Polymerizable Compound for Uniform Polarized Light Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retardation films struggle to achieve uniform conversion of polarized light over a wide wavelength band due to wavelength dispersion, and low-molecular-weight polymerizable compounds face issues with reverse wavelength dispersion, high melting points, and high production costs.

Innovation Solution

A polymerizable compound represented by formula (I) is used to produce an optically anisotropic article through polymerization, achieving uniform conversion of polarized light over a wide wavelength band with low melting point, excellent solubility, and cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If a low-molecular-weight polymerizable compound is used to reduce film thickness, then the thickness of the retardation film is reduced, but reverse wavelength dispersion becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness of retardation filmVSAvoidreverse wavelength dispersion
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite material system consisting of a low-molecular-weight polymerizable compound (monomer) combined with a polymerizable crosslinking agent. This composite approach allows the film to achieve both thinness and adequate reverse wavelength dispersion through the synergistic interaction between the monomer's fast response and the crosslinking agent's structural stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies molecular parameters by designing specific molecular structures with controlled chain lengths, functional groups, and steric configurations. By adjusting parameters such as the polymerization degree, side chain length, and aromatic ring substitution patterns, the compound achieves optimal balance between thin film formation and reverse wavelength dispersion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of stationary object

If a low-molecular-weight polymerizable compound is used, then the film thickness is reduced, but the melting point becomes too high for industrial processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness of retardation filmVSAvoidmelting point
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically adjusts molecular weight parameters and structural complexity to control the melting point. By introducing flexible alkyl chains, adjusting aromatic ring substitutions, and controlling the degree of polymerization, the compound achieves a melting point suitable for industrial processing while maintaining thin film capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces local structural modifications such as adding flexible spacer groups between rigid aromatic cores, or incorporating liquid crystalline segments with specific melting characteristics. These local quality changes reduce the overall melting point without compromising the film's optical performance and thickness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If conventional synthesis methods are used for low-molecular-weight polymerizable compounds, then the compounds can be produced, but production cost increases due to expensive reagents and multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a modular synthetic approach where the polymerizable compound is built from readily available commercial building blocks through simple, high-yield reactions. The molecular structure is segmented into functional modules that can be assembled in few steps, avoiding complex multi-step syntheses and expensive specialized reagents

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses inexpensive, commercially available starting materials and simple catalysts that can be easily removed or deactivated. The synthesis route prioritizes using common chemical feedstocks over expensive specialized reagents, and employs reaction conditions that allow for simple workup and purification procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the temperature range for liquid crystallinity is very narrow, then the compound shows liquid crystalline properties, but it becomes difficult to apply to film substrates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid crystallinityVSAvoidapplicability to film substrate
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent broadens the liquid crystalline temperature range by adjusting molecular parameters such as chain flexibility, aromatic ring substitution patterns, and side group configurations. These parameter changes create a wider temperature window where the compound maintains liquid crystalline order, facilitating both film formation and operational stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite liquid crystalline systems by combining the polymerizable compound with compatible additives or copolymers that expand the liquid crystalline phase range. This composite approach allows the material to maintain liquid crystalline properties over a broader temperature interval, improving processability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

5Stability of the object's composition

If solubility in general-purpose solvents is low, then the compound maintains structural integrity, but it becomes difficult to apply to film substrates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidsolubility in solvent
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces localized polar or non-polar groups depending on the target solvent system. By adding specific functional groups such as ester groups, ether linkages, or alkyl chains at strategic positions in the molecule, the compound achieves enhanced solubility in general-purpose solvents while the core structure maintains its structural integrity and optical properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enables the production of an optical film with excellent transparency and uniform polarized light conversion across a wide wavelength band, suitable for applications like antireflective films in display devices, at a lower cost and with improved processing feasibility.

Implementation Method 1

a polymer obtained by polymerizing a polymerizable compound represented by formula (I), or polymerizing a polymerizable composition that includes the polymerizable compound and an initiator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

A quarter-wave plate that converts linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light, a half-wave plate that changes the plane of vibration of linearly polarized light by 90°

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical anisotropy: Anisotropy

Data Source

PatentUS10227292B2Polymerizable compound, polymerizable composition, polymer, and optically anisotropic body
Publication Date: 2019.03.12 ZEON CORP
  • US10227292B2 patent drawing
  • US10227292B2 patent drawing
  • US10227292B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A polymerizable compound, a polymerizable composition, and a polymer, which have a low melting point at a practical level and exhibit excellent solubility in a general-purpose solvent, can be produced at low cost. The polymerizable compound, polymerizable composition, and polymer can produce an optical film, which exhibits excellent transparency and achieves uniform conversion of polarized light over a wide wavelength band, and an optically anisotropic article. The polymerizable compound is represented by formula (I).