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

Abstract

The first problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a retardation film which exhibits excellent adhesion to a UV adhesive layer that is formed by curing a UV adhesive when the retardation film is brought into contact with the UV adhesive and is subjected to a curing treatment by means of ultraviolet irradiation. The second problem addressed by the present invention is to provide an optical laminate which has excellent adhesion between a retardation layer and a UV adhesive layer. The third problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a polarizing plate and an image display device, which are provided with the optical laminate.　A retardation film according to the present invention is obtained by radically polymerizing a composition that contains a radically polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a polymer. The polymer has a repeating unit that contains a silicon atom, a repeating unit that contains a cationically polymerizable group, and a repeating unit that contains a radically polymerizable group.

Description

Retardation film, optical laminate, polarizing plate, image display device

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

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

[0003] An optically anisotropic layer made of a liquid crystal compound is often formed by applying a liquid crystal composition containing the liquid crystal compound to form a liquid crystal composition layer, and then performing an alignment treatment on the liquid crystal composition layer. A leveling agent may be added to the liquid crystal composition layer to improve the surface properties of the layer surface. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid crystal composition layer to which a fluorine-based leveling agent containing a fluorine atom has been added.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-108591

[0005] Recently, due to their persistence and toxicity, etc., restrictions on PFAS (perfluoroalkyl compounds and polyfluoroalkyl compounds) have been implemented, and the use of substitutes that do not use fluorine atoms, typically substitute materials containing silicon atoms, has been studied. In response to the above-mentioned restrictions, leveling agents containing silicon atoms have been studied.

[0006] Recently, there has been a demand for a retardation film that has excellent adhesion to an adhesive layer (hereinafter also referred to as a "UV adhesive layer") formed by curing an ultraviolet-curable adhesive (hereinafter also referred to as a "UV adhesive (UV: ultraviolet)"). More specifically, there has been a demand for a retardation film that has excellent adhesion to a UV adhesive layer formed by curing a UV adhesive when the retardation film is brought into contact with the UV adhesive and subjected to a curing treatment by ultraviolet irradiation. In particular, it is desired that the retardation film has excellent adhesion to a UV adhesive layer formed by curing a UV adhesive containing a cationic polymerizable compound. Against this background, the present inventors have found that there is room for investigation into a retardation film that has excellent adhesion to a UV adhesive layer while using a leveling agent containing silicon atoms.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a retardation film that, when brought into contact with a UV adhesive and subjected to a curing treatment by ultraviolet irradiation, has excellent adhesion to a UV adhesive layer formed by curing of the UV adhesive. Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical laminate that has excellent adhesion between the retardation layer and the UV adhesive layer. Another object of the present invention is to provide a polarizing plate and an image display device that include the optical laminate.

[0008] 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.

[0009] [1] A retardation film obtained by radically polymerizing a composition containing a radically polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a polymer, wherein the polymer has a repeating unit containing a silicon atom, a repeating unit containing a cationically polymerizable group, and a repeating unit containing a radically polymerizable group. [2] The retardation film according to [1], wherein the repeating unit containing a silicon atom has a group represented by formula (Ia-1) described later. [3] The retardation film according to [1] or [2], wherein the repeating unit containing a silicon atom has a group represented by formula (Ib) described later. [4] The retardation film according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein, in the repeating unit containing a radically polymerizable group, the radically polymerizable group is a polymerizable group having an unsaturated double bond group, and the length from the main chain to the unsaturated double bond group contained in the radically polymerizable group is 7 atoms or more. [5] The retardation film according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the repeating unit containing a radically polymerizable group is a repeating unit represented by formula (Z-1) described later. [6] The retardation film according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein in the repeating unit containing a cationically polymerizable group, the length from the main chain to the cationically polymerizable group is 8 atoms or more. [7] The retardation film according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the radically polymerizable liquid crystal compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of a radically polymerizable rod-shaped liquid crystal compound and a radically polymerizable discotic liquid crystal compound. [8] The retardation film according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein in the polymer, the content of the repeating unit containing a silicon atom is 30 to 80 mass % based on all repeating units of the polymer, the content of the repeating unit containing the cationically polymerizable group is 3 to 30 mass % based on all repeating units of the polymer, and the content of the repeating unit containing the radically polymerizable group is 3 to 30 mass % based on all repeating units of the polymer.[9] The retardation film according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the polymer contains 50 to 70% by mass of the repeating unit containing a silicon atom, based on all repeating units of the polymer; 5 to 15% by mass of the repeating unit containing a cationically polymerizable group, based on all repeating units of the polymer; and 5 to 15% by mass of the repeating unit containing a radically polymerizable group, based on all repeating units of the polymer.

[10] An optical laminate comprising a retardation layer and an adhesive layer formed by curing an ultraviolet-curable adhesive, wherein the retardation layer contains a cured product of a radically polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a cured product derived from a polymer having a repeating unit containing a silicon atom, a repeating unit containing a cationically polymerizable group, and a repeating unit containing a radically polymerizable group, the cured product being concentrated on the adhesive layer side.

[11] The optical laminate according to

[10] , wherein the adhesive layer is formed by curing an ultraviolet-curable adhesive containing an epoxy group-containing compound, and the cationically polymerizable group contained in the polymer is an epoxy group.

[12] The optical laminate according to

[10] or

[11] , wherein the repeating unit containing a silicon atom contained in the polymer has a group represented by formula (Ia-1) described below.

[13] The optical laminate according to any one of

[10] to

[12] , wherein the repeating unit containing a silicon atom contained in the polymer has a group represented by formula (Ib) described below.

[14] The optical laminate according to any one of

[10] to

[13] , wherein, in the repeating unit containing a radical polymerizable group, the radical polymerizable group is a polymerizable group having an unsaturated double bond group, and the length from the main chain to the unsaturated double bond group contained in the radical polymerizable group is 7 atoms or more.

[15] The optical laminate according to any one of

[10] to

[14] , wherein the repeating unit containing a radical polymerizable group contained in the polymer is a repeating unit represented by formula (Z-1) described below.

[16] The optical laminate according to any one of

[10] to

[15] , wherein in the repeating unit containing the cationically polymerizable group contained in the polymer, the length from the main chain to the cationically polymerizable group is 8 atoms or more.

[17] The optical laminate according to any one of

[10] to

[16] , wherein the radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound is at least one radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound selected from the group consisting of radical polymerizable rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds and radical polymerizable discotic liquid crystal compounds.

[18] The optical laminate according to any one of

[10] to

[17] , wherein in the polymer, the content of the repeating unit containing a silicon atom is 30 to 80 mass% based on all repeating units of the polymer, the content of the repeating unit containing the cationically polymerizable group is 3 to 30 mass% based on all repeating units of the polymer, and the content of the repeating unit containing the radically polymerizable group is 3 to 30 mass% based on all repeating units of the polymer.

[19] The optical laminate according to any one of

[10] to

[18] , wherein in the polymer, the content of the repeating unit containing a silicon atom is 50 to 70 mass% based on all repeating units of the polymer, the content of the repeating unit containing a cationically polymerizable group is 5 to 15 mass% based on all repeating units of the polymer, and the content of the repeating unit containing a radically polymerizable group is 5 to 15 mass% based on all repeating units of the polymer.

[20] A polarizing plate comprising the optical laminate according to any one of

[10] to

[19] and a polarizer.

[21] An image display device comprising the polarizing plate according to

[20] .

[22] The image display device according to

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

[23] The image display device according to

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

[0010] According to the present invention, a retardation film can be provided that, when brought into contact with a UV adhesive and subjected to a curing treatment by ultraviolet irradiation, has excellent adhesion to a UV adhesive layer formed by curing of the UV adhesive. Furthermore, according to the present invention, an optical laminate can be provided that has excellent adhesion between the retardation layer and the UV adhesive layer. Furthermore, according to the present invention, a polarizing plate and an image display device including the optical laminate can be provided.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical laminate of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical laminate of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical laminate of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a polarizing plate including the optical laminate of the present invention.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] In this specification, the bonding direction of a divalent group (e.g., -CO-O-) 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 encompasses both acrylic and methacrylic, "(meth)acryloyl" is a concept that encompasses both acryloyl and methacryloyl, "(meth)acrylate" is a concept that encompasses both acrylate and methacrylate, and "(meth)acrylonitrile" is a concept that encompasses both acrylonitrile and methacrylonitrile. In this specification, "organic group" means a group having one or more carbon atoms. The organic group is preferably a monovalent group.

[0015] In this specification, the slow axis is defined at 550 nm unless otherwise specified.

[0016] In this specification, Re(λ) and Rth(λ) represent the in-plane retardation and the thickness direction retardation, respectively, at a wavelength λ. Unless otherwise specified, the wavelength λ is 550 nm. In this specification, Re(λ) and Rth(λ) are values ​​measured at a wavelength λ using an AxoScan OPMF-1 (manufactured by Optoscience). Specifically, by inputting the average refractive index ((nx + ny + nz) / 3) and the film thickness (d (μm)) into the AxoScan OPMF-1, the following slow axis direction (°) is calculated: Re(λ) = R0(λ) Rth(λ) = ((nx + ny) / 2 - nz) × d. Although R0(λ) is displayed as a numerical value calculated by the AxoScan OPMF-1, it means Re(λ).

[0017] 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.

[0018] In this specification, the term "solid content" refers to components that form a film and does not include solvents. Any component that forms a film is considered to be a solid content even if it is in a liquid state.

[0019] [Retardation Film] The retardation film of the present invention is described in detail below. The retardation film of the present invention is a retardation film obtained by radically polymerizing a composition (hereinafter also referred to as a "liquid crystal composition") containing a radically polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a polymer (hereinafter also referred to as a "specific leveling agent"), wherein the specific leveling agent has a repeating unit containing a silicon atom, a repeating unit containing a cationically polymerizable group, and a repeating unit containing a radically polymerizable group.

[0020] Although the reason why the retardation film having the above configuration can solve the problems of the present invention is not necessarily clear, the inventors speculate as follows. 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 retardation film of the present invention is a retardation film obtained by curing a liquid crystal composition containing a radically polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a specific leveling agent by radical polymerization. The retardation film of the present invention typically contains a cured product of the radically polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a cured product of the specific leveling agent, and the orientation state of the liquid crystal compound is fixed to exhibit the desired retardation function. In the retardation film, the cured product of the specific leveling agent is unevenly distributed on the surface of the retardation film and has cationically polymerizable groups derived from the specific leveling agent that did not contribute to the radical polymerization reaction. Due to the above-mentioned configuration, when the retardation film of the present invention is brought into contact with a UV adhesive and subjected to a curing treatment of the UV adhesive by ultraviolet irradiation, a strong bond is easily formed between the cationic polymerizable group of the cured product of the specific leveling agent unevenly distributed on the surface of the retardation film and the UV adhesive, and as a result, the adhesive layer formed by curing of the UV adhesive is easily adhered to the retardation film. Therefore, for example, when a laminate obtained by laminating a retardation film and an object to be attached (for example, a film with a liquid crystal layer, or a polarizer) via a UV adhesive is subjected to a curing treatment of the UV adhesive by ultraviolet irradiation, a strong bond is easily formed between the cationic polymerizable group of the cured product of the specific leveling agent unevenly distributed on the surface of the retardation film and the UV adhesive, and as a result, the adhesive layer formed by curing of the UV adhesive is easily adhered to the retardation film.

[0021] Hereinafter, the fact that the retardation film of the present invention has better adhesion to the UV adhesive layer will also be simply referred to as "the effect of the present invention is better."

[0022] Hereinafter, the liquid crystal composition used for forming the retardation film of the present invention, the method for producing the retardation film, and the properties of the retardation film will be described in this order.

