Cured film, optical film, and image display device

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing: a cured film that achieves excellent adhesion to an adjacent layer that is provided to a surface on the reverse side from a base material; an optical film; and an image display device. This cured film is to be provided on a base material and is formed by curing a composition that contains: a leveling agent that includes silicon atoms; and a polymerizable compound. The surface elasticity of the cured film at the surface on the reverse side from the base material is greater than 3.0 GPa.

Description

Cured film, optical film and image display device

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

[0002] Optical films such as optical compensation sheets and retardation films are used in various image display devices to eliminate image coloration or widen the viewing angle. Stretched birefringent films have been used as optical films, but in recent years, the use of optical films having a liquid crystal cured layer instead of stretched birefringent films has been proposed.

[0003] As such a liquid crystal cured layer, for example, Patent Document 1 describes an optically anisotropic layer obtained by curing a polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound, a monofunctional compound, and a leveling agent, and fixing the alignment state of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound (see, for example, [Claim 1],

[0090] ,

[0145] , etc.).

[0004] International Publication No. 2021 / 193825

[0005] Recently, due to its indegradability and toxicity etc., the regulation of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl compounds and polyfluoroalkyl compounds) has been promoted, and as leveling agent, the use of substitutes that do not use fluorine atoms, representatively the substitute materials that contain silicon atoms, has been studied.The present inventors have studied the conventionally known cured film such as the optically anisotropic layer described in Patent Document 1, and have found that, among the cured films that are provided on substrates, the cured film that is obtained by curing the composition that contains the leveling agent that contains silicon atoms and polymerizable compound has room for improvement in the adhesion with the adjacent layer that is provided on the surface opposite to substrate in the cured film, that is, on the surface of the air interface side where the leveling agent is unevenly distributed in the cured film.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cured film, an optical film, and an image display device that have excellent adhesion to an adjacent layer provided on the surface opposite to the substrate.

[0007]

[0009] As a result of extensive research aimed at achieving the above object, the present inventors have discovered that by increasing the surface elastic modulus of the cured film on the surface opposite to the substrate to more than 3.0 GPa, adhesion to an adjacent layer provided on the surface opposite to the substrate can be improved, and have completed the present invention. That is, the present inventors have discovered that the above object can be achieved by the following configuration.

[0008] [1] A cured film provided on a substrate, the cured film being a film obtained by curing a composition containing a leveling agent containing a silicon atom and a polymerizable compound, wherein the surface of the cured film opposite the substrate has a surface elastic modulus of greater than 3.0 GPa. [2] The cured film according to [1], wherein the surface elastic modulus is less than 9.0 GPa. [3] The cured film according to [1] or [2], wherein the surface elastic modulus is 4.0 GPa or more and 6.0 GPa or less. [4] The cured film according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the leveling agent is a copolymer having a repeating unit A containing a silicon atom and a repeating unit B containing a polymerizable group. [5] The cured film according to [4], wherein the mass ratio of the content a of the repeating unit A to the content b of the repeating unit B satisfies the following formula (A): 1.2<a / b<3.4 (A). [6] The cured film according to [4] or [5], wherein the copolymer further has a repeating unit C containing a mesogen group. [7] The cured film according to [6], wherein the repeating unit C further contains a functional group capable of forming a covalent complex with a hydroxyl group. [8] The cured film according to [6] or [7], wherein the content a of the repeating unit A is 50 to 60 mass%, the content b of the repeating unit B is 24 to 34 mass%, and the content c of the repeating unit C is 11 to 21 mass%, relative to the total mass of the copolymer. [9] The cured film according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the weight-average molecular weight of the leveling agent is 15,000 to 40,000.

[10] The cured film according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the content of the leveling agent is 0.1 to 2 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable compound.

[11] The cured film according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the polymerizable compound is a polymerizable liquid crystal compound.

[12] The cured film according to

[11] , wherein the cured film is a film obtained by fixing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound in a vertically aligned state.

[13] The cured film according to

[11] or

[12] , wherein the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is a compound represented by formula (I) described later.

[14] The cured film according to

[13] , wherein Ar in formula (I) represents any aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of groups represented by formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5) described later.

[15] The cured film according to any one of

[11] to

[14] , wherein the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound, and a refractive index difference Δn between the major axis direction and the minor axis direction of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound satisfies the following formula (II):

[16] E represents a surface elastic modulus of a composition S1 described later containing a leveling agent. １００ (unit: kPa), and E represents the surface elastic modulus of the composition S2 containing a leveling agent, which will be described later. ５０ (unit: kPa) satisfies formula (P) described below.

[17] An optical film having the cured film described in any one of [1] to

[16] .

[18] An image display device having the optical film described in

[17] .

[19] The image display device described in

[18] , which is a liquid crystal display device.

[20] The image display device described in

[18] , which is an organic electroluminescence display device.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cured film, an optical film, and an image display device that have excellent adhesion to an adjacent layer provided on the surface opposite to the substrate.

[0010] 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 that includes the numerical values ​​before and after "to" as the upper and lower limits. In this specification, the upper or lower limit of a numerical range described in a stepwise manner may be replaced with the upper or lower limit of another stepwise manner. In this specification, the upper or lower limit of a numerical range described in a stepwise manner may be replaced with a value shown in the Examples. In this specification, each component may be a single substance corresponding to the component, or two or more substances may be used in combination. When two or more substances are used in combination for each component, the content of that component refers to the total content of the substances used in combination, unless otherwise specified. In addition, in this specification, "(meth)acrylate" is a notation representing "acrylate" or "methacrylate", "(meth)acrylic" is a notation representing "acrylic" or "methacrylic", and "(meth)acryloyl" is a notation representing "acryloyl" or "methacryloyl". In addition, the bonding direction of the divalent group (e.g., -O-CO-) represented in this specification 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.

[0011] 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. Although R0(λ) is displayed as a numerical value calculated by the AxoScan OPMF-1, it means Re(λ).

[0012] In this specification, examples of the substituent (monovalent substituent) include the substituents described below in Substituent Group A. In this specification, the phrase "optionally having a substituent" includes not only an embodiment in which no substituent is present, but also an embodiment in which one or more substituents are present. <Substituent Group A> Examples of the substituent include halogen atoms (for example, fluorine atoms, chlorine atoms, and bromine atoms, preferably chlorine atoms and fluorine atoms, and more preferably fluorine atoms); alkyl groups (preferably linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl groups having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, and particularly preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms, such as linear alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms (for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, and n-hexyl), branched alkyl groups having 3 to 6 carbon atoms (for example, isopropyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, neopentyl, isohexyl, and 3-methylpentyl), and cyclic alkyl groups having 3 to 12 carbon atoms (for example, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, 1-norbornyl, and 1-adamantyl)); alkenyl groups (preferably alkenyl groups having 2 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 18 carbon atoms, such as vinyl groups, allyl groups, 1-butenyl groups, and 2-butenyl groups); alkynyl groups (preferably alkynyl groups having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms, such as ethynyl groups, 1-propynyl groups, propargyl groups, 1-butynyl groups, and 2-butynyl groups); aryl groups (preferably aryl groups having 6 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 24 carbon atoms, such as phenyl groups, oligoaryl groups (naphthyl groups, anthryl groups), phenanthrenyl groups, fluorenyl groups, pyrenyl groups, triphenylenyl groups, and biphenyl groups); Heteroaryl groups (preferably heterocyclic groups having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 18 carbon atoms, such as a 2-thienyl group, a 4-pyridyl group, a 2-furyl group, a 2-pyrimidinyl group, a 1-pyridyl group, a 2-benzothiazolyl group, a 1-imidazolyl group, a 1-pyrazolyl group, or a benzotriazol-1-yl group);arylalkyl groups (preferably arylalkyl groups having 7 to 15 carbon atoms, for example, benzyl group, phenethyl group, methylbenzyl group, phenylpropyl group, 1-methylphenylethyl group, phenylbutyl group, 2-methylphenylpropyl group, tetrahydronaphthyl group, naphthylmethyl group, naphthylethyl group, indenyl group, fluorenyl group, anthracenylmethyl group (anthrylmethyl group), phenanthrenylmethyl group (phenanthrylmethyl group)); silyl groups (preferably silyl groups having 3 to 38 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 to 18 carbon atoms, for example, trimethylsilyl group, triethylsilyl group, tributylsilyl group, t-butyldimethylsilyl group, t-hexyldimethylsilyl group); hydroxy groups; cyano groups; nitro groups; morpholino groups; Alkoxy groups (preferably alkoxy groups having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, 1-butoxy, 2-butoxy, isopropoxy, t-butoxy, dodecyloxy, and cycloalkyloxy groups (for example, cyclopentyloxy and cyclohexyloxy)); aryloxy groups (preferably aryloxy groups having 6 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, phenoxy and 1-naphthoxy); alkenyloxy groups (preferably alkenyloxy groups having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, for example, vinyloxy, 1-propenyloxy, 2-n-propenyloxy (allyloxy), 1-n-butenyloxy, and prenyloxy); heterocyclic oxy groups (preferably heterocyclic oxy groups having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 18 carbon atoms, such as a 1-phenyltetrazole-5-oxy group or a 2-tetrahydropyranyloxy group); silyloxy groups (preferably silyloxy groups having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 18 carbon atoms, such as a trimethylsilyloxy group, a t-butyldimethylsilyloxy group or a diphenylmethylsilyloxy group); acyloxy groups (preferably acyloxy groups having 2 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 24 carbon atoms, such as an acetoxy group, a pivaloyloxy group, a benzoyloxy group, a dodecanoyloxy group, an acryloyloxy group or a methacryloyloxy group);hydroxyalkyleneoxy groups (preferably hydroxyalkyleneoxy groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, for example, a hydroxyethyleneoxy group); alkoxycarbonyloxy groups (preferably alkoxycarbonyloxy groups having 2 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, an ethoxycarbonyloxy group, a t-butoxycarbonyloxy group, or a cycloalkyloxycarbonyloxy group (for example, a cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy group)); aryloxycarbonyloxy groups (preferably aryloxycarbonyloxy groups having 7 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 7 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a phenoxycarbonyloxy group); carbamoyloxy groups (preferably carbamoyloxy groups having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, an N,N-dimethylcarbamoyloxy group, an N-butylcarbamoyloxy group, an N-phenylcarbamoyloxy group, or an N-ethyl-N-phenylcarbamoyloxy group); sulfamoyloxy groups (preferably sulfamoyloxy groups having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, such as an N,N-diethylsulfamoyloxy group or an N-propylsulfamoyloxy group); alkylsulfonyloxy groups (preferably alkylsulfonyloxy groups having 1 to 38 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a methylsulfonyloxy group, a hexadecylsulfonyloxy group or a cyclohexylsulfonyloxy group); arylsulfonyloxy groups (preferably arylsulfonyloxy groups having 6 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a phenylsulfonyloxy group); acyl groups (preferably acyl groups having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a formyl group, an acetyl group, an acryloyl group, a methacryloyl group, a pivaloyl group, a benzoyl group, a tetradecanoyl group or a cyclohexanoyl group); an alkoxycarbonyl group (preferably an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a methoxycarbonyl group, an ethoxycarbonyl group, an octadecyloxycarbonyl group, a cyclohexyloxycarbonyl group, or a 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylcyclohexyloxycarbonyl group);an aryloxycarbonyl group (preferably an aryloxycarbonyl group having 7 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 7 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a phenoxycarbonyl group); a carbamoyl group (preferably a carbamoyl group having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a carbamoyl group, N,N-diethylcarbamoyl group, N-ethyl-N-octylcarbamoyl group, N,N-dibutylcarbamoyl group, N-propylcarbamoyl group, N-phenylcarbamoyl group, N-methyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl group, or N,N-dicyclohexylcarbamoyl group); an amino group (preferably an amino group having 32 or less carbon atoms, more preferably 24 or less carbon atoms, such as an amino group, methylamino group, N,N-dimethylamino group, N,N-dibutylamino group, tetradecylamino group, 2-ethylhexylamino group, or cyclohexylamino group); anilino group (preferably an anilino group having 6 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, an anilino group, an N-methylanilino group); heterocyclic amino group (preferably a heterocyclic amino group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 18 carbon atoms, for example, a 4-pyridylamino group); carbonamido group (preferably a carbonamido group having 2 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, an acetamido group, a benzamido group, a tetradecanamido group, a pivaloylamido group, a cyclohexanamido group); ureido group (preferably a ureido group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a ureido group, an N,N-dimethylureido group, an N-phenylureido group); imido group (preferably an imido group having 36 or less carbon atoms, more preferably 24 or less carbon atoms, for example, an N-succinimido group, an N-phthalimido group); an alkoxycarbonylamino group (preferably an alkoxycarbonylamino group having 2 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a methoxycarbonylamino group, an ethoxycarbonylamino group, a t-butoxycarbonylamino group, an octadecyloxycarbonylamino group, or a cyclohexyloxycarbonylamino group); an aryloxycarbonylamino group (preferably an aryloxycarbonylamino group having 7 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 7 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a phenoxycarbonylamino group);sulfonamido groups (preferably sulfonamido groups having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, methanesulfonamido groups, butanesulfonamido groups, benzenesulfonamido groups, hexadecanesulfonamido groups, and cyclohexanesulfonamido groups); sulfamoylamino groups (preferably sulfamoylamino groups having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, N,N-dipropylsulfamoylamino groups, and N-ethyl-N-dodecylsulfamoylamino groups); azo groups (preferably azo groups having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, phenylazo groups and 3-pyrazolylazo groups); alkylthio groups (preferably alkylthio groups having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, methylthio groups, ethylthio groups, octylthio groups, and cyclohexylthio groups); an arylthio group (preferably an arylthio group having 6 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably an arylthio group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a phenylthio group); a heterocyclic thio group (preferably a heterocyclic thio group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably a heterocyclic thio group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, for example, a 2-benzothiazolylthio group, a 2-pyridylthio group, or a 1-phenyltetrazolylthio group); an alkylsulfinyl group (preferably an alkylsulfinyl group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkylsulfinyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a dodecanesulfinyl group); an arylsulfinyl group (preferably an arylsulfinyl group having 6 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably an arylsulfinyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a phenylsulfinyl group); alkylsulfonyl groups (preferably alkylsulfonyl groups having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, propylsulfonyl, butylsulfonyl, isopropylsulfonyl, 2-ethylhexylsulfonyl, hexadecylsulfonyl, octylsulfonyl, and cyclohexylsulfonyl groups); arylsulfonyl groups (preferably arylsulfonyl groups having 6 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, phenylsulfonyl, and 1-naphthylsulfonyl groups);sulfamoyl groups (preferably sulfamoyl groups having 32 or less carbon atoms, more preferably 24 or less carbon atoms, for example, a sulfamoyl group, an N,N-dipropylsulfamoyl group, an N-ethyl-N-dodecylsulfamoyl group, an N-ethyl-N-phenylsulfamoyl group, an N-cyclohexylsulfamoyl group, or an N-(2-ethylhexyl)sulfamoyl group); phosphonyl groups (preferably phosphonyl groups having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a phenoxyphosphonyl group, an octyloxyphosphonyl group, or a phenylphosphonyl group); phosphinoylamino groups (preferably phosphinoylamino groups having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a diethoxyphosphinoylamino group, or a dioctyloxyphosphinoylamino group); epoxy groups; —NHCOCH; ３ ;-SO ２ NHC ２ H ４ OCH ３ ;-NHSO ２ CH ３ and the like, and two or more of these may be combined. These substituents may be further substituted with other substituents. When two or more substituents are present, they may be the same or different. If possible, they may be bonded to each other to form a ring.

