Composition, film, optical film, polarizing plate, image display device, polymer, compound

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a composition capable of forming a film in which appearance irregularities are suppressed. This composition comprises a compound having groups represented by formula (Rs) and a liquid crystal compound.

Description

Composition, film, optical film, polarizing plate, image display device, polymer, compound

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

[0002] When a composition such as a paint is applied to form a coating film, a leveling agent is added to suppress the occurrence of unevenness on the coating film surface. The leveling agent reduces the surface tension of the composition and improves the fluidity on the surface, thereby making it possible to form a smooth surface. In order to reduce the surface tension, such leveling agents often incorporate a hydrophobic moiety, and perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) have typically been used.

[0003] Recently, due to their difficulty in decomposing and toxicity, etc., the regulation of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl compounds and polyfluoroalkyl compounds) has been promoted, and the use of substitutes that do not use fluorine atoms, typically substitute materials containing silicon atoms, has been studied.For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid crystal composition as the leveling agent containing silicon atoms, which comprises a copolymer having two or more repeating units A that contain silicon atoms represented by a predetermined formula, and two or more ring structures that are made of cycloalkane rings or monocyclic aromatic rings, and at least one of the ring structures is made of monocyclic aromatic rings.

[0004] International Publication No. 2023 / 054164

[0005] In recent years, there has been a demand for even higher precision in the surface state of films. Although the use of a leveling agent containing silicon atoms specifically disclosed in the above-mentioned document meets the conventional requirements, it does not meet the recent demand for higher levels of wind-induced unevenness suppression, and further improvement has been required. The above-mentioned wind-induced unevenness refers to film thickness unevenness caused by wind during drying, etc., after coating.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a composition capable of forming a film with minimal wind unevenness. Another object of the present invention is to provide a polymer with excellent leveling ability and a compound from which the polymer can be synthesized. Another object of the present invention is to provide a film, an optical film, a polarizing plate, and an image display device.

[0007] As a result of extensive research into solving the above problems, the present inventors have found that the problems can be solved by the following configuration.

[0008] [1] A composition comprising a compound having a group represented by formula (Rs) described below and a liquid crystal compound. [2] The composition according to [1], wherein the compound having a group represented by formula (Rs) contains a repeating unit represented by formula (1) described below. [3] The composition according to [1] or [2], wherein the compound having a group represented by formula (Rs) contains a repeating unit represented by formula (2) described below. [4] The composition according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the weight-average molecular weight of the compound having a group represented by formula (Rs) is 5,000 to 100,000. [5] The composition according to [2], wherein the content of the repeating unit represented by formula (1) is 30 to 70 mass % based on the total repeating units of the compound having a group represented by formula (Rs). [6] A film obtained by fixing the alignment state of the liquid crystal compound in the composition according to any one of [1] to [5]. [7] An optical film having the film according to [6]. [8] A polarizing plate having the optical film according to [7] and a polarizer. [9] An image display device having the optical film according to [7].

[10] A polymer containing a repeating unit represented by formula (1) described later and a repeating unit represented by formula (2) described later, and having a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 to 100,000.

[11] A compound having at least one group selected from the group consisting of a group represented by formula (Rfc2) described later, a group represented by formula (Rfc3) described later, and a group represented by formula (Rfn2) described later.

[0009] The present invention provides a composition capable of forming a film with minimal wind unevenness. The present invention also provides a polymer with excellent leveling ability and a compound capable of synthesizing the polymer. The present invention also provides a film, an optical film, a polarizing plate, and an image display device.

[0010] The present invention will be described in detail below. The following description of the components may be based on representative embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments.

[0011] In this specification, a numerical range expressed using "to" means a range that includes the numerical values ​​written before and after "to" as the lower and upper limits. Furthermore, in this specification, when two or more types of a certain component are present, the "content" of that component means the total content of those two or more components. In this specification, in a numerical range described in stages, the upper or lower limit value described in a certain numerical range may be replaced with the upper or lower limit value of another numerical range described in stages. Furthermore, in a numerical range described in this specification, the upper or lower limit value described in a certain numerical range may be replaced with a value shown in the Examples. In this specification, a combination of two or more preferred embodiments is a more preferred embodiment.

[0012] In this specification, when there are multiple substituents and linking groups, etc. (hereinafter referred to as substituents, etc.) represented by specific symbols, or when multiple substituents, etc. are specified simultaneously, unless otherwise specified, this means that the respective substituents, etc. may be the same or different from each other. The same applies to the specification of the number of substituents, etc. In this specification, the bonding direction of a divalent group (e.g., -CO-O-) represented is not limited unless otherwise specified. For example, when Y is -CO-O- in a compound represented by the formula "X-Y-Z," the compound may be "X-O-CO-Z" or "X-CO-O-Z." In this specification, "(meth)acrylic" is a concept that includes both acrylic and methacrylic, "(meth)acryloyl" is a concept that includes both acryloyl and methacryloyl, "(meth)acrylate" is a concept that includes both acrylate and methacrylate, and "(meth)acrylamide" is a concept that includes both acrylamide and methacrylamide.

[0013] In this specification, the slow axis is defined at 550 nm unless otherwise specified.

[0014] In this specification, the angular relationship (e.g., "perpendicular," "parallel," etc.) is intended to include the range of error acceptable in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Specifically, this means that the angle is within a range of less than ±10° from the exact angle, and the error from the exact angle is preferably within a range of ±5° or less, and more preferably within a range of ±3° or less.

[0015] In this specification, the term "solid content" refers to a component that forms a film and does not include a solvent. Any component that forms a film is considered to be a solid content even if it is in a liquid state.

[0016] [Composition] The composition of the present invention will be described in detail below. The composition of the present invention contains a compound having a group represented by formula (Rs) described later (hereinafter also referred to as a "specific compound") and a liquid crystal compound.

[0017] Although the reason why a composition having the above configuration can solve the problems of the present invention is not entirely clear, the inventors speculate as follows. Note that the following speculation does not limit the mechanism by which the effect is obtained. In other words, even if the effect is obtained by a mechanism other than the one described below, it is still within the scope of the present invention. The specific compound has a specific multi-branched silicon-containing group having four or more terminal silyl groups. It is speculated that because the silicon-containing group is highly hydrophobic, the specific compound has excellent leveling ability, and wind unevenness in a film formed from a composition containing the specific compound can be suppressed. Hereinafter, the ability to form a film with better suppressed wind unevenness from a composition will also be simply referred to as "the effect of the present invention is better."

[0018] [Specific Compound] The specific compound is a compound having a group represented by formula (Rs).

[0019]

[0020] In the formula (Rs), R １１ and R １２ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an aryl group. The alkyl group may be linear, branched, or cyclic. The linear alkyl group preferably has 1 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 6, and even more preferably 1 to 3. The branched or cyclic alkyl group preferably has 3 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 to 12, and even more preferably 3 to 6. Specific examples of the alkyl group include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, an isopropyl group, a tert-butyl group, and a cyclohexyl group. The aryl group preferably has 6 to 12 carbon atoms. R １１ and R １２ As the alkyl group, an alkyl group is preferable, a linear alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a branched alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms is more preferable, and a linear alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms is even more preferable.

[0021] In the formula (Rs), R １３ , R １４ , and R １５ R each independently represents an alkyl group or an aryl group. １３ , R １４, and R １５ Preferred embodiments of the alkyl group and aryl group represented by R １１ and R １２ The alkyl group and aryl group represented by R are the same as those represented by R １３ , R １４ , and R １５ are preferably all alkyl groups.

[0022] In formula (Rs), n's each independently represent 2 or 3, preferably 2. m's each independently represent 2 or 3, preferably 2. * represents a bonding position.

[0023] The number of groups represented by formula (Rs) contained in the specific compound is 1 or more, and more preferably 2 or more.

[0024] The specific compound preferably has, as a structure including a group represented by formula (Rs), at least one group selected from the group consisting of a group represented by formula (Rfc1), a group represented by formula (Rfc2), a group represented by formula (Rfc3), a group represented by formula (Rfn1), and a group represented by formula (Rfn2).

[0025]

[0026] In formula (Rfc1), formula (Rfc2), formula (Rfc3), formula (Rfn1), and formula (Rfn2), L ４０ , L ４１ , L ４２ , L ４３ , L ４４ , L ４５ , L ４６ , L ４７ , and L ４８ each independently represents a divalent linking group. Examples of the divalent linking group include a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group. In addition, -CH ２ One or more of - are each independently -O-, -S-, -CO-, or -SiR Ｓｉ ２ - and -N(Q)-. In addition, two or more -CH ２ - may be substituted. ＳｉR each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. Ｓｉ Examples of the substituent represented by formula (Rs) include an alkyl group, an aryl group, and —O—Rs. Rs represents a group represented by formula (Rs). Preferred embodiments of the alkyl group and aryl group are those represented by formula (Rs) １３ ~R １５ is the same as the group represented by R Ｓｉ is preferably a methyl group or -O-Rs. Q represents a substituent, is preferably an alkyl group, more preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group. The divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, and is preferably linear or branched. The divalent linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group preferably has 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 15 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms. The branched or cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group preferably has 3 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 to 15 carbon atoms.

