Optical film, optical laminate, polarizing plate, and image display device

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing: an optical film having a liquid crystal cured layer having excellent leveling properties and excellent adhesiveness; an optical laminate; a polarizing plate; and an image display device. An optical film according to the present invention has a liquid crystal cured layer obtained by fixing, onto a polymer film serving as a support, an alignment state of a liquid crystal composition that includes: a copolymer including a predetermined repeating unit A and a predetermined repeating unit B; and a polymerizable liquid crystal compound.

Description

Optical film, optical laminate, polarizing plate, and image display device

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical film, an optical laminate, a polarizing plate, and an image display device.

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

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

[0004] JP 2016-095421 A

[0005] The present inventors have studied an optical film obtained by curing a liquid crystal composition containing a copolymer (surfactant) and a liquid crystal compound as described in Patent Document 1, and have found that, depending on the structure of the copolymer, it is difficult to achieve both the leveling property of a film (cured liquid crystal layer) formed using the liquid crystal composition and the adhesiveness to a member adjacent to the film when the film (cured liquid crystal layer) formed using the liquid crystal composition is adhered to an adherend, and that there is room for improvement. Hereinafter, excellent adhesiveness to a member adjacent to the film when the film formed using the liquid crystal composition is adhered to an adherend will also be simply referred to as "excellent adhesiveness."

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical film having a liquid crystal cured layer that is excellent in leveling property and adhesiveness, and also to provide an optical laminate, a polarizing plate, and an image display device.

[0007] (1) An optical film having a liquid crystal cured layer formed by fixing an aligned state of a liquid crystal composition containing a copolymer including repeating units A and B and a polymerizable liquid crystal compound on a polymer film serving as a support, wherein the repeating unit A is a repeating unit represented by formula (A1) described below, and the repeating unit B is a repeating unit represented by formula (B2) described below. (2) The optical film according to (1), wherein the repeating unit A is a repeating unit represented by formula (a1) described below. (3) The optical film according to (1) or (2), wherein the weight-average molecular weight of the copolymer is 8,000 or more and less than 80,000. (4) The optical film according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the content of the repeating unit A is 40 to 70 mol % based on the total repeating units of the copolymer. (5) The optical film according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the copolymer does not have a photoalignable group. (6) The optical film according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is at least one polymerizable liquid crystal compound selected from the group consisting of polymerizable rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds and polymerizable discotic liquid crystal compounds. (7) The optical film according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the liquid crystal cured layer is a positive A plate. (8) An optical laminate obtained by bonding the liquid crystal cured layer of the optical film according to (7) and a second liquid crystal cured layer of a second optical film having a second liquid crystal cured layer with an ultraviolet adhesive, and peeling off the polymer film serving as a support for the optical film from the liquid crystal cured layer. (9) A polarizing plate comprising the optical laminate according to (8) and a polarizer. (10) An image display device comprising the polarizing plate according to (9).

[0008] According to the present invention, an optical film having a cured liquid crystal layer with excellent leveling properties and adhesiveness can be provided. The present invention also provides an optical laminate, a polarizing plate, and an image display device.

[0009] The present invention will be described in detail below. The following description of the constituent elements may be based on a representative embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. In this specification, a numerical range expressed using "to" means a range including the numerical values ​​before and after "to" as the lower and upper limits. In this specification, the various components may be used singly or in combination of two or more substances corresponding to the various components. Here, when two or more substances are used in combination for the various components, the content of the component means the total content of the substances used in combination, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, in this specification, the bonding direction of the divalent group (e.g., -O-CO-) shown is not particularly limited, and for example, "L １ -L ２ -L ３ In the bond ２ When is —O—CO—, L １ The position where it is bonded to the side is *1, L ３ If the position bonded to the side is *2, then L ２ may be *1-O-CO-*2 or *1-CO-O-*2.

[0010] Unless otherwise specified, the compounds described herein may contain isomers. Isomers may be any structural isomers, geometric isomers, or optical isomers that each compound may have. In addition, when only a specific isomer of a compound is shown, it indicates that the specific isomer is preferred among the isomers that the compound may have.

[0011] In this specification, the term "(meth)acrylic acid" encompasses the concepts of both acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, and the term "(meth)acryloyl group" encompasses the concepts of both acryloyl group and methacryloyl group.

[0012] The "solid content" of a liquid crystal composition means components that form a layer (e.g., a liquid crystal cured layer) formed using the liquid crystal composition, and when the composition contains a solvent (e.g., an organic solvent and water), it means all components excluding the solvent. Furthermore, liquid components that form a layer are also considered to be solid content.

[0013] In this specification, Re(λ) and Rth(λ) represent the in-plane retardation and the thickness direction retardation, respectively, at a wavelength λ. Unless otherwise specified, the wavelength λ is 550 nm. In this specification, Re(λ) and Rth(λ) are values ​​measured at a wavelength λ using an AxoScan OPMF-1 (manufactured by OptoScience). Specifically, by inputting the average refractive index ((nx+ny+nz) / 3) and film thickness (d (μm)) into the AxoScan OPMF-1, the following slow axis direction (°) is calculated: Re(λ) = R0(λ) Rth(λ) = ((nx+ny) / 2-nz)×d. Note that R0(λ) is displayed as a numerical value calculated using the AxoScan OPMF-1, but it refers to Re(λ).

[0014] <<Optical Film>> As described above, the optical film of the present invention (hereinafter also simply referred to as "optical film") has a liquid crystal cured layer obtained by fixing the alignment state of a liquid crystal composition containing specific components on a polymer film that serves as a support. In the present invention, by including a copolymer containing repeating unit A and repeating unit B (hereinafter also referred to as a "specific copolymer" or a "specific surfactant"), an optical film having a liquid crystal cured layer with excellent leveling properties and adhesive properties can be provided. Although the details of the reason for this have not yet been clarified, the inventors speculate that it is due to the following reasons. By including repeating unit A and repeating unit B in the specific copolymer, it is speculated that the liquid crystal composition will have excellent leveling properties and adhesive properties due to the structural characteristics of these repeating units. In addition, the specific copolymer may also have excellent compatibility with liquid crystal compounds. In particular, in the repeating unit B (repeating unit represented by formula (B2)), the molecular chain between the main chain and the crosslinkable group of the (meth)acryloyl group represented by Rk has a length of 8 atoms or more, and as a result, a crosslinking reaction between the specific copolymer unevenly distributed on the surface of the obtained cured liquid crystal layer and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound progresses, forming a stronger bond, and therefore, when the layer is bonded to an adjacent member, breakage at the interface is less likely to occur, and it is presumed that an optical film with excellent adhesiveness can be obtained.

[0015] [Liquid Crystal Cured Layer] The optical film includes a liquid crystal cured layer. The liquid crystal cured layer is a layer formed by fixing an aligned state of a liquid crystal composition including a copolymer including repeating units A and B and a polymerizable liquid crystal compound on a polymer film serving as a support. The liquid crystal cured layer preferably includes cured products of various components included in the liquid crystal composition described below.

[0016] The liquid crystal composition is a polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a specific surfactant. The liquid crystal composition may further contain other additives such as an initiator. By incorporating the specific surfactant into the liquid crystal composition that forms the cured liquid crystal layer, repelling during the formation of the cured liquid crystal layer is suppressed, and an optical film having a cured liquid crystal layer with excellent alignment properties can be formed. Hereinafter, various components that may be contained in the liquid crystal composition that forms the cured liquid crystal layer of the optical film of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0017] [Polymerizable Liquid Crystal Compound] The liquid crystal composition contains a polymerizable liquid crystal compound. The polymerizable liquid crystal compound is not particularly limited as long as it is a polymerizable compound exhibiting nematic or smectic liquid crystal properties. Examples include rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds having forward wavelength dispersion as described in paragraphs

[0078] to

[0090] of JP 2007-279688 A, discotic liquid crystal compounds as described in paragraphs

[0037] to

[0085] of WO 2014 / 054769 A, rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds having reverse wavelength dispersion as described in paragraphs

[0026] to

[0070] of WO 2021 / 124803 A, in which the core moiety Ar of formula II is represented by (Ar-2), and polymer liquid crystal compounds as described in paragraphs

[0090] to

[0146] of WO 2019 / 131943 A. These liquid crystal compounds may be used alone, or it is also preferable to use two or more different liquid crystal compounds in combination. Other known polymerizable liquid crystal compounds can be used, such as those described in the Liquid Crystal Handbook, First Edition (edited by the Liquid Crystal Handbook Editorial Committee, published by Maruzen Co., Ltd. on October 30, 2000). The polymerizable liquid crystal compound is preferably at least one polymerizable liquid crystal compound selected from the group consisting of polymerizable rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds and polymerizable discotic liquid crystal compounds. The total mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound relative to the solid content mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 30% by mass or more, more preferably 50% by mass or more, and even more preferably 70% by mass or more. The upper limit is often 99% by mass or less.

[0018] [Surfactant] The liquid crystal composition contains a specific surfactant. The specific surfactant is a copolymer containing repeating units A and B. Preferably, the specific surfactant does not contain a photoalignment group. The photoalignment group is a group having a photoalignment function that induces rearrangement or an anisotropic chemical reaction upon irradiation with anisotropic light (e.g., plane polarized light). Examples of the photoalignment group include the photoalignment groups described in WO 2021 / 241450. Specific examples include groups having a skeleton of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of cinnamic acid derivatives, coumarin derivatives, chalcone derivatives, maleimide derivatives, benzophenone derivatives, azobenzene compounds, stilbene compounds, spiropyran compounds, cinnamic acid compounds, and hydrazono-β-ketoester compounds. Preferably, the specific surfactant does not contain a fluorine atom.

[0019] <Repeating Unit A> The specific surfactant contains a repeating unit A. The repeating unit A is a repeating unit represented by formula (A1). In the repeating unit represented by formula (A1), it is preferable that Rh in formula (A1) has two or more groups represented by formula (S) and is a substituent that does not have a fluorine atom (hereinafter also referred to as "substituent SI").

[0020]

[0021] In formula (A1), R １１ and R １２ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. １３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. １１ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Rh represents a substituent (substituent SI) which has two or more groups represented by formula (S) and does not have a fluorine atom, or a hydrocarbon group having 10 or more carbon atoms and two or more terminal methyl groups (hereinafter also referred to as "substituent LQ").

[0022] In formula (A1), R １１ and R １２Examples of the alkyl group represented by one embodiment of R include linear alkyl groups having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, branched alkyl groups having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and cyclic alkyl groups. Specific examples include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl groups (e.g., n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, and tert-butyl), and cyclohexyl groups. １１ and R １２ is preferably a hydrogen atom.

[0023] In formula (A1), R １３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. １３ Examples of the substituent represented by one embodiment of R include a hydroxy group, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, and an aryl group. １３ Examples of the substituents shown in one embodiment of the formula (I) include -L Ｒ -hydroxy group, -L Ｒ -alkyl group, -L Ｒ -alkenyl group and -L Ｒ -aryl groups are also included. Ｒ represents a divalent linking group. Ｒ Examples of the divalent linking group include —O—, —S—, —C(═O)—, —NR Ｎ -, -CH=CH-, -C≡C-, a divalent cyclic group, an alkylene group, and a divalent group combining these groups; ２ -COO-alkylene group-hydroxy group is preferred. Ｎ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. １３ The alkyl group represented by one embodiment of R is preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group. １３ is preferably a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.

[0024] In formula (A1), L １１ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. １１Examples of the divalent linking group represented by one embodiment of the formula (I) include divalent hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably alkylene groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and more preferably linear alkylene groups having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, branched alkylene groups having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, or cyclic alkylene groups having 3 to 20 carbon atoms. １１ is preferably a single bond or a linear alkylene group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and more preferably a single bond, a methylene group, an ethylene group or a propylene group.

[0025] In formula (A1), Rh represents a substituent SI or a substituent LQ. From the viewpoint of more excellent leveling properties, Rh is preferably a substituent SI. The substituent SI represented by one embodiment of Rh is not particularly limited as long as it has two or more groups represented by formula (S) and does not have a fluorine atom.

[0026]

[0027] In formula (S), * represents a bonding position. ２１ , R ２２ and R ２３ each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an alkylenearyl group, provided that in a substituent (substituent SI) having two or more groups represented by formula (S) and no fluorine atom, a plurality of R ２１ may be the same or different, and multiple R ２２ may be the same or different, and multiple R ２３ may be the same or different.

[0028] R ２１ , R ２２ and R ２３ Examples of the alkyl group represented by one embodiment of R include linear alkyl groups having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, branched alkyl groups having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and cyclic alkyl groups. ２１ , R ２２ and R ２３ Examples of the alkenyl group represented by one embodiment of R include alkenyl groups having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. ２１ , R ２２ and R ２３Examples of the aryl group represented by one embodiment of R include aryl groups having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. Specific examples include a phenyl group, an α-methylphenyl group, and a naphthyl group. ２１ , R ２２ and R ２３ The alkylenearyl group represented by one embodiment of (1) above includes, for example, alkylenearyl groups having 7 to 30 carbon atoms.

[0029] From the viewpoint of reducing the surface tension of the liquid crystal composition and suppressing unevenness when forming a cured liquid crystal layer, R ２１ , R ２２ and R ２３ As the alkyl group, an alkyl group is preferable, and a linear alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms is more preferable.

[0030] The number of groups represented by formula (S) that the substituent SI has is 2 or more, and from the viewpoint of reducing the surface tension of the liquid crystal composition and suppressing unevenness when forming a cured liquid crystal layer, the number is preferably 2 to 8, more preferably 3 to 6, and still more preferably 3 to 5.

[0031] The substituent SI is preferably a group represented by formula (S1), more preferably a group represented by formula (S2).

[0032]

[0033] In formula (S1), * represents a bonding position. ２１ , R ２２ and R ２３ each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an alkylenearyl group, provided that multiple R ２１ may be the same or different, and multiple R ２２ may be the same or different, and multiple R ２３ may be the same or different. Ｓ１ n has no fluorine atoms ｓ represents a +1-valent linking group. ｓ represents an integer of 2 or more.

[0034] R in formula (S1) ２１ , R ２２ and R２３ are R in formula (S), respectively. ２１ , R ２２ and R ２３ The same definition and preferred embodiments are also the same.

[0035] In formula (S1), L Ｓ１ n has no fluorine atoms ｓ represents a +1-valent linking group. Ｓ１ n having no fluorine atom represented by ｓ Examples of the +1-valent linking group include n-alkyl-1-methyl ... ｓ A hydrocarbon group having a valence of +1, in which some of the carbon atoms constituting the hydrocarbon group may be substituted with a hetero atom, is preferred. For example, ｓ When the linking group +1 is a trivalent hydrocarbon group, -CH ２ -, one or two or more non-adjacent -CH ２ - may each independently be substituted with -O-, -CO-, -S-, -NH-, or -N(Q)-. Q represents a substituent, and the substituent represented by Q is preferably an alkyl group, more preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group. As a substituent other than a fluorine atom that the hydrocarbon group may have, preferably an alkyl group, more preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group. Furthermore, examples of heteroatoms include a silicon atom, an oxygen atom, and a nitrogen atom, and a silicon atom or an oxygen atom is preferred.

