Abstract: The retardation film contains a cellulose ester, has a film thickness of 15 to less than 40 ?m, has a film thickness variation both in the widthwise direction and lengthwise direction of 0 to 4 ?m, and satisfies an Rt humidity fluctuation of 1% to 12%: (a difference of retardation Rt (590) values in the thickness direction represented by the following formula (ii) measured at a wavelength of 590 nm after the film has been left to stand for 5 hours in each of a 23° C., 20% relative humidity environment and a 23° C., 80% relative humidity environment)/(Rt (590) value measured after the film has been left to stand for 5 hours in a 23° C., 55% relative humidity environment)×100 Rt(590)={(nx+ny)/2?nz}×d??Formula (ii) wherein nx: a refractive index in the slow axis direction in the film plane, ny: a refractive index in the direction perpendicular to the slow axis in the film plane, nz: a refractive index in the thickness direction of the film, and d: a film thickness.

Abstract: To provide a retardation film that, while maintaining a high retardation value, has increased durability such as moist heat resistance and can prevent the occurrence of color unevenness even if made in a size having a large area. The retardation film contains a cellulose ester as the primary component, has a film thickness of 15 ?m or more and less than 40 ?m, has a film thickness variation both in the widthwise direction and lengthwise direction of 0 to 4 ?m, and satisfies an Rt humidity fluctuation represented by the formula (1) described below of 1% to 12%. Formula (1): Rt humidity fluctuation=(?Rt value, a difference of retardation Rt(590) values in the thickness direction represented by the following formula (ii) measured at a wavelength of 590 nm after the film has been left to stand for 5 hours in each of a 23° C., 20% relative humidity environment and a 23° C., 80% relative humidity environment)/(Rt(590) value measured after the film has been left to stand for 5 hours in a 23° C.

Abstract: A method for producing an optical film of the present invention includes: (1) a step for obtaining a (meth)acrylic resin by copolymerizing methyl methacrylate and a copolymerizable monomer containing an acryloyl morpholine in the presence of a polymerization initiator and a chain transfer agent; and (2) a step for obtaining an optical film by melt extruding a resin composition that contains the thus-obtained (meth)acrylic resin and a cellulose ester resin at a (meth)acrylic resin:cellulose ester resin ratio of from 95:5 to 30:70. The (meth)acrylic resin obtained in step (1) is characterized in that: (a) the weight average molecular weight (Mw) thereof is from 2.0×104 to 5.0×105; (b) the total amount of the remaining methyl methacrylate and the remaining copolymerizable monomer is 0.05-1% by mass; (c) the amount of the remaining polymerization initiator is 0.01-0.5% by mass; and (d) the amount of the remaining chain transfer agent is 0.01-0.5% by mass.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polarizing plate having low moisture absorption, wherein fading deterioration of a polarizer is improved. A liquid crystal display using the polarizing plate is also disclosed. The polarizing plate is obtained by sandwiching a polarizer composed of a polyvinyl alcohol with an acrylic film (a) having a water vapor permeability of 100-500 g/m2·24 hr and a cellulose ester film (b1) containing no phosphate plasticizer or a cellulose ester film (b2) containing a phosphate plasticizer and an acid scavenger. The polarizing plate is arranged on at least one side of a liquid crystal cell, with the cellulose ester film (b1) or (B2) being on the liquid crystal cell side.

Abstract: An acryl resin-containing film which is transparent and highly heat-resistant and has been significantly improved in brittleness is disclosed, satisfying the following equations (1) to (4), exhibiting a tension softening point of 105 to 145° C. and a photoelastic coefficient of ?5.0×10?8 to 8.0×10?8 cm2/N, while causing no ductile fracture. There is also disclosed a liquid crystal display which has achieved an improved yield in works of stamping a polarizing plate or sticking the plate to a panel and reduced color shift occurred depending on viewing angle. |Ro(589)|?10 nm??Equation (1) |Rth(589)|?20 nm??Equation (2) |Ro(480)?Ro(630)|?5 nm??Equation (3) |Rth(480)?Rth(630)|?10 nm??Equation (4) Numerical values of 589, 480 and 630 in parentheses represent the wavelength (nm) of a light used to measure an individual birefringence.

