Liquid crystal alignment agent and liquid crystal display element

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal alignment agent, comprising a polymer obtained by polymerization of polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon groups, and comprising at least one solvent selected from keto acid alkyl esters and dicarboxylic acid dialkyl esters.

Description

Liquid crystal alignment agent and liquid crystal display element This invention relates to a liquid crystal alignment agent used in the fabrication of a liquid crystal alignment film, and a liquid crystal display element using the liquid crystal alignment agent. In recent years, liquid crystal display (LCD) elements have been widely used in mobile phones, computer and television displays. LCD elements are characterized by their thinness, light weight, and low power consumption, and are expected to be applied to VR (Virtual Reality), ultra-high-resolution displays, and more in the future. Regarding the display methods of LCDs, various display methods have been proposed, including TN (Twisted Nematic), IPS (In-Plane Switching), and VA (Vertical Alignment). All of these display methods use a film (liquid crystal alignment film) to induce the liquid crystal into a desired alignment state. In particular, products with touch panels, such as tablet PCs, smartphones, and smart TVs, prefer to use the IPS mode, which is less likely to be disturbed when touched. In recent years, in order to improve contrast and viewing angle characteristics, liquid crystal display elements using FFS (Frind Field Switching) and liquid crystal alignment technology using photo-alignment method have been adopted. However, the FFS method has the following drawbacks: compared to the IPS method, the substrate manufacturing cost is higher, and a display defect unique to the FFS mode, known as Vcom offset, can occur. Furthermore, while photoalignment has advantages over rubbing alignment, such as easier adaptation to device scaling and significantly improved display characteristics, it also has inherent problems (if photodecomposition materials are used, the display defects arise from the decomposed materials; if isomerization materials are used, burn-in occurs due to insufficient alignment force). To address these issues, liquid crystal display device manufacturers and liquid crystal alignment film manufacturers are currently making various efforts. In recent years, a liquid crystal switching device with alignment memory properties without a switching threshold has been reported. It has been found that by forming a polymer-liquid interfacial interface (a fully permeable liquid-liquid interface) at the interface between the liquid crystal and the substrate in the liquid crystal cell, a "zero-plane anchoring" state without alignment regulation force in the in-plane direction can be achieved (see Patent Document 1). One approach proposed is a weakly anchored IPS method that utilizes weak anchoring technology. Compared to conventional IPS methods, this approach can achieve improved contrast ratio and significantly lower voltage driving (see Non-Patent Literature 1). The weakly anchored IPS method is fabricated by using a liquid crystal alignment film with strong anchoring energy on one side of the substrate, and an organic thin film with no anchoring energy applied on the other side of the substrate (which has an electrode that generates a transverse electric field). In recent years, some people have used a weak anchoring IPS method that involves directly setting a thick polymer brush on the substrate (see Patent Document 2). Furthermore, regarding other methods, one has proposed a weakly anchored IPS method using a liquid crystal alignment film capable of generating photoradicals and a compound that can be polymerized by free radicals, and irradiating the liquid crystal with UV light to induce a free radical reaction, thereby achieving weak anchoring (see Patent Document 3). This technology achieves improved contrast ratio, significantly lower voltage driving, high-speed response, and reduced burn-in in a mass-producible manner. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-84536 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-231757 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2019 / 004433 [Non-Patent Documents] [Non-Patent Literature 1] Sato O, Iwata N, Kawamura J, Maeda T, Tsujii Y, Watanabe J and Tokita M, J. Mater. Chem. C5 4384-7 (2017). [The problem the invention aims to solve] The method of directly applying a thick polymer brush to a substrate (Patent Document 2) is complex due to the need for surface treatment steps to create reaction sites on the substrate and steps to allow the polymer to grow from these reaction sites. Furthermore, the high degree of deoxidation required necessitates strict environmental control, making it technically challenging and impractical for mass production. Another method has been proposed to obtain weakly anchored IPS display elements by coating a bottle brush polymer with anchoring sites onto a substrate. However, the manufacture of bottle brush polymers involves the use of macromolecular monomers with polymerization initiation sites, all produced using living radical polymerization, leading to difficulties in large-scale supply. Additionally, bottle brush polymers lack solvent selectivity, exhibiting low solubility for commonly used solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and γ-butyrolactone (GBL), which is considered a significant challenge in conventional coating processes. Structurally, they also lack adhesion to sealants and substrates, thus requiring solutions to these problems. The inventors of this case proposed block copolymers, which contain block segments that are insoluble in liquid crystals or do not dissolve upon heating, as well as block segments that are compatible with liquid crystals, for materials exhibiting weak anchoring properties (see Japanese Patent Application 2021-96448). However, the aforementioned bottle brush polymers and block copolymers lack solubility for NMP (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone) and GBL (γ-butyrolactone), commonly used liquid crystal alignment agents (agents used to form liquid crystal alignment films). Although they may show solubility, precipitation or gelation may occur during storage. If these solvents are used for coating, pinholes and spots are likely to appear. Furthermore, the block segments that are compatible with liquid crystals in the aforementioned block copolymers are non-polar in structure and have low viscosity. Therefore, the coating uniformity of the liquid crystal alignment film, especially the coating properties at the ends, is easily reduced, and the ends of the liquid crystal alignment film are not straight or tend to become raised. Because of these factors, it is difficult to form high-quality coatings using flexographic printing or inkjet printing methods employed in the liquid crystal alignment agent coating process. Therefore, even if a weakly anchored IPS display element achieves good characteristics, it may still be impossible to manufacture panels for televisions, smartphones, etc., in the actual manufacturing process. It is believed that if such a technical challenge can be solved, panel manufacturers will have a significant advantage in terms of cost, as well as in terms of power consumption reduction and image quality improvement. This invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems and provides a weakly anchored liquid crystal alignment agent that can form a higher-quality coating compared to conventional methods; a weakly anchored IPS display element using this liquid crystal alignment agent; and a transverse electric field liquid crystal display element that can stably achieve high-speed response under both low-voltage driving and voltage-off conditions without pretilt angle even in narrow cell gaps, while also reducing burn-in and achieving high backlight transmittance and low-voltage driving in low-temperature environments. [Solution to the Problems] The inventors of this case have diligently researched and developed a method to solve the aforementioned problems, and discovered that by using a specific solvent as a solvent for liquid crystal alignment agents, these problems can be resolved. Thus, this invention, which includes the following key points, is completed. [1] A liquid crystal alignment agent comprising a polymer obtained by polymerization of a polymeric unsaturated hydrocarbon group, and comprising at least one solvent selected from keto alkyl esters and dialkyl esters of dicarboxylic acids. [2] As in [1], the liquid crystal alignment agent wherein the polymeric group having the polymeric unsaturated hydrocarbon group is selected from at least one of (meth)acrylic, allyl, vinylphenyl and maleimino. [3] Liquid crystal alignment agents such as [1] or [2], wherein the keto acid in the aforementioned keto alkyl ester is any one of pyruvic acid, acetic acid, and acetopropionic acid; the dicarboxylic acid in the aforementioned dicarboxylic acid dialkyl ester is any one of malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, phthalic acid, and maleic acid; and the alkyl groups of the aforementioned keto alkyl ester and the aforementioned dicarboxylic acid dialkyl ester are alkyl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. [4] Liquid crystal alignment agent as in [1] or [2], wherein the keto acid in the aforementioned keto acid alkyl ester is acetylpropionic acid, the dicarboxylic acid in the aforementioned keto acid alkyl ester is any one of succinic acid, glutaric acid, and adipic acid, and the alkyl group of the aforementioned keto acid alkyl ester and the aforementioned dicarboxylic acid dialkyl ester is an alkyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms. [5] The liquid crystal alignment agent of any one of [1] to [4] is used to form the liquid crystal alignment film of the aforementioned liquid crystal cell having liquid crystal and liquid crystal alignment film. The aforementioned polymer is selected from at least one of the following polymers (α) and polymers (β), and is used for weak anchoring. Polymer (α): is a block copolymer having block segments (A) that are mutually compatible with the aforementioned liquid crystal and block segments (B) that are not mutually compatible with the aforementioned liquid crystal or are insoluble in the aforementioned liquid crystal due to calcination. Polymer (β): is a graft copolymer having a dry polymer and a branch polymer that is bonded to the aforementioned dry polymer as a side chain of the aforementioned dry polymer. The aforementioned branch polymer is mutually compatible with the aforementioned liquid crystal, and the aforementioned dry polymer is not mutually compatible with the aforementioned liquid crystal or is insoluble in the aforementioned liquid crystal due to calcination. [6] As in [5], the liquid crystal alignment agent, wherein the aforementioned block segment (A) in the polymer (α) contains at least one of the following compounds selected from the group consisting of the following compounds: the compound represented by formula (2), the compound represented by formula (3), the compound represented by formula (5), and the compound represented by formula (7), the aforementioned block segment (B) in the polymer (α) contains the following compound represented by formula (8) as a constituent component, the branch polymer in the aforementioned polymer (β) is derived from the macromolecular monomer represented by formula (1), and the dry polymer in the aforementioned polymer (β) contains the following compound represented by formula (8) as a constituent component, [Chemistry 1] In formula (1), P represents a polymerizable group having a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group, Q is a structure obtained by polymerizing a monomer containing at least one of the compounds represented by formulas (2), (3), (5), and (7), and n is an integer from 1 to 2. When n is 2, the two Qs can be the same or different. [Chemistry 2] In formula (2), M represents a polymerizable group with a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group, X represents a single bond, ether bond, ester bond, amide bond, carbamate bond, urea bond, or thioether bond, and R represents a polymerizable group. 1 indicates that an alkyl group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms can also be inserted, and n is an integer from 1 to 2. When n is 2, there are 2 X and R atoms. 1. They can be the same or different. [Chemistry 3] In formula (3), M represents a polymerizable group with a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group, S represents a single bond or a saturated hydrocarbon group with 1 to 6 carbons that can also have a bonding group inserted, T represents the organic group represented by formula (4) below, n is an integer from 1 to 2, when n is 2, the two Ts can be the same or different, but when n is 2, S represents a saturated hydrocarbon group with 1 to 6 carbons that can also have a bonding group inserted, [Chemistry 4] In formula (4), * represents the bonding site, and X represents a single bond, ether bond, ester bond, amide bond, carbamate bond, urea bond, thioether bond, -Si(R) bond, etc. 1)(R 2)-(R 1 and R 2 (each independently represents an alkyl group bonded to Si), -Si(R) 3)(R 4)-O-(R 3 and R 4. Each independently represents an alkyl group bonded to Si, and N(R) 5)-(R 5 represents a bonded group (bonded to a hydrogen atom of N or an alkyl group), Cy represents a non-aromatic cyclic group with a 6-20 member ring, [Chem. 5] In formula (5), M represents a polymerizable group with a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group, and R 1 represents a straight-chain or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and each of the three X's independently represents a hydrogen atom or the following formula (6), except that at least one of the three X's represents formula (6), [Chemistry 6] In formula (6), Y represents a single bond, -O-, -S-, or -N(R)- (R represents a hydrogen atom bonded to N or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms), * represents the bonding site, and R 2. R 3 and R 4. Each group independently represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or may also have substituents, of an aromatic hydrocarbon group, [Chem. 7] In formula (7), M represents a polymerizable group with a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group, and R 1~R 3 represents a single bond, or an alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms that may have a bonded group inserted; Ar represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group that may also have substituents; X 1 and X 2. Each can independently represent a hydrogen atom, or may have a substituent aromatic hydrocarbon group, or R. 1X 1 and R 2X 2 and bonded to R 1X 1 and R 2X The two carbon atoms together form a ring, but R 1X 1. R 2X 2 and R The total number of carbon atoms in the three elements is 1 or more, [Chem. 8] In equation (8), M represents a polymerizable group with a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group, n is an integer from 1 to 2, Z represents the group represented by equation (9) below, and when n is 2, the two Zs can be the same or different. [Chemistry 9] In formula (9), L represents a group selected from amino, protected amino, aniline, protected aniline, hydroxyl, protected hydroxyl, phenol, protected phenol, thiol, protected thiol, thiophenol, protected thiophenol, carboxyl, protected carboxyl, benzoic acid, protected benzoic acid, isocyanate, protected isocyanate, cyclic ether with 2-5 carbon atoms, maleimino, carboxylic anhydride, N-hydroxysuccinimino, acezolinyl, trialkoxysilyl, vinyl, allyl, styryl, α-hydroxyacetophenone, α-aminoalkylphenylphenone, oxime ester, acetophosphine oxide, cinnamic acid, cinnamic ester, azophenyl, The functional group can be one of the following: N-benzylidene aniline, stilbene, diphenylethynyl, phenylbenzoate, aromatic hydrocarbon group with 5 to 18 carbon atoms that may be inserted into the bonding group, or aromatic heterocyclic group with 5 to 18 carbon atoms that may be inserted into the bonding group. J represents a single bond or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms. When K is bonded to an aromatic hydrocarbon group, it represents a linking group selected from single bonds, ether bonds, ester bonds, amide bonds, urea bonds, carbamate bonds, and thioether bonds. In other cases, it represents a single bond. * indicates the bonding site. m is an integer from 1 to 3. When m is 2 or 3, multiple K and L can be the same or different. However, when J is a single bond, m is 1. [7] As in [6], the liquid crystal alignment agent, wherein P in the aforementioned formula (1) is any of the following structures, M in the aforementioned formula (2) is any of the following structures, M in the aforementioned formula (3) is any of the following structures, M in the aforementioned formula (5) is any of the following structures, M in the aforementioned formula (7) is any of the following structures, M in the aforementioned formula (8) is any of the following structures, [Chemical 10] In the formula, R 1 and R 2 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms; X, Y, and Z each independently represent an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; *, * 1 and* 2 Indicates the bonding location, * 1 and* 2 One of them can also be replaced by a hydrogen atom or a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. [8] A liquid crystal display element is obtained using a liquid crystal alignment agent as described in any one of [1] to [7]. [Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention, a stable liquid crystal alignment film can be manufactured in a much simpler way compared to conventional techniques, thus reducing the step load applied during actual industrialization and improving yield. By using the materials and methods of the present invention, compared to conventional techniques, a liquid crystal alignment agent with excellent stability of the constituent solution, significantly improved coating properties due to flexographic printing, and high linearity and small end protrusions of the obtained liquid crystal alignment film can be provided. (Liquid Crystal Orientation Agent) The liquid crystal orientation agent of the present invention contains a polymer obtained by polymerization of polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon groups, and contains at least one selected from keto acid alkyl esters and dicarboxylic acid dialkyl esters as a solvent. When the liquid crystal alignment agent of the present invention is a strongly anchored liquid crystal alignment agent, the polymer used, obtained by polymerization of polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon groups (hereinafter also referred to as the specific polymer), preferably has liquid crystal alignment groups. The liquid crystal alignment groups are preferably groups having photoalignment sites. To introduce liquid crystal alignment groups into a specific polymer, there are methods for polymerizing monomers containing monomers having liquid crystal alignment groups, and methods for reacting a polymer that serves as a precursor of a specific polymer with a compound subsequently having liquid crystal alignment groups. The case where the liquid crystal alignment group is a photoalignment group is explained below. In the liquid crystal alignment agent of this embodiment, the photoaligning group refers to a group having a photoaligning site. The photoaligning site refers to a functional group of a structural site of photodimerization or photoisomerization. The structural sites of photodimerization refer to the sites where dimers are formed due to light irradiation. Specific examples include cinnamyl, chalcone, coumarin, and anthracene. Among these, considering the high degree of transparency in the visible light region and the high degree of photodimerization reactivity, cinnamyl is preferable. Photoisomerization refers to structural sites that change into cis and trans forms upon light irradiation. Specific examples include sites composed of azobenzene and stilbene structures. Among these, the azobenzene structure is preferable considering its high reactivity. More specifically, in this invention, compounds used to introduce photoalignment groups into specific polymers can be exemplified by compounds represented by formula (a1). [Chemical 11] In the formula, X represents a polymerizable group, hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, or amide group (-CO-NH). 