[0036] L Ｓ１ As the n ｓ The +1 linking group is also preferred. Ｓ１ The above n ｓ Examples of the +1-valent linking group include trivalent or higher linking groups formed by a combination of a group selected from an ether group and a thioether group, an alkylene group, and a group selected from a tertiary carbon atom and a quaternary carbon atom bonded to the alkylene group. ｓThe +1-valent linking group is preferably a trivalent linking group consisting of a combination of an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a tertiary carbon atom bonded to the alkylene group, and two ether groups bonded to the tertiary carbon atom; or a tetravalent linking group consisting of a combination of an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a quaternary carbon atom bonded to the alkylene group, and three ether groups bonded to the quaternary carbon atom. The alkylene group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, with linear being preferred. ｓ The +1-valent linking group is *-Si(R ２４ ) ｍ２ (-O-*) ｍ１ , a group represented by formula (LA-1) or a group represented by formula (LA-2) is preferred, and *-Si(R ２４ ) ｍ２ (-O-*) ｍ１ is more preferred. ２４ , m1, m2 and * are the same as the respective symbols in formula (S2) described below.

[0037]

[0038] In formula (LA-1) and formula (LA-2), * represents a bonding position. Each AL independently represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples of the alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms include L in formula (a1) described below. ５１ The preferred embodiments are also the same, and specifically, a methylene group, an ethylene group, or a propylene group is preferred.

[0039] In formula (S1), n ｓ represents an integer of 2 or more. ｓ is preferably an integer of 2 to 8, more preferably an integer of 3 to 6, and even more preferably an integer of 3 to 5.

[0040]

[0041] In formula (S2), * represents a bonding position. ２１ , R ２２ , R ２３ and R ２４each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an alkylenearyl group, provided that multiple R ２１ may be the same or different, and multiple R ２２ may be the same or different, and multiple R ２３ may be the same or different. m1 represents 2 or 3. m2 represents 0 or 1. m1+m2 is 3.

[0042] R in formula (S2) ２１ , R ２２ and R ２３ are R in formula (S), respectively. ２１ , R ２２ and R ２３ The meaning and preferred embodiments are also the same. ２４ is R in formula (S) ２１ , R ２２ and R ２３ The same definition and preferred embodiments are also the same.

[0043] The substituent LQ represented by one embodiment of Rh will be described in detail below. The substituent LQ is not particularly limited as long as it is a hydrocarbon group having 10 or more carbon atoms and two or more terminal methyl groups. In other words, the substituent LQ is a hydrocarbon group having 10 or more carbon atoms and two or more terminal methyl groups. In addition, at least one —CH ２ - may be replaced by -O-. ２In a hydrocarbon group in which - is replaced with -O-, the number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon group does not include the number of the -O-. A "terminal methyl group" refers to a methyl group that constitutes the terminal of the linear or side chain of the hydrocarbon group. For example, linear alkyl groups such as n-propyl and n-butyl groups are alkyl groups having one terminal methyl group, an isopropyl group is an alkyl group having two terminal methyl groups, and a t-butyl group is an alkyl group having three terminal methyl groups. For example, an n-decane group has 10 carbon atoms and is an alkyl group having one terminal methyl group, and therefore does not fall under the category of substituent LQ. On the other hand, the groups represented by any of formulas (a-1) to (a-4) all have 10 or more carbon atoms and two or more terminal methyl groups (methyl groups surrounded by dotted lines in the formulas below), and therefore fall under the category of substituent LQ. The number of terminal methyl groups possessed by the substituent LQ is two or more, preferably three or more, and more preferably three to ten.

[0044]

[0045] The hydrocarbon group having 10 or more carbon atoms constituting the substituent LQ is preferably a hydrocarbon group having 10 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 10 to 20 carbon atoms, still more preferably a linear alkyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms, or a cyclic alkyl group having 10 to 20 carbon atoms, and particularly preferably a branched alkyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms. As the substituent LQ, a group represented by any of formulas (a-1) to (a-4) is also preferred.

[0046] L in formula (A1) １１ When the divalent linking group represented by (A1) contains a structure that is cleaved by at least one selected from the group consisting of light, heat, acid, and base, it is possible to cleave the group represented by Rh from the repeating unit represented by formula (A1) by supplying at least one selected from the group consisting of light, heat, acid, and base. This solves problems such as repelling by controlling the surface energy of the liquid crystal cured layer, and makes it easier to provide a coating layer on top. Examples of the cleavable structure include the structures described in WO 2022 / 024683 and WO 2021 / 039803.

[0047] The repeating unit A is preferably a repeating unit represented by formula (a1).

[0048]

[0049] In formula (a1), R ５１ and R ５２ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. ５３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. ５１ represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. ５２ represents an (m+1)-valent linking group that does not have a fluorine atom. ４１ , R ４２ and R ４３ each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an alkylenearyl group, provided that multiple R ４１ may be the same or different, and multiple R ４２ may be the same or different, and multiple R ４３ may be the same or different, and m represents an integer of 2 or more.

[0050] R in formula (a1) ５１ and R ５２ are R in formula (A1), respectively. １１ and R １２ The meaning and preferred embodiments are also the same as those of the formula (a1). ５３ is R in formula (A1). １３ The meaning and preferred embodiments are also the same as those of the formula (a1). ４１ , R ４２ and R ４３ are R in formula (S), respectively. ２１ , R ２２ and R ２３ In formula (a1), L has the same meaning as the above, and preferred embodiments are also the same. ５１ represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. ５１ is preferably a single bond or a linear alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and more preferably a single bond, a methylene group, an ethylene group or a propylene group.５２ represents an (m+1)-valent linking group that does not have a fluorine atom. ５２ The m+1-valent linking group having no fluorine atom represented by Ｓ１ n having no fluorine atom as shown in one embodiment of ｓ It has the same meaning as a +1-valent linking group, and preferred embodiments are also the same. In formula (a1), m represents an integer of 2 or greater. m is preferably an integer of 2 to 8, more preferably an integer of 3 to 6, and even more preferably an integer of 3 to 5. Examples of repeating unit A include the repeating units shown below. In the examples described below, the repeating unit represented by formula K-1 below will be referred to as "K-1". The same applies to other repeating units. TMS represents a trimethylsilyl group.

[0051]

[0052] The repeating unit A may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. The content of the repeating unit A is preferably 10 to 90 mol %, more preferably 30 to 80 mol %, and even more preferably 40 to 70 mol %, based on the total repeating units of the specific copolymer.

[0053] <Repeating Unit B> The specific surfactant contains a repeating unit B. The repeating unit B contained in the specific surfactant is a repeating unit represented by formula (B2).

[0054]

[0055] In formula (B2), R ３１ and R ３２ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. ３３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. ３１ is —O— or —NR Ｚ - represents. Ｚ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. ３２ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Rk represents a group consisting of a (meth)acryloyl group. The length Ak of ​​the molecular chain between the main chain and the crosslinkable group of the (meth)acryloyl group represented by Rk is 8 atoms or more.

[0056] The length Ak of ​​the molecular chain between the main chain and the crosslinkable group of the (meth)acryloyl group represented by Rk can be calculated by counting as follows for a compound containing the following repeating unit: The length Ak of ​​the molecular chain of the compound containing the following repeating unit is 9. The main chain is the longest carbon chain among the carbon chains constituting the specific surfactant, and is represented by R in formula (B2). ３１ and R ３２ and a carbon atom to which all of R are directly bonded. ３３ is a carbon chain containing a carbon atom directly bonded to the repeating unit. In the compound containing the repeating unit shown below, the methylene chain corresponds to the main chain.

[0057]

[0058] Ak will be described in detail. In the repeating unit represented by formula (B2), R ３３ The carbon atom X directly bonded to ３１ -L ３２ -Rk" is bonded to the (meth)acryloyl group. The crosslinkable group of the (meth)acryloyl group represented by Rk means a crosslinkable partial structure constituting the (meth)acryloyl group, that is, a partial structure of the carbon-carbon double bond in the (meth)acryloyl group. The portion between the main chain and the crosslinkable group of the (meth)acryloyl group represented by Rk refers to the portion between the carbon atom X and the carbon atom Y (=CH ２ C), and Ak corresponds to the length (number of atoms) of the molecular chain between carbon atom X and carbon atom Y. Here, when determining the length of Ak, carbon atom X and carbon atom Y are not included in Ak, and Ak is the length of the molecular chain with the shortest distance between carbon atom X and carbon atom Y. A specific method for counting Ak is shown below. In the following repeating unit, the molecular chain between carbon atom X, which is the carbon atom bonded to the methylene chain that is the main chain, and carbon atom Y, which is the terminal of the carbon-carbon double bond in the methacryloyl group, is "-CO-O-CH ２ -C(OH)H-CH ２ -CH ２Since the formula is -O-CO-CH=, the length of the molecular chain at the shortest distance between carbon atom X and carbon atom Y, i.e., Ak, is 8.

[0059]

[0060] When the repeating unit represented by formula (B2) has multiple crosslinkable groups (multiple (meth)acryloyl groups), the longest length of the molecular chain between the main chain and the crosslinkable group of the (meth)acryloyl group represented by Rk is taken as the molecular chain length Ak. The molecular chain length Ak between the main chain and the crosslinkable group of the (meth)acryloyl group represented by Rk is 8 atoms or more, more preferably 10 atoms or more. Also, it is preferably 20 atoms or less.

[0061] Examples of the repeating unit represented by formula (B2) include the repeating units shown below. In the repeating units shown below, each s independently represents a number of 2 or more, preferably 2 or more and 10 or less, and more preferably 3 or more and 8 or less.

[0062]

[0063] The repeating unit represented by formula (B2) may be used alone or in combination of two or more types, preferably two or more types, and more preferably two or three types. When two or more repeating units represented by formula (B2) are used, it is preferable that the specific group B2 possessed by each repeating unit B2 is different. The content of the repeating unit represented by formula (B2) is preferably 1 to 90 mol %, more preferably 3 to 70 mol %, and even more preferably 5 to 50 mol %, based on the total repeating units of the specific copolymer.

[0064] <Repeating Unit B1> The specific copolymer may contain a repeating unit B1. Here, the repeating unit B1 contains a ring structure, that is, a ring structure consisting of a cycloalkane ring or a monocyclic aromatic ring. This will be described in detail below. First, the cycloalkane ring refers to a cyclic aliphatic saturated hydrocarbon ring, and specific examples thereof include a cyclohexane ring, a cycloheptane ring, a cyclooctane ring, a cyclononane ring, a cyclododecane ring, and a cyclodocosane ring. Of these, a cyclohexane ring is preferred, a 1,4-cyclohexylene group is more preferred, and a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group is even more preferred. On the other hand, a monocyclic aromatic ring refers to an uncondensed monocyclic aromatic ring or an individual monocyclic aromatic ring in a condensed ring. That is, a phenyl group is a group having one monocyclic aromatic benzene ring, and a naphthyl group is a group having two monocyclic aromatic benzene rings. Here, the number of atoms constituting the monocyclic aromatic ring is not particularly limited, but may be approximately 5 to 18, preferably 5 to 10, and more preferably 5 to 6. Furthermore, the monocyclic aromatic ring may be an aromatic ring consisting only of carbon, or a heteroaromatic ring containing an element other than carbon in the ring structure. Examples of aromatic rings include a benzene ring. Examples of heteroaromatic rings include aromatic rings containing one or more atoms selected from sulfur atoms, nitrogen atoms, and oxygen atoms. Heteroaromatic rings preferably contain a sulfur atom, and more preferably contain one sulfur atom. Specific examples of heteroaromatic rings include a thiophene ring, a pyrrole ring, an imidazole ring, a pyrazole ring, a furan ring, an isothiazole ring, an isoxazole ring, a pyridine ring, a pyrazine ring, a pyrimidine ring, an imidazole ring, a pyrazole ring, an isoxazole ring, a thiazole ring, an isothiazole ring, an oxazole ring, an oxodiazole ring, a triazole ring, and a thiadiazole ring. The monocyclic aromatic ring is preferably a benzene ring, a thiophene ring, a pyridine ring, or an oxodiazole ring, and more preferably a benzene ring or an oxodiazole ring. In the present invention, the repeating unit B1 is preferably a repeating unit represented by any one of the following formulas (b-1) to (b-4), because this improves compatibility with the liquid crystal compound and further suppresses cissing during the formation of a cured liquid crystal layer.

[0065]

[0066]

[0067] In the above formulas (b-1) to (b-4), R ２１ , R ２２ , R ２４ and R ２５ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. ２３ and R ２６ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. １ and L ２ are each independently —O— or —NR Ｚ１ - where R Ｚ１ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. １ and SP ２ each independently represents a spacer group. ３ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. １ represents a ring structure containing two or more monocyclic aromatic rings. １ represents a mesogenic group. １ represents a terminal group. ｂ４ represents a mesogenic group derived from a discotic liquid crystal compound; n4 is an integer of 3 or more and 8 or less; D ｂ４ is equal to the valence of

[0068] R ２１ , R ２２ and R ２３ are the R １１ , R １２ and R １３ It is the same as L １ and L ２ is the L described in the above formula (B2). ３１ In addition, in the above formula (b-3), R ２４ and R ２５ are each independently R in the above formula (A1). １１ and R １２ The definition and preferred embodiments are the same as those of R.２６ represents R in the above formula (A1). １３ The definitions are the same as those of the above, and preferred embodiments are also the same.

[0069] In the above formulas (b-1) to (b-3), SP １ and SP ２ The spacer group represented by is not particularly limited as long as it is a divalent linking group that does not contain a ring structure, and specific examples thereof include divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Here, as the divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, for example, an alkylene group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms is preferred, and an alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms is more preferred. Specific examples thereof include a methylene group, an ethylene group, a propylene group, a butylene group, a pentylene group, a hexylene group, a methylhexylene group, and a heptylene group. In addition, the spacer group may be a -CH ２ -, one or two or more non-adjacent -CH ２ Each of the - may be independently substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, or -N(Q)-. The substituent represented by Q is preferably an alkyl group, more preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group. In this specification, examples of the spacer group include *-(CH ２ ) ｎ１ Preferably, n1 is a group represented by —O—*, where n1 is an integer of 2 to 4, and * is L １ or Ph １ (M １ In the above formula (b-4), SP ３ The divalent linking group represented by each of the following is not particularly limited as long as it is a divalent linking group, and each of the following independently represents -O-, -S-, -C(=O)-, -NR ７ Examples of the divalent linking group include -, -CH=CH-, -C≡C-, a divalent cyclic group, an alkylene group, and a divalent linking group selected from the group consisting of a combination thereof. ７ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. ３The divalent linking group represented by is preferably a divalent linking group selected from the group consisting of -O-, -C(=O)-, a divalent cyclic group having 5 to 8 atoms, an alkylene group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and a combination thereof. Examples of the divalent linking group include, but are not limited to, -O-CO- (divalent cyclic group having 5 to 8 atoms), -O- (alkylene group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms)-, and - (divalent cyclic group having 5 to 8 atoms)- (divalent cyclic group having 5 to 8 atoms)- (alkylene group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms)-CO-O- (alkylene group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms)-.

[0070] In the above formula (b-1), Ph １ Examples of the ring structure containing two or more monocyclic aromatic rings represented by include a naphthyl group and a biphenyl group, each of which may have a substituent, and among these, a naphthyl group is preferred. The substituent is preferably an alkyl group, more preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group.

[0071] In the above formulas (b-2) and (b-3), M １The mesogenic group represented by is a group that represents the main skeleton of the liquid crystal molecule that contributes to the formation of liquid crystals. The liquid crystal molecules exhibit liquid crystallinity, which is an intermediate state (mesophase) between the crystalline state and the isotropic liquid state. There are no particular limitations on the mesogenic group, and reference can be made, for example, to the description in "Flussige Kristalle in Tablellen II" (VEB Deutsche Verlag fur Grundstoff Industrie, Leipzig, published in 1984), particularly pages 7 to 16, and the description in "Liquid Crystal Handbook" edited by the Liquid Crystal Handbook Editorial Committee (Maruzen, published in 2000), particularly Chapter 3. As the mesogenic group, for example, a group having at least one cyclic structure selected from the group consisting of an aromatic hydrocarbon group, a heterocyclic group, and an alicyclic group is preferred. The mesogenic group is preferably a group having an aromatic hydrocarbon group or a group having an alicyclic group, which may have a substituent, more preferably a group having 2 to 4 aromatic hydrocarbon groups, and even more preferably a group having 3 aromatic hydrocarbon groups, because this improves the degree of alignment of the cured liquid crystal layer. The substituent is preferably an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkyl ester group, or an acetyl group, and more preferably a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, a methoxy group, or a methyl ester group.

