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

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing: a liquid crystal composition that contains a copolymer having excellent compatibility with a liquid crystal compound, and that has excellent leveling properties and excellent adhesive properties; a liquid crystal cured layer; an optical film; a polarizing plate; an image display device; and a copolymer. A liquid crystal composition according to the present invention comprises: a copolymer including a repeating unit A and a repeating unit B; and a liquid crystal compound. The repeating unit A is represented by formula (A1) or formula (A2). The repeating unit B has at least one group selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, a boronic acid amide group, an epoxy group, an oxetane group, a vinyl group, a styryl group, a (meth)acryloyl group, and a maleimide group.

Description

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

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

[0002] Optical films such as optical compensation sheets and retardation films are used in various image display devices from the viewpoints of eliminating image coloration, widening the viewing angle, etc. Stretched birefringent films have been used as optical films, but in recent years, it has been proposed to use a liquid crystal cured layer using a liquid crystal compound instead of the stretched birefringent film.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a retardation film comprising a cured product of a composition for forming a retardation layer, the composition containing a liquid crystal compound, a surfactant, and a solvent, as components contained in a liquid crystal composition for forming a liquid crystal cured layer, wherein the surfactant is a polyether-modified silicone having a repeating unit represented by the following general formula (I) (Claim 1).

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-095421

[0005] The present inventors have studied liquid crystal compositions containing a copolymer and a liquid crystal compound as described in Patent Document 1 and the like, and have found that, depending on the structure of the copolymer, it is difficult to balance the leveling properties of the liquid crystal composition, the compatibility between the copolymer and the liquid crystal compound, and the adhesion to a member adjacent to the film when a film formed using the liquid crystal composition is adhered to an adherend, and that there is room for improvement. Hereinafter, excellent adhesion to a member adjacent to the film when a film formed using the liquid crystal composition is adhered to an adherend will also be simply referred to as "excellent adhesion."

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal composition containing a copolymer having excellent compatibility with a liquid crystal compound, and having excellent leveling properties and adhesiveness. Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal cured layer, an optical film, a polarizing plate, an image display device, and the copolymer.

[0007] The present inventors have found that the above object can be achieved by the following configuration.

[0008] [1] A liquid crystal composition comprising a copolymer containing repeating units A and B and a liquid crystal compound, wherein the repeating unit A is a repeating unit represented by formula (A1) or (A2) described later, and the repeating unit B is a repeating unit having at least one group selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, a boronic acid amide group, an epoxy group, an oxetane group, a vinyl group, a styryl group, a (meth)acryloyl group, and a maleimide group. [2] The liquid crystal composition according to [1], wherein the repeating unit B is a repeating unit represented by formula (B1) described later. [3] The liquid crystal composition according to [1] or [2], wherein the repeating unit A is a repeating unit represented by formula (a1) described later. [4] The liquid crystal composition according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the weight-average molecular weight of the copolymer is 8,000 or more and less than 80,000. [5] The liquid crystal composition according to [1], wherein the repeating unit B has at least two groups selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, an epoxy group, an oxetane group, a vinyl group, and a (meth)acryloyl group. [6] The liquid crystal composition according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the content of the repeating unit A is 40 to 70 mol % based on the total repeating units of the copolymer. [7] The liquid crystal composition according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the liquid crystal compound is a polymerizable liquid crystal compound. [8] The liquid crystal composition according to [7], wherein the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is at least one polymerizable liquid crystal compound selected from the group consisting of a polymerizable rod-shaped liquid crystal compound and a polymerizable discotic liquid crystal compound. [9] The liquid crystal composition according to any one of [1] to [8], further comprising a dichroic substance.

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

[11] An optical film having the liquid crystal cured layer according to

[10] .

[12] A polarizing plate having the optical film according to

[11] and a polarizer.

[13] An image display device having the optical film according to

[11] or the polarizing plate according to

[12] .

[14] A copolymer having a repeating unit A and a repeating unit B, wherein the repeating unit A is a repeating unit represented by formula (A1) described later or a repeating unit represented by formula (A2) described later, and the repeating unit B is a repeating unit having at least one group selected from the group consisting of a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, an epoxy group, an oxetane group, and a (meth)acryloyl group.

[0009] According to the present invention, there is provided a liquid crystal composition containing a copolymer having excellent compatibility with a liquid crystal compound, and having excellent leveling properties and adhesiveness. The present invention also provides a liquid crystal cured layer, an optical film, a polarizing plate, an image display device, and the copolymer.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical film.

[0011] The present invention will be described in detail below. The following description of the constituent elements may be based on a representative embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. In this specification, a numerical range expressed using "to" means a range including the numerical values ​​before and after "to" as the lower and upper limits. In this specification, the various components may be used singly or in combination of two or more substances corresponding to the various components. Here, when two or more substances are used in combination for the various components, the content of the component means the total content of the substances used in combination, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, in this specification, the bonding direction of the divalent group (e.g., -O-CO-) shown is not particularly limited, and for example, "L １ -L ２ -L ３ In the bond ２ When is —O—CO—, L １ The position where it is bonded to the side is *1, L ３ If the position bonded to the side is *2, then L ２ may be *1-O-CO-*2 or *1-CO-O-*2.

[0012] Unless otherwise specified, the compounds described herein may contain isomers. Isomers may be any structural isomers, geometric isomers, or optical isomers that each compound may have. In addition, when only a specific isomer of a compound is shown, it indicates that the specific isomer is preferred among the isomers that the compound may have.

[0013] In this specification, the term "(meth)acrylic acid" encompasses the concepts of both acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, and the term "(meth)acryloyl group" encompasses the concepts of both acryloyl group and methacryloyl group.

[0014] The "solid content" of a liquid crystal composition means components that form a layer (e.g., a cured liquid crystal layer) formed using the liquid crystal composition, and when the composition contains a solvent (e.g., an organic solvent, water, etc.), it means all components excluding the solvent. Furthermore, liquid components that form a layer are also considered to be solid content.

[0015] In this specification, Re(λ) and Rth(λ) represent the in-plane retardation and the thickness direction retardation, respectively, at a wavelength λ. Unless otherwise specified, the wavelength λ is 550 nm. In this specification, Re(λ) and Rth(λ) are values ​​measured at a wavelength λ using an AxoScan OPMF-1 (manufactured by OptoScience). Specifically, by inputting the average refractive index ((nx+ny+nz) / 3) and film thickness (d (μm)) into the AxoScan OPMF-1, the following slow axis direction (°) is calculated: Re(λ) = R0(λ) Rth(λ) = ((nx+ny) / 2-nz)×d. Note that R0(λ) is displayed as a numerical value calculated using the AxoScan OPMF-1, but it refers to Re(λ).

[0016] [Liquid Crystal Composition] The liquid crystal composition of the present invention is a liquid crystal composition containing a copolymer having repeating units A and B (hereinafter also referred to as a "specific copolymer"), and a liquid crystal compound. The repeating unit A is a repeating unit represented by formula (A1) or a repeating unit represented by formula (A2), and the repeating unit B is a repeating unit having at least one group (hereinafter also referred to as a "specific group B") selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, a boronic acid amide group, an epoxy group, an oxetane group, a vinyl group, a styryl group, a (meth)acryloyl group, and a maleimide group.

[0017] As described above, the present invention provides a liquid crystal composition having excellent leveling properties and adhesive properties by including a specific copolymer having excellent compatibility with a liquid crystal compound. Although the details of the reason for this have not yet been clarified, the inventors speculate that it is due to the following reason. It is speculated that the specific copolymer including repeating unit A and repeating unit B provides the liquid crystal composition with excellent leveling properties and adhesive properties due to the structural characteristics of these repeating units, and also has excellent compatibility with a liquid crystal compound.

[0018] Various components that the liquid crystal composition of the present invention may contain will be described in detail below.

[0019] [Specific Copolymer] The liquid crystal composition contains a specific copolymer. The specific copolymer is a copolymer containing a repeating unit A and a repeating unit B.

[0020] <Repeating Unit A> The repeating unit A is a repeating unit represented by formula (A1) or a repeating unit represented by formula (A2). The repeating unit A is preferably a repeating unit represented by formula (A1), in which Rh in formula (A1) has two or more groups represented by formula (S) and is a substituent that does not have a fluorine atom (hereinafter also referred to as "substituent SI").

[0021]

[0022] In formula (A1), R １１ and R １２R each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. １３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. １１ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Rh represents a substituent (substituent SI) which has two or more groups represented by formula (S) and does not have a fluorine atom, or a hydrocarbon group having 10 or more carbon atoms and two or more terminal methyl groups (hereinafter also referred to as "substituent LQ").

[0023] In formula (A2), R ２１ and R ２２ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. ２３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. ２１ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. ２２ represents an (n+1)-valent linking group having a heteroatom. X represents an alkyl group having 5 to 40 carbon atoms and having two or more terminal methyl groups (hereinafter also referred to as "substituent LR"). n represents an integer of 2 or more. However, multiple Xs may be the same or different.

[0024] In formula (A1), R １１ and R １２ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. １１ and R １２ Examples of the alkyl group represented by one embodiment of R include linear alkyl groups having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, branched alkyl groups having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and cyclic alkyl groups. Specific examples include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl groups (e.g., n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, and tert-butyl), and cyclohexyl groups. １１ and R １２ is preferably a hydrogen atom.

[0025] In formula (A1), R １３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. １３ Examples of the substituent represented by one embodiment of R include a hydroxy group, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, and an aryl group. １３ Examples of the substituents shown in one embodiment of the formula (I) include -LＲ -hydroxy group, -L Ｒ -alkyl group, -L Ｒ -alkenyl group and -L Ｒ -aryl groups are also included. Ｒ represents a divalent linking group. Ｒ Examples of the divalent linking group include —O—, —S—, —C(═O)—, —NR Ｎ -, -CH=CH-, -C≡C-, a divalent cyclic group, an alkylene group, and a divalent group combining these groups; ２ -COO-alkylene group-hydroxy group is preferred. Ｎ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. １３ The alkyl group represented by one embodiment of R is preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group. １３ is preferably a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.

[0026] In formula (A1), L １１ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. １１ Examples of the divalent linking group represented by one embodiment of the formula (I) include divalent hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably alkylene groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and more preferably linear alkylene groups having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, branched alkylene groups having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, or cyclic alkylene groups having 3 to 20 carbon atoms. １１ is preferably a single bond or a linear alkylene group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and more preferably a single bond, a methylene group, an ethylene group or a propylene group.

[0027] In formula (A1), Rh represents a substituent SI or a substituent LQ. Rh is preferably a substituent SI from the viewpoint of achieving better leveling properties of the liquid crystal composition. The substituent SI represented by one embodiment of Rh is not particularly limited as long as it has two or more groups represented by formula (S) and does not have a fluorine atom.

[0028]

[0029] In formula (S), * represents a bonding position. ３１ , R ３２and R ３３ each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an alkylenearyl group, provided that in a substituent (substituent SI) having two or more groups represented by formula (S) and no fluorine atom, a plurality of R ３１ may be the same or different, and multiple R ３２ may be the same or different, and multiple R ３３ may be the same or different.

[0030] R ３１ , R ３２ and R ３３ Examples of the alkyl group represented by one embodiment of R include linear alkyl groups having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, branched alkyl groups having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and cyclic alkyl groups. ３１ , R ３２ and R ３３ Examples of the alkenyl group represented by one embodiment of R include alkenyl groups having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. ３１ , R ３２ and R ３３ Examples of the aryl group represented by one embodiment of R include aryl groups having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. Specific examples include a phenyl group, an α-methylphenyl group, and a naphthyl group. ３１ , R ３２ and R ３３ The alkylenearyl group represented by one embodiment of (1) above includes, for example, alkylenearyl groups having 7 to 30 carbon atoms.

[0031] From the viewpoint of reducing the surface tension of the liquid crystal composition and suppressing unevenness when forming a cured liquid crystal layer, R ３１ , R ３２ and R ３３ As the alkyl group, an alkyl group is preferable, and a linear alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms is more preferable.