Abstract: This invention provides an acrylic resin containing film, which is transparent and highly heat resistant and has significantly improved brittleness, and a polarizing plate using the acrylic resin containing film. Further yield in punching work and laminating work of the polarizing late is improved and a liquid crystal display device which can maintain good visibility in long term use is also provided by the polarizing plate. The acrylic resin containing film is composed mainly of an acrylic resin and is characterized in that the film contains the acrylic resin and the cellulose ester resin in a weight ratio of 51:49 to 95:5 and further contains a retardation control agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a polarizing plate which is transparent, has resistance against high temperatures and high humidity, and is significantly improved in brittleness. Specifically disclosed is a process for producing a polarizing plate comprising two polarizing plate protective films and a polarizer intercalated between the polarizing plate protective films, which is characterized in that at least one of the two polarizing plate protective films is an acrylic film comprising an acrylic resin (A) and a cellulose ester resin (B) at a ratio of 85:15 to 55:45 by mass, and the acrylic film is drawn in at least one direction at a draw ratio of 10 to 150% inclusive and is subsequently bonded to the polarizer with an aqueous adhesive agent.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an optical film which exhibits low hygroscopicity, high transparency, high heat resistance and markedly lowered brittleness, and particularly to provide an optical film which is appropriately employed as a polarizing plate protective film for large liquid crystal display devices and outdoor liquid crystal display devices. The above optical film is characterized in that acrylic resin (A) and cellulose ester resin (B) are incorporated at a weight ratio of 95:5-30:70, weight average molecular weight Mw of aforesaid acrylic resin (A) is at least 80,000, total substitution degree (T) of the acyl group of aforesaid cellulose ester resin (B) is 2.0-3.0, the substitution degree of the acyl group having 3-7 carbon atoms is 1.2-3.0, and weight average molecular weight Mw of aforesaid cellulose ester resin (B) is at least 75,000. It is characterized that the total substitution degree of the acyl group other than carbon atoms of 3-7 of the cellulose ester resin (B) is at most 1.3.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cellulose ester film which, when used in a polarizing plate, can impart excellent dimensional stability, curling properties and surface properties to the polarizing plate. Also disclosed is a light-scattering-film, a polarizing plate or a liquid crystal display element which is produced by using the cellulose ester film, and therefore has more excellent optical anisotropy, higher surface properties and a smoother surface, causes less curling, and has good surface quality. The cellulose ester film comprises 1 to 50% by mass (inclusive) of microparticles having an average particle diameter of 1 to 400 nm (inclusive) and a compound showing negative birefringence in the direction of drawing, and has a retardation value (R0) defined by the equation (I) of 0 to 5 nm (inclusive) and a retardation value (Rt) defined by the equation (II) of ?10 to 20 nm (inclusive), both measured at 23° C. and 55% RH: Equation (I): R0=(nx?ny)×d; and Equation (II): Rt=[(nx+ny)/2×nz]×d.