[0027] L ４０ ~L ４８ Among them, *-Al １ -*, *-Al ２ -O-Al ３ -*, *-Al １ -SiR １６ ２－ｔ (O-Rs) ｔ -O-* Ｒｓ , or *-Al ２ -O-Al ３ -SiR １６ ２－ｔ (O-Rs) ｔ -O-* Ｒｓ is preferred. １ ~Al ３ each independently represents an alkylene group or an alkenylene group. １ As Al, a linear alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or a branched alkylene group or branched alkenylene group having 3 to 15 carbon atoms is preferred, and a linear alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or a branched alkylene group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms is more preferred. ２ and Al ３R is preferably a linear alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably a linear alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. １６ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an aryl group. １６ The definition and preferred embodiments of the group represented by the formula (Rs) are １１ and R １２ t represents an integer of 0 to 2, preferably 1 or 2, and more preferably 1. * represents a bonding position. Ｒｓ represents the bonding position to the group represented by Rs.

[0028] L ４６ ~L ４８ As for * Ｎ -SiR Ｓｉ ２ -Al ４ -* is also preferred. ４ represents an alkylene group or an alkenylene group, preferably a linear alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably a linear alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Ｓｉ is as described above, and is preferably an alkyl group or an aryl group. Ｎ represents the bonding position to the nitrogen atom specified in the formula.

[0029] In formula (Rfc1), formula (Rfc2), formula (Rfc3), formula (Rfn1), and formula (Rfn2), Rs each independently represent a group represented by formula (Rs) above.

[0030] In formula (Rfc2), R ４１ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an aryl group. The alkyl group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, with linear being preferred. The linear alkyl group preferably has 1 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 6, and even more preferably 1 to 3. The branched or cyclic alkyl group preferably has 3 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 to 12, and even more preferably 3 to 6. The aryl group preferably has 6 to 12 carbon atoms. R ４１ is preferably a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, more preferably a hydrogen atom or a linear alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0031] In formula (Rfn1), R ４２ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, or an aryl group, preferably a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, more preferably a hydrogen atom or a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, still more preferably a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group, and particularly preferably a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.

[0032] In particular, the specific compound preferably contains at least one group selected from the group consisting of a group represented by formula (Rfc2), a group represented by formula (Rfc3), and a group represented by formula (Rfn2), and more preferably contains at least one group selected from the group consisting of a group represented by formula (Rfc2) and a group represented by formula (Rfc3), in terms of more excellent effects of the present invention.

[0033] The specific compound is preferably a polymer, and more preferably a polymer having a repeating unit containing a group represented by formula (Rs), in that the effects of the present invention are more excellent.

[0034] <Repeating Unit Represented by Formula (1)> As the repeating unit containing a group represented by formula (Rs), a repeating unit represented by formula (1) is preferred.

[0035]

[0036] In formula (1), R ２１ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. R ２１ is preferably a methyl group.

[0037] In formula (1), L ２１ represents a p+1-valent linking group. Suitable examples of the p+1-valent linking group include p+1-valent hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 30 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 heteroatoms which may substitute some of the carbon atoms include silicon atoms, oxygen atoms, nitrogen atoms, boron atoms, phosphorus atoms, and gallium atoms, with silicon atoms, oxygen atoms, or nitrogen atoms being preferred. L ２１In the p+1-valent linking group represented by the formula (1), the atom adjacent to —CO— shown in formula (1) is preferably a heteroatom, more preferably an oxygen atom or a nitrogen atom.

[0038] In formula (1), each Rs independently represents a group represented by formula (Rs) above.

[0039] In formula (1), p represents an integer of 1 or more. In terms of better effects of the present invention, p is preferably an integer of 2 or more. There is no particular upper limit for p, but it is preferably 8 or less, more preferably 6 or less.

[0040] The repeating unit represented by formula (1) is preferably a repeating unit represented by formula (1A) or a repeating unit represented by formula (1B), and the repeating unit represented by formula (1A) is more preferred in that it has better compatibility with the liquid crystal compound and can form a film in which wind unevenness is further suppressed.

[0041]

[0042] In formula (1A) and formula (1B), L ２３ and L ２４ each independently represent a q+1-valent linking group. Suitable examples of the q+1-valent linking group include q+1-valent hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 30 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 heteroatoms which may substitute some of the carbon atoms include silicon atoms, oxygen atoms, nitrogen atoms, boron atoms, phosphorus atoms, and gallium atoms, with silicon atoms, oxygen atoms, or nitrogen atoms being preferred.

[0043] In formula (1A) and formula (1B), Rs and R ２１ respectively represent Rs and R in formula (1). ２１ is synonymous with.

[0044] In formula (1A) and formula (1B), q each independently represents an integer of 1 or more. There is no particular upper limit for q, but examples of the upper limit include an integer of 5 or less, and an integer of 3 or less is preferred.

[0045] In formula (1A), L２２ represents a single bond or an alkylene group. The alkylene group is preferably a linear alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and more preferably a methylene group.

[0046] In formula (1B), R ２２ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. Examples of the substituent include an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, and -L ２４ -(Rs) ｑ Examples include: L ２４ The definitions of Rs and q are the same as those in formula (1B). ２２ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or -L ２４ -(Rs) ｑ is preferred, and -L ２４ -(Rs) ｑ is more preferred.

[0047] In formula (1A), -L ２３ -(Rs) ｑ In terms of achieving better effects of the present invention, the group represented by formula (Rfc1), formula (Rfc2), or formula (Rfc3) is preferred, and the group represented by formula (Rfc2) or formula (Rfc3) is more preferred. ２１ -L ２４ -(Rs) ｑ The group represented by the formula (Rfn1) or the formula (Rfn2) is preferred, and the group represented by the formula (Rfn2) is more preferred, in terms of better effects of the present invention.

[0048] Specific examples of the repeating unit represented by formula (1) include the following structures.

[0049]

[0050]

[0051] The repeating unit represented by formula (1) may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the repeating unit represented by formula (1) is preferably 20 to 80 mass %, more preferably 30 to 70 mass %, based on the total repeating units of the specific compound, in order to achieve the effects of the present invention more effectively.

[0052] <Repeating Unit Represented by Formula (2)> The specific compound preferably has a repeating unit represented by formula (2) in that it has better compatibility in the composition.

[0053]

[0054] In formula (2), R ３１ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, with a methyl group being preferred in terms of better compatibility.

[0055] In formula (2), L ３１ is —O— or —NR Ｎ - represents. Ｎ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. Ｎ Examples of the substituent represented by L include an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, and an aryl group, and 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. ３１ As the group, —O— or —NH— is preferable, and —O— is more preferable.

[0056] In formula (2), L ３２ represents 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. Q is as defined above.

[0057] In formula (2), Rk represents a group selected from the group consisting of a group having a ring structure, a group having a poly(alkyleneoxy) group, and a hydroxyl group, and the group having a ring structure is preferred in terms of better compatibility and alignment of the liquid crystal compound.

[0058] (Group Having a Ring Structure) Examples of the ring in the group having a ring structure include aromatic rings and non-aromatic rings, with aromatic rings being preferred. The ring may be either a monocyclic or polycyclic ring. The aromatic ring may be either an aromatic hydrocarbon ring or an aromatic heterocyclic ring. Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon ring include a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, an anthracene ring, and a phenanthrene 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, a phenanthroline 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. Of these, a benzene ring is preferred as the aromatic ring. The non-aromatic ring may be either an alicyclic hydrocarbon ring or an alicyclic heterocyclic ring. Examples of alicyclic hydrocarbon rings 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 alicyclic heterocycles 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. Among these, a cyclohexane ring is preferred as a non-aromatic ring. The ring may have a substituent. Examples of the substituent that the ring 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. The group having a ring structure has one or more rings, preferably one to six rings, and more preferably two to four rings.

[0059] Examples of the group having a ring structure include a mesogen group. Known mesogen groups can be used as the mesogen 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. In terms of improving the alignment of the liquid crystal compound, the mesogen group is preferably a group having an aromatic hydrocarbon group or an alicyclic group, which may have a substituent; more preferably a group having two to four aromatic hydrocarbon groups, which may have a substituent; and even more preferably a group having three 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; more preferably a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, a methoxy group, or a methyl ester group.

[0060] The group having a ring structure preferably includes a group represented by the following formula (M1-A): １１ -L １１ ) ａ -Cy １２ - * (M1-A)

[0061] In formula (M1-A), * represents a bonding position.

[0062] In formula (M1-A), a 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 2.

[0063] 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, with a monocyclic group being 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. Examples of the divalent cyclic group include groups in which two hydrogen atoms have been removed from the rings exemplified as the rings in the groups having a ring structure described above.

[0064] 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.

[0065] a 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 On the other hand, when the liquid crystal compound is to be vertically aligned, two or more Cy １１ Preferably, any one of the above is a para-linkage.

[0066] When Rk is a group having a ring structure, the repeating unit represented by formula (2) is preferably a repeating unit represented by the following formula (b1) or a repeating unit represented by formula (b2), and more preferably a repeating unit represented by formula (b1), in terms of improving compatibility with the liquid crystal compound and further suppressing wind unevenness.

[0067]

[0068] In formulas (b1) and (b2), R ３１ and L ３１ is R in the above formula (2). ３１ and L ３１In the above formula (b2), R ３２ is R in the above formula (2). ３１ In the above formula (b2), L ３２ is L in the above formula (2). ３１ The definition and preferred embodiments are the same as those of the above.