[0032] The number of groups represented by formula (S) that the substituent SI has is 2 or more, and from the viewpoint of reducing the surface tension of the liquid crystal composition and suppressing unevenness when forming a cured liquid crystal layer, the number is preferably 2 to 8, more preferably 3 to 6, and still more preferably 3 to 5.

[0033] The substituent SI is preferably a group represented by formula (S1), more preferably a group represented by formula (S2).

[0034]

[0035] In formula (S1), * represents a bonding position. ３１ , R ３２ and R ３３ each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an alkylenearyl group, provided that multiple R ３１ may be the same or different, and multiple R ３２ may be the same or different, and multiple R ３３ may be the same or different. Ｓ１ n having no fluorine atoms ｓ represents a +1-valent linking group. ｓ represents an integer of 2 or more.

[0036] R in formula (S1) ３１ , R ３２ and R ３３ are R in formula (S), respectively. ３１ , R ３２ and R ３３ The same definition and preferred embodiments are also the same.

[0037] In formula (S1), L Ｓ１ n having no fluorine atoms ｓ represents a +1-valent linking group. Ｓ１ n having no fluorine atom represented by ｓ Examples of the +1-valent linking group include n-alkyl-1-methyl ... ｓ A hydrocarbon group having a valence of +1, in which some of the carbon atoms constituting the hydrocarbon group may be substituted with a hetero atom, is preferred. For example, ｓ When the linking group +1 is a trivalent hydrocarbon group, -CH ２ -, one or two or more non-adjacent -CH ２- may each independently be substituted with -O-, -CO-, -S-, -NH-, or -N(Q)-. Q represents a substituent, and the substituent represented by Q is preferably an alkyl group, more preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group. As a substituent other than a fluorine atom that the hydrocarbon group may have, preferably an alkyl group, more preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group. Furthermore, examples of heteroatoms include a silicon atom, an oxygen atom, and a nitrogen atom, and a silicon atom or an oxygen atom is preferred.

[0038] L Ｓ１ As the n ｓ The +1 linking group is also preferred. Ｓ１ The above n ｓ Examples of the +1-valent linking group include trivalent or higher linking groups formed by a combination of a group selected from an ether group and a thioether group, an alkylene group, and a group selected from a tertiary carbon atom and a quaternary carbon atom bonded to the alkylene group. ｓ The +1-valent linking group is preferably a trivalent linking group consisting of a combination of an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a tertiary carbon atom bonded to the alkylene group, and two ether groups bonded to the tertiary carbon atom; or a tetravalent linking group consisting of a combination of an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a quaternary carbon atom bonded to the alkylene group, and three ether groups bonded to the quaternary carbon atom. The alkylene group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, with linear being preferred. ｓ The +1-valent linking group is *-Si(R ３４ ) ｍ２ (-O-*) ｍ１ , a group represented by formula (LA-1) or a group represented by formula (LA-2) is preferred, and *-Si(R ３４ ) ｍ２ (-O-*) ｍ１ More preferably, m1 represents 2 or 3. m2 represents 0 or 1. m1+m2 is 3. R ３４represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an alkylenearyl group.

[0039]

[0040] In formula (LA-1) and formula (LA-2), * represents a bonding position, and AL represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0041] In formula (S1), n ｓ represents an integer of 2 or more. ｓ is preferably an integer of 2 to 8, more preferably an integer of 3 to 6, and even more preferably an integer of 3 to 5.

[0042]

[0043] In formula (S2), * represents a bonding position. ３１ , R ３２ , R ３３ and R ３４ each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an alkylenearyl group, provided that multiple R ３１ may be the same or different, and multiple R ３２ may be the same or different, and multiple R ３３ may be the same or different. m1 represents 2 or 3. m2 represents 0 or 1. m1+m2 is 3.

[0044] R in formula (S2) ３１ , R ３２ and R ３３ are R in formula (S), respectively. ３１ , R ３２ and R ３３ The meaning and preferred embodiments are also the same. ３４ is R ３１ , R ３２ and R ３３ The same definition and preferred embodiments are also the same.

[0045] The substituent LQ represented by one embodiment of Rh will be described in detail below. The substituent LQ is not particularly limited as long as it is a hydrocarbon group having 10 or more carbon atoms and two or more terminal methyl groups. A "terminal methyl group" refers to a methyl group constituting the terminal of a linear or side chain of a hydrocarbon group. For example, linear alkyl groups such as n-propyl and n-butyl groups are alkyl groups having one terminal methyl group, an isopropyl group is an alkyl group having two terminal methyl groups, and a t-butyl group is an alkyl group having three terminal methyl groups. For example, an n-decane group has 10 carbon atoms and is an alkyl group having one terminal methyl group, and therefore does not fall under the category of substituent LQ. On the other hand, the groups represented by any of formulas (a-1) to (a-4) all have 10 or more carbon atoms and two or more terminal methyl groups (methyl groups surrounded by dotted lines in the formula below), and therefore fall under the category of substituent LQ. The number of terminal methyl groups possessed by the substituent LQ is two or more, preferably three or more, and more preferably three to ten.

[0046]

[0047] The hydrocarbon group having 10 or more carbon atoms constituting the substituent LQ is preferably a hydrocarbon group having 10 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 10 to 20 carbon atoms, still more preferably a linear alkyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms, or a cyclic alkyl group having 10 to 20 carbon atoms, and particularly preferably a branched alkyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms. As the substituent LQ, a group represented by any of formulas (a-1) to (a-4) is also preferred.

[0048] In formula (A2), R ２１ and R ２２ are R in formula (A1), respectively. １１ and R １２ In formula (A2), R ２３ is R in formula (A1). １３ The same definition and preferred embodiments are also the same.

[0049] In formula (A2), L ２１ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. ２１Examples of the divalent linking group represented by one embodiment of the formula (I) include -CO-, -O-, -S-, -C(=S)-, -C(R １ ) (R ２ ) -, -C(R ３ ) = C(R ４ ) -, -N(R ５ )- and divalent groups combining these. １ ~R ５ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples of the divalent linking group include -O-, -S-, -CO-O-, and -CO-N(R ５ )- or -CO-S- is preferred, and -CO-O- or -CO-N(R ５ )- is more preferred.

[0050] In formula (A2), L ２２ represents an (n+1)-valent linking group having a heteroatom. ２２ Examples of the n+1-valent linking group having a heteroatom represented by include trivalent or higher linking groups consisting of a combination of a group selected from an ether group and a thioether group, an alkylene group, and a group selected from a tertiary carbon atom and a quaternary carbon atom bonded to the alkylene group. Examples of the n+1-valent linking group having a heteroatom include a trivalent linking group consisting of a combination of an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a tertiary carbon atom bonded to the alkylene group, and two ether groups bonded to the tertiary carbon atom; and a tetravalent linking group consisting of a combination of an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a quaternary carbon atom bonded to the alkylene group, and three ether groups bonded to the quaternary carbon atom. The alkylene group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, with linear being preferred. L ２２ As the group represented by formula (LA-1) or formula (LA-2), the group represented by formula (LA-1) is preferred.

[0051] In formula (A2), X represents a substituent LR. The "terminal methyl group" in the substituent LR has the same meaning as the terminal methyl group in the substituent LQ. The number of terminal methyl groups in the substituent LR is 2 or more, preferably 3 to 15, and more preferably 3 to 10. The number of carbon atoms in the substituent LR is preferably 5 to 30, and more preferably 5 to 20. From the viewpoint of being able to form a liquid crystal cured layer in which the occurrence of unevenness is further suppressed, the ratio of the number of terminal methyl groups to the number of carbon atoms in the substituent LR (number of terminal methyl groups / number of carbon atoms in the substituent LR) is preferably 0.4 or more, and more preferably 0.4 to 0.6.

[0052] From the viewpoint of forming a liquid crystal cured layer in which the occurrence of unevenness is further suppressed, the substituent LR is preferably a group represented by any one of formulas (a-1) to (a-6).

[0053]

[0054] In formulas (a-1) to (a-6), * represents a bonding position.

[0055] In formula (A2), n represents an integer of 2 or greater. n is preferably an integer of 2 to 10, more preferably an integer of 2 to 8, and even more preferably 2 or 3.

[0056] The repeating unit A is preferably a repeating unit represented by formula (a1).

[0057]

[0058] In formula (a1), R ５１ and R ５２ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. ５３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. ５１ represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. ５２ represents an (m+1)-valent linking group that does not have a fluorine atom. ３１ , R ３２ and R ３３ each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an alkylenearyl group, provided that multiple R ３１ may be the same or different, and multiple R３２ may be the same or different, and multiple R ３３ may be the same or different, and m represents an integer of 2 or more.

[0059] R in formula (a1) ５１ and R ５２ are R in formula (A1), respectively. １１ and R １２ The meaning and preferred embodiments are also the same as those of the formula (a1). ５３ is R in formula (A1). １３ The meaning and preferred embodiments are also the same as those of the formula (a1). ３１ , R ３２ and R ３１ are R in formula (S), respectively. ３１ , R ３２ and R ３３ The same definition and preferred embodiments are also the same.

[0060] In formula (a1), L ５１ represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. ５１ is preferably a single bond or a linear alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and more preferably a single bond, a methylene group, an ethylene group or a propylene group.

[0061] In formula (a1), L ５２ represents an (m+1)-valent linking group that does not have a fluorine atom. ５２ The m+1-valent linking group having no fluorine atom represented by Ｓ１ n having no fluorine atom as shown in one embodiment of ｓ It has the same meaning as the +1-valent linking group, and the preferred embodiments are also the same.

[0062] In formula (a1), m represents an integer of 2 or greater. m is preferably an integer of 2 to 8, more preferably an integer of 3 to 6, and even more preferably an integer of 3 to 5.

[0063] Examples of the repeating unit A include the repeating units shown below. In the examples described later, the repeating unit represented by the following formula K-1 will be referred to as "K-1." The same applies to other repeating units.

[0064]

[0065] The repeating unit A may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. The content of the repeating unit A is preferably 10 to 90 mol %, more preferably 30 to 80 mol %, and even more preferably 40 to 70 mol %, based on the total repeating units of the specific copolymer.

[0066] <Repeating Unit B> The repeating unit B is a repeating unit having a specific group B. The specific group B is a group having at least one group selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, a boronic acid amide group, an epoxy group, an oxetane group, a vinyl group, a styryl group, a (meth)acryloyl group (including a (meth)acrylamide group), and a maleimide group. The specific group B may be a group having the above-exemplified group as part of its structure, or may be the above-exemplified group itself.

[0067] The specific group B is preferably a group having at least one (preferably at least two) group selected from the group consisting of a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, an epoxy group, an oxetane group, a vinyl group, and a (meth)acryloyl group, and more preferably a group having at least one (preferably at least two) group selected from the group consisting of a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, a vinyl group, and a (meth)acryloyl group. The specific group B is also preferably a group having at least two groups selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, an epoxy group, an oxetane group, a vinyl group, and a (meth)acryloyl group. The specific group B is also preferably a group having at least one group selected from the group consisting of a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, an epoxy group, an oxetane group, and a (meth)acryloyl group. The number of specific groups B in the repeating unit B may be one or more, and is preferably 1 to 10, more preferably 2 to 10, and even more preferably 2 to 4. When the specific polymer contains one type of repeating unit B, the number of specific groups B indicates the number of specific groups B contained in that one type of repeating unit B, and when the specific polymer contains two or more types of repeating units B, the number indicates the total number of specific groups B contained in the two or more types of repeating units B. Specifically, when the specific copolymer contains two types of repeating units B, H-1 and H-2, the number of specific groups B contained in the repeating unit is two.

[0068] The repeating unit B is preferably a repeating unit represented by formula (B1), and more preferably a repeating unit represented by any one of formulas (b1) to (b3).

[0069]

[0070] In formula (B1), R ４１ and R ４２ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. ４３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. ４１ is —O— or —NR Ｚ - represents. Ｚ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. ４２represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Rk represents a group having at least one group selected from the group consisting of a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, an epoxy group, an oxetane group, a vinyl group, and a (meth)acryloyl group.

