188] In the ink application step, the total amount of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds contained in at least two types of inks applied per unit area is set to 1 g / m ２ ~10g / m ２ It is preferable to apply it in the range of 1 g / m ２ ~8g / m ２ It is more preferable to apply it in the range of 1 g / m ２ ~7.5g / m ２ It is more preferable to apply it in the range of 1 g / m ２ ~7g / m ２ It is most preferable to give it in the range of

[0189] The total amount of application is 1 g / m ２ ~10g / m ２ When the amount is within this range, the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is more uniformly aligned, and an image with high color development can be obtained.

[0190] The maximum film thickness formed by one application is preferably 20 μm or less, more preferably 15 μm or less, and even more preferably 10 μm or less. When the film thickness is 10 μm or less, poor alignment and defects of liquid crystal molecules are less likely to occur, and more vivid colors can be obtained.

[0191] The amount of ink applied is calculated using the following method: A 1 m ink is applied to a substrate at a desired dot ratio (the ratio of the area where an image is recorded to the total area calculated as a percentage). ２An image is recorded with an area of ​​. The mass of the substrate before and after image recording is measured, and the amount of ink applied is calculated from the mass difference. The amount of ink applied can be changed as desired by setting the dot ratio and adjusting the ink discharge amount of the device.

[0192] The amount of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the ink to be applied is calculated from the amount of ink to be applied and the content of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the ink.

[0193] In the ink application step, the ink is applied so that the droplet volume of the ink ejected from the inkjet head is preferably 1 pL (picoliter) to 30 pL, and more preferably 2 pL to 10 pL. Note that the droplet volume refers to the volume of ink ejected from one nozzle at a time by the inkjet recording method.

[0194] In the ink application step, the ink is preferably applied so as to achieve a resolution of 100 dpi (dots per inch) × 100 dpi to 2400 dpi × 2400 dpi, and more preferably 200 dpi × 200 dpi to 1200 dpi × 1200 dpi. Note that "dpi" refers to the number of dots per 25.4 mm.

[0195] Furthermore, in the ink application step, the ink is preferably applied so that the thickness of the ink film becomes 1 μm to 20 μm in one image recording, more preferably 1 μm to 15 μm, and even more preferably 1 μm to 8 μm. When the ink is applied so that the thickness of the ink film becomes 1 μm to 20 μm, the applied ink dries easily, and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound forms a wavy structure or a tilted structure of the reflective surface more uniformly, resulting in an image with high color development.

[0196] The method for producing an image recorded matter according to the present disclosure includes a step of irradiating the ink with actinic energy rays.

[0197] In the active energy ray irradiation step, examples of the active energy ray include ultraviolet rays, visible light, and electron beams, and among these, ultraviolet rays (hereinafter also referred to as "UV") are preferred.

[0198] The peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light is preferably 200 nm to 405 nm, more preferably 220 nm to 390 nm, and even more preferably 220 nm to 380 nm.

[0199] The exposure dose of ultraviolet light was 20 mJ / cm ２ ~5 J / cm ２ and preferably 100 mJ / cm ２ ~1,500mJ / cm ２ The irradiation conditions and basic irradiation method can be those disclosed in JP-A-60-132767. Specifically, the irradiation method is preferably a method in which light sources are provided on both sides of a head unit including an ink ejection device and the head unit and light sources are scanned using a so-called shuttle method, or a method in which irradiation is performed using a separate light source that does not involve driving.

[0200] Mercury lamps, gas lasers, and solid-state lasers are mainly used as light sources for ultraviolet irradiation, with mercury lamps, metal halide lamps, and ultraviolet fluorescent lamps being widely known. Furthermore, UV-LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and UV-LDs (laser diodes) are small, have a long life, are highly efficient, and are low-cost, and are expected to be light sources for ultraviolet irradiation. Among these, metal halide lamps, high-pressure mercury lamps, medium-pressure mercury lamps, low-pressure mercury lamps, or UV-LEDs are preferred light sources for ultraviolet irradiation.

[0201] In particular, when active energy rays are irradiated using a mercury lamp, the content of the polymerization initiator relative to 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is preferably 3 parts by mass to 15 parts by mass, more preferably 5 parts by mass to 15 parts by mass, and even more preferably 6 parts by mass to 11 parts by mass.

[0202] A cooling step may be performed during or before the active energy ray irradiation step.

[0203] The cooling method is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method in which the substrate is left standing in an atmosphere at a predetermined temperature, and a method in which a portion without a heater is provided in the transport path.

[0204] The cooling rate is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to set the cooling rate in order to favorably form a wave-like structure in the light and dark portions of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer.

[0205] Specifically, the maximum cooling rate is preferably 1° C. per second or more, more preferably 2° C. per second or more, and even more preferably 3° C. per second or more. The upper limit of the cooling rate is not particularly limited, but is often 10° C. per second or less.