[0069] In formulas (b1) and (b2), 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. The divalent chain 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 1 to 8 carbon atoms. 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 the - may be independently substituted with a group selected from -O-, -S-, -CO-, and -N(Q)-. ２ - may be substituted. Q is as described above. Among others, 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.

[0070] In formula (b1) and formula (b2), M １ represents a mesogenic group. Details of the mesogenic group are as described above.

[0071] In formula (b2), T １represents a terminal group. The terminal group represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. Examples of the substituent include a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkylthio group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyloxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms (ROC(O)-: R is an alkyl group), an acyloxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an acylamino group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonylamino group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a sulfonylamino group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a sulfamoyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a carbamoyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a sulfinyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a trialkylsilyloxy group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, and a ureido group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0072] (Group Having a Poly(Alkyleneoxy) Group) A poly(alkyleneoxy) group is a group in which two or more alkyleneoxy groups are linked together. Specific examples of the group having a poly(alkyleneoxy) group include -(Al-O) ｋ -R ＡＯ Examples include groups represented by the formula: Each Al independently represents an alkylene group. The alkylene group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, preferably linear or branched, and more preferably linear. The alkylene group preferably has 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 4, and even more preferably 2 or 3. Two or more Al groups may be the same or different. For example, a poly(alkyleneoxy) group may be a group having both an ethylene oxide unit and a propylene oxide unit. k represents an integer of 2 or more. k is preferably an integer of 2 to 150, and more preferably an integer of 2 to 30. R ＡＯrepresents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. Specific examples of the substituent include an aliphatic hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent and an aromatic ring group which may have a substituent. Examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group include an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, and an alkynyl group, with an alkyl group being preferred. The aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, with a linear or branched chain being preferred. The aliphatic hydrocarbon group preferably has 1 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 20, and even more preferably 1 to 3. The aromatic ring group may be either an aromatic hydrocarbon ring group or an aromatic heterocyclic group, with an aromatic hydrocarbon ring group being preferred. Examples of the aromatic ring constituting the aromatic ring group include the aromatic rings exemplified above for the group having a ring structure. Among these, a phenyl group is preferred as the aromatic ring group. Examples of the substituent that the aliphatic hydrocarbon group and aromatic ring group may have include an alkyl ester group, an alkyl group that 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, and an alkyl ester group, an alkyl group, or an acyl group is preferred. ＡＯ When represents a hydrogen atom, the group represented by Rk has a hydroxyl group but corresponds to a group having a poly(alkyleneoxy) group.

[0073] When Rk is a group having a poly(alkyleneoxy) group, in formula (2), L ３２ is preferably a single bond. Specifically, when Rk is a group having a poly(alkyleneoxy) group, the repeating unit represented by formula (2) is preferably a repeating unit represented by formula (c1).

[0074]

[0075] In formula (c1), R ３１ and L ３１ is R in the above formula (2). ３１ and L ３１ Al, k, and R ＡＯ is as described above.

[0076] (Hydroxyl group) When Rk is a hydroxyl group, L ３２ is preferably an alkylene group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, and more preferably an alkylene group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms. When Rk is a hydroxyl group, examples of the repeating unit represented by formula (2) include a repeating unit represented by formula (h1).

[0077]

[0078] In the above formula (h1), R ３１ is R in formula (2). ３１ is synonymous with.

[0079] Specific examples of the repeating unit represented by formula (2) include the following repeating units: In the following formula, n3 and m3 represent the number of repeating units.

[0080]

[0081] The repeating unit represented by formula (2) may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the repeating unit represented by formula (2) is preferably 20 to 80% by mass, more preferably 30 to 70% by mass, based on all repeating units of the specific compound. Furthermore, in order to obtain better alignment properties of the liquid crystal compound, the content of the repeating unit represented by formula (2) in which Rk is a group having a ring structure is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 80% by mass or more, based on the repeating units represented by formula (2). The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be 100% by mass.

[0082] The total content of the repeating units represented by formula (1) and the repeating units represented by formula (2) is preferably 60% by mass or more, more preferably 80% by mass or more, and even more preferably 90% by mass or more, based on the total repeating units of the specific compound. There is no particular upper limit, and it may be 100% by mass.

[0083] <Other Repeating Units> The specific compound, which is a polymer, may have other repeating units in addition to those described above. Examples of other repeating units include repeating units containing a reactive group. Examples of the reactive group include radically polymerizable groups or cationically polymerizable groups, with radically polymerizable groups being preferred. Examples of the reactive group include functional groups capable of forming covalent complexes with hydroxyl groups. Examples of the radically polymerizable group include known radically polymerizable groups, such as vinyl groups, allyl groups, vinyloxy groups, maleimide groups, allyloxy groups, (meth)acryloyl groups, (meth)acryloyloxy groups, and (meth)acrylamide groups. Of these, (meth)acryloyl groups or (meth)acryloyloxy groups are preferred. Examples of the cationically polymerizable group include known cationically polymerizable groups, such as alicyclic ether groups, cyclic acetal groups, cyclic lactone groups, cyclic thioether groups, spiro orthoester groups, and vinyloxy groups. Among these, an alicyclic ether group or a vinyloxy group is preferred, and an epoxy group, an oxetanyl group, or a vinyloxy group is more preferred. Examples of functional groups capable of forming a covalent bond complex with a hydroxyl group include a boronic acid group (-B(OH) ２ ) and a boronic ester group (—B(OR Ｂ１ ) ２ ) group is preferred. Ｂ１ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl group, an optionally substituted aryl group, or an optionally substituted heteroaryl group, and is preferably a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl group. 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.

[0084] The repeating unit having a reactive group is preferably a repeating unit represented by the following formula (d1) in that it has better compatibility with the liquid crystal compound.

[0085]

[0086] In formula (d1), R ５１ and R５２ 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. ５１ and R ５２ is preferably a hydrogen atom.

[0087] In formula (d1), R ５３ The definition and preferred embodiments of R in formula (2) are as follows: ３１ is the same as L ５１ The definition and preferred embodiment of are as follows: ３１ is the same as

[0088] In formula (d1), L ５１ represents 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. Examples of the substituent that the divalent linking group may have include 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.

[0089] In formula (d1), P １ represents a reactive group. The definition and preferred embodiments of the reactive group are as described above.

[0090] Specific examples of the repeating unit having a reactive group include the repeating units shown below.

[0091]

[0092] Examples of repeating units containing a boronic acid group or a boronic ester group as a reactive group include the repeating units described in paragraphs 0036 to 0045 of WO 2018 / 062068.

[0093] Examples of repeating units other than those mentioned above include repeating units derived from alkyl (meth)acrylate (the alkyl group moiety has 1 to 24 carbon atoms), styrene derivatives, (meth)acrylonitrile, vinyl ether derivatives, and alkyl(meth)acrylamide derivatives.

[0094] When the specific compound is a copolymer containing two or more types of repeating units, it may be a random copolymer, an alternating copolymer, or a block copolymer, or may be a mixture of random, alternating, and block copolymers.

[0095] The weight-average molecular weight of the specific compound is preferably 3,000 to 200,000, more preferably 5,000 to 100,000, and even more preferably 8,000 to 100,000, in terms of achieving better effects of the present invention. 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 were connected: TSKgel SuperHZM-H, TSKgel SuperHZ4000, and TSKgel SuperHZ200 (all manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) Column temperature: 40°C Sample concentration: 0.1% by mass Flow rate: 0.35 ml / min Calibration curve: A calibration curve using six samples of TSK standard polystyrene manufactured by Tosoh Corporation with Mw = 706,000 to 1,013 (Mw / Mn = 1.03 to 1.06) was used.

[0096] The specific compound may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the specific compound is preferably 5% by mass or less, more preferably 1% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or less, based on the total solid content of the composition, in order to obtain a more excellent effect of the present invention. Furthermore, the content of the specific compound is preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, based on the total solid content of the composition, in order to obtain a more excellent effect of the present invention.

[0097] [Liquid Crystal Compound] The liquid crystal compound contained in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited. Generally, liquid crystal compounds can be classified into rod-shaped and discotic types based on their shape. Each type can further be divided into low-molecular-weight and high-molecular-weight types. High-molecular-weight compounds generally refer to those with a degree of polymerization of 100 or more (Polymer Physics / Phase Transition Dynamics, by Masao Doi, p. 2, Iwanami Shoten, 1992). In the present invention, any liquid crystal compound can be used, but rod-shaped or discotic liquid crystal compounds (discotic liquid crystal compounds) are preferably used. Two or more rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds, two or more discotic liquid crystal compounds, or a mixture of a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound and a discotic liquid crystal compound may also be used.

[0098] The liquid crystal compound contained in the composition may be either a low molecular weight liquid crystal compound or a polymer liquid crystal compound, or a mixture thereof. From the viewpoint of alignment, the liquid crystal compound is preferably a polymerizable liquid crystal compound. A polymerizable liquid crystal compound is a liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable group, and the alignment state can be fixed by polymerization after alignment. Furthermore, the alignment state of a polymer liquid crystal compound can be fixed by removing the solvent from the composition and drying it after alignment.

[0099] The polymerizable liquid crystal compound is preferably at least one polymerizable liquid crystal compound selected from the group consisting of polymerizable rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds and polymerizable discotic liquid crystal compounds. The polymerizable group of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is not particularly limited, but a polymerizable group capable of radical polymerization or cationic polymerization is preferred. Examples of the polymerizable group include an acryloyl group, a methacryloyl group, an epoxy group, and a vinyl group.