[0071] R in formula (B1) ４１ and R ４２ are R in formula (A1), respectively. １１ and R １２ The meaning and preferred embodiments are also the same. ４３ is R in formula (A1). １３ The same definition and preferred embodiments are also the same.

[0072] In formula (B1), L ４１ is —O— or —NR Ｚ - represents. Ｚ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. ４１ One aspect of the present invention is represented by -NR Ｚ -Regarding R Ｚ The substituent represented by one embodiment of the formula (I) is preferably an alkyl group, more preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group. ４１ As the group, —O— or —NH— is preferable, and —O— is more preferable.

[0073] In formula (B1), L ４２ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. ４２ Examples of the divalent linking group in one embodiment of the formula (b1) include SP in the formula (b2) and formula (b3) described below. ｂ１ a spacer group represented by ｂ１ and groups formed by combining these.

[0074] In formula (B1), R represents a group having at least one group selected from the group consisting of a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, an epoxy group, an oxetane group, a vinyl group, and a (meth)acryloyl group. R is preferably a group having at least one (preferably at least two) group selected from the group consisting of a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, a vinyl group, and a (meth)acryloyl group. Furthermore, R is preferably a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester-containing group, an epoxy-containing group, an oxetane-containing group, a vinyl group, or a (meth)acryloyl group, more preferably a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester-containing group, a vinyl group, or a (meth)acryloyl group. The boronic acid ester-containing group, the epoxy-containing group, and the oxetane-containing group will be described later.

[0075] The repeating unit B is also preferably a repeating unit represented by any one of formulas (b1) to (b3).

[0076]

[0077] In formulas (b1) to (b3), R ｂ１ and R ｂ２ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. ｂ３ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. ｂ１ are each independently —O— or —NR Ｚｂ - represents. Ｚｂ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. ｂ２ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. A represents an alkylene group. However, multiple As may be the same or different. p represents a number of 2 or more. SP ｂ１ represents a spacer group. ｂ１ represents a mesogenic group. ｂ１ and T ｂ２ each independently represents a hydroxy group, a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester-containing group, a boronic acid amide-containing group, an epoxy-containing group, an oxetane-containing group, a vinyl group, a styryl group, a (meth)acryloyl group, or a maleimide group.

[0078] R in formula (b1) to formula (b3)ｂ１ and R ｂ２ are R in formula (A1), respectively. １１ and R １２ The meanings and preferred embodiments are also the same. ｂ３ is R in formula (A1). １３ The meaning and preferred embodiments are also the same. ｂ１ is L in formula (B1). ４１ The definition and preferred embodiments are also the same. ｂ２ represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and more preferably a linear alkylene group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, a branched alkylene group having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, or a cyclic alkylene group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0079] In formula (b1), A represents an alkylene group. However, multiple As may be the same or different. The number of carbon atoms in the alkylene group represented by A is preferably 1 to 4, more preferably 2 or 3. For example, when A is an alkylene group having 1 carbon atom, -A-O- in formula (b1) represents an oxymethylene group (-CH ２ When A is an alkylene group having 2 carbon atoms, -A-O- in formula (b1) represents an oxyethylene group (-CH ２ CH ２ The alkylene group may be either linear or branched. -(A-O) ｐ The - may be an oxyalkylene group formed by linking an oxymethylene group and an oxypropylene group. The bonding order of each repeating unit may be either random or block.

[0080] In formula (b1), p represents a number of 2 or more. The number represented by p is preferably a number from 2 to 1,000, and more preferably a number from 2 to 25.

[0081] In formula (b2) and formula (b3), SP ｂ１ represents a spacer group. ｂ１ The spacer group represented by SP is not particularly limited as long as it is a divalent linking group that does not contain a ring structure. ｂ１Examples of the spacer group represented by the formula (I) include divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. As the divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkylene group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms is preferred, and an alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms is more preferred. Specific examples include a methylene group, an ethylene group, a propylene group, a butylene group, a pentylene group, a hexylene group, a methylhexylene group, and a heptylene group. In addition, the spacer group may be a -CH group that constitutes a part of the divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group. ２ -, one or two or more non-adjacent -CH ２ - is each independently -O-, -CO-, -S-, -NH-, -CH(Q)-, or -C(Q) ２ - or -N(Q)-. Each Q independently represents a substituent. The substituent represented by Q is preferably a hydroxy group, an alkyl group, or the specific group B. The alkyl group is preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group.

[0082] In formula (b3), M ｂ１ represents a mesogenic group. ｂ１The mesogenic group represented by is a group that represents the main skeleton of a liquid crystal molecule that contributes to the formation of liquid crystals. The liquid crystal molecules exhibit liquid crystallinity, which is an intermediate state (mesophase) between a crystalline state and an isotropic liquid state. For details of mesogenic groups, see, for example, "Flussige Kristalle in Tablellen II" (VEB Deutsche Verlag fur Grundstoff Industrie, Leipzig, published in 1984), particularly the description on pages 7 to 16, and "Liquid Crystal Handbook" edited by the Liquid Crystal Handbook Editorial Committee (Maruzen, published in 2000), particularly the description in Chapter 3. The mesogenic group is preferably a group having at least one cyclic structure selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon groups, heterocyclic groups, and alicyclic groups, more preferably a group having an aromatic hydrocarbon group (preferably 1 to 5 groups) or an alicyclic group (preferably 1 to 5 groups), and even more preferably a group having 2 to 4 aromatic hydrocarbon groups. The mesogenic group may have a substituent from the viewpoint of improving the degree of alignment of the cured liquid crystal layer. The substituent is preferably an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkyl ester group, or an acetyl group, and more preferably a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, a methoxy group, or a methyl ester group.

[0083] M ｂ１ As the mesogenic group, a mesogenic group represented by formula (M1-A) is preferred from the viewpoint of further suppressing repelling during the formation of a liquid crystal cured layer.

[0084]

[0085] In formula (M1-A), * represents a bonding position. １１ and Ph １２ each independently represents a divalent aromatic ring group which may have a substituent, provided that n ｍ When represents an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of Ph １１ may be the same or different. ｍ１ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. ｍ When L represents an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of L ｍ１ may be the same or different. ｍ represents an integer of 0 or 1 or more.

[0086] In formula (M1-A), Ph １１ and Ph １２ each independently represents a divalent aromatic ring group which may have a substituent, provided that n ｍ When represents an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of Ph １１ may be the same or different. １１ and Ph １２ Examples of the divalent aromatic ring group represented by include a group in which two hydrogen atoms have been removed from an aromatic hydrocarbon ring, and a group in which two hydrogen atoms have been removed from an aromatic heterocycle. Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon ring include a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, an anthracene ring, and a phenanthroline ring. Examples of the aromatic heterocycle include a furan ring, a pyrrole ring, a thiophene ring, a pyridine ring, a thiazole ring, and a benzothiazole ring. Among these, Ph １１ and Ph １２ The divalent aromatic ring group represented by is preferably a group in which two hydrogen atoms have been removed from a benzene ring (for example, a 1,4-phenyl group). As a substituent that the divalent aromatic ring group may have, an alkyl ester group, an alkyl group, or an acetyl group is preferred, a methyl ester group or a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is more preferred, and a methyl group or an ethyl group is even more preferred.

[0087] In formula (M1-A), L ｍ１ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. ｍ When L represents an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of L ｍ１ may be the same or different. ｍ１ Examples of the divalent linking group in one embodiment include —CO—, —O—, —S—, —C(═S)—, —C(R １ ) (R ２ ) -, -C(R ３ ) = C(R ４ ) -, -N(R ５ )- and combinations thereof. １ ~R ５ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0088] In formula (M1-A), n ｍ represents an integer of 0 or 1 or more. ｍ is preferably an integer of 1 to 10. ｍ is also preferably an integer of 0 to 10.

[0089] In formula (b2) and formula (b3), T ｂ１ and T ｂ２ each independently represents a hydroxy group, a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester-containing group, a boronic acid amide-containing group, an epoxy-containing group, an oxetane-containing group, a vinyl group, a styryl group, a (meth)acryloyl group, or a maleimide group. ｂ１ and T ｂ２ As the group T, a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester-containing group, a boronic acid amide-containing group, a vinyl group, a styryl group, a (meth)acryloyl group, or a maleimide group is preferred. ｂ１ As T, an epoxy-containing group, an oxetane-containing group, a vinyl group, a (meth)acryloyl group, or a maleimide group is preferred, and a vinyl group or a (meth)acryloyl group is more preferred. ｂ２ As the alkyl group, a hydroxy group, a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester-containing group, a boronic acid amide-containing group, or a (meth)acryloyl group is preferable, a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester-containing group, a boronic acid amide-containing group, or a (meth)acryloyl group is more preferable, and a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester-containing group, or a (meth)acryloyl group is even more preferable.

[0090] The boronate ester-containing group is a group having a boronate ester group in a part of its structure, and is represented by *-B(-OR) ２ * represents a bonding position. R represents a substituent. The substituent is preferably an alkyl group. R groups may be bonded to each other to form a ring. Examples of the boronic acid ester-containing group include a dioxaborolane group and a dioxaborinane group. The boronic acid amide-containing group is a group having a boronic acid amide group in a part of its structure, and is represented by *-B(-NR Ｎ ２ ) ２The symbol * represents the bonding position. Ｎ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. The substituent is preferably an alkyl group. Ｎ They may be bonded to each other to form a ring. The epoxy-containing group is an epoxy group itself or a group having an epoxy group in a part of its structure. Examples of the epoxy-containing group include an epoxy group, a glycidyl ether group, and an alicyclic epoxy group. The alicyclic epoxy group is a condensed polycyclic group formed by condensing an alicyclic group with an epoxy group. Examples of the alicyclic epoxy group include an epoxycyclopentyl group, an epoxycyclohexyl group, and an epoxycyclohexyl group. The oxetane-containing group is an oxetane group (oxetane ring group) itself or a group having an oxetane group in a part of its structure. Examples of the oxetane-containing group include an oxetane group and an oxetanyl group.

[0091] The epoxy-containing group and oxetane-containing group are preferably groups represented by any one of formulas (C1) to (C3).

[0092]

[0093] In formulas (C1) to (C3), * represents a bonding position. Ｃ２ represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group.

[0094] Examples of the repeating unit B include the repeating units shown below: In the repeating units shown below, s and t each independently represent a number of 1 or more.

[0095]

[0096] The repeating unit B may be used alone or in combination of two or more types, preferably two or more types, and more preferably two or three types. When two or more types of repeating units B are used, it is preferable that the specific groups B possessed by each repeating unit B are different. The content of the repeating unit B is preferably 10 to 90 mol%, more preferably 20 to 70 mol%, and even more preferably 25 to 60 mol%, based on the total repeating units of the specific copolymer.

[0097] <Other Repeating Units> The specific copolymer may contain other repeating units in addition to the repeating unit A and repeating unit B described above. Examples of the other repeating units include repeating units derived from compounds such as (meth)acrylic acid, acrylic acid ester compounds, methacrylic acid ester compounds, maleimide compounds, acrylamide compounds, acrylonitrile, maleic anhydride, styrene compounds, and vinyl compounds. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving adhesion, the other repeating units are also preferably repeating units derived from alkoxypolyalkylene glycol acrylates such as methoxytetraethylene glycol acrylate and methoxypolyethylene glycol acrylate.

[0098] The content of the other repeating units is preferably from 0.1 to 30 mol %, more preferably from 0.1 to 10 mol %, and even more preferably from 0.1 to 5 mol %.

[0099] The total content of repeating units A and B is preferably 80 to 100 mol %, more preferably 90 to 100 mol %, and even more preferably 95 to 100 mol %, based on all repeating units in the specific copolymer. The total content of repeating units A, repeating units B, and repeating units derived from (meth)acrylic acid is preferably 90 to 100 mol %, more preferably 99 to 100 mol %, based on all repeating units in the specific copolymer.

[0100] The content of the specific copolymer is preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.02 to 1% by mass, and even more preferably 0.04 to 0.5% by mass, relative to the total solid content (100% by mass) of the liquid crystal composition.