2) or amino group, L represents a single bond or an alkyl group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms, Y represents a single bond, -O-, -COO- or -OCO-, and A represents a photoalignment group. As an ideal basis for the photoorientation basis A in equation (a1), equations (A-1) to (A-4) can be listed below. [Chemistry 12] In formulas (A-1), (A-2), (A-3), and (A-4), Q represents a group selected from hydroxyl, alkoxy (1-5 carbon atoms), amino, alkylamino (1-5 carbon atoms), phenoxy, biphenyloxy, and epoxypropoxy. 1 and Q 5 Each can independently represent a single bond, -O-, -COO-, or -OCO-, Q 2 and Q 6 Each Q independently represents any one of aromatic rings, aliphatic rings, and alkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. n and m independently represent 0, 1, 2, or 3. When n or m is 2 or 3, multiple Qs... 1 Q 2 Q 5 and Q 6 They can be the same or different, Q 3 Q represents any of the following: -O-, -S-, -NH-, aromatic rings, and aliphatic rings. 4 G represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a haloalkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a haloalkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 8 carbon atoms. 1 and G 2 Each can be represented independently as N or CH. Dashed lines represent atomic bonds. Furthermore, in these compounds, the hydrogen atoms bonded to the benzene ring may also be substituted with substituents selected from alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, and isobutyl; haloalkyl groups such as trifluoromethyl; alkoxy groups such as methoxy and ethoxy; halogen atoms such as iodine, bromine, chlorine, and fluorine; cyano; and nitro. In formula (a1), when X is a polymerizable group, the polymerizable group can be represented by the following groups PG1 to PG6. [Chemistry 13] M in formula PG1 1 This represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. Dashed lines indicate atomic bonds. For certain polymers, a weight average molecular weight of 3,000 to 200,000 is preferred. <Monomers with Photoalignment Groups> A method for synthesizing specific polymers is preferably a method of polymerizing a mixture of monomers containing monomers with photoalignment groups. As monomers with photoalignment groups for obtaining specific polymers, compounds from the above-mentioned compound (a1) with photoalignment groups of (A-1), (A-2), (A-3), or (A-4) and polymerizable groups of PG1 to PG6 are preferred, especially compounds with polymerizable groups of PG1. <Monomers with thermally crosslinking groups> Monomer mixtures used to obtain specific polymers may also contain monomers with thermally crosslinking sites. By copolymerizing monomers with thermally crosslinking groups, and further containing crosslinking agents as needed, the strength of the film can be improved. Monomers with such thermally crosslinking groups are preferably compounds in which a polymerizable group of any of the above-mentioned PG1 to PG6 is bonded with a 2-4 carbon hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyphenyl, 2-4 carbon aminoalkyl, or tris(1-2 carbon alkoxy)siloxypropyl group, especially compounds with a polymerizable group of PG1. Furthermore, as a monomer for obtaining a specific polymer with thermally cross-linked sites, the aforementioned PG1 monomer with hydrogen atoms is also ideal. <Liquidity-sensitive side-chain monomer> A mixture of monomers used to obtain a specific polymer may also contain liquid-sensitive side-chain monomers. A liquid-sensitive side-chain monomer refers to a monomer from which the polymer exhibits liquid crystal properties and which can form a mesogen group at the side chain site. More specific examples of liquid-sensitive side-chain monomers are preferably those having a polymerizable group composed of at least one of the following free radical polymerizable groups: hydrocarbons, (meth)acrylates, itaconic acid esters, fumarates, maleates, α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone, styrene, vinyl groups, maleimide, norcamphene, and having a side chain having at least one of the aforementioned mesogen groups of liquid-sensitive side chains. The liquid crystal side chain monomer is preferably a monomer in which a polymerizable group of any one of PG1 to PG6 is bonded with a liquid crystal side chain selected from formulas (LS-1) to (LS-13). [Chemical 14] [Chemistry 15] In equations (LS-1) to (LS-12), A 1 and A 2 Each can independently represent a single bond, -O-, or -CH. 2-, -C(=O)-O-, -OC(=O)-, -C(=O)NH- or -NHC(=O)-, R 11 Indicates -NO 2. -CN, halogen atom, phenyl, naphthyl, biphenyl, furanyl, monovalent nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group, monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group with 5 to 8 carbon atoms, alkyl group with 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or alkoxy group with 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R 12 R represents a group selected from the group consisting of phenyl, naphthyl, biphenyl, furanyl, monovalent nitrogen-containing heterocyclic groups, monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon groups with 5 to 8 carbon atoms, and groups obtained by combining them. 11 and R 12 The hydrogen atoms bonded to them can also be -NO 2. Substitution with -CN, halogen atom, alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, R 13 Represents hydrogen atom, -NO 2. -CN, halogen atom, phenyl, naphthyl, biphenyl, furanyl, monovalent nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group, monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group with 5-8 carbon atoms, alkyl group with 1-12 carbon atoms, or alkoxy group with 1-12 carbon atoms; E represents -C(=O)O- or -OC(=O)-; d represents an integer from 1 to 12; k1 to k5 are each independently an integer from 0 to 2, but the sum of k1 to k5 in each formula is 2 or more; k6 and k7 are each independently an integer from 0 to 2, but the sum of k6 and k7 in each formula is 1 or more; m1, m2, and m3 are each independently an integer from 1 to 3; n is 0 or 1; Z 1 and Z 2 Each can independently represent a single bond, -C (=O)-, or -CH. 2O-, -CH=N- or -CF 2-. Dashed lines represent atomic bonds. <Monomers with Vertically Oriented Groups> When introducing vertically oriented groups into a specific polymer, compounds represented by the following formula (v1) can be listed as examples. [Chemistry 16] In the formula, X represents a polymerizable group, hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, amide group or amino group, L represents a single bond or an alkyl group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms, Y represents a single bond, -O-, -COO- or -OCO-, and V represents a vertically oriented group. X, L, and Y are the same as those exemplified in the explanation of formula (a1). The vertically oriented group V is preferably an alkyl group with 4 to 20 carbon atoms, and the following groups (V1 to V7 and V11 to V18) are more preferred. [Chem. 17] In the formula, Q 7 Represents a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, cyano group, alkyl group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms, haloalkyl group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms, alkoxy group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or haloalkoxy group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms. * Represents an atomic bond. [Chemistry 18] * indicates an atomic bond. When introducing vertically aligned groups, the process is the same as when introducing photoaligned groups: copolymerize monomers with X as a polymerizable group, or introduce compounds with X as a carboxyl group through a polymer reaction. <Other Monomers> Furthermore, in the liquid crystal alignment agent of the present invention, when obtaining a specific polymer, other monomers capable of copolymerization may be used in combination. Specific examples of such monomers include compounds selected from unsaturated carboxylic acids, acrylate compounds, methacrylate compounds, vinyl compounds, styrene compounds, maleimide compounds, and acrylonitrile compounds. Specific examples of unsaturated carboxylic acids include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid, and fumaric acid. Acrylic ester compounds, such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, isopropyl acrylate, benzyl acrylate, naphthyl acrylate, anthracene acrylate, anthraceneyl methyl acrylate, phenyl acrylate, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl acrylate, tributyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, isocamphene acrylate, 2-methoxyethyl acrylate, methoxytriethylene glycol acrylate, 2-ethoxyethyl acrylate, tetrahydrofuran methyl acrylate, 3-methoxybutyl acrylate, 2-methyl-2-adamantane acrylate, 2-propyl-2-adamantane acrylate, 8-methyl-8-tricyclodecyl acrylate, and 8-ethyl-8-tricyclodecyl acrylate, etc. Glycol acrylate, (3-methyl-3-epoxypropane) methyl acrylate, and (3-ethyl-3-epoxypropane) methyl acrylate, which have cyclic ether groups, may also be used. Methacrylate compounds, such as methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, isopropyl methacrylate, benzyl methacrylate, naphthyl methacrylate, anthracene methacrylate, anthraceneyl methacrylate, phenyl methacrylate, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate, tributyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, isocamphenyl methacrylate, 2-methoxyethyl methacrylate, methoxytriethylene glycol methacrylate, 2-ethoxyethyl methacrylate, tetrahydrofuran methyl methacrylate, 3-methoxybutyl methacrylate, 2-methyl-2-adamantane methacrylate, 2-propyl-2-adamantane methacrylate, 8-methyl-8-tricyclodecyl methacrylate, and 8-ethyl-8-tricyclodecyl methacrylate, etc. Glycol methacrylate, (3-methyl-3-epoxypropane) methyl methacrylate, and (3-ethyl-3-epoxypropane) methyl methacrylate, which have cyclic ether groups, may also be used. Vinyl compounds, such as vinyl ethers, methyl vinyl ethers, benzyl vinyl ethers, 2-hydroxyethyl vinyl ethers, phenyl vinyl ethers, and propyl vinyl ethers. Styrene compounds, such as styrene, methylstyrene, chlorostyrene, bromostyrene, etc. Maleimine compounds, such as maleimine, N-methylmaleimine, N-phenylmaleimine, and N-cyclohexylmaleimine. <Manufacturing Methods for Specific Polymers> There are no particular limitations on the manufacturing methods for specific polymers; commonly used industrial methods can be employed. Specifically, they can be manufactured using cationic polymerization, free radical polymerization, or anionic polymerization of vinyl groups utilizing liquid crystal side-chain monomers or photoreactive side-chain monomers. Among these, free radical polymerization is particularly advantageous considering ease of reaction control. As a polymerization initiator for free radical polymerization, known free radical polymerization initiators such as AIBN (azobisisobutyronitrile) and known compounds such as reversible addition-crack chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization reagents can be used. Free radical polymerization has no special limitations and can use emulsion polymerization, suspension polymerization, dispersion polymerization, precipitation polymerization, bulk polymerization, solution polymerization, etc. The organic solvent used in the polymerization reaction of side-chain acrylic polymers that exhibit liquid crystal properties within a predetermined temperature range is not particularly limited as long as it can dissolve the resulting polymer. Specific examples are as follows: N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-ε-caprolactone, dimethyl sulfoxide, tetramethylurea, pyridine, dimethyl sulfoxide, hexamethylphosphatidine, γ-butyrolactone, isopropanol, methoxymethylpentanol, dipentene, ethylpentanone, methyl nonyl ketone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isopentyl ketone, methyl isopropyl ketone, methyl ceroxythreon, ethyl ceroxythreon, methyl ceroxythreon acetate, ethyl... Cyroso acetate, butyl carbitol, ethyl carbitol, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol monoacetate, ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol, propylene glycol monoacetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol tributyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monoacetate, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoacetate monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoacetate monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoacetate Monopropyl ether, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutyl acetate, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, diisopropyl ether, ethyl isobutyl ether, diisobutylene, amyl acetate, butyl butyrate, butyl ether, diisobutyl ketone, methylcyclohexene, propyl ether, dihexyl ether, 1,4-dimethyl ether, n-hexane, n-pentane, n-octane, diethyl ether, cyclohexanone, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, methyl lactate, ethyl lactate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, propyl acetate Diol monoethyl ether, methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, methyl 3-methoxypropionate, methyl 3-ethoxypropionate, ethyl 3-methoxypropionate, 3-ethoxypropionic acid, 3-methoxypropionic acid, propyl 3-methoxypropionate, butyl 3-methoxypropionate, dimethyl ether, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, 3-methoxy-N,N-dimethylpropionic acid, 3-ethoxy-N,N-dimethylpropionic acid, 3-butoxy-N,N-dimethylpropionic acid, etc. These organic solvents can be used alone or in combination. Furthermore, even solvents that do not dissolve the generated polymer can still be mixed with the aforementioned organic solvents as long as the generated polymer does not precipitate. Also, in free radical polymerization, oxygen in the organic solvent can hinder the polymerization reaction; therefore, it is preferable to use organic solvents that have been degassed as much as possible. The polymerization temperature for free radical polymerization can be any temperature within the range of 30~150℃, preferably 50~100℃. Furthermore, the reaction can be carried out at any concentration, but if the concentration is too low, it becomes difficult to obtain a high molecular weight polymer; if the concentration is too high, the viscosity of the reaction solution becomes too high, making uniform stirring difficult. Therefore, the monomer concentration is preferably 1~50% by mass, more preferably 5~30% by mass. The reaction is initially carried out at a high concentration, and then an organic solvent can be added. In the aforementioned free radical polymerization reaction, if the ratio of the free radical polymerization initiator to the monomer is high, the molecular weight of the obtained polymer will decrease; if it is low, the molecular weight of the obtained polymer will increase. Therefore, a ratio of 0.1 to 10 mol% of the free radical initiator to the monomer to be polymerized is preferred. Furthermore, various monomer components, solvents, initiators, etc., can be added during polymerization. When recovering the polymer generated from the reaction solution of the photosensitive side-chain polymer exhibiting liquid crystal properties obtained from the above reaction, the reaction solution is added to a poor solvent to precipitate the polymer. Examples of poor solvents for precipitation include methanol, acetone, hexane, heptane, butylceryl ketone, heptane, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethanol, toluene, benzene, diethyl ether, methyl ethyl ether, and water. The polymer precipitated in the poor solvent can be recovered by filtration and then dried at room temperature or under normal or reduced pressure. Furthermore, repeating the process of redissolving the precipitated polymer in an organic solvent and then reprecipitating it 2 to 10 times can reduce impurities in the polymer. Examples of poor solvents in this case include alcohols, ketones, and hydrocarbons. Using three or more poor solvents selected from these sources can further improve the purification efficiency, which is ideal. The molecular weight of a side-chain acrylic polymer that exhibits liquid crystal properties within a predetermined temperature range is ideally between 2,000 and 1,000,000, and more preferably between 5,000 and 100,000, when considering the strength of the resulting coating, the workability during coating formation, and the uniformity of the coating. <When introducing the orientation group via polymer reaction> As a specific polymer, the reaction product of the above-mentioned compound (a1) with the photoorientation group (A-1) and Q being a hydroxyl group and a polymer having an epoxy group (PE-1), the reaction product of the compound (A-1) with the photoorientation group (A-1) having Q being an alkoxy, amino, alkylamine, phenoxy, or biphenyloxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, (A-2), (A-3), or (A-4) and X being a carboxyl group and a polymer having an epoxy group (PE-2), and the reaction product of the compound (v1) with X being a carboxyl group and a polymer having an epoxy group (PE-3) can also be used. As a specific polymer, the reaction product of a polymer having an isocyanate group (PE-4) can also be used, which is a compound in the above compound (a1) with photoalignment groups (A-1), (A-2), (A-3) or (A-4) and X is a hydroxyl, carboxyl or amino group, and the reaction product of a polymer having an isocyanate group (PE-5) can also be used. Polymers