[0100] As the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound, those described in claim 1 of JP-A-11-513019 or paragraphs

[0026] to

[0098] of JP-A-2005-289980 are preferred, and as the discotic liquid crystal compound, those described in paragraphs

[0020] to

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

[0013] to

[0108] of JP-A-2010-244038 are preferred.

[0101] The liquid crystal compound may be a liquid crystal compound having reverse wavelength dispersion (reverse dispersion compound). In this specification, the term "reverse wavelength dispersion" refers to a liquid crystal compound that, when the in-plane retardation (Re) value of a film produced using the compound is measured at a specific wavelength (visible light range), exhibits a constant or higher Re value as the measured wavelength increases. The liquid crystal compound of reverse wavelength dispersion is not particularly limited as long as it can form a layer of reverse wavelength dispersion, for example, the general formula (I) described in JP-A-2008-297210 compounds (particularly, the compounds described in paragraphs

[0034] to

[0039] ), the general formula (1) described in JP-A-2010-084032 compounds (particularly, the compounds described in paragraphs

[0067] to

[0073] ), the general formula (1) described in JP-A-2016-081035 compounds (particularly, the compounds described in paragraphs

[0043] to

[0055] ), and the general formula (II) described in JP-A-2016-053709 compounds (particularly, the compounds described in paragraphs

[0036] to

[0043] ). Further, paragraphs

[0027] to

[0100] of JP-A No. 2011-006360, paragraphs

[0028] to

[0125] of JP-A No. 2011-006361, paragraphs

[0034] to

[0298] of JP-A No. 2012-207765, paragraphs

[0016] to

[0345] of JP-A No. 2012-077055, / 141245, paragraphs

[0017] to

[0072] , WO12 / 147904, paragraphs

[0021] to

[0088] , WO14 / 147904, paragraphs

[0028] to

[0115] , and WO 2021 / 060427, paragraphs

[0025] to

[0056] .

[0102] The liquid crystal compound may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the liquid crystal compound is preferably 50 to 99.99 mass %, more preferably 70 to 99 mass %, based on the total solid content of the composition.

[0103] [Other Components] The composition may contain other components in addition to those described above. Examples of the other components include a polymerization initiator, a chiral agent, an alignment control agent, a solvent, a crosslinking agent, and a precipitation inhibitor.

[0104] <Polymerization Initiator> The composition preferably contains a polymerization initiator. The polymerization initiator is not particularly limited, but a photopolymerization initiator is preferred. Known photopolymerization initiators can be used. Examples of the photopolymerization initiator include α-carbonyl compounds, acyloin ethers, α-hydrocarbon-substituted aromatic acyloin compounds, polynuclear quinone compounds, combinations of triarylimidazole dimers and p-aminophenyl ketones, acridine and phenazine compounds, oxadiazole compounds, o-acyloxime compounds, and acylphosphine oxide compounds. Commercially available photopolymerization initiators can also be used, such as Irgacure-184, Irgacure-907, Irgacure-369, Irgacure-651, Irgacure-819, Irgacure-OXE-01, and Irgacure-OXE-02, all manufactured by BASF.

[0105] The content of the polymerization initiator is preferably from 0.01 to 30% by mass, more preferably from 0.1 to 15% by mass, based on the total solid content of the composition.

[0106] <Alignment Control Agent> The composition may contain an alignment control agent as needed. The alignment control agent can form various alignment states such as homogeneous alignment, homeotropic alignment (vertical alignment), tilted alignment, hybrid alignment, and cholesteric alignment, and can also realize specific alignment states more uniformly and more precisely controlled.

[0107] As the alignment control agent for promoting homogeneous alignment, for example, a low molecular weight alignment control agent and a high molecular weight alignment control agent can be used. For low molecular weight alignment control agents, for example, the descriptions in paragraphs

[0009] to

[0083] of JP 2002-020363 A, paragraphs

[0111] to

[0120] of JP 2006-106662 A, and paragraphs

[0021] to

[0029] of JP 2012-211306 A can be referred to, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Regarding polymer orientation control agents, reference can be made to, for example, paragraphs

[0021] to

[0057] of JP-A No. 2004-198511 and paragraphs

[0121] to

[0167] of JP-A No. 2006-106662, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0108] Examples of alignment control agents that form or promote homeotropic alignment include boronic acid compounds and onium salt compounds. Specifically, the compounds described in JP-A-2008-225281, paragraphs

[0023] to

[0032] , JP-A-2012-208397, paragraphs

[0052] to

[0058] , JP-A-2008-026730, paragraphs

[0024] to

[0055] , and JP-A-2016-193869, paragraphs

[0043] to

[0055] , etc., can be referred to, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0109] Cholesteric alignment can be achieved by adding a chiral agent to the composition, and the direction of rotation of the cholesteric alignment can be controlled by the chirality of the agent. The pitch of the cholesteric alignment can be controlled by the alignment control force of the chiral agent.

[0110] The chiral agent can be selected according to the purpose, since the twist direction or helical pitch of the helix induced varies depending on the compound. Chiral agents are not particularly limited, but include known compounds (e.g., those described in "Liquid Crystal Device Handbook," Chapter 3, Section 4-3, Chiral Agents for TN (Twisted Nematic) and STN (Super Twisted Nematic)," p. 199, edited by the 142nd Committee of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 1989), isosorbide, and isomannide derivatives. Chiral agents generally contain an asymmetric carbon atom, but axially asymmetric compounds or planar asymmetric compounds that do not contain an asymmetric carbon atom can also be used as chiral agents. Examples of axially asymmetric compounds or planar asymmetric compounds include binaphthyl, helicene, paracyclophane, and derivatives thereof. The chiral agent may have a polymerizable group. The polymerizable group of the chiral agent is preferably an unsaturated polymerizable group, an epoxy group, or an aziridinyl group, more preferably an unsaturated polymerizable group, and even more preferably an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable group.

[0111] The chiral agent may have a photoisomerizable moiety. The photoisomerizable moiety is preferably a cinnamoyl moiety, a chalcone moiety, an azobenzene moiety, or a stilbene moiety, and more preferably a cinnamoyl moiety, a chalcone moiety, or a stilbene moiety. Examples of the chiral agent include the optically active isosorbide derivatives described in paragraphs

[0015] to

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

[0015] to

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

[0015] to

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

[0012] to

[0053] of WO2018 / 194157.

[0112] When the composition contains a chiral agent, the content of the chiral agent is preferably 5.0% by mass or less, more preferably 3.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 2.0% by mass or less, and particularly preferably less than 1.0% by mass, relative to the total mass of the liquid crystal compound, from the viewpoint of facilitating uniform alignment of the liquid crystal compound. The lower limit is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.02% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more. One chiral agent may be used alone, or two or more may be used in combination. When two or more chiral agents are used in combination, it is preferable that the total content is within the above range.

[0113] When forming a film having multiple orientation states in one layer, it is preferable to use two or more chiral agents including a chiral agent A and a chiral agent B that induces a helix in the opposite direction to that of chiral agent A. For example, when the helix induced by chiral agent A is right-handed, the helix induced by chiral agent B is left-handed.

[0114] <Solvent> From the viewpoint of workability in forming a coating film, the composition preferably contains a solvent. Examples of the solvent include ketones (e.g., acetone, 2-butanone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclopentanone, and cyclohexanone), ethers (e.g., dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydropyran, dioxolane, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, and cyclopentyl methyl ether), aliphatic hydrocarbons (e.g., hexane), alicyclic hydrocarbons (e.g., cyclohexane), aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylene, and trimethylbenzene), halogenated carbons (e.g., dichloromethane, trichloromethane (chloroform), dichloroethane, dichlorobenzene, and chloroform), and the like. toluene), esters (e.g., methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, ethyl propionate, butyl acetate, and diethyl carbonate), alcohols (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, and cyclohexanol), cellosolves (e.g., methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, and 1,2-dimethoxyethane), cellosolve acetates, sulfoxides (e.g., dimethyl sulfoxide), amides (e.g., dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, N-ethylpyrrolidone, and 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone), and heterocyclic compounds (e.g., pyridine, etc.), as well as organic solvents such as water. These solvents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0115] The composition may contain other components as needed, such as a chiral agent, a chain transfer agent, a tilt angle control agent, and a plasticizer.

[0116] [Use] The composition of the present invention is preferably used to form a film. The film may be a liquid crystal film exhibiting liquid crystallinity, or may be a film in which the orientation state of the liquid crystal compound in the composition is fixed (liquid crystal cured film). In the liquid crystal cured film, the liquid crystal compound does not need to exhibit liquid crystallinity.

[0117] [Film] As described above, the film formed by the composition of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "specific film") may be either a liquid crystal film or a liquid crystal cured film, and is preferably a liquid crystal cured film. Examples of methods for forming a liquid crystal cured film include a method in which the liquid crystal compound contained in a coating film formed using the composition of the present invention described above is aligned to a desired state, and then the aligned state is fixed by polymerization. The polymerization conditions are not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use ultraviolet light in 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.