[0101] <Molecular Weight> The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the specific copolymer is preferably 2,000 to 1,000,000, and from the viewpoint of achieving better leveling properties of the liquid crystal composition, more preferably 8,000 or more and less than 80,000. The weight-average molecular weight is a value measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Solvent (eluent): tetrahydrofuran (THF) Apparatus name: EcoSEC HLC-8320GPC (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) Column: Three columns were connected: TSKgel SuperHZM-H, TSKgel SuperHZ4000, and TSKgel SuperHZ200 (all manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) Column temperature: 40°C Sample concentration: 0.1% by mass Flow rate: 0.35 mL / min Calibration curve: A calibration curve using six samples of TSK standard polystyrene manufactured by Tosoh Corporation with Mw = 706,000 to 1,013 (Mw / Mn = 1.03 to 1.06) was used.

[0102] [Liquid Crystal Compound] The liquid crystal composition of the present invention contains a liquid crystal compound. The type of liquid crystal compound is not particularly limited. Generally, liquid crystal compounds can be classified into rod-shaped and discotic types based on their shape. Each type can further be divided into low-molecular-weight and high-molecular-weight types. The high-molecular-weight type generally refers to a compound with a degree of polymerization of 100 or more (Polymer Physics / Phase Transition Dynamics, Masao Doi, p. 2, Iwanami Shoten, 1992).

[0103] The liquid crystal compound is preferably a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound or a discotic liquid crystal compound (discotic liquid crystal compound). The liquid crystal compound may be a mixture of two or more rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds, two or more discotic liquid crystal compounds, or a mixture of a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound and a discotic liquid crystal compound.

[0104] The liquid crystal compound is preferably a polymerizable liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable group. The polymerizable liquid crystal compound is preferably at least one polymerizable liquid crystal compound selected from the group consisting of polymerizable rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds and polymerizable discotic liquid crystal compounds. Examples of the polymerizable group include a (meth)acryloyl group, an epoxy group, and a vinyl group. The orientation of the liquid crystal compound can be fixed by polymerizing the liquid crystal compound having the polymerizable group. It is not necessary for the liquid crystal compound to exhibit liquid crystallinity after being fixed by polymerization.

[0105] As the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound, those described in claim 1 of JP-A No. 11-513019 or paragraphs

[0026] to

[0098] of JP-A No. 2005-289980 are preferred. As the discotic liquid crystal compound, those described in paragraphs

[0020] to

[0067] of JP-A No. 2007-108732 or paragraphs

[0013] to

[0108] of JP-A No. 2010-244038 are preferred. Furthermore, as the liquid crystal compound, a liquid crystal compound with reverse wavelength dispersion may be used.

[0106] The liquid crystal compound may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the liquid crystal compound is preferably 10 to 99% by mass, more preferably 50 to 95% by mass, based on the total solid content (100% by mass) of the liquid crystal composition.

[0107] [Solvent] The liquid crystal composition of the present invention preferably contains a solvent from the viewpoint of workability and the like. Examples of the solvent include ketones (e.g., acetone, 2-butanone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclopentanone, and cyclohexanone), ethers (e.g., dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydropyran, dioxolane, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, and cyclopentyl methyl ether), aliphatic hydrocarbons (e.g., hexane), alicyclic hydrocarbons (e.g., cyclohexane), aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylene, and trimethylbenzene), halogenated carbons (e.g., dichloromethane, trichloromethane (chloroform), dichloroethane, dichlorobenzyl ether), and the like. Examples of suitable solvents include organic solvents such as benzene and chlorotoluene, esters (e.g., methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, ethyl propionate, butyl acetate, and diethyl carbonate), alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, and cyclohexanol), cellosolves (e.g., methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, and 1,2-dimethoxyethane), cellosolve acetates, sulfoxides (e.g., dimethyl sulfoxide), amides (e.g., dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, N-ethylpyrrolidone, and 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone), and heterocyclic compounds (e.g., pyridine), as well as water. These solvents may be used singly or in combination of two or more.

[0108] From the viewpoint of improving the alignment property and heat resistance of the cured liquid crystal layer formed using the liquid crystal composition, the solvent is preferably an organic solvent, and more preferably a ketone and / or an ester.

[0109] [Polymerization Initiator] The liquid crystal composition of the present invention may contain a polymerization initiator. The polymerization initiator is preferably a photosensitive compound (i.e., a photopolymerization initiator). Examples of the photopolymerization initiator include α-carbonyl compounds, acyloin ethers, α-hydrocarbon-substituted aromatic acyloin compounds, polynuclear quinone compounds, combinations of triarylimidazole dimers and p-aminophenyl ketones, acridines, phenazine compounds, oxadiazole compounds, o-acyloxime compounds, acylphosphine oxide compounds, and oxime-type polymerization initiators. Commercially available photopolymerization initiators include Irgacure-184, Irgacure-907, Irgacure-369, Irgacure-651, Irgacure (Ominirad)-819, Irgacure-OXE-01, and Irgacure-OXE-02, all manufactured by BASF.

[0110] The polymerization initiator may be used alone or in combination of two or more. When the liquid crystal composition contains a polymerization initiator, the content of the polymerization initiator is preferably 0.01 to 30 mass %, more preferably 0.1 to 15 mass %, based on the total solid content (100 mass %) of the liquid crystal composition.

[0111] [Chiral Agent] The liquid crystal composition may contain a chiral agent. The chiral agent may be selected according to the purpose, since the twist direction or helical pitch of the helix induced varies depending on the compound. Examples of chiral agents include known compounds (for example, those described in "Liquid Crystal Device Handbook," Chapter 3, Section 4-3, Chiral Agents for TN (Twisted Nematic) and STN (Super Twisted Nematic)," p. 199, edited by the 142nd Committee of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 1989), isosorbide, and isomannide derivatives. The chiral agent may be either an asymmetric compound containing an asymmetric carbon atom, or an axially asymmetric or planar asymmetric compound containing no asymmetric carbon atom. Examples of axially asymmetric or planar asymmetric compounds include binaphthyl, helicene, paracyclophane, and derivatives thereof.

[0112] The chiral agent may have a polymerizable group. The polymerizable group is preferably an unsaturated polymerizable group, an epoxy group, or an aziridinyl group, more preferably an unsaturated polymerizable group, and even more preferably an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable group.

[0113] The chiral agent may have a photoisomerizable moiety. The photoisomerizable moiety is preferably a cinnamoyl moiety, a chalcone moiety, an azobenzene moiety, or a stilbene moiety, more preferably a cinnamoyl moiety, a chalcone moiety, or a stilbene moiety.

[0114] Examples of the chiral agent include the optically active isosorbide derivatives described in paragraphs

[0015] to

[0049] of JP-A No. 2003-313187, the optically active isomannide derivatives described in paragraphs

[0015] to

[0057] of JP-A No. 2003-313188, the optically active polyester / amides described in paragraphs

[0015] to

[0052] of JP-A No. 2003-313292, and the chiral agents described in paragraphs

[0012] to

[0053] of WO2018 / 194157.

[0115] The chiral agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more. When the liquid crystal composition contains a chiral agent, the content of the chiral agent is preferably 5.0% by mass or less, more preferably 3.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 2.0% by mass or less, and particularly preferably less than 1.0% by mass, relative to the total mass of the liquid crystal compound, from the viewpoint of facilitating uniform alignment of the liquid crystal compound. The lower limit is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.02% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more.

[0116] When a cured liquid crystal layer having a plurality of alignment states in one layer is formed, it is preferable to use, as the chiral agent used in the liquid crystal composition, two or more chiral agents including a chiral agent A and a chiral agent B that induces a helix in the opposite direction to that of the chiral agent A. For example, when the helix induced by the chiral agent A is right-handed, the helix induced by the chiral agent B is left-handed.

[0117] The liquid crystal composition may contain other components in addition to the above-mentioned various components, such as a polyfunctional monomer, an alignment aid such as a horizontal alignment agent or a vertical alignment agent, an adhesion improver, and a plasticizer.

[0118] [Liquid Crystal Cured Layer] The liquid crystal cured layer of the present invention is a liquid crystal cured layer obtained by fixing the alignment state of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention described above. For example, a method for forming the liquid crystal cured layer includes a method in which the liquid crystal composition of the present invention described above is used to achieve a desired alignment state, and then fixing the alignment state by polymerization. The polymerization conditions are not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use ultraviolet light in polymerization by light irradiation. The light irradiation dose is 10 mJ / cm. ２ ~50 J / cm ２ is preferred, and 20 mJ / cm ２ ~5 J / cm ２ More preferably, 30 mJ / cm ２ ~3 J / cm ２ is more preferably 50 to 1000 mJ / cm ２ is particularly preferred. In order to promote the polymerization reaction, the light irradiation may be carried out under heating conditions. The liquid crystal cured layer can be formed on any support or alignment film in an optical film described later, or on a polarizer in a polarizing plate described later.

[0119] The orientation state of the liquid crystal compound in the cured liquid crystal layer of the present invention may be any of horizontal orientation, vertical orientation, tilted orientation, and twisted orientation. Furthermore, as described in WO 2021 / 033640, a cured liquid crystal layer may have multiple orientation states within a single layer, such as a first region in which the orientation state of the liquid crystal compound is fixed in a twisted orientation along a helical axis extending along the thickness direction, and a second region in which the orientation state of the liquid crystal compound is fixed in a homogeneous orientation, along the thickness direction. In this specification, "horizontal orientation" refers to the main surface of the cured liquid crystal layer (or, if the cured liquid crystal layer is formed on a member such as a support or an alignment film, the surface of the member) being parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal compound. Strict parallelism is not required, and in this specification, it refers to an orientation in which the angle between the long axis direction of the liquid crystal compound and the main surface of the cured liquid crystal layer is less than 10°. In this specification, "vertical orientation" refers to the normal to the main surface of the cured liquid crystal layer being parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal compound. It is not required that the liquid crystal molecules are strictly parallel, but in this specification, the term "alignment" means that the angle between the long axis direction of the liquid crystal compound and the normal to the main surface of the cured liquid crystal layer is less than 10°.

[0120] The cured liquid crystal layer of the present invention is preferably an optically anisotropic layer, for example, an optically anisotropic layer having, along the thickness direction, a positive A plate, a positive C plate, and a first region in which the alignment state of liquid crystal compounds twisted along a helical axis extending along the thickness direction is fixed, and a second region in which the alignment state of liquid crystal compounds homogeneously aligned is fixed (hereinafter, this embodiment will be referred to as "optically anisotropic layer A").

[0121] Here, a positive A plate (positive A plate) and a positive C plate (positive C plate) are defined as follows. When the refractive index in the in-plane slow axis direction of the film (the direction in which the in-plane refractive index is maximum) is nx, the refractive index in the in-plane direction perpendicular to the in-plane slow axis is ny, and the refractive index in the thickness direction is nz, a positive A plate satisfies the relationship of formula (A1), and a positive C plate satisfies the relationship of formula (C1). Note that a positive A plate has a positive Rth, and a positive C plate has a negative Rth. Formula (A1) nx>ny≒nz Formula (C1) nz>nx≒ny Note that the above "≒" includes not only the case where both are completely identical, but also the case where both are substantially identical. Regarding "substantially the same," for a positive A plate, "ny ≒ nz" includes, for example, a case where (ny - nz) x d (where d is the film thickness) is -10 to 10 nm, preferably -5 to 5 nm, and "nx ≒ nz" includes, for example, a case where (nx - nz) x d (where d is the film thickness) is -10 to 10 nm, preferably -5 to 5 nm. Also, for a positive C plate, "nx ≒ ny" includes, for example, a case where (nx - ny) x d (where d is the film thickness) is 0 to 10 nm, preferably 0 to 5 nm.

[0122] When the liquid crystal cured layer of the present invention is a positive A plate, from the viewpoint of functioning as a λ / 4 plate, Re(550) is preferably 100 to 180 nm, more preferably 120 to 160 nm, still more preferably 130 to 150 nm, and particularly preferably 130 to 145 nm. Here, the "λ / 4 plate" is a plate having a λ / 4 function, specifically, a plate having a function of converting linearly polarized light of a certain wavelength into circularly polarized light (or circularly polarized light into linearly polarized light).