[0023] [Liquid Crystal Composition] The liquid crystal composition contains a radically polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a specific leveling agent.

[0024] <Radical Polymerizable Liquid Crystal Compound> The radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound is a liquid crystal compound having a radical polymerizable group. The radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound can fix the alignment state by radical polymerization after alignment. The radical polymerizable group is not particularly limited, but examples thereof 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. The number of radical polymerizable groups in the radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound is preferably 1 or more, more preferably 2 or more. The upper limit is not limited, but is preferably 10 or less, more preferably 6 or less, and even more preferably 3 or less.

[0025] 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. A polymer generally refers to a compound with a degree of polymerization of 100 or more (see "Polymer Physics: Phase Transition Dynamics," by Masao Doi, p. 2, Iwanami Shoten, 1992). While any liquid crystal compound can be used in the present invention, rod-shaped or discotic liquid crystal compounds (discotic liquid crystal compounds) are preferred. The radically polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of radically polymerizable rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds and radically polymerizable discotic liquid crystal compounds. The liquid crystal composition may contain two or more radically polymerizable rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds, two or more radically polymerizable discotic liquid crystal compounds, or a mixture of a radically polymerizable rod-shaped liquid crystal compound and a radically polymerizable discotic liquid crystal compound. The radically polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the liquid crystal composition may be either a low-molecular-weight radically polymerizable liquid crystal compound or a high-molecular-weight radically polymerizable liquid crystal compound, or a mixture thereof.

[0026] The radical polymerizable rod-shaped liquid crystal compound is preferably one described in claim 1 of JP-A-11-513019 or paragraphs

[0026] to

[0098] of JP-A-2005-289980, and the radical polymerizable discotic liquid crystal compound is preferably one described in paragraphs

[0020] to

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

[0013] to

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

[0027] As the radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound, a reverse wavelength dispersion radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound (reverse dispersion compound) may be used. In this specification, the term "reverse wavelength dispersion" refers to a liquid crystal compound in which, when the in-plane retardation (Re) value at a specific wavelength (visible light range) of a film produced using this is measured, the Re value becomes equal or higher as the measured wavelength increases. The reverse wavelength dispersion radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound is not particularly limited as long as it can form a reverse wavelength dispersion layer, and examples thereof include compounds represented by the general formula (1) described in JP-A-2010-084032 (particularly, the compounds described in paragraphs

[0067] to

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

[0043] to

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

[0036] to

[0043] ). Furthermore, examples of reverse wavelength dispersion radical polymerizable liquid crystal compounds include JP-A-2011-006360 paragraphs

[0027] to

[0100] , JP-A-2011-006361 paragraphs

[0028] to

[0125] , JP-A-2012-077055 paragraphs

[0016] to

[0345] , WO 2012 / 141245 paragraphs

[0017] to

[0072] , WO 2012 / 147904 paragraphs

[0021] to

[0088] , WO 2014 / 147904 paragraphs

[0028] to

[0115] , and WO 2021 / 060427 paragraphs

[0025] to

[0056] of the compounds described therein.

[0028] The radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound is preferably 50 to 99.99 mass %, more preferably 70 to 99 mass %, based on the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition.

[0029] <Specific Leveling Agent> The liquid crystal composition contains a specific leveling agent, which has a repeating unit containing a silicon atom (hereinafter also referred to as "repeating unit A"), a repeating unit containing a cationically polymerizable group (hereinafter also referred to as "repeating unit B"), and a repeating unit containing a radically polymerizable group (hereinafter also referred to as "repeating unit C").

[0030] (Repeating Unit A) The repeating unit A is a repeating unit containing a silicon atom. The number of silicon atoms contained in the repeating unit A is 1 or more, preferably 3 or more, more preferably 3 to 30, still more preferably 3 to 20, and particularly preferably 3 to 15.

[0031] The repeating unit A is preferably a repeating unit containing a group represented by formula (Ia) (hereinafter also referred to as "repeating unit A1") or a repeating unit containing a group represented by formula (Ib) (hereinafter also referred to as "repeating unit A2"). <<Repeating unit A1>> The repeating unit A1 is a repeating unit containing a group represented by formula (Ia).

[0032]

[0033] In formula (Ia), * represents the bonding position. Ａ each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group, which may have a substituent. The substituent is preferably a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkylcarbonyl group, an alkyloxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or an alkoxy group.

[0034] Examples of the alkyl group include linear alkyl groups having 1 to 18 carbon atoms and branched or cyclic alkyl groups having 3 to 18 carbon atoms. Specific examples include methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, and cyclohexyl groups. Examples of the alkenyl group include alkenyl groups having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples of the aryl group include aryl groups having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples of the aralkyl group include aralkyl groups having 7 to 30 carbon atoms. R Ａ Among these, alkyl groups are preferred in terms of superior leveling properties, and linear alkyl groups having 1 to 18 carbon atoms (preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms) are more preferred. Ａ may be the same or different from each other.

[0035] The repeating unit A preferably contains two or more groups represented by formula (Ia), more preferably contains 3 to 6 groups, and even more preferably contains 3 to 5 groups, in terms of achieving better effects of the present invention.

[0036] The repeating unit A1 is preferably a repeating unit containing a group represented by the following formula (Ia-1), in that it has better leveling properties and compatibility with liquid crystal compounds.

[0037]

[0038] In formula (Ia-1), R Ａ represents R in formula (Ia). Ａ The meaning and preferred embodiments are also the same. Ａ may be the same or different from each other.

[0039] In formula (Ia-1), L Ａ represents an (m+1)-valent linking group. Examples of the (m+1)-valent linking group include an (m+1)-valent chain (straight-chain or branched-chain) aliphatic hydrocarbon group. However, in the (m+1)-valent chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group, at least one -CH ２ - represents -NH-, -O-, -S-, -CO-, -SO-, or -SO ２-, and at least one -CH ２ CH ２ - may be substituted with -N=N- or -CH=N-, at least one -CH< may be substituted with -N< or -SiH<, and at least one >C< may be substituted with >Si<. The m+1-valent chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group preferably has 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 15, and even more preferably 1 to 10. The number of atoms excluding hydrogen atoms in the m+1-valent chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group is, for example, preferably 1 to 20, more preferably 1 to 15, and even more preferably 1 to 10. The m+1-valent aliphatic hydrocarbon group may further have a substituent (for example, a halogen atom, an aryl group, etc.).

[0040] L Ａ Examples of the group include a group represented by the following structural formula K-1-L, a group represented by the structural formula K-2-L, a group represented by the structural formula K-3-L, and a group represented by the structural formula K-4-L. In the structural formulas below, ** represents -Si(R Ａ ) ３ represents the bonding position with the group represented by Ａ In addition, R in the following structural formula represents the other bonding position. Ｔ represents R in formula (Ia-1). Ａ is synonymous with

[0041]

[0042] In formula (Ia-1), m represents 2 or 3, and is preferably 3 in terms of providing better effects for the present invention. In formula (Ia-1), * represents a bonding position.

[0043] The repeating unit A1 is preferably a repeating unit represented by the following formula (a1), in that it has better leveling properties and compatibility with the liquid crystal compound.

[0044]

[0045] In formula (a1), R Ａ represents R in formula (Ia). Ａ The meaning and preferred embodiments are also the same. Ａmay be the same or different. Ａ and m is L in formula (Ia-1). Ａ and m have the same meanings and preferred embodiments.

[0046] In formula (a1), R １ and R ２ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. Examples of the alkyl group include linear alkyl groups having 1 to 18 carbon atoms and branched or cyclic alkyl groups having 3 to 18 carbon atoms. Specific examples include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, an isopropyl group, a tert-butyl group, and a cyclohexyl group. １ and R ２ is preferably a hydrogen atom.

[0047] In formula (a1), R ３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. Examples of the substituent include an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or a substituent having a linking group and a group containing a silicon atom. Examples of the substituent having a linking group and a group containing a silicon atom include -CH ２ -CO-L １ -L Ａ -(Si(R Ａ ) ３ ) ｍ Also included. １ , L Ａ , R Ａ , and m each represent L in formula (a1). １ , L Ａ , R Ａ R has the same meaning as m and m, and the preferred embodiments are also the same. ３ is preferably a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, more preferably a hydrogen atom or a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, still more preferably a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group, and particularly preferably a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.

[0048] In formula (a1), L １ is —O— or —NR Ｚ - represents. Ｚ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. ＺExamples of the substituent represented by the formula: ３ Examples of the substituent represented by the formula (I) include the groups exemplified above, 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. １ As the group, —O— or —NH— is preferable, and —O— is more preferable.

[0049] <<Repeating Unit A2>> The repeating unit A2 is a repeating unit containing a group represented by formula (Ib).

[0050]

[0051] In formula (Ib), R Ｂ represents R in formula (Ia). Ａ The meaning and preferred embodiments are also the same. Ｂ may be the same or different. n is the number of repeating groups and is 2 or more. The lower limit of n is preferably 6 or more, as this provides better effects of the present invention. The upper limit of n is preferably 50 or less, more preferably 30 or less, and even more preferably 10 or less. * represents a bonding position.

[0052] The repeating unit A2 is preferably a repeating unit represented by the following formula (a2), in that it has better leveling properties and compatibility with the liquid crystal compound.

[0053]

[0054] In formula (a2), R Ｂ and n is R in formula (Ib). Ｂ and n have the same meanings and preferred embodiments as those of the groups R and n. Ｂ may be the same or different. １ , R ２ , R ３ , and L １ represents R in formula (a1). １ , R ２ , R ３ , and L １ and the preferred embodiments are also the same.

[0055] In formula (a2), L Ｂrepresents a divalent linking group. Examples of the divalent linking group include a chain (straight chain or branched chain) alkylene group. However, in the chain alkylene group, at least one —CH ２ - represents -NH-, -O-, -S-, -CO-, -SO-, or -SO ２ -, and at least one -CH ２ CH ２ - is -N=N-, -CH=N-, -CR Ｓ =CR Ｓ - (R Ｓ represents a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom. ), or -C≡C-, at least one -CH< may be substituted with -N< or -SiH<, and at least one >C< may be substituted with >Si<. The number of carbon atoms in the chain alkylene group is preferably 1 to 20, more preferably 1 to 15, and even more preferably 1 to 10. The number of atoms excluding hydrogen atoms in the chain alkylene group is, for example, preferably 1 to 20, more preferably 1 to 15, and even more preferably 1 to 10. The chain alkylene group may further have a substituent (for example, a halogen atom, an aryl group, etc.). Specific examples of the divalent linking group include at least one -CH ２ - is -NH-, -O-, -S-, -CO-, -SO-, or -SO ２ Examples of the alkylene group include a linear alkylene group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms (preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms) which may be substituted with -.

[0056] In formula (a2), R Ｃ represents a monovalent organic group. Ｃ Examples of the monovalent organic group represented by the formula (Ia) include an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group, which may have a substituent, or a group represented by the formula (Ia) above. Examples of the alkyl group, alkenyl group, aryl group, and aralkyl group, which may have a substituent, include R ＡThe substituents are preferably halogen atoms, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkylcarbonyl groups, alkyloxycarbonyl groups, alkylcarbonyloxy groups, or alkoxy groups. Ｃ Among these, an alkyl group or a group represented by the above formula (Ia) is preferred in terms of achieving better effects of the present invention, and a linear alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms (preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms) or a group represented by the above formula (Ia) is more preferred.

[0057] Specific examples of the repeating unit A include repeating units derived from the monomers represented by the following K-1 to K-33, where nBu represents an n-butyl group.