[0072] In addition, M in the above formulas (b-2) and (b-3) １ preferably represents a mesogen group represented by the following formula (M1-A) because repelling is further suppressed when a liquid crystal cured layer is formed.

[0073]

[0074] In the above formula (M1-A), * represents SP in formula (b-2). １ Or T １ or SP in formula (b-3) １ Or SP ２ In addition, n represents an integer of 1 or more, and preferably an integer of 1 to 10. １１ and Ph １２each independently represents a divalent aromatic ring group which may have a substituent, provided that when n represents an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of Ph １１ may be the same or different. １１ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. However, when n represents an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of L １１ may be the same or different. n is an integer of 2 or more, and Ph １１ When represents a phenylene group, in order to align the liquid crystal compound horizontally, from the viewpoint of improving the alignment, Ph is 2 or more. １１ Preferably, any one of the above is a meta-position linkage or an ortho-position linkage, and among these, from the viewpoint of improving alignment and repelling, a meta-position linkage is preferred. On the other hand, when vertically aligning a liquid crystal compound, a Ph of 2 or more is preferred. １１ Preferably, any one of the above is a para-linkage.

[0075] Ph １１ and Ph １２ Examples of the divalent aromatic ring group represented by the formula (I) include a group in which two hydrogen atoms have been removed from an aromatic hydrocarbon ring, or a group in which two hydrogen atoms have been removed from an aromatic heterocycle. Examples of aromatic hydrocarbon rings include a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, an anthracene ring, and a phenanthroline ring. Examples of aromatic heterocycles include a furan ring, a pyrrole ring, a thiophene ring, a pyridine ring, a thiazole ring, and a benzothiazole ring. Among these, a group in which two hydrogen atoms have been removed from a benzene ring (e.g., a 1,4-phenyl group) is preferred. Furthermore, the substituent that the divalent aromatic ring group may have is preferably an alkyl ester group, an alkyl group, or an acetyl group, more preferably a methyl ester group or a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group.

[0076] L １１ Examples of the divalent linking group represented by include -CO-, -O-, -S-, -C(=S)-, and -CR １ R ２ -, -CR ３ =CR ４ -, -NR ５-, or a combination of two or more thereof. １ ~R ５ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0077] In the above formula (b-2), T １ The terminal group represented by represents a hydrogen atom or a group located closer to the end of the side chain than the mesogenic group. Examples of the group located closer to the end of the side chain than the mesogenic group include a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkylthio group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyloxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms (ROC(O)-: R is an alkyl group), an acyloxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an acylamino group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonylamino group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a sulfonylamino group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a sulfamoyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a carbamoyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a sulfinyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a trialkylsilyloxy group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, and a ureido group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Here, —CH ２ -, one or two or more non-adjacent -CH ２ Each - may be independently substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, or -N(Q)-. The substituent represented by Q is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0078] In the formula (b-4), the mesogenic group (D ｂ４ ) is preferably a structure represented by the following general formula (I) or any of the formulae (D2) to (D13) described below.

[0079]

[0080] In general formula (I), L Ｄ１ , L Ｄ２ and L Ｄ３ each independently represents a single bond or a divalent linking group, H １ , H ２ and H ３each independently represents formula (IA).

[0081]

[0082] In general formula (IA), YA １ and Y.A. ２ each independently represents a methine group or a nitrogen atom which may have a substituent, and XA represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, a methylene group or an imino group. * represents L in the above general formula (I). Ｄ１ ~L Ｄ３ represents the position at which the group is bonded to the * side in the general formula (I), and ** represents the position at which the group is bonded to the * side in the general formula (I).

[0083] Preferred examples of the substituent that the methine group may have include an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an acyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an acyloxy group, an acylamino group, an alkoxycarbonylamino group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, a halogen atom, and a cyano group.

[0084] L Ｄ１ , L Ｄ２ and L Ｄ３ each independently represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Ｄ１ , L Ｄ２ and L Ｄ３ are divalent linking groups, each independently represents -O-, -S-, -C(=O)-, -NR ７ It is preferable that R is a divalent linking group selected from the group consisting of -, -CH=CH-, -C≡C-, a divalent cyclic group, and a combination thereof. ７ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent.

[0085] L Ｄ１ , L Ｄ２ and L Ｄ３The divalent cyclic group in the above formula (I) is a divalent linking group (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a cyclic group) having at least one type of cyclic structure. The cyclic group is preferably a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered ring, more preferably a 5- or 6-membered ring, and most preferably a 6-membered ring. The ring contained in the cyclic group may be a fused ring. However, a monocyclic ring is more preferable than a fused ring. The ring contained in the cyclic group may be an aromatic ring, an aliphatic ring, or a heterocyclic ring. Preferred examples of the aromatic ring include a benzene ring and a naphthalene ring. Preferred examples of the aliphatic ring include a cyclohexane ring. Preferred examples of the heterocyclic ring include a ring containing at least one sulfur atom, nitrogen atom, or oxygen atom, and preferred examples include a pyridine ring, a pyrimidine ring, and an oxadiazole ring. More preferred cyclic groups are aromatic rings and heterocyclic rings. Note that the divalent cyclic group in this paper is more preferably a divalent linking group consisting of only a cyclic structure (including a substituent).

[0086] L Ｄ１ , L Ｄ２ and L Ｄ３ Among the divalent cyclic groups in the above, the cyclic group having a benzene ring is preferably a 1,4-phenylene group. The cyclic group having a naphthalene ring is preferably a naphthalene-1,5-diyl group or a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group. The cyclic group having a cyclohexane ring is preferably a 1,4-cyclohexylene group. The cyclic group having a pyridine ring is preferably a pyridine-2,5-diyl group. The cyclic group having a pyrimidine ring is preferably a pyrimidine-2,5-diyl group. The cyclic group having an oxadiazole ring is preferably a 1,2,4-oxadiazole-3,5-diyl group.

[0087] L Ｄ１ , L Ｄ２ and L Ｄ３The divalent cyclic group in the formula (I) may have a substituent. Examples of the substituent include a halogen atom (preferably a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom), a cyano group, a nitro group, an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkynyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, a halogen-substituted alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkylthio group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, an acyloxy group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, a carbamoyl group, a carbamoyl group substituted with an alkyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, and an acylamino group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms.

[0088] L Ｄ１ , L Ｄ２ and L Ｄ３ As the divalent cyclic group, a single bond, *-O-C(=O)-, *-C(=O)-O-, *-CH=CH-, *-C≡C-, *-divalent cyclic group-, *-O-C(=O)-divalent cyclic group-, *-C(=O)-O-divalent cyclic group-, *-CH=CH-divalent cyclic group-, *-C≡C-divalent cyclic group-, *-divalent cyclic group-O-C(=O)-, *-divalent cyclic group-C(=O)-O-, *-divalent cyclic group-CH=CH- or *-divalent cyclic group-C≡C- are preferred. In particular, a single bond, *-CH=CH-, *-C≡C-, *-CH=CH-divalent cyclic group- or *-C≡C-divalent cyclic group- are preferred, and a single bond is most preferred. Here, * indicates the position at which the group is bonded to the six-membered ring in general formula (I).

[0089] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (I) include the exemplary compounds described in paragraphs

[0068] to

[0077] of JP-A No. 2010-244038 and the exemplary compounds described in paragraphs

[0040] to

[0063] of JP-A No. 2007-002220, but are not limited to these compounds.

[0090] The above compound can be synthesized by various methods, for example, by the method described in

[0064] to

[0070] of JP-A No. 2007-002220.

[0091] A mesogenic group (D) derived from a discotic liquid crystal compound ｂ４Specific examples of formula (D1) are shown below. Formula (D1) corresponds to a specific example of formula (I). In the following formula, * represents a bonding position.

[0092]

[0093]

[0094]

[0095]

[0096] Specific examples of the repeating unit B1 include repeating units corresponding to monomers represented by the following formulae Q-1 to Q-34. Here, the following formulae Q-1 and Q-2 are specific examples of monomers that form the repeating unit represented by the above formula (b-1); the following formulae Q-3 to Q-20, Q-26, and Q-28 to Q-32 are specific examples of monomers that form the repeating unit represented by the above formula (b-2); the following formulae Q-21 to Q-25 and Q-27 are specific examples of monomers that form the repeating unit represented by the above formula (b-3); and Q-33 and Q-34 are specific examples of monomers that form the repeating unit represented by the above formula (b-4). In the examples described below, the monomer represented by the following formula Q-1 will be referred to as "monomer Q-1." The same applies to other monomers.

[0097]

[0098]

[0099]

[0100] It is also preferable that the repeating unit contains a repeating unit C represented by either formula (b1) or formula (b2).

[0101]

[0102] In formulas (b1) to (b2), R ｂ１ and R ｂ２ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. ｂ３ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. ｂ１ are each independently —O— or —NRＺｂ - represents. Ｚｂ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. ｂ２ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. A represents an alkylene group. However, multiple As may be the same or different. p represents a number of 2 or more. SP ｂ１ represents a spacer group. ｂ１ represents a hydroxy group, a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester-containing group, a boronic acid amide-containing group, an epoxy-containing group, an oxetane-containing group, a styryl group, or a maleimide group.

[0103] R in formula (b1) to formula (b2) ｂ１ and R ｂ２ are R in formula (A1), respectively. １１ and R １２ The meanings and preferred embodiments are also the same. ｂ３ is R in formula (A1). １３ The meaning and preferred embodiments are also the same. ｂ１ is L in formula (B2) ３１ The definition and preferred embodiments are also the same. ｂ２ represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and more preferably a linear alkylene group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, a branched alkylene group having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, or a cyclic alkylene group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0104] In formula (b1), A represents an alkylene group. However, multiple As may be the same or different. The number of carbon atoms in the alkylene group represented by A is preferably 1 to 4, more preferably 2 or 3. For example, when A is an alkylene group having 1 carbon atom, -A-O- in formula (b1) represents an oxymethylene group (-CH ２ When A is an alkylene group having 2 carbon atoms, -A-O- in formula (b1) represents an oxyethylene group (-CH ２ CH ２ The alkylene group may be either linear or branched. -(A-O) ｐThe - may be an oxyalkylene group formed by linking an oxymethylene group and an oxypropylene group. The bonding order of each repeating unit may be either random or block.

[0105] In formula (b1), p represents a number of 2 or more. The number represented by p is preferably a number from 2 to 1,000, and more preferably a number from 2 to 25.

[0106] In formula (b2), SP ｂ１ represents a spacer group. ｂ１ The spacer group represented by SP is not particularly limited as long as it is a divalent linking group that does not contain a ring structure. ｂ１ Examples of the spacer group represented by the formula (I) include divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. As the divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkylene group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms is preferred, and an alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms is more preferred. Specific examples include a methylene group, an ethylene group, a propylene group, a butylene group, a pentylene group, a hexylene group, a methylhexylene group, and a heptylene group. In addition, the spacer group may be a -CH group that constitutes a part of the divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group. ２ -, one or two or more non-adjacent -CH ２ - is each independently -O-, -CO-, -S-, -NH-, -CH(Q)-, or -C(Q) ２ - or -N(Q)-. Each Q independently represents a substituent. The substituent represented by Q is preferably a hydroxy group, an alkyl group, or the specific group B. The alkyl group is preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group.

[0107] In formula (b2), T ｂ１ represents a hydroxy group, a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester-containing group, a boronic acid amide-containing group, an epoxy-containing group, an oxetane-containing group, a styryl group, or a maleimide group. ｂ１ As the alkyl group, a boronic acid group, a boronic acid ester-containing group, a boronic acid amide-containing group, a vinyl group, a styryl group, or a maleimide group is preferred.

[0108] The boronate ester-containing group is a group having a boronate ester group in a part of its structure, and is represented by *-B(-OR) ２ * represents a bonding position. R represents a substituent. R's may be bonded to each other to form a ring. Examples of the boronic acid ester-containing group include a diloxaborolane group and a dioxaborinane group. The boronic acid amide-containing group is a group having a boronic acid amide group in a part of its structure, and is represented by *-B(-NR Ｎ ２ ) ２ The symbol * represents the bonding position. Ｎ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. Ｎ They may be bonded to each other to form a ring. The epoxy-containing group is an epoxy group itself or a group having an epoxy group in a part of its structure. Examples of the epoxy-containing group include an epoxy group, a glycidyl ether group, and an alicyclic epoxy group. The alicyclic epoxy group is a condensed polycyclic group formed by condensing an alicyclic group with an epoxy group. Examples of the alicyclic epoxy group include an epoxycyclopentyl group, an epoxycyclohexyl group, and an epoxycyclohexyl group. The oxetane-containing group is an oxetane group (oxetane ring group) itself or a group having an oxetane group in a part of its structure. Examples of the oxetane-containing group include an oxetane group and an oxetanyl group.

[0109] <Content> The content of the specific surfactant is preferably 0.01 to 10 mass %, more preferably 0.02 to 1 mass %, and even more preferably 0.04 to 0.5 mass %, relative to the total solid content (100 mass %) of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition.

[0110] <Molecular Weight> The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the specific surfactant is preferably 3,000 to 80,000, more preferably 8,000 to 80,000, and even more preferably 10,000 to 35,000. The Mw of the specific surfactant is also preferably 8,000 or more and less than 80,000. A weight-average molecular weight of 3,000 or more suppresses unevenness during the formation of the cured liquid crystal layer, while a weight-average molecular weight of 80,000 or less improves the alignment of the cured liquid crystal layer. Here, the weight-average molecular weight in this paper is a value measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Solvent (eluent): tetrahydrofuran. Apparatus name: EcoSEC HLC-8320GPC (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation). Column: Three columns, TSKgel SuperHZM-H, TSKgel SuperHZ4000, and TSKgel SuperHZ200 (all manufactured by Tosoh Corporation), were connected and used. Column temperature: 40°C. Sample concentration: 0.1% by mass. Flow rate: 0.35 ml / min. Calibration curve: A calibration curve using six samples of TSK standard polystyrene manufactured by Tosoh Corporation with Mw = 706,000 to 1,013 (Mw / Mn = 1.03 to 1.06) was used.

[0111] [Other Surfactants] The liquid crystal composition may contain a surfactant other than the surfactant of the present invention. That is, a surfactant other than the surfactant of the present invention may be used in combination. As the surfactant to be used in combination, it is preferable to use a compound having a so-called leveling function that flattens the coated film. For example, silicon atom-containing compounds, polyacrylate compounds, and fluorine atom-containing compounds can be used. In addition, they often have a function of promoting alignment depending on the alignment state of the liquid crystal compound, such as horizontal alignment, vertical alignment, tilted alignment, and hybrid alignment. Specifically, the compounds and addition amounts described in paragraphs

[0032] to

[0036] of JP 2020-98349 A, paragraphs

[0032] to

[0039] of WO 2020 / 149357 A, WO 2023 / 054164 A, etc. can be used with reference to the compounds and addition amounts. In particular, from the perspective of reducing environmental pollution, silicon atom-containing compounds and polyacrylate compounds are preferred as surfactants, and compounds having a branched siloxane structure are preferred. Copolymers (surfactants) described in Table 1 of WO 2023 / 054164 are particularly preferred. The content of the surfactant is preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.01 to 6.0% by mass, and even more preferably 0.05 to 3.0% by mass, relative to the total mass of the solid content of the liquid crystal composition. Similarly, from the viewpoint of reducing environmental pollution, a low fluorine atom content in the surfactant is preferred, and in terms of the mass of the compound, it is preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 3% by mass or less. While 0% by mass is the most preferred lower limit, a small amount (e.g., 0.01 to 1.0% by mass) may be included as long as it has little effect on environmental pollution.