[0123] An optically anisotropic layer (optically anisotropic layer A) having, along the thickness direction, a first region in which the alignment state of liquid crystal compounds twisted along a helical axis extending along the thickness direction is fixed, and a second region in which the alignment state of liquid crystal compounds homogeneously aligned is fixed, will be described in detail. When the thickness of the first region of the optically anisotropic layer A is d1 (nm) and the refractive index anisotropy of the first region measured at a wavelength of 550 nm is Δn1, the first region preferably satisfies the following formula (1-1) in order to enable the optically anisotropic layer to be suitably used in a circular polarizer: Formula (1-1) 100 nm≦Δn1d1≦240 nm. Among these, it is more preferable to satisfy formula (1-2), and even more preferable to satisfy formula (1-3). 120 nm≦Δn1d1≦220 nm Equation (1-2) 140 nm≦Δn1d1≦200 nm Equation (1-3) The refractive index anisotropy Δn1 means the refractive index anisotropy of the first region.

[0124] The absolute value of the twist angle of the liquid crystal compound in the first region is not particularly limited, but is preferably 60 to 120°, more preferably 70 to 110°, in order to enable the optically anisotropic layer to be suitably applied to a circular polarizer. The twist angle is measured using an Axoscan manufactured by Axometrics and its instrument analysis software.

[0125] Furthermore, assuming that the thickness of the second region of the optically anisotropic layer A is d2 (nm) and the refractive index anisotropy of the second region measured at a wavelength of 550 nm is Δn2, it is preferable that the second region satisfy the following formula (2-1), in order to enable the optically anisotropic layer to be suitably applied to a circularly polarizing plate. Formula (2-1) 100 nm≦Δn2d2≦240 nm Among these, it is more preferable to satisfy formula (2-2), and even more preferable to satisfy formula (2-3). Formula (2-2) 120 nm≦Δn2d2≦220 nm Formula (2-3) 140 nm≦Δn2d2≦200 nm Note that the refractive index anisotropy Δn2 means the refractive index anisotropy of the second region.

[0126] [Light-absorbing anisotropic layer] The liquid crystal cured layer of the present invention may be a light-absorbing anisotropic layer. The light-absorbing anisotropic layer is a liquid crystal cured layer containing a dichroic material. The light-absorbing anisotropic layer is more preferably a layer in which the alignment state of the liquid crystal compound and the dichroic material is fixed vertically (a vertically aligned layer). Examples of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer include the light-absorbing anisotropic layers described in paragraphs

[0014] to

[0147] of WO 2021 / 131792, paragraphs

[0024] to

[0186] of WO 2021 / 230019, and paragraphs

[0015] to

[0247] of WO 2022 / 138555.

[0127] <Dichroic Material> A dichroic material refers to a material that has different absorbance depending on the direction. The dichroic material may or may not exhibit liquid crystallinity.

[0128] The dichroic substance is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include visible light absorbing substances (dichroic dyes), luminescent substances (fluorescent substances, phosphorescent substances), ultraviolet absorbing substances, infrared absorbing substances, nonlinear optical substances, carbon nanotubes, and inorganic substances (e.g., quantum rods), and any conventionally known dichroic substance (dichroic dye) can be used. Specifically, paragraphs

[0067] to

[0071] of JP 2013-228706 A, paragraphs

[0008] to

[0026] of JP 2013-227532 A, paragraphs

[0008] to

[0015] of JP 2013-209367 A, paragraphs

[0045] to

[0058] of JP 2013-014883 A, paragraphs

[0012] to

[0029] of JP 2013-109090 A, paragraphs

[0009] to

[0017] of JP 201 Paragraphs

[0051] to

[0065] of JP-A-3-037353, paragraphs

[0049] to

[0073] of JP-A-2012-063387, paragraphs

[0016] to

[0018] of JP-A-11-305036, paragraphs

[0009] to

[0011] of JP-A-2001-133630, paragraphs

[0030] to

[0169] of JP-A-2011-215337, paragraphs

[0021] to

[0075] of JP-A-2010-106242, paragraphs

[0021] to

[0075] of JP-A-2010-215846 paragraphs

[0011] to

[0025] , paragraphs

[0017] to

[0069] of JP 2011-048311 A, paragraphs

[0013] to

[0133] of JP 2011-213610 A, paragraphs

[0074] to

[0246] of JP 2011-237513 A, paragraphs

[0005] to

[0051] of JP 2016-006502 A, paragraphs

[0014] to

[0032] of JP 2018-053167 A, paragraphs

[0014] to [003 3], paragraphs

[0005] to

[0041] of International Publication No. 2016 / 060173, paragraphs

[0008] to

[0062] of International Publication No. 2016 / 136561, paragraphs

[0014] to

[0033] of International Publication No. 2017 / 154835, paragraphs

[0014] to

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

[0013] to

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

[0014] to

[0034] of International Publication No. 2018 / 164252,Examples of the dichroic substances include those described in paragraphs

[0021] to

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

[0043] to

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

[0043] to

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

[0050] to

[0074] of International Publication No. 2020 / 004106, and paragraphs

[0015] to

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

[0129] As the dichroic substance, a dichroic azo dye compound is preferred. A dichroic azo dye compound refers to an azo dye compound whose absorbance varies depending on the direction. A dichroic azo dye compound may or may not exhibit liquid crystallinity. When a dichroic azo dye compound exhibits liquid crystallinity, it may exhibit either nematic or smectic properties. The temperature range in which the liquid crystal phase is exhibited is preferably room temperature (approximately 20 to 28°C) to 300°C, and more preferably 50 to 200°C from the viewpoints of handleability and manufacturing suitability.

[0130] In the present invention, from the viewpoint of adjusting color hue, it is preferable to use at least one dye compound (first dichroic azo dye compound) having a maximum absorption wavelength in the wavelength range of 560 to 700 nm, and at least one dye compound (second dichroic azo dye compound) having a maximum absorption wavelength in the wavelength range of 455 nm or more and less than 560 nm.

[0131] In the present invention, three or more kinds of dichroic azo dye compounds may be used in combination. For example, in order to make the light absorption anisotropic layer closer to black, it is preferable to use a first dichroic azo dye compound, a second dichroic azo dye compound, and at least one dye compound (third dichroic azo dye compound) having a maximum absorption wavelength in the wavelength range of 380 nm or more and less than 455 nm in combination.

[0132] The dichroic azo dye compound preferably has a crosslinkable group, such as a (meth)acryloyl group, an epoxy group, an oxetanyl group, or a styryl group, with a (meth)acryloyl group being preferred.

[0133] The content of the dichroic substance is not particularly limited, but is preferably 3% by mass or more, more preferably 8% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 10 to 30% by mass, relative to the total mass of the optically absorptive anisotropic layer, because this increases the degree of orientation of the optically absorptive anisotropic layer formed. When multiple dichroic substances are used in combination, the total amount of the multiple dichroic substances is preferably within the above-mentioned range. In particular, because this facilitates achieving a difference in the degree of orientation of the optically absorptive anisotropic layer at wavelengths of 450 nm, 550 nm, and 650 nm of 0.025 or less, the content of the first dichroic azo dye compound is preferably 9 to 12% by mass, the content of the second dichroic azo dye compound is preferably 1 to 2% by mass, and the content of the third dichroic azo dye compound is preferably 4 to 7% by mass, relative to the total mass of the optically absorptive anisotropic layer.

[0134] The optically absorptive anisotropic layer has a central transmittance axis. Here, the term "central transmittance axis" refers to the direction that exhibits the highest transmittance when the transmittance is measured by changing the polar angle and azimuth angle relative to the normal direction of the optically absorptive anisotropic layer surface. Specifically, an AxoScan OPMF-2 (manufactured by OptoScience) is used to measure the Mueller matrix at a wavelength of 550 nm. More specifically, during measurement, the azimuth angle at which the central transmittance axis is tilted is first determined. Next, within a plane containing the normal direction of the optically absorptive anisotropic layer along that azimuth angle (a plane containing the central transmittance axis and perpendicular to the layer surface), the polar angle, which is the angle relative to the normal direction of the optically absorptive anisotropic layer surface, is changed in 1° increments from -70 to 70°, and the Mueller matrix at a wavelength of 550 nm is measured, thereby deriving the transmittance of the optically absorptive anisotropic layer. The resulting direction with the highest transmittance is designated the central transmittance axis. The central transmittance axis is also the absorption axis of the optically absorptive anisotropic layer, and in many cases corresponds to the direction of the absorption axis (the molecular long axis direction) of the dichroic material contained in the optically absorptive anisotropic layer. As described above, when light is incident from a direction tilted relative to the central transmittance axis, the central transmittance axis can function as an absorption axis.

[0135] [Optical Film] The optical film of the present invention is an optical film having the liquid crystal cured layer of the present invention. The structure of the optical film will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical film. Note that FIG. 1 is a schematic view, and the thickness relationships and positional relationships of the layers do not necessarily correspond to the actual ones, and the support and alignment film shown in FIG. 1 are both optional components.

[0136] The optical film 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes, in this order, a support 16, an alignment film 14, and a cured liquid crystal layer 12 as a cured product of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention. The cured liquid crystal layer 12 may also be a laminate of two or more different cured liquid crystal layers. For example, when the polarizing plate of the present invention described below is used as a circular polarizing plate, or when the optical film of the present invention is used as an optical compensation film for an IPS (In-Plane-Switching) or FFS (Fringe-Field-Switching) liquid crystal display device, a laminate of a positive A plate and a positive C plate is preferred. Alternatively, the cured liquid crystal layer may be peeled off from the support or alignment film and used alone as an optical film. Various components used in optical films are described in detail below.

[0137] [Liquid Crystal Cured Layer] The liquid crystal cured layer of the optical film of the present invention is the liquid crystal cured layer of the present invention described above. The thickness of the liquid crystal cured layer in the optical film is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 to 10 μm, more preferably 0.5 to 5 μm.

[0138] [Support] As described above, the optical film may have a support as a substrate for forming the liquid crystal cured layer. The support is preferably transparent. Specifically, it is preferable that the light transmittance is 80% or more.

[0139] Examples of the support include glass substrates and polymer films.The materials of the polymer film include cellulose polymers; acrylic polymers having acrylic acid ester polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate and lactone ring-containing polymers; thermoplastic norbornene polymers; polycarbonate polymers; polyester polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate; styrene polymers such as polystyrene and acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers (AS resin); polyolefin polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene and ethylene-propylene copolymers; vinyl chloride polymers; amide polymers such as nylon and aromatic polyamide; imide polymers; sulfone polymers; polyethersulfone polymers; polyetheretherketone polymers; polyphenylene sulfide polymers; vinylidene chloride polymers; vinyl alcohol polymers; vinyl butyral polymers; arylate polymers; polyoxymethylene polymers; epoxy polymers; and polymers made by mixing these polymers.In addition, the polarizer described below may also serve as such a support.

[0140] The thickness of the support is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 to 100 μm, more preferably 5 to 50 μm. The support is preferably peelable.

[0141] [Alignment film] In the optical film, the liquid crystal cured layer is preferably formed on the surface of the alignment film. When the optical film has any of the above-mentioned supports, the alignment film may be sandwiched between the support and the liquid crystal cured layer. In addition, the above-mentioned support may also serve as the alignment film.

[0142] The alignment film is not particularly limited as long as it has the function of aligning the polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the composition. The alignment film generally contains a polymer as its main component. Polymer materials for alignment films are described in many literatures, and many commercially available products are available. Preferred polymer materials for alignment films are polyvinyl alcohol, polyimide, or derivatives thereof, with modified or unmodified polyvinyl alcohol being more preferred.

[0143] It is also preferable to use a photo-alignment film as the alignment film, since it is possible to prevent the surface condition from being deteriorated by preventing contact with an object on the alignment film surface during the formation of the alignment film. The photo-alignment film is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include alignment films formed from polymer materials such as polyamide compounds and polyimide compounds described in paragraphs

[0024] to

[0043] of International Publication No. 2005 / 096041; liquid crystal alignment films formed from liquid crystal alignment agents having a cinnamoyl group described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-155308; and LPP-JP265CP, a product name manufactured by Rolic Technologies.