[0206] In the method for producing an image recorded product according to the present disclosure, when the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is exposed to wind, unevenness may occur in the surface of the formed cholesteric liquid crystal layer. In consideration of this, it is preferable that the wind speed in the environment to which the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is exposed is 1 m / s or less.

[0207] The active energy ray irradiation step may be carried out simultaneously with the cooling treatment or the substrate heating treatment.

[0208] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to the following examples as long as it does not depart from the gist of the disclosure.

[0209] Example 1 [Ink Preparation] (Ink Rm1) The components shown below were heated to completely dissolve them and then mixed to prepare Ink Rm1. The viscosity (25°C) of Ink Rm1 was 10 mPa·s, and the surface tension (25°C) was 28 mN / m. Diethylene glycol diethyl ether (boiling point 162°C) ... 65.57 parts by mass Mixture of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds ... 30 parts by mass Polymerization initiator: bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenylphosphine oxide (product name "Omnirad 819, manufactured by IGM Resins B.V.") ... 3.0 parts by mass Chiral compound A ... 1.4 parts by mass Fluorine-based surfactant (product name "Ftergent 208G", manufactured by Neos Corporation) ... 0.03 parts by mass

[0210] The mixture of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds consists of 50% by mass of compound (10) and 50% by mass of compound (11). Compounds (10) to (11) are rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds. The structures of compound (10), compound (11), and chiral compound A are as follows:

[0211] (Compound (10), Compound (11))

[0212]

[0213] (Chiral Compound A)

[0214]

[0215] [Image Color Hue (Maximum Reflection Wavelength)] A PET film with a coating layer (product name "Viewful UV TP-100N", manufactured by Kimoto Co., Ltd.) was used as the substrate. Ink Rm1 was applied onto the substrate using a wire bar to a wet film thickness of 6 μm. The substrate was then heated at 80° C. for 5 minutes. An image (ink film) was formed by exposure once using a metal halide lamp (product name "CSOT-40", manufactured by GS Yuasa Corporation) at 120 W and a transport speed of 10 m / min. Using a fluorescence spectrodensitometer (product name "FD-7", manufactured by Konica Minolta, Inc.), a hiding power measurement paper (standard: JIS K 5600-4-1:1999, (ISO / FDIS 6504-3:1998), manufactured by TP Giken) was placed on the opposite side of the substrate from the image-recorded side, and colorimetry was performed from the image-recorded side of the substrate to measure the reflectance in the range of 380 nm to 730 nm. The maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by ink Rm1 was 630 nm.

[0216] [Preparation of Image Recorded Material 1] A PET film with a coating layer (product name "Viewful UV TP-100N", manufactured by Kimoto Co., Ltd.) was used as the substrate. The substrate was heated using a hot plate placed on a stage, and the substrate temperature was maintained at 50°C. Using an inkjet recording device (product name "UJF3042HG", multi-pass system, manufactured by Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd.), ink Rm1 was ejected at a resolution of 720 dpi x 600 dpi with 32 passes to record a 20 mm square solid image with a dot ratio of 100%. The image was then heated at 75°C for 5 minutes. Exposure was performed using a metal halide lamp (product name "CSOT-40", manufactured by GS Yuasa Corporation) at 120 W and a transport speed of 10 m / min to obtain Image Recorded Material 1. The thickness of the image (ink film) was 6 μm.

[0217] [Preparation of Image Recorded Material 2] Image Recorded Material 2 was obtained in the same manner as Image Recorded Material 1, except that the image to be recorded was changed as follows. Image data of 10 mm squares in which the dot percentage was continuously changed from 100% to 45% was prepared. Using the above image data, two 10 mm square images were recorded in line symmetry, with the 100% dot percentage portion in the center (10 mm x 20 mm, with a central dot percentage of 100% and a dot percentage continuously changing to 45% in the left-right direction).

[0218] [Analysis of Image Recorded Material 1] Image Recorded Material 1 was cut in the thickness direction using an ultramicrotome to prepare a cut surface for cross-sectional observation. When the cut surface was observed using an SEM (product name "SU8030", manufactured by Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation), a striped pattern of light and dark areas was confirmed. The lines indicating the light or dark areas were wavy lines.

[0219] The periodic length, maximum amplitude, and number of discontinuous portions of the wavy lines were measured using the following methods.

[0220] - Cycle Length - A 500 μm wide range was observed in the direction parallel to the main surface of the substrate in the cross-section observation image, and imaginary lines representing bright or dark areas were drawn to determine the average of one cycle.

[0221] —Maximum Amplitude—An imaginary line was drawn to represent the bright or dark area, and the direction perpendicular to the imaginary wavy line was defined as the amplitude direction. The distance between the convex and concave portions of the wavy line relative to the center of the amplitude direction was measured along the amplitude direction.