[0118] The orientation state of the liquid crystal compound in the specific film may be any of horizontal orientation, vertical orientation, tilted orientation, and twisted orientation. Furthermore, as described in WO 2021 / 033640, a liquid crystal cured layer may have multiple orientation states within the film, such as a first region in which the orientation state of the liquid crystal compound is fixed in a twisted orientation along a helical axis extending along the thickness direction, and a second region in which the orientation state of the liquid crystal compound is fixed in a homogeneous orientation, along the thickness direction. In this specification, "horizontal orientation" means that the major surface of the specific film (or, if the specific film is formed on a member such as a support and an alignment film, the surface of the member) and the long axis direction of the liquid crystal compound are parallel. Strict parallelism is not required, and in this specification, it means an orientation in which the angle between the long axis direction of the liquid crystal compound and the major surface of the specific film is less than 10°.

[0119] The liquid crystal cured film is preferably an optically anisotropic layer. Examples of the optically anisotropic layer include a positive A plate, a positive C plate, and an optically anisotropic layer having, along the thickness direction, a first region in which the orientation state of a liquid crystal compound that is twisted along a helical axis extending along the thickness direction is fixed, and a second region in which the orientation state of a liquid crystal compound that is homogeneously aligned is fixed (hereinafter, this embodiment will be abbreviated as "optically anisotropic layer A").

[0120] Here, a positive A plate (positive A plate) and a positive C plate (positive C plate) are defined as follows. When the refractive index in the in-plane slow axis direction of the film (the direction in which the in-plane refractive index is maximum) is nx, the refractive index in the in-plane direction perpendicular to the in-plane slow axis is ny, and the refractive index in the thickness direction is nz, a positive A plate satisfies the relationship of formula (A1), and a positive C plate satisfies the relationship of formula (C1). Note that a positive A plate has a positive Rth, and a positive C plate has a negative Rth. Formula (A1) nx>ny≒nz Formula (C1) nz>nx≒ny Note that the above "≒" includes not only the case where both are completely identical, but also the case where both are substantially identical. Regarding "substantially the same," for a positive A plate, "ny ≒ nz" includes, for example, a case where (ny - nz) x d (where d is the film thickness) is -10 to 10 nm, preferably -5 to 5 nm, and "nx ≒ nz" includes, for example, a case where (nx - nz) x d (where d is the film thickness) is -10 to 10 nm, preferably -5 to 5 nm. Also, for a positive C plate, "nx ≒ ny" includes, for example, a case where (nx - ny) x d (where d is the film thickness) is 0 to 10 nm, preferably 0 to 5 nm.

[0121] When the liquid crystal cured film is a positive A plate, from the viewpoint of functioning as a λ / 4 plate, Re(550) is preferably 100 to 180 nm, more preferably 120 to 160 nm, even more preferably 130 to 150 nm, and particularly preferably 130 to 145 nm. Here, the "λ / 4 plate" is a plate having a λ / 4 function, specifically, a plate having a function of converting linearly polarized light of a certain wavelength into circularly polarized light (or circularly polarized light into linearly polarized light).

[0122] An optically anisotropic layer (optically anisotropic layer A) having, along the thickness direction, a first region in which the alignment state of liquid crystal compounds twisted along a helical axis extending along the thickness direction is fixed, and a second region in which the alignment state of liquid crystal compounds homogeneously aligned is fixed, will be described in detail. When the thickness of the first region of the optically anisotropic layer A is d1 (nm) and the refractive index anisotropy of the first region measured at a wavelength of 550 nm is Δn1, the first region preferably satisfies the following formula (1-1) in order to enable the optically anisotropic layer to be suitably used in a circular polarizer: Formula (1-1) 100 nm≦Δn1d1≦240 nm. Among these, it is more preferable to satisfy formula (1-2), and even more preferable to satisfy formula (1-3). 120 nm≦Δn1d1≦220 nm Equation (1-2) 140 nm≦Δn1d1≦200 nm Equation (1-3) The refractive index anisotropy Δn1 means the refractive index anisotropy of the first region.

[0123] The absolute value of the twist angle of the liquid crystal compound in the first region is not particularly limited, but is preferably 60 to 120°, more preferably 70 to 110°, in order to enable the optically anisotropic layer to be suitably applied to a circular polarizer. The twist angle is measured using an Axoscan manufactured by Axometrics and its instrument analysis software.

[0124] Furthermore, assuming that the thickness of the second region of the optically anisotropic layer A is d2 (nm) and the refractive index anisotropy of the second region measured at a wavelength of 550 nm is Δn2, it is preferable that the second region satisfy the following formula (2-1), in order to enable the optically anisotropic layer to be suitably applied to a circularly polarizing plate. Formula (2-1) 100 nm≦Δn2d2≦240 nm Among these, it is more preferable to satisfy formula (2-2), and even more preferable to satisfy formula (2-3). Formula (2-2) 120 nm≦Δn2d2≦220 nm Formula (2-3) 140 nm≦Δn2d2≦200 nm Note that the refractive index anisotropy Δn2 means the refractive index anisotropy of the second region.

[0125] The thickness of the specific film is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 to 10 μm, more preferably 0.5 to 5 μm.

[0126] [Optical Film] The composition of the present invention is also preferably used in an optical film. In other words, the specific film can be used as an optical film in combination with other layers. An example of the optical film is an optical film having a support, an alignment film, and a liquid crystal cured layer in this order. Note that both the support and the alignment film are optional components.

[0127] [Liquid Crystal Cured Layer] The liquid crystal cured layer may be the above-mentioned liquid crystal cured film, or may have a liquid crystal cured film and another liquid crystal layer. That is, the liquid crystal cured film may be formed on the surface of another liquid crystal layer, or another liquid crystal layer may be formed on the surface of the liquid crystal cured film. For example, when the polarizing plate described below is used as a circular polarizing plate, or when the optical film is used as an optical compensation film for an IPS (In-Plane-Switching) or FFS (Fringe-Field-Switching) liquid crystal display device, the liquid crystal cured layer is preferably a laminate of a positive A plate and a positive C plate. The other liquid crystal layer may be a liquid crystal layer formed by fixing the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition in a predetermined alignment state, or may be a liquid crystal layer formed by fixing a composition containing a liquid crystal compound and, if necessary, optional components (e.g., a polymerization initiator, a dichroic material, and a leveling agent) in a predetermined alignment state.

[0128] When the liquid crystal cured film is laminated to another liquid crystal layer, it is also preferable to laminate them via an adhesive layer. Examples of the adhesive layer include known adhesive layers and pressure-sensitive adhesive layers. Examples of materials for forming the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer include members formed of substances having a ratio of storage modulus G' to loss modulus G" (tan δ = G" / G') measured with a dynamic viscoelasticity measuring device of 0.001 to 1.5, such as so-called pressure-sensitive adhesives and substances that tend to creep. Examples of pressure-sensitive adhesives include polyvinyl alcohol-based pressure-sensitive adhesives. The adhesive layer is preferably a curable adhesive composition that cures upon irradiation with active energy rays or heating. Examples of curable adhesive compositions include curable adhesive compositions containing a cationically polymerizable compound and curable adhesive compositions containing a radically polymerizable compound. The thickness of the adhesive layer is preferably 0.01 to 20 μm, more preferably 0.01 to 10 μm, and even more preferably 0.05 to 5 μm. When the thickness of the adhesive layer is within this range, lifting or peeling is unlikely to occur between the laminated protective layer or cured liquid crystal layer and the polarizer. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing the generation of bubbles, the thickness of the adhesive layer is preferably 0.4 μm or more. For details of the adhesive layer, see, for example, paragraphs

[0062] to

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

[0129] The cured liquid crystal layer may be peeled off from the support and used alone as an optical film.

[0130] [Support] The support is a base material for forming a film. The support is preferably transparent. Specifically, it is preferable that the light transmittance be 80% or more.

[0131] Examples of the support include glass substrates and polymer films. Examples of materials for the polymer film 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 polyamide; imide-based polymers; sulfone-based polymers; polyethersulfone-based polymers; polyetheretherketone-based polymers; polyphenylene sulfide-based polymers; vinylidene chloride-based polymers; vinyl alcohol-based polymers; vinyl butyral-based polymers; arylate-based polymers; polyoxymethylene-based polymers; epoxy-based polymers; and polymers obtained by mixing these polymers. In addition, the polarizer described below may also serve as such a support.

[0132] The thickness of the support is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 to 100 μm, more preferably 5 to 50 μm. The support is preferably peelable.

[0133] [Alignment Layer] The optical film preferably has an alignment layer between the support and the film, and the support may also serve as the alignment layer.

[0134] Alignment films generally contain a polymer as a main component. Polymer materials for alignment films are described in numerous publications, and many commercially available products are available. The polymer material used in the present invention is preferably polyvinyl alcohol or polyimide, and derivatives thereof. Modified or unmodified polyvinyl alcohol is particularly preferred. Examples of alignment films that can be used in the present invention include those described in WO 01 / 088574, page 43, line 24 to page 49, line 8; modified polyvinyl alcohols described in paragraphs

[0071] to

[0095] of Japanese Patent No. 3907735; and liquid crystal alignment films formed using liquid crystal aligning agents described in JP 2012-155308 A.