containing epoxy groups can be, for example, homopolymers of polymeric unsaturated compounds containing epoxy groups or copolymers of polymeric unsaturated compounds containing epoxy groups with other polymeric unsaturated compounds. Specific examples of polymerizable unsaturated compounds having epoxy groups include glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, α-ethyl acrylate, α-n-propyl acrylate, α-n-butyl acrylate, 3,4-epoxybutyl acrylate, 3,4-epoxybutyl methacrylate, 6,7-epoxyheptyl acrylate, 6,7-epoxyheptyl methacrylate, α-ethyl acrylate, o-vinylbenzyl glycidyl ether, m-vinylbenzyl glycidyl ether, p-vinylbenzyl glycidyl ether, etc. In polymers containing epoxy groups, the copolymerization ratio of polymerizable unsaturated compounds containing epoxy groups is preferably 30% by mass or more, and more preferably 50% by mass or more. The synthesis of polymers with epoxy groups is preferably carried out in a solvent in the presence of a suitable polymerization initiator using a known free radical polymerization method. Polymers containing epoxy groups can also be used in commercially available products. Examples of such commercially available products include EHPE3150, EHPE3150CE (manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), UG-4010, UG-4035, UG-4040, UG-4070 (manufactured by Toa Gosei Co., Ltd., ALUFON series), ECN-1299 (manufactured by Asahi Kasei Co., Ltd.), DEN431, DEN438 (manufactured by Dow Chemical Company), jER-152 (manufactured by JAPAN EPOXYRESIN Co., Ltd.), EPICLONN-660, N-665, N-670, N-673, N-695, N-740, N-770, N-775 (manufactured by Dai Nippon Inki Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), EOCN-1020, EOCN-102S, EOCN-104S (manufactured by Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.), etc. The reaction product of the above-mentioned compound (v1) with a polymer having an epoxy group, a compound having a photoalignment group of (A-1) and X being a hydroxyl group, a compound having a photoalignment group of (A-2), (A-3) or (A-4) and X being a carboxyl group, and the above-mentioned compound (v1) can be reacted with the above-mentioned compound (a1) or (v1) in the presence of a catalyst, preferably in a suitable organic solvent, to synthesize the above-mentioned compound (a1) or (v1). Polymers having isocyanate groups can be, for example, homopolymers of polymeric unsaturated compounds having isocyanate groups or copolymers of polymeric unsaturated compounds having isocyanate groups with other polymeric unsaturated compounds. Monomers containing isocyanate groups, such as acrylonitrile ethyl isocyanate, methacrylic ethyl isocyanate, and m-tetramethylxyl isocyanate. A polymer having an isocyanate group, a compound having photoalignment groups (A-1), (A-2), (A-3) or (A-4) in the above-mentioned compound (a1) and X being a hydroxyl, carboxyl or amino group, and the reaction product of the above-mentioned compound (v1), as described above, can be used to synthesize a polymer having an isocyanate group reacting with a specific of the above-mentioned compound (a1) or (v1), preferably in the presence of a catalyst, preferably in a suitable organic solvent. In the liquid crystal alignment agent of the present invention, the aforementioned specific polymer can also be redissolved in the solvent described later and used in solution form. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the specific polymer may also be a mixture of multiple specific polymers. (Weak Anchoring, Weak Anchoring Alignment Film) In this invention, "weak anchoring" refers to the force that regulates the alignment of liquid crystal molecules with the substrate in the azimuth or polar direction, but has no anchoring energy (i.e., the interfacial elastic energy that maintains the position of liquid crystal molecules, or the interfacial elastic energy that allows them to return to their original state even if the alignment of liquid crystal molecules changes), or if it exists, it is weaker than the intermolecular forces between liquid crystal molecules. In the weak anchoring of this invention, the azimuth anchoring strength (A...) is... 2) Compared to 10 -5 [J / m 2 In small cases. Also, "weakly anchored alignment film" refers to a film that forms a weakly anchored state through contact with liquid crystal, and is not limited to solid films, but also includes liquid films that cover solid surfaces. (Strong Anchoring, Strong Anchoring Alignment Film) In this invention, "strong anchoring" refers to anchoring energy that regulates the alignment of liquid crystal molecules towards a single axis and maintains the alignment of the liquid crystal even when energy is applied externally, or that allows the liquid crystal molecules to return to their original positions even if the alignment changes. The strong anchoring in this invention refers to the azimuth anchoring strength (A... 2) Compared to 10 -4 [J / m 2 [The general situation.] Also, "strongly anchored alignment film" refers to a film that forms a strongly anchored state through contact with liquid crystal, and is not limited to solid films, but also includes liquid films that cover solid surfaces. (Weakly anchored liquid crystal display element) A weakly anchored liquid crystal display element can be fabricated by coating a weakly anchored alignment film and a strongly anchored alignment film, as defined above, onto a substrate with an attached electrode, and then bonding them in pairs. Because the azimuth anchoring strength of one of the liquid crystal alignment films in a weakly anchored liquid crystal display element is as small as possible, the alignment change of the liquid crystal can be induced by a weak electric field or external field energy. Even liquid crystal molecules in normally stationary regions can undergo alignment changes. This is especially true for display elements using comb-tooth electrodes such as IPS (In-Plane Switching) and FFS (Frindfield Switching), where liquid crystal molecules on electrodes with weak electric field strength can also be driven. Therefore, compared to liquid crystal display elements where both alignment films are composed of strongly anchored alignment films, this method allows for higher transmittance and lower driving voltage. Azimuth anchoring strength is an index representing the intensity of the interfacial elastic energy between liquid crystal molecules and the liquid crystal alignment film relative to the azimuth direction. Methods for calculating azimuth anchoring strength include the torque equalization method, the strong electric field method, the geometric method (external field application method), and the Frederick transfer method. (Block copolymer) One embodiment of the "copolymer" of the present invention is a copolymer contained in a weakly anchored liquid crystal alignment agent. The weakly anchored liquid crystal alignment agent is used in forming a liquid crystal alignment film in a liquid crystal cell having liquid crystal and a liquid crystal alignment film. The block copolymer has block segments (A) that are miscible with liquid crystals and block segments (B) that are miscible with liquid crystals or insoluble in the aforementioned liquid crystals due to calcination. Block segments (A) are composed of polymers that remain miscible with liquid crystals even when the copolymer is calcined. The block segment (A) is preferably composed of at least one of the following compounds selected from the group consisting of the compound represented by formula (2), the compound represented by formula (3), the compound represented by formula (5), and the compound represented by formula (7), or a combination of most of these compounds. The block segment (B) is preferably a compound represented by the following formula (8) as a constituent component. This compound may be used alone or multiple compounds may be used together. Block copolymers may have three or more block segments. Block copolymers are preferred, especially copolymers whose main chains are unbranched and extend in a straight-chain manner. In this invention, regarding the block segments of the copolymer contained in the liquid crystal alignment agent, by using block segments that are compatible with the liquid crystal, it is possible to manufacture a weakly anchored film more easily than conventional methods. In this case, it is preferable to use a specific compound as one of the components of the block segments that are compatible with the liquid crystal. (Graft copolymer) One embodiment of the "graft copolymer" of the present invention is a graft copolymer containing a weakly anchored liquid crystal alignment agent. The weakly anchored liquid crystal alignment agent is used in the formation of a liquid crystal alignment film for use in a liquid crystal display element, i.e., the formation of a liquid crystal alignment film. Furthermore, the weakly anchored liquid crystal alignment agent is used in the formation of a liquid crystal alignment film having liquid crystal and liquid crystal cells having a liquid crystal alignment film. The graft copolymer has a dry polymer and a branch polymer that is bonded to the dry polymer as a side chain of the dry polymer. Graft copolymers are a general term for polymers with branched structures. They refer to polymers that simultaneously possess a polymer corresponding to the "stem" and a polymer corresponding to the "branch" that acts as a side chain of the stem and is bonded to the stem. In one embodiment of the liquid crystal alignment agent of this invention, a graft copolymer is used. The graft copolymer of this invention is characterized by having a branch polymer that is compatible with the liquid crystal, and by being immiscible with the liquid crystal or insoluble in the liquid crystal due to calcination. That is, the branch polymer that is compatible with the liquid crystal is compatible with the liquid crystal and swells to contribute to the formation of a weakly anchored state, while the graft copolymer, by being immiscible with the liquid crystal or insoluble in the liquid crystal due to calcination, prevents the graft copolymer from dissolving into the liquid crystal. Furthermore, through adhesion to the substrate, cross-linking of the polymers, and cross-linking of the sealing components, a weakly anchored liquid crystal display element with excellent film hardness and sealing strength can be obtained. The graft copolymer of the present invention is characterized by having a branch polymer that is compatible with liquid crystal, and being incompatible with liquid crystal or insoluble in liquid crystal due to calcination. Furthermore, in order to make the graft copolymer incompatible with liquid crystal, or to make the graft copolymer insoluble in liquid crystal due to calcination, the dry polymer system has a structure that is incompatible with liquid crystal or insoluble in liquid crystal due to calcination. The structure of dendritic polymers that are compatible with liquid crystals is not particularly limited as long as they are compatible with liquid crystals. For example, dendritic polymers can be obtained by using macromolecular monomers represented by formula (1). Similarly, the structure of dry polymers that are incompatible with liquid crystals or do not dissolve upon calcination is also not particularly limited as long as they meet these properties. For example, dry polymers can be obtained using compounds represented by formula (8). Only one compound can be used, or it can be combined with multiple other compounds. Specific compound formulas are given below. [Chemistry 19] In formula (1), P represents a polymerizable group having a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group, Q is a structure obtained by polymerizing a monomer containing at least one of the compounds represented by formulas (2), (3), (5), and (7), and n is an integer from 1 to 2. When n is 2, the two Qs can be the same or different. [Chemistry 20] In formula (2), M represents a polymerizable group with a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group, X represents a single bond, ether bond, ester bond, amide bond, carbamate bond, urea bond, or thioether bond, and R represents a polymerizable group. 1 indicates that an alkyl group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms can also be inserted, and n is an integer from 1 to 2. When n is 2, there are 2 X and R atoms. 1. They can be the same or different. It can also insert alkyl groups with 1 to 20 carbon atoms as the bonding group, such as: ether bonds, ester bonds, amide bonds, carbamate bonds, urea bonds, thioether bonds, -Si(R) bonds. 11 (R) 12 )-(R 11 and R 12 Each independently represents an alkyl group bonded to Si. ), -Si(R 13 (R) 14 )-O-(R 13 and R 14 Each independently represents an alkyl group bonded to Si. ), -N(R 15 )-(R 15 This indicates a bond between a hydrogen atom of nitrogen or an alkyl group. (R) 11 ~R 15 Alkyl groups, for example: alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. [Chemistry 21] In formula (3), M represents a polymerizable group with a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group, S represents a saturated hydrocarbon group with 1 to 6 carbons that has a single bond or can also have a bonded group inserted, T represents the organic group represented by formula (4) below, and n is an integer from 1 to 2. When n is 2, the two Ts can be the same or different. However, when n is 2, S represents a saturated hydrocarbon group with 1 to 6 carbons that can also have a bonded group inserted. [Chemistry 22] In formula (4), * represents the bonding site. X represents a single bond, ether bond, ester bond, amide bond, carbamate bond, urea bond, thioether bond, -Si(R) bond, or a bond selected from the following: 1)(R 2)-(R 1 and R 2. Each independently represents an alkyl group bonded to Si. ), -Si(R 3)(R 4)-O-(R 3 and R 4. Each independently represents an alkyl group bonded to Si. ), and -N(R) 5)-(R 5 indicates a hydrogen atom bonded to N or an alkyl group. Cy indicates a non-aromatic cyclic group with 6 to 20 members. In formula (3), the saturated hydrocarbon group of S refers to the n+1 valence group obtained by removing n+1 hydrogen atoms from a saturated hydrocarbon (n is the same integer as n in formula (3)). When n is 1, the saturated hydrocarbon group is an alkyl group. In formula (3), the saturated hydrocarbon group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms in S with an inserted bonding group refers to the n+1 valence group with an inserted bonding group between carbon atoms in a saturated hydrocarbon group with 2 to 6 carbon atoms, or the n+1 valence group with an inserted bonding group between a saturated hydrocarbon group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms and its bonded atom (e.g., a carbon atom). The bonding group of S in formula (3) can be, for example, a carbon-carbon unsaturated bond, an ether bond (-O-), an ester bond (-COO- or -OCO-), an amide bond (-CONH- or -NHCO-), etc. Carbon-carbon unsaturated bonds, such as carbon-carbon double bonds, are acceptable. However, it is preferable that the saturated hydrocarbon group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms inserted into the carbon-carbon double bond not be at the end but internally. When n is 1, alkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms that have a bonding group inserted can also be used, such as alkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, oxyalkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, etc. The alkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms can be straight-chain alkyl groups, branched alkyl groups, or cyclic alkyl groups. In equation (4), X contains -Si(R) 1)(R 2)-of R 1 and R 2. Each is an alkyl group independently bonded to Si, for example: an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. In formula (4), X contains -Si(R) 3)(R 4) -O- of R 3 and R 4. Each is an alkyl group independently bonded to Si, for example, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The -N(R) in X of formula (4) 5)-of R 5. The bond is formed on a hydrogen atom of nitrogen or an alkyl group. Alkyl groups, for example, are alkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms. In formula (4), Cy is a non-aromatic cyclic group with 6 to 20 members, preferably a non-aromatic cyclic group with 8 to 18 members. Cy can also be a non-aromatic cyclic group with 12 to 20 members. The X bond in formula (4) is an atom forming the ring in Cy. In a non-aromatic cyclic group, the atoms forming the ring are, for example, carbon atoms, oxygen atoms, nitrogen atoms, silicon atoms, etc. The atom-to-atom bonds forming the ring can be single bonds, double bonds, or triple bonds, but single bonds are preferred. The ring in a non-aromatic cyclic group can be, for example, cyclic alkanes, cyclic ethers, cyclic siloxanes, etc. Cyclic ethers are, for example, crown ethers. For example, in 12-crown-4, the atoms forming the ring are carbon atoms and oxygen atoms, with a member number of 12. The ring can be monocyclic or polycyclic. In polycyclic rings, the number of rings is, for example, 2 to 4. In polycyclic compounds, the bonding between the rings can take the following three forms: • One atom: e.g., spirocyclic compounds • Two atoms: e.g., decahydronaphthalene, where the two rings share two atoms • Bridging structure: e.g., norcamphene, considered as having three or more atoms in two rings. Furthermore, in polycyclic compounds, the number of atoms constituting the rings is used as the ring member number. For example, norcamphene is a 7-membered ring. The atoms constituting the rings may not be hydrogen atoms but halogen atoms or alkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Halogen atoms include, for example, fluorine atoms and chlorine atoms. [Chemistry 23] In formula (5), M represents a polymerizable group with a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group, and R 1 represents a straight-chain or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and each of the three X's independently represents a hydrogen atom or the following formula (6). However, at least one of the three X's must represent formula (6). [Chemistry 24] In formula (6), Y represents a single bond, -O-, -S-, or -N(R)- (R represents a hydrogen atom bonded to N or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms), and * represents the bonding site. 2. R 3 and R 4. Each can independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or an aromatic hydrocarbon group that may have substituents. In equation (5), R The aliphatic hydrocarbon group of 1 has 1 to 10 carbons, or it can have 1 to 8 carbons, 1 to 6 carbons, or 1 to 4 carbons. In equation (6), R 2. R 3 and R The alkyl group in 4, having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, can be, for example, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. These alkyl groups can have a straight-chain structure or a branched structure. In equation (6), R 2. R 3 and R The aromatic hydrocarbon group in section 4 can be unsubstituted or have hydrogen