[0222] - Number of discontinuous portions - The number of discontinuous portions present within a width of 500 μm in a direction parallel to the main surface of the substrate in the cross-section observation image was measured.

[0223] In Example 1, the periodic length was 31 μm, the maximum amplitude was 400 nm, and 15 discontinuous portions existed within a width of 500 μm in the direction parallel to the imaginary wavy line.

[0224] [Analysis of Image Recorded Material 2] Image Recorded Material 2 was cut in the thickness direction using an ultramicrotome to prepare a cut surface for cross-sectional observation. The cutting positions and directions were two positions 5 mm away from the center of Image Recorded Material 2 on both the left and right sides, each perpendicular to the direction in which the dot ratio changed. When the two cut surfaces were observed using an SEM (product name "SU8030", manufactured by Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation), striped patterns of light and dark areas were confirmed in both cases. The lines indicating the light or dark areas were wavy lines. Furthermore, since the wavy lines were inclined with respect to the main surface of the substrate, the orientation angle was measured. The measurement method is as follows.

[0225] Orientation Angle An imaginary line was drawn to indicate the light or dark area, and the angle between the main surface of the substrate and the imaginary line was measured.

[0226] In Example 1, the lines representing the light or dark areas in one of the two cross sections had a positive slope, and the lines representing the light or dark areas in the other cross section had a negative slope. The orientation angles were both between 8° and 15°.

[0227] Example 2 Image Recorded Materials 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the inkjet recording apparatus used in Example 1 was changed to an inkjet recording apparatus (product name "DMP-2831", manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation) and ejection was performed using a single-pass method.

[0228] Example 3 Image recordings 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the temperature of the substrate was changed to 60°C and the amount of ink ejected was adjusted so that the image thickness in image recording 1 was 4 μm.

[0229] Comparative Example 1 The substrate was changed to a polyester film (product name "Taiko Polyester Film FE2001", one-side corona discharge treated type, manufactured by Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd.) Image recorded materials 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 3, except that ink Rm1 was ejected onto the corona-treated side.

[0230] When the cross sections of image recording material 1 and image recording material 2 were observed with an SEM, striped patterns of light and dark areas were observed, but the lines indicating the light or dark areas were horizontal to the substrate, and no wavy or inclined structures were observed.

[0231] Comparative Example 2 The substrate was changed to a polyester film (product name "Taiko Polyester Film FE2001", one-side corona discharge treated type, manufactured by Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd.) Image recorded materials 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a rubbing treatment was performed on the side that had not been subjected to corona treatment, and ink Rm1 was ejected onto the rubbed side.

[0232] When the cross sections of image recording material 1 and image recording material 2 were observed with an SEM, striped patterns of light and dark areas were observed, but the lines indicating the light or dark areas were horizontal to the substrate, and no wavy or inclined structures were observed.

[0233] Example 4 Image recording materials 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the substrate was changed to a PET film (product name "Viewful 200TA", manufactured by Kimoto Co., Ltd.).

[0234] Example 5 The substrate was changed to a PET film (product name "MF-100" manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation). Using an inkjet recording device (product name "UJF3042HG" manufactured by Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd.), a resolution of 720 dpi x 600 dpi was set, and clear ink (product name "LH-100CL" manufactured by Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd.) was ejected to record a 20 mm square solid image with a 100% dot ratio in high density mode. Furthermore, corona treatment was performed using a corona surface modification evaluation device (product name "TEC-4AX" manufactured by Kasuga Electric Co., Ltd.), and image records 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 3. The underlayer formed by the clear ink had irregular asperities on its surface. Therefore, irregular asperities were also observed on the surface of image record 1.

[0235] Example 6 Image recorded materials 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the substrate was changed to a self-adhesive film (product name "Gel Polyclear 125UV-IJII", manufactured by Panac Corporation).

[0236] Example 7 Image recorded materials 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the substrate was changed to a PET film (product name "NIJ-TP", manufactured by Nichie Co., Ltd.).

[0237] Example 8 Image recorded materials 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the substrate was changed to a flexible transparent conductive film (product name "Staclear", manufactured by Nagaoka Sangyo Co., Ltd.).

[0238] Example 9 Image recorded materials 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the temperature of the substrate was changed to 40°C.

[0239] Example 10 Image recorded materials 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the temperature of the substrate was changed to 70°C.

[0240] Example 11 Image records 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the number of passes during printing was changed to four.

[0241] Example 12 Image records 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the number of passes during printing was changed to 16.

[0242] Example 13 Image records 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 3, except that a UV-LED lamp attached to the inkjet recording apparatus was used instead of the metal halide lamp.