[0013] [Cured film] The cured film of the present invention is a cured film provided on a substrate, and is a cured film obtained by curing a composition containing a leveling agent containing silicon atoms and a polymerizable compound. In addition, the cured film of the present invention has a surface elastic modulus (hereinafter also abbreviated as "surface elastic modulus (X)") on the surface opposite to the substrate (hereinafter also abbreviated as "surface X") of more than 3.0 GPa. The substrate on which the cured film of the present invention is provided will be described later in the description of the optical film of the present invention.

[0014] Here, the surface elastic modulus (X) can be measured on the surface X of the cured film using an atomic force microscope (AFM), but in the present invention, the value of the surface elastic modulus is calculated by fitting a load / displacement curve obtained using an atomic force microscope under the following conditions using a JKR contact mechanics model: Probe: Tip curvature radius of 12 nm or less, spring constant of 20 to 80 N / m Mode: Peak Force Tapping, 1 to 2 kHz Maximum load: 100 nN Indentation depth: <10 nm

[0015] In the present invention, as described above, by increasing the surface elastic modulus (X) at the surface X of the cured film to more than 3.0 GPa, the adhesion of the cured film to an adjacent layer provided on the surface X is improved. The reason for this effect is not clear in detail, but the inventors speculate as follows. First, in Comparative Example 1 described below, i.e., a known example corresponding to Patent Document 1 (WO 2021 / 193825), the adhesion of the cured film to an adjacent layer provided on the surface X is poor. This is thought to be because, as shown in Comparative Example 1 described below, the surface elastic modulus (X) at the surface X of the cured film is less than 3.0 GPa, making the surface layer region on the opposite side of the substrate in the cured film softer than other regions, resulting in stress concentration due to the difference in hardness and making peeling between the cured film and the adjacent layer more likely to occur. Therefore, in the present invention, by increasing the surface elastic modulus (X) at the surface X of the cured film to more than 3.0 GPa, the stress concentration due to the difference in hardness in the cured film is alleviated, making peeling less likely to occur, and therefore improving the adhesion of the cured film to an adjacent layer provided on the surface X.

[0016] In the present invention, the surface elastic modulus (X) of the surface X of the cured film is preferably less than 9.0 GPa, in order to suppress surface unevenness of the cured film.

[0017] In the present invention, the surface elastic modulus (X) of the surface X of the cured film is preferably 6.0 GPa or less, because this further suppresses surface unevenness of the cured film. Furthermore, the surface elastic modulus (X) of the surface X of the cured film is preferably 4.0 GPa or more, because this further improves adhesion to an adjacent layer provided on the surface X of the cured film. That is, the surface elastic modulus (X) of the surface X of the cured film is preferably 4.0 GPa or more and 6.0 GPa or less.

[0018] [Composition] As described above, the cured film of the present invention is a cured film obtained by curing a composition containing a silicon atom-containing leveling agent and a polymerizable compound (hereinafter also abbreviated as "cured film-forming composition").

[0019] In the present invention, the surface elastic modulus E of the following composition S1 containing the leveling agent is used to suppress surface unevenness of the cured film. １００ (unit: kPa), and E represents the surface elastic modulus of the following composition S2 containing the leveling agent. ５０ (unit: kPa) preferably satisfies the following formula (P): ５０ -E １００ ≦ 0.5 kPa (P) Composition S1: A composition containing 100.0 parts by mass of the following liquid crystal compound X, 426.0 parts by mass of acetone, and 0.5 parts by mass of the leveling agent. Composition S2: A composition containing 100.0 parts by mass of the following liquid crystal compound X, 160.0 parts by mass of acetone, and 0.5 parts by mass of the leveling agent. Liquid crystal compound X: A mixture of the following liquid crystal compounds (RA), (RB), and (RC) mixed in a mass ratio of 83:15:2 (Me in the following formulae (RB) and (RC) represents a methyl group).

[0020] Here, the surface elastic modulus of the composition refers to a value measured as follows, with reference to the method described in the literature [T. Kajiya et al. Eur. Phys. JE 45, 76 (2022)]. First, a probe with submicron kurtosis, prepared by electrolytically polishing a tungsten wire in an alkaline aqueous solution, is used as a probe. The probe is attached to a precision adjustable stage and brought into contact with a droplet of the composition [6 μL, placed on a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) substrate] from above, and then slowly pulled up. Next, an optical microscope is attached to the side, and the shape of the surface (meniscus) of the sample droplet pulled up by the probe contact is observed. Then, based on the above literature, the lift distance h of the meniscus is considered to be determined by the balance between the surface tension σ of the composition and the elastic force, and the surface elastic modulus E is calculated from the following relational expression (1): h ≒ σ / E (1). Here, the surface tension σ is a value measured separately according to the Wilhelmy method. Using the above method, the surface elastic modulus E of the composition S1 １００ (unit: kPa), and the surface elastic modulus E of the composition S2 ５０ (unit: kPa) was measured, and the change (E ５０ -E １００ ) is calculated.

[0021] In the present invention, as described above, the surface elastic modulus E of the composition S1 １００ (unit: kPa), and the surface elastic modulus E of the composition S2 ５０ (unit: kPa) change (E ５０ -E １００ The reason why this effect is exhibited is not clear in detail, but it is thought that the increase in the surface elastic modulus during the drying process of the composition is suppressed, and the leveling property is improved, thereby improving the surface unevenness of the cured film.

[0022] In the present invention, the surface elastic modulus E of the composition S1 is set to 100% in order to further suppress the surface unevenness of the cured film. １００ (unit: kPa), and the surface elastic modulus E of the composition S2 ５０ (unit: kPa) change (E ５０ -E １００) is preferably 0.3 kPa or less.

[0023] In the present invention, the surface elastic modulus E of the composition S1 is further reduced to further suppress the surface unevenness of the cured film. １００ (unit: kPa), and the surface elastic modulus E of the composition S2 ５０ (unit: kPa) change (E ５０ -E １００ ) is preferably 0.15 kPa or less. ５０ -E １００ The lower limit of the pressure is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0 kPa or more.

[0024] <Leveling Agent> As described above, the leveling agent contained in the composition for forming a cured film is a leveling agent containing a silicon atom, and is preferably a polymer having a repeating unit A containing a silicon atom.

[0025] (Repeating Unit A) The repeating unit A is a repeating unit containing a silicon atom. The number of silicon atoms contained in the repeating unit A is 1 or more, preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 to 6, and even more preferably 3 to 5.

[0026] The repeating unit A preferably contains a silicon atom in the form of a structure represented by the following formula (Ia).

[0027]

[0028] In formula (Ia), * represents the bonding position. １１ , R １２ , and R １３each independently represents an alkyl group, alkenyl group, aryl group, or alkylenearyl group, which may have a substituent. Examples of the substituent include those described in the above-mentioned Substituent Group A, and among these, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkylcarbonyl group, an alkyloxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or an alkoxy group is preferred. Examples of the alkyl group include a linear alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms and a branched or cyclic alkyl group having 3 to 18 carbon atoms. Specific examples include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, an isopropyl group, a tert-butyl group, and a cyclohexyl group. Examples of the alkenyl group include an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples of the aryl group include an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples of the alkylenearyl group include an alkylenearyl group having 7 to 30 carbon atoms. R １１ , R １２ , and R １３ is preferably an alkyl group, since this will prevent the surface unevenness of the cured film.

[0029] The repeating unit A preferably contains two or more structures represented by formula (Ia), more preferably contains 3 to 6 structures, and even more preferably contains 3 to 5 structures, for the reason that the adhesion between the cured film and an adjacent layer provided on the surface X of the cured film is improved.

[0030] The repeating unit A is preferably a repeating unit represented by the following formula (a1), in that it suppresses surface unevenness in the cured film and has better compatibility with the polymerizable compound (particularly, a polymerizable liquid crystal compound) described later.

[0031]

[0032] In formula (a1), m represents an integer of 2 or greater. m is preferably an integer of 3 or greater, more preferably an integer of 3 to 6, and even more preferably an integer of 3 to 5.

[0033] In formula (a1), R １１ , R １２ , and R １３ represents R in formula (Ia).１１ , R １２ , and R １３ It is the same as the case where there are multiple R １１ may be the same or different, and there may be multiple R １２ may be the same or different, and there may be multiple R １３ may be the same or different.

[0034] In formula (a1), R ２１ and R ２２ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. Examples of the alkyl group include a linear alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms and a branched or cyclic alkyl group having 3 to 18 carbon atoms. ２１ and R ２２ is preferably a hydrogen atom.

[0035] In formula (a1), R ２３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. Examples of the substituent include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A (particularly, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, and aryl groups), or substituents having a linking group and a group containing a silicon atom. Examples of the substituent having a linking group and a group containing a silicon atom include -CH ２ -CO-L １ -L ２ -(Si(R １１ ) (R １２ ) (R １３ )) ｍ Also included. １ , L ２ , R １１ , R １２ , R １３ , and m are defined as the same as the symbols in formula (a1). ２３ is preferably a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, more preferably a hydrogen atom or a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, further preferably a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group, and particularly preferably a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.

[0036] In formula (a1), L １ is —O— or NR Ｚ- represents. Ｚ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. Ｚ Examples of the substituent represented by L include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among them, an alkyl group is preferable, a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is more preferable, and a methyl group or an ethyl group is even more preferable. １ As the group, —O— or —NH— is preferable, and —O— is more preferable.

[0037] In formula (a1), L ２ represents an (m+1)-valent linking group. Suitable examples of the (m+1)-valent linking group include m+1-valent hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, in which some of the carbon atoms constituting the hydrocarbon group may be substituted with heteroatoms. Examples of the substituents that the hydrocarbon group may have include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among them, alkyl groups are preferred, linear alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms are more preferred, and methyl groups or ethyl groups are even more preferred. Examples of the heteroatoms that may substitute some of the carbon atoms include silicon atoms, oxygen atoms, and nitrogen atoms. L ２ Examples of the structural formula include a group represented by the following structural formula K-1-L, a group represented by the structural formula K-2-L, and a group represented by the structural formula K-3-L. In the sub-structural formula, * represents L in formula (a1). １ represents the bonding position with -SiR in formula (a1), and ** represents -SiR １１ R １２ R １３ Among these, L ２ As the group, a group represented by the following structural formula K-1-L is preferred because it improves the adhesion between the cured film and an adjacent layer provided on the surface X of the cured film.

[0038]

[0039] Specific examples of the repeating unit A include repeating units corresponding to the monomers represented by the following formula K-1 to K-34. The monomer represented by the following formula K-29 is -(O-Si(CH ３ ) ２Since this is a mixture of monomers with different numbers of )-, it is expressed as an average value with n ≈ 11. The same applies to the monomer represented by the following formula K-30.

[0040]

[0041]

[0042] The repeating unit A may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the repeating unit A is preferably 20% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more, and even more preferably 35% by mass or more, based on all repeating units (100% by mass) constituting the main chain of the leveling agent. The upper limit of the content of the repeating unit A may be 100% by mass, based on all repeating units (100% by mass) constituting the main chain of the leveling agent, but is preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 70% by mass or less, and even more preferably 60% by mass or less.

[0043] (Repeating Unit B) The leveling agent contained in the composition for forming a cured film is preferably a copolymer having the repeating unit B containing a polymerizable group in addition to the repeating unit A, for the reason that the adhesion between the cured film and an adjacent layer provided on the surface X of the cured film is improved.

[0044] Here, the polymerizable group contained in the repeating unit B is not particularly limited, but a polymerizable group capable of radical polymerization or cation polymerization is preferred. As the radical polymerizable group, known radical polymerizable groups can be used, and preferred examples include an acryloyloxy group or a methacryloyloxy group. In this case, the polymerization rate of an acryloyloxy group is generally known to be fast, and from the viewpoint of improving productivity, an acryloyloxy group is preferred, but a methacryloyloxy group can also be used as the polymerizable group. As the cationically polymerizable group, known cationically polymerizable groups can be used, and specific examples include an alicyclic ether group, a cyclic acetal group, a cyclic lactone group, a cyclic thioether group, a spiro orthoester group, and a vinyloxy group. Among these, an alicyclic ether group or a vinyloxy group is preferred, and an epoxy group, an oxetanyl group, or a vinyloxy group is particularly preferred. Particularly preferred examples of the polymerizable group include polymerizable groups represented by any of the following formulas (P-1) to (P-20):

[0045]

[0046] The number of polymerizable groups contained in the repeating unit B is 1 or more, preferably 1 to 3, and more preferably 1 or 2.

[0047] The repeating unit B is preferably a repeating unit represented by the following formula (b1), since it has better compatibility with the polymerizable compound (particularly the polymerizable liquid crystal compound) described below.

[0048]

[0049] In formula (b1), R ２１ , R ２２ , R ２３ , and L １ is the same as that explained in the above formula (a1).