[0144] The thickness of the alignment film is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of reducing surface irregularities that may be present on the support and forming a liquid crystal cured layer with a uniform film thickness, the thickness is preferably 0.01 to 10 μm, more preferably 0.01 to 1 μm, and even more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 μm.

[0145] [Another Liquid Crystal Cured Layer] In the optical film, the liquid crystal cured layer of the present invention may be formed on the surface of another liquid crystal cured layer, or another liquid crystal cured layer may be formed on the surface of the liquid crystal cured layer of the present invention. Here, examples of the other liquid crystal cured layer include a liquid crystal cured layer obtained by fixing the liquid crystal composition of the present invention described above in a desired alignment state. Further examples include a liquid crystal cured layer (light absorption anisotropic film) obtained by fixing the alignment state of a composition containing the liquid crystal compound described above, a polymerization initiator, a dichroic material described above, a surfactant, a solvent, etc.

[0146] [Ultraviolet Absorber] The optical film may contain an ultraviolet (UV) absorber in consideration of the influence of external light (especially ultraviolet light). The ultraviolet absorber may be contained in the cured liquid crystal layer, or may be contained in a member other than the cured liquid crystal layer constituting the optical film. A suitable example of the member other than the cured liquid crystal layer is a support. Any conventionally known ultraviolet absorber capable of exhibiting ultraviolet absorption properties can be used as the ultraviolet absorber. Among such ultraviolet absorbers, benzotriazole-based or hydroxyphenyltriazine-based ultraviolet absorbers are preferred from the viewpoint of achieving high ultraviolet absorption and ultraviolet absorption ability (ultraviolet blocking ability) sufficient for use in image display devices. In addition, it is also preferred to use two or more ultraviolet absorbers with different maximum absorption wavelengths in combination in order to widen the ultraviolet absorption band.

[0147] Examples of ultraviolet absorbers include Tinuvin 400, Tinuvin 405, Tinuvin 460, Tinuvin 477, Tinuvin 479, and Tinuvin 1577 (all manufactured by BASF).

[0148] [Barrier Layer (Oxygen Barrier Layer)] The optical film of the present invention may have a barrier layer. Here, the barrier layer is also called a gas barrier layer (oxygen barrier layer), and has a function of protecting the optical film from gases such as oxygen in the atmosphere, moisture, or compounds contained in adjacent layers. The barrier layer is exemplified by the descriptions in paragraphs

[0014] to

[0054] of JP 2014-159124 A, paragraphs

[0042] to

[0075] of JP 2017-121721 A, paragraphs

[0045] to

[0054] of JP 2017-115076 A, paragraphs

[0010] to

[0061] of JP 2012-213938 A, paragraphs

[0021] to

[0031] of JP 2005-169994 A, and paragraphs

[0122] to

[0132] of WO 2020 / 045216.

[0149] [Polarizing Plate] The polarizing plate of the present invention includes the optical film of the present invention described above and a polarizer. When the liquid crystal cured layer (optically anisotropic layer) of the optical film is a positive A plate, from the viewpoint of suitable application to a circular polarizing plate, etc., the angle between the slow axis of the positive A plate and the absorption axis of the polarizer described below is preferably 30 to 60°, more preferably 40 to 50°, even more preferably 42 to 48°, and particularly preferably 45°. Here, the "slow axis" refers to the direction in which the refractive index is maximized in the plane of the liquid crystal cured layer, and the "absorption axis" of the polarizer refers to the direction in which the absorbance is highest. When the liquid crystal cured layer (optically anisotropic layer) of the optical film is the optically anisotropic layer A described above, from the viewpoint of suitable application to a circular polarizing plate, etc., the absolute value of the angle between the in-plane slow axis of the second region formed by fixing the alignment state of the homogeneously aligned liquid crystal compound and the absorption axis of the polarizer is preferably 5 to 25°, more preferably 10 to 20°. The polarizing plate can also be used as an optical compensation film for an IPS-type or FFS-type liquid crystal display device. When the polarizing plate is used as an optical compensation film for an IPS-type or FFS-type liquid crystal display device, the above-mentioned optically anisotropic layer is preferably used as at least one plate of a laminate of a positive A plate and a positive C plate, and the angle between the slow axis of the positive A plate layer and the absorption axis of a polarizer described later is preferably orthogonal or parallel. Specifically, the angle between the slow axis of the positive A plate layer and the absorption axis of the polarizer described later is more preferably 0 to 5° or 85 to 95°. When the polarizing plate of the present invention is used in an image display device described later, the angle between the slow axis of the liquid crystal cured layer and the absorption axis of the polarizer described later is preferably parallel or parallel. Note that in this specification, "parallel" does not require strict parallelism (an angle of 0°), but means that the angle between one side and the other is less than 10°. Furthermore, "orthogonal" does not require strict perpendicularity (the angle formed is 90°), but means that the angle formed between one side and the other side is greater than 80° and less than 100°.

[0150] [Polarizer] The polarizer is not particularly limited as long as it has the function of converting light into specific linearly polarized light, and conventionally known absorptive polarizers, reflective polarizers, and coated polarizers can be used. Examples of absorptive polarizers include iodine-based polarizers, dye-based polarizers using dichroic dyes, and polyene-based polarizers. Iodine-based polarizers and dye-based polarizers include coated polarizers and stretched polarizers, both of which are applicable. Polarizers manufactured by adsorbing iodine or a dichroic dye to polyvinyl alcohol and stretching the resulting material are preferred. Examples of coated polarizers include polarizers containing a cured liquid crystal compound and a dichroic dye. Examples of reflective polarizers include polarizers formed by laminating thin films with different birefringence, wire-grid polarizers, and polarizers combining a cholesteric liquid crystal with a selective reflection region and a quarter-wave plate.

[0151] The thickness of the polarizer is not particularly limited, but is preferably from 3 to 60 μm, more preferably from 3 to 30 μm, and even more preferably from 3 to 10 μm.

[0152] [Adhesive Layer] In a polarizing plate, an adhesive layer may be disposed between the liquid crystal cured layer in the optical film and the polarizer. Examples of materials for forming the adhesive layer used for laminating the cured product and the polarizer include members formed of substances having a ratio of storage modulus G' to loss modulus G" (tan δ = G" / G') measured with a dynamic viscoelasticity measuring device of 0.001 to 1.5, such as so-called adhesives and substances that tend to creep. Examples of adhesives include polyvinyl alcohol-based adhesives.

[0153] [Adhesive Layer] The polarizing plate may have an adhesive layer disposed between the liquid crystal cured layer and the polarizer in the optical film. The adhesive layer used to laminate the cured product and the polarizer is preferably a curable adhesive composition that cures upon irradiation with active energy rays or heating. Examples of curable adhesive compositions include curable adhesive compositions containing a cationically polymerizable compound and curable adhesive compositions containing a radically polymerizable compound. The thickness of the adhesive layer is preferably 0.01 to 20 μm, more preferably 0.01 to 10 μm, and even more preferably 0.05 to 5 μm. When the thickness of the adhesive layer is within this range, lifting or peeling is unlikely to occur between the laminated protective layer or liquid crystal cured layer and the polarizer. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing the generation of bubbles, the thickness of the adhesive layer is preferably 0.4 μm or more. For details of the adhesive layer, see, for example, paragraphs

[0062] to

[0080] of JP 2016-035579 A, ​​the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0154] [Easy-Adhesion Layer] The polarizing plate may have an easy-adhesion layer disposed between the cured liquid crystal layer and the polarizer in the optical film. From the viewpoint of excellent adhesion between the cured liquid crystal layer and the polarizer and further suppressing the occurrence of cracks in the polarizer, the easy-adhesion layer may have a storage modulus of 1.0 × 10 at 85°C. ６ ~1.0 x 10 ７ Pa is preferable. Constituent materials of the easy-adhesion layer include polyolefin-based components and polyvinyl alcohol-based components. The thickness of the easy-adhesion layer is preferably 500 nm to 1 μm. For the easy-adhesion layer, for example, paragraphs

[0048] to

[0053] of JP 2018-036345 A can be referred to, and the contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

[0155] [Image Display Device] The image display device of the present invention is an image display device having the optical film of the present invention or the polarizing plate of the present invention. The display element used in the image display device is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a liquid crystal cell, an organic electroluminescence (hereinafter referred to as "organic EL (Electro Luminescence)") display panel, and a plasma display panel, with a liquid crystal cell or an organic EL display panel being preferred.

[0156] [Liquid Crystal Display Device] A liquid crystal display device, which is an example of an image display device, is a liquid crystal display device having the above-described polarizing plate and a liquid crystal cell. Of the polarizing plates provided on both sides of the liquid crystal cell, it is preferable to use the above-described polarizing plate as the front-side polarizing plate, and it is more preferable to use the above-described polarizing plate as the front-side and rear-side polarizing plates.

[0157] <Liquid Crystal Cell> The liquid crystal cell used in the liquid crystal display device is preferably in VA (Vertical Alignment) mode, OCB (Opticaly Compensated Bend) mode, IPS (In-Plane-Switching) mode, FFS (Fringe-Field-Switching) mode, or TN (Twisted Nematic) mode.

[0158] [Organic EL Display Device] An example of an organic EL display device, which is an example of an image display device, includes, from the viewing side, a polarizer, a λ / 4 plate made of the above-mentioned cured liquid crystal layer, and an organic EL display panel, in this order. The organic EL display panel is a display panel configured using organic EL elements in which an organic light-emitting layer (organic electroluminescence layer) is sandwiched between electrodes (between a cathode and an anode). The configuration of the organic EL display panel is not particularly limited, and a known configuration may be adopted.

[0159] [Specific Copolymer] The present invention also relates to the following specific copolymer: A copolymer having a repeating unit A and a repeating unit B, wherein the repeating unit A is a repeating unit represented by formula (A1) or a repeating unit represented by formula (A2), and the repeating unit B is a repeating unit having at least one group selected from the group consisting of a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, an epoxy group, an oxetane group, and a (meth)acryloyl group. Note that the repeating unit represented by formula (A1), the repeating unit represented by formula (A2), and the repeating unit B are as described above, except that the specific group B is limited to certain groups.

[0160] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. The materials, amounts used, ratios, treatment details, and treatment procedures shown in the following examples can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the examples shown below.

[0161] [Synthesis of Raw Materials] [Copolymer B-1] 16.0 g of cyclohexanone / isopropanol = 8 / 2 (mass ratio) was placed in a 200 mL three-neck flask equipped with a stirrer, a condenser, a nitrogen inlet tube, and a thermometer, the internal temperature was raised to 80 °C, and the atmosphere was purged with nitrogen gas. A solution containing 31.5 g of the monomer forming repeating unit K-1 (Silaplane TM-0701T, manufactured by JNC Corporation), 4.4 g of the boronic acid monomer forming repeating unit H-28, 2.1 g of acrylic acid (manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), 1.1 g of 1,3-propanediol (manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), 0.6 g of 2,2'-azobis(isobutyrate)dimethyl (manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), and 72.2 g of cyclohexanone / isopropanol = 8 / 2 (mass ratio) was added dropwise over 3 hours. Further, 0.5 g of 2,2'-azobis(isobutyrate)dimethyl and a mixed solution of 7.3 g of cyclohexanone / isopropanol = 8 / 2 (weight ratio) were added, and after stirring at an internal temperature of 80 ° C. for 5 hours, 4.1 g of glycidyl methacrylate (manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), 1.5 g of tetrabutylammonium bromide (manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), 0.1 g of hydroquinone monomethyl ether (manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), and 16.8 g of cyclohexanone / isopropanol = 8 / 2 (weight ratio) were added, and the internal temperature was raised to 85 ° C., and the reaction was continued for 8 hours to obtain copolymer B-1. The weight average molecular weight of copolymer B-1 was 15,300, and the molecular weight distribution was 2.7. The weight average molecular weight and the molecular weight distribution were calculated in terms of polystyrene by gel permeation chromatography (EcoSEC HLC-8320GPC (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) using tetrahydrofuran as an eluent at a flow rate of 0.35 mL / min and a temperature of 40°C, and the columns used were TSKgel Super HZM-H, TSKgel Super HZ4000, and TSKgel Super HZ200 (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation)).

