Liquid Crystal Alignment Film Catalyst Precursor for Low-Temperature Imidization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid crystal display technologies face challenges in achieving high imidization ratios at low temperatures, leading to suboptimal electrical and alignment properties, and suffer from issues like powdery dust and electrical discharge during the rubbing method, as well as limitations in solubility and stability of polyimide materials.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal alignment agent composition comprising a polymerizable liquid crystal alignment polymer and a catalyst precursor compound, represented by a specific chemical formula, which decomposes into isocyanate and amino alcohol at low temperatures, enabling high imidization ratios and improved electrical and alignment properties, while reducing by-product generation and enhancing storage stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high-temperature baking (200-230°C) is used to form polyimide from polyamic acid, then complete imidization is achieved, but side reactions occur and afterimage properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the baking temperature parameter from conventional high temperature (200-230°C) to low temperature (80-150°C) and introduces a catalyst precursor compound that decomposes at low temperature to catalyze imidization. This parameter change enables complete imidization at low temperature, preventing side reactions and improving afterimage properties while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a catalyst precursor compound as an intermediary substance that decomposes into a catalyst at low temperature. This intermediary enables the imidization reaction to proceed completely at low temperature without requiring high temperature conditions that cause side reactions, thus resolving the contradiction between imidization completeness and afterimage properties.
2Manufacturing precision
If rubbing method is used to align liquid crystals, then alignment is achieved, but powdery dust and electrical discharge occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rubbing method with a chemical solution coating method. Instead of mechanically rubbing polyimide film to align liquid crystals, the patent uses a solution-containing polymer that forms an alignment film through chemical processes, eliminating mechanical contact and its associated harmful effects of powdery dust and electrical discharge while maintaining alignment uniformity.
3Ease of manufacture
If polyamic acid ester is used as precursor with good solubility, then coating in solution state is enabled, but imidization requires high temperature causing side reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by introducing a catalyst precursor that activates imidization at low temperature. This allows the solution coating process to proceed with good solubility and ease of manufacture, while the low-temperature catalyzed imidization eliminates the need for high temperature baking, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and temperature requirements.
4Productivity
If conventional catalysts are used for imidization, then imidization reaction proceeds, but by-products are generated and storage stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a catalyst precursor compound that decomposes into an active catalyst during the imidization process and is consumed in the reaction. This disposable-like catalyst that leaves no stable by-products improves productivity through rapid imidization while ensuring storage stability by eliminating persistent catalytic by-products that would otherwise remain in the final product.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves a high degree of imidization and excellent alignment properties at low temperatures, improving the stability and performance of liquid crystal alignment films, and reducing the generation of by-products, thus enhancing the reliability and visibility of liquid crystal displays.
Implementation Method 1
a catalyst precursor compound, represented by a specific chemical formula, which decomposes into isocyanate and amino alcohol at low temperatures
Implementation Method 2
enabling high imidization ratios and improved electrical and alignment properties
Implementation Method 3
a polymerizable liquid crystal alignment polymer
Implementation Method 4
a photo-alignment method is being recently studied, wherein anisotropy is induced to a polymer film by light irradiation instead of friction, and liquid crystals are arranged using the anisotropy
Implementation Method 5
a photo-alignment method is being recently studied, wherein anisotropy is induced to a polymer film by light irradiation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal alignment agent composition comprising a polymerizable liquid crystal alignment polymer; and a catalyst precursor compound of a specific structure, a method for preparing a liquid crystal alignment film using the same, and a liquid crystal alignment film and a liquid crystal display using the same.