[0050] In formula (b1), L ３represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Examples of the divalent linking group include divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent. The aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms is preferably an alkylene group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkylene group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms. The -CH constituting the divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group ２ One or more of the - may be independently substituted with a group selected from -O-, -S-, -CO-, and -N(Q)-. ２ - may be substituted. The definition and preferred embodiments of Q are as described above. ３ Among these, alkylene groups having 2 to 8 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or *-(L ３１ -O) ｎ３ - * is preferred. * represents the bonding position. n3 represents an integer of 1 to 8. L ３１ each independently represents an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and is preferably an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms which may have a substituent.

[0051] Examples of the substituent that the divalent linking group may have include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among them, for example, a hydroxy group, a halogen atom, an amino group, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an acyl group, an aryl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an alkylcarbonyl group, and a sulfonyl group.

[0052] In formula (b1), P １ represents a polymerizable group. The definition and preferred embodiments of the polymerizable group are as described above.

[0053] Specific examples of the repeating unit B include the repeating units shown below: In the repeating units shown below, n represents an integer of 1 or more (typically an integer of 1 to 6).

[0054]

[0055] The repeating unit B may be used singly or in combination of two or more types. The content of the repeating unit B is preferably 1 to 50 mass %, more preferably 20 to 49 mass %, based on all repeating units constituting the main chain of the leveling agent.

[0056] In the present invention, for the reasons that surface unevenness of the cured film is suppressed and adhesion to an adjacent layer provided on the surface X of the cured film is improved, it is preferable that the mass ratio (a / b) of the content a of the repeating unit A to the content b of the repeating unit B contained in the leveling agent satisfies the following formula (A): 1.2<a / b<3.4 (A) The lower limit of formula (A) is preferably 1.3 or more, more preferably 1.4 or more, and even more preferably 1.5 or more. The upper limit of formula (A) is preferably 3.2 or less, more preferably 3.0 or less, and even more preferably 2.8 or less.

[0057] (Repeating Unit C) The leveling agent contained in the cured film-forming composition is preferably a copolymer having a repeating unit C containing a mesogenic group, in addition to the repeating unit A and repeating unit B, in order to suppress surface unevenness of the cured film. Furthermore, in order to improve adhesion to an adjacent layer provided on the surface X of the cured film, the repeating unit C preferably contains, in addition to the mesogenic group, a functional group capable of forming a covalent complex with a hydroxyl group, and more preferably contains a boronic acid group or a boronic ester group.

[0058] Here, known mesogenic groups can be used as the mesogenic group. For example, see "Flussige Kristalle in Tabellen II" (VEB Deutsche Verlag fur Grundstoff Industrie, Leipzig, published in 1984), particularly pages 7 to 16, and "Liquid Crystal Handbook" edited by the Liquid Crystal Handbook Editorial Committee (Maruzen, published in 2000), particularly Chapter 3. The mesogenic group is preferably 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. In order to improve the degree of alignment of the liquid crystal compound, the mesogenic group is preferably a group having an aromatic hydrocarbon group or an alicyclic group, which may have a substituent; more preferably a group having 2 to 4 aromatic hydrocarbon groups, which may have a substituent; and even more preferably a group having 2 to 3 aromatic hydrocarbon groups, which may have a substituent. 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.

[0059] The mesogenic group is preferably a group represented by the following formula (M1-A): １１ -L １１ ) ｎ -Cy １２ - * (M1-A)

[0060] In formula (M1-A), * represents a bonding position.

[0061] In formula (M1-A), n represents an integer of 1 or more, preferably an integer of 1 to 10, more preferably an integer of 1 to 3, and even more preferably 1 or 2.

[0062] In formula (M1-A), Cy １１ and Cy １２ each independently represents a divalent cyclic group which may have a substituent. The divalent cyclic group may be either a monocyclic or polycyclic group, and a monocyclic group is preferred. The number of ring members in the divalent cyclic group is preferably 5 to 18, more preferably 5 to 10, and even more preferably 5 or 6.

[0063] Examples of the divalent ring group include a divalent aromatic ring group and a divalent alicyclic group. Examples of the divalent aromatic ring group include a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon ring group obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from an aromatic hydrocarbon ring, and a divalent aromatic heterocyclic group obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from an aromatic heterocyclic ring. Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon ring include a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, an anthracene ring, and a phenanthroline ring. Examples of the aromatic heterocyclic ring include a pyridine ring, a pyridazine ring, an imidazole ring, a thiophene ring, a quinoline ring, an isoquinolylene ring, an oxazole ring, a thiazole ring, an oxadiazole ring, a benzothiazole ring, a benzothiadiazole ring, a phthalimide ring, a thienothiazole ring, a thiazolothiazole ring, a thienothiophene ring, and a thienoxazole ring. Among these, a group obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from a benzene ring (e.g., a 1,4-phenylene group) is preferred. Examples of the divalent alicyclic group include a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon ring group obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from an aliphatic hydrocarbon ring (e.g., a cycloalkane or a cycloalkene), and a divalent aliphatic heterocyclic group obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from an aliphatic heterocyclic ring. Examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon ring include a cyclopentane ring, a cyclohexane ring, a cycloheptane ring, a cyclooctane ring, a cyclononane ring, a cyclododecane ring, and a cyclodocosane ring. Examples of the aliphatic heterocyclic group include a pyrrolidine ring, an oxolane ring, a thiolane ring, a piperidine ring, a tetrahydropyran ring, a thiane ring, a piperazine ring, and a morpholine ring. Of these, a group obtained by removing a divalent hydrogen atom from a cyclohexane ring (e.g., a 1,4-cyclohexylene group) is preferred. Examples of the divalent ring group include a divalent aromatic ring group or a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon ring group, and a divalent aromatic ring group is more preferred.

[0064] Examples of the substituent that the divalent cyclic group may have include an alkyl ester group, an alkyl group which may have a halogen atom, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylthio group, an alkyloxycarbonyl group, a carbamoyl group, an acylamino group, a halogen atom, a cyano group, and a nitro group. An alkyl ester group, an alkyl group, or an acyl group is preferred, a methyl ester group, a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an acetyl group is more preferred, and a methyl ester group, a methyl group, or an ethyl group is even more preferred.

[0065] In formula (M1-A), L １１ each independently represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Examples of the divalent linking group include -CO-, -O-, -S-, -C(=S)-, and -CR Ｌ１ R Ｌ２ -, -CR Ｌ３ =CR Ｌ４ - and -NR Ｌ５ -, and combinations of two or more thereof. Ｌ１ ~R Ｌ５ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. Ｌ１ ~R Ｌ５ The substituent represented by is preferably a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. １１ Examples thereof include —CO—, —O—, and —CR Ｌ１ R Ｌ２ -, -NR Ｌ５ - or a combination of the two is preferred.

[0066] n is an integer of 2 or more, and Cy １１ represents a phenylene group, in order to improve the alignment property when the liquid crystal compound is to be horizontally aligned, two or more Cy 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 a liquid crystal compound is to be vertically aligned, two or more Cy １１ Preferably, any one of the above is a para-linkage.

[0067] The repeating unit B is preferably a repeating unit represented by the following formula (c1) or a repeating unit represented by the following formula (c2), and more preferably a repeating unit represented by the following formula (c1), in terms of improving compatibility with the liquid crystal compound and providing more excellent leveling properties.

[0068]

[0069] In formulas (c1) and (c2), R ２１ , R ２２ , R ２３ , and L １ is the same as that explained in the above formula (a1). In the above formula (c2), R ２４ and R ２５ are each independently R in the above formula (a1). ２１ and R ２２ The definition and preferred embodiments are the same as those of R. ２６ is R in the above formula (a1). ２３ The definition and preferred embodiments are the same as those of the above. ２ is L in the above formula (a1). １ The definitions are the same as those of the above, and preferred embodiments are also the same.

[0070] In formulas (c1) and (c2), SP １ and SP ２ each independently represents a spacer group. The spacer group is not particularly limited as long as it is a divalent linking group that does not contain a ring structure, and examples thereof include divalent chain aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. As the divalent chain 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 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. The —CH group constituting the divalent chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group is ２ One or more of - may be independently substituted with a group selected from -O-, -S-, -CO-, and -N(Q)-. ２- may be substituted. Q represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. Examples of the substituent represented by Q include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among these, an alkyl group is preferred, a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is more preferred, and a methyl group or an ethyl group is even more preferred. Among these, the spacer group is preferably *-(CH ２ -CH ２ -O) ｎ１ -*, *-(CH ２ ) ｎ２ -O-*, or *-(CH ２ ) ｎ２ -O-CO-* is preferred. * represents the bonding position. n1 represents an integer of 1 to 4. n2 each independently represents an integer of 1 to 6, preferably an integer of 2 to 4.

[0071] In formula (c1) and formula (c2), M １ represents a mesogenic group. Details of the mesogenic group are as described above.

[0072] In formula (c1), T １ represents a terminal group. The terminal group represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. Examples of the substituent include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and particularly 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, a ureido group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and a (meth)acryloyloxy group-containing group. Examples of the (meth)acryloyloxy group-containing group include -L Ａ -A (L Ａ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. The divalent linking group is the same as that described above for L １A represents a (meth)acryloyloxy group). １ Examples of the boronic acid group include: ２ ) and a boronic ester group (—B(R Ｂ１ ) ２ ) can also be mentioned. Ｂ１ R each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aryl group which may have a substituent, or a heteroaryl group which may have a substituent, with a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group which may have a substituent being preferred. The alkyl group preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 5 carbon atoms. The aryl group preferably has 4 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 12 carbon atoms. An example of an aryl group is a phenyl group. The heteroaryl group preferably has 3 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 to 5 carbon atoms. Examples of heteroatoms contained in the heteroaryl group include an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, and a sulfur atom. R Ｂ１ R may be bonded to each other to form a ring. Ｂ１ The number of members in the ring formed by bonding together is preferably 4 to 8, and more preferably 5 to 6.

[0073] Specific examples of the repeating unit C include repeating units represented by the following structural formula:

[0074]

[0075]

[0076]

[0077] The repeating unit C may be used singly or in combination of two or more types. The content of the repeating unit C is preferably 1 to 50 mass %, more preferably 2 to 40 mass %, and even more preferably 5 to 30 mass %, based on all repeating units (100 mass %) constituting the main chain of the leveling agent.

[0078] In the present invention, when the leveling agent is a copolymer having the above-described repeating units A, B, and C (particularly repeating unit C which also contains a functional group capable of forming a covalent complex with a hydroxyl group), it is preferable that the content a of repeating unit A is 50 to 60 mass%, the content b of repeating unit B is 24 to 34 mass%, and the content c of repeating unit C is 11 to 21 mass%, relative to the total mass of the copolymer, in order to improve the adhesion of the cured film to an adjacent layer provided on the surface X of the copolymer.

[0079] (Other Repeating Units D) The leveling agent contained in the cured film-forming composition may contain a repeating unit D other than the repeating units described above. For example, the leveling agent may have a repeating unit containing a polar group in terms of orientation control. Examples of the polar group include a carboxy group, an amino group, an amide group, a urea group, a urethane group, a sulfonylamino group, a sulfo group, a phospho group, a hydroxy group, a mercapto group, a methylene group substituted with an electron-withdrawing group, and a methine group substituted with an electron-withdrawing group, and a carboxy group is preferred.

[0080] The repeating unit containing a polar group is preferably a repeating unit represented by the following formula (K-1).

[0081]

[0082] In the above formula (K-1), R １０ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and among these, a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms is preferred, a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is more preferred, and a hydrogen atom or a methyl group is even more preferred.

[0083] Examples of the monomer that forms the repeating unit represented by the formula (K-1) include acrylic acid and methacrylic acid.

[0084] The content of the repeating unit having a polar group is preferably 0.05 to 15 mass %, more preferably 0.1 to 10 mass %, and even more preferably 0.1 to 1 mass %, based on all repeating units (100 mass %) constituting the main chain of the leveling agent.

[0085] In the present invention, for the reasons that surface unevenness of the cured film is suppressed and adhesion to an adjacent layer provided on the surface X of the cured film is improved, the weight-average molecular weight of the leveling agent is preferably 15,000 to 40,000, and more preferably 20,000 to 37,000. Here, the weight-average molecular weight in the present invention is a value measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) under the following conditions. 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.

[0086] The leveling agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the leveling agent is preferably 0.05 parts by mass or more and 5 parts by mass or less relative to 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable compound described later, and is more preferably 0.1 parts by mass or more and 2 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.1 parts by mass or more and 1.5 parts by mass or less, for the reasons that surface unevenness of the cured film is suppressed and adhesion to an adjacent layer provided on the surface X of the cured film is improved.

[0087] <Polymerizable Compound> The polymerizable compound contained in the cured film-forming composition is not particularly limited as long as it is a compound having one or more polymerizable groups. Here, examples of the polymerizable group include those described above in relation to the repeating unit B. Among them, a polymerizable group represented by any of the above formulae (P-1) to (P-20) is preferred, and an acryloyloxy group or a methacryloyloxy group is more preferred. Furthermore, the polymerizable compound is preferably a compound having two or more polymerizable groups, and more preferably a compound having 2 to 5 polymerizable groups.

[0088] In the present invention, at least one of the polymerizable compounds is preferably a polymerizable liquid crystal compound (i.e., a liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable group) because this suppresses surface unevenness of the cured film. Hereinafter, the polymerizable liquid crystal compound may also be simply referred to as "liquid crystal compound."

[0089] (Liquid Crystal Compounds) Liquid crystal compounds can be classified into rod-shaped and discotic types based on their shape. Each type is further divided into low-molecular-weight and high-molecular-weight types. High-molecular-weight compounds generally refer to compounds with a degree of polymerization of 100 or more (Polymer Physics: Phase Transition Dynamics, Masao Doi, p. 2, Iwanami Shoten, 1992). While any liquid crystal compound can be used in the present invention, rod-shaped or discotic liquid crystal compounds (discotic liquid crystal compounds) are preferred. Two or more rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds, two or more discotic liquid crystal compounds, or a mixture of rod-shaped and discotic liquid crystal compounds may also be used. The orientation of such liquid crystal compounds can be fixed by polymerization. Note that once the liquid crystal compound is fixed by polymerization, it no longer needs to exhibit liquid crystallinity.