[0112] [Initiator] The liquid crystal composition may contain an initiator. The initiator used in the liquid crystal composition is used to polymerize the polymerizable liquid crystal composition. The initiator used is selected depending on the type of polymerization reaction, and examples thereof include photopolymerization initiators and thermal polymerization initiators. The photopolymerization initiator used when polymerization is performed by light irradiation is not particularly limited, and any known or commonly used initiator can be used as long as it does not inhibit the alignment state of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound. Examples thereof include benzoin compounds, benzophenone compounds, benzil ketal compounds, α-hydroxyketone compounds, α-aminoketone compounds, acylphosphine oxide compounds, and oxime compounds. Specifically, 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone "Irgacure 184", 1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-1-one "Darocur 1116", 2-methyl-1-[(methylthio)phenyl]-2-morpholinopropane-1 "Irgacure 907", 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenylethan-1-one "Irgacure 651", 2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-1-(4-morpholinophenyl)-butanone "Irgacure 369", 2-dimethylamino-2-(4-methylbenzyl)-1-(4-morpholinophenyl)butan-1-one "Irgacure 379", 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenylethan-1-one, bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-diphenylphosphine oxide "Lucirin TPO", 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl-phenyl-phosphine oxide "Irgacure 819", 1,2-octanedione, 1-[4-(phenylthio)-, 2-(O-benzoyloxime)], ethanone "Irgacure OXE01"), 1-[9-ethyl-6-(2-methylbenzoyl)-9H-carbazol-3-yl]-, 1-(O-acetyloxime) "Irgacure OXE02" (all manufactured by BASF Corporation).Examples of suitable photoinitiators include a mixture of 2,4-diethylthioxanthone (manufactured by Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd. under the name "Kayacure DETX") and ethyl p-dimethylaminobenzoate (manufactured by Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd. under the name "Kayacure EPA"), a mixture of isopropylthioxanthone (manufactured by Ward Prekinsop under the name "Cantacur-ITX") and ethyl p-dimethylaminobenzoate, "Esacure ONE", "Esacure KIP150", "Esacure KIP160", "Esacure 1001M", "Esacure A198", "Esacure KIP IT", "Esacure KTO46", "Esacure TZT" (manufactured by Lamberti Corporation), "Speedcure BMS", "Speedcure PBZ", and "benzophenone" from LAMBSON, etc. Furthermore, a photoacid generator can be used as the photocationic initiator. Examples of photoacid generators include diazodisulfone compounds, triphenylsulfonium compounds, phenylsulfone compounds, sulfonylpyridine compounds, triazine compounds, and diphenyliodonium compounds. The content of the photopolymerization initiator is preferably 0.1 to 10% by mass, and particularly preferably 1 to 6% by mass, based on the total mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound. These compounds can be used alone or in combination of two or more.In addition, known and commonly used thermal polymerization initiators can be used in the thermal polymerization, such as methyl acetoacetate peroxide, cumene hydroperoxide, benzoyl peroxide, bis(4-t-butylcyclohexyl)peroxydicarbonate, t-butylperoxybenzoate, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, 1,1-bis(t-hexylperoxy)3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, p-pentahydroperoxide, t-butyl hydroperoxide, dicumyl peroxide, isobutyl peroxide, and di(3-methyl-3-methoxybutyl)peroxydica. Examples of suitable compounds include organic peroxides such as carbonates and 1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy)cyclohexane, azonitrile compounds such as 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile and 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile), azoamide compounds such as 2,2'-azobis(2-methyl-N-phenylpropionamidin) dihydrochloride, azoamide compounds such as 2,2'azobis{2-methyl-N-[1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]propionamide}, and alkyl azo compounds such as 2,2'azobis(2,4,4-trimethylpentane). The content of the thermal polymerization initiator is preferably 0.1 to 10% by mass, and particularly preferably 1 to 6% by mass, based on the total mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound. These compounds can be used alone or in combination.

[0113] [Other Additives] The liquid crystal composition may contain other additives in addition to the various components described above. As other additives, it is preferable to use, as necessary, a chiral agent, a vertical alignment agent, a dichroic substance (dichroic dye), a solvent, an adhesion improver, a polymerization inhibitor, an antioxidant, an antistatic agent, a non-liquid crystal polymerizable compound (a non-liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable group), a chain transfer agent, etc.

[0114] <Chiral Agent> The liquid crystal composition may contain a chiral agent (chiral compound) for the purpose of obtaining a chiral nematic phase. The chiral compound itself does not need to exhibit liquid crystallinity, and may or may not have a polymerizable group. The helical direction of the chiral compound can be appropriately selected depending on the intended use of the polymer. The chiral agent may be an axially asymmetric compound or a planar asymmetric compound that does not contain an asymmetric carbon atom.

[0115] Among the chiral agents, compounds having at least a photoisomerizable moiety are preferred, and the photoisomerizable moiety more preferably has a photoisomerizable double bond. As the photoisomerizable moiety having the photoisomerizable double bond, a cinnamoyl moiety, a chalcone moiety, an azobenzene moiety, or a stilbene moiety is preferred in that photoisomerization is likely to occur and the difference in helical twisting power before and after light irradiation is large, and a cinnamoyl moiety, a chalcone moiety, or a stilbene moiety is more preferred in that they have low visible light absorption. The photoisomerizable moiety corresponds to the photoreactive moiety that undergoes a structural change upon light irradiation as described above.

[0116] The chiral agent preferably has any partial structure selected from a binaphthyl partial structure, an isosorbide partial structure (a partial structure derived from isosorbide), and an isomannide partial structure (a partial structure derived from isomannide).

[0117] The total content of the chiral dopants in the liquid crystal composition (total content of all chiral dopants) is preferably 5.0% by mass or less, more preferably 4.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 2.0% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 1.0% by mass or less, relative to the total mass of the liquid crystal compound. Although there is no particular lower limit, it is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.02% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more.

[0118] <Vertical Alignment Agent> Examples of the vertical alignment agent include a boronic acid compound and an onium salt. Note that the vertical alignment agent can also be used, for example, even when the tilt with respect to the vertical axis of the film is within 80°. As the boronic acid compound, a compound represented by formula (30) is preferred.

[0119] Formula (30)

[0120]

[0121] In formula (30), R １ and R ２ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group. ３ represents a substituent containing a (meth)acrylic group. Specific examples of boronic acid compounds include the boronic acid compounds represented by general formula (I) described in paragraphs

[0023] to

[0032] of JP-A No. 2008-225281. Preferred boronic acid compounds include the compounds exemplified below.

[0122]

[0123] The onium salt is preferably a compound represented by formula (31).

[0124] Formula (31)

[0125]

[0126] In formula (31), ring A represents a quaternary ammonium ion consisting of a nitrogen-containing heterocycle. － represents an anion. １ represents a divalent linking group. ２ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. １ represents a divalent linking group having a 5- or 6-membered ring as a partial structure. Z represents a divalent linking group having 2 to 20 alkylene groups as a partial structure. P １ and P ２ each independently represent a monovalent substituent having a polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated bond. Specific examples of the onium salt include the onium salts described in paragraphs

[0052] to

[0058] of JP-A No. 2012-208397, the onium salts described in paragraphs

[0024] to

[0055] of JP-A No. 2008-026730, and the onium salts described in JP-A No. 2002-037777.

[0127] The content of the vertical alignment agent in the liquid crystal composition is preferably 0.1 to 400% by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 350% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid crystal compound. The vertical alignment agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more. When two or more types of vertical alignment agents are used, the total amount thereof is preferably in the above range.

[0128] <Dichroic Substance> In order to allow the liquid crystal cured layer to function as a light absorption anisotropic layer, it is possible to contain a dichroic substance. Here, the dichroic substance means a dye whose absorbance varies depending on the direction. The dichroic substance may or may not exhibit liquid crystallinity.

[0129] The dichroic substance is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include visible light absorbing substances (dichroic dyes), luminescent substances (fluorescent substances, phosphorescent substances), ultraviolet absorbing substances, infrared absorbing substances, nonlinear optical substances, carbon nanotubes, and inorganic substances (e.g., quantum rods), and any conventionally known dichroic substance (dichroic dye) can be used. Specifically, for example, paragraphs

[0067] to

[0071] of JP 2013-228706 A, paragraphs

[0008] to

[0026] of JP 2013-227532 A, paragraphs

[0008] to

[0015] of JP 2013-209367 A, paragraphs

[0045] to

[0058] of JP 2013-14883 A, paragraphs

[0012] to

[0029] of JP 2013-109090 A, paragraphs

[0009] to

[0017] of JP 2013-101328 A, Paragraphs

[0051] to

[0065] of JP 2013-37353 A, paragraphs

[0049] to

[0073] of JP 2012-63387 A, paragraphs

[0016] to

[0018] of JP 11-305036 A, paragraphs

[0009] to

[0011] of JP 2001-133630 A, paragraphs

[0030] to

[0169] of JP 2011-215337 A, paragraphs

[0021] to

[0075] of JP 2010-106242 A, paragraphs

[0016] to

[0018] of JP 2010-215846 A

[0011] to

[0025] paragraphs,

[0017] to

[0069] paragraphs of JP 2011-048311 A,

[0013] to

[0133] paragraphs of JP 2011-213610 A,

[0074] to

[0246] paragraphs of JP 2011-237513 A,

[0005] to

[0051] paragraphs of JP 2016-006502 A,

[0014] to

[0032] paragraphs of JP 2018-053167 A, and

[0014] to

[0033] paragraphs of JP 2020-11716 A paragraphs

[0005] to

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

[0008] to

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

[0014] to

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

[0014] to

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

[0013] to

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

[0014] to

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

[0021] to

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

[0043] to

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

[0043] to

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

[0050] to

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

[0015] to

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

[0130] As the dichroic substance, a dichroic azo dye compound is preferred. A dichroic azo dye compound refers to an azo dye compound whose absorbance varies depending on the direction. A dichroic azo dye compound may or may not exhibit liquid crystallinity. When a dichroic azo dye compound exhibits liquid crystallinity, it may exhibit either nematic or smectic properties. The temperature range in which the liquid crystal phase is exhibited is preferably room temperature (approximately 20 to 28°C) to 300°C, and more preferably 50 to 200°C from the viewpoints of handleability and manufacturing suitability.

[0131] From the viewpoint of adjusting color, it is preferable to use at least one dye compound (first dichroic azo dye compound) having a maximum absorption wavelength in the wavelength range of 560 to 700 nm, and at least one dye compound (second dichroic azo dye compound) having a maximum absorption wavelength in the wavelength range of 455 nm or more and less than 560 nm.

[0132] Three or more dichroic azo dye compounds may be used in combination. For example, in order to make the light absorption anisotropic layer closer to black, it is preferable to use a first dichroic azo dye compound, a second dichroic azo dye compound, and at least one dye compound (third dichroic azo dye compound) having a maximum absorption wavelength in the wavelength range of 380 nm or more and less than 455 nm in combination.

[0133] The dichroic azo dye compound preferably has a crosslinkable group, such as a (meth)acryloyl group, an epoxy group, an oxetanyl group, or a styryl group, and among these, a (meth)acryloyl group is preferred.

[0134] The content of the dichroic material is not particularly limited, but is preferably 3% by mass or more, more preferably 8% by mass or more, and even more preferably 10% by mass or more, relative to the total mass of the cured liquid crystal layer (light-absorbing anisotropic layer), because this increases the degree of orientation of the cured liquid crystal layer (light-absorbing anisotropic layer). The upper limit of the content of the dichroic material is not particularly limited, but is preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 29% by mass or less, and even more preferably 25% by mass or less, relative to the total mass of the cured liquid crystal layer (light-absorbing anisotropic layer). When multiple dichroic materials are used in combination, the total amount of the multiple dichroic materials is preferably within the above-mentioned range. Furthermore, the content of the dichroic material is preferably 10 to 400 mg / cm, because this increases the degree of orientation of the cured liquid crystal layer (light-absorbing anisotropic layer). ３ is preferably 30 to 200 mg / cm ３ More preferably, it is 40 to 150 mg / cm ３ When a plurality of dichroic substances are used in combination, the total amount of the dichroic substances is preferably in the above-mentioned range. ３ The dichroic substance content can be obtained by measuring a solution in which an optical laminate having a cured liquid crystal layer (optically absorptive anisotropic layer) is dissolved, or an extract obtained by immersing the optical laminate in a solvent, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), but is not limited to the above methods. Quantification can be performed using the dichroic substance contained in the optically absorptive anisotropic layer as a standard sample. One example of a method for calculating the content of the dichroic substance is to calculate the volume by multiplying the thickness of the optically absorptive anisotropic layer obtained from a microscopic image of the cross section of the optical laminate by the area of ​​the optical laminate used to measure the dye amount, and then dividing the volume by the amount of dye measured by HPLC to calculate the dye content.

[0135] <Solvent> The liquid crystal composition preferably contains a solvent from the viewpoint of workability, etc. Examples of the solvent include ketones (e.g., acetone, 2-butanone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone, etc.), ethers (e.g., dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, cyclopentyl methyl ether, tetrahydropyran, dioxolane, etc.), aliphatic hydrocarbons (e.g., hexane, etc.), alicyclic hydrocarbons (e.g., cyclohexane, etc.), aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylene, trimethylbenzene, etc.), halogenated carbons (e.g., dichloromethane, trichloromethane, dichloroethane, dichlorobenzene, chlorotoluene, etc.), esters (e.g., methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, etc.), and the like. , ethyl lactate, ethyl propionate, etc.), alcohols (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, cyclohexanol, isopentyl alcohol, neopentyl alcohol, diacetone alcohol, benzyl alcohol, etc.), cellosolves (e.g., methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, etc.), cellosolve acetates, sulfoxides (e.g., dimethyl sulfoxide, etc.), amides (e.g., dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, N-ethylpyrrolidone, etc.), and heterocyclic compounds (e.g., pyridine, etc.), as well as water. These solvents may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these solvents, from the viewpoint of utilizing the effect of excellent solubility of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition, ketones (particularly cyclopentanone and cyclohexanone), ethers (particularly tetrahydrofuran, cyclopentyl methyl ether, tetrahydropyran, and dioxolane), and amides (particularly dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, and N-ethylpyrrolidone) are preferred. When the liquid crystal composition contains a solvent, the content of the solvent is preferably 80 to 99% by mass, more preferably 83 to 97% by mass, and particularly preferably 85 to 95% by mass, relative to the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.The solvent may be used alone or in combination of two or more. When two or more solvents are used, the total amount thereof is preferably within the above range.

[0136] <Adhesion Improver> The liquid crystal composition may contain an adhesion improver for the purpose of ensuring adhesion with adjacent layers or films. Examples of adhesion improvers include the reactive additives described in paragraphs

[0123] to

[0129] of JP 2019-91088 A and the boronic acid monomers described in paragraphs

[0015] to

[0028] of WO 2015 / 053359 A. The amount of the adhesion improver added is preferably 0.01 to 5.0% by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 2.0% by mass, relative to the total solids mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition.