atoms substituted by substituents. Substituents in the aromatic hydrocarbon group can also be halogen atoms, alkyl groups with 1-4 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups with 1-4 carbon atoms, alkyl halides with 1-4 carbon atoms, alkoxy halides with 1-4 carbon atoms, etc. Halogenation in alkyl halides and alkoxy halides can be complete or partial. Halogen atoms can be, for example, fluorine atoms, chlorine atoms, etc. Aromatic hydrocarbon groups can also be substituted, for example, phenyl, naphthyl. There is no particular restriction on the number of substituents in the aromatic hydrocarbon group. In equation (5), there is one or more equations (6), which can be one, two, or three. In equation (5), the three X's are represented independently. Therefore, when there are two or more equations (6) in equation (5), the two or more equations (6) can have the same structure or different structures. In equation (6), R can also be used. 2. R 3 and R At least one of 4 is an aromatic hydrocarbon group that may also have substituents. Therefore, in formula (6), it can be R. 2. R 3 and R One of the four is an aromatic hydrocarbon group that can also have substituents, and it can also be R. 2. R 3 and R Two of the four are aromatic hydrocarbon groups that can also have substituents, and can also be R. 2. R 3 and R The three of the four are aromatic hydrocarbon groups that may also have substituents. [Chemistry 25] In formula (7), M represents a polymerizable group with a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group, and R 1~R 3 represents a single bond, or an alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms that may have a bonded group inserted; Ar represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group that may also have substituents; X 1 and X 2. Each can independently represent a hydrogen atom, or may have a substituent aromatic hydrocarbon group, or R. 1X 1 and R 2X 2 and R 1X 1 and R 2X The two bonded carbon atoms together form a ring. Only R 1X 1. R 2X 2 and R The total number of carbon atoms in the three elements is 1 or more. In equation (7), R 1~R In formula 3, the alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms into which the bonding group is inserted refers to the alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms into which a divalent group of the bonding group is inserted between carbon atoms, or the alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms into which a divalent group of the bonding group is inserted between the alkyl group and the carbon atom of the bonded carbon atom. Bonding groups include, for example, carbon-carbon unsaturated bonds, ether bonds (-O-), ester bonds (-COO- or -OCO-), amide bonds (-CONH- or -NHCO-), etc. Unsaturated bonds include, for example, carbon-carbon double bonds, etc., but it is preferable that the alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms into which the bonding group is inserted does not have a carbon-carbon double bond at its end but rather internally. Alkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms into which the bonding group is inserted can also include, for example, alkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, oxyalkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, etc. Oxyalkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, for example, M and R in formula (7). 1. R 2, and R The carbon atoms are bonded together. The alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms can be a straight-chain alkyl group, a branched alkyl group, or a cyclic alkyl group. X of equation (7) 1 and X 2. Aromatic hydrocarbon groups may also have substituents, such as phenyl and naphthyl groups. Substituents include, for example, halogen atoms, alkyl groups with 1-4 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups with 1-4 carbon atoms, alkyl halides with 1-4 carbon atoms, and alkoxy halides with 1-4 carbon atoms. Halogenation in alkyl halides and alkoxy halides can be complete or partial. Halogen atoms include, for example, fluorine atoms and chlorine atoms. In equation (7), R 1. For example: single bonds, alkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, etc. Alkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more specifically, for example, straight-chain alkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms. R in formula (7) 2. For example: single bonds, alkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, etc. Alkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more specifically, for example, straight-chain alkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms. R in formula (7) 3, for example: single bonds, alkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, etc. Alkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more specifically, for example, straight-chain alkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms. X in formula (7) 1. For example: hydrogen atom, phenyl, etc. X in formula (7) 2, for example: hydrogen atom, phenyl, etc. A in formula (7) r For example: phenyl, etc. In equation (7), R 1X 1. R 2X 2 and R The total number of carbons in equation (3) is not specifically limited if it is 1 or more, and can also be 2 or more. Furthermore, R in equation (7) 1. R 2 、 and R The total number of carbon atoms in equation (3) can be less than 18, less than 15, or less than 10. Also, X in equation (7) 1 and X When 2 is a hydrogen atom, R 1. R 2 、 and R The total number of carbon atoms in equation (3) must be 1 or more; there is no specific limitation, and it can also be 2 or more. Furthermore, X in equation (7) 1 and X When at least one of 2 is an aromatic hydrocarbon group that may also have substituents, R 1. R 2 、 and R The total number of carbons in 3 can be 0. In equation (7), R 1X 1 and R 2X 2 and R 1X 1 and R 2X A ring formed by two bonded carbon atoms, for example, a hydrocarbon ring with 3 to 13 carbon atoms that has a bonding group inserted. The bonding group is as described above. The applicant in this case discovered compounds represented by formula (2), formula (3), formula (5), and formula (7) (hereinafter referred to as specific compounds) that contribute to the weak anchoring of liquid crystal display elements containing free radical polymerizable monomers in the liquid crystal composition, enabling stable fabrication without pretilt angle. Patent applications have been filed (Japanese Patent Application 2020-134149, Japanese Patent Application 2020-163212, Japanese Patent Application 2021-041196, WO2019 / 004433, WO2022 / 030602, WO2022 / 071286, and WO2022 / 196565. The contents of these applications and publications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as expressly stated.) By using these monomers, high-speed response at voltage OFF, reduced burn-in, high backlight transmittance at low temperatures, and low-voltage driving can be easily achieved. Thus, the use of these individual units can be considered useful. [Chemistry 26] In equation (8), M represents a polymerizable group with a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group, and n is an integer from 1 to 2. Z represents the group represented by equation (9) below. When n is 2, the two Zs can be the same or different. [Chemistry 27] In formula (9), L represents a group selected from amino, protected amino, aniline, protected aniline, hydroxyl, protected hydroxyl, phenol, protected phenol, thiol, protected thiol, thiophenol, protected thiophenol, carboxyl, protected carboxyl, benzoic acid, protected benzoic acid, isocyanate, protected isocyanate, cyclic ether with 2-5 carbon atoms, maleimino, carboxylic anhydride, N-hydroxysuccinimino, acezolinyl, trialkyloxy Functional groups from the group consisting of alkylsilyl, vinyl, allyl, styryl, α-hydroxyacetophenone, α-aminoalkylphenylacetophenone, oxime ester, acetophosphonyl oxyacetyl, cinnamic acid, cinnamic ester, azophenyl, N-benzylaniline, stilbene, diphenylethynyl, phenylbenzoate, or aromatic hydrocarbon groups with 5-18 carbon atoms that may have a bonding group inserted, or aromatic heterocyclic groups with 5-18 carbon atoms that may have a bonding group inserted. J represents a single bond or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1-6 carbon atoms. K, when bonded to an aromatic hydrocarbon group, represents a linking group selected from single bonds, ether bonds, ester bonds, acetoamine bonds, urea bonds, carbamate bonds, and thioether bonds; otherwise, it represents a single bond. * indicates the bonding site. m is an integer from 1 to 3. When m is 2 or 3, multiple K and L can be the same or different. However, when J is a single bond, m is 1. The structure of dry polymers that are incompatible with liquid crystals, such as those with highly polar or rigid structures. The structure of dry polymers that become incompatible with liquid crystals through calcination, such as those with structures that react with each other due to heat to form covalent bonds, and structures that react with functional groups possessed by the substrate and sealing components (these structures are called thermosetting structures). Therefore, regarding the monomers constituting block segments (B) and dry polymers (excluding macromolecular monomers), it is preferable to contain polymerizable groups with polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon groups and monomers with highly polar or rigid structures, as well as monomers with polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon groups and thermosetting structures. If the block segment (B) and the dry polymer contain such structures and are not compatible with the liquid crystal, the block segment (B) and the dry polymer may also contain structures that do not have such structures, for example, they may also contain monomers of compounds represented by formulas (2), (3), (5) and (7), or general monomers as constituent components. Specific examples of highly polar structures can be listed below, but are not limited to these. [Chemistry 28] X and Y each independently represent an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom. R 1 and R 2. Each independently represents a single bond or an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms. R 3 indicates an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms. A 1. A 2 and A One of the three represents N, and the other two represent CH. A 4 and A One of the five represents N, and the other represents CH. * indicates the bonding site. Specific examples of rigid structures are shown below, but are not limited to these. [Chemistry 29] X, Y, and Z each independently represent an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom. R 1 and R 2. Each independently represents a single bond or an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms. R 3 indicates an alkyl group with 1 to 18 carbon atoms. * indicates a bonding site, and n indicates an integer from 1 to 5. Specific examples of thermosetting structures are shown below, but are not limited to these. [Chemistry 30] X, Y, and Z each independently represent an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom. R 1. R 2 and R 3. Each independently represents an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms. R 4 and R 5. Each can independently represent a single bond or an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms. * indicates a bonding site. In the monomers used to obtain the polymers used in this invention, the polymerizable group having a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group preferably has the following structure: [Chemical 31] In the formula, R 1 and R 2. Each of these independently represents a hydrogen atom or a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms; X, Y, and Z each independently represent an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom. *, * 1 and* 2 Indicates the bonding location, * 1 and* 2 One of them can also be replaced by a hydrogen atom or a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Their specific names include, for example: (meth)acrylic, allyl, vinylphenyl, maleimino. The monomers constituting the block segment (B) and the dry polymer are preferably compounds represented by formula (8) with the following structures, but are not limited to these. [Chemistry 32] The block copolymers of this invention and the macromonomers represented by the aforementioned formula (1) can be obtained, for example, through a combination of living polymerization, chain transfer polymerization, and polymer end-modification reactions. Furthermore, it has been reported that by continuous block polymerization at temperatures above 200°C, polymers with unsaturated bonds at the end groups possessing free radical polymerizability can be obtained (East Asia Synthetic Research Annual Report TREND 2002 No. 5). Living polymerization is a polymerization reaction in which side reactions such as chain transfer reactions and stopping reactions do not occur, and polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions and highly controlled structures can be obtained. For example, the following method can be used: by introducing a stable covalently bonded species called a dormant species into the active site of polymerization, the deactivation of the active site can be suppressed, so that side reactions such as chain transfer reactions and stopping reactions do not occur. In living polymerization, active species can be categorized as those using free radicals, those using cationic compounds, or those using anionic compounds; it is important to distinguish the species used based on the structure and properties of the polymerizable compound. When obtaining the copolymer block polymer used in the weakly anchored alignment film of this invention, the polymerization method is not particularly limited. However, cationic polymerization and anionic polymerization often use alkali metals, metal complexes, and halogen compounds to generate active species. The presence of metal residues or halogen compounds in liquid crystal displays may cause burn-in and display defects. Therefore, it is preferable to use free radical polymerization that does not use metals or halogen compounds. Examples of living free radical polymerization include: living free radical polymerization (NMP) using nitroxide free radicals as dormant species, atom-moving free radical polymerization (ATRP) using metal complexes, reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT polymerization) using sulfur compounds as dormant species, living free radical polymerization (TERP) using organotelluric compounds, and reversible mobile catalyst polymerization (RTCP) using iodinated alkyl compounds as dormant species and phosphorus compounds, alcohols, etc. as catalysts. Ideal polymerization methods include living free radical polymerization such as NMP, RTCP, and RAFT polymerization, with NMP or RAFT polymerization being particularly preferred. When using NMP, polymerization initiators such as 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylpentanonitrile), benzoyl peroxide, 1,1'-bis(tert-butylperoxide)cyclohexane, and hydrogen peroxide can be used. The ratio of the polymerization initiator to 1 mol of monomer used is typically 0.000001 to 0.1 mol, preferably 0.00001 to 0.01 mol. Nitrogen oxide radicals, such as compounds represented by formulas (N-1) to (N-12), can also be used. The ratio of nitroxide radicals to 1 mol of monomer used is typically 0.000001 to 0.1 mol, preferably 0.00001 to 0.01 mol. The reaction temperature in the above polymerization is preferably 20~200℃, more preferably 40~150℃, and the reaction time is preferably 1~168 hours, more preferably 8~72 hours. [Chemistry 33] When using RTCP, polymerization initiators used include, for example, 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylpentanonitrile), benzoyl peroxide, 1,1'-bis(tert-butylperoxide)cyclohexane, and hydrogen peroxide. The ratio of the polymerization initiator to 1 mole of monomer used is typically 0.000001 to 0.1 moles, preferably 0.00001 to 0.01 moles. Iodide catalysts, such as compounds represented by formulas (P-1) to (P-7), are used in a proportion of iodide catalyst relative to 1 mol of monomer used. This proportion is typically 0.000001 to 0.1 mol, preferably 0.00001 to 0.01 mol. Similarly, hydride catalysts, such as compounds represented by formulas (O-1) to (O-6), are used in a proportion of hydride catalyst relative to 1 mol of monomer used. This proportion is typically 0.000001 to 0.1 mol, preferably 0.00001 to 0.01 mol. The reaction temperature in the above polymerization is preferably 20 to 200°C, more preferably 40 to 150°C, and the reaction time is preferably 1 to 168 hours, more preferably 8 to 72 hours. [Chemistry 34] [Chemistry 35] When using RAFT polymerization, the polymerization initiator used may include, for example, 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylpentanonitrile), benzoyl peroxide, 1,1'-bis(tert-butylperoxide)cyclohexane, hydrogen peroxide, etc. The ratio of the polymerization initiator to 1 mole of monomer used is typically 0.000001 to 0.1 moles, preferably 0.00001 to 0.01 moles. The chain transfer agent (RAFT agent) is preferably a trithiocarbonate, dithiobenzoate, dithiocarbamate, or xanthate, specifically, compounds represented by formulas (R-1) to (R-22). The ratio of the chain transfer agent to 1 mole of monomer used is typically 0.000001 to 0.1 moles, preferably 0.00001 to 0.01 moles. The reaction temperature in the above polymerization is preferably 20~200℃, more preferably 40~150℃, and the reaction time is preferably 1~168 hours, more preferably 8~72 hours. [Chemistry 36] The RAFT polymerization exhibits active free radical characteristics because, as most of the active chains are dormant, there are compounds that can reversibly inactivate the growing free radical species, and there is a rapid equilibrium between the active and dormant chains. By using RAFT polymerization, it is possible to achieve polymer end control, a high degree of molecular weight control, and molecular weight distribution control. In order to precisely synthesize functional polymers using RAFT polymerization, the reactivity of the monomers must be considered when selecting appropriate chain transfer agents. In RAFT polymerization, the polymer termini can be controlled by thermally and chemically modifying the RAFT termini present at the growth ends. Thermal modification involves heating the RAFT agent above its thermal decomposition temperature, converting the termini into unsaturated hydrocarbon groups. Chemical modification involves contact with primary or secondary amines, accompanied by aminolysis, converting the termini into thiol bonds. Furthermore, contact with novel polymerizable compounds and free radical generators can lead to the formation of new block chains at the termini. In RAFT polymerization, the molecular weight can be controlled using the following formula (eq1). Specifically, since the number average molecular weight (Mn) changes linearly with the ratio of the molar concentration of the monomer to the molar