[0058]

[0059]

[0060] The repeating unit A may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the repeating unit A is preferably 20% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more, even more preferably 40% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 50% by mass or more, based on the total repeating units of the specific leveling agent (total repeating units constituting the main chain of the specific leveling agent (100% by mass)). The upper limit of the content of the repeating unit A is preferably 90% by mass or less, more preferably 80% by mass or less, even more preferably 70% by mass or less, and most preferably 60% by mass or less, based on the total repeating units constituting the main chain of the specific leveling agent (100% by mass).

[0061] (Repeating Unit B) The repeating unit B is a repeating unit containing a cationically polymerizable group. Examples of the cationically polymerizable group include known cationically polymerizable groups, such as an alicyclic ether group, a cyclic acetal group, a cyclic lactone group, a cyclic thioether group, a spiro orthoester group, and a vinyloxy group. Among these, an alicyclic ether group or a vinyloxy group is preferred, and an epoxy group, an oxetanyl group, or a vinyloxy group is more preferred. The epoxy group may be fused with a cyclic group (such as an alicyclic group). The cyclic group fused with the epoxy group preferably has 5 to 15 carbon atoms. In addition, the portion of the cyclic group other than the fused epoxy group may be a monocyclic or polycyclic ring. It is also preferred that the epoxy group is not fused with a cyclic group. The oxetanyl group may be fused with a cyclic group (such as an alicyclic group). The cyclic group fused with the oxetanyl group preferably has 5 to 15 carbon atoms. In the above ring group, the portion other than the fused oxetanyl group may be a monocyclic or polycyclic ring. It is also preferred that the oxetanyl group is not fused to any ring group.

[0062] In the repeating unit B, the length from the main chain to the cationically polymerizable group (hereinafter also referred to as "length Ak") is preferably 8 atoms or more, in order to obtain better effects of the present invention. Taking the following compound having a cationically polymerizable group (epoxy group) that is a ring group as an example, the length from the main chain to the cationically polymerizable group (length Ak) is 8. In other words, the length Ak in the following compound is intended to be the length of the linking portion that links the main chain to the cationically polymerizable group at the terminal.

[0063]

[0064] Although not shown, for example, in the case of a compound having a cationically polymerizable group that is a non-cyclic group, if the cationically polymerizable group that is a non-cyclic group is a vinyloxy group as an example, the length from the main chain to the oxygen atom contained in the vinyloxy group is the length Ak.

[0065] However, when the repeating unit B has a plurality of cationically polymerizable groups, the longest length from the main chain to the cationically polymerizable group is defined as the length Ak. The length Ak is preferably 8 atoms or more, more preferably 10 atoms or more, in order to obtain a more excellent effect of the present invention. The upper limit is preferably 20 atoms or less.

[0066] The repeating unit B is preferably a repeating unit represented by the following formula (b1) in that it has better compatibility with the liquid crystal compound.

[0067]

[0068] In formula (b1), R ２１ , R ２２ , R ２３ , and L １ are R in the above formula (a1), respectively. １ , R ２ , R ３ , and L １ The same definition and preferred embodiments are also the same.

[0069] In formula (b1), L ３ 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 each independently substituted with a group selected from -O-, -S-, -CO-, and -N(Q)-. ２ - may be substituted. Q represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. The substituent represented by Q is preferably an alkyl group, more preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group. L ３ Among them, alkylene groups having 2 to 8 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or *-(L ３１ -O) ｎ３ - * is preferred. * represents the bonding position. n3 represents an integer of 1 to 8. L ３１each independently represents an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and is preferably an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms which may have a substituent.

[0070] 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.

[0071] In formula (b1), P １ represents a cationically polymerizable group. The definition and preferred embodiments of the cationically polymerizable group are as described above. In the repeating unit represented by formula (b1), the length from the main chain to the cationically polymerizable group (length Ak) is preferably 8 atoms or more.

[0072] Specific examples of the repeating unit B include the following repeating units R-1 to R-11.

[0073]

[0074] The repeating unit B may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the repeating unit B is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, and even more preferably 5% by mass or more, based on the total repeating units (100% by mass) constituting the main chain of the specific leveling agent. The upper limit of the content of the repeating unit B is preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 25% by mass or less, and even more preferably 15% by mass or less, based on the total repeating units (100% by mass) constituting the main chain of the specific leveling agent.

[0075] (Repeating Unit C) The repeating unit C is a repeating unit containing a radically polymerizable group. Examples of the radically polymerizable group include known radically polymerizable groups having an unsaturated double bond group. Specific 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, and among these, a (meth)acryloyl group or a (meth)acryloyloxy group is preferred. In the repeating unit C, the number of radically polymerizable groups is 1 or more, preferably 1 to 3, and more preferably 1 or 2.

[0076] In the repeating unit C, in order to achieve better effects of the present invention, it is preferable that the radical polymerizable group is a radical polymerizable group having an unsaturated double bond group, and that the length from the main chain to the unsaturated double bond group contained in the radical polymerizable group (hereinafter also referred to as "length Ar") is 7 atoms or more. Taking the following compound as an example, the length from the main chain to the unsaturated double bond group of the radical polymerizable group (length Ar) is 8. In other words, the length Ar in the following compound is intended to be the length of the linking portion connecting the main chain to the unsaturated double bond group contained in the terminal radical polymerizable group.

[0077]

[0078] However, when the repeating unit C has a plurality of radical polymerizable groups, the longest length from the main chain to the radical polymerizable group is defined as the length Ar. The length Ar is preferably 7 atoms or more, more preferably 8 atoms or more, and even more preferably 10 atoms or more, in order to obtain a more excellent effect of the present invention. The upper limit is preferably 20 atoms or less.

[0079] The repeating unit B is preferably a repeating unit represented by formula (Z-1) in that the effects of the present invention are more excellent.

[0080]

[0081] In formula (Z-1), D １ represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or -CH ２ OR Ｚ１ , or -CH２ COOR Ｚ２ Represents R Ｚ１ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Ｚ２ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. １ preferably represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.

[0082] A １ is —O— or —NR Ｚ３ - represents. Ｚ３ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Ｚ３ is preferably a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, more preferably a hydrogen atom. １ As the group, —O— or —NH— is preferable, and —O— is more preferable.

[0083] w represents an integer of 1 to 5. w is preferably an integer of 2 to 5, more preferably 2 or 3, and even more preferably 2, in that the effects of the present invention are more excellent.

[0084] L Ｚ１ represents a (w+1)-valent linking group having at least one group selected from the group consisting of an aliphatic group and an aromatic group. The aliphatic group may be either chain (linear or branched) or cyclic. However, in the aliphatic group, at least one -CH ２ - is -NR Ｚ４ -, -O-, -S-, -CO-, -SO-, or -SO ２ -, and at least one -CH ２ CH ２ - may be replaced by -N=N- or -CH=N-, and at least one -CH< may be replaced by -N<. Ｚ４ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Ｚ４ is preferably a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, more preferably a hydrogen atom.

[0085] The aromatic group is preferably an aromatic hydrocarbon group, more preferably an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0086] The w+1-valent linking group is preferably, for example, a w+1-valent chain (straight-chain or branched-chain) aliphatic hydrocarbon group. However, in the w+1-valent chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group, at least one —CH ２ - is -NR Ｚ４ -, -O-, -S-, -CO-, -SO-, or -SO ２ -, and at least one -CH ２ CH ２ - may be replaced by -N=N- or -CH=N-, and at least one -CH< may be replaced by -N<. Ｚ４ is as described above. The number of carbon atoms in the w+1-valent chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group is preferably 1 to 15, more preferably 1 to 10, even more preferably 1 to 6, and particularly preferably 1 to 3. The number of atoms excluding hydrogen atoms in the w+1-valent chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group is preferably 1 to 15, more preferably 1 to 10, even more preferably 1 to 6, and particularly preferably 1 to 3. The w+1-valent aliphatic hydrocarbon group may further have a substituent (for example, a hydroxyl group, a halogen atom, an aryl group, etc.).

[0087] In the formula, R Ｚ４ If there are multiple R Ｚ４ may be the same or different from each other.

[0088] L Ｚ２ represents a single bond, an alkylene group, an arylene group, —CO—, —O—, or —NR Ｚ５ - represents a divalent linking group having at least one selected from the group consisting of. The alkylene group is preferably chain-shaped (straight-chain or branched-chain). The number of carbon atoms in the alkylene group is preferably 1 to 10, more preferably 1 to 5, and even more preferably 1 to 3. The aryl group is preferably an aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms. R Ｚ５ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, more preferably a hydrogen atom. Ｚ５ If there are multiple R Ｚ５ may be the same or different from each other.

[0089] LＺ２ is, among others, a single bond, an alkylene group, —CO—, —O—, and —NR Ｚ５ In the formula, L is preferably a divalent linking group having at least one selected from the group consisting of a single bond, an alkylene group, —CO—, and —O—, more preferably a single bond or an alkylene group. Ｚ２ If there are multiple L Ｚ２ may be the same or different from each other.

[0090] L in formula (Z-1) Ｚ１ and w L Ｚ２ and a moiety consisting of (-L in formula (Z-1) Ｚ１ - (L Ｚ２ ) ｗ In order to improve the scratch resistance, it is preferable that L in formula (Z-1) does not contain a heteroatom. Ｚ１ and w L Ｚ２ The number of carbon atoms contained in the moiety composed of is preferably 1 to 6, more preferably 1 to 5, still more preferably 1 to 4, and particularly preferably 1 to 3.

[0091] E １ represents a radical polymerizable group. １ Examples of the radical polymerizable group represented by formula (Ea-1) include the radical polymerizable groups described above. Among them, a group represented by formula (Ea-1) or a group represented by formula (Ea-2) is preferred, and a group represented by formula (Ea-1) is more preferred. １ If there are multiple E １ may be the same or different from each other.

[0092]

[0093] In formula (Ea-1), R Ｅ１ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. Ｅ２ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. Ｅ３represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and more preferably a hydrogen atom. In formulas (Ea-1) and (Ea-2), * represents a bonding position.

[0094] In the repeating unit represented by formula (Z-1), the length (length Ar) from the main chain to the unsaturated double bond group contained in the radical polymerizable group represented by formula (Ea-1) and formula (Ea-2) is preferably 7 atoms or more, more preferably 8 atoms or more, and even more preferably 10 atoms or more. The upper limit is preferably 20 atoms or less. Specific examples of the repeating unit C include the repeating units represented by H-1 to H-20 below. n represents the number of repeats and is an integer from 1 to 100.

[0095]

[0096]

[0097]

[0098] The repeating unit C may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the repeating unit C is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, and even more preferably 5% by mass or more, based on the total repeating units (100% by mass) constituting the main chain of the specific leveling agent. The upper limit of the content of the repeating unit C is preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 25% by mass or less, and even more preferably 15% by mass or less, based on the total repeating units (100% by mass) constituting the main chain of the specific leveling agent.

[0099] The specific leveling agent may have a repeating unit other than the above-described repeating units A to C. From the viewpoint of controlling the alignment of the above-described radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound, the specific leveling agent also preferably has a repeating unit containing a mesogen group (repeating unit D).

[0100] (Repeating Unit D) The repeating unit D is a repeating unit containing 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. The mesogen group is preferably a group having at least one cyclic structure selected from the group consisting of an aromatic hydrocarbon group, a heterocyclic group, and an alicyclic group. The mesogen group is preferably a group having an aromatic hydrocarbon group or an alicyclic group, which may have a substituent, in order to improve the degree of alignment of the liquid crystal compound. A group having two to four aromatic hydrocarbon groups, which may have a substituent, is more preferred, and a group having three aromatic hydrocarbon groups, which may have a substituent, is even more preferred. The substituent is preferably an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkyl ester group, or an acetyl group, and more preferably a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, a methoxy group, or a methyl ester group.

[0101] The mesogenic group is preferably a group represented by the following formula (M1-A): １１ -L １１ ) ｎ -Cy １２ - * (M1-A)

[0102] In formula (M1-A), * represents a bonding position.