[0137] <Polymerization inhibitor> The liquid crystal composition may contain a polymerization inhibitor as needed. There are no particular limitations on the polymerization inhibitor used, and known, conventional ones can be used. For example, p-methoxyphenol, cresol, t-butylcatechol, 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene, 2,2'-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-t-butylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis(4-ethyl-6-t-butylphenol), 4,4'-thiobis(3-methyl-6-t-butylphenol), 4-methoxy-1-naphthol, and 4,4'-dialkoxy-2,2'-bi-1-naphthol. phenolic compounds such as hydroquinone, methylhydroquinone, tert-butylhydroquinone, p-benzoquinone, methyl-p-benzoquinone, tert-butyl-p-benzoquinone, 2,5-diphenylbenzoquinone, 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, 1,4-naphthoquinone, 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone, anthraquinone, and diphenoquinone; quinone compounds such as p-phenylenediamine and 4-aminodiphenylbenzoquinone; amine compounds such as diphenylamine, N,N'-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N-i-propyl-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N'-di-2-naphthyl-p-phenylenediamine, diphenylamine, N-phenyl-β-naphthylamine, 4,4'-dicumyl-diphenylamine, and 4,4'-dioctyl-diphenylamine; thioether compounds such as phenothiazine and distearyl thiodipropionate; N-nitrosodiphenylamine, N-nitrosophenylnaphthylamine, N-nitrosodinaphthylamine, p-nitrosophenol, nitrosobenzene, p-nitrosodiphenylamine, α-nitroso-β-naphthol, N,N-dimethyl-p-nitrosoaniline, p-nitrosodiphenylamine, p-nitrosodimethylamine, p-nitroso-N,N-diethylamine, N-nitrosoethanolamine, N-nitrosodi-n-butylamine, N-nitroso-N-n-butyl-4-butanolamine, N-nitroso-diisopropanolamine, N-nitroso-N-ethyl-4-butanolamine, 5-nitroso-8-hydroxyquinoline, N-nitrosomorpholine, N-nitroso-N-phenylhydroxylamine ammonium salt, nitrosobenzene, 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylnitrobenzene, N-nitroso Examples of suitable nitroso compounds include N-methyl-p-toluenesulfonamide, N-nitroso-N-ethylurethane, N-nitroso-N-n-propylurethane, 1-nitroso-2-naphthol, 2-nitroso-1-naphthol, sodium 1-nitroso-2-naphthol-3,6-sulfonate, sodium 2-nitroso-1-naphthol-4-sulfonate, 2-nitroso-5-methylaminophenol hydrochloride, and 2-nitroso-5-methylaminophenol hydrochloride. The amount of the polymerization inhibitor added is preferably 0.01 to 2.0% by mass, and more preferably 0.05 to 1.0% by mass, based on the total solids mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition.

[0138] <Antioxidant> The liquid crystal composition may contain an antioxidant, etc., as needed. Examples of such compounds include hydroquinone derivatives, nitrosamine-based polymerization inhibitors, and hindered phenol-based antioxidants. More specifically, tert-butylhydroquinone, Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.'s "Q-1300" and "Q-1301," pentaerythritol tetrakis[3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate "IRGANOX1010," thiodiethylenebis[3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate "IRGANOX1035," octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate "IRGANOX1036," and the like. 1076," "IRGANOX1135," "IRGANOX1330," 4,6-bis(octylthiomethyl)-o-cresol "IRGANOX1520L," "IRGANOX1726," "IRGANOX245," "IRGANOX259," "IRGANOX3114," "IRGANOX3790," "IRGANOX5057," and "IRGANOX565" (all manufactured by BASF Corporation), Adeka Stab AO-20, AO-30, AO-40, AO-50, AO-60, and AO-80 manufactured by ADEKA Corporation, and Sumilizer BHT, Sumilizer BBM-S, and Sumilizer GA-80 manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. The amount of the antioxidant added is preferably 0.01 to 2.0% by mass, and more preferably 0.05 to 1.0% by mass, based on the total solid content by mass of the liquid crystal composition.

[0139] <Antistatic Agent> The liquid crystal composition may contain an antistatic agent as needed. The antistatic agent to be used is not particularly limited, and any known or commonly used antistatic agent may be used as long as it does not disturb the alignment. Examples of such antistatic agents include polymeric compounds having at least one type of sulfonate group or phosphate group in the molecule, compounds having a quaternary ammonium salt, and surfactants having a polymerizable group.Among these, surfactants having a polymerizable group are preferred. For example, among surfactants having a polymerizable group, anionic surfactants include "ANTOX SAD" and "ANTOX MS-2N" (both manufactured by Nippon Nyukazai Co., Ltd.), "Aqualon KH-05", "Aqualon KH-10", "Aqualon KH-20", "Aqualon KH-0530", and "Aqualon KH-1025" (all manufactured by Dai-ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.), "ADEKA REASOAP SR-10N" and "ADEKA REASOAP SR-20N" (all manufactured by ADEKA Corporation), and alkyl ether-based compounds such as "Latemul PD-104" (manufactured by Kao Corporation), sulfosuccinate ester-based compounds such as "Latemul S-120", "Latemul S-120A", "Latemul S-180P", and "Latemul S-180A" (all manufactured by Kao Corporation) and "Eleminol JS-2" (manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Co., Ltd.), "Aqualon H-2855A", "Aqualon H-3855B", "Aqualon H-3855C", "Aqualon H-3856", "Aqualon HS-05", "Aqualon HS-10", and "Aqua Adeka Rear Soap SDX-222, Adeka Rear Soap SDX-223, Adeka Rear Soap SDX-232, Adeka Rear Soap SDX-233, Adeka Rear Soap SDX-259, Adeka Rear Soap SE-10N (all manufactured by Dai-ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.), ... and alkyl phenyl ethers or alkyl phenyl esters such as "ADEKA REASOAP SE-20N" (both manufactured by ADEKA Corporation); (meth)acrylate sulfates such as "ANTOX MS-60" and "ANTOX MS-2N" (both manufactured by Nippon Nyukazai Co., Ltd.) and "ELEMINOL RS-30" (manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.); and phosphate esters such as "H-3330P" (manufactured by Dai-ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.) and "ADEKA REASOAP PP-70" (manufactured by ADEKA Corporation).On the other hand, among surfactants having a polymerizable group, examples of nonionic surfactants include "Antox LMA-20," "Antox LMA-27," "Antox EMH-20," "Antox LMH-20," and "Antox SMH-20" (all manufactured by Nippon Nyukazai Co., Ltd.), "Adeka Reasop ER-10," "Adeka Reasop ER-20," "Adeka Reasop ER-30," and "Adeka Reasop ER-40" (all manufactured by ADEKA Corporation), and alkyl ether surfactants such as "Latemul PD-420," "Latemul PD-430," and "Latemul PD-450" (all manufactured by Kao Corporation). Examples of such alkyl phenyl ether or alkyl phenyl ester based surfactants include Quaron RN-10, Aqualon RN-20, Aqualon RN-30, Aqualon RN-50, and Aqualon RN-2025 (all manufactured by Dai-ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.), Adeka Reasop NE-10, Adeka Reasop NE-20, Adeka Reasop NE-30, and Adeka Reasop NE-40 (all manufactured by ADEKA Corporation), and (meth)acrylate sulfate based surfactants such as RMA-564, RMA-568, and RMA-1114 (all manufactured by Nippon Nyukazai Co., Ltd.).Other antistatic agents include, for example, polyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, methoxypolyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, ethoxypolyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, propoxypolyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, n-butoxypolyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, n-pentoxypolyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, phenoxypolyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, polypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, methoxypolypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, ethoxypolypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, propoxypolyethylene ... Examples of the antistatic agent include methoxypolypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, n-butoxypolypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, n-pentoxypolypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, phenoxypolypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, polytetramethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, methoxypolytetramethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, phenoxytetraethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, hexaethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, methoxyhexaethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide. The antistatic agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The amount of the antistatic agent added is preferably 0.001 to 10 wt %, more preferably 0.01 to 5 wt %, based on the total solids mass of the liquid crystal composition.

[0140] <Non-liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable group> A compound having a polymerizable group but not being a liquid crystal compound can also be added to the liquid crystal composition. Such a compound can be used without any particular limitation as long as it is generally recognized as a polymerizable monomer or a polymerizable oligomer in this technical field. When added, the amount of such a compound is preferably 15% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, based on the total solid mass of the liquid crystal composition. Specifically, methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, propyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, butyl (meth)acrylate, isobutyl (meth)acrylate, 4-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, octyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, dodecyl (meth)acrylate, stearyl (meth)acrylate, cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate, dicyclopentanyloxylethyl (meth)acrylate, isobornyloxylethyl (meth)acrylate, isobornyl (meth)acrylate, adamantyl (meth)acrylate, dimethyladamantyl (meth)acrylate, dicyclopentanyl (meth)acrylate, dicyclopentane Nyl (meth)acrylate, methoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl carbitol (meth)acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl (meth)acrylate, benzyl (meth)acrylate, phenoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-phenoxydiethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxy-3-phenoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, (2-methyl-2-ethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl (meth)acrylate, (3-ethyloxetan-3-yl)methyl (meth)acrylate, o-phenylphenol ethoxy (meth)acrylate, dimethylamino (meth)acrylate, diethylamino (meth)acrylate, 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl (meth)acrylate, 2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluorobutyl (meth)acrylate, 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(perfluorobutyl)ethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(perfluorohexyl)ethyl (meth)acrylate, 1H,1H,3H-tetrafluoropropyl (meth)acrylate, 1H,1H,5H-octafluoropentyl (meth)acrylate, 1H,1H,7H-dodecafluoroheptyl (meth)acrylate, 1H-1-(trifluoromethyl)trifluoroethyl (meth)acrylate, 1H,1H,3H-hexafluorobutyl (meth) Acrylate, 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl (meth)acrylate, 1H,1H-pentadecafluorooctyl (meth)acrylate, 1H,1H,2H,2H-tridecafluorooctyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(meth)acryloyloxyethyl phthalate, 2-(meth)acryloyloxyethyl hexahydrophthalate, glycidyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(meth)acryloyloxyethyl phosphate, acryloylmorpholine, dimethylacrylamide, dimethicone Mono(meth)acrylates such as ethylaminopropyl acrylamide, isopropyl acrylamide, diethyl acrylamide, hydroxyethyl acrylamide, and N-acryloyloxyethyl hexahydrophthalimide, 1,4-butanediol di(meth)acrylate, 1,6-hexanediol di(meth)acrylate, 1,9-nonanediol di(meth)acrylate, neopentyldiol di(meth)acrylate, tripropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, and ethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate Acrylate, diethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, triethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, ethylene oxide-modified bisphenol A di(meth)acrylate, tricyclodecane dimethanol di(meth)acrylate, 9,9-bis[4-(2-acryloyloxyethoxy)phenyl]fluorene, glycerin di(meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxy-3-acryloyloxypropyl methacrylate, acrylic acid adduct of 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether, and 1,Diacrylates such as acrylic acid adduct of 4-butanediol diglycidyl ether; tri(meth)acrylates such as trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, ethoxylated isocyanuric acid triacrylate, pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, and ε-caprolactone-modified tris-(2-acryloyloxyethyl)isocyanurate; tetra(meth)acrylates such as pentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate and ditrimethylolpropane tetra(meth)acrylate; Examples of the epoxy compounds include taerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, oligomeric (meth)acrylates, various urethane acrylates, various macromonomers, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, diethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, propylene glycol diglycidyl ether, neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether, glycerin diglycidyl ether, and bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, and maleimides. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0141] <Chain Transfer Agent> The liquid crystal composition may contain a chain transfer agent. Examples of chain transfer agents include mercapto compounds, disulfide compounds, halogenated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride and bromoform, isopropanol, and secondary alcohols such as glycerin, phosphorous acid, hypophosphorous acid, and salts thereof (sodium hypophosphite, potassium hypophosphite, etc.), sulfurous acid, hydrogen sulfite, dithionous acid, metabisulfite, and salts thereof, as well as allyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl thioglycolate, α-methylstyrene dimer, terpinolene, α-terpinene, γ-terpinene, dipentene, and anisole. Among these, mercapto compounds are preferred. Examples of commercially available chain transfer agents include Karenz MT (registered trademark) PE1, BD1, NR1, and TPMB manufactured by Showa Denko KK The content of the chain transfer agent is preferably 0.25 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.4 to 5.0% by mass, based on the total mass of the solid content in the liquid crystal composition.

[0142] [Formation of Optical Film Using Polymerizable Liquid Crystal Compound] The liquid crystal composition introduced above is spread on any support, and the molecular orientation state is controlled to a desired state. After that, the molecular orientation state is fixed by the action of a polymerization initiator or the like, whereby an optical film such as a retardation film can be obtained.

[0143] [Support] The optical film includes a support. Any polymer film can be used as the support as long as it is self-supporting. To form a uniform liquid crystal cured layer over a wide area, a film, sheet, or flat support is preferred. For industrial continuous production, a long film or sheet can also be used. Examples of such supports include polymer films, and examples of polymer film materials include cellulose-based polymers, acrylic polymers having acrylic acid ester polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate and lactone ring-containing polymers, thermoplastic norbornene-based polymers, polycarbonate-based polymers, polyester-based polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate, styrene-based polymers such as polystyrene and acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers (AS resins), polyolefin-based polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-propylene copolymers, vinyl chloride-based polymers, amide-based polymers such as nylon and aromatic polyamides, imide-based polymers, sulfone-based polymers, polyethersulfone-based polymers, polyetheretherketone-based polymers, polyphenylene sulfide-based polymers, vinylidene chloride-based polymers, vinyl alcohol-based polymers, vinyl butyral-based polymers, arylate-based polymers, polyoxymethylene-based polymers, epoxy-based polymers, and polymers obtained by mixing these polymers. If the purpose is to use the support as a retardation film having a support and a liquid crystal cured layer, it is preferable to select an optically transparent support. If necessary, the support itself may be provided with various optical properties such as retardation, polarization selectivity, and light absorption. The thickness of the support is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the support has sufficient self-supporting properties and strength to withstand the process of forming the cured liquid crystal layer. For example, it is preferably 5 to 200 μm, more preferably 10 to 100 μm, and even more preferably 20 to 90 μm. Furthermore, the support may be one that can be peeled and removed as needed after the cured liquid crystal layer is formed.

[0144] [Imparting Alignment Force] Because of the need to efficiently control the liquid crystal molecules in a liquid crystal composition to a desired alignment state, it is common to impart an alignment force to the surface of a support. Known methods for imparting an alignment force include providing an alignment film and optionally further treating the film, and directly treating the support surface. That is, the support may have an alignment film. It is also known that stretching a film of a cycloolefin polymer or the like can impart an alignment force to the surface. Known methods for providing an alignment film and optionally treating the film include, for example, coating a thin resin layer and then rubbing the surface (rubbing method), and coating a material that imparts an alignment force in a specific direction upon polarized light irradiation and then irradiating the film with polarized light in the desired direction (photoalignment method). In particular, photoalignment has become popular in recent years because it can impart an alignment force in any direction simply by controlling the polarization axis of the irradiated linearly polarized light. Materials for alignment films (photo-alignment films) that can be used in such photo-alignment methods include photo-alignment polymers having a cinnamoyl structure as described in WO 2005 / 096041, polymer materials such as polyamide compounds and polyimide compounds as described in paragraphs

[0024] to

[0043] of WO 2005 / 096041, and liquid crystal alignment films formed from liquid crystal alignment agents having photo-alignable groups as described in JP 2012-155308 A, such as LPP-JP265CP manufactured by Rolic Technologies. These alignment films are generally provided in the range of 0.01 to 10 μm, from the viewpoint of not only providing alignment control force but also mitigating surface irregularities that may be present on the support to form a uniform surface. In practice, the thickness may be set in the range of 0.01 to 1 μm, or 0.01 to 0.5 μm, taking into account economical efficiency and other factors. Furthermore, by incorporating a repeating unit having a photoalignment group into the surfactant, it is possible to impart a photoalignment force to the liquid crystal layer above.

