Abstract: A wire-grid polarizer includes metal reflectors which are embedded in a large number of grooves formed in a one-dimensional grid pattern in the same direction and with the same period in the front surface of a transparent sheet, wherein the average width (a) of the metal reflectors is 200 nm or less, the ratio (b/a) of the average thickness (b) of the metal reflectors from the front side of the sheet to the tip in the backward direction to the above average width (a) is 4 to 25, in any cross-section perpendicular to the surface of the sheet, the shape of each of the metal reflectors in the vicinity of the tip in the thickness direction is such that it gradually becomes thinner in a linear or smoothly curved shape toward the tip, and the ratio of the average length (c) toward the tip of portions that gradually become thinner toward the tip to the above average width (a) is 1.2 or more.

Abstract: The present invention provides a melanin that is excellent in coloring a functional film, and in reproducibility and stability during storage, and a method for its production. Also, the invention provides a functional film containing a melanin and its method for production. Specifically, it provides a functional film containing a melanin of which the alteration is improved and which is excellent in the property for protecting eyes from ultraviolet rays, and in its method for production. The method for producing a melanin of the present invention, comprises, at least, under controlled conditions, a step for an oxidative reaction wherein a melanin precursor is continuously oxidized while the mole ratio of the melanin precursor relative to the oxidative agent is maintained at a constant ratio, and a step for precipitation wherein a melanin is precipitated by acidifying a reaction solution after the step for an oxidative reaction.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] The present inventions provide a polarizing film and a polarizing sheet of which the resistance for the response in the vertical direction against the direction for the extension. [Means to Solve the Problem] In a multi-layered polarizing sheet comprising a laminated body in which a polarizing layer consisting of a polarizing film is held between two transparent plastic materials and is adhered to them, the polarizing layer is produced by dyeing a film made of poly(vinyl alcohol) and the like having a weight average molecular weight of 150,000-500,000 and by extending it. The non-glaring product and polarizing sheet for a liquid crystal display are produced by using the multi-layered polarizing sheet.

Abstract: A light control plastic lens, a sheet-like light control element, and a production method for light control plastic lenses are provided. More specifically, a light control plastic lens, such as a high index polarizing property and/or a photochromic plastic lens that is made by cast polymerization is provided. Also provided is a sheet-like light control element for use in the production of the lenses, as well as a production method of such light control plastic lenses. The light control plastic lens has a sheet-like light control element including at least a light control sheet. In particular, the light control plastic lens has a sheet-like light control element, a curable resin layer laminated on at least one surface of the sheet-like light control element, and a polymerizable lens resin layer laminated at least on the curable resin layer.

Abstract: A light control plastic lens, a sheet-like light control element, and a production method for light control plastic lenses are provided. More specifically, a light control plastic lens, such as a high index polarizing property and/or a photochromic plastic lens that is made by cast polymerization is provided. Also provided are a sheet-like light control element for use in the production of the lenses, as well as a production method of such light control plastic lenses. The light control plastic lens has a sheet-like light control element including at least a light control sheet. In particular, the light control plast lens the sheet-like light control element, a curable resin layer laminated on at least one surface of the sheet-like light control element, and a polymerizable lens resin layer laminated at least on the curable resin layer.

Abstract: In the process of the present invention for producing an aliphatic poly(ester carbonate), maleic anhydride, a C2-20 glycol and hydrogen are reacted in the presence of a hydrogenating catalyst. By this process, an aliphatic poly(ester carbonate) having practically satisfactory moldability and physical properties is produced in a short period of time by a simplified method as compared to conventional production processes.

Abstract: In the process of the present invention for producing an aliphatic poly(ester carbonate), maleic anhydride, a C2-20 glycol and hydrogen are reacted in the presence of a hydrogenating catalyst. By this process, an aliphatic poly(ester carbonate) having practically satisfactory moldability and physical properties is produced in a short period of time by a simplified method as compared to conventional production processes.