[0103] In formula (M1-A), n represents an integer of 1 or more, preferably an integer of 1 to 10, more preferably an integer of 1 to 3, and even more preferably 2.

[0104] In formula (M1-A), Cy １１ and Cy １２each independently represents a divalent cyclic group which may have a substituent. The divalent cyclic group may be either a monocyclic or polycyclic group, and is preferably a monocyclic group. 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.

[0105] Examples of the divalent ring group include a divalent aromatic ring group and a divalent alicyclic group. Examples of the divalent aromatic ring group include a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon ring group obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from an aromatic hydrocarbon ring, and a divalent aromatic heterocyclic group obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from an aromatic heterocyclic ring. Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon ring include a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, an anthracene ring, and a phenanthroline ring. Examples of the aromatic heterocyclic ring include a pyridine ring, a pyridazine ring, an imidazole ring, a thiophene ring, a quinoline ring, an isoquinolylene ring, an oxazole ring, a thiazole ring, an oxadiazole ring, a benzothiazole ring, a benzothiadiazole ring, a phthalimide ring, a thienothiazole ring, a thiazolothiazole ring, a thienothiophene ring, and a thienoxazole ring. Among these, a group obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from a benzene ring (e.g., a 1,4-phenylene group) is preferred. Examples of the divalent alicyclic group include a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon ring group obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from an aliphatic hydrocarbon ring (e.g., a cycloalkane or a cycloalkene), and a divalent aliphatic heterocyclic group obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from an aliphatic heterocyclic ring. Examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon ring include a cyclopentane ring, a cyclohexane ring, a cycloheptane ring, a cyclooctane ring, a cyclononane ring, a cyclododecane ring, and a cyclodocosane ring. Examples of the aliphatic heterocyclic group include a pyrrolidine ring, an oxolane ring, a thiolane ring, a piperidine ring, a tetrahydropyran ring, a thiane ring, a piperazine ring, and a morpholine ring. Of these, a group obtained by removing a divalent hydrogen atom from a cyclohexane ring (e.g., a 1,4-cyclohexylene group) is preferred. Examples of the divalent ring group include a divalent aromatic ring group or a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon ring group, and a divalent aromatic ring group is more preferred.

[0106] Examples of the substituent that the divalent cyclic group may have include an alkyl ester group, an alkyl group which may have a halogen atom, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylthio group, an alkyloxycarbonyl group, a carbamoyl group, an acylamino group, a halogen atom, a cyano group, and a nitro group. An alkyl ester group, an alkyl group, or an acyl group is preferred, a methyl ester group, a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an acetyl group is more preferred, and a methyl ester group, a methyl group, or an ethyl group is even more preferred.

[0107] In formula (M1-A), L １１ Each of the groups 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.

[0108] n is an integer of 2 or more, and Cy １１ represents a phenylene group, in order to improve the alignment property when the liquid crystal compound is to be horizontally aligned, two or more Cy １１ Preferably, any one of the above is a meta-position linkage or an ortho-position linkage, and among these, from the viewpoint of improving alignment and repelling, a meta-position linkage is preferred. On the other hand, when the liquid crystal compound is to be vertically aligned, two or more Cy １１ Preferably, any one of the above is a para-linkage.

[0109] The repeating unit D is preferably a repeating unit represented by the following formula (d1) or a repeating unit represented by the following formula (d2), and more preferably a repeating unit represented by the following formula (d1), in terms of improving compatibility with the liquid crystal compound and providing more excellent leveling properties:

[0110]

[0111] In formulas (d1) and (d2), R ２１ , R ２２ , R ２３ , and L １ are R in the above formula (a1), respectively. １ , R ２ , R ３ , and L １ In the above formula (d2), R ２４ and R ２５ are R in the above formula (a1), respectively. １ and R ２ The same definition and preferred embodiments are also the same. ２６ is R in the above formula (a1). ３ The same definition and preferred embodiments are also the same. ２ is L in the above formula (a1). １ The same definition and preferred embodiments are also the same.

[0112] In formulas (d1) and (d2), SP １ and SP ２ each independently represents a spacer group. The spacer group is not particularly limited as long as it is a divalent linking group that does not contain a ring structure, and examples thereof include divalent chain aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. As the divalent chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a chain alkylene group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms is preferred, and a chain alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms is more preferred. Specific examples thereof include a methylene group, an ethylene group, a propylene group, a butylene group, a pentylene group, a hexylene group, a methylhexylene group, and a heptylene group. The —CH that constitutes the divalent chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group ２ One or more of - may be each independently substituted with a group selected from -O-, -S-, -CO-, and -N(Q)-.２ - may be substituted. Q represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. The substituent represented by Q is preferably an alkyl group, more preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group. 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. Each n2 independently represents an integer of 1 to 6, preferably an integer of 2 to 4.

[0113] In formula (d1) and formula (d2), M １ represents a mesogenic group. Details of the mesogenic group are as described above.

[0114] In formula (d2), T １ represents 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.

[0115] Specific examples of the repeating unit D include repeating units derived from the monomers represented by Q-1 to Q-32 below.

[0116]

[0117]

[0118] The repeating unit D may be used singly or in combination of two or more types. The content of the repeating unit D is preferably 5 to 50 mass %, more preferably 10 to 50 mass %, and even more preferably 15 to 45 mass %, based on the total repeating units (100 mass %) constituting the main chain of the specific leveling agent.

[0119] The total content of the repeating units A, B, and C is preferably 40% by mass or more, more preferably 50% by mass or more, and even more preferably 60% by mass or more, based on all repeats constituting the main chain of the specific leveling agent. There is no particular upper limit and it may be 100% by mass. The total content of the repeating units A, B, C, and D is preferably 80% by mass or more, more preferably 90% by mass or more, based on all repeats constituting the main chain of the specific leveling agent. There is no particular upper limit and it may be 100% by mass.

[0120] (Other Repeating Units) The specific leveling agent may contain a repeating unit other than the repeating units described above. For example, the specific leveling agent may have a repeating unit containing a polar group in terms of orientation control. Examples of the polar group include a carboxy group, an amino group, an amide group, a urea group, a urethane group, a sulfonylamino group, a sulfo group, a phospho group, a hydroxy group, a mercapto group, a methylene group substituted with an electron-withdrawing group, and a methine group substituted with an electron-withdrawing group, and the carboxy group is preferred.

[0121] The repeating unit containing a polar group is preferably a repeating unit represented by the following formula (K-1).

[0122]

[0123] In the above formula (K-1), R １０ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and among these, a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms is preferred, a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is more preferred, and a hydrogen atom or a methyl group is even more preferred.

[0124] Examples of the monomer that forms the repeating unit represented by the formula (K-1) include acrylic acid and methacrylic acid.

[0125] The content of the repeating unit having a polar group is preferably 0.05 to 30 mass%, more preferably 0.1 to 15 mass%, and even more preferably 1 to 10 mass%, relative to all repeating units (100 mass%) constituting the main chain of the specific leveling agent.

[0126] Examples of repeating units other than those mentioned above include repeating units derived from alkyl (meth)acrylates (the alkyl group moiety has 1 to 24 carbon atoms), styrene derivatives, (meth)acrylonitrile, vinyl ether derivatives, and alkyl(meth)acrylamide derivatives, as well as repeating units having a functional group capable of forming a covalent complex with a hydroxyl group.

[0127] The functional group capable of forming a covalent complex with a hydroxyl group is a boronic acid group (-B(OH) ２ ) and a boronic ester group (—B(OR Ｂ１ ) ２ ) group is preferred. Ｂ１ represents a monovalent organic group. Ｂ１ They may be bonded to each other to form a ring structure.

[0128] Examples of repeating units having a functional group capable of forming a covalent complex with a hydroxyl group include the repeating units shown below.

[0129]

[0130] Examples of repeating units containing a boronic acid group or a boronic ester group include the repeating units described in paragraphs 0036 to 0045 of WO 2018 / 062068.

[0131] The specific leveling agent may be any of a random copolymer, an alternating copolymer, and a block copolymer, and may also be a mixture of random, alternating, and block copolymers.

[0132] The weight-average molecular weight of the specific leveling agent is preferably 5,000 to 70,000, more preferably 9,000 to 40,000, and even more preferably 15,000 to 30,000. Here, the weight-average molecular weight in the present invention is a value measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) under the following conditions. Solvent (eluent): tetrahydrofuran Apparatus name: EcoSEC HLC-8320GPC (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) Column: Three columns 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.

[0133] The specific leveling agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the specific leveling agent 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 liquid crystal composition, in terms of more excellent effects of the present invention. Furthermore, the content of the specific leveling agent is preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, based on the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition, in terms of leveling properties.

[0134] <Polymerization Initiator> The liquid crystal 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 as the photopolymerization initiator. Examples 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.

[0135] The content of the polymerization initiator is preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 5% by mass, based on the total solid content of the liquid crystal composition.

[0136] <Alignment Control Agent> The liquid crystal composition may contain an alignment control agent, if necessary. 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 a specific alignment state by controlling it more uniformly and more precisely.

[0137] As the alignment control agent that promotes homogeneous alignment, for example, a low molecular weight alignment control agent and a polymer alignment control agent can be used. For example, the descriptions of low molecular weight alignment control agents can be found 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, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, the descriptions of polymer alignment control agents can be found in paragraphs

[0021] to

[0057] of JP 2004-198511 A, and paragraphs

[0121] to

[0167] of JP 2006-106662 A, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0138] Examples of alignment control agents that form or promote homeotropic alignment include boronic acid compounds and onium salt compounds. Specific examples of such compounds include those 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] , and the like, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0139] Cholesteric alignment can be achieved by adding a chiral dopant to the liquid crystal composition, and the direction of rotation of the cholesteric alignment can be controlled by the chirality of the dopant. The pitch of the cholesteric alignment can be controlled by the alignment control force of the chiral dopant.

[0140] <Solvent> The liquid crystal composition preferably contains a solvent from the viewpoint of workability in forming a film, etc. 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.

[0141] <Other Components> The liquid crystal composition may contain other components in addition to those described above, as necessary. Examples of the other components include a chiral agent, a chain transfer agent, a tilt angle control agent, a plasticizer, and a crosslinking agent. In terms of uniformity and alignment, it is also preferable that the liquid crystal composition does not contain a filler (e.g., silicon dioxide).

[0142] [Method for producing retardation film] The retardation film of the present invention is formed using the above liquid crystal composition. The method for producing the retardation film of the present invention preferably includes, in this order, a coating film forming step of applying the above liquid crystal composition to form a coating film, an alignment step of aligning the liquid crystal compound contained in the coating film, and an alignment fixing step of fixing the alignment state.

[0143] In the coating film forming step, a liquid crystal composition is applied onto a substrate to form a coating film. The substrate is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a support and an alignment film contained in an optical laminate described below. By using a liquid crystal composition containing the above-mentioned solvent or a liquid crystal composition that has been converted into a molten liquid or the like by heating or the like, it becomes easy to apply the liquid crystal composition onto the alignment film. Examples of methods for applying the liquid crystal composition include known methods such as roll coating, gravure printing, spin coating, wire bar coating, extrusion coating, direct gravure coating, reverse gravure coating, die coating, spraying, and inkjet printing.

[0144] The method for aligning the liquid crystal compound in the alignment step is not particularly limited, but preferably includes a heat treatment. The heating temperature is preferably 10 to 250°C, more preferably 25 to 190°C, from the viewpoint of manufacturability and the like. The heating time is preferably 1 to 300 seconds, more preferably 1 to 60 seconds. A cooling treatment may be carried out after the heat treatment. The cooling treatment is a treatment in which the coated film after heating is cooled to about room temperature (20 to 25°C). The cooling means is not particularly limited, and can be carried out by a known method.