[0243] Example 14 Image Recorded Materials 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 3, except that a low-pressure mercury lamp was used instead of a metal halide lamp and curing was carried out over a long period of time until the surface was no longer sticky.

[0244] Example 15 Image recording materials 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 3, except that methoxybutyl acetate was used instead of diethylene glycol diethyl ether in ink Rm1.

[0245] Example 16 [Ink Preparation] (Ink Rm2) The components shown below were completely dissolved and mixed to prepare ink Rm2. The viscosity (25°C) of ink Rm2 was 10 mPa·s, and the surface tension (25°C) was 29.5 mN / m. Diethylene glycol diethyl ether: 65.598 parts by mass Mixture of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds: 30 parts by mass Polymerization initiator: bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenylphosphine oxide (product name "Omnirad 819", manufactured by IGM Resins B.V.) 3.0 parts by mass Chiral compound A: 1.4 parts by mass Fluorine-based surfactant (product name "Ftergent 208G", manufactured by Neos Corporation) 0.002 parts by mass

[0246] Image records 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 3, except that ink Rm2 was used instead of ink Rm1.

[0247] Example 17 [Ink Preparation] (Ink Rm3) The components shown below were completely dissolved and mixed to prepare Ink Rm3. The viscosity (25°C) of Ink Rm3 was 10 mPa·s, and the surface tension (25°C) was 28.7 mN / m. Diethylene glycol diethyl ether: 65.59 parts by mass Mixture of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds: 30 parts by mass Polymerization initiator: bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenylphosphine oxide (product name "Omnirad 819", manufactured by IGM Resins B.V.) 3.0 parts by mass Chiral compound A: 1.4 parts by mass Fluorine-based surfactant (product name "Ftergent 208G", manufactured by Neos Corporation) 0.01 parts by mass

[0248] Image records 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 3, except that ink Rm3 was used instead of ink Rm1.

[0249] Example 18 [Ink Preparation] (Ink Rm4) The components shown below were completely dissolved and mixed to prepare ink Rm4. The viscosity (25°C) of ink Rm4 was 10 mPa·s, and the surface tension (25°C) was 26.6 mN / m. Diethylene glycol diethyl ether...65.5 parts by mass Mixture of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds...30 parts by mass Polymerization initiator: bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenylphosphine oxide (product name "Omnirad 819, manufactured by IGM Resins B.V.")...3.0 parts by mass Chiral compound A...1.4 parts by mass Fluorine-based surfactant (product name "Ftergent 208G", manufactured by Neos Corporation)...0.1 part by mass

[0250] Image records 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 3, except that ink Rm4 was used instead of ink Rm1.

[0251] Example 19 [Ink Preparation] (Ink Rm5) The components shown below were completely dissolved and mixed to prepare ink Rm5. The viscosity (25°C) of ink composition Rm5 was 10 mPa·s, and the surface tension (25°C) was 25.2 mN / m. Diethylene glycol diethyl ether...65.35 parts by mass Mixture of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds...30 parts by mass Polymerization initiator: bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenylphosphine oxide (product name "Omnirad 819, manufactured by IGM Resins B.V.")...3.0 parts by mass Chiral compound A...1.4 parts by mass Fluorine-based surfactant (product name "Ftergent 208G", manufactured by Neos Corporation)...0.25 parts by mass

[0252] Image records 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 3, except that ink Rm5 was used instead of ink Rm1.

[0253] Example 20 (Ink Rm1) Ink Rm1 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. (Ink Bm1) Ink Bm1 was prepared by completely dissolving and mixing the components shown below. The viscosity (25°C) of ink Bm1 was 10 mPa·s, and the surface tension (25°C) was 28 mN / m. Diethylene glycol diethyl ether...64.97 parts by mass Mixture of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds...30 parts by mass Polymerization initiator: bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenylphosphine oxide (product name "Omnirad 819, manufactured by IGM Resins B.V.")...3 parts by mass Chiral compound A...2 parts by mass Fluorine-based surfactant (product name "Ftergent 208G", manufactured by Neos Corporation)...0.03 parts by mass

[0254] A coated PET film (product name "Viewful UV TP-100N" manufactured by Kimoto Co., Ltd.) was used as the substrate. Ink Bm1 was applied to the substrate using a wire bar to a wet film thickness of 6 μm. The substrate was then heated at 80°C for 5 minutes. An image (ink film) was formed by exposing the substrate once using a metal halide lamp (product name "CSOT-40" manufactured by GS Yuasa Corporation) at 120 W and a conveying speed of 10 m / min. A fluorescence spectrodensitometer (product name "FD-7" manufactured by Konica Minolta Inc.) was used to measure the opacity measurement paper (standard: JIS K 5600-4-1:1999, (ISO / FDIS 6504-3:1998), manufactured by TP Giken) on the opposite side of the substrate from the image-recorded surface. The reflectance was measured in the range of 380 nm to 730 nm from the image-recorded surface of the substrate. The maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by ink Bm1 was 440 nm. The color difference between the ink film formed by ink Rm1 and the ink film formed by ink Bm1 was 37.