[0162] [Other Copolymers or Comparative Polymers] Copolymers other than copolymer B-1 and comparative polymer C-1 were obtained by the same method as copolymer B-1 or by reference to the method for copolymer B-1, except that the monomers and composition ratios forming the repeating units of the copolymers having the structures shown in the table below were changed. Comparative polymer C-1 is a polyether-modified silicone (FLOW425 manufactured by Evonik Tego Chemie), and comparative polymer C-2 is a polymer obtained by polymerization using only monomer K-1. The structures of each copolymer or comparative polymer are shown below.

[0163]

[0164] [Example 1] [Preparation of Optical Film] One side of a cycloolefin polymer film (trade name: Arton Film, manufactured by JSR Corporation, Re(550)=95 nm, Rth(550)=100 nm, thickness 25 μm) was subjected to a discharge of 125 W·min / m ２ Then, the liquid crystal composition (1) was applied to the corona-treated surface of the obtained cycloolefin polymer film using a #2.6 wire bar. To dry the solvent contained in the liquid crystal composition (1) and to ripen the liquid crystal compound, the film was heated with hot air at 70°C for 90 seconds. Then, under a nitrogen purge, the film was irradiated with ultraviolet light (irradiation dose: 300 mJ / cm) at an oxygen concentration of 100 ppm by volume at 40°C. ２ The alignment of the liquid crystal compound was fixed, and an optical film having a cured liquid crystal layer was produced. The thickness of the cured liquid crystal layer was 0.7 μm.

[0165]

[0166] Liquid crystal compound G1: a mixture of liquid crystal compounds, liquid crystal compound (RA): liquid crystal compound (RB): liquid crystal compound (RC) in a ratio of 83:15:2 (mass ratio)

[0167]

[0168] Alignment aid H1

[0169]

[0170] Boron compound J1

[0171]

[0172] Monomer K1: Viscoat #360 (manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd.) Polymerization initiator L1: OXE-01 (manufactured by BASF) PGEMA: propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate

[0173] [Preparation of Polarizing Plate] A cellulose acetate film (FUJITAC TD40UC, manufactured by FUJIFILM Corporation) was immersed in a 1.5 mol / L aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (saponification solution) adjusted to 37°C for 1 minute. The resulting cellulose acetate film was then washed with water, immersed in a 0.05 mol / L aqueous sulfuric acid solution for 30 seconds, and passed through a water washing bath. The film was then repeatedly drained three times using an air knife, and after the water was removed, it was retained in a drying zone at 70°C for 15 seconds and dried to produce a saponified cellulose acetate film. The resulting saponified cellulose acetate film was then continuously transported using guide rolls, immersed in a water bath at 30°C to swell to 1.5 times its original size, and stretched to a stretch ratio of 2 times. It was then immersed in a dye bath (30°C) containing iodine and potassium iodide for dyeing and stretching to a stretch ratio of 3 times. The film was then crosslinked and stretched in an acid bath (60°C) containing boric acid and potassium iodide to a stretch ratio of 6.5 times, and then dried at 50°C for 5 minutes to be stretched in the longitudinal direction to produce a polarizer with a thickness of 12 μm. Furthermore, an adhesive layer was formed on the surface of the prepared optical film facing the liquid crystal cured layer using a 3% by mass aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-117H, manufactured by Kuraray) as an adhesive, and the prepared polarizer was placed on the adhesive layer. The polarizer was positioned so that its absorption axis was parallel to the longitudinal direction of the optical film. An adhesive layer was then formed on the surface of the polarizer opposite the optical film side in the same manner as above, and the prepared saponified cellulose acetate film was placed on the adhesive layer, followed by roll-to-roll lamination to obtain a laminate. The obtained laminate was cured by drying at 70°C for 10 minutes to produce the polarizing plate of Example 1. The polarizing plate of Example 1 has an optical film (a cycloolefin polymer film and a cured liquid crystal layer), a polarizer, and a saponified cellulose acetate film in this order.

[0174] [Examples 2 to 19, 23 to 25 and Comparative Example] In Examples 2 to 19, 23 to 25 and Comparative Example, liquid crystal compositions were prepared and polarizing plates were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that copolymer B-1 in Example 1 was changed to the copolymers shown in the table below.

[0175] [Example 20] [Preparation of Optical Film] <Formation of Alignment Film> The following composition for forming an alignment film 1 was applied to the surface of a commercially available cellulose acylate film (TAC film, manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation, product name Fujitac TG40UL) using a wire bar. The support on which the coating film was formed was dried with hot air at 140°C for 120 seconds to form alignment film 1, thereby obtaining TAC film 1 with an alignment film. The thickness of the alignment film was 1 μm.

[0176] ------------------------------------------------------------------ (Composition 1 for forming alignment film) -------------------------------------------------- Polymer PA-1 (described below) 100.00 parts by mass Acid generator PAG-1 (described below) 8.25 parts by mass Stabilizer DIPEA (described below) 0.6 parts by mass Butyl acetate 1001.42 parts by mass Methyl ethyl ketone 250.36 parts by mass

[0177] Polymer PA-1 (wherein the numerical value for each repeating unit represents the content (mass%) of each repeating unit relative to all repeating units) (weight average molecular weight: 18,000)

[0178]

[0179] Acid generator PAG-1

[0180]

[0181] Stabilizer DIPEA

[0182]

[0183] <Formation of Light Absorption Anisotropic Layer> The following liquid crystal composition (22) was continuously applied using a wire bar onto the surface of the alignment film side of the obtained alignment film-attached TAC film 1, and the applied liquid crystal composition was heated at 120°C for 60 seconds and then cooled to room temperature (23°C). It was then heated at 85°C for 60 seconds and cooled again to room temperature. Thereafter, an LED (light-emitting diode) lamp (center wavelength 365 nm) was used to illuminate the liquid crystal composition at an illuminance of 200 mW / cm from the direction normal to the film.２ The alignment film was irradiated for 2 seconds under the irradiation conditions of 1.0 to 1.25, thereby forming an optically absorptive anisotropic layer 1 on the alignment film. The thickness of the optically absorptive anisotropic layer 1 was 4.5 μm.

[0184] Liquid crystal composition (22) ------------------------------------------------ 0.69 parts by mass of dichroic substance D-1 below 0.17 parts by mass of dichroic substance D-2 below 1.13 parts by mass of dichroic substance D-3 below 8.67 parts by mass of polymer liquid crystal compound P-1 below 1.97 parts by mass of liquid crystal compound G1 above 0.20 parts by mass of IRGACURE OXE-02 (manufactured by BASF) 0.16 parts by mass of alignment agent E-1 below 0.16 parts by mass of alignment agent E-2 below 0.007 parts by mass of copolymer B-1 above Cyclopentanone 78.17 parts by mass Benzyl alcohol 8.69 parts by mass

[0185] Dichroic substance D-1

[0186]

[0187] Dichroic substance D-2

[0188]

[0189] Dichroic substance D-3

[0190]

[0191] Polymer liquid crystal compound P-1 (weight average molecular weight: 18000)

[0192]

[0193] Orientation agent E-1

[0194]

[0195] Orientation agent E-2

[0196]

[0197] <Formation of Barrier Layer> The following barrier layer-forming composition 1 was continuously applied to the surface of the obtained optically absorptive anisotropic layer 1 using a wire bar to form a coating film. The support on which the coating film had been formed was then dried with hot air at 60°C for 60 seconds and then with hot air at 100°C for 120 seconds to form a barrier layer 1, thereby producing an optical film of Example 20. The thickness of the barrier layer was 0.5 μm. The optical film of Example 20 had a TAC film, alignment film 1, optically absorptive anisotropic layer 1, and barrier layer 1 in this order. When the transmittance central axis angle was measured using the method described above, the polar angle was 0°, confirming that the dichroic material contained in the optically absorptive anisotropic layer was vertically aligned.

[0198] ------------------------------------------------------------------ (Composition 1 for forming barrier layer) -------------------------------------------------- 3.88 parts by mass of modified polyvinyl alcohol PVA-1 shown below 0.20 parts by mass IRGACURE 2959 70 parts by mass Water 30 parts by mass Methanol ------------------------------------------------------------------

[0199] Modified polyvinyl alcohol PVA-1 (weight average molecular weight: 14,000)

[0200]

[0201] [Fabrication of Polarizing Plate] A polarizer and a polarizing plate were fabricated using the obtained optical film of Example 20 in the same manner as in Example 1. The obtained polarizing plate had, in this order, an optical film (TAC film, alignment film 1, light absorption anisotropic layer 1, and barrier layer 1), a polarizer, and a saponified cellulose acetate film.

[0202] [Example 21] An optical film of Example 21 was produced and a polarizing plate was obtained in the same manner as in Example 20, except that barrier layer-forming composition 1 in Example 20 was changed to the following barrier layer-forming composition 2. The transmittance central axis angle of the optical film of Example 21 was a polar angle of 0°.

[0203] ------------------------------------------------------------------ (Barrier layer-forming composition 2) ------------------------------------------------------------------ 3.88 parts by mass of the above-mentioned modified polyvinyl alcohol PVA-1 0.20 parts by mass IRGACURE 2959 0.0018 parts by mass of the following surfactant S-1 Water 70 parts by mass Methanol 30 parts by mass

[0204] Surfactant S-1

[0205]

[0206] [Example 22] An optical film of Example 22 was produced and a polarizing plate was obtained in the same manner as in Example 20, except that the liquid crystal composition (22) in Example 20 was changed to the following liquid crystal composition (23). The transmittance central axis angle of the optical film of Example 22 was a polar angle of 0°.

[0207] Liquid crystal composition (23) - 2.8 parts by mass of dichroic substance D-4 below 2.8 parts by mass of dichroic substance D-5 below 2.8 parts by mass of dichroic substance D-6 below 75 parts by mass of liquid crystal compound G-2 below 25 parts by mass of liquid crystal compound G-3 below 6 parts by mass of IRGACURE 369 (manufactured by BASF) 0.3 parts by mass of copolymer B-1 above 250 parts by mass of o-xylene -

[0208] Dichroic substance D-4

[0209]

[0210] Dichroic substance D-5

[0211]

[0212] Dichroic substance D-6

[0213]

[0214] Liquid crystal compound G-2

[0215]

[0216] Liquid crystal compound G-3

[0217]

[0218] [Evaluation] [Evaluation of Leveling Property] The static surface tension of each liquid crystal composition listed in the table below was measured twice using a static surface tensiometer (model number: CBVP-Z) manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd., and the average value was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. The lower the static surface tension value, the better the leveling property, and a rating of B or higher is preferable. "A": Less than 26.0 mN / m "B": 26.0 mN / m or more but less than 26.5 mN / m "C": 26.5 mN / m or more but less than 27.5 mN / m "D": 27.5 mN / m or more but less than 28.5 mN / m "E": 28.5 mN / m or more

[0219] [Compatibility Evaluation] Compatibility was evaluated using a compatibility evaluation composition. A compatibility evaluation composition (1) with a solids concentration of 45% by mass was obtained by adjusting only the amount of solvent used in the above liquid crystal composition (1). Compatibility evaluation compositions (2) to (27) corresponding to liquid crystal compositions (2) to (27), respectively, were prepared using the same procedure as above, and their compatibility was evaluated. The absorbance of each compatibility evaluation composition was measured using a Shimadzu ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared spectrophotometer (model: UV-2600) with a cell length of 10 mm, a measurement wavelength range of 500 to 700 nm, a high-speed scan speed, a sampling pitch of 1 nm, and a slit width of 1 mm. The absorbance at a wavelength of 660 nm was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. The above absorbance values ​​were measured using a reference composition containing the same components as the compatibility evaluation composition in the same amounts except that it did not contain the copolymer. The lower the absorbance value, the better the compatibility, and a rating of C or higher is preferable. "A": Less than 0.03 "B": 0.03 or more, less than 0.06 "C": 0.06 or more, less than 0.15 "D": 0.15 or more, less than 0.30 "E": 0.30 or more

[0220] [Adhesion] Adhesion was evaluated by the cross-cut method described in JIS-K-5600-5-6-1. For each polarizing plate prepared, 100 grids were cut at 1 mm intervals on the surface of the optical film, and an adhesion test was performed using cellophane tape (manufactured by Nichiban Co., Ltd.). The cellophane tape was peeled off, and the results were evaluated according to the following criteria. Note that, in Examples 1 to 19 and 23 to 25, the grids were prepared by cutting from the cycloolefin polymer film (support) side of the optical film until they reached the surface of the polarizer, while in Examples 20 to 22, they were prepared by cutting from the TAC film (support) side of the optical film until they reached the surface of the barrier layer 1. Note that if the evaluation result was any of Rating A, Rating B, or Rating C, there was no practical problem, and Rating A was preferred. "A": 100 squares with no peeling in the grid. "B": 60 to 99 squares with no peeling in the grid. "C": 40 to 59 squares with no peeling in the grid. "D": 20 to 39 squares with no peeling in the grid. "E": 19 or fewer squares with no peeling in the grid.