Abstract: Object of the present invention is to provide an acrylic-resin-containing film which exhibits high transparency, high heat resistance, and markedly improved brittleness, a polarizing plate using the acrylic-resin-containing film which improves a yield of operation such as punching of a polarizing plate or bonding panels and a liquid crystal display device which can keep to exhibit excellent visibility in long-terms usage in harsh environment. These objects have been achieved by the acrylic-resin-containing film comprising a acrylic resin (A) and a cellulose ester resin (B), or comprising the acrylic resin (A), the cellulose ester resin (B) and at least a resin (D) which is other than the resins (A) and (B) and has a glass transition temperature Tg of 120-300° C. The film is characterized in that it has a haze of less than 2%, a tensile softening point of 120-150° C. and undergoes no ductile fracture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a polarizing plate which is transparent, has resistance against high temperatures and high humidity, and is significantly improved in brittleness. Specifically disclosed is a process for producing a polarizing plate comprising two polarizing plate protective films and a polarizer intercalated between the polarizing plate protective films, which is characterized in that at least one of the two polarizing plate protective films is an acrylic film comprising an acrylic resin (A) and a cellulose ester resin (B) at a ratio of 85:15 to 55:45 by mass, and the acrylic film is drawn in at least one direction at a draw ratio of 10 to 150% inclusive and is subsequently bonded to the polarizer with an aqueous adhesive agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polarizing plate having low moisture absorption, wherein fading deterioration of a polarizer is improved. A liquid crystal display using the polarizing plate is also disclosed. The polarizing plate is obtained by sandwiching a polarizer composed of a polyvinyl alcohol with an acrylic film (a) having a water vapor permeability of 100-500 g/m2·24 hr and a cellulose ester film (b1) containing no phosphate plasticizer or a cellulose ester film (b2) containing a phosphate plasticizer and an acid scavenger. The polarizing plate is arranged on at least one side of a liquid crystal cell, with the cellulose ester film (b1) or (B2) being on the liquid crystal cell side.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polarizing plate for liquid crystal display having excellent durability, and a liquid crystal display device using the polarizing plate. The polarizing plate is characterized by comprising, at least on one side thereof; an acrylic resin-containing film which contains an acrylic resin (A) and a cellulose ester resin (B) at a mass ratio of from 95:5 to 30:70 in a miscible state. The acrylic resin (A) has a weight average molecular weight Mw of not less than 80,000. The cellulose ester resin (B) has a total substitution degree (T) of acyl groups of 2.00-3.00 and a substitution degree of acyl groups having 3-7 carbon atoms of 1.2-3.0. The cellulose ester resin (B) has a weight average molecular weight Mw of not less than 75,000.

Abstract: Object of the present invention is to provide an acrylic-resin-containing film which exhibits high transparency, high heat resistance, and markedly improved brittleness, a polarizing plate using the acrylic-resin-containing film which improves a yield of operation such as punching of a polarizing plate or bonding panels and a liquid crystal display device which can keep to exhibit excellent visibility in long-terms usage in harsh environment. These objects have been achieved by the acrylic-resin-containing film comprising a acrylic resin (A) and a cellulose ester resin (B), or comprising the acrylic resin (A), the cellulose ester resin (B) and at least a resin (D) which is other than the resins (A) and (B) and has a glass transition temperature Tg of 120-300° C. The film is characterized in that it has a haze of less than 2%, a tensile softening point of 120-150° C. and undergoes no ductile fracture.

Abstract: An acryl resin-containing film which is transparent and highly heat-resistant and has been significantly improved in brittleness is disclosed, satisfying the following equations (1) to (4), exhibiting a tension softening point of 105 to 145° C. and a photoelastic coefficient of ?5.0×10?8 to 8.0×10?8 cm2/N, while causing no ductile fracture. There is also disclosed a liquid crystal display which has achieved an improved yield in works of stamping a polarizing plate or sticking the plate to a panel and reduced color shift occurred depending on viewing angle. |Ro(589)|?10 nm ??(1) |Rth(589)|?20 nm ??(2) |Ro(480)?Ro(630)|?5 nm ??(3) |Rth(480)?Rth(630)|?10 nm ??(4) Numerical values of 589, 480 and 630 in parentheses represent the wavelength (nm) of a light used to measure an individual birefringence.