[0145] [Preparation of Liquid Crystal Composition] Liquid crystal compositions are generally prepared by sequentially adding each material and solvent to a container and stirring to promote dissolution and homogenize the solution. Foreign matter and insoluble matter may be removed by filtration or other methods, and other components may be added in subsequent steps as needed. During stirring, the mixture may be heated to enhance the stirring effect. The heating temperature during heating and stirring can be adjusted appropriately taking into account the solubility of the polymerizable compound used in the organic solvent. From the viewpoint of productivity, however, a temperature of 15°C to 110°C is preferred, 15°C to 105°C is more preferred, 15°C to 100°C is even more preferred, and 20°C to 90°C is particularly preferred. The order in which each material and solvent are added can be determined appropriately taking into account workability. Generally, a method is used in which a polymerizable liquid crystal compound exhibiting reverse wavelength dispersion is stirred and dissolved, and then the other components are added sequentially. In particular, it is preferable to add the polymerization initiator at the end of the preparation process, since a small amount of polymerization reaction may be induced by heat or light, which may affect the properties of the composition and retardation film. In particular, when components such as a polymerizable liquid crystal compound exhibiting reverse wavelength dispersion are dissolved by heating, it is advisable to allow the liquid to cool sufficiently before adding the polymerization initiator. It is preferable to filter the liquid crystal composition before spreading it on a support. Filtration removes alignment defects and foreign matter (such as insoluble matter or contaminated dust) that affect the surface condition, thereby obtaining a uniform and excellent retardation film. The filter used for filtration can be appropriately selected depending on the composition, but the pore size is preferably greater than 0.01 μm and less than 10 μm, more preferably greater than 0.01 μm and less than 1 μm, and particularly preferably greater than 0.01 μm and less than 0.2 μm. Examples of filter materials include paper, cloth, nonwoven fabric, cellulose, nitrocellulose, cellulose mixed esters, cellulose acetate, polypropylene, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), hydrophilic PTFE, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethersulfone (PES), and glass fiber, with PTFE or polyvinylidene fluoride being preferred.

[0146] [Coating] Methods for spreading (coating) the liquid crystal composition on the support include known and commonly used methods such as applicator method, bar coating method, spin coating method, roll coating method, direct gravure coating method, reverse gravure coating method, flexographic coating method, inkjet method, die coating method, cap coating method, dip coating method, and slit coating method. After coating, the solvent contained therein is removed and dried. The solvent removal and drying are generally performed by combining heating and air blowing, and the heating and air blowing conditions are appropriately adjusted to prevent unevenness due to non-uniform solvent removal and drying and roughness of the surface due to surface flow.

[0147] [Liquid Crystal Phase Control] The liquid crystal phase of the above-described liquid crystal composition can generally be transitioned by changing the temperature or pressure. In the case of a liquid crystal composition having lyotropic properties, the transition can also be induced by changing the amount of solvent. When forming an optical film (retardation film) using a liquid crystal composition, a temperature-induced phase transition method is generally used from the perspective of economic efficiency and precise control of the phase transition conditions. The liquid crystal phase can be a nematic or smectic phase, and a monodomain phase is preferred to obtain a uniform, even retardation film. A film of the polymerizable liquid crystal composition (or a phase obtained by removing the solvent from the film) spread on a support must be heated at a temperature above the phase transition temperature for a certain period of time until it forms a liquid crystal monodomain. The heating time is preferably 10 seconds to 20 minutes, more preferably 10 seconds to 10 minutes, and even more preferably 10 seconds to 5 minutes. During these processes, the liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the alignment control force from the support or alignment film and the action of the added alignment control agent, thereby achieving the desired optical performance. The nematic phase here refers to a state in which the constituent molecules have orientational order but no three-dimensional positional order. The smectic phase refers to a state in which molecules aligned in one direction form a layer structure. The smectic phase has a higher degree of orientational order than the nematic phase, and is known to exhibit unique optical properties.

[0148] [Fixing of Orientation State] Since the liquid crystal phase and orientation state that have developed can change with temperature changes and the passage of time, a polymerization reaction is induced by the action of a polymerization initiator to fix the resulting orientation state. Considering manufacturability and other factors, a polymerization reaction by ultraviolet irradiation is preferably used. As the light source, various known light sources such as a high-pressure mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, a xenon short arc lamp, and an LED can be used. The irradiation dose can be appropriately set depending on the liquid crystal composition used, but is generally 200 mJ / cm. ２ By doing so, the polymerization reaction can be efficiently carried out and the alignment state can be sufficiently fixed. In order to efficiently carry out the polymerization reaction, it is also effective to purge the inside of the exposure device with an inert gas such as nitrogen.

[0149] [Uses of Optical Films] By controlling the orientation of liquid crystals, optical films can be used for various purposes such as retardation films, reflective circular polarizers, liquid crystal lenses, etc. Furthermore, by adding a dichroic substance, anisotropic absorption films, specifically linearly polarized absorption polarizers and viewing angle control films, can be produced.

[0150] [Retardation Film] The retardation film contains the above-mentioned liquid crystal cured layer, and the liquid crystal compound forms a uniform and continuous alignment state with respect to the substrate, and has biaxiality in-plane, out-of-plane, both in-plane and out-of-plane, or in-plane with respect to the substrate. Furthermore, an adhesive or adhesive layer, a pressure-sensitive adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, a protective film, a polarizing film, or the like may be laminated. Examples of such retardation films include a positive A plate in which the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound is substantially horizontally aligned with respect to the substrate, a negative A plate in which the discotic liquid crystal compound is uniaxially aligned vertically with respect to the substrate, a positive C plate in which the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound is substantially vertically aligned with respect to the substrate, a negative C plate in which the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound is cholesterically aligned with respect to the substrate or a discotic liquid crystal compound is uniaxially aligned horizontally, a biaxial plate, a positive O plate in which the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound is hybrid aligned with respect to the substrate, and a negative O plate in which the discotic liquid crystal compound is hybrid aligned with respect to the substrate. When used in an optical compensation film for a liquid crystal display element, various alignment modes can be applied without any particular limitation as long as they improve viewing angle dependency. For example, alignment modes such as a positive A plate, a negative A plate, a positive C plate, a negative C plate, a biaxial plate, a positive O plate, and a negative O plate can be applied. Among these, it is preferable to use a positive A plate or a negative C plate. Furthermore, it is more preferable to laminate a positive A plate or a negative C plate.

[0151] In a liquid crystal cell using a retardation film, a positive A plate is preferably used as the first retardation layer to compensate for the viewing angle dependence of the polarization axis orthogonality and widen the viewing angle. Here, the positive A plate satisfies the relationship "nx>ny=nz" when nx is the refractive index in the in-plane slow axis direction of the film, ny is the refractive index in the in-plane fast axis direction of the film, and nz is the refractive index in the thickness direction of the film. The positive A plate preferably has an in-plane retardation value in the range of 30 to 500 nm at a wavelength of 550 nm. Furthermore, the thickness direction retardation value is not particularly limited. The Nz coefficient is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 1.5. Furthermore, in order to cancel out the birefringence of the liquid crystal molecules themselves, it is preferable to use a so-called negative C plate having negative refractive index anisotropy as the second retardation layer. Furthermore, a negative C plate may be laminated on the positive A plate.

[0152] Here, the negative C plate is a retardation layer having a relationship of "nx = ny > nz" when the refractive index of the retardation layer in the in-plane slow axis direction is nx, the refractive index of the retardation layer in the in-plane fast axis direction is ny, and the refractive index of the retardation layer in the thickness direction is nz. The thickness direction retardation value of the negative C plate is preferably in the range of 20 to 400 nm. The refractive index anisotropy in the thickness direction is expressed by the thickness direction retardation value Rth defined by the following formula (2). The thickness direction retardation value Rth can be calculated by numerically calculating nx, ny, and nz using formula (1) and the following formulas (4) to (7) using the in-plane retardation value R0, the retardation value R50 measured at a 50° tilt with the slow axis as the tilt axis, the film thickness d, and the average refractive index of the film n0, and substituting these into formula (2). The Nz coefficient = can be calculated from formula (3). The same applies to other descriptions in the present specification. R0=(nx-ny)×d (1) Rth=[(nx+ny) / 2-nz]×d (2) Nz coefficient=(nx-nz) / (nx-ny) (3) R50=(nx-ny')×d / cos(φ) (4) (nx+ny+nz) / 3=n0 (5) Here, φ=sin-1[sin(50°) / n0] (6) ny'=ny×nz / [ny2×sin2(φ)+nz2×cos2(φ)]½ (7) Many commercially available retardation measuring devices automatically perform the numerical calculations shown here and automatically display the in-plane retardation value R0 and the thickness direction retardation value Rth. An example of such a measuring device is RETS-100 (manufactured by Otsuka Chemical Co., Ltd.).

[0153] Furthermore, when the liquid crystal medium of the liquid crystal display element is an in-plane switching (IPS) mode or a fringe field switching (FFS) mode, it is preferable to use a positive A plate, a positive C plate, and / or a biaxial plate. Furthermore, it is more preferable to use a positive A plate and / or a positive C plate, and it is particularly preferable to laminate a positive A plate and a positive C plate. In a liquid crystal cell, it is preferable to use a positive A plate as the first retardation layer. Here, the positive A plate satisfies the relationship "nx > ny = nz" when the refractive index in the in-plane slow axis direction of the film is nx, the refractive index in the in-plane fast axis direction of the film is ny, and the refractive index in the thickness direction of the film is nz. The positive A plate preferably has an in-plane retardation value in the range of 10 to 300 nm at a wavelength of 550 nm. Furthermore, the thickness direction retardation value is not particularly limited. The Nz coefficient is preferably in the range of 0.9 to 1.1. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a so-called positive C plate having positive refractive index anisotropy as the second retardation layer. Furthermore, a positive C plate may be laminated on the positive A plate. The laminate of the positive A plate and the positive C plate may be used in combination with a polarizer. When the polarizer, the positive C plate, and the positive A plate are laminated in this order, the angle between the slow axis of the positive A plate and the absorption axis of the polarizer is preferably parallel. When the polarizer, the positive A plate, and the positive C plate are laminated in this order, the angle between the slow axis of the positive A plate and the absorption axis of the polarizer is preferably orthogonal. Here, the positive C plate is a retardation layer that satisfies the relationship "nx = ny < nz", where nx is the refractive index of the retardation layer in the in-plane direction, ny is the refractive index of the retardation layer in the in-plane direction, and nz is the refractive index of the retardation layer in the thickness direction. The thickness direction retardation value of the positive C plate is preferably in the range of -10 to -300 nm.

[0154] The refractive index anisotropy in the thickness direction is represented by the thickness direction retardation value Rth defined by formula (2). The thickness direction retardation value Rth can be calculated by using the in-plane retardation value R0, the retardation value R50 measured at a 50° inclination with the slow axis as the tilt axis, the film thickness d, and the average refractive index n0 of the film, and then calculating nx, ny, and nz by numerical calculation from formula (1) and the following formulas (4) to (7), and substituting these into formula (2). The Nz coefficient = can be calculated from formula (3). The same applies to other descriptions in the present specification. R0=(nx-ny)×d (1) Rth=[(nx+ny) / 2-nz]×d (2) Nz coefficient=(nx-nz) / (nx-ny) (3) R50=(nx-ny')×d / cos(φ) (4) (nx+ny+nz) / 3=n0 (5) Here, φ=sin-1[sin(50°) / n0] (6) ny'=ny×nz / [ny2×sin2(φ)+nz2×cos2(φ)]½ (7) Furthermore, the retardation film can also be used as a circular polarizer by combining it with a linear polarizer. When used as a circular polarizer, the retardation film is a positive A plate in which the polymerizable liquid crystalline compound is substantially horizontally oriented relative to the substrate, and the angle between the polarization axis of the linear polarizer and the slow axis of the retardation film is preferably substantially 45°. The retardation film can also be used as a wave plate. When used as a wave plate, the retardation film is a positive A plate in which the polymerizable liquid crystalline compound is substantially horizontally oriented relative to the substrate, and is preferably used as a half wave plate or a quarter wave plate. Furthermore, by combining multiple retardation films with different orientations, it is possible to obtain a broadband wave plate with little wavelength dependency. The retardation film can also be used as a polarized reflection film or an infrared reflection film. In this case, the rod-shaped liquid crystalline compound in the retardation film is cholesterically oriented substantially horizontally relative to the substrate, and the pitch is preferably in the visible light region in the case of a polarized reflection film, and the pitch is preferably in the infrared region in the case of an infrared reflection film.

[0155] [Liquid Crystal Display Device] The liquid crystal composition can be used in a liquid crystal display device by applying it to a substrate or a substrate having an alignment function, uniformly aligning it while maintaining the nematic or smectic phase, and polymerizing it. Examples of uses include optical compensation films, patterned retardation films for liquid crystal stereoscopic display devices, retardation correction layers for color filters, overcoat layers, and alignment films for liquid crystal media. A liquid crystal display device has at least two substrates sandwiched between them a liquid crystal medium layer, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) driving circuit, a black matrix layer, a color filter layer, spacers, and an electrode circuit corresponding to the liquid crystal medium layer. Typically, the optical compensation layer, polarizer layer, and touch panel layer are disposed on the outer sides of the two substrates. However, in some cases, the optical compensation layer, overcoat layer, polarizer layer, and touch panel electrode layer may be sandwiched between the two substrates. The alignment modes of liquid crystal display elements include TN mode, VA mode, IPS mode, FFS mode, and OCB mode, as described below. When used in an optical compensation film or optical compensation layer, a film having a retardation corresponding to the alignment mode can be produced. When used in a patterned retardation film, it is sufficient that the liquid crystal compound in the polymerizable liquid crystal composition is substantially horizontally aligned with the substrate. When used in an overcoat layer, it is sufficient to thermally polymerize a liquid crystal compound having a larger number of polymerizable groups per molecule. When used in an alignment film for a liquid crystal medium, it is preferable to use a polymerizable liquid crystal composition that is a mixture of an alignment material and a liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable group. It can also be mixed into a liquid crystal medium, and various properties such as response speed and contrast can be improved depending on the ratio of the liquid crystal medium to the liquid crystal compound.

[0156] [Organic Light-Emitting Display Device] The liquid crystal composition can be used in an organic light-emitting display device by applying it to a substrate or a substrate having an alignment function, uniformly aligning it while maintaining the nematic or smectic phase, and polymerizing it. The polymerized retardation film can be used as an anti-reflection film for an organic light-emitting display device by combining it with a polarizing plate. When used as an anti-reflection film, the angle between the polarization axis of the polarizing plate and the slow axis of the retardation film is preferably about 45°. The polarizing plate and the retardation film may be bonded together with an adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive. Alternatively, they may be directly laminated on the polarizing plate by rubbing or by laminating a photo-alignment film on the polarizing plate. The polarizing plate used in this case may be any film with polarizing function, such as a film obtained by adsorbing iodine or a dichroic dye onto a polyvinyl alcohol-based film and stretching it; a film obtained by stretching a polyvinyl alcohol-based film and adsorbing iodine, a dichroic dye, or a dichroic dye; a film obtained by coating a substrate with an aqueous solution containing a dichroic dye to form a polarizing layer; and a wire-grid polarizer. The polyvinyl alcohol resin can be a saponified polyvinyl acetate resin. Examples of polyvinyl acetate resins include polyvinyl acetate, which is a homopolymer of vinyl acetate, as well as copolymers of vinyl acetate with other monomers copolymerizable therewith. Examples of other monomers copolymerizable with vinyl acetate include unsaturated carboxylic acids, olefins, vinyl ethers, unsaturated sulfonic acids, and acrylamides having an ammonium group. The method for forming a film of the polyvinyl alcohol resin is not particularly limited, and the film can be formed using known methods. The thickness of the polyvinyl alcohol raw film is not particularly limited, but is, for example, about 10 to 150 μm.