[0221] The evaluation results are shown in the table below. In the column "Formula (A1), Formula (A2)" of "Repeating unit A," if it is "Formula (A1)," it indicates that the repeating unit A of the copolymer or comparative polymer corresponds to the repeating unit represented by formula (A1), and if it is "Formula (A2)," it indicates that the repeating unit A of the copolymer or comparative polymer corresponds to the repeating unit represented by formula (A2). In the column "Substituent" of "Repeating unit A," if it is "SI," it indicates that the repeating unit A has a substituent SI, if it is "LQ," it indicates that the repeating unit A has a substituent LQ, and if it is "LR," it indicates that the repeating unit A has a substituent LR. The column "Specific group B" of "Repeating unit B" indicates the type of specific group B. The column "Type" of "Repeating unit C" indicates the type of repeating unit C, and "AA" indicates a repeating unit derived from acrylic acid (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.). The "Type" column for "Repeating Unit D" indicates the type of repeating unit D, and "PEGMA" indicates a repeating unit derived from methoxypolyethylene glycol methacrylate (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd.). "Mw" indicates the weight-average molecular weight of the copolymer or comparative polymer. The method for measuring the weight-average molecular weight is as described above. The "mol %" of each repeating unit indicates the content (mol %) of each repeating unit relative to the total repeating units of the copolymer or comparative polymer.

[0222]

[0223] From the results shown in Table 1 above, it was found that when the liquid crystal composition did not contain the specific copolymer, at least one of the leveling property, compatibility, and adhesive property was poor (Comparative Examples 1 and 2).

[0224] In contrast, when the liquid crystal composition contains a specific copolymer, it was found to be excellent in leveling property, compatibility, and adhesiveness (Examples 1 to 22).

[0225] It was found that when the weight average molecular weight of the specific copolymer is 8,000 or more and less than 80,000, the leveling property or compatibility is more excellent (Examples 1 to 5).

[0226] It was found that when the content of the repeating unit A was 40 to 70 mol % based on the total repeating units of the specific copolymer, the leveling property or compatibility was better (Examples 6 to 9).

[0227] Furthermore, it was found that when the content of the repeating unit A was 30 to 80 mol % based on the total repeating units of the specific copolymer, the compatibility was better (Examples 1, 6 to 9).

[0228] It was found that when the repeating unit B has at least two groups selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, an epoxy group, an oxetane group, a vinyl group, and a (meth)acryloyl group, the adhesiveness was better (Examples 1, 10 to 12).

[0229] It was found that when the repeating unit B is a group having at least one group selected from the group consisting of a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, a vinyl group, and a (meth)acryloyl group, the adhesiveness was better (Examples 1, 10 to 12, and 15).

[0230] It was found that when the repeating unit A is a repeating unit represented by formula (a1) (when the repeating unit A is a repeating unit represented by formula (A1) and Rh in formula (A1) is a substituent SI), the leveling property is more excellent (Examples 1, 17, and 18).

[0231] 10 Optical film 12 Liquid crystal cured layer 14 Alignment film 16 Support

Claims

1. A liquid crystal composition comprising a copolymer including a repeating unit A and a repeating unit B, and a liquid crystal compound, the repeating unit A is a repeating unit represented by formula (A1) or a repeating unit represented by formula (A2), the repeating unit B is a repeating unit having at least one group selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, a boronic acid amide group, an epoxy group, an oxetane group, a vinyl group, a styryl group, a (meth)acryloyl group, and a maleimide group; The content of the repeating unit A is 30 to 80 mol % based on the total repeating units of the copolymer. 【Chemistry 1】 In formula (A1), R １１ and R １２ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. R １３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. L １１ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Rh represents a substituent having two or more groups represented by formula (S) and having no fluorine atom, or a hydrocarbon group having 10 or more carbon atoms and two or more terminal methyl groups. In formula (A2), R ２１ and R ２２ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. R ２３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. L ２１ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. L ２２ represents an (n+1)-valent linking group having a hetero atom. X represents an alkyl group having 5 to 40 carbon atoms and having two or more terminal methyl groups. n represents an integer of 2 or more. However, the multiple Xs may be the same or different. 【Chemistry 2】 In formula (S), * indicates the bond position. R ３１ , R ３２ and R ３３ each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an alkylenearyl group. However, among the substituents having two or more groups represented by formula (S) and having no fluorine atom, a plurality of R ３１ may be the same or different, and multiple R ３２ may be the same or different, and multiple R ３３ may be the same or different.

2. A liquid crystal composition comprising a copolymer including a repeating unit A and a repeating unit B, and a liquid crystal compound, the repeating unit A is a repeating unit represented by formula (A1) or a repeating unit represented by formula (A2), the repeating unit B is a repeating unit having at least one group selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, a boronic acid amide group, an epoxy group, an oxetane group, a vinyl group, a styryl group, a (meth)acryloyl group, and a maleimide group; The copolymer may further contain other repeating units, the other repeating unit is a repeating unit derived from at least one compound selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylic acid, an acrylic acid ester compound, a methacrylic acid ester compound, a maleimide compound, an acrylamide compound, acrylonitrile, maleic anhydride, a styrene compound, and a vinyl compound; The liquid crystal composition, wherein the total content of the repeating unit A, the repeating unit B and the other repeating units is 99 to 100 mol % based on the total repeating units of the copolymer. 【Chemistry 1】 In formula (A1), R １１ and R １２ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. R １３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. L １１ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Rh represents a substituent having two or more groups represented by formula (S) and having no fluorine atom, or a hydrocarbon group having 10 or more carbon atoms and two or more terminal methyl groups. In formula (A2), R ２１ and R ２２ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. R ２３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. L ２１ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. L ２２ represents an (n+1)-valent linking group having a hetero atom. X represents an alkyl group having 5 to 40 carbon atoms and having two or more terminal methyl groups. n represents an integer of 2 or more. However, the multiple Xs may be the same or different. 【Chemistry 2】 In formula (S), * indicates the bond position. R ３１ , R ３２ and R ３３ each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an alkylenearyl group. However, among the substituents having two or more groups represented by formula (S) and having no fluorine atom, a plurality of R ３１ may be the same or different, and multiple R ３２ may be the same or different, and multiple R ３３ may be the same or different.

3. 3. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the repeating unit B is a repeating unit represented by formula (B1). 【Transformation 3】 In formula (B1), R ４１ and R ４２ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. R ４３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. L ４１ is —O— or —NR Ｚ - represents. Ｚ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. L ４２ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Rk represents a group having at least one group selected from the group consisting of a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, an epoxy group, an oxetane group, a vinyl group, and a (meth)acryloyl group.

4. 3. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the repeating unit A is a repeating unit represented by formula (a1). 【Chemistry 4】 In formula (a1), R ５１ and R ５２ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. R ５３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. L ５１ represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. L ５２ represents an (m+1)-valent linking group that does not contain a fluorine atom. R ３１ , R ３２ and R ３３ each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an alkylenearyl group, provided that multiple R ３１ may be the same or different, and multiple R ３２ may be the same or different, and multiple R ３３ may be the same or different. m represents an integer of 2 or more.

5. 3. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the weight average molecular weight of the copolymer is 8,000 or more and less than 80,000.

6. 3. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the repeating unit B has at least two groups selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, an epoxy group, an oxetane group, a vinyl group, and a (meth)acryloyl group.

7. 3. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the content of the repeating unit A is 40 to 70 mol % based on the total repeating units of the copolymer.

8. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid crystal compound is a polymerizable liquid crystal compound.

9. 9. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 8, wherein the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is at least one polymerizable liquid crystal compound selected from the group consisting of polymerizable rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds and polymerizable discotic liquid crystal compounds.

10. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a dichroic material.

11. A liquid crystal cured layer obtained by fixing the alignment state of the liquid crystal compound in the liquid crystal composition according to claim 1 or 2.

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

13. A polarizing plate comprising the optical film according to claim 12 and a polarizer.

14. An image display device comprising the optical film according to claim 12.

15. A copolymer having a repeating unit A and a repeating unit B, the repeating unit A is a repeating unit represented by formula (A1) or a repeating unit represented by formula (A2), the repeating unit B is a repeating unit having at least one group selected from the group consisting of a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, an epoxy group, an oxetane group, and a (meth)acryloyl group, A copolymer, wherein the content of the repeating unit A is 30 to 80 mol % based on the total repeating units of the copolymer. 【Transformation 5】 In formula (A1), R １１ and R １２ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. R １３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. L １１ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Rh represents a substituent having two or more groups represented by formula (S) and having no fluorine atom, or a hydrocarbon group having 10 or more carbon atoms and two or more terminal methyl groups. In formula (A2), R ２１ and R ２２ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. R ２３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. L ２１ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. L ２２ represents an (n+1)-valent linking group having a hetero atom. X represents an alkyl group having 5 to 40 carbon atoms and having two or more terminal methyl groups. n represents an integer of 2 or more. However, the multiple Xs may be the same or different. 【Transformation 6】 In formula (S), * indicates the bond position. R ３１ , R ３２ and R ３３ each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an alkylenearyl group. However, among the substituents having two or more groups represented by formula (S) and having no fluorine atom, a plurality of R ３１ may be the same or different, and multiple R ３２ may be the same or different, and multiple R ３３ may be the same or different.

16. A copolymer having a repeating unit A and a repeating unit B, the repeating unit A is a repeating unit represented by formula (A1) or a repeating unit represented by formula (A2), the repeating unit B is a repeating unit having at least one group selected from the group consisting of a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester group, an epoxy group, an oxetane group, and a (meth)acryloyl group, The copolymer may further contain other repeating units, the other repeating unit is a repeating unit derived from at least one compound selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylic acid, an acrylic acid ester compound, a methacrylic acid ester compound, a maleimide compound, an acrylamide compound, acrylonitrile, maleic anhydride, a styrene compound, and a vinyl compound; A copolymer in which the total content of the repeating unit A, the repeating unit B and the other repeating units is 99 to 100 mol % based on the total repeating units of the copolymer. 【Transformation 5】 In formula (A1), R １１ and R １２ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. R １３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. L １１ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Rh represents a substituent having two or more groups represented by formula (S) and having no fluorine atom, or a hydrocarbon group having 10 or more carbon atoms and two or more terminal methyl groups. In formula (A2), R ２１ and R ２２ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. R ２３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. L ２１ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. L ２２ represents an (n+1)-valent linking group having a hetero atom. X represents an alkyl group having 5 to 40 carbon atoms and having two or more terminal methyl groups. n represents an integer of 2 or more. However, the multiple Xs may be the same or different. 【Transformation 6】 In formula (S), * indicates the bond position. R ３１ , R ３２ and R ３３ each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an alkylenearyl group. However, among the substituents having two or more groups represented by formula (S) and having no fluorine atom, a plurality of R ３１ may be the same or different, and multiple R ３２ may be the same or different, and multiple R ３３ may be the same or different.

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