[0255] [Preparation of Image Recorded Material 3] Image data of 20 mm squares was prepared so that the density of ink Bm1 was 70% and the density of ink Rm1 was 70%. A coated PET film (product name "Viewful UV TP-100N", manufactured by Kimoto Co., Ltd.) was used as the substrate. The substrate was heated using a hot plate placed on a stage, and the substrate temperature was maintained at 60°C. An inkjet recording device (product name "UJF3042HG", multi-pass system, manufactured by Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd.) was used to eject ink Bm1 and ink Rm1 at a resolution of 720 dpi x 600 dpi in 32 passes to record an image. The image was then heated at 75°C for 5 minutes. Image Recorded Material 3 was obtained by exposure using a metal halide lamp (product name "CSOT-40", manufactured by GS Yuasa Corporation) at 120 W and a transport speed of 10 m / min. The thickness of the image (ink film) was 6 μm.

[0256] [Preparation of Image Recorded Material 4] Image Recorded Material 4 was obtained in the same manner as Image Recorded Material 3, except that the image to be recorded was changed as follows. For Ink Rm1, the dot percentage was set to 100% at the center and continuously changed to 45% left and right from the center, and for Ink Bm1, image data of 20 mm square was prepared, with the dot percentage set to 40%. An image (20 mm x 20 mm) was recorded using the above image data.

[0257] Example 21 (Ink Rm1) Ink Rm1 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. (Ink Gm1) Ink Gm1 was prepared by completely dissolving and mixing the components shown below. The viscosity (25°C) of Ink Gm1 was 10 mPa·s, and the surface tension (25°C) was 28 mN / m. Diethylene glycol diethyl ether...65.22 parts by mass Mixture of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds...30 parts by mass Polymerization initiator: bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenylphosphine oxide (product name "Omnirad 819, manufactured by IGM Resins B.V.")...3.0 parts by mass Chiral compound A...1.75 parts by mass Fluorine-based surfactant (product name "Ftergent 208G", manufactured by Neos Corporation)...0.03 parts by mass

[0258] [Image Color Hue (Maximum Reflection Wavelength)] A PET film with a coating layer (product name "Viewful UV TP-100N", manufactured by Kimoto Co., Ltd.) was used as the substrate. Ink Gm1 was applied onto the substrate using a wire bar to a wet film thickness of 6 μm. The substrate was then heated at 80°C for 5 minutes. An image (ink film) was formed by exposing once using a metal halide lamp (product name "CSOT-40", manufactured by GS Yuasa Corporation) at 120 W and a transport speed of 10 m / min. Using a fluorescence spectrodensitometer (product name "FD-7", manufactured by Konica Minolta), a hiding power measurement paper (standard: JIS K 5600-4-1:1999, (ISO / FDIS 6504-3:1998), manufactured by TP Giken) was placed on the opposite side of the substrate from the image-recorded side, and colorimetry was performed from the image-recorded side of the substrate to measure the reflectance in the range of 380 nm to 730 nm. The maximum reflection wavelength of the ink film formed by Ink Gm1 was 540 nm. The color difference between the ink film formed by Ink Rm1 and the ink film formed by Ink Gm1 was 36.

[0259] [Preparation of Image Recorded Materials 3 and 4] Image recorded materials 3 and 4 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 20, except that ink Gm1 was used instead of ink Bm1.

[0260] In Examples 2 to 19, analysis of image records 1 and 2 was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1. In Examples 20 and 21, analysis of image records 3 and 4 was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0261] In addition, in Examples 1 to 19, the color development was evaluated using image recorded material 1, and the three-dimensional effect was evaluated using image recorded material 2. In Examples 20 and 21, the color development was evaluated using image recorded material 3, and the three-dimensional effect was evaluated using image recorded material 4. The evaluation methods were as follows.

[0262] <Color development> An integrating sphere unit attached to a spectrophotometer (product name "V-770", manufactured by JASCO Corporation) was attached, and the image recording surface of image recording material 1 or image recording material 3 was faced toward the light source, and the reflectance of the total reflection component was measured. Furthermore, a specular reflection component removal unit was attached, and the reflectance of the diffuse reflection component was measured. Color development was evaluated based on the ratio of the reflectance of the diffuse reflection component (maximum reflectance value in the range of 400 nm to 800 nm - minimum reflectance value) to the reflectance of the total reflection component (maximum reflectance value in the range of 400 nm to 800 nm - minimum reflectance value). The evaluation criteria were as follows: A: The sample exhibited a vivid color without any unevenness. A: The ratio was 60% or more. B: The ratio was less than 60%.