[0157] When iodine is used as the dichroic dye, a method of dyeing is typically employed in which a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film is immersed in an aqueous solution containing iodine and potassium iodide. When a dichroic dye is used as the dichroic dye, a method of dyeing is typically employed in which a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film is immersed in an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble dichroic dye. In the case of a film in which a polarizing layer is formed by applying an aqueous solution containing a dichroic dye to a substrate, examples of the dichroic dye to be applied vary depending on the type of substrate used, but include water-soluble dyes such as direct dyes and acid dyes, their anionic salts and disperse dyes, and water-insoluble dyes such as oil-soluble pigments. These dyes are typically dissolved in water and an organic solvent, and, in some cases, a surfactant is added and applied to a substrate that has been subjected to rubbing and corona treatment. The organic solvent varies depending on the solvent resistance of the substrate, but typical examples include alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol; cellosolves such as methyl cellosolve and ethyl cellosolve; ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; amides such as dimethylformamide and N-methylpyrrolidone; and aromatic organic solvents such as benzene and toluene. Methods for applying the dye solution to the substrate include various coating methods such as bar coating, spray coating, roll coating, and gravure coating. When using a wire grid polarizer, it is preferable to use one made of a conductive material such as Al, Cu, Ag, Cu, Ni, Cr, or Si.

[0158] [Optically Anisotropic Film] The liquid crystal composition can also be used as an anisotropic light-absorbing film by aligning the dichroic dye using the alignment of the liquid crystal. When aligned horizontally to the film surface, it becomes a linear polarizer, and when aligned perpendicular to the film surface or in a direction tilted at an angle of 80° or less from the perpendicular direction, it becomes a viewing angle control film. In the latter case, the light-absorbing anisotropic layer has a central transmittance axis. Here, the central transmittance axis refers to the direction showing the highest transmittance when the transmittance is measured by changing the polar angle and azimuthal angle relative to the normal direction of the surface of the light-absorbing anisotropic layer.

[0159] Specifically, the Mueller matrix at a wavelength of 550 nm is measured using an AxoScan OPMF-2 (manufactured by OptoScience). More specifically, during measurement, the azimuthal angle at which the central transmittance axis is tilted is first determined. Next, within a plane (a plane containing the central transmittance axis and perpendicular to the layer surface) containing the normal direction of the optically absorptive anisotropic layer along that azimuthal angle, the polar angle relative to the normal direction to the optically absorptive anisotropic layer surface is changed in 1° increments from -70 to 70°, while the Mueller matrix at a wavelength of 550 nm is measured, and the transmittance of the optically absorptive anisotropic layer is derived. The resulting direction with the highest transmittance is taken as the central transmittance axis. Note that the central transmittance axis is also the absorption axis of the optically absorptive anisotropic layer, and when the optically absorptive anisotropic layer contains the dichroic material described above, it often corresponds to the direction of the absorption axis of the oriented dichroic material (the direction of the molecular long axis). As described above, when light is incident from a direction tilted relative to the central transmittance axis, the central transmittance axis can function as an absorption axis.

[0160] <<Optical Laminate>> The optical laminate of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a laminate including the cured liquid crystal layer (first cured liquid crystal layer) in the above-described optical film and a second cured liquid crystal layer different from the first cured liquid crystal layer. The first cured liquid crystal layer may be the cured liquid crystal layer of the above-described optical film, and the second cured liquid crystal layer may be the cured liquid crystal layer of the above-described optical film or another cured liquid crystal layer.

[0161] Furthermore, the optical laminate preferably has a first liquid crystal cured layer, a cured layer of the adhesive layer, and a second liquid crystal cured layer in this order, and more preferably has a first liquid crystal cured layer, a cured layer of the adhesive layer adjacent to the first liquid crystal cured layer, and a second liquid crystal cured layer adjacent to the cured layer of the adhesive layer. The alignment states of the first liquid crystal cured layer and the second liquid crystal cured layer are not particularly limited, and may be any of the alignment states in the retardation film described above. The first liquid crystal cured layer is preferably a positive A plate, and the second liquid crystal cured layer is preferably a positive C plate. The cured layer of the adhesive layer is a layer obtained by curing the adhesive layer in the polarizing plate described below.

[0162] One embodiment of the optical laminate is an optical laminate obtained by bonding the liquid crystal cured layer (first liquid crystal cured layer) of the above-mentioned optical film and the second liquid crystal cured layer of a second optical film having a second liquid crystal cured layer with an ultraviolet (UV) adhesive, and peeling off the polymer film that serves as a support for the second optical film from the second liquid crystal cured layer.

[0163] <<Polarizing Plate>> The polarizing plate of the present invention includes the optical film of the present invention described above and a polarizer. Furthermore, the polarizing plate of the present invention preferably includes the optical laminate described above and a polarizer. When the liquid crystal cured layer (optically anisotropic layer) of the optical film is a positive A plate, from the viewpoint of suitable application to a circular polarizing plate or the like, the angle formed between the slow axis of the positive A plate and the absorption axis of the polarizer described below is preferably 30 to 60°, more preferably 40 to 50°, even more preferably 42 to 48°, and particularly preferably 45°. Here, the "slow axis" refers to the direction in which the refractive index is maximized in the plane of the liquid crystal cured layer, and the "absorption axis" of the polarizer refers to the direction in which the absorbance is highest. When the liquid crystal cured layer (optically anisotropic layer) of the optical film is the optically anisotropic layer A described above, from the viewpoint of suitably applying the optically anisotropic layer A to a circular polarizing plate or the like, the absolute value of the angle between the in-plane slow axis of the second region formed by fixing the alignment state of the homogeneously aligned liquid crystal compound and the absorption axis of the polarizer is preferably 5 to 25°, more preferably 10 to 20°. The polarizing plate can also be used as an optical compensation film for an IPS-mode or FFS-mode liquid crystal display device. When the polarizing plate is used as an optical compensation film for an IPS-mode or FFS-mode liquid crystal display device, the optically anisotropic layer described above is used as at least one plate of a laminate of a positive A plate and a positive C plate, and the angle between the slow axis of the positive A plate layer and the absorption axis of the polarizer described below is preferably orthogonal or parallel. Specifically, the angle between the slow axis of the positive A plate layer and the absorption axis of the polarizer described below is more preferably 0 to 5° or 85 to 95°. When the polarizing plate of the present invention is used in an image display device described later, the angle between the slow axis of the liquid crystal cured layer and the absorption axis of the polarizer described later is preferably parallel or perpendicular. In this specification, "parallel" does not require strict parallelism (the angle formed is 0°), but means that the angle formed between one and the other is less than 10°. Furthermore, "perpendicular" does not require strict perpendicularity (the angle formed is 90°), but means that the angle formed between one and the other is more than 80° and less than 100°.

[0164] [Polarizer] The polarizer is not particularly limited as long as it has the function of converting light into specific linearly polarized light, and conventionally known absorptive polarizers, reflective polarizers, and coated polarizers can be used. Examples of absorptive polarizers include iodine-based polarizers, dye-based polarizers using dichroic dyes, and polyene-based polarizers. Iodine-based polarizers and dye-based polarizers include coated polarizers and stretched polarizers, both of which are applicable. Polarizers manufactured by adsorbing iodine or a dichroic dye to polyvinyl alcohol and stretching the resulting material are preferred. Examples of coated polarizers include polarizers containing a cured liquid crystal compound and a dichroic dye. Examples of reflective polarizers include polarizers formed by laminating thin films with different birefringence, wire-grid polarizers, and polarizers combining a cholesteric liquid crystal with a selective reflection region and a quarter-wave plate.

[0165] The thickness of the polarizer is not particularly limited, but is preferably from 3 to 60 μm, more preferably from 3 to 30 μm, and even more preferably from 3 to 10 μm.

[0166] [Adhesive Layer] In a polarizing plate, an adhesive layer may be disposed between the liquid crystal cured layer in the optical film and the polarizer. Examples of materials for forming the adhesive layer used for laminating the cured product and the polarizer include members formed of substances having a ratio of storage modulus G' to loss modulus G" (tan δ = G" / G') measured with a dynamic viscoelasticity measuring device of 0.001 to 1.5, such as so-called adhesives and substances that tend to creep. Examples of adhesives include polyvinyl alcohol-based adhesives.

[0167] [Adhesive Layer] The polarizing plate may have an adhesive layer disposed between the liquid crystal cured layer and the polarizer in the optical film. The adhesive layer used for laminating the cured product and the polarizer is preferably a curable adhesive composition that cures upon irradiation with active energy rays or heating. Furthermore, the adhesive layer is preferably a layer that cures upon irradiation with ultraviolet light. Examples of curable adhesive compositions include curable adhesive compositions containing a cationically polymerizable compound and curable adhesive compositions containing a radically polymerizable compound. The thickness of the adhesive layer is preferably 0.01 to 20 μm, more preferably 0.01 to 10 μm, and even more preferably 0.05 to 5 μm. When the thickness of the adhesive layer is within this range, lifting or peeling is unlikely to occur between the laminated protective layer or liquid crystal cured layer and the polarizer. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing the generation of bubbles, the thickness of the adhesive layer is preferably 0.4 μm or more. For the adhesive layer, for example, paragraphs

[0062] to

[0080] of JP 2016-035579 A can be referred to, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0168] [Easy-Adhesion Layer] The polarizing plate may have an easy-adhesion layer disposed between the cured liquid crystal layer and the polarizer in the optical film. From the viewpoint of excellent adhesion between the cured liquid crystal layer and the polarizer and further suppressing the occurrence of cracks in the polarizer, the easy-adhesion layer may have a storage modulus of 1.0 × 10 at 85°C. ６ ~1.0 x 10 ７ Pa is preferable. Constituent materials of the easy-adhesion layer include polyolefin-based components and polyvinyl alcohol-based components. The thickness of the easy-adhesion layer is preferably 500 nm to 1 μm. For the easy-adhesion layer, for example, paragraphs

[0048] to

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

[0169] [Barrier Layer (Oxygen Barrier Layer)] The optical film of the present invention preferably has a barrier layer. Here, the barrier layer is also called a gas barrier layer (oxygen barrier layer), and has the function of protecting the optical film from gases such as oxygen in the atmosphere, moisture, or compounds contained in adjacent layers. For the barrier layer, for example, reference can be made to paragraphs

[0014] to

[0054] of JP 2014-159124 A, paragraphs

[0042] to

[0075] of JP 2017-121721 A, paragraphs

[0045] to

[0054] of JP 2017-115076 A, paragraphs

[0010] to

[0061] of JP 2012-213938 A, paragraphs

[0021] to

[0031] of JP 2005-169994 A, and the descriptions in International Publication No. 2020 / 045216

[0122] to

[0132] .

[0170] <<Image Display Device>> The image display device of the present invention is an image display device having the optical film of the present invention or the polarizing plate of the present invention. The display element used in the image display device is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a liquid crystal cell, an organic electroluminescence (hereinafter referred to as "organic EL (Electro Luminescence)") display panel, and a plasma display panel, with a liquid crystal cell or an organic EL display panel being preferred.

[0171] [Liquid Crystal Display Device] A liquid crystal display device, which is an example of an image display device, is a liquid crystal display device having the above-described polarizing plate and a liquid crystal cell. Of the polarizing plates provided on both sides of the liquid crystal cell, it is preferable to use the above-described polarizing plate as the front-side polarizing plate, and it is more preferable to use the above-described polarizing plates as the front-side and rear-side polarizing plates. The liquid crystal cell used in the liquid crystal display device is preferably in VA (Vertical Alignment) mode, OCB (Opticaly Compensated Bend) mode, IPS (In-Plane-Switching) mode, FFS (Fringe-Field-Switching) mode, or TN (Twisted Nematic) mode.

[0172] [Organic EL Display Device] An example of an organic EL display device, which is an example of an image display device, includes, from the viewing side, a polarizer, a λ / 4 plate made of the above-mentioned cured liquid crystal layer, and an organic EL display panel, in this order. The organic EL display panel is a display panel configured using organic EL elements in which an organic light-emitting layer (organic electroluminescence layer) is sandwiched between electrodes (between a cathode and an anode). The configuration of the organic EL display panel is not particularly limited, and a known configuration may be adopted.

[0173] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. The materials, amounts used, ratios, treatment details, and treatment procedures shown in the following examples can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the examples shown below.

[0174] Example 1 A positive A plate, a positive C plate, and a circular polarizing plate and a display device comprising them were prepared as follows.

[0175] [Preparation of Support] The following composition was placed in a mixing tank, stirred, and heated at 90°C for 10 minutes. The resulting composition was then filtered through filter paper with an average pore size of 34 μm and a sintered metal filter with an average pore size of 10 μm to prepare a dope. The solids concentration of the dope was 23.5% by mass, the amount of plasticizer added was the ratio relative to the cellulose acylate, and the solvent for the dope was methylene chloride / methanol / butanol = 81 / 18 / 1 (mass ratio). ------------------------------------------------ Cellulose acylate dope -------------------------------------------------- Cellulose acylate (acetyl substitution degree 2.86, viscosity average degree of polymerization 310) 100 parts by mass Sugar ester compound 1 (formula (S4) below) 6.0 parts by mass Sugar ester compound 2 (formula (S5) below) 2.0 parts by mass Silica particle dispersion (AEROSIL R972, manufactured by Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd.) 0.1 part by mass Solvent (methylene chloride / methanol / butanol) 351.9 parts by mass --------------------------------------------------

[0176]

[0177]

[0178] The dope prepared above was cast using a drum film-forming machine. The dope was cast from a die onto a metal support cooled to 0°C, and then the resulting web (film) was peeled off from the drum. The drum was made of SUS (stainless steel). The cast web (film) was peeled off from the drum and dried for 20 minutes in a tenter apparatus, which clipped both ends of the web with clips while transporting the film at 30 to 40°C. The web was then post-dried by zone heating while being transported by a roll. The resulting web was knurled and then wound up to form cellulose acylate film A1. The resulting cellulose acylate film A1 had a thickness of 60 μm, an in-plane retardation Re(550) of 1 nm at a wavelength of 550 nm, and a thickness-direction retardation Rth(550) of 35 nm at a wavelength of 550 nm.

[0179] [Preparation of Positive A Plate] A coating solution E1 for forming a photo-alignment film having the following composition was continuously coated on the above-mentioned cellulose acylate film A1 using a wire bar. The cellulose acylate film A1 on which the coating film was formed was dried with hot air at 140°C for 120 seconds, and then the coating film was irradiated with polarized ultraviolet light (10 mJ / cm ２, an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp was used) to form a photo-alignment layer E1 with a thickness of 0.2 μm, and a TAC film with a photo-alignment layer was obtained. ------------------------------------------------ Coating liquid E1 for forming photo-alignment layer ------------------------------------------------ - 100.00 parts by mass of polymer PA-2 shown below - 0.005 parts by mass of acid generator CPI-110TF shown below - 16.50 parts by mass of isopropyl alcohol - 1072.00 parts by mass of butyl acetate - 268.00 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone ------------------------------------------------

[0180] Polymer PA-2 (weight average molecular weight: 45,000) (In the formula below, the numerical value for each repeating unit represents the content (% by mass) of each repeating unit relative to all repeating units.)

