Abstract: An alignment layer for use in liquid crystals including a macromolecular material deposited on a glass substrate, the macromolecular material composed of main molecular chains which are, on the average, aligned in a first direction. A series of parallel microgrooves are formed in the macromolecular material and aligned perpendicular to the first direction, each microgroove being separated by a ridge having a triangular cross-section, and each ridge having first and second sides meeting at an apex, wherein the first side has a shorter length than the second side. As a result, disclination does not occur and sufficient reliability against external forces and heat may be obtained. In addition, numerous methods are disclosed for forming the alignment layer.

Abstract: An orientation film for a liquid crystal display. The film is formed on a substrate and has a first irregular form repeated in a first direction and a second irregular form repeated in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The second irregular form has a longer pitch than the pitch of the first irregular form. The profile of the second irregular form in any plane perpendicular to the first direction has a portion inclined with respect to the substrate. The pretilt angle of the orientation film is high. The patterns may be irregular and asymmetric, which may be ridges separated by a continuous groove. The orientation may be formed by using a first mold having one of the patterns, and a second mold with a second pattern, or first and second holographic exposed layers. The orientation layer may be a liquid crystal polymer which is formed by using a heated stamper to form a pattern in a high polymer liquid crystal while applying a voltage.

Abstract: An optical resin obtained by polymerizing 97 to 50% by weight of methyl methacrylate, 3 to 30% by weight of an N-substituted maleimide, and 0 to 40% by weight of an unsaturated monomer by suspension polymerization at a pH of 5.5 to 7.5 is excellent in heat resistance and transparency.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel copolymer comprising 25-75 mol % of a fluoroolefin such as CTFE or TFE, 10-70 mol % of an alkene such as ethylene or propylene, 3-40 mol % of a hydroxyl-containing allyl ether such as ethylene glycol monolallyl ether and 0-20 mol % of a carboxyl-containing monomer such as vinylacetic acid. This copolymer possesses favorable properties characteristic of fluororesins, is soluble in organic solvents including aromatic solvents low in polarity, such as xylene, and is curable at relatively low temperatures. The copolymer is useful particularly as a paint vehicle. The water repellency of the copolymer in cured state can be enhanced by incorporating a fluorine-containing surface modifier in the copolymer.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel copolymer comprising 25-75 mol % of a fluoroolefin such as CTFE, 10-70 mol % of a vinyl or isopropenyl ester of fatty acid, such as finyl acetate or isopropenyl acetate, 3-40 mol % of a hydroxyl-containing allyl ether such as ethylene glycol monoallyl ether, and 0.1-20 mol % of a carboxyl-containing monomer such as finylacetic acid. This copolymer possesses favorable properties characteristic of fluoroesins, is soluble in various organic solvents and is curable at normal temperature by a polyisocyanate. Since the copolymer has carboxyl group, not only inorganic pigments but also organic pigments exhibit very good dispersibility in a solution of this copolymer in an organic solvent. The copolymer can be prepared by a single-stage reaction using a radical polymerization initiator.