[0263] <Three-dimensional effect> A light source was placed above the image-recorded surface of image recording material 2 or image recording material 4. The thickness direction of the image-recorded surface was set as the normal direction, and the image-recorded surface was visually observed from a direction at an angle of 45° to the normal direction. The three-dimensional effect was evaluated based on the difference in brightness between the right and left halves of the image-recorded surface and the magnitude of color change in the entire image-recorded material. Larger brightness and color changes indicate better three-dimensional effect.

[0264] A: The difference in brightness and color change is very large and clear. B: The difference in brightness and color change is large. C: The difference in brightness and color change is small. D: The difference in brightness and color change cannot be confirmed.

[0265] Tables 1 to 4 show the evaluation results.

[0266]

[0267] As shown in Tables 1 to 4, Examples 1 to 21 include a substrate and an inkjet image disposed on the substrate, the inkjet image including a cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and the cholesteric liquid crystal layer has a striped pattern of light and dark areas observed with an SEM in a cross section along the thickness direction of the inkjet image, and at least some of the lines indicating the light or dark areas are wavy lines, so it was found that an image with excellent color development and a three-dimensional feel could be obtained. On the other hand, in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, no wavy line structure or inclined structure was confirmed in the striped pattern of light and dark areas observed with an SEM in a cross section along the thickness direction of the image, and no image with a high design quality could be obtained.

[0268] Example 22 [Ink Preparation] (Ink Rm6) The components shown below were completely dissolved and mixed to prepare ink Rm6. The viscosity (25°C) of ink Rm6 was 11 mPa·s, and the surface tension (25°C) was 28.5 mN / m. Butoxyl: 63.07 parts by mass Mixture of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds: 34 parts by mass Polymerization initiator: bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenylphosphine oxide (product name "Omnirad 819", manufactured by IGM Resins B.V.) 1.5 parts by mass Chiral compound A: 1.4 parts by mass Fluorine-based surfactant (product name "Ftergent 208G", manufactured by Neos Corporation) 0.03 parts by mass

[0269] Image records 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 3, except that ink Rm6 was used instead of ink Rm1.

[0270] Example 23 (Ink Rm7) The components shown below were completely dissolved and mixed to prepare ink Rm7. The viscosity (25°C) of ink Rm7 was 10.2 mPa·s, and the surface tension (25°C) was 27.5 mN / m. Diethylene glycol diethyl ether: 65.67 parts by mass Mixture of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds: 30 parts by mass Polymerization initiator: bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenylphosphine oxide (product name "Omnirad 819", manufactured by IGM Resins B.V.) 3 parts by mass Chiral compound A: 1.3 parts by mass Fluorine-based surfactant (product name "Ftergent 208G", manufactured by Neos Corporation) 0.03 parts by mass

[0271] [Preparation of Image Recorded Material 1] A PET film with a coating layer (product name "Viewful UV TP-100N", manufactured by Kimoto Co., Ltd.) was used as the substrate. The substrate was heated using a hot plate placed on a stage, and the temperature of the substrate was maintained at 60°C. Using an inkjet recording device (product name "UJF3042HG", multi-pass system, manufactured by Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd.), ink Rm7 was ejected at a resolution of 720 dpi x 600 dpi in 32 passes to record a 20 mm square solid image with a dot ratio of 100%. This was then heated at 70°C for 5 minutes. A low-pressure mercury lamp was used to record an accumulated exposure of 1000 mJ / cm. ２ The image was exposed to light so that the image (ink film) was 4 μm thick, thereby obtaining Image Record 1. The thickness of the image (ink film) was 4 μm. [Preparation of Image Record 2] Image Record 2 was obtained in the same manner as Image Record 1, except that the image to be recorded was changed as follows. Image data of 10 mm squares in which the dot ratio was continuously changed from 100% to 45% was prepared. Using the above image data, two 10 mm square images were recorded in line symmetry, with the 100% dot ratio portion in the center (10 mm x 20 mm, with the central dot ratio of 100% and the dot ratio continuously changing to 45% in the left and right directions). The reflectance spectrum of Image Record 1 was measured using a FD-7 fluorescence spectrodensitometer (manufactured by Konica Minolta). The maximum wavelength at which the reflectance value was 0.01 or less was determined to be 600 nm. The wavelength at which the reflectance was maximum was 680 nm.