Abstract: An aromatic-aliphatic copolycarbonate and a process for producing the same which comprises polycondensation of an aromatic dihydroxy compound, such as 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane, tricyclo(5.2.1.02,6)decanedimethanol, and a carbonic acid diester in a molten state under heating, wherein the carbonic acid diester has a chlorine content of 20 ppm or lower. The copolycarbonate has improved refractive index, balance of dispersion, and photoelastic constant while retaining high impact resistance, high heat resistance, and excellent hue.

Abstract: An aromatic-aliphatic copolycarbonate and a process for producing the same which comprises polycondensation of an aromatic dihydroxy compound, such as 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane, tricyclo(5.2.1.02,6)decanedimethanol, and a carbonic acid diester in a molten state under heating, wherein the carbonic acid diester has a chlorine content of 20 ppm or lower. The copolycarbonate has improved refractive index, balance of dispersion, and photoelastic constant while retaining high impact resistance, high heat resistance, and excellent hue.

Abstract: An aromatic-aliphatic copolycarbonate and a process for producing the same which comprises polycondensation of an aromatic dihydroxy compound, such as 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane, tricyclo(5.2.1.02,6)decanedimethanol, and a carbonic acid diester in a molten state under heating, wherein the carbonic acid diester has a chlorine content of 20 ppm or lower. The copolycarbonate has improved refractive index, balance of dispersion, and photoelastic constant while retaining high impact resistance, high heat resistance, and excellent hue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin composition comprising polylactic acid and aliphatic polyester carbonate, which has practically adequate heal-resistance temperature, moldability, thermostability, solvent resistance and high mechanical strength, as well as a molded article thereof. In the resin composition, the Vicat softening point is 60° C. or more, the tensile modulus of elasticity is 0.9 GPa or more, the modulus in flexure is 0.6 GPa or more, and the mixing ratio of polylactic acid (A) and aliphatic polyester carbonate (B), in terms of the ratio of (A)/(B) by weight, is 95/5 to 5/95.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin composition comprising polylactic acid and aliphatic polyester carbonate, which has practically adequate heat-resistance temperature, moldability, thermostability, solvent resistance and high mechanical strength, as well as a molded article thereof. In the resin composition, the Vicat softening point is 60° C. or more, the tensile modulus of elasticity is 0.9 GPa or more, the modulus in flexure is 0.6 GPa or more, and the mixing ratio of polylactic acid (A) and aliphatic polyester carbonate (B), in terms of the ratio of (A)/(B) by weight, is 95/5 to 5/95. Further, the present invention provides a biodegradable injection-molded article having improvements in mechanical characteristics and impact resistance and superior disposal properties, particularly having strength enough to make it usable as a headgear material for use in helmets.

Abstract: A process for producing an aliphatic polyester carbonate which comprises reacting (1) an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid compound containing succinic acid as a main component, (2) an aliphatic dihydroxy compound containing 1,4-butanediol as a main component, and (3) (a) a polyhydric alcohol having 3 or more hydroxyl groups in a molecule, (b) a polybasic carboxylic acid compound having 3 or more carboxyl groups in a molecule, or (c) a polybasic carboxylic acid having one or more hydroxyl groups in a molecule to obtain an aliphatic polyester oligomer and reacting the obtained aliphatic polyester oligomer and a carbonate compound, wherein the aliphatic polyester carbonate has a melt tension of 1.5 g or more at 190.degree. C.

Abstract: Provided are an aliphatic polyester carbonate having biodegradability and having a content of carbonate unit of at least 5 mol %, a weight-average molecular weight of at least 100,000, a melt viscosity of 2,000-50,000 poises at 190.degree. C. and under a load of 60 kg and a melting point of 70.degree.-180.degree. C., and a process for producing said aliphatic polyester carbonate which comprises reacting an aliphatic dihydroxy compound with an aliphatic dibasic acid in the presence of an ester exchange catalyst to obtain an oligomer and then reacting the oligomer with a diaryl carbonate in the presence of the ester exchange catalyst. A phosphorus compound may be added to the aliphatic polyester carbonate for the purpose of stabilization.