[0090] As the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound, for example, those described in claim 1 of JP-A-11-513019 and paragraphs

[0026] to

[0098] of JP-A-2005-289980 can be preferably used, and as the discotic liquid crystal compound, for example, those described in paragraphs

[0020] to

[0067] of JP-A-2007-108732 and paragraphs

[0013] to

[0108] of JP-A-2010-244038 can be preferably used, but are not limited to these.

[0091] In the present invention, in order to obtain good alignment of the cured film (which refers to a liquid crystal cured layer when a polymerizable liquid crystal compound is used as the polymerizable compound; the same applies hereinafter), it is preferable that the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound, and that the refractive index difference Δn between the long axis direction and the short axis direction satisfies the following formula (II): Δn(450) / Δn(550)<1.0 (II) In the above formula (II), Δn(450) represents the refractive index difference at 450 nm, and Δn(550) represents the refractive index difference at 550 nm. Furthermore, the long axis direction of a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound refers to the direction of the longest axis in the molecule, and the short axis direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the long axis direction. Furthermore, the refractive index difference Δn refers to the value obtained by dividing the Re(λ) value (nm) measured by the above-mentioned method for a liquid crystal cured layer prepared using a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound by the film thickness value (nm) of the liquid crystal cured layer. The liquid crystal cured layer to be measured, i.e., the liquid crystal cured layer prepared using a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound, is prepared by the following procedure. That is, a liquid crystal composition L having the following composition is applied by spin coating to a glass substrate with a rubbed polyimide alignment film (SE-150 manufactured by Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.). The applied film is then heated and subjected to an alignment treatment at a temperature at which the liquid crystal exhibits liquid crystallinity, to form a liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal composition L is then cooled to a temperature 40°C lower than the temperature at which the liquid crystal exhibits liquid crystallinity, and the applied liquid crystal layer is then subjected to an alignment treatment of 1000 mJ / cm. ２ The alignment is fixed by ultraviolet irradiation to form a liquid crystal hardened layer.

[0092] Liquid crystal composition L - Rod-like liquid crystal compound 15.00 parts by mass - Photopolymerization initiator (Irgacure 819, manufactured by BASF) 0.45 parts by mass - Fluorine-containing compound A below 0.12 parts by mass - Chloroform 35.00 parts by mass -----------------------------------------------------------------

[0093] Fluorine-containing compound A

[0094] In the present invention, the liquid crystal compound is preferably a compound represented by the following formula (I) because the orientation of the cured film (liquid crystal cured layer) is good. １ -L １ -D ５ - (A １ ) ａ１ -D ３ - (G １ ) ｇ１ -D １ -[Ar-D ２ 〕 ｑ１ - (G ２ ) ｇ２ -D ４ - (A ２ ) ａ２ -D ６ -L ２ -P ２ (I)

[0095] In the above formula (I), a1, a2, g1, and g2 each independently represent 0 or 1. However, at least one of a1 and g1 represents 1, and at least one of a2 and g2 represents 1. In addition, q1 represents 1 or 2. In addition, D １ , D ２ , D ３ , D ４ , D ５ and D ６ each independently represents a single bond, or —CO—, —O—, —S—, —C(═S)—, or —CR １ R ２ -, -CR ３ =CR ４ -, -NR ５ -, or a divalent linking group formed by a combination of two or more thereof, R １ ~R ５ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. However, when q1 is 2, a plurality of D ２ may be the same or different. １ and G ２ each independently represents an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and -CH２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-. １ and A ２ each independently represents an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and -CH ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-. １ and L ２ each independently represents a single bond or a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, provided that —CH ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)- or -CO-. Q represents a substituent. １ and P ２ each independently represents a monovalent organic group; P １ and P ２ At least one of the groups represents a polymerizable group. However, when Ar is an aromatic ring represented by formula (Ar-3) described later, P １ and P ２ and P in formula (Ar-3) described below. ３ and P ４ At least one of the groups represented by the formula (I) represents a polymerizable group. Ar represents an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and —CH ２ One or more - may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-, provided that when q1 is 2, the multiple Ar's may be the same or different.

[0096] In the above formula (I), a1, a2, g1, and g2 are preferably all 1 because the liquid crystal composition is more likely to exhibit a smectic liquid crystal state. In addition, it is preferable that a1 and a2 are all 0 and g1 and g2 are all 1 because the durability of the formed cured liquid crystal layer is improved.

[0097] In the above formula (I), q1 is preferably 1.

[0098] In the above formula (I), D １ , D ２ , D ３ , D ４ , D ５ and D ６ Examples of the divalent linking group in one embodiment include -CO-, -O-, -CO-O-, -C(=S)O-, and -CR １ R ２ -, -CR １ R ２ -CR １ R ２ -, -O-CR １ R ２ -, -CR １ R ２ -O-CR １ R ２ -, -CO-O-CR １ R ２ -, -O-CO-CR １ R ２ -, -CR １ R ２ -O-CO-CR １ R ２ -, -CR １ R ２ -CO-O-CR １ R ２ -, -NR ５ -CR １ R ２ -, and -CO-NR ５ - and so on. １ , R ２ and R ５ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Among these, any of —CO—, —O—, and —CO—O— is preferred.

[0099] In the above formula (I), G １ and G ２Examples of the aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms in one embodiment of the formula (1) include aromatic hydrocarbon rings such as a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, an anthracene ring, and a phenanthroline ring; and aromatic heterocycles such as a furan ring, a pyrrole ring, a thiophene ring, a pyridine ring, a thiazole ring, and a benzothiazole ring. Of these, a benzene ring (for example, a 1,4-phenyl group) is preferred.

[0100] In the above formula (I), G １ and G ２ The divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms shown in one embodiment of (1) is preferably a 5-membered or 6-membered ring. The alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be saturated or unsaturated, but is preferably a saturated alicyclic hydrocarbon group. １ and G ２ For the divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group represented by the formula (I), reference can be made to, for example, paragraph

[0078] of JP-A-2012-21068, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0101] In the present invention, the durability of the formed cured liquid crystal layer is improved, so that G in the above formula (I) １ and G ２ is preferably a cycloalkane ring. Specific examples of the cycloalkane ring include a cyclohexane ring, a cycloheptane ring, a cyclooctane 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.

[0102] In addition, in the above formula (I), G １ and G ２ With regard to the above, examples of the substituent that the aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms or the divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms may have include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferable.

[0103] In the above formula (I), A １ and A ２As an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms in one embodiment, G in the above formula (I) １ and G ２ In addition, in the above formula (I), A １ and A ２ As an embodiment of the divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms, there is mentioned G １ and G ２ The same as those explained in A １ and A ２ With regard to the above, examples of the substituent that the aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms or the divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms may have include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferable.

[0104] In the above formula (I), L １ and L ２ Examples of the divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of formula (1) include a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear or branched alkenylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and a linear or branched alkynylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. As the linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkylene group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms is preferred, and an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms is more preferred, and suitable examples include a methylene group, an ethylene group, a propylene group, a butylene group, a pentylene group, and a hexylene group. As the linear or branched alkenylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkenylene group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms is preferred, and an alkenylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms is more preferred, and suitable examples include an ethenylene group. As the linear or branched alkynylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkynylene group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms is preferred, an alkynylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms is more preferred, and a suitable example is an ethynylene group. As described above, -CH ２One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)-, or -CO-. Examples of the substituent represented by Q include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A. Among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferable.

[0105] In the above formula (I), P １ and P ２ Examples of the monovalent organic group represented by the formula (I) include the substituents described in the above-mentioned Substituent Group A, among which can be mentioned alkyl groups, aryl groups, heteroaryl groups, alkoxy groups, cyano groups, and carboxy groups. The alkyl group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, but linear groups are preferred. The alkyl group preferably has 1 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 20, and even more preferably 1 to 10. The aryl group may be monocyclic or polycyclic, but monocyclic groups are preferred. The aryl group preferably has 6 to 25 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 10. The heteroaryl group may be monocyclic or polycyclic. The number of heteroatoms constituting the heteroaryl group is preferably 1 to 3. The heteroatoms constituting the heteroaryl group are preferably nitrogen atoms, sulfur atoms, or oxygen atoms. The heteroaryl group preferably has 6 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 12. The alkyl group, aryl group, and heteroaryl group may be unsubstituted or may have a substituent. Examples of the substituent include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferred.

[0106] In the above formula (I), P １ and P ２ Examples of the polymerizable group represented by at least one of the repeating unit B include those described above in relation to the repeating unit B. Among these, a polymerizable group represented by any one of the above formulae (P-1) to (P-20) is preferred, and an acryloyloxy group or a methacryloyloxy group is more preferred.

[0107] On the other hand, in the above formula (I), an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of Ar is G １ and G ２ In addition, in the above formula (I), examples of the divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of Ar include the group G in the above formula (I). １ and G ２ In addition, with regard to Ar, examples of the substituent that the aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms or the divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms may have include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferable.

[0108] In the present invention, for the reason that the orientation of the cured film (liquid crystal cured layer) is improved, the liquid crystal compound is preferably a compound having any aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of groups represented by the following formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5), and more preferably a compound represented by the above formula (I) in which Ar in the above formula (I) represents any aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of groups represented by the following formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5). In the following formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5), * represents a bonding site, but when Ar in the above formula (I) represents any aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of groups represented by the following formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5), * represents D １ or D ２ represents the bonding position with

[0109]

[0110] In the above formula (Ar-1), Q １ represents N or CH, and Q ２ is -S-, -O-, or -N(R ６ )-, R ６ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; Y １represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, an aromatic heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and -CH ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-. ６ Specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms represented by Y include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, an n-pentyl group, and an n-hexyl group. １ Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms represented by Y include aryl groups such as phenyl, 2,6-diethylphenyl, and naphthyl. １ Examples of the aromatic heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms represented by Y include heteroaryl groups such as thienyl, thiazolyl, furyl, pyridyl, benzothiazolyl, and benzofuryl; and groups formed by removing one hydrogen atom from any of an indole ring, a benzofuran ring, a benzothiophene ring, a benzimidazole ring, a benzothiazole ring, and a benzoxazole ring. １ The aromatic heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms represented by Y is preferably a group obtained by removing one hydrogen atom from a benzofuran ring or a benzothiazole ring. １ Examples of the alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms represented by Y include a cyclohexylene group, a cyclopentylene group, a norbornylene group, and an adamantylene group. １ Examples of the substituent that may be possessed by include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferable.

[0111] In addition, in the above formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5), Z １ , Z ２ and Z ３each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic heterocyclic group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, -OR ７ , -NR ８ R ９ , -SR １０ , -COOR １１ , or -COR １２ represents R ７ ~R １２ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; Z １ and Z ２ may be bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring. As the monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms is preferred, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms is more preferred, specifically, a methyl group, an ethyl group, an isopropyl group, a tert-pentyl group (1,1-dimethylpropyl group), a tert-butyl group, or a 1,1-dimethyl-3,3-dimethyl-butyl group is further preferred, and a methyl group, an ethyl group, or a tert-butyl group is particularly preferred. Examples of the monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms include monocyclic saturated hydrocarbon groups such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclodecyl, methylcyclohexyl, and ethylcyclohexyl groups; monocyclic unsaturated hydrocarbon groups such as cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl, cyclooctenyl, cyclodecenyl, cyclopentadienyl, cyclohexadienyl, cyclooctadienyl, and cyclodecadiene; bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, and tricyclo[5.2.1.0]diene; ２，６ ]decyl group, tricyclo[3.3.1.1 ３，７ ]decyl group, tetracyclo[6.2.1.1 ３，６ .0 ２，７] dodecyl group, adamantyl group, and other polycyclic saturated hydrocarbon groups. Specific examples of the monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms include a phenyl group, a 2,6-diethylphenyl group, a naphthyl group, and a biphenyl group, with an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms (particularly a phenyl group) being preferred. Specific examples of the monovalent aromatic heterocyclic group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms include a 4-pyridyl group, a 2-furyl group, a 2-thienyl group, a 2-pyrimidinyl group, and a 2-benzothiazolyl group. Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom, with a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, and a bromine atom being preferred. On the other hand, R ７ ~R １０ Specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, an n-pentyl group, and an n-hexyl group.

[0112] Z １ and Z ２ As described above, may be bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring. For example, Z １ and Z ２ Examples of the structure in which the groups bond to each other to form an aromatic ring include a group represented by the following formula (Ar-1a): In the following formula (Ar-1a), * represents D in the above formula (I). １ or D ２ represents the bonding position with In the above formula (Ar-1a), Q １ , Q ２ and Y １ The examples of the group include those similar to those explained in the above formula (Ar-1).

[0113] In addition, in the above formulas (Ar-2) and (Ar-3), A ３ and A ４ are each independently —O—, —N(R １３ represents a group selected from the group consisting of —, —S—, and —CO—; R １３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent.１３ Examples of the substituent represented by the formula (I) include the substituents described in the above-mentioned group A of substituents, and among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferred.

[0114] In the formula (Ar-2), X represents a nonmetallic atom of Groups 14 to 16. However, the nonmetallic atom may have a hydrogen atom or a substituent bonded thereto. Examples of the nonmetallic atom of Groups 14 to 16 represented by X include an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, a hydrogen atom, or a nitrogen atom bonded to a substituent [=N-R Ｎ１ , R Ｎ１ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent.], a carbon atom to which a hydrogen atom or a substituent is bonded [═C—(R Ｃ１ ) ２ , R Ｃ１ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent.] Examples of the substituent include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkyl-substituted alkoxy group, a cyclic alkyl group, an aryl group (for example, a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, etc.), a cyano group, an amino group, a nitro group, an alkylcarbonyl group, a sulfo group, a hydroxyl group, etc.

[0115] In addition, in the above formula (Ar-3), D ７ and D ８ each independently represents a single bond, or —CO—, —O—, —S—, —C(═S)—, or —CR １ R ２ -, -CR ３ =CR ４ -, -NR ５ -, or a divalent linking group formed by a combination of two or more thereof, R １ ~R ５ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Here, the divalent linking group is D in the above formula (I). １ , D ２ , D ３ , D ４ , D ５ and D ６ Examples of the above-described examples are the same as those described above.