[0272] Example 24 (Ink Rm8) The components shown below were completely dissolved and mixed to prepare ink Rm7. The viscosity (25°C) of ink Rm7 was 10.5 mPa·s and the surface tension (25°C) was 27.6 mN / m. Diethylene glycol diethyl ether...65.67 parts by mass Mixture of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds...30 parts by mass Polymerization initiator: bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenylphosphine oxide (product name "Omnirad 819, manufactured by IGM Resins B.V.")...2 parts by mass Polymerization initiator: 2-hydroxy-4'-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-methylpropiophenone (product name "Omnirad 2959, manufactured by IGM Resins B.V.")...1 part by mass Chiral compound A...1.3 parts by mass Fluorine-based surfactant (product name "Ftergent 208G", manufactured by Neos Corporation)...0.03 part by mass

[0273] Image Records 1 and 2 were prepared in the same manner as in Example 23, except that ink Rm8 was used instead of ink Rm7. The reflectance spectrum of image record 1 was measured using a fluorescence spectrodensitometer FD-7 (manufactured by Konica Minolta) to determine the maximum wavelength at which the reflectance value was 0.01 or less, which was found to be 600 nm. The wavelength at which the reflectance was maximum was 680 nm.

[0274] Example 25 (Ink Rm9) The components shown below were completely dissolved and mixed to prepare Ink Rm9. The viscosity (25°C) of Ink Rm9 was 10.3 mPa s, and the surface tension (25°C) was 27.6 mN / m. Diethylene glycol diethyl ether: 67.17 parts by mass Mixture of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds: 30 parts by mass Polymerization initiator: bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenylphosphine oxide (product name "Omnirad 819", manufactured by IGM Resins B.V.) 1.5 parts by mass Chiral compound A: 1.3 parts by mass Fluorine-based surfactant (product name "Ftergent 208G", manufactured by Neos Corporation) 0.03 parts by mass

[0275] Image Records 1 and 2 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 23, except that Ink Rm8 was used instead of Ink Rm6. The reflectance spectrum of Image Record 1 was measured using a FD-7 fluorescence spectrodensitometer (manufactured by Konica Minolta) to determine the maximum wavelength at which the reflectance was 0.01 or less, which was 450 nm. The wavelength at which the reflectance was maximum was 680 nm.

[0276] When the image recording materials 1 of Examples 23 to 25 were visually compared, the image recording materials 1 of Examples 23 and 24 exhibited a vivid red color, while the image recording material 1 of Example 25 had a slightly reduced reddish color.

[0277] Example 26 A PET film was produced in the same manner as the PET film described in paragraphs

[0142] to

[0145] and

[0154] to

[0158] of JP 2011-184488 A. 16.8 g of polyurethane resin (non-yellowing isocyanate ester type) (product name "Superflex 210", manufactured by Dai-ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd., solid content: 33% by mass), 4.2 g of crosslinking agent (product name "Epocross WS-700", oxazoline-containing polymer, manufactured by Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., solid content: 25% by mass), 2.0 g of 1% by mass ammonia water, 0.42 g of colloidal silica (product name "Quattron PL-3", manufactured by Fuso Chemical Co., Ltd., solid content: 20% by mass), and 76.6 g of pure water. The above components were mixed to obtain an easy-adhesive composition. The obtained easy-adhesive composition was applied with a bar coater (#6) so that the thickness after drying would be 350 nm. Thereafter, the PET film was placed in a hot air dryer (140°C), and the easy-adhesive composition was dried for about 5 minutes to form an easy-adhesion layer (0.3 μm to 0.5 μm).

[0278] An image was recorded on the easy-adhesion layer in the same manner as in Example 3, to obtain image records 1 and 2.

[0279] Example 27 An undercoat composition was prepared by mixing the components shown below. Using an inkjet recording device (product name "DMP-2850", manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation), a solid image was formed on the corona-treated surface of a corona-treated polycarbonate sheet. An image was recorded on the solid image in the same manner as in Example 3, to obtain image records 1 and 2. Distilled water...97 parts Polyvinyl alcohol (degree of polymerization 1000)...3 parts by mass

[0280] Tables 5 and 6 show the evaluation results.

[0281]

[0282]

[0283] Example 28 Images were recorded in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the curing light source was changed to an LED light source with a peak wavelength of 385 nm, to obtain image records 1 and 2. The evaluation results of color development and three-dimensional effect were the same as in Example 3.

[0284] Example 29 A commercially available double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet OCA50 (adhesive layer refractive index: 1.477) was laminated onto the image recorded material 1 (image recording layer average refractive index: 1.6) produced in Example 3. The evaluation results of color development and three-dimensional effect were the same as those of Example 3. Visual observation of the image recorded material obtained in Example 29 revealed that, compared with the image recorded material 1 produced in Example 3, the graininess was reduced and the image quality was improved.

[0285] Example 30 A solid image was recorded on the image recorded material 1 (image recording layer having an average refractive index of 1.6) produced in Example 3 using ink (product name "LH-100CL", manufactured by Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd.) with image data of 100% dot ratio. The average refractive index of the solid image layer was 1.55. The evaluation results of color development and three-dimensional effect were the same as those of Example 3. When the image recorded material obtained in Example 30 was visually observed, it was found that the graininess was further reduced and the image quality was further improved compared to the image recorded material obtained in Example 29.