[0145] The fixation method in the alignment fixation step is typically a polymerization treatment (radical polymerization treatment). The radical polymerization treatment allows a polymerization reaction of the radically polymerizable liquid crystal compound and the radically polymerizable group contained in the specific leveling agent to proceed, thereby fixing the alignment of the liquid crystal compound. The conditions for the polymerization are not particularly limited, but in the polymerization by light irradiation, it is typically preferable to use ultraviolet light. The irradiation dose is 10 mJ / cm. ２ ~50 J / cm ２ is preferred, and 20 mJ / cm２ ~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.

[0146] The method for producing a retardation film of the present invention preferably includes a step of performing a surface modification treatment. Specific examples of the surface modification treatment include corona treatment and plasma treatment, with corona treatment being preferred. In other words, the retardation film is preferably subjected to corona treatment. The timing of the surface modification treatment is not particularly limited, but it is preferably performed after the orientation fixing step. The surface modification treatment is preferably performed on the surface of the coating film opposite the substrate. In other words, it is preferably performed on the surface on the side where the specific leveling agent is unevenly distributed.

[0147] The corona treatment and plasma treatment methods are not particularly limited, and known methods can be adopted. For example, known corona discharge devices and plasma treatment devices can be used. The discharge amount in the corona treatment can be appropriately adjusted depending on the composition of the retardation film, but is preferably 10 Wmin / m ２ More than 50 Wmin / m is preferable. ２ More preferably, 500 Wmin / m or more ２ The upper limit is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5000 Wmin / m ２ In most cases, it is below 2000Wmin / m ２ The following are preferred: The power and treatment time in the corona treatment can be adjusted appropriately.

[0148] [Properties of Retardation Film] The retardation film of the present invention is a film in which the alignment state of the liquid crystal compound is fixed by subjecting the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition to radical polymerization treatment. The retardation film of the present invention typically contains a cured product of a radically polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a cured product of a specific leveling agent, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal compound is fixed to exhibit the desired retardation function. In the retardation film, the cured product of the specific leveling agent is unevenly distributed on the surface of the retardation film, and also has cationically polymerizable groups derived from the specific leveling agent that did not contribute to the radical polymerization reaction.

[0149] In this specification, the state in which the orientation state of the liquid crystal compound is "fixed" refers to a state in which the orientation of the liquid crystal compound is maintained. Specifically, it is more preferable that the layer has no fluidity and can stably maintain the fixed orientation state without causing any change in the orientation state due to an external field or external force, usually within a temperature range of 0 to 50°C, or under more severe conditions, within a temperature range of -30 to 70°C. In the embodiment of a retardation film in which the orientation state is fixed, the liquid crystal compound no longer needs to exhibit liquid crystallinity.

[0150] The orientation state of the liquid crystal compound in the retardation film of the present invention may be any of horizontal orientation, vertical orientation, tilt orientation, and twist orientation. Furthermore, as described in International Publication No. 2021 / 033640, a single layer may have multiple orientation states, such as a liquid crystal cured layer having, along the thickness direction, 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. In this specification, "horizontal orientation" refers to the principal surface of the film being parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal compound. Strict parallelism is not required, and in this specification, it refers to an orientation in which the angle between the long axis direction of the liquid crystal compound and the principal surface of the film is less than 10°. In this specification, "vertical orientation" refers to the principal surface of the film being perpendicular to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal compound. Strict perpendicularity is not required, and in this specification, it refers to an orientation in which the angle between the long axis direction of the liquid crystal compound and the principal surface of the film is 170 to 110°.

[0151] Examples of the retardation film of the present invention include a positive A plate, a negative A plate, a positive C plate, and an optically anisotropic film having, along the thickness direction, a first region in which the orientation state of liquid crystal compounds twistedly aligned along a helical axis extending along the thickness direction is fixed, and a second region in which the orientation state of liquid crystal compounds homogeneously aligned is fixed (hereinafter, this embodiment is also referred to as "optically anisotropic film A"). Of these, a positive A plate or a negative A plate is preferred.

[0152] A positive A plate (positive A plate), a negative A plate (negative 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 (the direction in which the in-plane refractive index is maximum) of the film is nx, the refractive index in the direction perpendicular to the in-plane slow axis is ny, and the refractive index in the thickness direction is nz, the positive A plate satisfies the relationship of formula (A1), the negative A plate satisfies the relationship of formula (A2), and the positive C plate satisfies the relationship of formula (C1). Note that the positive A plate and the positive C plate have positive Rth values, and the negative A plate has a negative Rth value. Formula (A1) nx>ny≒nz Formula (A2) ny<nx≒nz Formula (C1) nz>nx≒ny Note that the above "≒" encompasses not only the case where the two are completely identical, but also the case where the two are substantially identical. Regarding "substantially the same," for a positive A plate, "ny ≒ nz" also 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. For a negative A plate, "nx ≒ nz" also includes, for example, a case where (nx - nz) x d is -10 to 10 nm, preferably -5 to 5 nm. For a positive C plate, "nx ≒ ny" also 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.

[0153] When the retardation film of the present invention is a positive A plate, from the viewpoint of functioning as a λ / 4 plate, Re(550) is preferably 100 to 180 nm, more preferably 120 to 160 nm, still more preferably 130 to 150 nm, and particularly preferably 130 to 145 nm. Here, the "λ / 4 plate" is a plate having a λ / 4 function, specifically, a plate having a function of converting linearly polarized light of a certain wavelength into circularly polarized light (or circularly polarized light into linearly polarized light).

[0154] When the retardation film of the present invention is a negative A plate, from the viewpoint of functioning as a λ / 2 plate, Re(550) is preferably 210 to 300 nm, more preferably 220 to 300 nm, still more preferably 220 to 280 nm, and particularly preferably 220 to 260 nm.

[0155] An optically anisotropic film (optically anisotropic film 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 film 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 film to be suitably applied to 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.

[0156] 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 film to be suitably applied to a circular polarizer. The twist angle is measured using an AxoScan from Axometrics and its instrument analysis software.

[0157] Furthermore, assuming that the thickness of the second region of the optically anisotropic film 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 film 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 It should be noted that the refractive index anisotropy Δn2 means the refractive index anisotropy of the second region.

[0158] The retardation film of the present invention may exhibit either forward wavelength dispersion or reverse wavelength dispersion. Note that the forward wavelength dispersion and reverse wavelength dispersion are preferably exhibited in the visible light region. Note that, when the retardation film of the present invention exhibits forward wavelength dispersion, it means that the in-plane retardation decreases as the measured wavelength increases. Furthermore, when the retardation film of the present invention exhibits reverse wavelength dispersion, it means that the in-plane retardation increases as the measured wavelength increases.

[0159] The thickness of the retardation film of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 to 10 μm, more preferably 0.5 to 5 μm.

[0160] [Optical Laminate] The optical laminate of the present invention is an optical laminate including a retardation layer and an adhesive layer (UV adhesive layer) formed by curing an ultraviolet-curable adhesive (UV adhesive), wherein the retardation layer includes a cured product of a radically polymerizable liquid crystal compound (hereinafter also referred to as "cured product A") and a cured product (hereinafter also referred to as "cured product B") derived from a polymer (specific leveling agent) having a repeating unit containing a silicon atom, a repeating unit containing a cationically polymerizable group, and a repeating unit containing a radically polymerizable group, the cured product being unevenly distributed on the UV adhesive layer side.

[0161] Here, "the cured product B is unevenly distributed on the UV adhesive layer side of the retardation layer" means that when the components in the depth direction of the retardation layer are analyzed by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry while irradiating an ion beam from one surface of the retardation layer toward the other surface, and a profile in the depth direction of secondary ion intensity X derived from the chemical structure of the cured product derived from the specific leveling agent is obtained, the amount of cured product B observed on the surface of the UV adhesive layer side of the retardation layer is 10 times or more the amount of cured product B observed at a position 100 nm deep from the surface of the UV adhesive layer side of the retardation layer.

[0162] A method for obtaining the above profile using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) will be described in detail. First, the components in the depth direction of the retardation layer are analyzed by TOF-SIMS while ion sputtering from one surface of the retardation layer to the other surface. Note that the depth direction means the thickness direction of the retardation layer. Furthermore, TOF-SIMS is specifically described in "Surface Analysis Technology Selection: Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry" edited by the Japan Surface Science Society, published by Maruzen Co., Ltd. (1999).

[0163] The components in the depth direction of the retardation layer are analyzed to obtain a depth profile of the secondary ion intensity X (counts / sec) derived from the chemical structure of the cured product derived from the specific leveling agent. As an example of the profile, when the components in the depth direction of the retardation layer are analyzed, the secondary ion intensity X is first observed to be high, and as the depth direction increases, the secondary ion intensity X gradually decreases. As the depth direction increases, the secondary ion intensity X remains low. In other words, this indicates that the cured product derived from the specific leveling agent is likely to be unevenly distributed on one surface side of the retardation layer. The chemical structure (hereinafter also referred to as "chemical structure XE") of the cured product derived from the specific leveling agent from which the secondary ion intensity X is derived is not particularly limited as long as it is a chemical structure that can accurately measure the distribution state of the cured product derived from the specific leveling agent in the retardation layer. Note that the secondary ion intensity X means the intensity of fragment ions derived from the chemical structure XE.

[0164] In addition, when analyzing the components in the depth direction of the retardation layer by TOF-SIMS while ion sputtering, a series of operations is repeated, in which component analysis is performed in a depth region of 1 to 2 nm, and then the layer is excavated further in the depth direction by 20 nm to perform component analysis in the next depth region of 1 to 2 nm. Therefore, the secondary ion intensity X at the above depth position means the result of the component analysis in the depth region of 1 to 2 nm.

[0165] The TOF-SIMS measurement is preferably carried out under the following measurement conditions: Apparatus used: TOF-SIMS V manufactured by ION-TOF Inc. Primary ions: Bi ３ ＋＋ (0.2 pA) Measurement mode: bunching mode Negative ion beam: Ar-GCIB gun (Ar ２０００ ＋ , 15kV, 5.9nA, 500μm x 500μm sputtering)

[0166] The UV adhesive layer is a layer obtained by curing an ultraviolet-curable adhesive (UV adhesive), which is an adhesive that can be cured by ultraviolet irradiation, and is typically a layer obtained by curing a layer of an ultraviolet-curable adhesive (UV adhesive) (hereinafter also referred to as a "UV adhesive composition layer"). Examples of UV adhesives include UV adhesives containing a cationically polymerizable compound and UV adhesives containing a radically polymerizable compound. Among these, UV adhesives containing a cationically polymerizable compound are preferred because they provide superior effects of the present invention. The cationically polymerizable compound is a compound having a cationically polymerizable group. The radically polymerizable compound is a compound having a radically polymerizable group. The definitions of the cationically polymerizable group and the radically polymerizable group are as described above. Among these, the cationically polymerizable group is preferably an epoxy group. The cationically polymerizable compound is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether, 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, and 3,4-epoxycyclohexenylmethyl-3',4'-epoxycyclohexene carboxylate. For the UV adhesive composition layer, reference can be made to, for example, paragraphs

[0062] to

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

[0167] The optical laminate of the present invention can be formed by contacting the retardation film of the present invention with a UV adhesive and curing the UV adhesive by ultraviolet irradiation. The optical laminate of the present invention is typically a layer formed on the surface of a substrate by subjecting a laminate including the retardation film of the present invention and a substrate (e.g., a film having a liquid crystal layer or a polarizer) laminated via a UV adhesive, the laminate including the retardation film, a UV adhesive composition layer, and the substrate to a curing treatment of the UV adhesive by ultraviolet irradiation. At this time, the polymerization reaction of the UV adhesive composition layer in the laminate proceeds due to ultraviolet irradiation, and polymerization of the cationic polymerizable group possessed by the specific leveling agent unevenly distributed at the interface between the UV adhesive composition layer and the UV adhesive composition layer side of the retardation film proceeds. As a result, the retardation layer derived from the retardation film and the UV adhesive layer, which is a cured layer of the UV adhesive composition layer, exhibit excellent adhesion.