concentration of the chain transfer agent, the molecular weight can be controlled. [Equation 1] In the above equation (eq1), Mn (theor) Indicates the molecular weight of the polymer, [Monomer] 0 represents the molar concentration of the polymeric compound, [CTA] 0 represents the molar concentration of the chain transfer agent, M monomer The molecular weight of a polymerizable compound is represented by conv., which indicates the polymerization conversion rate. CTA This indicates the molecular weight of the chain transfer agent. Furthermore, when the copolymer obtained by the above polymerization has dissolved in the reaction solution, the reaction solution can be directly supplied to the preparation of the liquid crystal alignment agent, or the copolymer contained in the reaction solution can be isolated and then supplied to the preparation of the liquid crystal alignment agent. When using chain transfer polymerization, polymerization initiators such as 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile), 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylpentanonitrile), benzoyl peroxide, 1,1'-bis(tert-butylperoxide)cyclohexane, and hydrogen peroxide are used. The ratio of the polymerization initiator to 1 mole of monomer used is typically 0.000001 to 0.1 moles, preferably 0.00001 to 0.01 moles. Thiols are preferred as chain transfer agents; specific examples include compounds represented by formulas (S-1) to (S-16). The ratio of the chain transfer agent to 1 mole of monomer used is typically 0.000001 to 0.1 moles, preferably 0.00001 to 0.01 moles. The preferred reaction temperature for the above polymerization is 20~200℃, more preferably 40~150℃, and the preferred reaction time is 1~168 hours, more preferably 8~72 hours. [Chemistry 37] In formulas (S-1) to (S-16), Me represents methyl and Et represents ethyl. There are no particular restrictions on the organic solvents used in chain transfer polymerization, as long as the resulting polymer dissolves. Specific examples include the aforementioned organic solvents, which can be used alone or in combination of two or more. Furthermore, even solvents that do not dissolve the resulting polymer can still be mixed with the aforementioned organic solvents as long as the resulting polymer does not precipitate. Also, in chain transfer polymerization, oxygen in the organic solvent can hinder the polymerization reaction; therefore, it is preferable to use organic solvents that have been degassed as much as possible. By using chain transfer polymerization, it is possible to control polymer end-capacity, molecular weight, and molecular weight distribution. In chain transfer polymerization, polymers are obtained through a competitive reaction involving chain transfer and growth. The molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the polymer obtained by chain transfer polymerization are determined by the chain transfer constant (Cs), expressed as the quotient of the chain transfer rate constant (kc) and the growth rate constant (kp). Generally, chain transfer polymerization is best suited for compositions with Cs in the range of 1 to 60. The types of monomers used, the types of chain transfer agents, and their proper combination are crucial. The chain transfer constant (Cs) varies greatly depending on the type of monomer and chain transfer agent used, so it is necessary to select it correctly. The main synthesis methods of the graft copolymers of the present invention include, for example, the Grafting-to method for directly introducing the graft polymer into the dry polymer, the Grafting-from method for polymerizing the monomer from the macromolecular initiator (the dry polymer with polymeric active sites) and extending the graft polymer, and the Grafting-through method for polymerizing the macromolecular monomer (the polymer with a polymeric functional group at one end), etc. Each of these methods can be used, so the synthesis method is not limited. The method for manufacturing the graft copolymer used in this invention is not particularly limited, and commonly used industrial methods can be employed. Specifically, the aforementioned monomers can be used to manufacture the copolymer via free radical polymerization, cationic polymerization, or anionic polymerization. Among these, free radical polymerization is preferred from the viewpoint of ease of reaction control. The polymerization initiators for free radical polymerization can be well-known compounds such as free radical polymerization initiators (free radical thermal polymerization initiators, free radical photopolymerization initiators), and reversible addition-crack chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization reagents. Free radical thermal polymerization initiators are compounds that generate free radicals when heated to temperatures above their decomposition temperature. Examples of such free radical thermal polymerization initiators include: ketone peroxides (methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, cyclohexanone peroxide, etc.), diacyl peroxides (acetyl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, etc.), hydrogen peroxides (hydrogen peroxide, tributyl hydrogen peroxide, cumene hydrogen peroxide, etc.), dialkyl peroxides (di-tert-butyl peroxide, diisopropylbenzene peroxide, lauryl peroxide, etc.), peroxide ketals (dibutylcyclohexane peroxide, etc.), alkyl peroxide esters (tert-butyl peroxyneodecanoate, trimethylacetic acid tributyl peroxide, tripentyl peroxy-2-ethylcyclohexanoate, etc.), persulfates (potassium persulfate, sodium persulfate, ammonium persulfate, etc.), and azo compounds (azobisisobutyronitrile, 2,2'-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)azobisisobutyronitrile, etc.). Free radical thermal polymerization initiators can be used alone or in combination of two or more. Free radical photopolymerization initiators are not particularly limited to any compound that initiates free radical polymerization upon light irradiation. Examples of such free radical photopolymerization initiators include diphenyl ketone, milchnerone, 4,4'-bis(diethylamino)diphenyl ketone, oxanthrone, thioxanthone, isopropyloxanthrone, 2,4-diethylthioxanthone, 2-ethylanthraquinone, acetophenone, 2-hydroxy-2-methylphenylacetone, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-4'-isopropylphenylacetone, 1-hydroxycyclohexylphenyl ketone, isopropylpheninyl ether, isobutylpheninyl ether, 2,2-diethoxyacetophenone, 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone, camphorquinone, benzanthrone, 2-methyl-1-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-2-hydroxylinopropyl-1-one, and 2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxylinophenyl)-1-butanone. 4-Dimethylaminobenzoate, 4-Dimethylaminobenzoate, 4,4'-Di(tert-butylperoxycarbonyl)diphenyl ketone, 3,4,4'-Tris(tert-butylperoxycarbonyl)diphenyl ketone, 2,4,6-Trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide, 2-(4'-methoxystyryl)-4,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-s-triphenyl, 2-(3',4'-dimethoxystyryl)-4,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-s-triphenyl, 2-(2',4'-dimethoxystyryl)-4,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-s-triphenyl, 2-(2'-methoxystyryl)-4,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-s-triphenyl, 2-(4'-pentyl) 4,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-[p-N,N-di(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)]-2,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 1,3-bis(trichloromethyl)-5-(2'-chlorophenyl)-s-triazine, 1,3-bis(trichloromethyl)-5-(4'-methoxyphenyl)-s-triazine, 2-(p-dimethylaminostyryl)benzo[a]azole, 2-(p-dimethylaminostyryl)benzo[a]thiazole, 2-mercaptobenzo[a]thiazole, 3,3'-carbonylbis(7-diethylaminocoumarin), 2-(o-chlorophenyl)-4,4',5,5'-tetraphenyl-1,2'-biimidazole, 2,2'-bis(2-chlorophenyl)-4,4 ',5,5'-tetra(4-ethoxycarbonylphenyl)-1,2'-biimidazole, 2,2'-bis(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,4',5,5'-tetraphenyl-1,2'-biimidazole, 2,2'-bis(2,4-dibromophenyl)-4,4',5,5'-tetraphenyl-1,2'-biimidazole, 2,2'-bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)-4,4',5,5'-tetraphenyl-1,2'-biimidazole, 3-(2-methyl-2-dimethylaminopropyl)carbazole, 3,6-bis(2-methyl-2-hydroxylinopropyl)-9-dodecylcarbazole, 1-hydroxycyclohexylphenyl ketone, bis(5-2,4-cyclopentadien-1-yl)-bis(2,6-Difluoro-3-(1H-pyrrolo-1-yl)-phenyl)titanium, 3,3',4,4'-tetra(tert-butylperoxycarbonyl)diphenyl ketone, 3,3',4,4'-tetra(tert-hexylperoxycarbonyl)diphenyl ketone, 3,3'-bis(methoxycarbonyl)-4,4'-bis(tert-butylperoxycarbonyl)diphenyl ketone, 3,4'-bis(methoxycarbonyl)-4,3'-bis(tert-butylperoxycarbonyl)diphenyl ketone, 4,4'-bis(methoxycarbonyl)-3,3'-bis(tert-butylperoxycarbonyl)diphenyl ketone, 2-(3-methyl-3H-benzothiazol-2-ylidene)-1-naphth-2-yl-ethyl ketone, 2-(3-methyl-1,3-benzothiazol-2(3H)-ylidene)-1-(2-benzoyl)ethyl ketone, etc. Free radical photopolymerization initiators can be used alone or in combination of two or more. Free radical polymerization has no special limitations and can use emulsion polymerization, suspension polymerization, dispersion polymerization, precipitation polymerization, bulk polymerization, solution polymerization, etc. Organic solvents used in free radical polymerization can be any compounds that do not chemically react with the species constituting the copolymer and do not capture free radicals. Examples include: N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-diethylformamide, N,N-dibutylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N,N-diethylacetamide, N,N-dipropylacetamide, N,N-dimethylpropionic acid, N,N-diethylpropionic acid, 3-methoxy-N,N-dimethylpropionic acid, N-methylformamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidineone, N-methyl-ε-caprolactone, dimethyl sulfoxide, tetramethylurea, pyridine, dimethyl sulfoxide, hexamethylphosphonic acid, γ-aminobutyric acid. -Butyrolactone, isopropanol, methoxymethylpentanol, dipentene, ethylpentanone, methyl nonyl ketone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isopentyl ketone, methyl isopropyl ketone, methyl cerrothol, ethyl cerrothol, methyl cerrothol acetate, butyl cerrothol acetate, ethyl cerrothol acetate, butyl carbitol, ethyl carbitol, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol monoacetate, ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (butyl cerrothol), propylene glycol, propylene glycol monoacetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol tributyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monoacetate Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoacetate monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoacetate monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoacetate monopropyl ether, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutyl acetate, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, diisopropyl ether, ethyl isobutyl ether, diisobutylene, amyl acetate, butyl butyrate, butyl ether, diisobutyl ketone, methylcyclohexene, propyl ether, dihexyl ether, 1,4-dimethylethane, n-hexane, n-pentane, n-octane, cyclohexane, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, benzene, xylene, toluene, ethylbenzene, isopropyl Benzene, tert-butylbenzene, tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, cyclohexanone, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, methyl lactate, ethyl lactate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, methyl 3-methoxypropionate, ethyl 3-methoxypropionate, methyl 3-ethoxypropionate, ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate, 3-ethoxypropionic acid, 3-methoxypropionic acid, propyl 3-methoxypropionate, butyl 3-methoxypropionate, dimethyl ether, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, 3-ethoxy-N,N-dimethylpropionic acid, 3-butoxy-N,N-Dimethylpropionamide, propyl pyruvate, butyl pyruvate, amyl pyruvate, hexyl pyruvate, 2-ethylhexyl pyruvate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, butyl acetate, amyl acetate, hexyl acetate, 2-ethylhexyl acetate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, acetyl... Butyl propionate, pentyl acetate, hexyl acetate, 2-ethylhexyl acetate, dimethyl malonate, dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl adipate, dimethyl phthalate, dimethyl maleate, diethyl malonate, diethyl succinate, diethyl glutarate, diethyl adipate, diethyl phthalate, diethyl maleate, malonic acid Dipropyl phthalate, dipropyl succinate, dipropyl glutarate, dipropyl adipate, dipropyl phthalate, dipropyl maleate, dibutyl malonate, dibutyl succinate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl adipate, dibutyl phthalate, dibutyl maleate, dipentyl malonate, dipentyl succinate, dipentyl glutarate, dipentyl adipate, dipentyl phthalate Di(2-ethylhexyl) maleate, di(2-ethylhexyl) malonate, di(2-ethylhexyl) succinate, di(2-ethylhexyl) glutarate, di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, di(2-ethylhexyl) maleate, di-2-ethylhexyl malonate, 2-ethylhexyl succinate, 2-ethylhexyl glutarate, 2-ethylhexyl adipate, 2-ethylhexyl phthalate, 2-ethylhexyl maleate, etc. These organic solvents can be used alone or in combination. Furthermore, even solvents that do not dissolve the generated polymer can still be mixed with the aforementioned organic solvents within the range that prevents the generated polymer from precipitating. Furthermore, in free radical polymerization, oxygen in the organic solvent can hinder the polymerization reaction, so it is better to use organic solvents that have been degassed as much as possible. Furthermore, when the graft copolymer obtained by polymerization is dissolved in the reaction solution, the reaction solution can be directly supplied to the preparation of the liquid crystal alignment agent, or the graft copolymer contained in the reaction solution can be isolated and then supplied to the preparation of the liquid crystal alignment agent. The polymerization temperature for free radical polymerization can be selected from any temperature between 30 and 150°C, preferably within the range of 50 to 100°C. Furthermore, the reaction can be carried out at any concentration, but if the concentration is too low, it will be difficult to obtain a high molecular weight polymer; if the concentration is too high, the viscosity of the reaction liquid will become too high, making uniform stirring difficult. Therefore, the monomer concentration is preferably 1 to 50% by mass, more preferably 5 to 40% by mass. The reaction is initially carried out at a high concentration, after which an organic solvent can be added. In the above-mentioned free radical polymerization reaction, if the ratio of the free radical polymerization initiator to the monomer is high, the molecular weight of the obtained polymer will decrease; if it is low, the molecular weight of the obtained polymer will increase. Therefore, a ratio of 0.1 to 10 mol% of the free radical initiator to the monomer to be polymerized is preferred. Furthermore, various monomer components, solvents, initiators, etc., can also be added during polymerization. The polymer generated from the reaction solution obtained by the above reaction can be recovered by precipitating it in a poor solvent, but this reprecipitation process is not necessary. Poor solvents for precipitation include methanol, acetone, hexane, heptane, butylceryl ketone, heptane, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethanol, toluene, benzene, diethyl ether, methyl ethyl ether, and water. The polymer precipitated in the poor solvent can be recovered by filtration and then dried at room temperature or under normal or reduced pressure. Furthermore, repeating the process of redissolving the recovered polymer in an organic solvent and then reprecipitating it 2 to 10 times can reduce impurities in the polymer. Poor solvents in this case include, for example, alcohols, ketones, and hydrocarbons. Using three or more poor solvents selected from these sources can further improve the purification efficiency, which is ideal. The block copolymers and graft copolymers used in this invention, considering the strength, workability during coating formation, and uniformity of the obtained coating, have a weight-average molecular weight of 2,000 to 5,000,000 as measured by GPC (Gel Permeation Chromatography), with 5,000 to 2,000,000 being even more ideal. In the liquid crystal alignment agent of the present invention, which contains at least one of block copolymers and graft copolymers, the component constituting the alignment film can be a single component of the aforementioned copolymer or a composite material. The composite component other than the aforementioned copolymers can be a monomer or a polymer. When a polymer is selected as the composite component, multiple polymers can be mixed. Furthermore, the composite polymer can also contain polymers such as polyamide, polyimide, polyamide ester, polyamide, polyester, polyurea, polyacrylate, and polyorganosiloxane, and may also contain silane coupling agents, other additives, etc. From the perspective of improving electrical properties and reliability, it is ideal to use components different from the aforementioned copolymers, especially polyamide and polyimide. There is no particular limitation on the composite ratio of the polymers combined with the aforementioned copolymers. From the perspective of optical properties and processability, the ideal composite ratio (the proportion of the composite component to the total of the aforementioned copolymers and composite components) is 99% by mass or less, more preferably 70% by mass or less. There are no specific limitations on the amount of additives added. When selecting monomers as composite components, most monomers can be used in combination. Furthermore, it is ideal to use polyfunctional (meth)acrylates, polyfunctional epoxides, polyfunctional ethylenes, etc., which exhibit thermosetting properties. The use of thermosetting acid generators, thermosetting alkali generators, and thermosetting free radical generators is also permitted. There are no specific limitations on the composite ratio of monomers with the aforementioned copolymers; however, considering optical properties and processability, a composite ratio of 99% by mass or less, and more preferably 70% by mass or less, is recommended. One ideal form of polyacrylate as a composite component is a polyacrylate that is not a block copolymer or graft copolymer of the present invention described above. For example, a polymer obtained by polymerizing industrially available monomers capable of free radical polymerization using a common free radical generator. Industrially available monomers capable of free radical polymerization include unsaturated carboxylic acids, acrylate compounds, methacrylate compounds, maleimide compounds, acrylonitrile, maleic anhydride, styrene compounds, and vinyl compounds. These monomers are listed in the section on <Other Monomers> above. In addition to the monomers that can be industrially obtained for free radical polymerization, side-chain polymers using