[0286] Example 31 A laminate film (product name "Graphical Long-Term UV Fluorine Laminate Gloss GSL-6148", manufactured by Lintec Sign Systems Co., Ltd.) was laminated onto the image recorded material 1 produced in Example 3. When the appearance and color of the obtained image recorded material were visually observed, no change was observed compared to the image recorded material 1 produced in Example 3, and it was confirmed that there were no practical problems.

[0287] Example 32 A laminate film (product name "3M (registered trademark) Scotchcal (registered trademark) Overlaminate Film IJ4116N Outdoor Long-Term Gloss, manufactured by 3M Company) was laminated onto the image recorded material 1 produced in Example 3. When the appearance and color of the obtained image recorded material were visually observed, no change was observed compared to the image recorded material 1 produced in Example 3, and it was confirmed that there was no practical problem.

[0288] Example 33 (Preparation of Laminated Glass) -Laminated Glass A- On a glass plate measuring 50 mm in length, 50 mm in width, and 2 mm in thickness, the image-recorded material prepared in Example 3 was placed in the center of the glass plate, with the surface opposite to the image-recorded surface in contact with the glass plate. An interlayer film for laminated glass (product name "S-LEC film," PVB film, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., 50 mm in length, 50 mm in width, and 0.38 mm in thickness) was placed on the image-recorded surface of image-recorded material sample A. Furthermore, a glass plate measuring 50 mm in length, 50 mm in width, and 2 mm in thickness was placed on the interlayer film for laminated glass. After holding at 110°C and 10 kPa (0.1 atmospheres) for 1 hour, the glass plate was heated in an autoclave (manufactured by Kurihara Manufacturing Co., Ltd.) at 130°C and 1.3 MPa (13 atmospheres) for 20 minutes to remove air bubbles, thereby obtaining laminated glass A.

[0289] -Laminated Glass- Laminated glass B was obtained in the same manner as in the production of laminated glass A, except that in the production of laminated glass B, an interlayer film for laminated glass (product name "S-LEC film", PVB film, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., length 50 mm, width 50 mm, thickness 0.38 mm) was also placed on the back side of the printed surface.

[0290] It was confirmed that there was no change in the appearance of the image in either laminated glass A or B.

[0291] The disclosures of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-099947, filed on June 21, 2022, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-034111, filed on March 6, 2023, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In addition, all documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. a substrate; and an inkjet image disposed on the substrate; the inkjet image comprises a cholesteric liquid crystal layer; the cholesteric liquid crystal layer has a striped pattern of light and dark areas when observed with a scanning electron microscope in a cross section along a thickness direction of the inkjet image, At least a part of the lines indicating the light areas or the dark areas is a wavy line.

2. 2. The image recorded matter according to claim 1, wherein the lines indicating the bright areas or the dark areas have a wave periodic length of 5 μm to 125 μm.

3. 3. The image recorded matter according to claim 1, wherein the line indicating the bright area or the dark area has a maximum amplitude of 100 nm to 1000 nm in a direction perpendicular to a virtual straight line indicating the bright area or the dark area.

4. When the angle between a virtual straight line indicating the bright portion or the dark portion and the main surface of the substrate is defined as an orientation angle, 3. The image recorded matter according to claim 1, wherein the cholesteric liquid crystal layer includes a region in which the orientation angle is 5° or more.

5. 3. The image recorded matter according to claim 1, which is a decorative sheet.

6. The image recorded matter according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an underlayer disposed between the substrate and the inkjet image.

7. An image recording material as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the surface energy of the substrate is 40 mN / m to 58 mN / m.

8. A step of preparing an ink including a solvent having a boiling point of 100° C. or more and less than 300° C., a polymerizable liquid crystal compound, a chiral compound, a polymerization initiator, and a surfactant; Heating the substrate to 45° C. or higher; applying the ink onto a heated substrate by an inkjet recording method; heating the applied ink; and irradiating the applied ink with active energy rays.

9. In the step of preparing the ink, two or more types of ink are prepared, In the step of applying the ink, a mixed region in which two or more types of ink are mixed by application is formed on at least a part of the base material, The method for producing an image recorded matter according to claim 8 , wherein when each of the two or more types of ink is formed into an ink film, a color difference between the two ink films is 25 or more.

10. The method for producing an image recorded matter according to claim 8 or 9, wherein in the step of applying the ink, the ink is applied using a multi-pass system.

11. The active energy rays are irradiated using a mercury lamp, 10. The method for producing an image recorded matter according to claim 8, wherein a content of the polymerization initiator relative to 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is 6 parts by mass to 15 parts by mass.

12. A decorated molded article comprising a molded product of the image recorded material according to claim 5.