[0135] In the present invention, it is also preferable to use a photo-alignment film as the alignment film, because it is possible to prevent deterioration of the surface condition by not contacting the alignment film surface during formation of the alignment film. The photo-alignment film is not particularly limited, but polymer materials such as polyamide compounds and polyimide compounds described in paragraphs

[0024] to

[0043] of WO 2005 / 096041; liquid crystal alignment films formed by liquid crystal aligning agents having a photo-aligning group with a cinnamic acid structure described in JP 2012-155308 A; product name LPP-JP265CP manufactured by Rolic Technologies, Inc., and the like can be used.

[0136] The thickness of the alignment film is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of reducing surface irregularities that may be present on the support and forming an optically anisotropic layer with a uniform thickness, it is preferably 0.01 to 10 μm, more preferably 0.01 to 1 μm, and even more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 μm.

[0137] In consideration of the influence of external light (particularly ultraviolet light), the optical film preferably contains an ultraviolet (UV) absorber. The ultraviolet absorber may be contained in the cured liquid crystal film or in a component other than the cured liquid crystal film. A suitable example of the component other than the cured liquid crystal film is a support. Any conventionally known ultraviolet absorber capable of exhibiting ultraviolet absorption properties can be used as the ultraviolet absorber. Among these ultraviolet absorbers, benzotriazole-based or hydroxyphenyltriazine-based ultraviolet absorbers are preferred from the viewpoint of achieving high ultraviolet absorption and ultraviolet absorption (ultraviolet blocking) capabilities required for image display devices. Furthermore, to broaden the ultraviolet absorption bandwidth, two or more ultraviolet absorbers with different maximum absorption wavelengths can be used in combination. Specific examples of ultraviolet absorbers include the compounds described in paragraphs

[0258] to

[0259] of JP 2012-018395 A and the compounds described in paragraphs

[0055] to

[0105] of JP 2007-072163 A. Commercially available products that can be used include Tinuvin 400, Tinuvin 405, Tinuvin 460, Tinuvin 477, Tinuvin 479, and Tinuvin 1577 (all manufactured by BASF).

[0138] [Polarizing Plate] The composition of the present invention is also preferably used in a polarizing plate. Examples of polarizing plates include a polarizing plate having the above-described optical film and a polarizer. When the liquid crystal cured layer (optically anisotropic layer) of the optical film is a positive A plate, from the viewpoint of suitable application to a circular polarizing plate, etc., the angle between the slow axis of the positive A plate and the absorption axis of the polarizer described below is preferably 30 to 60°, more preferably 40 to 50°, even more preferably 42 to 48°, and particularly preferably 45°. Here, the "slow axis" refers to the direction in which the refractive index is maximized in the plane of the liquid crystal cured layer, and the "absorption axis" of the polarizer refers to the direction in which the absorbance is highest. When the liquid crystal cured layer (optically anisotropic layer) of the optical film is the above-described optically anisotropic layer A, from the viewpoint of suitable application to a circular polarizing plate, etc., the absolute value of the angle between the in-plane slow axis of the second region formed by fixing the alignment state of the homogeneously aligned liquid crystal compound and the absorption axis of the polarizer is preferably 5 to 25°, more preferably 10 to 20°. The polarizing plate can also be used as an optical compensation film for an IPS-type or FFS-type liquid crystal display device. When the polarizing plate is used as an optical compensation film for an IPS-type or FFS-type liquid crystal display device, the above-mentioned optically anisotropic layer is preferably used as at least one plate of a laminate of a positive A plate and a positive C plate, and the angle between the slow axis of the positive A plate layer and the absorption axis of a polarizer described later is preferably orthogonal or parallel. Specifically, the angle between the slow axis of the positive A plate layer and the absorption axis of the polarizer described later is more preferably 0 to 5° or 85 to 95°. When the polarizing plate of the present invention is used in an image display device described later, the angle between the slow axis of the liquid crystal cured layer and the absorption axis of the polarizer described later is preferably parallel or parallel. Note that in this specification, "parallel" does not require strict parallelism (an angle of 0°), but means that the angle between one side and the other is less than 10°. Furthermore, "orthogonal" does not require strict perpendicularity (the angle formed is 90°), but means that the angle formed between one side and the other side is greater than 80° and less than 100°.

[0139] [Polarizer] The polarizer is not particularly limited as long as it is a component capable of converting light into specific linearly polarized light, and conventionally known absorptive polarizers, reflective polarizers, and coated polarizers can be used. Examples of absorptive polarizers include iodine-based polarizers, dye-based polarizers using dichroic dyes, and polyene-based polarizers. Iodine-based polarizers and dye-based polarizers include coated polarizers and stretched polarizers, both of which are applicable. Preferred are polarizers prepared by adsorbing iodine or a dichroic dye to polyvinyl alcohol and stretching the resulting material. Examples of coated polarizers include polarizers containing a cured product of a liquid crystal compound and a dichroic dye. Examples of reflective polarizers include polarizers formed by laminating thin films with different birefringence, wire-grid polarizers, and polarizers formed by combining a cholesteric liquid crystal having a selective reflection region with a quarter-wave plate.

[0140] The thickness of the polarizer is not particularly limited, but is preferably from 3 to 60 μm, more preferably from 3 to 30 μm, and even more preferably from 3 to 10 μm.

[0141] In the polarizing plate, an adhesive layer may be disposed between the liquid crystal cured layer in the optical film and the polarizer. Examples of the adhesive layer include an adhesive layer that may be included in the optical film.

[0142] [Image display device] The composition of the present invention is also preferably used in an image display device. Examples of the image display device include image displays having the above-mentioned optical film or polarizing plate. The display element used in the image display device is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a liquid crystal cell, an organic electroluminescence (hereinafter referred to as "organic EL (Electro Luminescence)") display panel, and a plasma display panel, with a liquid crystal cell or an organic EL display panel being preferred.

[0143] [Liquid Crystal Display Device] A liquid crystal display device, which is an example of an image display device, is a liquid crystal display device having the above-described polarizing plate and a liquid crystal cell. Of the polarizing plates provided on both sides of the liquid crystal cell, it is preferable to use the above-described polarizing plate as the front-side polarizing plate, and it is more preferable to use the above-described polarizing plate as the front-side and rear-side polarizing plates.

[0144] <Liquid Crystal Cell> The liquid crystal cell used in the liquid crystal display device is preferably in VA (Vertical Alignment) mode, OCB (Optically Compensated Bend) mode, IPS (In-Plane-Switching) mode, FFS (Fringe-Field-Switching) mode, or TN (Twisted Nematic) mode, but is not limited to these.

[0145] [Organic EL Display Device] An example of an organic EL display device, which is an example of an image display device, includes, from the viewing side, a polarizer, a λ / 4 plate made of the above-mentioned liquid crystal cured layer, and an organic EL display panel, in this order. The organic EL display panel is a display panel configured using organic EL elements in which an organic light-emitting layer (organic electroluminescence layer) is sandwiched between electrodes (between a cathode and an anode). The configuration of the organic EL display panel is not particularly limited, and a known configuration may be adopted.

[0146] [Polymer] The present invention also includes an invention of a specific polymer, which is a specific compound that is a polymer. The specific polymer contains a repeating unit represented by formula (1) and a repeating unit represented by formula (2), and preferably has a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 to 100,000. Details of the specific compound that is a polymer, the repeating unit represented by formula (1), and the repeating unit represented by formula (2) are as described above.

[0147] [Compound] The present invention includes an invention of a compound capable of synthesizing a specific polymer. Examples of the compound capable of synthesizing the specific polymer include compounds having at least one group (hereinafter also referred to as a "specific group") selected from the group consisting of formula (Rfc2), formula (Rfc3), and formula (Rfn2).

[0148]

[0149] The formulae (Rfc2), (Rfc3), and (Rfn2) are as described above.

[0150] The compound capable of synthesizing the specific polymer is preferably a monomer containing the specific group. The monomer containing the specific group is a compound having the specific group and a polymerizable group. Examples of the polymerizable group include a radically polymerizable group or a cationically polymerizable group, with the radically polymerizable group being preferred. Examples of the radically polymerizable group include a vinyl group, an allyl group, a vinyloxy group, a maleimide group, an allyloxy group, a (meth)acryloyl group, a (meth)acryloyloxy group, and a (meth)acrylamide group, with the (meth)acryloyl group, a (meth)acryloyloxy group, or a (meth)acrylamide group being preferred.

[0151] Of the compounds capable of synthesizing the specific polymer, the compounds represented by formula (MA1) or (MB1) are preferred.

[0152]

[0153] In formula (MA1) and formula (MB1), R １０１ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. １０１ represents a single bond or an alkylene group. The alkylene group is preferably a linear alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and more preferably a methylene group. Rfc represents a group represented by the above formula (Rfc2) or a group represented by the above formula (Rfc3). In formula (MB1), Rfn represents a group represented by the above formula (Rfn2).

[0154] The specific compound, specific polymer, and the compound of the present invention are expected to be useful as a leveling agent or a surfactant. Furthermore, the specific compound, specific polymer, and the compound of the present invention are expected to be applicable to various uses, such as resin compositions, resist compositions, coating compositions, paint compositions, photosensitive compositions, dental compositions, and oral compositions.

[0155] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the following examples. The materials, amounts used, ratios, treatment details, and treatment procedures shown in the following examples can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the following examples.

[0156] [Synthesis of specific compounds] [Synthesis of compounds capable of synthesizing polymers] Compounds M-6, M-1, M-14, and M-18 capable of synthesizing specific compounds that are polymers were synthesized according to the following procedure.