[0116] In addition, in the above formula (Ar-3), L ３ and L ４ each independently represents a single bond or a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, provided that —CH ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)- or -CO-. Q represents a substituent. Examples of the substituent include those described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among these, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferred. Here, examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group include those represented by L in the above formula (I). １ and L ２ Examples of the above-described examples are the same as those described above.

[0117] In addition, in the above formula (Ar-3), P ３ and P ４ each independently represents a monovalent organic group; P ３ and P ４ At least one of them represents a polymerizable group. １ and P ２ Examples of the polymerizable group include those similar to those described above. １ and P ２ Examples of the above-described examples are the same as those described above.

[0118] In the above formulas (Ar-4) to (Ar-5), Ax represents an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and having at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon rings and aromatic heterocycles. In the above formulas (Ar-4) to (Ar-5), Ay represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and having at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon rings and aromatic heterocycles. Here, the aromatic rings in Ax and Ay may have a substituent, and Ax and Ay may be bonded to form a ring. In addition, Q ３represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms which may have a substituent. Examples of Ax and Ay include those described in paragraphs

[0039] to

[0095] of WO 2014 / 010325. ３ Specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms represented by include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, an n-pentyl group, and an n-hexyl group. Examples of the substituent include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among these, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferred.

[0119] Examples of the compound represented by formula (I) include the polymerizable compounds described in paragraphs

[0019] to

[0023] of JP 2019-139222 A; the polymerizable compounds described in paragraphs

[0059] to

[0061] of WO 2019 / 160014; the polymerizable compounds described in paragraph

[0055] of WO 2019 / 160016; compounds (1-1) to (1-19) represented by the following formulas; compounds (2-1) to (2-5) represented by the following formulas; and the like. In the structure of compound (1-14), the group adjacent to the acryloyloxy group represents a propylene group (a group in which a methyl group is substituted with an ethylene group), and compound (1-14) represents a mixture of positional isomers in which the position of the methyl group is different.

[0120]

[0121]

[0122]

[0123]

[0124]

[0125]

[0126]

[0127] Further, as the compound represented by the formula (I), for example, the general formula (1) described in JP-A-2010-084032 compounds (particularly, compounds described in paragraphs

[0067] to

[0073] ), the general formula (II) described in JP-A-2016-053709 compounds (particularly, compounds described in paragraphs

[0036] to

[0043] ), the general formula (1) described in JP-A-2016-081035 compounds (particularly, compounds described in paragraphs

[0043] to

[0055] ), and, paragraphs

[0025] to

[0056] of WO 2021 / 060427 include compounds described therein.

[0128] <Solvent> The cured film-forming composition preferably contains a solvent. Examples of the solvent include ketones (e.g., acetone, 2-butanone, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone (CPO) and the like), ethers (e.g., dioxane, tetrahydrofuran (THF), propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA) and the like), aliphatic hydrocarbons (e.g., hexane and the like), alicyclic hydrocarbons (e.g., cyclohexane and the like), aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., toluene, xylene, trimethylbenzene and the like), halogenated carbons (e.g., dichloromethane, methyl methyl ketone, methyl methyl ether acetate (PGMEA) and the like), and the like. Examples of the solvent include chloromethane, dichloroethane, dichlorobenzene, chlorotoluene, etc., esters (e.g., methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, etc.), water, alcohols (e.g., methanol (MeOH), ethanol, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), butanol, cyclohexanol, etc.), cellosolves (e.g., methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, etc.), cellosolve acetates, sulfoxides (e.g., dimethyl sulfoxide, etc.), and amides (e.g., dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, etc.). These solvents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0129] <Polymerization initiator> The cured film-forming composition preferably contains a polymerization initiator. The polymerization initiator is preferably a photopolymerization initiator capable of initiating a polymerization reaction by ultraviolet irradiation. Examples of the photopolymerization initiator include α-carbonyl compounds (described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,367,661 and 2,367,670), acyloin ethers (described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,448,828), α-hydrocarbon-substituted aromatic acyloin compounds (described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,722,512), polynuclear quinone compounds (described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,046,127 and 2,951,758), and mixtures of triarylimidazole dimers and p-aminophenyl ketones. (described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,549,367), acridine and phenazine compounds (described in JP-A-60-105667 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,850), oxadiazole compounds (described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,212,970), acylphosphine oxide compounds (described in JP-B-63-40799, JP-B-5-29234, JP-A-10-95788, and JP-A-10-29997), and the like. Oxime-type polymerization initiators are also preferred as polymerization initiators. Specific examples thereof include the initiators described in paragraphs

[0049] to

[0052] of WO 2017 / 170443.

[0130] <Other Components> The cured film-forming composition may contain other components in addition to the components described above. Examples of the other components include a tilt angle controller, a plasticizer, and a crosslinking agent.

[0131] [Method for Forming Cured Film (Liquid Crystal Cured Layer)] The cured film of the present invention can be formed by, for example, using the above-described cured film-forming composition to achieve the desired alignment state, followed by polymerization to fix the alignment. While the conditions for achieving the desired alignment state are not particularly limited, a heat treatment is preferably performed, and a cooling treatment after the heat treatment is more preferred. From the standpoint of manufacturability, the heating temperature in the heat treatment is preferably 10 to 250°C, more preferably 50 to 200°C, and even more preferably 70 to 150°C. The heating time in the heat treatment is preferably 1 to 300 seconds, more preferably 1 to 60 seconds. The temperature in the cooling treatment after the heat treatment is not particularly limited as long as it is lower than the heating temperature in the heat treatment, but is preferably room temperature (23°C) to 80°C. While the polymerization conditions are not particularly limited, ultraviolet light is preferably used in the polymerization by light irradiation. The irradiation dose is 10 mJ / cm. ２ ~50 J / cm ２ is preferred, and 20 mJ / cm ２ ~5 J / cm ２ More preferably, 30 mJ / cm ２ ~3 J / cm ２ is more preferably 50 to 1000 mJ / cm ２ In order to accelerate the polymerization reaction, the reaction may be carried out under heating conditions.

[0132] The orientation state of the liquid crystal compound in the cured film of the present invention may be any of horizontal orientation, vertical orientation, tilted orientation, and twisted orientation. However, because surface unevenness of the cured film is suppressed, the cured film of the present invention is preferably a liquid crystal cured layer obtained by fixing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound in a vertically aligned state. Here, when the liquid crystal compound is a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound, vertical orientation is also called homeotropic orientation, and refers to an orientation in which the angle between the surface (main surface) of the optically anisotropic layer and the director of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound is within a range of 70° to 90°, preferably an orientation in a range of 80° to 90°, and more preferably an orientation in a range of 85° to 90°. Furthermore, when the liquid crystal compound is a discotic liquid crystal compound, vertical orientation refers to an orientation in which the angle between the surface (main surface) of the optically anisotropic layer and the discotic plane of the discotic liquid crystal compound is within a range of 70° to 90°, preferably an orientation in a range of 80° to 90°, and more preferably an orientation in a range of 85° to 90°.

[0133] The cured film of the present invention is preferably a positive C plate. Here, a positive C plate (positive C plate) is defined as follows. That is, a positive C plate satisfies the relationship of formula (C1), where nx is the refractive index in the in-plane slow axis direction of the film (the direction in which the in-plane refractive index is maximum), ny is the refractive index in the in-plane direction perpendicular to the in-plane slow axis, and nz is the refractive index in the thickness direction. Note that a positive C plate exhibits a negative Rth. Formula (C1) nz>nx≒ny Note that the above "≒" encompasses not only the case where both are completely identical, but also the case where both are substantially identical. "Substantially the same" includes, for example, the case where (nx-ny)×d (where d is the film thickness) is 0 to 10 nm, preferably 0 to 5 nm, as being included in "nx≒ny."

[0134] The thickness of the cured film of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 to 10 μm, more preferably 0.5 to 5 μm.

[0135] [Optical Film] The optical film of the present invention is an optical film having the cured film of the present invention.

[0136] [Substrate] The optical film of the present invention may have a substrate for supporting the cured film of the present invention. Such a substrate is preferably transparent. In addition, "transparent" in the present invention means that the transmittance of visible light is 60% or more, preferably 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more.

[0137] In the present invention, the substrate is preferably a positive A plate because it provides good display performance when used in an image display device (particularly a liquid crystal display device). In this specification, a positive A plate is defined as follows. Specifically, a positive A plate satisfies the relationship of formula (A1), where nx is the refractive index in the in-plane slow axis direction (the direction in which the in-plane refractive index is maximum), ny is the refractive index in the in-plane direction perpendicular to the in-plane slow axis, and nz is the refractive index in the thickness direction. A positive A plate exhibits a positive Rth. Formula (A1) nx>ny≒nz. The above "≒" encompasses not only the case where the two are completely identical, but also the case where the two are substantially identical. "Substantially identical" also includes, for example, the case where (ny-nz)×d (where d is the film thickness) is −10 to 10 nm, preferably −5 to 5 nm, in "ny≒nz."

[0138] In the present invention, the substrate is preferably a liquid crystal cured layer (particularly, an optically anisotropic layer) different from the cured film of the present invention. Examples of the liquid crystal cured layer include a liquid crystal cured layer obtained by fixing the orientation state (particularly, horizontal orientation state) of a liquid crystal compound contained in the surfactant-free liquid crystal composition described above. Regarding horizontal orientation, when the liquid crystal compound is a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound, horizontal orientation is also referred to as homogeneous orientation, and refers to an orientation in which the angle between the surface (main surface) of the liquid crystal cured layer and the director of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound is in the range of 0° to 20°, preferably in the range of 0° to 10°, and more preferably in the range of 0° to 5°. When the liquid crystal compound is a discotic liquid crystal compound, horizontal orientation refers to an orientation in which the angle between the surface (main surface) of the liquid crystal cured layer and the discotic plane of the discotic liquid crystal compound is in the range of 0° to 20°, preferably in the range of 0° to 10°, and more preferably in the range of 0° to 5°. The optical film of the present invention may have such a liquid crystal cured layer as a layer structure other than the substrate.

[0139] Furthermore, in the present invention, the substrate may be a polymer film, which will be described later in relation to the support, or an alignment film, which will be described later.

[0140] [Support] When the optical film of the present invention has the other liquid crystal cured layer (optically anisotropic layer) described above as the substrate, it may have a support for supporting the other liquid crystal cured layer. Such a support is preferably transparent. Note that "transparent" in the present invention means that the transmittance of visible light is 60% or more, preferably 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more.

[0141] Examples of the support include glass substrates and polymer films. 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 mixtures of these polymers. The thickness of the support is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 200 μm, and more preferably 2 to 100 μm.

[0142] [Alignment Film] The cured film and any other liquid crystal cured layer in the optical film of the present invention may be formed on the surface of an alignment film (particularly, a photo-alignment film described later).

[0143] The alignment film may be any film that has the function of aligning the liquid crystal compound contained in the composition. Alignment films are generally primarily composed of polymers. Polymer materials for alignment films are described in numerous literature, and many commercially available products are available. Preferred polymer materials for alignment films are polyvinyl alcohol, polyimide, or derivatives thereof, with modified or unmodified polyvinyl alcohol being more preferred. Examples of alignment films that may be included in the optical film include the alignment film described in WO 01 / 88574, page 43, line 24 to page 49, line 8; the alignment film made of modified polyvinyl alcohol described in paragraphs

[0071] to

[0095] of Japanese Patent No. 3907735; and the liquid crystal alignment film formed from the liquid crystal aligning agent described in JP 2012-155308 A.

[0144] It is preferable to use a photo-alignment film as the alignment film, since the surface of the alignment film is not in contact with any object during the formation of the alignment film, and it is possible to prevent deterioration of the surface condition. The photo-alignment film is not particularly limited, but it can be an alignment film formed from a polymer material such as a polyamide compound and a polyimide compound described in paragraphs

[0024] to

[0043] of International Publication No. 2005 / 096041; a liquid crystal alignment film formed from a liquid crystal alignment agent having a photo-alignment group described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-155308; and a product name LPP-JP265CP manufactured by Rolic Technologies, Inc., or the like.

[0145] The thickness of the alignment film is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01 to 10 μm, more preferably 0.01 to 1 μm, and even more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 μm.

[0146] [Polarizing Plate] The polarizing plate is preferably a polarizing plate having the above-described optical film of the present invention and a polarizer.

[0147] [Polarizer] The polarizer of the polarizing plate is not particularly limited as long as it has the function of converting light into specific linearly polarized light, and conventionally known absorptive polarizers and reflective 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, and either can be used. Polarizers manufactured by adsorbing iodine or a dichroic dye onto polyvinyl alcohol and stretching the resulting film are preferred. Furthermore, methods for obtaining polarizers by stretching and dyeing a laminated film having a polyvinyl alcohol layer formed on a substrate are described in Japanese Patent Nos. 5048120, 5143918, 4691205, 4751481, and 4751486. ​​These known techniques related to polarizers can also be preferably used. As the reflective polarizer, a polarizer in which thin films with different birefringence are laminated, a wire grid polarizer, a polarizer in which a cholesteric liquid crystal having a selective reflection region is combined with a quarter-wave plate, etc. are used. Among them, a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin (-CH ２ A polymer containing —CHOH— as a repeating unit, particularly at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol and an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, is preferred.

[0148] In the present invention, the thickness of the polarizer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 to 40 μm, more preferably 5 to 30 μm, and even more preferably 5 to 20 μm. The above thickness allows for the reduction in thickness of display devices.

[0149] [Image Display Device] The image display device of the present invention is an image display device having the optical film or polarizing plate of the present invention (hereinafter, these will be collectively referred to as "the optical film, etc."). 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, abbreviated as "EL (Electro Luminescence)") display panel, and a plasma display panel. Of these, a liquid crystal cell and an organic EL display panel are preferred, and a liquid crystal cell is more preferred. That is, as the image display device, a liquid crystal display device using a liquid crystal cell as the display element or an organic EL display device using an organic EL display panel as the display element is preferred, and a liquid crystal display device is more preferred.

[0150] [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 optical film of the present invention or the like and a liquid crystal cell. Of the polarizing plates provided on both sides of the liquid crystal cell, it is preferable to use the optical film of the present invention or the like as the front polarizing plate, and it is more preferable to use the optical film of the present invention or the like as the front and rear polarizing plates. The liquid crystal cell constituting the liquid crystal display device will be described in detail below.