[0168] The optical laminate of the present invention may include layers other than the retardation layer and the UV adhesive layer. Examples of such layers include a support and an alignment film. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the optical laminate of the present invention. Note that FIG. 1 is a schematic view, and the thickness and positional relationship of each layer do not necessarily correspond to the actual ones, and the support and alignment film shown in FIG. 1 are both optional components. The optical laminate 10 shown in FIG. 1 has a support 12, an alignment film 14, a retardation layer 16, and a UV adhesive layer 18, in this order. The retardation layer 16 is a layer derived from the retardation film of the present invention, and includes a cured product (cured product A) of a radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a cured product (cured product B) derived from a specific leveling agent that is unevenly distributed on the UV adhesive layer 18 side. Note that, typically, a substrate (not shown) is arranged on the side of the UV adhesive layer 18 of the optical laminate 10 opposite the retardation layer 16 side. The substrate to be attached is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include a film having a liquid crystal layer or a polarizer. The cured product A is a cured product obtained after radical polymerization of a radically polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the liquid crystal composition for producing the retardation film of the present invention. The cured product B is a cured product obtained after radical polymerization of a specific leveling agent contained in the liquid crystal composition for producing the retardation film of the present invention.

[0169] For example, when the polarizing plate of the present invention described below is used as a circular polarizing plate, or when the optical laminate of the present invention is used as an optical compensation film for an IPS (In-Plane-Switching) or FFS (Fringe-Field-Switching) liquid crystal display device, the optical laminate of the present invention preferably includes a positive A plate and a positive C plate. In such cases, the optical laminate may further include another liquid crystal layer, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Note that Figures 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams, and the thickness and positional relationship of each layer do not necessarily correspond to the actual ones. The optical laminate 20 shown in Figure 2 has a first adhesive layer 22, a retardation layer 24, a second adhesive layer 26, and a liquid crystal layer 28, in this order. One of the retardation layer 24 and the liquid crystal layer 28 is a positive A plate, and the other is a positive C plate. Furthermore, of the first adhesion layer 22 and the second adhesion layer 26, the layer facing the surface side of the retardation layer 24 where the cured product B is unevenly distributed is a UV adhesive layer, which is firmly bonded to the cationically polymerizable groups of the retardation layer 24. Typically, a substrate (a polarizer not shown) is disposed on the surface of the first adhesion layer 22 of the optical laminate 20 opposite the retardation layer 24 side. In the optical laminate 20 shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that the retardation layer 24 is a positive A plate and the liquid crystal layer 28 is a positive C plate. In the optical laminate 20 shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that the layer facing the surface side of the retardation layer 24 where the cured product B is unevenly distributed is the second adhesion layer 26, which is a UV adhesive layer. The first adhesion layer 22 and the second adhesion layer 26 may both be UV adhesive layers, or one may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.

[0170] The optical laminate 30 shown in FIG. 3 has a first adhesive layer 22, a liquid crystal layer 28, a second adhesive layer 26, and a retardation layer 24, in this order. One of the retardation layer 24 and the liquid crystal layer 28 is a positive A plate, and the other is a positive C plate. The second adhesive layer 26 is a UV adhesive layer, and is strongly bonded to cationic polymerizable groups derived from the cured product B that are unevenly distributed on the surface of the retardation layer 24 facing the second adhesive layer 26. Typically, a substrate (a polarizer not shown) is disposed on the surface of the first adhesive layer 22 of the optical laminate 30 opposite the liquid crystal layer 28. Both of the first adhesive layers 22 may be UV adhesive layers, or one may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. Various components used in the laminate of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0171] [Support] The support is a base material for supporting the retardation layer. The support is preferably transparent. Specifically, it is preferable that the light transmittance be 80% or more.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] [Alignment Film] The optical laminate of the present invention may have an alignment film between the support and the retardation layer. The support may also serve as the alignment film.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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 alignment 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.

[0177] In the present invention, 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 film thickness, the thickness is preferably 0.01 to 10 μm, more preferably 0.01 to 1 μm, and even more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 μm.

[0178] [UV adhesive layer] The thickness of the UV 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. If the thickness of the UV adhesive layer is within this range, lifting or peeling does not occur between the laminated film and the polarizer, and practically acceptable adhesion strength is obtained. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing the generation of bubbles, the thickness of the adhesion layer is preferably 0.4 μm or more.

[0179] [Adhesive Layer] The optical laminate of the present invention and the polarizing plate of the present invention may have an adhesive layer as an adhesive layer. Examples of adhesives contained in the adhesive layer include acrylic adhesives, epoxy adhesives, rubber adhesives, silicone adhesives, urethane adhesives, vinyl alkyl ether adhesives, polyvinyl alcohol adhesives, polyvinylpyrrolidone adhesives, polyacrylamide adhesives, and cellulose adhesives. Among these, acrylic adhesives (pressure-sensitive adhesives) are preferred because of their excellent transparency, weather resistance, heat resistance, and the like. Regarding adhesives, reference can be made to paragraphs

[0071] to

[0084] of JP 2018-060014 A, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0180] The thickness of the pressure-sensitive 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. If the thickness of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is within this range, lifting or peeling does not occur between the laminated layers, and an adhesive strength that does not cause any practical problems can be obtained.

[0181] The optical laminate of the present invention preferably contains an ultraviolet (UV) absorber in consideration of the influence of external light (especially ultraviolet light). The ultraviolet absorber may be contained in the retardation layer or in a member other than the retardation layer. A suitable example of a member other than the retardation layer is a support. Any conventionally known ultraviolet absorber capable of exhibiting ultraviolet absorption properties can be used as the ultraviolet absorber. Among such ultraviolet absorbers, it is preferable to use a benzotriazole-based or hydroxyphenyltriazine-based ultraviolet absorber, as they have high ultraviolet absorption properties and are capable of absorbing ultraviolet light (UV blocking ability) for use in image display devices. Furthermore, in order 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 include Tinuvin 400, Tinuvin 405, Tinuvin 460, Tinuvin 477, Tinuvin 479, and Tinuvin 1577 (all manufactured by BASF).

[0182] [Polarizing Plate] The polarizing plate of the present invention includes a polarizer and the optical laminate of the present invention. When the retardation layer included in the optical laminate of the present invention is a positive A plate, 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°, in terms of suitable application to circular polarizing plates and the like. Here, the "slow axis" refers to the direction in which the refractive index is maximized in the plane of the retardation layer, and the "absorption axis" of the polarizer refers to the direction in which the absorbance is highest. 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 optical laminates shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 can be suitably used. The angle between the slow axis of the positive A plate layer and the absorption axis of the polarizer described later is preferably perpendicular or parallel, and more 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 layer and the absorption axis of the polarizer described later is preferably parallel or perpendicular.

[0183] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a polarizing plate of the present invention. The polarizing plate 40 shown in FIG. 4 has a polarizer 42 and an optical laminate 20 (see FIG. 2). Note that FIG. 4 is a schematic view, and the thickness and positional relationship of each layer do not necessarily correspond to the actual ones. Furthermore, one of the first adhesive layer 24 and the second adhesive layer 28, and the liquid crystal layer are optional components. Furthermore, a protective film may be disposed on at least one surface of the polarizer 42. Examples of materials for the protective film include materials similar to those for the support described above.

[0184] [Polarizer] The polarizer is not particularly limited as long as it is a component that has the function of converting light into specific linearly polarized light, and conventionally known absorption-type polarizers, reflective-type polarizers, and coated-type polarizers can be used. Examples of absorption-type polarizers include iodine-based polarizers, dye-based polarizers using dichroic dyes, and polyene-based polarizers. Iodine-based polarizers and dye-based polarizers include coated-type polarizers and stretched-type polarizers, and either can be used. However, polarizers prepared by adsorbing iodine or a dichroic dye to polyvinyl alcohol and stretching the resulting material are preferred. Examples of coated-type polarizers include polarizers containing a cured product of a liquid crystal compound and a dichroic dye. Examples of reflective polarizers include polarizers stacked with thin films of different birefringence, wire-grid polarizers, and polarizers combining a cholesteric liquid crystal having a selective reflection region with a quarter-wave plate.

[0185] 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.

[0186] [Image display device] The display device of the present invention is an image display device having the film of the present invention or the polarizing plate of the present invention. The display element used in the image display device is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a liquid crystal cell, an organic electroluminescence (hereinafter abbreviated as "EL (Electro Luminescence)") display panel, and a plasma display panel. Of these, a liquid crystal cell or an organic EL display panel is preferred. That is, the image display device of the present invention is preferably a liquid crystal display device using a liquid crystal cell as the display element, or an organic EL display device using an organic EL display panel as the display element.

[0187] [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 film, and an organic EL display panel, in this order. The organic EL display panel is a display panel configured using an organic EL element 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 used.

[0188] [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.

[0189] <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.

[0190] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. The materials, amounts used, ratios, treatment details, treatment procedures, etc. shown in the following examples can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the examples shown below.

[0191] Example 1 A positive A plate (retardation film) and a polarizing plate equipped with a positive A plate were prepared as follows.

[0192] [Preparation of Support] The following composition was placed in a mixing tank, stirred, and heated at 90°C for 10 minutes. The resulting composition was then filtered through filter paper with an average pore size of 34 μm and a sintered metal filter with an average pore size of 10 μm to prepare a dope. The solids concentration of the dope was 23.5% by mass, the amount of plasticizer added was the ratio relative to the cellulose acylate, and the solvent for the dope was methylene chloride / methanol / butanol = 81 / 18 / 1 (mass ratio).

[0193] ------------------------------------------------ Cellulose acylate dope -------------------------------------------------- Cellulose acylate (acetyl substitution degree 2.86, viscosity average degree of polymerization 310) 100 parts by mass Sugar ester compound 1 (formula (S4) below) 6.0 parts by mass Sugar ester compound 2 (formula (S5) below) 2.0 parts by mass Silica particle dispersion (AEROSIL R972, manufactured by Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd.) 0.1 part by mass Solvent (methylene chloride / methanol / butanol) 351.9 parts by mass --------------------------------------------------

[0194]

[0195]

[0196] The dope prepared above was cast using a drum film-forming machine. The dope was cast from a die onto a metal support cooled to 0°C, and then the resulting web (film) was peeled off from the drum. The drum was made of SUS (stainless steel). The cast web (film) was peeled off from the drum and dried for 20 minutes in a tenter apparatus, which clipped both ends of the web with clips while transporting the film at 30 to 40°C. The web was then post-dried by zone heating while being transported by a roll. The resulting web was knurled and then wound up to form cellulose acylate film A1. The resulting cellulose acylate film A1 had a thickness of 60 μm, an in-plane retardation Re(550) of 1 nm at a wavelength of 550 nm, and a thickness-direction retardation Rth(550) of 35 nm at a wavelength of 550 nm.

[0197] [Preparation of Photo-Alignment Film 1] A coating solution E1 for forming a photo-alignment film having the following composition was continuously applied onto the above-mentioned cellulose acylate film 1 using a wire bar. The support on which the coating film was formed was dried with hot air at 134°C for 75 seconds, and then the coating film was irradiated with polarized ultraviolet light (8 mJ / cm ２, using an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp) to form a photo-alignment film 1. The film thickness of the photo-alignment film 1 was 0.5 μm.