monomers with liquid crystal side chain structures, and photosensitive monomers with photosensitive groups as exemplified in the above-mentioned monomers with photoalignment groups, can also be used. (Liquid Crystal Alignment Agent) The liquid crystal alignment agent of the present invention is characterized by comprising a polymer obtained by polymerization of polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon groups (preferably the aforementioned specific polymer, block copolymer, and / or graft copolymer), and ketoalkyl esters and / or dialkyl esters of diacids as solvents for dissolving them. The specific polymer is a material for strongly anchoring films, and the aforementioned block copolymers and graft copolymers are materials for weakly anchoring films. The ketoalkyl esters and dialkyl esters of diacids used as solvents exhibit very good solubility for these materials and also exhibit good coatability in spin coating and flexographic printing, thus resulting in a very high-quality liquid crystal alignment film. The block copolymers and graft copolymers used in this invention lack solubility in NMP and GBL, which are commonly used solvents. Although they may show solubility, precipitation or gelation may occur during storage. If these solvents are used for coating, pinholes and spots are likely to appear. On the other hand, it has been learned that by using keto acid alkyl esters and dicarboxylic acid dialkyl esters in the liquid crystal alignment agent of the present invention, these problems can be solved, and the storage stability, coating properties, and printability of the alignment agent can be improved. Furthermore, it can also be cited as a feature that it causes minimal damage to APR printing plates used in flexographic printing. For keto acid alkyl esters, pyruvic acid, acetoacetic acid, and acetopropionic acid are preferred, with acetopropionic acid being even more ideal. For dicarboxylic acid diesters, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, phthalic acid, and maleic acid are preferred, with succinic acid, glutaric acid, and adipic acid being even more ideal. For keto acid alkyl esters and dicarboxylic acid diesters, alkyl groups with 1 to 8 carbon atoms are preferred, with alkyl groups with 2 to 8 carbon atoms being even more ideal. Examples of alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, and 2-ethylhexyl. Ideal examples of keto alkyl esters include methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, propyl pyruvate, butyl pyruvate, pentyl pyruvate, hexyl pyruvate, 2-ethylhexyl pyruvate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, butyl acetate, pentyl acetate, hexyl acetate, 2-ethylhexyl acetate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, butyl acetate, pentyl acetate, hexyl acetate, and 2-ethylhexyl acetate. Ideal examples of dialkyl dicarboxylic acids include dimethyl malonate, dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl adipate, dimethyl phthalate, dimethyl maleate, diethyl malonate, diethyl succinate, diethyl glutarate, diethyl adipate, diethyl phthalate, diethyl maleate, dipropyl malonate, dipropyl succinate, dipropyl glutarate, dipropyl adipate, dipropyl phthalate, dipropyl maleate, dibutyl malonate, dibutyl succinate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl adipate, dibutyl phthalate, dibutyl male ...phthalate, dibutyl maleate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl adipate, dibutyl phthalate, dibutyl maleate, dibutyl phthalate, dibutyl maleate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl adipate, dibutyl phthalate, dibutyl maleate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl adipate, dibutyl phthalate, dibutyl maleate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl maleate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl maleate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl maleate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl maleate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl maleate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl maleate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl maleate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl maleate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl maleate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl maleate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl maleate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl maleate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl glutarate, dibutyl male Dipentyl ester of phthalate, dipentyl succinate, dipentyl glutarate, dipentyl adipate, dipentyl phthalate, dipentyl maleate, dihexyl malonate, dihexyl succinate, dihexyl glutarate, dihexyl adipate, dihexyl phthalate, dihexyl maleate, bis(2-ethylhexyl malonate), bis(2-ethylhexyl succinate), bis(2-ethylhexyl glutarate), bis(2-ethylhexyl adipate), bis(2-ethylhexyl phthalate), bis(2-ethylhexyl maleate), etc., but other dialkyl esters of dicarboxylic acids can also be used as solvents. Ideal solvents include methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, dimethyl malonate, diethyl malonate, dimethyl succinate, diethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate, and diethyl glutarate. The aforementioned keto acid alkyl esters and dicarboxylic acid dialkyl esters can be used alone or in combination with other solvents. When using these solvents, it is preferable to use 1 to 100% by mass of the total solvent contained in the liquid crystal alignment agent, and more preferably 10 to 90% by mass. The solvent used in preparing the liquid crystal alignment agent of the present invention may also be any solvent other than the above-mentioned keto acid alkyl esters and / or dicarboxylic acid dialkyl ester compounds. Other solvents include: N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N-methylformamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidineone, N-methylcaprolactam, dimethyl sulfoxide, tetramethylurea, pyridine, dimethyl sulfoxide, hexamethylphosphatidine, γ-butyrolactone, isopropanol, methoxymethylpentanol, dipentene, ethylpentanone, methyl nonyl ketone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isopentyl ketone, methyl isopropyl ketone, methyl ceroxythione, ethyl ceroxythione, methyl ceroxythione acetate, butyl ceroxythione acetate, ethyl ceroxythione acetate, butyl carbitol, ethyl carbitol, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol monoacetate, ethylene glycol... propylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol, propylene glycol monoacetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol-tert-butyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monoacetate, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoacetate monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoacetate monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoacetate monopropyl ether, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutyl acetate, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, diisopropyl ether, ethyl isobutyl ether, diisobutylene, pentyl acetate, butyl butyrate, butyl ether, diisobutyl ketone, methylcyclohexene, propyl ether, dihexyl ether, dialkylene, n- Hexane, n-pentane, n-octane, diethyl ether, cyclohexanone, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, methyl lactate, ethyl lactate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, methyl 3-methoxypropionate, methyl 3-ethoxypropionate, ethyl 3-methoxypropionate, 3-ethoxypropionic acid, 3-methoxypropionic acid, propyl 3-methoxypropionate, butyl 3-methoxypropionate, dimethyl ether, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, 1-ethoxy-2-propanol, 1-butoxy-2-propanol, 1-phenoxy-2-propanol, propylene glycol diacetate, propylene glycol-1-monomethyl ether-2-acetate, propylene glycol-1-monoethyl ether-2-acetate Dipropylene glycol, 2-(2-ethoxypropoxy)propanol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol), 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,3-pentanediol, 1,4-pentanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,3-hexanediol, 1,4-hexanediol, 1,5-hexanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,4-hexanediol, 2,5-hexanediol, 3,5-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,3-heptanediol, 1,4-Heptanediol, 1,5-Heptanediol, 1,6-Heptanediol, 1,7-Heptanediol, 1,2-Octanediol, 1,4-Octanediol, 1,8-Octanediol, 1,2-Nonanediol, 1,3-Nonanediol, 1,5-Nonanediol, 1,6-Nonanediol, 1,9-Nonanediol, 1,2-Decanediol, 1,5-Decanediol, 1,8-Decanediol, 1,10-Decanediol, 1,2-Cyclohexanediol, 1,3-Cyclohexanediol, 1,4-Cyclohexanediol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, dibutyl glycol, glycerol, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, etc., but other organic solvents may also be used as long as they can be used as solvents. These organic solvents can be used alone or in mixtures. Furthermore, it is ideal to use a solvent that improves the uniformity and smoothness of the coating film in combination with a highly soluble organic solvent. Examples of solvents that improve the uniformity and smoothness of the coating film include: isopropanol, methoxymethylpentanol, methyl ceroxythreon, ethyl ceroxythreon, methyl ceroxythreon acetate, butyl ceroxythreon acetate, ethyl ceroxythreon acetate, butyl carbitol, ethyl carbitol, ethyl carbitol acetate, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol monoacetate, ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (butyl ceroxythreon), propylene glycol, propylene glycol monoacetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, etc. Butyl ether, propylene glycol-tert-butyl ether, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monoacetate, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoacetate monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether, dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutyl acetate, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, diisobutyl ether Propyl ether, ethyl isobutyl ether, diisobutylene, pentyl acetate, butyl butyrate, butyl ether, diisobutyl ketone, methylcyclohexene, propyl ether, dihexyl ether, n-hexane, n-pentane, n-octane, diethyl ether, methyl lactate, ethyl lactate, n-propyl lactate, n-butyl lactate, isoamyl lactate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, methyl 3-methoxypropionate, methyl 3-ethoxypropionate, ethyl 3-methoxypropionate, 3 1-Ethoxypropionic acid, 3-methoxypropionic acid, propyl 3-methoxypropionate, butyl 3-methoxypropionate, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, 1-ethoxy-2-propanol, 1-butoxy-2-propanol, 1-phenoxy-2-propanol, propylene glycol diacetate, propylene glycol-1-monomethyl ether-2-acetate, propylene glycol-1-monoethyl ether-2-acetate, dipropylene glycol, 2-(2-ethoxypropoxy)propanol, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, etc. These solvents can also be mixed in various forms. When using these solvents, it is preferable that the total amount of solvent contained in the liquid crystal alignment agent is 5-80% by mass, more preferably 20-60% by mass. The liquid crystal alignment agent of the present invention may also contain components other than those described above. Examples include compounds that improve film thickness uniformity and surface smoothness when coating the components contained in the liquid crystal alignment agent, compounds that improve the adhesion between the components contained in the liquid crystal alignment agent and the substrate, and compounds that further improve the film strength of the components contained in the liquid crystal alignment agent. Compounds that improve the uniformity of film thickness and surface smoothness include fluorinated surfactants, polysiloxane surfactants, and nonionic surfactants. More specifically, examples include: Eftop EF301, EF303, EF352 (manufactured by Mitsubishi Materials Electronics & Chemicals Co., Ltd.), Megafac F171, F173, R-30 (manufactured by DIC Corporation), Fluorad FC430, FC431 (manufactured by 3M Corporation), AsahiGuard AG710, Surflon S-382, SC101, SC102, SC103, SC104, SC105, SC106 (manufactured by AGC Corporation). When using these surfactants, the preferred proportion is 0.01 to 2 parts by mass, more preferably 0.01 to 1 part by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the total polymer contained in the components of the weakly anchored liquid crystal alignment agent. Specific examples of compounds that improve the adhesion between the components of a liquid crystal alignment agent and the substrate include compounds containing functional silanes and compounds containing epoxy groups. Examples include: 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, 2-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, 2-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, 3-ureopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-ureopropyltriethoxysilane, N-ethoxycarbonyl-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-ethoxycarbonyl-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, etc. Triethoxysilane, N-triethoxysilylpropyltriethyleneethyltriamine, N-trimethoxysilylpropyltriethyleneethyltriamine, 10-trimethoxysilyl-1,4,7-triazadecane, 10-triethoxysilyl-1,4,7-triazadecane, 9-trimethoxysilyl-3,6-diazanonylacetate, 9-triethoxysilyl-3,6-diazanonylacetate, N-benzyl-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-benzyl-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane N-Phenyl-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-Phenyl-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, N-bis(oxoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-bis(oxoethyl)-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, propylene glycol diglycidyl ether, tripropylene glycol diglycidyl ether, polypropylene glycol diglycidyl ether, neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether, glycerol diglycidyl ether, 2, 2-Dibromoneopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, 1,3,5,6-tetracyclooxypropyl-2,4-hexanediol, N,N,N',N'-tetracyclooxypropyl-methylenediamine, 1,3-bis(N,N-dicyclooxypropylaminomethyl)cyclohexane, N,N,N',N'-tetracyclooxypropyl-4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane, 3-(N-allyl-N-epoxypropyl)aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-(N,N-dicyclooxypropyl)aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, etc. Furthermore, to improve the strength of the liquid crystal alignment film, phenolic compounds such as 2,2'-bis(4-hydroxy-3,5-dihydroxymethylphenyl)propane and tetra(methoxymethyl)bisphenol can be added. When using these compounds, it is preferable to use 0.1 to 30 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the total polymer contained in the liquid crystal alignment agent, and more preferably 1 to 20 parts by mass. Furthermore, in addition to the above, within the scope of not impairing the effects of the present invention, dielectric materials and conductive substances that change the dielectric constant, conductivity and other electrical properties of the liquid crystal alignment film may also be added to the components of the liquid crystal alignment agent. (Liquid Crystal Alignment Film) The liquid crystal alignment film of the present invention is obtained by using the aforementioned liquid crystal alignment agent. For example, a hardened film obtained by coating the liquid crystal alignment agent of the present invention onto a substrate and then drying and calcining it can be used directly as a liquid crystal alignment film. Furthermore, this hardened film can be treated with friction, irradiation with polarized light or light of a specific wavelength, or with an ion beam for alignment processing. It can also be used to irradiate liquid crystal display elements filled with liquid crystal with UV light. The substrate for coating each liquid crystal alignment film can be any substrate with high transparency, and there are no special restrictions. It is preferable to have a substrate on which transparent electrodes for driving liquid crystals are formed. Specific examples include substrates for transparent electrodes formed from glass plates, polycarbonate, poly(meth)acrylate, polyether ether, polyarylate, polyurethane, polyether, polyetherketone, trimethylpentene, polyolefin, polyethylene terephthalate, (meth)acrylonitrile, triacetyl cellulose, diacetyl cellulose, ethyl butyrate cellulose, and other plastic sheets. The substrates that can be used for IPS liquid crystal display elements can also use standard IPS comb electrodes, PSA (Polymer-Stabilized Alignment) fishbone electrodes, or MVA (Multi-domain Vertical Alignment) raised patterns. Furthermore, in high-performance components such as TFT (Thin-Film-Transistor) type components, components in which a transistor is formed between the electrode used for liquid crystal driving and the substrate can be used. When a transmissive liquid crystal display element is desired, a substrate as described above is generally used. However, when a reflective liquid crystal display element is desired, an opaque substrate such as a silicon wafer can be used if only a single-sided substrate is required. In this case, the electrodes formed on the substrate can also be made of a light-reflecting material such as aluminum. Methods for coating liquid crystal alignment agents include spin coating, printing, inkjet coating, spray coating, and roller coating. However, considering productivity, transfer printing is widely used in industry, and it can also be ideally used in this invention. A drying step after coating the liquid crystal alignment agent is not necessary. However, it is preferable to include a drying step when the time between coating and calcination is not fixed depending on the substrate, or when calcination is not performed immediately after coating. This drying only needs to remove the solvent to a level that will not cause deformation of the coating shape due to substrate transport, etc., and there are no particular restrictions on the drying method. Ideal conditions for the drying step include, for example, drying on a hot plate at a temperature of 40-150°C, more preferably 60-100°C, for 0.5-30 minutes, more preferably 1-5 minutes. For the calcination step, when the block segments insoluble in the liquid crystal are composed of thermosetting compounds, calcination should preferably be performed above their curing temperature and below the thermal decomposition temperature of the polymer. Ideal conditions for the calcination step include, for example, calcination on a hot plate or in a thermal circulating oven at a temperature of 80-250°C, more preferably 100-230°C, for 1-120 minutes, more preferably 5-30 minutes. The thickness of this curing film can be selected as needed, preferably 5nm or more, and even more preferably 10nm or more, which improves the reliability of the liquid crystal display element and is therefore ideal. Furthermore, a thickness of less than 300nm, and even more preferably less than 150nm, prevents the power consumption of the liquid crystal display element from becoming extremely high, and