[0151] <Liquid Crystal Cell> The liquid crystal cell used in the liquid crystal display device is preferably, but not limited to, a VA (Vertical Alignment) mode, an OCB (Optically Compensated Bend) mode, an IPS (In-Plane-Switching) mode, an FFS (Fringe-Field-Switching) mode, or a TN (Twisted Nematic) mode. In a TN mode liquid crystal cell, rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are aligned substantially horizontally when no voltage is applied, and are further twisted at an angle of 60 to 120 degrees. TN mode liquid crystal cells are most commonly used in color TFT liquid crystal displays, and are described in numerous literature. In a VA mode liquid crystal cell, rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are aligned substantially vertically when no voltage is applied. VA mode liquid crystal cells include (1) narrowly defined VA mode liquid crystal cells in which rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are aligned substantially vertically when no voltage is applied and substantially horizontally when voltage is applied (described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-176625), (2) multi-domain VA mode liquid crystal cells (described in SID97, Digest of tech. Papers (Proceedings) 28 (1997) 845) in order to widen the viewing angle (described in SID97, Digest of tech. Papers (Proceedings) 28 (1997) 845), (3) n-ASM mode liquid crystal cells in which rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are aligned substantially vertically when no voltage is applied and are aligned in a twisted multi-domain manner when voltage is applied (described in Japan Liquid Crystal Symposium Proceedings 58-59 (1998)), and (4) SURVIVAL mode liquid crystal cells (announced at LCD International 98). Furthermore, VA-mode liquid crystal cells may be any of PVA (Patterned Vertical Alignment) type, optical alignment type, and PSA (Polymer-Sustained Alignment) type. Details of these modes are described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-215326 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-538819. In IPS-mode liquid crystal cells, rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are aligned substantially parallel to the substrates, and the liquid crystal molecules respond in a planar manner when an electric field parallel to the substrate surface is applied. In IPS-mode cells, black is displayed when no electric field is applied, and the absorption axes of a pair of upper and lower polarizing plates are perpendicular to each other.Methods of using an optical compensation sheet to reduce light leakage in oblique directions during black display and improve the viewing angle are disclosed in JP-A Nos. 10-54982, 11-202323, 9-292522, 11-133408, 11-305217, and 10-307291.

[0152] [Organic EL Display Device] An organic EL display device, which is one example of an image display device, may have, in this order from the viewing side, the polarizing plate of the present invention (a polarizing plate with a polarizer disposed on the viewing side). The organic EL display panel is a display panel configured using organic EL elements each having an organic light-emitting layer (organic electroluminescence layer) sandwiched between electrodes (a cathode and an anode). The configuration of the organic EL display panel is not particularly limited, and a known configuration may be used.

[0153] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. The materials, amounts used, ratios, treatment contents, treatment procedures, etc. 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.

[0154] Example 1 Preparation of Cellulose Acylate Film 1 (Support) Preparation of Core Layer Cellulose Acylate Dope 1 The following composition was charged into a mixing tank and stirred to dissolve each component, thereby preparing core layer cellulose acylate dope 1. Core Layer Cellulose Acylate Dope 1 Cellulose acetate having an acetyl substitution degree of 2.88: 100 parts by mass Polyester as follows: 12 parts by mass Durability improver as follows: 4 parts by mass Methylene chloride (first solvent): 430 parts by mass Methanol (second solvent): 64 parts by mass

[0155] Polyester (number average molecular weight 800)

[0156] Durability improver

[0157] <Preparation of Outer Layer Cellulose Acylate Dope 1> 10 parts by mass of the following matting agent dispersion 1 was added to 90 parts by mass of the above core layer cellulose acylate dope 1 to prepare outer layer cellulose acylate dope 1. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Matting agent dispersion 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------- - Silica particles having an average particle size of 20 nm (AEROSIL R972, manufactured by Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd.) 2 parts by mass - Methylene chloride (first solvent) 76 parts by mass - Methanol (second solvent) 11 parts by mass - Core layer cellulose acylate dope 1 1 part by mass

[0158] <Preparation of Cellulose Acylate Film 1 (Support)> The core layer cellulose acylate dope 1 and the outer layer cellulose acylate dope 1 were filtered using filter paper with an average pore size of 34 μm and a sintered metal filter with an average pore size of 10 μm. Then, using a band casting machine, the core layer cellulose acylate dope 1 and the outer layer cellulose acylate dope 1 on both sides were simultaneously cast onto a drum at 20°C from the casting nozzle. The film was then peeled off from the drum while the solvent content of the film on the drum was approximately 20% by mass. Both ends of the resulting film in the width direction were fixed with tenter clips, and the film was stretched 1.1 times in the width direction while drying while the solvent content of the film was 3 to 15% by mass. The resulting film was then further dried by transporting it between the rolls of a heat treatment device to prepare a cellulose acylate film 1 (support) with a thickness of 40 μm. The phase difference (retardation) of the cellulose acylate film 1 (support) was measured, and the results were Re=1 nm and Rth=−5 nm.

[0159] [Production of photo-alignment film 1 and optically anisotropic layer 1 (substrate)] <Preparation of composition 1 for photo-alignment film> Composition 1 for photo-alignment film was prepared having the following composition. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Photo-alignment film composition 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Copolymer C1 (described below) 100 parts by mass Thermal acid generator D1 (described below) 3.57 parts by mass Stabilizer DIPEA (described below) 0.36 parts by mass Butyl acetate 714 parts by mass Methyl ethyl ketone 476 parts by mass

[0160] Copolymer C1 (weight average molecular weight: 40,000)

[0161] Thermal Acid Generator D1

[0162] Stabilizer DIPEA

[0163] <Preparation of Liquid Crystal Composition 1> Liquid crystal composition 1 for forming an optically anisotropic layer was prepared having the following composition.

[0164] Liquid crystal composition 1 ------------------------------------------------ 27.00 parts by mass of liquid crystal compound R1 shown below 20.00 parts by mass of liquid crystal compound R2 shown below 20.00 parts by mass of liquid crystal compound R3 shown below 16.50 parts by mass of liquid crystal compound R4 shown below 16.50 parts by mass of liquid crystal compound R5 shown below 15.00 parts by mass of liquid crystal compound R6 shown below 3.00 parts by mass of additive M1 shown below 0.50 parts by mass of polymerization initiator S1 shown below 0.09 parts by mass of leveling agent P1 shown below 179.67 parts by mass of cyclopentanone 53.67 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone ------------------------------------------------

[0165] Liquid crystal compound R1 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 0.58]

[0166] Liquid crystal compound R2 (in the following formula, t-Bu represents a tert-butyl group) [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 0.68]

[0167] Liquid crystal compound R3 (in the following formula, the group adjacent to the acryloyloxy group represents a propylene group (a group in which a methyl group is substituted with an ethylene group)) [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 0.80]

[0168] Liquid crystal compound R4 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 1.03]

[0169] Liquid crystal compound R5 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 1.02]

[0170] Liquid crystal compound R6 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 1.03]

[0171] Polymerization initiator S1

[0172] Additive M1

[0173] Leveling agent P1 (The numbers in the following formula indicate the content (% by mass) of each repeating unit relative to the total repeating units in leveling agent P1.)

[0174] <Preparation of Photo-Alignment Film 1 and Optically Anisotropic Layer 1 (Substrate)> The composition 1 for photo-alignment film prepared above was continuously applied to one side of the prepared cellulose acylate film 1 (support) using a bar coater. After application, the film was dried in a heating zone at 120°C for 1 minute to remove the solvent, forming a photoisomerizable composition layer with a thickness of 0.3 µm. Next, the film was wound around a mirror-finished backup roll and irradiated with polarized ultraviolet light (10 mJ / cm ２ , using an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp) to form a photo-alignment film 1. Next, the previously prepared liquid crystal composition 1 was applied to the long-shaped photo-alignment film 1 using a bar coater to form a composition layer. The temperature in the application chamber was set to 23°C. The formed composition layer was heated to 120°C in a heating zone and then cooled to 60°C. Thereafter, while maintaining the temperature, it was irradiated with ultraviolet light (300 mJ / cm) in a nitrogen atmosphere (oxygen concentration 100 ppm). ２ The alignment was fixed by irradiating the substrate with a light source (using an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp) to prepare an optically anisotropic layer 1 (substrate) having a thickness of 2.2 μm. The peel strength of the obtained optically anisotropic layer 1 (substrate) at the interface with the photo-alignment film 1 was 0.05 N / 25 mm. When the optically anisotropic layer 1 was peeled off and measured, it was found that the slow axis direction was the longitudinal direction of the film, the in-plane retardation Re(550) was 130 nm, and Re(450) / Re(550) was 0.85, confirming that the optically anisotropic layer 1 was a positive A plate.

[0175] [Formation of Cured Film 1 (Production of Optical Film)] <Preparation of Cured Film-Forming Composition 1> A cured film-forming composition 1 having the following composition was prepared.

[0176] 20.20 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound R5; 15.00 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound R6; 3.00 parts by mass of the following boronic acid monomer B1; 8.00 parts by mass of the following DPHA-76 (manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd.); 3.00 parts by mass of the above polymerization initiator S1; 0.21 parts by mass of the following leveling agent P2-1; 232.96 parts by mass of cyclopentanone; 116.48 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone; 19.41 parts by mass Methanol 19.41 parts by mass ----------------------------------------------------------------

[0177] Boronic Acid Monomer B1

[0178] DPHA-76

[0179] Leveling agent P2-1 (weight average molecular weight: 36,500, the numbers in the following formula indicate the content (mass %) of each repeating unit relative to all repeating units in leveling agent P2-1.)

[0180] <Formation of Cured Film 1> A discharge amount of 150 W·min / m was applied to the surface of the optically anisotropic layer 1 (substrate) on the air interface side (opposite to the photo-alignment film 1). ２The corona-treated surface was then coated with the previously prepared cured film-forming composition 1 using a die coater to form a composition layer. The composition was then heated at 65°C for 60 seconds to dry the solvent in the composition and to ripen the liquid crystal compound into an aligned state. The coated surface was then irradiated with ultraviolet light (150 mJ / cm) at 50°C under a nitrogen purge with an oxygen concentration of 100 ppm. ２ ) to fix the alignment, forming a cured film 1 with a thickness of 1.5 μm, thereby producing an optical film [layer structure: cellulose acylate film 1 (support) / photo-alignment film 1 / optically anisotropic layer 1 (base material) / cured film 1]. A laminate of optically anisotropic layer 1 and cured film 1 was peeled from the optical film thus produced, and the retardation of the laminate was measured. The retardation of cured film 1 was calculated by subtracting the retardation of optically anisotropic layer 1 measured in advance. The retardation in the thickness direction, RthC(550), was −90 nm, and RthC(450) / RthC(550) was 0.88, confirming that cured film 1 was a positive C plate (nz>nx=ny).

[0181] [Examples 2 to 10 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2] Cured films were formed and optical films were produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the type and content (parts by mass) of the leveling agent contained in the cured film-forming composition were changed to the type and content shown in Table 1 below.

[0182] Example 11 Preparation of Optically Anisotropic Layer 2 Preparation of Liquid Crystal Composition 2 A liquid crystal composition 2 for forming an optically anisotropic layer was prepared having the following composition. -------------------------------- Liquid Crystal Composition 2 -------------------------------------------------- 100.0 parts by mass of liquid crystal compound R7 below 5.0 parts by mass of photopolymerization initiator S2 below 2.0 parts by mass of photopolymerization initiator S3 below 2.0 parts by mass of alignment aid A1 below 4.5 parts by mass of boronic acid monomer B1 above 8.0 parts by mass of A-TMMT below (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd.) 0.4 parts by mass of leveling agent P1-2 below 0.5 parts by mass of leveling agent P1-3 below Acetone 426.0 parts by mass PGMEA 49.0 parts by mass Methanol 14.7 parts by mass --------------------------------------------------

[0183] Liquid crystal compound R7 (a mixture of the following liquid crystal compounds (RA), (RB), and (RC) in a mass ratio of 83:15:2. Me in the following liquid crystal compounds (RB) and (RC) represents a methyl group.)

[0184] Photopolymerization initiator S2

[0185] Photopolymerization initiator S3

[0186] Orientation Aid A1

[0187] A-TMMT (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd.)

[0188] Leveling agent P1-2 (weight average molecular weight: 15,000, the values ​​in the following formula indicate the content (mass %) of each repeating unit relative to all repeating units.)

[0189] Leveling agent P1-3 (weight average molecular weight: 11,200, the values ​​in the following formula indicate the content (mass %) of each repeating unit relative to all repeating units.)

[0190] <Preparation of Optically Anisotropic Layer 2> A cycloolefin polymer (COP) film (Re=125 nm, Rth=63 nm, manufactured by JSR Corporation) was coated on one side with a discharge amount of 125 W·min / m ２ The corona-treated surface was then coated with the previously prepared liquid crystal composition 2 using a #3.0 wire bar. The composition was then heated with hot air at 70°C for 90 seconds to dry the solvent and ripen the liquid crystal compound into an aligned state. The coated surface was then irradiated with ultraviolet light (300 mJ / cm) at 40°C under a nitrogen purge and an oxygen concentration of 0.1%. ２ ) was performed to fix the alignment of the liquid crystal compound, thereby producing an optically anisotropic layer 2. When the phase difference of the resulting laminate of the optically anisotropic layer 2 and the COP film was measured, the in-plane retardation Re(550) was 125 nm, and the retardation in the thickness direction Rth(550) was −25 nm. Furthermore, Re(450) / Re(550) was 1.01, and Rth(450) / Rth(550) was 1.06.