[0198] -------------------------------------------------- Coating liquid E1 for forming photoalignment film -------------------------------------------------- Polymer PA-1 (shown below) 100.00 parts by mass Acid generator TAG-1 (shown below) 6.00 parts by mass DIPEA 0.60 parts by mass Butyl acetate 625.4 parts by mass Methyl ethyl ketone 156.3 parts by mass --------------------------------------------------

[0199] Polymer PA-1 (In the formula below, the numerical value for each repeating unit represents the content (% by mass) of each repeating unit relative to all repeating units; weight average molecular weight: 45,000)

[0200]

[0201] Acid generator TAG-1

[0202]

[0203] DIPEA

[0204]

[0205] [Preparation of Positive A Plate (Retardation Film)] Composition F1-1 having the following composition was applied onto the photo-alignment film E1 using a bar coater. The coating film formed on the photo-alignment film E1 was heated to 120°C with hot air, then cooled to 60°C, and then irradiated with 100 mJ / cm at a wavelength of 365 nm using a high-pressure mercury lamp under a nitrogen atmosphere. ２ The coating film was irradiated with ultraviolet light of 500 mJ / cm 2 while being heated to 120°C. ２The coating film was irradiated with ultraviolet light of 1000 nm, thereby fixing the alignment of the liquid crystal compound, and an optical film F1-1 having a positive A plate F1-1 was produced. The thickness of the positive A plate F1-1 was 2.5 μm, and the Re(550) was 144 nm. The positive A plate also satisfied the relationship Re(450)≦Re(550)≦Re(650). Re(450) / Re(550) was 0.82. The positive A plate corresponds to a so-called λ / 4 plate.

[0206] ------------------------------------------------ Composition F1-1 for forming a positive A plate -------------------------------------------------- 30.00 parts by mass of radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-1 described below 30.00 parts by mass of radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-2 described below 27.00 parts by mass of radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-3 described below 8.00 parts by mass of radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-4 described below 5.00 parts by mass of radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-5 described below 0.55 parts by mass of radical polymerization initiator PI-1 described below 0.06 parts by mass of polymer (surfactant) KA-1 described in Table 1 235.00 parts by mass of cyclopentanone ------------------------------------------------

[0207] Radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-1 (tBu represents a tertiary butyl group)

[0208]

[0209] Radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-2

[0210]

[0211] Radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-3

[0212]

[0213] Radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-4

[0214]

[0215] Radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound LA-5 (Me represents a methyl group)

[0216]

[0217] Polymerization initiator PI-1

[0218]

[0219] [Preparation of Polarizing Plate] <Preparation of Polarizer 1 with Protective Film> The surface of a support of cellulose triacetate film TJ25 (manufactured by Fujifilm; thickness: 25 μm) was subjected to alkaline saponification treatment. Specifically, the support was immersed in a 1.5 N sodium hydroxide aqueous solution at 55°C for 2 minutes, washed in a water wash bath at room temperature, and further neutralized with 0.1 N sulfuric acid at 30°C. After neutralization, the support was washed in a water wash bath at room temperature and further dried with hot air at 100°C to obtain a polarizer protective film. A roll-shaped polyvinyl alcohol film was stretched in the MD (machine direction) direction in an iodine aqueous solution and dried to obtain Polarizer 1 with a thickness of 14 μm. The polarizer protective film was attached to both surfaces of Polarizer 1 with PVA glue to prepare Polarizer 1 with protective films.

[0220] <Preparation of UV adhesive 1> UV adhesive 1 was prepared having the following composition: --------------------------------------------------- UV adhesive 1 --------------------------------------------------- CEL2021P (manufactured by Daicel Corporation) 70 parts by mass 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether 20 parts by mass 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether 10 parts by mass CPI-100P 2.25 parts by mass ---------------------------------------------------

[0221] CPI-100P

[0222]

[0223] <Preparation of Polarizing Plate> The surface of the positive A plate side of the optical film F1-1 was subjected to a discharge of 125 W·min / m２ Next, the corona-treated surface of the optical film F1-1 and the surface of the polarizer 1 with the protective film were bonded together via the UV adhesive 1. At this time, the bonding was performed so that the angle between the absorption axis of the polarizer included in the polarizer 1 with the protective film and the slow axis of the optical film F1-1 was 45°. Next, from the optical film F1-1 side, 150 mJ / cm at a wavelength of 365 nm was applied. ２ The coating film was irradiated with ultraviolet light of 1000 kJ / cm 2 , and the alignment film and the cellulose acylate film A1 of the optical film F1-1 were removed to obtain a polarizing plate F1-1. Note that, in the positive A plate of the polarizing plate, it was confirmed that the cured product of the surfactant KA-1 was unevenly distributed on the surface of the UV adhesive layer side.

[0224] [Examples 2 to 9, 11 to 13] Optical films F1-2 to F1-9 and F1-11 to F1-13 having positive A plates were produced using the same procedure as for optical film F1-1, except that the type and amount of polymer (surfactant) KA-1 was changed as shown in Table 1. Furthermore, polarizing plates F1-2 to F1-9 and F1-11 to F1-13 were produced using the same procedure as for polarizing plate F1-1, except that optical film F1-1 was replaced with optical films F1-2 to F1-9 and F1-11 to F1-13. It was confirmed that the positive A plates in each of the produced polarizing plates had a cured product of the surfactant (KA-2 to KA-9, KA-11 to KA-13) unevenly distributed on the surface on the UV adhesive layer side.

[0225] [Example 10] [Preparation of Support] A long cellulose acylate film (TD80UL, manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation) was passed through a dielectric heating roll at a temperature of 60°C to raise the surface temperature of the film to 40°C, and then an alkaline solution having the composition shown below was applied to the band surface of the film using a bar coater in an amount of 14 ml / m ２ The film was then transported for 10 seconds under a steam-type far-infrared heater manufactured by Noritake Co., Ltd. that had been heated to 110° C. Subsequently, pure water was applied to the film at a rate of 3 ml / m using the same bar coater. ２Next, the film was washed with water using a fountain coater and then drained with an air knife three times, and then transported to a drying zone at 70° C. for 10 seconds to dry, thereby preparing an alkali-saponified cellulose acylate film B1 (thickness: 80 μm).

[0226] ──────────────────────────────────── Composition of alkaline solution ────────────────────────────────── Potassium hydroxide 4.7 parts by mass Water 15.8 parts by mass Isopropanol 63.7 parts by mass Surfactant SF-1:C 14 H 29 O(CHCHO) 20 H 1.0 part by mass Propylene glycol 14.8 parts by mass

[0227] [Preparation of Orientation Film A] An orientation film coating solution A having the following composition was continuously applied to the alkaline saponified surface of the cellulose acylate film B1 using a #14 wire bar. The coating film was then dried with hot air at 60°C for 60 seconds and then with hot air at 100°C for 120 seconds to obtain an orientation film A (thickness: 0.5 μm).

[0228] -------------------------------------------------- Composition of alignment film coating solution A -------------------------------------------------- Polyvinyl alcohol-1 (listed below) 10 parts by weight Water 371 parts by weight Methanol 119 parts by weight Glutaraldehyde (crosslinking agent) 0.5 part by weight Citric acid ester (manufactured by Sankyo Chemical Co., Ltd.) 0.175 part by weight

[0229] Polyvinyl alcohol-1 (In the formula below, the numerical value for each repeating unit represents the content (% by mass) of each repeating unit relative to all repeating units.)

[0230] The prepared alignment film A was continuously subjected to rubbing treatment. At this time, the longitudinal direction of the long film was parallel to the conveying direction, and the angle between the longitudinal direction of the film and the rotation axis of the rubbing roller was set to 72.5° (the film width direction was set to 0°, the film longitudinal direction was set to 90°, and when observed from the alignment film A side, the clockwise direction with the film width direction as the reference was represented as a positive value, so the rotation axis of the rubbing roller was set to -17.5°).

[0231] [Preparation of Negative A Plate (Retardation Film)] A composition F1-10 for forming a negative A plate having the following composition was continuously applied onto the prepared alignment film A using a #4.8 wire bar. The film conveying speed was 26 m / min. To dry the solvent in the coating solution and to ripen the alignment of the discotic liquid crystal compound, the coating on the alignment film A was heated with hot air at 130°C for 90 seconds, then with hot air at 100°C for 60 seconds, and then heated at 80°C with 300 mJ / cm ２ The alignment of the liquid crystal compound was fixed by UV (ultraviolet) irradiation, and an optical film F1-10 having a negative A plate F1-10 was produced. The thickness of the negative A plate F1-10 was 2.0 μm. The average tilt angle of the discotic liquid crystal compound's disc surface with respect to the film surface was 90°, confirming that the discotic liquid crystal compound was aligned perpendicular to the film surface. The angle of the slow axis was -17.5°, parallel to the rotation axis of the rubbing roller, with the film width direction taken as 0° (the film longitudinal direction is 90°, and the clockwise direction with respect to the film width direction as observed from the negative A plate F1-10 side is represented as a positive value). The in-plane retardation of the negative A plate F1-10 at a wavelength of 550 nm was 240 nm. The negative A plate F1-10 exhibited forward wavelength dispersion. The negative A plate corresponds to a so-called λ / 2 plate.

[0232] ----------------------------------------------Composition of composition F1-10 for forming negative A plate----------------------------------------------Radical polymerizable discotic liquid crystal-1 (shown below) 80 parts by massRadical polymerizable discotic liquid crystal-2 (shown below) 20 parts by massAlignment film interface alignment agent-1 (shown below) 2 parts by massPolymer (surfactant) KA-10 (shown in Table 1) 0.35 parts by massEthylene oxide-modified trimethylolpropane triacrylate 5 parts by massPhotopolymerization initiator (Omnirad 907, manufactured by IGM Resins B.V.) 4 parts by massMethyl ethyl ketone 200 parts by mass------------------------------------------------

[0233] Radical polymerizable discotic liquid crystal-1

[0234] Radical polymerizable discotic liquid crystal-2

[0235] Alignment film interface alignment agent-1

[0236] [Preparation of Polarizing Plate] A polarizing plate F1-10 was prepared as follows using the polarizer 1 with protective film prepared in the upper section and the UV adhesive 1. The negative A plate side surface of the optical film F1-10 was subjected to a discharge of 125 W·min / m ２ Next, the corona-treated surface of the optical film F1-10 and the surface of the polarizer 1 with the protective film were bonded together via the UV adhesive 1. At this time, the bonding was performed so that the angle between the absorption axis of the polarizer included in the polarizer 1 with the protective film and the slow axis of the optical film F1-10 was 45°. Next, from the optical film F1-10 side, 150 mJ / cm at a wavelength of 365 nm was applied. ２The coating film was irradiated with ultraviolet light of 1000 kJ / cm 2 , and the alignment film and cellulose acylate film B1 of the optical film F1-10 were removed to obtain a polarizing plate F1-10. Note that, in the negative A plate of the produced polarizing plate, it was confirmed that the cured product of the surfactant (KA-10) was unevenly distributed on the surface on the UV adhesive layer side.

[0237] Comparative Example 1 An optical film F1-R having a positive A plate was produced in the same manner as for the optical film F1-1, except that the type and amount of polymer (surfactant) KA-1 added was changed as shown in Table 1. Furthermore, a polarizing plate F1-R was produced in the same manner as for the polarizing plate F1-1, except that the optical film F1-1 was changed to the optical film F1-R.