[0181]

[0182] Acid generator CPI-110TF

[0183]

[0184] Composition F1-1 having the following composition was applied onto the photo-alignment film E1 using a bar coater. The coating film formed on the photo-alignment film E1 was heated to 120°C with hot air, then cooled to 60°C, and then irradiated with 100 mJ / cm at a wavelength of 365 nm using a high-pressure mercury lamp in a nitrogen atmosphere. ２ The coating film was irradiated with ultraviolet light of 500 mJ / cm 2 while being heated to 120°C. ２The coating film was irradiated with ultraviolet light of 1000 nm, thereby fixing the orientation of the liquid crystal compound, and a retardation layer (liquid crystal cured layer) film (optical film) F1-1 having a positive A plate F1-1 was produced. The thickness of the positive A plate F1-1 was 2.5 μm, and Re(550) was 144 nm. The positive A plate also satisfied the relationship Re(450)≦Re(550)≦Re(650). Re(450) / Re(550) was 0.82. The positive A plate corresponds to a so-called λ / 4 plate. ------------------------------------------------ Composition F1-1 for forming a positive A plate -------------------------------------------------- 30.00 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-1 described below 30.00 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-2 described below 27.00 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-3 described below 8.00 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-4 described below 5.00 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-5 described below 0.55 parts by mass of polymerization initiator PI-1 described below 0.06 parts by mass of surfactant KA-1 described in the table 235.00 parts by mass of cyclopentanone ------------------------------------------------

[0185] Polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-1 (tBu represents a tertiary butyl group)

[0186]

[0187] Polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-2

[0188]

[0189] Polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-3

[0190]

[0191] Polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-4

[0192]

[0193] Polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-5 (Me represents a methyl group)

[0194]

[0195] Polymerization initiator PI-1

[0196]

[0197] [Preparation of Positive C Plate] The above-mentioned cellulose acylate film A1 was used as a temporary support. A composition F2-1 for forming a positive C plate having the following composition was applied onto the TAC film with the photo-alignment layer. Next, the composition was heated with hot air at 40°C for 60 seconds to dry the solvent and ripen the liquid crystal compound into an aligned state. Next, the composition was irradiated with ultraviolet light (300 mJ / cm) at 40°C under a nitrogen purge with an oxygen concentration of 100 ppm. ２) was performed to fix the alignment of the liquid crystal compound, and by fixing the alignment state, the liquid crystal compound was vertically aligned, thereby producing a retardation layer film (optical film) F2-1 having a positive C plate with a thickness of 0.5 μm. The Rth(550) of the obtained positive C plate was −60 nm. 4 parts by mass of the following liquid crystal compound LC-3; 5 parts by mass of the following urethane monomer (EBECRYL1290, manufactured by Daicel Allnex Corporation); 5 parts by mass of the following ethylene oxide-modified trimethylolpropane triacrylate (V#300, manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.); 4 parts by mass of the following polymerization initiator (IrgacureOXE01, manufactured by BASF); 1 part by mass of the following vertical alignment liquid crystal compound promoter S01; 3 parts by mass of the following polymer (MA-1); 0.4 parts by mass of the following surfactant KA-16; 33 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone; 534 parts by mass Ethyl propionate 100 parts by mass

[0198] Liquid crystal compound LC-1

[0199]

[0200] Liquid crystal compound LC-2

[0201]

[0202] Liquid crystal compound LC-3

[0203]

[0204] urethane monomer

[0205]

[0206] polymerization initiator

[0207]

[0208] Vertical alignment liquid crystal compound promoter S01

[0209]

[0210] Polymer (MA-1)

[0211]

[0212] Surfactant KA-16

[0213]

[0214] [Preparation of Circularly Polarizing Plate] <Preparation of Polarizer 1 with Protective Film> The surface of a support of a cellulose triacetate film TJ25 "Z-TAC" (manufactured by Fujifilm; thickness: 25 μm) was subjected to alkaline saponification treatment. Specifically, the support was immersed in a 1.5 N sodium hydroxide aqueous solution at 55°C for 2 minutes, washed in a water wash bath at room temperature, and further neutralized with 0.1 N sulfuric acid at 30°C. After neutralization, the support was washed in a water wash bath at room temperature and further dried with hot air at 100°C to obtain a polarizer protective film. A roll-shaped polyvinyl alcohol film was stretched in the MD (machine direction) direction in an iodine aqueous solution and dried to obtain Polarizer 1 with a thickness of 14 μm. The polarizer protective film was attached to both surfaces of Polarizer 1 with PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) glue, thereby producing Polarizer 1 with protective films.

[0215] <Preparation of UV adhesive 1 (ultraviolet adhesive)> UV adhesive 1 was prepared having the following composition: ─────────────────────────────────── UV adhesive 1 ───────────────────────────────── 70 parts by mass of CEL2021P (manufactured by Daicel Corporation) 20 parts by mass of 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether 10 parts by mass of 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether 2.25 parts by mass of CPI-100P described below ───────────────────────────────

[0216] CPI-100P

[0217]

[0218] <Preparation of adhesive sheet N1> 95 parts by mass of butyl acrylate and 5 parts by mass of acrylic acid were polymerized by solution polymerization to obtain an acrylic copolymer 1 having an average molecular weight of 2,000,000 and a molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) of 3.0. Next, relative to 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the acrylic copolymer 1, 10 parts by mass of a polyfunctional acrylate monomer (Aronix M-315, manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd.), 1 part by mass of a photopolymerization initiator (Irgacure 500, manufactured by BASF Corporation), 1 part by mass of trimethylolpropane tolylene diisocyanate (Coronate L, manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane Co., Ltd.), and 0.2 parts by mass of a silane coupling agent (KBM-403, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) were mixed to prepare a solution (adhesive composition N1). The prepared adhesive composition N1 was then applied to a silicone resin-coated PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film (release film), dried at 90°C to remove the solvent, and irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) rays under the following conditions to prepare an adhesive sheet N1 having an adhesive layer N1 with a thickness of 20 μm. The storage modulus of the adhesive layer N1 was 0.6 MPa.

[0219] (UV irradiation conditions) Fusion electrodeless lamp H bulb Illuminance: 600 mW / cm ２ ・Light intensity: 150mJ / cm ２The UV illuminance and light quantity were measured using "UVPF-36" manufactured by Eye Graphics.

[0220] <Preparation of Circularly Polarizing Plate> The retardation layer (positive A plate) side of the above F1-1 and the retardation layer (positive C plate) side of F2-1 were discharged at a discharge rate of 64 W·min / m ２ The corona-treated surfaces were bonded together using the above UV adhesive 1, and then 150 mJ / cm at a wavelength of 365 nm was applied from the retardation film F2-1 side. ２ Each retardation layer was irradiated with ultraviolet light of 1000 W, and the alignment layer and cellulose acylate film A1 (TAC film with a photo-alignment film) on the positive A plate side were removed to obtain an optically anisotropic layer-attached film 1. The protective film-attached polarizer 1 prepared above was attached to the optically anisotropic layer (positive A plate A1) side of the optically anisotropic layer-attached film 1 using the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet N1, and the alignment layer and cellulose acylate film A1 (TAC film with a photo-alignment film) on the positive C plate side were removed to produce a circularly polarizing plate of Example 1. At this time, the polarizers were attached so that the angle between the absorption axis of the polarizer included in the protective film-attached polarizer 1 and the slow axis of the positive A plate F1-1 included in the optically anisotropic layer-attached film 1 was 45°.

[0221] Examples 2 to 4 and Comparative Example 1 Circularly polarizing plates of Examples 2 to 4 and Comparative Example 1 were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the retardation film F1-1 having a positive A plate was changed to F1-2 to F1-5. Surfactants KA-2 to KA-5 were obtained by changing the structure and addition amount of surfactant KA-1 as shown in the table below.

[0222] Example 5 A circularly polarizing plate of Example 5 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 3, except that a positive A plate was prepared in the following procedure.

[0223] [Preparation of Positive A Plate] The coating solution E2 for forming a photo-alignment film having the following composition was continuously coated on the above-mentioned cellulose acylate film A1 using a wire bar. The cellulose acylate film A1 on which the coating film was formed was dried with hot air at 140°C for 120 seconds, and then the coating film was irradiated with polarized ultraviolet light (10 mJ / cm２ , using an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp) to form a photo-alignment film E2 with a thickness of 0.2 μm, thereby obtaining a TAC film 2 with a photo-alignment film.

[0224] -------------------------------------------------- Coating liquid E2 for forming photoalignment film -------------------------------------------------- Polymer PA-1 (described below) 100.00 parts by mass Acid generator TAG-1 (described below) 6.00 parts by mass DIPEA (described below) 0.60 parts by mass Butyl acetate 625.4 parts by mass Methyl ethyl ketone 156.3 parts by mass --------------------------------------------------

[0225] Polymer PA-1 (In the formula below, the numerical value for each repeating unit represents the content (% by mass) of each repeating unit relative to all repeating units; weight average molecular weight: 45,000)

[0226]

[0227] Acid generator TAG-1

[0228]

[0229] DIPEA

[0230]

[0231] Composition F1-6 having the following composition was applied onto the photo-alignment film E2 using a bar coater. The coating film formed on the photo-alignment film E2 was heated to 120°C with hot air, then cooled to 60°C, and then irradiated with 100 mJ / cm at a wavelength of 365 nm using a high-pressure mercury lamp under a nitrogen atmosphere. ２ The coating film was irradiated with ultraviolet light of 500 mJ / cm 2 while being heated to 120°C. ２The coating film was irradiated with ultraviolet light of 1000 nm, thereby fixing the alignment of the liquid crystal compound, and a retardation layer film F1-6 having a positive A plate F1-6 was produced. The thickness of the positive A plate F1-6 was 2.9 μm, and the Re(550) was 144 nm. The positive A plate also satisfied the relationship Re(450)≦Re(550)≦Re(650). Re(450) / Re(550) was 0.82. The positive A plate corresponds to a so-called λ / 4 plate.

[0232] ------------------------------------------------ Composition F1-6 for forming a positive A plate -------------------------------------------------- 45.20 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-1 21.70 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-2 19.90 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-3 8.10 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-4 5.00 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-5 0.50 parts by mass of the polymerization initiator PI-1 0.06 parts by mass of surfactant KA-3 shown in the table 0.02 parts by mass of 2,6-lutidine 180.70 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone 53.98 parts by mass

[0233] [Evaluation] [Evaluation of leveling property] Two polarizers 1 with protective films were placed on a backlight so that they were perpendicular to each other, and retardation films F1-1 to F1-5 were placed between them so that the angle between the absorption axis of polarizer 1 and the slow axis of the retardation film was 45°, and observation was performed. It was confirmed that all of the retardation films were uniform and had leveling property sufficient for practical use.

[0234] [Adhesion] Adhesion was evaluated by the cross-cut method described in JIS-K-5600-5-6-1. For each polarizing plate produced, 100 grids were cut at 1 mm intervals on the surface of the optical film, and an adhesion test was performed using cellophane tape (manufactured by Nichiban Co., Ltd.). The cellophane tape was attached and peeled three times, and after the third peeling, the result was evaluated according to the following criteria. The grids were produced by cutting from the retardation layer to the inside of the adhesive layer N1. If the evaluation result was any of Rating A, Rating B, and Rating C, there was no practical problem, and Rating A was preferred. "A": 100 grids with no peeling of any of the squares. "B": 60 to 99 grids with no peeling of any of the squares. "C": 40 to 59 grids with no peeling of any of the squares. "D": 20 to 39 grids with no peeling of any of the squares. "E": 19 or fewer grids with no peeling of any of the squares.

[0235] The evaluation results are shown in the table below. The repeating units contained in the surfactant are indicated by the same notation as the repeating units exemplified in the upper row. Specifically, in Example 1, repeating unit K-1 is repeating unit K-1, a specific example of repeating unit A in the upper row, Q-38 is repeating unit Q-38, a specific example of repeating unit B1 in the upper row, and H-12 is repeating unit H-12, a specific example of repeating unit B2 in the upper row. The parentheses in the "B2" column indicate the value of s for each repeating unit; for example, in Example 1, s = 4 indicates that s in H-12 is 4. "Ak" is the length of the molecular chain between the main chain described above in repeating unit B1 and the crosslinkable group of the (meth)acryloyl group represented by Rk. "Weight-average molecular weight" is the weight-average molecular weight of the surfactant, and the measurement method is as described above. "Addition amount (PHR)" indicates the content (parts by mass) of the surfactant per 100 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound.

[0236]

[0237] From the results shown in Table 1 above, it was found that when the number of atoms (Ak) from the main chain to the crosslinkable group in the repeating unit represented by formula (B2) is 8 atoms or more (in the case of the optical film of the present invention), the film has excellent leveling properties and excellent adhesive properties (Examples 1 to 5).

Claims

1. An optical film having a liquid crystal cured layer obtained by fixing an aligned state of a liquid crystal composition containing a copolymer including repeating units A and B, and a polymerizable liquid crystal compound, on a polymer film serving as a support, wherein the repeating unit A is a repeating unit represented by formula (A1), and the repeating unit B is a repeating unit represented by formula (B2). In formula (A1), R １１ and R １２ Each of R independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. １３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. １１ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Rh represents a substituent having two or more groups represented by formula (S) and having no fluorine atom, or a hydrocarbon group having 10 or more carbon atoms and two or more terminal methyl groups. In formula (S), * represents a bonding position. ２１ , R ２２ and R ２３ each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an alkylenearyl group. However, among the substituents having two or more groups represented by formula (S) and having no fluorine atom, a plurality of R ２１ may be the same or different, and multiple R ２２ may be the same or different, and multiple R ２３ may be the same or different. In formula (B2), R ３１ and R ３２ Each of R independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. ３３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. ３１ is -O- or -NR Ｚ - represents. Ｚ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. ３２ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Rk represents a group consisting of a (meth)acryloyl group. In addition, the length Ak of ​​the molecular chain between the main chain and the crosslinkable group of the (meth)acryloyl group represented by Rk is 8 atoms or more.

2. The optical film according to claim 1, wherein the repeating unit A is a repeating unit represented by formula (a1). In formula (a1), R ５１ and R ５２ Each of R independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. ５３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. ５１ represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. ５２ R represents an (m+1)-valent linking group that does not have a fluorine atom. ４１ , R ４２ and R ４３ each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an alkylenearyl group; provided that multiple R ４１ may be the same or different, and multiple R ４２ may be the same or different, and multiple R ４３ may be the same or different, and m represents an integer of 2 or more.

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

4. The optical film according to claim 1, wherein the content of the repeating unit A is 40 to 70 mol % based on the total repeating units of the copolymer.

5. The optical film according to claim 1, wherein the copolymer does not have a photoalignable group.

6. The optical film according to claim 1, wherein the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is at least one type of polymerizable liquid crystal compound selected from the group consisting of polymerizable rod-like liquid crystal compounds and polymerizable discotic liquid crystal compounds.

7. The optical film according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the liquid crystal cured layer is a positive A plate.

8. An optical laminate obtained by adhering the liquid crystal cured layer of the optical film described in claim 7 and a second liquid crystal cured layer of a second optical film having a second liquid crystal cured layer with an ultraviolet adhesive, and peeling off a polymer film serving as a support for the optical film from the liquid crystal cured layer.

9. A polarizing plate comprising the optical laminate according to claim 8 and a polarizer.

10. An image display device comprising the polarizing plate according to claim 9.

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