[0191] [Formation of cured film 11 (production of optical film)] <Preparation of cured film-forming composition 11> A cured film-forming composition 11 was prepared having the following composition. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Cured film-forming composition 11 -------------------------------------------------- A-TMMT (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd.) 71.8 parts by mass A-600 (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd.) below 23.9 parts by mass Boronic acid monomer B1 4.3 parts by mass Photopolymerization initiator S2 5.0 parts by mass Leveling agent P2-1 0.5 parts by mass Acetone 382.8 parts by mass PGMEA 44.0 parts by mass Methanol 13.2 parts by mass

[0192] A-600 (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)

[0193] <Formation of Cured Film 11> The surface of the COP film (substrate) opposite to the optically anisotropic layer 2 was subjected to a discharge of 125 W·min / m ２ The corona-treated surface was then coated with the previously prepared cured film-forming composition 11 using a #3.0 wire bar. To dry the solvent in the composition, the composition was heated with hot air at 70°C for 90 seconds, and then irradiated with ultraviolet light (300 mJ / cm) at 40°C under a nitrogen purge and an oxygen concentration of 0.1%. ２ ) was carried out to form a cured film 11, and an optical film [layer structure: optically anisotropic layer 2 / COP film (substrate) / cured film 11] was produced. When the retardation of the obtained optical film was measured, the in-plane retardation Re(550) was 125 nm, and the retardation in the thickness direction Rth(550) was −25 nm. In addition, Re(450) / Re(550) was 1.01, Rth(450) / Rth(550) was 1.06, and the retardation change Δ from the laminate of the optically anisotropic layer 2 and the COP film was ΔRe=0 nm, ΔRth=0 nm.

[0194] Example 12 Formation of Cured Film 12 (Production of Optical Film) <Preparation of Cured Film-Forming Composition 12> A cured film-forming composition 12 having the following composition was prepared. ------------------------------------------------ Cured film-forming composition 12---------------------------------------------------------------- 27.00 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound R1 20.00 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound R2 20.00 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound R3 16.50 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound R4 16.50 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound R5 16.50 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound R6 15.00 parts by mass of the additive M1 3.00 parts by mass of the polymerization initiator S1 0.50 parts by mass of the leveling agent P2-1 179.67 parts by mass of cyclopentanone 53.67 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone ------------------------------------------------

[0195] <Formation of Cured Film 12> A photo-alignment film 1 was formed on a cellulose acylate film 1 (support) in the same manner as in Example 1. Next, the previously prepared cured film-forming composition 12 was applied to the photo-alignment film 1 as a substrate using a bar coater to form a composition layer. The temperature of the application chamber was set to 23°C. The formed composition layer was heated to 120°C in a heating zone and then cooled to 60°C. Thereafter, while maintaining the temperature, the composition layer was irradiated with ultraviolet light (300 mJ / cm) in a nitrogen atmosphere (oxygen concentration 100 ppm). ２, using an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp) to fix the alignment, forming a cured film 12 with a thickness of 2.2 μm, thereby producing an optical film [layer structure: cellulose acylate film 1 (support) / photo-alignment film 1 (substrate) / cured film 12]. The resulting cured film 12 had a peel strength of 0.05 N / 25 mm at the interface with the liquid crystal alignment film, and when the cured film 12 was peeled and measured, it was found that the slow axis direction was the longitudinal direction of the film, the in-plane retardation Re(550) was 130 nm, and Re(450) / Re(550) was 0.85, confirming that the cured film 12 was a positive A plate.

[0196] [Example 13] A cured film was formed and an optical film was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the six liquid crystal compounds used in the cured film-forming composition 1 were changed to the following liquid crystal compound R8 and the blending amount was changed to 100 parts by mass. <Liquid Crystal Compound R8 (Me in the following formula represents a methyl group)>

[0197] Example 14 A cured film was formed and an optical film was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the six liquid crystal compounds used in the cured film-forming composition 1 were changed to the following liquid crystal compound R9 and the blending amount was changed to 100 parts by mass. <Liquid Crystal Compound R9>

[0198] Example 15 Preparation of Optically Anisotropic Layer 3 (Base Material) <Preparation of Liquid Crystal Composition 3> Liquid crystal composition 3 for forming an optically anisotropic layer was prepared having the following composition.

[0199] Liquid crystal composition 3 ------------------------------------------------ 42.00 parts by mass of liquid crystal compound R10 below 42.00 parts by mass of liquid crystal compound R3 above 12.00 parts by mass of liquid crystal compound R11 below 4.00 parts by mass of liquid crystal compound R12 below 0.50 parts by mass of polymerization initiator S1 above 0.20 parts by mass of leveling agent P1-4 below 2.00 parts by mass of Hisolve MTEM (manufactured by Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) 1.00 part by mass of NK Ester A-200 (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd.) 424.80 parts by mass

[0200] The group adjacent to the acryloyloxy group in the following liquid crystal compound R10 represents a propylene group (a group in which a methyl group is substituted with an ethylene group), and the following liquid crystal compound R10 represents a mixture of positional isomers in which the position of the methyl group differs.

[0201] Liquid crystal compound R10 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 0.75]

[0202] Liquid crystal compound R11 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 1.03]

[0203] Liquid crystal compound R12 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 1.03]

[0204] Leveling agent P1-4 (In the following formula, 32.5 and 67.5 represent the content (mass %) of each repeating unit relative to the total repeating units in leveling agent P1.)

[0205] <Preparation of Optically Anisotropic Layer 3 (Substrate)> A photo-alignment film 1 was formed on a cellulose acylate film 1 (support) in the same manner as in Example 1. Next, the liquid crystal composition 3 prepared above was applied to the photo-alignment film 1 using a die coater to form a composition layer. The formed composition layer was heated to a temperature at which it exhibited an isotropic phase, and then cooled to a temperature at which it exhibited a smectic phase, thereby stabilizing the alignment. Thereafter, while maintaining the temperature, the layer was irradiated with ultraviolet light (500 mJ / cm) in a nitrogen atmosphere (oxygen concentration 100 ppm). ２ The alignment was fixed by irradiating the liquid crystal alignment film with a 2 μm-thick optically anisotropic layer 3 (substrate) using a high-pressure mercury lamp (using a high-pressure lamp). The peel strength of the obtained optically anisotropic layer 3 at the interface with the liquid crystal alignment film was 0.05 N / 25 mm. When the retardation of the optically anisotropic layer 3 was measured after peeling, it was found that the slow axis direction was the longitudinal direction of the film, the in-plane retardation Re(550) was 130 nm, and Re(450) / Re(550) was 0.85, confirming that the optically anisotropic layer 3 was a positive A plate.

[0206] [Formation of Cured Film 15 (Production of Optical Film)] <Preparation of Cured Film-Forming Composition 15> A cured film-forming composition 15 having the following composition was prepared. ------------------------------------------------ Cured film-forming composition 15------------------------------------------------ - 10.00 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound R10 - 54.00 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound R3 - 28.00 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound R7 - 8.00 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound R11 - 4.50 parts by mass of boronic acid monomer B1 - 12.00 parts by mass of NK ester A-600 (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd.) - 1.50 parts by mass of the polymerization initiator S1 - 0.17 parts by mass of the leveling agent P2-1 - 225.00 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone - 25.00 parts by mass of methanol------------------------------------------------

[0207] <Formation of Cured Film 15> A discharge amount of 150 W·min / m was applied to the surface of the optically anisotropic layer 3 (substrate) on the air interface side (opposite to the photo-alignment film 1). ２ Then, the previously prepared cured film-forming composition 15 was applied to the corona-treated surface using a die coater to form a composition layer. Thereafter, the composition was heated at 65°C for 60 seconds to dry the solvent and ripen the liquid crystal compound into an aligned state. Under a nitrogen purge, the composition was irradiated with ultraviolet light (150 mJ / cm) at 50°C with an oxygen concentration of 100 ppm. ２ ) to fix the alignment, forming a cured film 15 with a thickness of 1.5 μm, thereby producing an optical film [layer structure: cellulose acylate film 1 (support) / photo-alignment film 1 / optically anisotropic layer 3 (base material) / cured film 15]. A laminate of the optically anisotropic layer 3 and the cured film 15 was peeled from the optical film thus produced, and the phase difference of the laminate was measured. The phase difference of the cured film 15 was calculated by subtracting the phase difference of the optically anisotropic layer 3 measured in advance. The thickness direction retardation RthC(550) was −90 nm, and RthC(450) / RthC(550) was 0.88, confirming that the cured film 15 was a positive C plate (nz>nx=ny).

[0208] Example 16 Formation of Cured Film 16 (Production of Optical Film) <Preparation of Cured Film-Forming Composition 16> A cured film-forming composition 16 having the following composition was prepared. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Cured film-forming composition 16 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Liquid crystal compound R7 100.0 parts by mass Photopolymerization initiator S2 5.0 parts by mass Photopolymerization initiator S3 2.0 parts by mass Alignment aid A1 2.0 parts by mass Boronic acid monomer B1 4.5 parts by mass A-TMMT (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd.) 8.0 parts by mass Leveling agent P2-1 0.5 parts by mass Acetone 426.0 parts by mass PGMEA 49.0 parts by mass Methanol 14.7 parts by mass

[0209] <Formation of Cured Film 16> A cycloolefin polymer film (Re=134 nm, Rth=67 nm, manufactured by JSR Corporation) was applied to one side of the substrate with a discharge amount of 125 W·min / m ２ The corona-treated surface was then coated with the previously prepared cured film-forming composition 16 using a #3.6 wire bar. The composition was then heated with hot air at 70°C for 90 seconds to dry the solvent in the composition and ripen the liquid crystal compound into an aligned state. The coated surface was then irradiated with ultraviolet light (300 mJ / cm) at 40°C under a nitrogen purge and an oxygen concentration of 0.1%. ２) was performed to fix the alignment of the liquid crystal compound and form a cured film 16, thereby producing an optical film [layer structure: COP film (substrate) / cured film 16]. When the phase difference of the obtained optical film was measured, the in-plane retardation Re(550) was 134 nm and the thickness direction retardation Rth(550) was −28 nm. Furthermore, Re(450) / Re(550) was 1.01 and Rth(450) / Rth(550) was 1.06. In other words, the in-plane retardation Re(550) of the cured film 16 was 0 nm and the thickness direction retardation Rth(550) was −95 nm, confirming that the cured film 16 was a positive C plate (nz>nx=ny).

[0210] Example 17 Formation of Cured Film 17 (Preparation of Optical Film) A commercially available biaxially stretched polycarbonate film (PureAce RM-147, Re(550)=146 nm, Rth(550)=111 nm, manufactured by Teijin Limited) was used as a support without surface treatment. The cured film-forming composition 15 prepared in Example 15 was applied to one side of the support using a die coater. Next, the composition was heated with warm air at 60°C for 60 seconds to dry the solvent and ripen the liquid crystal compound into an aligned state. Under a nitrogen purge, the film was irradiated with ultraviolet light (300 mJ / cm) at an oxygen concentration of 100 ppm at 25°C. ２ ) was performed to fix the alignment of the liquid crystal compound, thereby forming a cured film 17, and an optical film [layer structure: polycarbonate film (substrate) / cured film 17] was produced. The optical properties of cured film 17 were estimated from the change in optical properties before and after application, and the optical properties of cured film 17 were Re(550) = 0 nm, Rth(550) = -120 nm, and Rth(450) / Rth(550) = 0.93, confirming that cured film 17 was a positive C plate (nz > nx = ny).

[0211] [Example 18] A cured film was formed and an optical film was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the type and content (parts by mass) of the leveling agent contained in the cured film-forming composition were changed to the type and content shown in Table 2 below.

[0212] [Example 19] A cured film was formed and an optical film was produced in the same manner as in Example 15, except that the type and content (parts by mass) of the leveling agent contained in the cured film-forming composition were changed to the type and content shown in Table 2 below.

[0213] [Example 20] A cured film was formed and an optical film was produced in the same manner as in Example 11, except that the type and content (parts by mass) of the leveling agent contained in the cured film-forming composition were changed to the type and content shown in Table 2 below.

[0214] [Example 21] A cured film was formed and an optical film was produced in the same manner as in Example 16, except that the type and content (parts by mass) of the leveling agent contained in the cured film-forming composition were changed to the type and content shown in Table 2 below.

[0215] [Example 22] A cured film was formed and an optical film was produced in the same manner as in Example 17, except that the type and content (parts by mass) of the leveling agent contained in the cured film-forming composition were changed to the type and content shown in Table 2 below.

[0216] [Example 23] A cured film was formed and an optical film was produced in the same manner as in Example 11, except that the type and content (parts by mass) of the leveling agent contained in the cured film-forming composition were changed to the type and content shown in Table 2 below.

[0217] Example 24 Preparation of Optically Anisotropic Layer 4 Preparation of Liquid Crystal Composition 4 Liquid crystal composition 4 for forming an optically anisotropic layer was prepared having the following composition. Liquid Crystal Composition 4 - 100.0 parts by mass of the liquid crystal compound R7 - 5.0 parts by mass of the photopolymerization initiator S2 - 2.0 parts by mass of the photopolymerization initiator S3 - 2.0 parts by mass of the alignment aid A1 - 4.5 parts by mass of the boronic acid monomer B1 - 8.0 parts by mass of the A-TMMT (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd.) - 0.75 parts by mass of the leveling agent P2-1 - 426.0 parts by mass of acetone - 49.0 parts by mass of PGMEA - 14.7 parts by mass of methanol

[0218] <Preparation of Optically Anisotropic Layer 4> A cycloolefin polymer (COP) film (Re=125 nm, Rth=63 nm, manufactured by JSR Corporation) was coated on one side with a discharge amount of 125 W·min / m ２ The corona-treated surface was then coated with the previously prepared liquid crystal composition 4 using a #3.0 wire bar. The composition was then heated with hot air at 70°C for 90 seconds to dry the solvent and ripen the liquid crystal compound into an aligned state. The coated surface was then irradiated with ultraviolet light (300 mJ / cm) at 40°C under a nitrogen purge and an oxygen concentration of 0.1%. ２ ) was performed to fix the alignment of the liquid crystal compound, thereby producing an optically anisotropic layer 4. When the phase difference of the resulting laminate of the optically anisotropic layer 4 and the COP film was measured, the in-plane retardation Re(550) was 125 nm, and the retardation in the thickness direction Rth(550) was −25 nm. Furthermore, Re(450) / Re(550) was 1.01, and Rth(450) / Rth(550) was 1.06.