[0157] <Synthesis of M-6, M-1, M-14> 499.0 g of ethyl acetate, 24.30 g of ion-exchanged water, and palladium / carbon (5% palladium, approximately 55% wet with water) were placed in a 1000 mL three-neck flask equipped with a stirrer, a condenser, a nitrogen inlet tube, and a thermometer, and the atmosphere was replaced with nitrogen. The three-neck flask was placed in an ice bath, and 100.0 g of 1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane was added dropwise over 30 minutes. After the dropwise addition, the mixture was returned to room temperature and allowed to react for 3 hours. After the reaction, the palladium / carbon was removed by filtration through Celite, and the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator to obtain 100.5 g of a colorless, transparent liquid. This liquid was determined to be the following branched silanol (TMS2 silanol). １ This was confirmed by H-NMR.

[0158]

[0159] Next, 99.0 g of the resulting TMS2 silanol and 285 g of toluene were added to a 500 mL three-neck flask equipped with a stirrer, a condenser, a nitrogen inlet tube, and a thermometer, and the three-neck flask was immersed in an ice bath. After confirming that the temperature had dropped below 5°C, 32.5 g of pyridine was added dropwise, and stirring was continued until the temperature returned to below 5°C. A solution was prepared by adding 18.4 g of toluene and 19.3 mL of dichloromethylsilane to a separate dropping funnel. The prepared solution was added dropwise to the three-neck flask over 30 minutes. After the addition was complete, the reaction solution was returned to room temperature and allowed to react for 3 hours. After the reaction, the precipitated solid was filtered off, and the resulting colorless, transparent liquid was subjected to a separation operation. This separation operation was performed twice using 350 mL of ion-exchanged water, and the organic layer was recovered. Magnesium sulfate was added to the organic layer, and the mixture was dehydrated for at least 30 minutes, followed by vacuum concentration using a rotary evaporator. To the resulting liquid, crushed silica gel (Wakogel C-200, manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was added, and after stirring, the mixture was subjected to suction filtration to obtain a colorless, transparent liquid. The liquid was determined to be the following branched siloxane (TMS4 silane).１ This was confirmed by H-NMR.

[0160]

[0161] A 200 mL three-neck flask equipped with a stirrer, condenser, nitrogen inlet tube, and thermometer was charged with 3.00 g of 1,3-bis(allyloxy)-2-propanol, 0.33 g of platinum(0)-1,3-divinyltetramethyldisiloxane complex solution (containing approximately 20% platinum), and 21.6 g of tetrahydrofuran (containing a stabilizer), and the atmosphere was replaced with nitrogen. At 25°C, 18.3 g of the obtained TMS4 silane was added dropwise over 30 minutes. After the completion of the dropwise addition, the mixture was allowed to react for 3 hours, and then pulverized silica gel (Wakogel C-200, manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) and activated carbon were added. The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes and then filtered through Celite. The resulting transparent liquid was concentrated under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator to obtain 21.0 g of a pale yellow, transparent liquid. The above liquid was determined to be an alcohol (TMS4*2-OH) containing the following branched siloxane, which is the M-6 precursor: １ The M-1 precursor TMS4-OH and the M-14 precursor TMS4*2-NH were obtained by the same procedure, except that 1,3-bis(allyloxy)-2-propanol was replaced with a compound that would yield the following compounds:

[0162]

[0163] 20.0 g of the resulting TMS4*2-OH, 1.69 g of triethylamine, and 24.9 g of tetrahydrofuran were added to a 200 mL three-neck flask equipped with a stirrer, a condenser, a nitrogen inlet tube, and a thermometer, and the three-neck flask was placed in an ice bath. After confirming that the temperature had reached 5°C or below, 2.59 g of methacrylic acid chloride was added dropwise. After the addition, the reaction solution was returned to room temperature and allowed to react for 3 hours. After the reaction, the mixture was quenched with 20 g of ion-exchanged water. 100 mL of ethyl acetate / hexane (1 / 1) was added to the reaction solution, and the organic layer was extracted. The mixture was then separated twice with 100 mL of ion-exchanged water and twice with 100 mL of saturated saline, after which the organic layer was recovered and dehydrated with magnesium sulfate for at least 30 minutes. The resulting colorless, transparent liquid was concentrated under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator to obtain 18.0 g of a colorless, transparent liquid. The resulting colorless, transparent liquid was purified by silica gel chromatography to obtain M-6. The structure of M-6 is: １ H-NMR and １３ M-1 and M-14 were obtained in the same manner as M-6, except that TMS4*2-OH or TMS4*2-NH was used instead of TMS4*2-OH.

[0164] <Synthesis of M-18> 59 g of 4-chloro-1,1-dimethoxybutane, 50 g of 3-buten-1-ol, 0.76 g of 10-camphorsulfonic acid, and 91 mL of hexane were placed in a 1000 mL three-neck flask equipped with a stirrer, a condenser, a distillation tube, a nitrogen inlet tube, and a thermometer. Nitrogen was flowed at 60 mL / min, and the reaction was initiated while the hexane and methanol were removed. After 30 minutes, 538 mL of hexane was added dropwise over 3 hours. Next, 35 g of 3-buten-1-ol was added and the reaction was continued for 30 minutes, after which 538 mL of hexane was added dropwise over 3 hours. After the addition was complete, 1 mL of diisopropylethylamine was added to quench the reaction. To the resulting hexane solution, hexane was added, and acetonitrile, ion-exchanged water, and triethylamine were added, followed by a separation operation. The obtained organic layer was dehydrated with magnesium sulfate, and the obtained transparent liquid was concentrated under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator to obtain 73 g of a transparent liquid. The liquid was determined to be a halogen compound having an allyl group (the compound shown below, Cl-allyl), which is a precursor of M-18.１ This was confirmed by H-NMR.

[0165]

[0166] 17.5 g of the allyl group-containing halogen compound (Cl-allyl), 0.72 g of platinum(0)-1,3-divinyltetramethyldisiloxane complex solution (containing approximately 20% platinum), and 100 g of tetrahydrofuran (containing a stabilizer) were placed in a 300 mL three-neck flask equipped with a stirrer, a condenser, a nitrogen inlet tube, and a thermometer, and the atmosphere was replaced with nitrogen. At 25°C, 82.0 g of the obtained TMS4 silane was added dropwise over 30 minutes. After the completion of the dropwise addition, the mixture was allowed to react for 3 hours, and then pulverized silica gel (Wakogel C-200, manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) and activated carbon were added. The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes and then filtered through Celite. The resulting transparent liquid was concentrated under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator to obtain 93.0 g of a pale yellow, transparent liquid. The liquid was determined to be the M-18 precursor, a compound containing the following branched siloxane (TMS4*2-Cl). １ This was confirmed by H-NMR.

[0167]

[0168] 20.0 g of the obtained TMS4*2-Cl, 8.08 g of sodium methacrylate, 2.48 g of potassium iodide, 0.02 g of dibutylhydroxytoluene, and 91.7 g of dimethylacetamide were added to a 200 mL three-neck flask equipped with a stirrer, a condenser, and a thermometer. After confirming that the temperature had reached 85°C or below, the mixture was allowed to react for 7 hours. After the reaction, the mixture was quenched with 8.00 g of ion-exchanged water. 400 mL of ethyl acetate / hexane (1 / 1) was added to the reaction mixture, and the organic layer was extracted. The mixture was then separated twice with 100 mL of ion-exchanged water and twice with 100 mL of saturated saline, after which the organic layer was recovered and dehydrated with magnesium sulfate for at least 30 minutes. The resulting colorless, transparent liquid was concentrated under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator to obtain 18.0 g of a colorless, transparent liquid. The resulting colorless, transparent liquid was purified by silica gel chromatography to obtain M-18. The structure of M-18 is as follows: １ H-NMR and １３ Confirmed by C-NMR.

[0169] Note that M-6 is a compound that provides repeating unit K-6, M-1 is a compound that provides repeating unit K-1, M-14 is a compound that provides repeating unit K-14, and M-18 is a compound that provides repeating unit K-18.

[0170]

[0171] [Synthesis of Polymer] 9.0 g of cyclohexanone was placed in a 200 mL three-neck flask equipped with a stirrer, a condenser, a nitrogen inlet tube, and a thermometer, and the internal temperature was adjusted to 92°C and purged with nitrogen. A solution containing 12.0 g of the above-mentioned monomer M-1 that provides repeating unit K-1, 8.0 g of a monomer that provides repeating unit H-3, 0.4 g of dimethyl 2,2'-azobis(isobutyrate) (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), and 21.0 g of cyclohexanone was added dropwise over 2 hours. After completion of the dropwise addition, a mixed solution of 0.4 g of dimethyl 2,2'-azobis(isobutyrate) and 6.0 g of cyclohexanone was added, and the mixture was stirred at an internal temperature of 105°C for 3 hours to obtain polymer B-1. The weight-average molecular weight was 22,000, and the molecular weight distribution was 2.4 (calculated in terms of polystyrene using gel permeation chromatography (EcoSEC HLC-8320GPC (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation)) with an eluent of THF, a flow rate of 0.35 ml / min, and a temperature of 40°C; the columns used were TSKgel Super HZM-H, TSKgel Super HZ4000, and TSKgel Super HZ200 (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation)).

