Abstract: The present invention provides novel polyimide, polyamic acids and esters thereof, and optical alignment layers derived therefrom, for inducing alignment of liquid crystals and liquid crystal displays. The novel compositions comprise side chain polymers of the general formula I —L1—D—L2—Cf  I wherein D comprises 1 to 4 carbon-carbon double bonds, Cf is a monovalent C4 to C20 fluorocarbon radical and L1 and L2 are linking groups. The invention further describes liquid crystal displays and other liquid crystal devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polyimides, poly(amic acids) and poly(amide esters) thereof, and optical alignment layers derived therefrom, for inducing alignment of liquid crystals and liquid crystal displays. The novel compositions comprise side-chain polymers of the general formula I —L1—D—L2—Cf wherein D comprises 1 to 4 carbon-carbon double bonds, Cf is a monovalent C4 to C20 fluorocarbon radical and L1 and L2 are linking groups. The invention further describes liquid crystal displays and other liquid crystal devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing an optical alignment layer for aligning liquid crystals and liquid crystal displays comprising exposing polyimide layers with polarized light. The invention further describes optical alignment layers, liquid crystal displays incorporating optical alignment layers and novel polymer compositions within the class of polyimide, polyamic acids and esters thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polyamic acids and polyimide optical alignment layers for inducing alignment of a liquid crystal medium. The novel compositions comprise crosslinking diamines containing a C.sub.3 -C.sub.20 linear or branched hydrocarbon chains containing 1 to 4 carbon-carbon double bonds. The invention further describes liquid crystal displays comprising the novel polyimide optical alignment layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amine compositions and the preparation of polyimides. The polyimides can be used for inducing alignment of a liquid crystal medium with polarized light in liquid crystal display elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amine compositions and the preparation of polyimides. The polyimides can be used for inducing alignment of a liquid crystal medium with polarized light in liquid crystal display elements.

Abstract: A polyamic acid derived from an amine component comprising a 2-cyano-1,4-phenylene diamine and a family of diaryl ketones is claimed. The polyamic acids are useful in formation of polyimides, also claimed, and for the optical alignment of liquid crystals and the manufacture of liquid crystal optical elements, also claimed.

Abstract: A process for inducing alignment of a liquid crystal medium adjacent to a surface of an optical alignment layer comprising: exposing at least one optical alignment layer to polarized light; the polarized light having a wavelength within the absorption band of said optical alignment layer; wherein the exposed alignment layer induces alignment of the liquid crystal medium at an angle + and -.theta. with respect to the direction of the polarization of the incident light beam and along the surface of the optical alignment layer; and applying a liquid crystal medium to the optical alignment layer, wherein the optical alignment layer is a polyimide comprising an an amine component having a 2-substituted 1,4-benzenediamine wherein the 2-substituent X.sub.1 is an electron withdrawing group having a positive .sigma.. Also claimed is a liquid crystal display element made by the process.