[0219] [Formation of cured film 24 (production of optical film)] <Preparation of cured film-forming composition 24> A cured film-forming composition 24 was prepared having the following composition. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Cured film-forming composition 24 ------------------------------------------------------------------ A-TMMT (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd.) 71.8 parts by mass A-600 (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd.) 23.9 parts by mass Boronic acid monomer B1 4.3 parts by mass Photopolymerization initiator S2 5.0 parts by mass Leveling agent P2-1 0.35 parts by mass Acetone 382.8 parts by mass PGMEA 44.0 parts by mass Methanol 13.2 parts by mass

[0220] <Formation of Cured Film 24> The surface of the COP film (substrate) opposite to the optically anisotropic layer 4 was subjected to a discharge of 125 W·min / m ２ The corona-treated surface was then coated with the previously prepared cured film-forming composition 24 using a #3.0 wire bar. To dry the solvent in the composition, the coating was then heated with hot air at 70°C for 90 seconds, and then irradiated with ultraviolet light (300 mJ / cm) at 40°C under a nitrogen purge and an oxygen concentration of 0.1%. ２ ) was carried out to form a cured film 24, and an optical film [layer structure: optically anisotropic layer 4 / COP film (substrate) / cured film 24] was produced. When the retardation of the obtained optical film was measured, the in-plane retardation Re(550) was 125 nm, and the retardation in the thickness direction Rth(550) was −25 nm. In addition, Re(450) / Re(550) was 1.01, Rth(450) / Rth(550) was 1.06, and the retardation change Δ from the laminate of the optically anisotropic layer 4 and the COP film was ΔRe=0 nm, ΔRth=0 nm.

[0221] [Evaluation] (1) Surface Elastic Modulus of Cured Film The surface elastic modulus of the cured films prepared in Examples 1 to 24 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 was measured by the method described above. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2 below.

[0222] (2) Change in surface elastic modulus of composition For the leveling agents blended in the cured film-forming compositions prepared in Examples 1 to 24 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the surface elastic modulus E of the composition S1 was measured by the method described above. １００ (unit: kPa) and the surface elastic modulus E of the composition S2 ５０ (unit: kPa) was measured, and the amount of change (E ５０ -E １００ The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0223] (3) Surface Unevenness The cured films prepared in Examples 1 to 24 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 (hereinafter referred to in this paragraph as "cured film X") and cured films prepared by forced drying under the following conditions using the cured film-forming compositions prepared in Examples 1 to 24 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 (hereinafter referred to in this paragraph as "cured film Y") were inserted between polarizing plates, and the samples were observed under crossed Nicols and evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2 below. (Forced Drying Conditions) After coating using a die coater, drying was performed under an air speed of 0.5 m / s. <Evaluation Criteria> AA: No unevenness was visible in either cured film X or cured film Y. A: Unevenness was visible in cured film Y, but not in cured film X. B: Unevenness was visible in cured film X, but less than 10% by area. C: Unevenness was visible in cured film X, and the unevenness was 10% or more by area.

[0224] (4) Adhesion to Adjacent Layers A cellulose acylate film (FUJITAC TD40ULC, manufactured by FUJIFILM Corporation) was immersed in a 1.5 mol / L aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (saponification solution) adjusted to 37°C for 1 minute, rinsed with water, and then immersed in a 0.05 mol / L aqueous sulfuric acid solution for 30 seconds, followed by passing through a water washing bath. The film was then repeatedly drained three times with an air knife, and after the water was removed, the film was allowed to stay in a drying zone at 70°C for 15 seconds to dry, thereby producing a saponified cellulose acylate film. Subsequently, the film was stretched in the longitudinal direction by applying a peripheral speed difference between two pairs of nip rolls according to Example 1 of JP-A 2001-141926 to produce a polarizer having a thickness of 12 μm. Next, the cured film prepared in Examples 1 to 17 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 and the saponified cellulose acylate film prepared above were used to sandwich the polarizer prepared above, and then laminated roll-to-roll using a 3% aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-117H, manufactured by Kuraray) as an adhesive so that the absorption axis of the polarizer was parallel to the longitudinal direction of the film and the cured film (layer structure: cured film / polyvinyl alcohol / polarizer / polyvinyl alcohol / cellulose acylate film). Here, the coated surface of the cured film faced the polarizer on one side of the polarizer, and the cellulose acylate film faced the other side of the polarizer. Next, for Examples 1 to 10, 12 to 15, 18, and 19, and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the laminated films were cured by drying at 70°C for 10 minutes, and then the cellulose acylate film on the cured film side was peeled off to prepare a polarizing plate for evaluation. Furthermore, for Examples 11, 16, 17, and 20 to 24, polarizing plates for evaluation were prepared by drying at 70°C for 10 minutes after lamination and curing. For the prepared polarizing plates, 100 grids were made at 1 mm intervals on the surface of the cured film, and an adhesion test was performed using cellophane tape (manufactured by Nichiban Co., Ltd.). New cellophane tape was applied and then peeled off, and the adhesion was evaluated according to the following criteria. The grids were prepared by making cuts from the cured film side to the surface of the polarizer. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2 below. A: No peeling of the grid squares occurred. B: 50% or more but less than 100% of the grid squares did not peel off. C: Less than 50% of the grid squares did not peel off.

[0225]

[0226]

[0227] In Tables 1 and 2, the structures of the liquid crystal compound, boronic acid monomer, alignment aid, monomer 1, monomer 2, and compounds used as polymerization initiators are as described above, but as for the structure of the leveling agent, the structure of each repeating unit constituting the leveling agent is shown below.

[0228] Repeating unit a1

[0229] Repeating unit a2

[0230] Repeating unit a3 (used in Comparative Example 1)

[0231] Repeating unit a4 (used in Comparative Example 1)

[0232] Repeating unit b1

[0233] Repeating unit c1

[0234] Repeating unit d1

[0235] The results shown in Tables 1 and 2 indicate that when the surface elastic modulus (X) of the surface X of the cured film is 3.0 GPa or less, the adhesion of the cured film to the adjacent layer provided on the surface X of the cured film is poor (Comparative Examples 1 and 2).

[0236] In contrast, it was found that when the surface elastic modulus (X) at the surface X of the cured film exceeds 3.0 GPa, the cured film exhibits good adhesion to an adjacent layer formed on the surface X (Examples 1 to 24). In particular, a comparison of Examples 1 to 4 revealed that when the surface elastic modulus (X) at the surface X of the cured film is less than 9.0 GPa, the surface unevenness of the cured film is suppressed, and when it is 6.0 GPa or less, the surface unevenness of the cured film is further suppressed. Furthermore, it was found that when the surface elastic modulus (X) at the surface X of the cured film is 4.0 GPa or more, the cured film exhibits better adhesion to an adjacent layer formed on the surface X. Similarly, a comparison of Examples 1 to 4 revealed that when the mass ratio (a / b) of the content a of the repeating unit A to the content b of the repeating unit B contained in the leveling agent is greater than 1.2 and less than 3.4, the surface unevenness of the cured film is suppressed, and the cured film exhibits better adhesion to an adjacent layer formed on the surface X. Furthermore, a comparison between Example 1 and Example 5 revealed that when the leveling agent has a repeating unit C containing a functional group capable of forming a covalent complex with a hydroxyl group together with a mesogenic group, the adhesion of the cured film to an adjacent layer formed on the surface X is improved. A comparison between Example 1 and Examples 6 and 7 revealed that when the weight-average molecular weight of the leveling agent is 15,000 to 40,000, surface unevenness of the cured film is suppressed, and the adhesion of the cured film to an adjacent layer formed on the surface X is improved. A comparison between Example 1 and Examples 8 and 9 revealed that when the content of the leveling agent is 0.1 parts by mass or more and 2 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable compound, surface unevenness of the cured film is suppressed, and the adhesion of the cured film to an adjacent layer formed on the surface X is improved. A comparison between Example 1 and Example 11 revealed that when the polymerizable compound is a polymerizable liquid crystal compound (i.e., a liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable group), surface unevenness of the cured film is suppressed. Furthermore, a comparison between Example 1 and Example 12 revealed that when the cured film is a liquid crystal cured layer in which a polymerizable liquid crystal compound is fixed in a vertically aligned state, surface unevenness of the cured film is suppressed.Furthermore, the surface elastic modulus E was obtained by comparing Example 1 with Example 18, Example 15 with Example 19, Example 16 with Example 21, Example 17 with Example 22, and Example 11 with Example 23. １００ (unit: kPa), and surface elastic modulus E ５０ (unit: kPa) change (E ５０ -E １００ ) is 0.5 kPa or less, the surface unevenness of the cured film is suppressed.

Claims

1. A cured film provided on a substrate, the cured film being a film obtained by curing a composition containing a leveling agent containing silicon atoms and a polymerizable compound, and the surface elasticity of the cured film on the surface opposite to the substrate is greater than 3.0 GPa.

2. The cured film of claim 1, wherein the surface elastic modulus is less than 9.0 GPa.

3. The cured film according to claim 1, wherein the surface elastic modulus is 4.0 GPa or more and 6.0 GPa or less.

4. The cured film according to claim 1, wherein the leveling agent is a copolymer having a repeating unit A containing a silicon atom and a repeating unit B containing a polymerizable group.

5. The cured film according to claim 4, wherein the mass ratio of the content a of the repeating unit A to the content b of the repeating unit B satisfies the following formula (A): 1.2<a / b<3.4 (A).

6. The cured film according to claim 4, wherein the copolymer further comprises a repeating unit C containing a mesogenic group.

7. The cured film of claim 6, wherein said repeat unit C further comprises a functional group capable of forming a covalent complex with a hydroxyl group.

8. The cured film according to claim 7, wherein the content a of the repeating unit A is 50 to 60 mass %, the content b of the repeating unit B is 24 to 34 mass %, and the content c of the repeating unit C is 11 to 21 mass %, relative to the total mass of the copolymer.

9. The cured film according to claim 1, wherein the leveling agent has a weight average molecular weight of 15,000 or more and 40,000 or less.

10. The cured film according to claim 1, wherein the content of the leveling agent is 0.1 parts by mass or more and 2 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable compound.

11. The cured film according to claim 1, wherein the polymerizable compound is a polymerizable liquid crystal compound.

12. The cured film according to claim 11, wherein the cured film is a film in which the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is fixed in a vertically aligned state.

13. The cured film according to claim 11, wherein the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is a compound represented by the following formula (I): １ -L １ -D ５ - (A １ ) ａ１ -D ３ - (G １ ) ｇ１ -D １ - [Ar-D ２ 〕 ｑ１ - (G ２ ) ｇ２ -D ４ - (A ２ ) ａ２ -D ６ -L ２ -P ２ (I) In the formula (I), a1, a2, g1 and g2 each independently represent 0 or 1. However, at least one of a1 and g1 represents 1, and at least one of a2 and g2 represents 1. q1 represents 1 or 2. D １ , D ２ , D ３ , D ４ , D ５ and D. ６ each independently represents a single bond, -CO-, -O-, -S-, -C(=S)-, or -CR １ R ２ -, -CR ３ =CR ４ --, --NR ５ -, or a divalent linking group consisting of two or more of these, R １ ~R ５ Each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. However, when q1 is 2, a plurality of D ２ may be the same or different. １ and G ２ each independently represents an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and -CH ２ One or more of - may be replaced by -O-, -S- or -NH-. １ and A ２ each independently represents an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and -CH ２ One or more of - may be replaced by -O-, -S- or -NH-. １ and L ２ each independently represents a single bond or a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)- or -CO-. Q represents a substituent. １ and P ２ each independently represents a monovalent organic group; P １ and P ２ At least one of the groups represents a polymerizable group. Ar represents an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and —CH ２ One or more of - may be substituted by -O-, -S- or -NH-, provided that when q1 is 2, the multiple Ar's may be the same or different.

14. The cured film according to claim 13, wherein Ar in formula (I) represents any aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of groups represented by the following formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5): In the formulae (Ar-1) to (Ar-5), * represents a bonding position. １ represents N or CH. ２ is -S-, -O-, or -N(R ６ )-, R ６ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. １ represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, an aromatic heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and -CH ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-. １ , Z ２ and Z ３ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic heterocyclic group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, -OR ７ , -NR ８ R ９ , -SR １０ , -COOR １１ or -COR １２ represents R ７ ~R １２ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; Z １ and Z ２ may be bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring. ３ and A ４ Each independently represents -O-, -N(R １３ ) represents a group selected from the group consisting of -, -S-, and -CO-; R １３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. X represents a nonmetallic atom of Groups 14 to 16. However, the nonmetallic atom may be bonded to a hydrogen atom or a substituent. D ７ and D. ８ each independently represents a single bond, -CO-, -O-, -S-, -C(=S)-, or -CR １ R ２ -, -CR ３ =CR ４ --, --NR ５ -, or a divalent linking group consisting of two or more of these, R １ ~R ５ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. ３ and L ４ each independently represents a single bond or a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)- or -CO-. Q represents a substituent. ３ and P ４ each independently represents a monovalent organic group; P ３ and P ４ At least one of these represents a polymerizable group. Ax represents an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and having at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon rings and aromatic heterocycles. Ay represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and having at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon rings and aromatic heterocycles. The aromatic ring in Ax and Ay may have a substituent, and Ax and Ay may be bonded to form a ring. Q ３ represents a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

15. The cured film according to claim 11, wherein the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound, and a refractive index difference Δn between the long axis direction and the short axis direction of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound satisfies the following formula (II): Δn(450) / Δn(550)<1.0 (II), where Δn(450) represents the refractive index difference at 450 nm, and Δn(550) represents the refractive index difference at 550 nm.

16. E represents the surface elastic modulus of the following composition S1 containing the leveling agent. １００ (unit: kPa), and E represents the surface elastic modulus of the following composition S2 containing the leveling agent. ５０ The cured film according to claim 1, wherein (unit: kPa) satisfies the following formula (P): ５０ -E １００ ≦0.5 kPa (P) Composition S1: A composition containing 100.0 parts by mass of the following liquid crystal compound X, 426.0 parts by mass of acetone, and 0.5 parts by mass of the leveling agent. Composition S2: A composition containing 100.0 parts by mass of the following liquid crystal compound X, 160.0 parts by mass of acetone, and 0.5 parts by mass of the leveling agent. Liquid crystal compound X: A mixture of the following liquid crystal compounds (RA), (RB), and (RC) in a mass ratio of 83:15:2 (Me in the following formulae (RB) and (RC) represents a methyl group).

17. An optical film having the cured film according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. An image display device comprising the optical film according to claim 17.

19. The image display device according to claim 18, which is a liquid crystal display device.

20. The image display device according to claim 18, which is an organic electroluminescence display device.

Images