Abstract: This invention provides an acrylic resin containing film, which is transparent and highly heat resistant and has significantly improved brittleness, and a polarizing plate using the acrylic resin containing film. Further yield in punching work and laminating work of the polarizing late is improved and a liquid crystal display device which can maintain good visibility in long term use is also provided by the polarizing plate. The acrylic resin containing film is composed mainly of an acrylic resin and is characterized in that the film contains the acrylic resin and the cellulose ester resin in a weight ratio of 51:49 to 95:5 and further contains a retardation control agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cellulose ester film which, when used in a polarizing plate, can impart excellent dimensional stability, curling properties and surface properties to the polarizing plate. Also disclosed is a light-scattering-film, a polarizing plate or a liquid crystal display element which is produced by using the cellulose ester film, and therefore has more excellent optical anisotropy, higher surface properties and a smoother surface, causes less curling, and has good surface quality. The cellulose ester film comprises 1 to 50% by mass (inclusive) of microparticles having an average particle diameter of 1 to 400 nm (inclusive) and a compound showing negative birefringence in the direction of drawing, and has a retardation value (R0) defined by the equation (I) of 0 to 5 nm (inclusive) and a retardation value (Rt) defined by the equation (II) of ?10 to 20 nm (inclusive), both measured at 23° C. and 55% RH: Equation (I): R0=(nx?ny)×d; and Equation (II): Rt=[(nx+ny)/2×nz]×d.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an optical film which exhibits low hygroscopicity, high transparency, high heat resistance and markedly lowered brittleness, and particularly to provide an optical film which is appropriately employed as a polarizing plate protective film for large liquid crystal display devices and outdoor liquid crystal display devices. The above optical film is characterized in that acrylic resin (A) and cellulose ester resin (B) are incorporated at a weight ratio of 95:5-30:70, weight average molecular weight Mw of aforesaid acrylic resin (A) is at least 80,000, total substitution degree (T) of the acyl group of aforesaid cellulose ester resin (B) is 2.0-3.0, the substitution degree of the acyl group having 3-7 carbon atoms is 1.2-3.0, and weight average molecular weight Mw of aforesaid cellulose ester resin (B) is at least 75,000. It is characterized that the total substitution degree of the acyl group other than carbon atoms of 3-7 of the cellulose ester resin (B) is at most 1.3.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an optical film which exhibits low hygroscopicity, high transparency, high heat resistance and markedly lowered brittleness, and particularly to provide an optical film which is appropriately employed as a polarizing plate protective film for large liquid crystal display devices and outdoor liquid crystal display devices. The above optical film is characterized in that acrylic resin (A) and cellulose ester resin (B) are incorporated at a weight ratio of 95:5-30:70, weight average molecular weight Mw of aforesaid acrylic resin (A) is at least 80,000, total substitution degree (T) of the acyl group of aforesaid cellulose ester resin (B) is 2.0-3.0, the substitution degree of the acyl group having 3-7 carbon atoms is 1.2-3.0, and weight average molecular weight Mw of aforesaid cellulose ester resin (B) is at least 75,000. It is characterized that the total substitution degree of the acyl group other than carbon atoms of 3-7 of the cellulose ester resin (B) is at most 1.3.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an optical film which exhibits low hygroscopicity, high transparency, high heat resistance and markedly lowered brittleness, and particularly to provide an optical film which is appropriately employed as a polarizing plate protective film for large liquid crystal display devices and outdoor liquid crystal display devices. The above optical film is characterized in that acrylic resin (A) and cellulose ester resin (B) are incorporated at a weight ratio of 95:5-30:70, weight average molecular weight Mw of aforesaid acrylic resin (A) is at least 80,000, total substitution degree (T) of the acyl group of aforesaid cellulose ester resin (B) is 2.0-3.0, the substitution degree of the acyl group having 3-7 carbon atoms is 1.2-3.0, and weight average molecular weight Mw of aforesaid cellulose ester resin (B) is at least 75,000. It is characterized that the total substitution degree of the acyl group other than carbon atoms of 3-7 of the cellulose ester resin (B) is at most 1.3.