is therefore also ideal. A substrate with an alignment film can be obtained in the above manner. Methods for performing uniaxial alignment processing include, for example, photoalignment, oblique evaporation, rubbing, and uniaxial alignment by magnetic field. When alignment is achieved by rubbing in one direction, for example, the substrate is moved while rotating a rubbing roller wound with rubbing cloth, so that the rubbing cloth and the film come into contact. When photoalignment is used, the film can be fully irradiated with polarized UV light of a specific wavelength, and heated as needed to perform the alignment process. When forming a substrate with comb-shaped electrodes, the direction is selected based on the electrical properties of the liquid crystal. When using a liquid crystal with positive dielectric anisotropy, it is preferable that the rubbing direction is approximately the same as the extension direction of the comb-shaped electrodes. [Liquid Crystal Cell] The liquid crystal cell of the present invention is obtained by the above method, by clamping a substrate having an alignment film obtained using the liquid crystal alignment agent of the present invention and another substrate with a spacer, fixing them with a sealant, and injecting liquid crystal to seal them. The size of the spacer used is typically 1~30 μm, preferably 2~10 μm. When forming the liquid crystal alignment film on the other substrate, the substrates are bonded together with the alignment films facing each other. Furthermore, when forming a weakly anchored liquid crystal alignment film, it is preferable that one of the two substrates is a weakly anchored liquid crystal alignment film and the other is a strongly anchored liquid crystal alignment film. Also, by making the friction directions of the first substrate and the second substrate parallel, it can be used in IPS and FFS systems; if the friction directions are orthogonal, it can be used in TN systems. The comb electrode substrate used in the IPS method, also known as the IPS substrate, has: a substrate; a plurality of linear electrodes formed and arranged in a comb-like pattern on the substrate; and a liquid crystal alignment film formed on the substrate in such a way as to cover the linear electrodes. The comb electrode substrate used in the FFS method, namely the FFS substrate, has: a substrate; a surface electrode formed on the substrate; an insulating film formed on the surface electrode; a plurality of linear electrodes formed on the insulating film and arranged in a comb-like shape; and a liquid crystal alignment film formed on the insulating film in such a way as to cover the linear electrodes. (Liquid Crystal Display Element) A liquid crystal display element, for example, includes: a first substrate; a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate; and liquid crystal filling the space between the first substrate and the second substrate. Furthermore, a weakly anchored liquid crystal display element is manufactured using a first substrate or a second substrate having a weakly anchored alignment film formed by coating the weakly anchored liquid crystal alignment agent of the present invention, and a second substrate or a first substrate having a strongly anchored horizontal alignment film. Liquid crystal display elements, for example, can be manufactured by conventionally assembling reflective electrodes, transparent electrodes, a λ / 4 plate, a polarizing film, and a color filter layer within the liquid crystal cell to meet visual requirements, thus forming a reflective liquid crystal display element. Furthermore, transmissive liquid crystal display elements can be manufactured by conventionally assembling backlight, a polarizing plate, a λ / 4 plate, a transparent electrode, a polarizing film, and a color filter layer within the liquid crystal cell to meet visual requirements. Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a horizontal electric field liquid crystal display element of the present invention, which is an example of an IPS-type liquid crystal display element. In the horizontal electric field liquid crystal display element 1 illustrated in Figure 1, liquid crystal 3 is sandwiched between a comb electrode substrate 2 having a liquid crystal alignment film 2c and a counter substrate 4 having a liquid crystal alignment film 4a. The comb electrode substrate 2 has: a substrate 2a; a plurality of linear electrodes 2b formed and arranged in a comb shape on the substrate 2a; and a liquid crystal alignment film 2c formed on the substrate 2a in such a way as to cover the linear electrodes 2b. The counter substrate 4 has: a substrate 4b; and a weakly anchored liquid crystal alignment film or a strongly anchored horizontal alignment film (liquid crystal alignment film 4a) formed on the substrate 4b. The liquid crystal alignment film 2c is, for example, the weakly anchored alignment film or the strongly anchored horizontal alignment film of the present invention. The liquid crystal alignment films provided on the counter substrates are fabricated as a combination of strongly anchored alignment films and weakly anchored liquid crystal alignment films. In this transverse electric field liquid crystal display element 1, if a voltage is applied to the linear electrode 2b, an electric field will be generated between the linear electrodes 2b as shown by the electric field line L. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the horizontal electric field liquid crystal display element of the present invention, which is an example of an FFS-type liquid crystal display element. In the horizontal electric field liquid crystal display element 1 illustrated in Figure 2, liquid crystal 3 is sandwiched between a comb electrode substrate 2 having a liquid crystal alignment film 2h and a counter substrate 4 having a liquid crystal alignment film 4a. The comb electrode substrate 2 has: a substrate 2d; a surface electrode 2e formed on the substrate 2d; an insulating film 2f formed on the surface electrode 2e; a plurality of linear electrodes 2g formed on the insulating film 2f and arranged in a comb shape; and a liquid crystal alignment film 2h formed on the insulating film 2f in such a way as to cover the linear electrodes 2g. The counter substrate 4 has: a substrate 4b; and a liquid crystal alignment film 4a formed on the substrate 4b. The liquid crystal alignment film 4a is the same as the liquid crystal alignment film 4a in Figure 1 described above. The liquid crystal alignment film 2h is the same as the liquid crystal alignment film 2c in Figure 1 described above. In this horizontal electric field liquid crystal display element 1, if a voltage is applied to the surface electrode 2e and the linear electrode 2g, an electric field will be generated between the surface electrode 2e and the linear electrode 2g, as shown by the electric field line L. [Example] The following examples illustrate the present invention in detail, but the invention is not limited to these examples. The abbreviations of the compounds and the methods for determining their properties are as follows. (Component A) The component that mutually bonds with liquid crystals during the formation of block chains) [Chemistry 38] (Component B) Components that become insoluble in liquid crystals when forming block chains, or become insoluble through calcination. [Chem. 39] (RAFT agent) [Chem. 40] (Chain transfer agent) [Chem. 41] (Polymerization initiator) [Chemical 42] (Solvent) THF: Tetrahydrofuran; NMP: N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone; PB: Propylene glycol monobutyl ether; BCS: Butylceroxose; PGMEA: Propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate. (Viscosity Measurement) The viscosity of the polymer solution was measured using a TVE-22H type E viscometer (manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) with a sample volume of 1.1 mL, a conical rotor TE-1 (1°34', R24), and a temperature of 25°C. (Determination of Molecular Weight) The molecular weight of each polymer was determined using a room-temperature gel permeation chromatography (GPC) apparatus (CBM-20A) (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation) and columns (Shodex KF-804L and KF-803L in series) (manufactured by Showa Denko Corporation) as follows: Column temperature: 40℃; Dissolution solution: tetrahydrofuran; Flow rate: 1.0 mL / min; Standard samples used for test line preparation: Standard polystyrene (molecular weight: 197,000, 55,100, 12,800, 3,950, 1,260) (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation). [Synthesis of Block Polymers] (Synthesis Example 1) The prepolymer P(A-1) was synthesized in a 100 ml round-bottom flask equipped with a stir bar and a nitrogen inlet tube. A-1 (18.00 g, 105.73 mmol), R-5 (0.60 g, 1.48 mmol), and AIBN (0.12 g, 0.74 mmol) were measured and added to THF (43.7 g) at a concentration of 30% by mass. After dissolving at room temperature, nitrogen was substituted into the system, and the mixture was heated and stirred in an oil bath at 60°C for 12 hours. After heating and stirring, methanol (200 g) was carefully injected into the reaction solution while stirring, causing a solid to precipitate. The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. The precipitate was collected by filtration and washed with methanol (200 g) for 30 minutes, repeating this process twice. The solid was then dried under vacuum at 50°C to obtain prepolymer P(A-1). Number average molecular weight (Mn): 8,600; weight average molecular weight (Mw): 9,500. (Synthesis Examples 2-3) The type and amount of component A used were changed as shown in Table 1, and the polymers were synthesized using the same method as in Synthesis Example 1. Furthermore, R-5 was used as 1.4 mol% of component A, and AIBN was used as 0.5 mol equivalents relative to R-5. Table 1 below shows the component A used in the synthesis of each polymer and the molecular weight of the polymer. [Table 1] (Synthesis Example 4) The block polymer was synthesized in a 100 ml round-bottom flask equipped with a stir bar and a nitrogen inlet tube. Prepolymers P(A-1) (2.08 g, 0.24 mmol), B-2 (3.42 g, 13.79 mmol), and AIBN (0.020 g, 0.12 mmol) obtained in Synthesis Example 1 were measured and added to THF (12.9 g) at a concentration of 30% by mass. After dissolving at room temperature, nitrogen was substituted into the system, and the mixture was heated and stirred in an oil bath at 60°C for 12 hours. After heating and stirring, methanol (50.0 g) was carefully injected into the reaction solution while stirring, causing a solid to precipitate. The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. The precipitate was separated by filtration and washed with methanol (50.0 g) for 30 minutes, repeating this process twice. The solid was then vacuum dried at 50°C to obtain the block copolymer (BC-1). Mn: 17,700, Mw: 20,800. (Synthesis Examples 5-10) The types and amounts of prepolymers and component B used were changed as shown in Table 2. Otherwise, the same procedure as in Synthesis Example 4 was followed to synthesize each polymer. Furthermore, the amount of monomer B was 57 times the mole number (polymer mass / number average molecular weight) of the prepolymer, and the amount of AIBN was 0.5 times the mole number of the prepolymer. Table 2 below shows the types and amounts of component B and prepolymers used in the synthesis of each polymer, and the molecular weight of the block copolymer. [Table 2] [Synthesis of Graft Copolymer] (Synthesis Example 11) Synthesis of Macromonomer (M-1) In a 100 ml round-bottom flask equipped with a stir bar and a nitrogen inlet tube, A-4 (10.00 g, 78.00 mmol), S-4 (0.216 g, 2.34 mmol), and AIBN (0.128 g, 0.78 mmol) were measured and added. THF (10.3 g) was added and stirred at room temperature until dissolved. Nitrogen was then substituted into the system, and the mixture was heated and stirred in an oil bath at 60 °C for 12 hours. After heating and stirring, cold methanol (30.0 g) was carefully injected into the reaction solution while stirring to precipitate the solid. The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. The precipitate was separated by filtration and washed with cold methanol (30.0 g) for 30 minutes. This process was repeated twice. The solid was then dried under vacuum at 50 °C to obtain the prepolymer. Mn: 6,000, Mw: 9,900. In a 100 ml flask equipped with a stir bar and a nitrogen inlet tube, the prepolymer synthesized as described above (10.00 g, 1.67 mmol), B-3 (0.829 g, 5.83 mmol), hydroquinone (8.1 mg), N,N-dimethyllaurylamine (2.0 mg), and xylene (20.0 g) were added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature until dissolved, then heated and stirred in an oil bath at 140 °C for 6 hours. After heating and stirring, methanol (50.0 g) was carefully added to the reaction solution while stirring to precipitate the solid, and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. The precipitate was collected by filtration and washed with methanol (50.0 g) for 30 minutes, repeating this process twice. The solid was then dried under vacuum at 50 °C to obtain the macromonomer (M-1). Mn: 6,100, Mw: 9,900. (Synthesis Example 12) The graft copolymer was synthesized in a 100 ml round-bottom flask equipped with a stir bar and a nitrogen inlet tube. M-1 (1.00 g, 0.16 mmol), B-1 (4.07 g, 16.39 mmol), and AIBN (0.081 g, 0.49 mmol) were measured, and THF (7.8 g) was added. After dissolving by stirring at room temperature, nitrogen was substituted into the system, and the mixture was heated and stirred in an oil bath at 60 °C for 12 hours. After heating and stirring, methanol (40 g) was carefully added to the reaction solution while stirring, causing a solid to precipitate. The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. The precipitate was separated by filtration and washed with methanol (40 g) for 30 minutes, repeating this process twice. The solid was then dried under vacuum at 50 °C to obtain the graft copolymer (GP-1). Mn: 92,200, Mw: 196,600. (Synthesis Examples 13-15) The types and amounts of raw materials used were changed as shown in Table 3. Otherwise, the polymers were synthesized using the same method as shown in Synthesis Example 12. Furthermore, the amount of monomer B was 100 times the number of molecules (polymer weight / number average molecular weight) of the aforementioned synthesized macromonomer M-1, and the amount of AIBN was 0.03 times the number of molecules of component B. Table 3 below shows the molecular weights of component B, GP-X, and block copolymers used in the synthesis of each polymer. [Table 3] [Synthesis of Bottle Brush Polymer] (Synthesis Example 16) In a 100 ml round-bottom flask equipped with a stir bar and a nitrogen inlet tube, 2-((2-bromo-2-methylpropionic acid)oxyethyl methacrylate (5.00 g, 17.91 mmol), B-6 (0.078 g, 0.60 mmol), R-5 (0.72 g, 1.80 mmol), and AIBN (0.09 g, 0.54 mmol) were measured and added. THF (10.2 g) was added and stirred at room temperature until dissolved. Nitrogen was then substituted into the system, and the mixture was heated and stirred in an oil bath at 60 °C for 12 hours. After heating and stirring, methanol (50.0 g) was carefully injected into the reaction solution while stirring to precipitate the solid. The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. The precipitate was separated by filtration and then washed with methanol (50.0 g) for 30 minutes, repeating the process twice. The solid was then vacuum dried at 50°C to obtain the macromolecular monomer (M-2). Mn: 45,300, Mw: 68,000. In a 50 ml flask equipped with a stir bar and a nitrogen inlet tube, the following macromonomers synthesized as described above were added: (M-2) (2.00 g, 0.03 mmol), B-1 (0.43 g, 1.76 mmol), A-1 (3.00 g, 17.62 mmol), ethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate (0.012 g, 0.06 mmol), CuBr (0.03 g, 0.19 mmol), N,N,N',N'',N''-pentamethyldiethyleneethyltriamine (0.043 g, 0.25 mmol), and anisole (7.5 g). The mixture was stirred at room temperature until dissolved, then subjected to three freeze-drying cycles. The mixture was then heated and stirred in an oil bath at 90 °C for 6 hours. After heating and stirring, methanol (50.0 g) was carefully added to the reaction solution while stirring to precipitate the solid. The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. The precipitate was separated by filtration and then washed with methanol (50.0 g) for 30 minutes, repeated twice. The solid was then vacuum dried at 50°C to obtain the bottle brush polymer (BBP-1). Mn: 203,000, Mw: 384,000. [Synthesis of Random Copolymers] (Synthesis Example 17) The polymerization of P(7-8)[P(B-7)-rP(B-8)] was carried out in a 100 ml round-bottom flask equipped with a stir bar and a nitrogen inlet tube. B-7 (3.00 g, 9.79 mmol), B-8 (3.53 g, 9.79 mmol) and AIBN (0.10 g, 0.59 mmol) were measured and THF (26.5 g) was added. After dissolving the mixture by stirring at room temperature, nitrogen was substituted into the system, and the mixture was heated and stirred in an oil bath at 60 °C for 12 hours. After heating and stirring, methanol (50.0 g) was carefully injected into the reaction solution while stirring, causing the solid to precipitate and stirring for 30 minutes. The precipitate was separated by filtration and washed with methanol (50.0 g) for 30 minutes, and the process was repeated twice. The solid was then dried under vacuum at 50 °C to obtain P(7-8). Mn: 22429, Mw: 48,000. [Preparation of Weakly Anchored Liquid Crystal Orientation Agent] (Example 1) 2.00 g of polymer BC-1 was measured into a 50 ml Erlenmeyer flask equipped with a stir bar. Diethyl malonate (21.3 g) as solvent 1 and PB (10.0 g) as solvent 2 were added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours to dissolve, yielding a weakly anchored liquid crystal orientation agent WA-1 with a solid content of 6% by mass, 64% by mass of diethyl malonate, and 30% by mass of PB. Furthermore, the prepared liquid crystal orientation agent was rated as "good" if there was no precipitation or turbidity, and "poor" if either precipitation or turbidity occurred. The results are shown in Table 4. (Examples 2-16, Comparative Examples 1-14) The polymers and solvents were changed as shown in Table 4, and the weakly anchored liquid crystal alignment agents WA-2 to WA-30 were obtained using the same method as in Example 1. Details are shown in Table 4 below. Furthermore, the liquid crystal alignment agents obtained were rated as "good" if there was no precipitation or turbidity, and rated as "poor" if either precipitation or turbidity occurred. The results are also shown in Table 4. [Table 4] [Preparation of Strongly Anchored Liquid Crystal Orientation Agent] (Example 17) 2.00 g of polymer P (7-8) was measured into a 50 ml Erlenmeyer flask equipped with a stir bar. Diethyl malonate (21.3 g) as solvent 1 and PB (10.0 g) as solvent 2 were added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours to dissolve, yielding a strongly anchored liquid crystal orientation agent SA-1 with a solid content of 