[0172] Polymers B-2 to B-14 and C-1 were obtained in accordance with the synthesis method for polymer B-1, except that the type and composition of the monomers were changed so as to obtain the polymers shown in Table 2 below. Polymers B-1 to B-14 are specific compounds, and polymer C-1 is a comparative compound. The structure of each polymer is as follows, and the composition of each repeating unit in each polymer is as shown in Table 2 below. In the repeating unit represented by H-12, n is 9.

[0173]

[0174]

[0175] [Evaluation] The leveling ability of the specific compound, the compatibility of the specific compound with the liquid crystal compound, wind unevenness of the film formed using the composition, and the alignment property of the optically anisotropic layer formed using the composition were evaluated using the evaluation methods shown below.

[0176] [Leveling Ability] Each specific compound or comparative compound listed in Table 2 was diluted to 0.08 wt % with cyclohexanone / methyl ethyl ketone = 4 / 1 (weight ratio). Using the obtained diluted solution, the static surface tension was measured twice using a static surface tensiometer (model: CBVP-Z) manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd., and the average value of the two measurements was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. The lower the surface tension of the above solution, the better the leveling ability of the compound.

[0177] A: Less than 25.5 mN / m B: 25.5 mN / m or more, less than 26.5 mN / m C: 26.5 mN / m or more, less than 27.5 mN / m D: 27.5 mN / m or more

[0178] [Compatibility] The absorbance at a wavelength of 660 nm of composition (1) having the composition shown in Table 1 was measured using an ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared spectrophotometer (model: UV-2600) manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation, and evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. A composition obtained by excluding the specific compound and the comparative compound from composition (1) was used as a reference. The measurement conditions were as follows: cell length: 10 mm, measurement wavelength range: 500 to 700 nm, scan speed: high speed, sampling pitch: 1 nm, slit width: 1 mm. The smaller the absorbance, the better the compatibility between the liquid crystal compound and the specific compound.

[0179] A: Less than 0.03 B: 0.03 or more and less than 0.06 C: 0.06 or more and less than 0.15 D: 0.15 or more

[0180]

[0181] Liquid crystal compound G1: a mixture of the following liquid crystal compounds (RA), (RB), and (RC) in a ratio of 84:14:2 (by mass)

[0182]

[0183] Deposition inhibitor compound H1: the following compound

[0184]

[0185] Deposition inhibitor compound H2: the following compound

[0186]

[0187] Crosslinking agent C1: ethylene oxide-modified trimethylolpropane triacrylate (V#360, manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Co., Ltd.) Photopolymerization initiator I1: Ominirad. 819 (manufactured by IGM Resins B.V.) Left-handed twisted chiral agent L1: the following compound, where Bu represents a butyl group.

[0188]

[0189] Right-twisted chiral agent R1: the compound shown below.

[0190]

[0191] [Wind unevenness] Composition (1) obtained in the evaluation of [Composition compatibility] above was applied to a rubbed substrate (30 cm x 18 cm) using a #4.2 wire bar. For 5 to 10 seconds after application, an air gun was used to blow air at 1.5 m / s onto the coating surface to forcibly generate wind unevenness. The film was then heated at 95°C for 100 seconds and then irradiated with ultraviolet light (100 mW, 200 mJ) using a metal halide lamp to obtain an optical film having an optically anisotropic layer formed from the composition on the substrate. Two polarizing plates were placed on a light box in a crossed Nicol position, and the resulting optical film was sandwiched between the two polarizing plates. Light was transmitted through the light box to observe wind unevenness. For practical purposes, a wind unevenness rating of C or higher is preferable.

[0192] A: No wind unevenness is visible at all B: Wind unevenness is slightly visible but not bothersome C: Wind unevenness is faintly visible but does not cause any problems in practical use D: Wind unevenness is clearly visible.

[0193] [Alignment] The optically anisotropic layer in the optical film obtained by the evaluation method for [Wind unevenness] above was observed at 50x magnification using a polarizing microscope in a crossed Nicol position in 10 random visual fields (visual field size 1715 × 1280 μm), and each visual field was classified into the following three categories: I: No optical defects were observed. II: Slight optical defects were observed, but at a level that poses no practical problems. III: Many optical defects were observed, at a level that poses practical problems.

[0194] The alignment of the optically anisotropic layer was evaluated based on the classification of 10 visual fields and the following evaluation criteria.

[0195] A: All 10 visual fields are I or II, with 0 to 2 II visual fields. B: All 10 visual fields are I or II, with 3 to 5 II visual fields. C: All 10 visual fields are I or II, with 6 to 10 II visual fields. D: One or more of the 10 visual fields contain III.

[0196] [Results] The structures of the specific compounds and comparative compounds, as well as the evaluation results, are shown in Table 2 below.

[0197]

[0198] The results shown in Table 2 confirm that the composition of the present invention can form a film with little wind unevenness. The results shown in Table 2 also confirm that the polymer of the present invention has excellent leveling ability. It also confirms that the composition of the present invention can form an optically anisotropic layer with excellent alignment properties.

[0199] A comparison of Examples 1, 2, and 12 confirmed that when p in formula (1) is 2 or greater, the leveling ability of the specific compound is superior, and a film with better suppressed wind unevenness can be formed. A comparison of Examples 2 to 6 confirmed that when the weight-average molecular weight of the specific compound is 5,000 or greater, the leveling ability of the specific compound is superior, and a film with better suppressed wind unevenness can be formed, and when it is 8,000 or greater, the leveling ability of the specific compound is even superior, and a film with even better suppressed wind unevenness can be formed. Furthermore, it was confirmed that when the weight-average molecular weight of the specific compound is 100,000 or less, the leveling ability of the specific compound is even superior, and a film with even better suppressed wind unevenness can be formed. Comparison of Examples 2 and 7 to 10 confirmed that when the content of the repeating unit represented by formula (1) is 30% by mass or more relative to the total repeating units of the specific polymer, the leveling ability of the specific compound is superior, and a film with better suppressed wind unevenness can be formed. Furthermore, when the content is 70% by mass or less, the compatibility of the specific compound with the liquid crystal compound is superior, and the alignment of the resulting optically anisotropic layer is superior. Comparison of Examples 2 and 11 confirmed that when Rk in the repeating unit represented by formula (2) is a group having a ring structure, the compatibility of the specific compound with the liquid crystal compound is superior, and the alignment of the resulting optically anisotropic layer is superior. Comparison of Examples 2 and 13 confirmed that when the content of the repeating unit represented by formula (2) in which Rk is a group having a ring structure is 80% by mass or more relative to the repeating units represented by formula (2), the alignment of the resulting optically anisotropic layer is superior.

Claims

1. A composition comprising a compound having a group represented by formula (Rs) and a liquid crystal compound. In the formula (Rs), R １１ and R １２ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an aryl group. １３ , R １４ , and R １５ each independently represents an alkyl group or an aryl group. Each n independently represents 2 or 3. m represents 2 or 3. * represents a bonding position.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the compound having a group represented by formula (Rs) contains a repeating unit represented by formula (1). In formula (1), R ２１ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. ２１ represents a p+1-valent linking group. Each Rs independently represents a group represented by formula (Rs). p represents an integer of 1 or greater.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the compound having a group represented by formula (Rs) contains a repeating unit represented by formula (2). In formula (2), R ３１ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. ３１ is —O— or —NR Ｎ - represents. Ｎ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. ３２ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Rk represents a group selected from the group consisting of a group having a ring structure, a group having a poly(alkyleneoxy) group, and a hydroxyl group.

4. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the weight-average molecular weight of the compound having a group represented by formula (Rs) is 5,000 to 100,000.

5. The composition according to claim 2, wherein the content of the repeating unit represented by formula (1) is 30 to 70 mass % based on the total repeating units of the compound having a group represented by formula (Rs).

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

7. An optical film comprising the film according to claim 6.

8. A polarizing plate comprising the optical film according to claim 7 and a polarizer.

9. An image display device comprising the optical film according to claim 7.

10. A polymer comprising a repeating unit represented by formula (1) and a repeating unit represented by formula (2), and having a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 to 100,000. In formula (1), R ２１ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. ２１ represents a p+1-valent linking group. Each Rs independently represents a group represented by formula (Rs). p represents an integer of 1 or more. In formula (2), R ３１ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. ３１ is —O— or —NR Ｎ - represents. Ｎ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. ３２ represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Rk represents a group selected from the group consisting of a group having a ring structure, a group having a poly(alkyleneoxy) group, and a hydroxyl group. １１ and R １２ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an aryl group. １３ , R １４ , and R １５ each independently represents an alkyl group or an aryl group. Each n independently represents 2 or 3. m represents 2 or 3. * represents a bonding position.

11. A compound having at least one group selected from the group consisting of a group represented by formula (Rfc2), a group represented by formula (Rfc3), and a group represented by formula (Rfn2). In formula (Rfc2), formula (Rfc3), and formula (Rfn2), L ４１ , L ４２ , L ４３ , L ４４ , L ４５ , L ４７ , and L ４８ R each independently represents a divalent linking group. ４１ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an aryl group. Each Rs independently represents a group represented by formula (Rs). In formula (Rs), R １１ and R １２ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an aryl group. １３ , R １４ , and R １５ each independently represents an alkyl group or an aryl group. Each n independently represents 2 or 3. m represents 2 or 3. * represents a bonding position.

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