[0238] [Evaluation] [Adhesion] Adhesion was evaluated by the cross-cut method described in JIS-K-5600-5-6-1. For each prepared polarizing plate, 100 grids were made at 1 mm intervals on the surface of the optical film, and an adhesion test was performed using cellophane tape (manufactured by Nichiban Co., Ltd.). The cellophane tape was attached and peeled three times, and after the third peeling, evaluation was performed according to the following evaluation criteria. The grids were prepared by making cuts from the retardation layer side to the inside of the UV adhesive layer. If the evaluation result was any of ratings A to D, there was no problem in practical use, and rating A was preferred. "A": 90 to 100 squares in the grid that are not peeled off. "B": 70 to 89 squares in the grid that are not peeled off. "C": 50 to 69 squares in the grid that are not peeled off. "D": 30 to 49 squares in the grid that are not peeled off. "E": 29 or less squares in the grid that are not peeled off.

[0239] [Orientation and Surface Condition] Two polarizers 1 with protective films were placed on a backlight so that they were perpendicular to each other, and each of the optical films (F1-1 to F1-13, F1-R) of the Examples and Comparative Examples was placed between them so that the angle between the absorption axis of the polarizer 1 and the slow axis of each optical film was 45°, and observation was performed. As a result, each of the optical films was observed to be uniform, and it was confirmed that the orientation and surface condition were at a level that would not cause any practical problems.

[0240] Table 1 is shown below. The content (mass %) of each repeating unit in the "Polymer composition" column of Table 1 represents the content (mass %) relative to all repeating units. The types of each repeating unit in the "Polymer composition" column of Table 1 are as follows. In each of the repeating units P-1 to P-3, the length (length Ar) from the main chain to the unsaturated double bond group contained in the radical polymerizable group is 6 atoms, 8 atoms, and 7 atoms, respectively. In each of the repeating units Ep-1 and Ep-2, the length (length Ak) from the main chain to the cationically polymerizable group is 3 atoms and 8 atoms, respectively.

[0241]

[0242]

[0243]

[0244]

[0245]

[0246] From the results in Table 1, it is clear that the retardation films of the examples have excellent adhesion to the UV adhesive layer formed by curing the UV adhesive when brought into contact with the UV adhesive and subjected to a curing treatment of the UV adhesive by ultraviolet irradiation. Furthermore, from a comparison of Examples 1 to 4, it was confirmed that when the polymer (specific leveling agent) contains, as a repeating unit containing a silicon atom, a repeating unit having a group represented by formula (Ia-1) in which m is 3, or a repeating unit having a group represented by formula (1b), the adhesion between the retardation film and the UV adhesive layer is even better.

[0247] Furthermore, a comparison of Examples 2, 5, and 6 and a comparison of Examples 7 to 9 shows that when the polymer (specific leveling agent) contains a repeating unit having a radical polymerizable group with an unsaturated double bond group as a repeating unit containing a radical polymerizable group, and the length (length Ar) from the main chain to the unsaturated double bond group contained in the radical polymerizable group is 7 atoms or more, the adhesion between the retardation film and the UV adhesive layer is better.

[0248] Furthermore, a comparison of Examples 2 and 7 confirmed that when the polymer (specific leveling agent) contains a repeating unit having a length of 8 atoms or more from the main chain to the cationic polymerizable group as a repeating unit containing a cationic polymerizable group, the adhesion between the retardation film and the UV adhesive layer is better.

[0249] Furthermore, by comparing Examples 2 and 11, it was confirmed that when the content of repeating units containing silicon atoms in the polymer (specific leveling agent) is 50 mass% or more relative to the total repeating units of the polymer, the adhesion between the retardation film and the UV adhesive layer is better.

[0250] Furthermore, by comparing Examples 2 and 12, it was confirmed that when the content of repeating units containing radical polymerizable groups in the polymer (specific leveling agent) is 5 mass% or more relative to the total repeating units of the polymer, the adhesion between the retardation film and the UV adhesive layer is better.

[0251] Furthermore, by comparing Examples 2 and 13, it was confirmed that when the content of repeating units containing cationic polymerizable groups in the polymer (specific leveling agent) is 5 mass% or more relative to the total repeating units of the polymer, the adhesion between the retardation film and the UV adhesive layer is better.

[0252] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10, 20, 30 Optical laminate 12 Support 14 Alignment film 16, 24 Retardation layer 18 UV adhesive layer 22 First adhesive layer 26 Second adhesive layer 24 Retardation layer 28 Liquid crystal layer 40 Polarizer 42 Polarizer

Claims

1. A retardation film obtained by radically polymerizing a composition containing a radically polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a polymer, wherein the polymer has a repeating unit containing a silicon atom, a repeating unit containing a cationically polymerizable group, and a repeating unit containing a radically polymerizable group.

2. The retardation film according to claim 1, wherein the silicon atom-containing repeating unit has a group represented by formula (Ia-1). R Ａ each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group, each of which may have a substituent. Ａ represents an (m+1)-valent linking group, m represents 2 or 3, and * represents the bonding position.

3. The retardation film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the silicon atom-containing repeating unit has a group represented by formula (Ib). R Ｂ each independently represents an alkyl group, alkenyl group, aryl group, or aralkyl group, each of which may have a substituent. n represents a number of 2 or more. * represents a bonding position.

4. The retardation film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the repeating unit containing the radical polymerizable group, the radical polymerizable group is a polymerizable group having an unsaturated double bond group, and the length from the main chain to the unsaturated double bond group contained in the radical polymerizable group is 7 atoms or more.

5. The retardation film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the repeating unit containing a radically polymerizable group is a repeating unit represented by formula (Z-1). In formula (Z-1), D １ represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or -CH ２ OR Ｚ１ , or -CH ２ COOR Ｚ２ Represents R Ｚ１ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Ｚ２ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. １ is —O— or —NR Ｚ３ - represents. Ｚ３ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. w represents an integer of 2 to 5. L Ｚ１ represents a (w+1)-valent linking group having at least one group selected from the group consisting of an aliphatic group and an aromatic group, provided that in the aliphatic group, at least one —CH ２ - is -NR Ｚ４ -, -O-, -S-, -CO-, -SO-, or -SO ２ -, and at least one -CH ２ CH ２ - may be replaced by -N=N- or -CH=N-, and at least one -CH< may be replaced by -N<. Ｚ４ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Ｚ４ If there are multiple R Ｚ４ may be the same or different. Ｚ２ represents a single bond, an alkylene group, an arylene group, —CO—, —O—, or —NR Ｚ５ represents a divalent linking group having at least one selected from the group consisting of Ｚ５ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Ｚ５ If there are multiple R Ｚ５ may be the same or different. Ｚ２ may be the same or different. １ represents a group represented by formula (Ea-1) or a group represented by formula (Ea-2). １ may be the same or different from each other. In formula (Ea-1), R Ｅ１ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. Ｅ２ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. Ｅ３ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. In formulas (Ea-1) and (Ea-2), * represents a bonding position.

6. The retardation film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the repeating unit containing the cationically polymerizable group, the length from the main chain to the cationically polymerizable group is 8 atoms or more.

7. The retardation film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of radical polymerizable rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds and radical polymerizable discotic liquid crystal compounds.

8. The retardation film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the polymer, the content of the repeating unit containing a silicon atom is 30 to 80 mass% based on all repeating units of the polymer, the content of the repeating unit containing a cationically polymerizable group is 3 to 30 mass% based on all repeating units of the polymer, and the content of the repeating unit containing a radically polymerizable group is 3 to 30 mass% based on all repeating units of the polymer.

9. The retardation film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the polymer, the content of the repeating unit containing a silicon atom is 50 to 70 mass % based on all repeating units of the polymer, the content of the repeating unit containing a cationically polymerizable group is 5 to 15 mass % based on all repeating units of the polymer, and the content of the repeating unit containing a radically polymerizable group is 5 to 15 mass % based on all repeating units of the polymer.

10. An optical laminate comprising a retardation layer and an adhesive layer formed by curing an ultraviolet-curable adhesive, wherein the retardation layer comprises a cured product of a radically polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a cured product derived from a polymer having a repeating unit containing a silicon atom, a repeating unit containing a cationically polymerizable group, and a repeating unit containing a radically polymerizable group, the cured product being unevenly distributed on the adhesive layer side.

11. The optical laminate according to claim 10, wherein the adhesive layer is a layer formed by curing an ultraviolet-curable adhesive containing an epoxy group-containing compound, and the cationically polymerizable group contained in the polymer is an epoxy group.

12. The optical laminate according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the silicon atom-containing repeating unit contained in the polymer has a group represented by formula (Ia-1). R Ａ each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group, each of which may have a substituent. Ａ represents an (m+1)-valent linking group, m represents 2 or 3, and * represents the bonding position.

13. The optical laminate according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the silicon atom-containing repeating unit contained in the polymer has a group represented by formula (Ib). R Ｂ each independently represents an alkyl group, alkenyl group, aryl group, or aralkyl group, each of which may have a substituent. n represents a number of 2 or more. * represents a bonding position.

14. The optical laminate described in claim 10 or 11, wherein, in the repeating unit containing the radical polymerizable group, the radical polymerizable group is a polymerizable group having an unsaturated double bond group, and the length from the main chain to the unsaturated double bond group contained in the radical polymerizable group is 7 atoms or more.

15. The optical laminate according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the repeating unit containing the radically polymerizable group contained in the polymer is a repeating unit represented by formula (Z-1). In formula (Z-1), D １ represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or -CH ２ OR Ｚ１ , or -CH ２ COOR Ｚ２ Represents R Ｚ１ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Ｚ２ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. １ is —O— or —NR Ｚ３ - represents. Ｚ３ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. w represents an integer of 2 to 5. L Ｚ１ represents a (w+1)-valent linking group having at least one group selected from the group consisting of an aliphatic group and an aromatic group, provided that in the aliphatic group, at least one —CH ２ - is -NR Ｚ４ -, -O-, -S-, -CO-, -SO-, or -SO ２ -, and at least one -CH ２ CH ２ - may be replaced by -N=N- or -CH=N-, and at least one -CH< may be replaced by -N<. Ｚ４ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Ｚ４ If there are multiple R Ｚ４ may be the same or different. Ｚ２ represents a single bond, an alkylene group, an arylene group, —CO—, —O—, or —NR Ｚ５ represents a divalent linking group having at least one selected from the group consisting of Ｚ５ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Ｚ５ If there are multiple R Ｚ５ may be the same or different. Ｚ２ may be the same or different. １ represents a group represented by formula (Ea-1) or a group represented by formula (Ea-2). １ may be the same or different from each other. In formula (Ea-1), R Ｅ１ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. Ｅ２ R each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. Ｅ３ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. In formulas (Ea-1) and (Ea-2), * represents a bonding position.

16. The optical laminate according to claim 10 or 11, wherein in the repeating unit containing the cationically polymerizable group contained in the polymer, the length from the main chain to the cationically polymerizable group is 8 atoms or more.

17. The optical laminate according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound is at least one radical polymerizable liquid crystal compound selected from the group consisting of radical polymerizable rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds and radical polymerizable discotic liquid crystal compounds.

18. The optical laminate according to claim 10 or 11, wherein in the polymer, the content of the repeating unit containing a silicon atom is 30 to 80 mass% based on all repeating units of the polymer, the content of the repeating unit containing a cationically polymerizable group is 3 to 30 mass% based on all repeating units of the polymer, and the content of the repeating unit containing a radically polymerizable group is 3 to 30 mass% based on all repeating units of the polymer.

19. The optical laminate according to claim 10 or 11, wherein in the polymer, the content of the repeating unit containing a silicon atom is 50 to 70 mass % based on all repeating units of the polymer, the content of the repeating unit containing a cationically polymerizable group is 5 to 15 mass % based on all repeating units of the polymer, and the content of the repeating unit containing a radically polymerizable group is 5 to 15 mass % based on all repeating units of the polymer.

20. A polarizing plate comprising the optical laminate according to claim 10 or 11 and a polarizer.

21. An image display device comprising the polarizing plate according to claim 20.

22. The image display device according to claim 21, which is an organic electroluminescence display device.

23. The image display device according to claim 21, which is a liquid crystal display device.

Images