6% by mass, 64% by mass of diethyl malonate, and 30% by mass of PB. Furthermore, the prepared liquid crystal orientation agent was rated as "good" if there was no precipitation or turbidity, and "poor" if either precipitation or turbidity occurred. The results are shown in Table 5. (Examples 18-21, Comparative Examples 15-16) The solvents used were changed as shown in Table 5, and strong anchoring liquid crystal alignment agents SA-2 to SA-7 were obtained using the same method as in Example 17. Details are shown in Table 5 below. Furthermore, the liquid crystal alignment agents obtained were rated as "good" if there was no precipitation or turbidity, and rated as "poor" if either precipitation or turbidity occurred. The results are also shown in Table 5. [Table 5] [Evaluation of Coating Properties of Liquid Crystal Orientation Agent] The coating properties of the liquid crystal orientation agent obtained above were evaluated during flexographic printing (using a flexographic printing press manufactured by KOMURA TECH, substrate: 100mm × 100mm Cr vapor-deposited substrate, printing speed: 20m / min, printing pressure: 0.12mm, printing station time: 50sec, anilox roller: #350-28μm, printing plate: #600 mesh, 25%, 52°, 80mm × 80mm, leveling time: 40sec, drying conditions: 80℃・120sec, final calcination conditions: 230℃・1200sec). The coating properties were rated as follows: "Good" for uniform film formation, "Slightly Good" for relatively uniform film formation, and "Poor" for non-uniform film formation. The evaluation of film condition is as follows: when no defects such as pinholes or film thickness spots are seen in the coating, it is rated as "good"; when there are relatively few defects such as pinholes or film thickness spots in the coating, it is rated as "slightly good"; and when there are many defects such as pinholes or film thickness spots in the coating, it is rated as "poor". [Table 6] [Table 7] It is evident that, regarding the solvents used in this invention, the stability of the solution is good when at least one of ketoalkyl esters and dialkyl esters of diacids is used, resulting in very good coatings even in flexographic printing tests. On the other hand, when using PGMEA, commonly used in polyolefin polymers, fuzzing (film turbidity) and uneven film thickness occur during flexographic printing. This is believed to be due to the low boiling point of PGMEA, causing it to volatilize during solution transfer. NMP has low solubility for block polymers and bottle brush polymers, making it difficult to use as a printing solvent. Even in one example of the polymers used in this invention, besides block polymers and graft polymers, a strong anchoring material based on polymethacrylates was used, resulting in improved printability. From the above results, it is clear that even among strong anchoring materials based on polyolefins, the use of at least one of ketoalkyl esters and dialkyl esters of diacids is effective in improving printability. [Fabrication of Liquid Crystal Display Element] The following describes a method for fabricating liquid crystal cells used to evaluate liquid crystal alignment and electro-optical response. First, a substrate with electrodes is prepared. The substrate is an alkali-free glass substrate with a size of 30mm × 35mm and a thickness of 0.7mm. ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) electrodes with an electrode width of 3μm, an electrode spacing of 6μm, and a comb-like pattern at a 10° angle to the long side of the substrate are formed on the substrate, and pixels are formed. Each pixel is 10mm in length and approximately 5mm in width. This is referred to as the IPS substrate. Then, the weakly anchored liquid crystal alignment agent (WA-1~WA-16) and the strongly anchored liquid crystal alignment agent (SA-4) for horizontal alignment obtained by the above method were filtered through a filter with a pore size of 1.0 mm, and then coated by spin coating onto the prepared IPS substrate and a glass substrate (hereinafter referred to as the opposing substrate) with an ITO film already formed on the back and columnar spacers with a height of 3.0 μm. Then, the film obtained using SA-4 was dried on a hot plate at 80°C for 2 minutes, and then irradiated with ultraviolet light of 30 mJ / cm through a polarizing plate and a 313 nm bandpass filter on the coated surface. 2The film was then heated at 150°C for 20 minutes to obtain a liquid crystal alignment film with a thickness of 100 nm. Furthermore, for the coating on the IPS substrate, alignment treatment was performed along the direction of the comb teeth; for the coating on the opposing substrate, alignment treatment was performed in a direction perpendicular to the comb teeth electrodes. The film obtained using a weakly anchored alignment agent was dried on a hot plate at 80°C for 2 minutes, and then heated in an IR oven at 180°C for 20 minutes to obtain a weakly anchored liquid crystal alignment film. This weakly anchored liquid crystal alignment film was used directly without further alignment treatment. Using the aforementioned two substrates, the combination shown in Table 8 below was assembled with their respective alignment directions parallel, retaining the liquid crystal injection port and sealing the surrounding area (sealant: XN-1500T (Mitsui Chemicals)). The mixture was then heated at 150°C for 60 minutes to harden the sealant, creating empty cells with a cell gap of approximately 3.0 μm. Liquid crystal (MLC-3019 (Merck)) is injected into the empty cell under vacuum at room temperature, and the injection port is sealed to create a reverse parallel alignment liquid crystal cell. The obtained liquid crystal cell constitutes an IPS-type liquid crystal display element. Then, the obtained liquid crystal cell is heat-treated at 120°C for 10 minutes to obtain the liquid crystal display element. [Evaluation of Initial Alignment] Using a polarizing microscope, the polarizing plate was set to orthogonal Nicol, and the liquid crystal cell brightness was fixed at its minimum. The liquid crystal cell was then rotated 1°, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal was observed. When no misalignment such as inhomogeneity or micro-regions was observed, or when it was very slight, it was defined and rated as "good." When misalignment was clearly observed, it was defined and rated as "poor." The results are shown in Table 8. [Measurement of VT Curve and Evaluation of Driving Threshold Voltage, Maximum Brightness Voltage, and Transmittance] A white LED backlight and a luminance meter were arranged with their optical axes aligned. A liquid crystal cell (liquid crystal display element) with a polarizing plate mounted in a manner that minimizes brightness was placed between them. Voltages were applied at 1V intervals up to 8V, and the brightness at each voltage was measured to determine the VT curve. The voltage value (Vth) at 10% of the maximum transmittance was estimated when no voltage was applied. The voltage at which the brightness reaches its maximum was estimated from the obtained VT curve. Furthermore, with the liquid crystal cell without applied voltage separated, the transmittance was set to 100% when parallel to the Nicol tube. The maximum transmittance on the VT curve was compared to this value to estimate the maximum transmittance (Tmax). The results are shown in Table 8. [Measurement of response time (Ton, Toff)] Using the apparatus used to measure the VT curve above, a luminance meter was connected to an oscilloscope to measure the response time (Ton) when a voltage of maximum luminance was applied and the response time (Toff) when the voltage returned to 0V. The results are shown in Table 8. [Table 8] In IPS liquid crystal display elements fabricated using the weakly anchored liquid crystal alignment agent of the present invention, a decrease in threshold voltage (Vth) and maximum brightness voltage (Vmax) was confirmed in each liquid crystal display element, and an increase in maximum transmittance (Tmax) was also confirmed. Furthermore, a decrease in response speed due to weak anchoring was also confirmed. From the above, it can be seen that even when using ketoalkyl esters or dialkyl esters of dicarboxylic acids as solvents, good weak anchoring characteristics can be obtained without affecting the properties. [Industrial Applicability] According to the present invention, a stable weakly anchored film can be manufactured in a much simpler way than conventional techniques, thus reducing the step load imposed on the manufacturing of weakly anchored IPS in actual industrial applications and improving yield. Furthermore, by using the materials and methods of the present invention, polymer solution precipitation and turbidity are less likely to occur compared to conventional solvents, resulting in excellent storage stability. Even with flexographic printing, a high-quality weakly anchored alignment film can still be obtained, providing materials and transverse electric field liquid crystal display elements that stably exhibit excellent properties. 1: Horizontal electric field liquid crystal display element; 2: Comb electrode substrate; 2a: Substrate; 2b: Linear electrode; 2c: Liquid crystal alignment film; 2d: Substrate; 2e: Surface electrode; 2f: Insulating film; 2g: Linear electrode; 2h: Liquid crystal alignment film; 3: Liquid crystal; 4: Opposing substrate; 4a: Liquid crystal alignment film; 4b: Substrate; L: Electric field lines Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one example of the horizontal electric field liquid crystal display element of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the horizontal electric field liquid crystal display element of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal alignment agent comprising a polymer obtained by polymerization of a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group, and comprising at least one solvent selected from alkyl ketone acids and dialkyl diacids; wherein the ketone acid in the alkyl ketone acid is any one of pyruvate and acetopropionic acid, the dicarboxylic acid in the dialkyl diacid is any one of succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, and maleic acid, and the alkyl groups of the alkyl ketone acid and the dialkyl diacid are alkyl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms.

2. A liquid crystal alignment agent comprising a polymer obtained by polymerization of a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group, and comprising at least one solvent selected from alkyl ketonic acids and dialkyl diacids; the liquid crystal alignment agent is used to form a liquid crystal alignment film having liquid crystal and a liquid crystal alignment film, the polymer being selected from at least one of the following polymers (α) and polymer (β), and being used for weak anchoring: polymer (α): a block copolymer having a block segment (A) that is compatible with the liquid crystal and a block segment (B) that is incompatible with the liquid crystal or is insoluble in the liquid crystal due to calcination; polymer (β): a graft copolymer having a dry polymer and a branch polymer that is a side chain of the dry polymer and is bonded to the dry polymer, the branch polymer being compatible with the liquid crystal, and the dry polymer being incompatible with the liquid crystal or insoluble in the liquid crystal due to calcination.

3. The liquid crystal alignment agent as requested in item 1 or 2, wherein, The polymerizable group having the polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group is selected from at least one of (meth)acrylyl, allyl, vinylphenyl, and maleimino.

4. The liquid crystal alignment agent as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The keto acid in the keto alkyl ester is any one of pyruvic acid, acetic acid, and acetopropionic acid; the dicarboxylic acid in the dicarboxylic acid diester is any one of malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, phthalic acid, and maleic acid; and the alkyl group of the keto alkyl ester and the dicarboxylic acid diester is an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms.

5. The liquid crystal alignment agent as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The keto acid in the keto alkyl ester is acetylpropionic acid, the dicarboxylic acid in the dicarboxylic acid dialkyl ester is any one of succinic acid, glutaric acid, and adipic acid, and the alkyl group of the keto alkyl ester and the dicarboxylic acid dialkyl ester is an alkyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms.

6. The liquid crystal alignment agent as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The block segment (A) of polymer (α) contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (2), formula (3), formula (5), and formula (7) as a constituent component; the block segment (B) of polymer (α) contains a compound represented by formula (8) as a constituent component; the branch polymer of polymer (β) is derived from a macromonomer represented by formula (1); the dry polymer of polymer (β) contains a compound represented by formula (8) as a constituent component; in formula (1), P represents a polymerizable group having a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group; Q is a structure obtained by polymerizing a monomer containing at least one of the compounds represented by formulas (2), (3), (5), and (7); n is an integer from 1 to 2; when n is 2, the two Qs can be the same or different. In formula (2), M represents a polymerizable group with a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group, X represents a single bond, ether bond, ester bond, amide bond, carbamate bond, urea bond, or thioether bond, R1 represents an alkyl group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms that can also insert a bonding group, and n is an integer from 1 to 2. When n is 2, the two X and R1 can be the same or different. In formula (3), M represents a polymerizable group with a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group, S represents a single bond or a saturated hydrocarbon group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms that can also insert a bonding group, T represents the organic group represented by formula (4) below, and n is an integer from 1 to 2. When n is 2, the two T can be the same or different. However, when n is 2, S represents a saturated hydrocarbon group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms that can also insert a bonding group. In formula (4), * represents the bonding site, X represents a bonding group selected from single bond, ether bond, ester bond, amide bond, carbamate bond, urea bond, thioether bond, -Si(R1)(R2)- (R1 and R2 each independently represent an alkyl group bonded to Si), -Si(R3)(R4)-O- (R3 and R4 each independently represent an alkyl group bonded to Si), and N(R5)- (R5 represents a hydrogen atom or alkyl group bonded to N), Cy represents a non-aromatic cyclic group with 6 to 20 members. In formula (5), M represents a polymerizable group with a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group, R1 represents a straight-chain or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and each of the three X's independently represents a hydrogen atom or the following formula (6), except that at least one of the three X's represents formula (6). In formula (6), Y represents a single bond, -O-, -S-, or -N(R)- (R represents a hydrogen atom bonded to N or an alkyl group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms), * represents the bonding site, R2, R3, and R4 each independently represent an alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms or an aromatic hydrocarbon group that may also have substituents, in formula (7), M represents a polymerizable group with a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group, R1 to R3 each independently represent a single bond or an alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms that may also have a bonding group inserted, Ar represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group that may also have substituents, X1 and X2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an aromatic hydrocarbon group that may also have substituents,Alternatively, R1X1 and R2X2 can form a ring together with the carbon atoms bonded to R1X1 and R2X2, provided that the total number of carbon atoms in R1X1, R2X2, and R3 is 1 or more. In equation (8), M represents a polymerizable group with a polymerizable unsaturated hydrocarbon group, n is an integer from 1 to 2, and Z represents the group represented by equation (9) below. When n is 2, the two Zs can be the same or different. In formula (9), L represents a group selected from amino, protected amino, aniline, protected aniline, hydroxyl, protected hydroxyl, phenol, protected phenol, thiol, protected thiol, thiophenol, protected thiophenol, carboxyl, protected carboxyl, benzoic acid, protected benzoic acid, isocyanate, protected isocyanate, cyclic ether with 2-5 carbon atoms, maleimino, carboxylic anhydride, N-hydroxysuccinimino, acezolinyl, trialkoxysilyl, vinyl, allyl, styryl, α-hydroxyacetophenone, α-aminoalkylphenylphenone, oxime ester, acetophosphine oxide, cinnamic acid, cinnamic ester, azophenyl, Functional groups from the group consisting of N-benzylidene aniline, stilbene, diphenylethynyl, phenylbenzoate, aromatic hydrocarbon groups with 5-18 carbon atoms that may have a bonding group inserted, and aromatic heterocyclic groups with 5-18 carbon atoms that may have a bonding group inserted; J represents a single bond or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 1-6 carbon atoms; K, when bonded to an aromatic hydrocarbon group, represents a linking group selected from single bonds, ether bonds, ester bonds, amide bonds, urea bonds, carbamate bonds, and thioether bonds; otherwise, it represents a single bond; * indicates the bonding site; m is an integer from 1 to 3; when m is 2 or 3, multiple K and L can be the same or different, but when J is a single bond, m is 1.

7. The liquid crystal alignment agent as claimed in claim 6, wherein, In formula (1), P represents any of the following structures; in formula (2), M represents any of the following structures; in formula (3), M represents any of the following structures; in formula (5), M represents any of the following structures; in formula (7), M represents any of the following structures; in formula (8), M represents any of the following structures; in each formula, R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom or a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms; X, Y, and Z independently represent an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; *, *1, and *2 represent bonding sites; one of *1 and *2 may also be replaced by a hydrogen atom or a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

8. A liquid crystal display element obtained using a liquid crystal alignment agent as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

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