Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystal optical device showing small haze value in transparent state and being excellent in productivity, a process for producing such a device, and a liquid crystal composition for producing such a device. The liquid crystal composition of the present invention is a liquid crystal composition containing a nematic liquid crystal and at least two types of optically active materials having different optical rotatory directions, wherein one of the optically active materials having different optical rotatory directions is a non-curable compound, the other one of the optically active materials is a curable compound, and the liquid crystal composition as a whole shows a nematic phase.

Abstract: A novel composition is disclosed. The composition comprises, at least, a polymer material and inorganic fine particles having adsorbed thereto molecules having at least one adsorptive group to the inorganic fine particle and a group capable of forming a liquid crystal core. A film made of the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a liquid crystal emulsion composition which has a viscosity of 30,000 mPa·sec or more at a 2-hold dilution and an improved stability, includes admixing a hydrophilic surfactant which is a polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether having an HLB of 10 to 20 with a hydrophilic surfactant having an HLB of 13 or more which is comprised of a polyoxyethylene fatty acid derivative; admixing the resulting admixture with a mixture of 5 to 10 parts by weight of the thus combined surfactants with 5 to 30 parts by weight of an oil component; admixing the resulting admixture with a mixture of 40 to 80 parts by weight of a water-soluble polyvalent alcohol and 8 to 40 parts by weight of water; and heating, homogeneously mixing and then cooling the thus obtained admixture.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to liquid crystal media comprising a strongly dielectrically positive component A, comprising one or more compounds of formula I wherein the parameters have the meanings given in the text. It also relates to the compounds as such and to mesogenic or liquid crystalline mixtures comprising these compounds.

Abstract: A compound represented by the following general formula (1a) or (1b), a liquid crystal composition containing the compound, and a polymer obtained by polymerizing the compound or the composition: wherein R1 represents a fluorine atom, an alkyl group or the like; Y1 and Y2 each independently represents alkylene or the like; A1, A2, B1 and B2 each independently represents 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene or the like; X1 and X2 each independently represents a single bond, —COO—, —OCO— or the like; m represents 0, 1 or 2; and G represents hydrogen, methyl or the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystalline polyester composition comprising (A) a liquid crystalline polyester having a solubility parameter ?A of from 13 (cal/cm3)1/2 to 13.5 (cal/cm3)1/2 and (B) a polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester having a solubility parameter ?B of from 9 (cal/cm3)1/2 to 9.5 (cal/cm3)1/2, wherein the component (B) is contained in the amount of from 0.1 to 1 parts by weight on the basis of 100 parts by weight of the component (A). The composition has a good mold releasing property to dies in a melt molding at the time of producing a molded article by melt molding the composition and providing a molded article with sufficiently reduced blisters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a broadband reflection type brightness enhancement polarizer, which includes a cholesteric liquid crystal film laminate having a broadband selective reflecting wavelength range in which a plurality of cholesteric liquid crystal films having selective reflecting wavelength ranges different from each other by having different mixture ratios of a curable nematic liquid crystal compound expressed by the chemical formula 1 and a curable chiral compound expressed by the chemical formula 2 are laminated; and a film having ¼? phase difference laminated on one surface of the cholesteric liquid crystal film laminate. This polarizer has wide selective reflecting wavelength ranges of the cholesteric liquid crystal films composing the polarizer, so the entire visible ray range can be covered just by laminating several cholesteric liquid crystal films.

Abstract: Main chain thermotropic liquid crystal esters, ester-imides, and ester-amides were prepared from AA, BB, and AB type monomeric materials and end-capped with phenylacetylene, phenylmaleimide, or nadimide reactive end-groups. The end-capped liquid crystal oligomers are thermotropic and have, preferably, molecular weights in the range of approximately 1000-15,000 grams per mole. The end-capped liquid crystal oligomers have broad liquid crystalline melting ranges and exhibit high melt stability and very low melt viscosities at accessible temperatures. The end-capped liquid crystal oligomers are stable for up to an hour in the melt phase. They are highly processable by a variety of melt process shape forming and blending techniques. Once processed and shaped, the end-capped liquid crystal oligomers were heated to further polymerize and form liquid crystalline thermosets (LCT). The fully cured products are rubbers above their glass transition temperatures.

Abstract: A liquid crystal composition including a compound of formula (1), a compound of formula (2), a compound of formula (3), and a compound of formula (4): wherein R1 and R2 are independently an alkyl group; R3 is an alkyl or alkenyl group; Y1 is fluorine or —OCF3; Y2 is an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, fluorine, chlorine, or —OCF3; X1 is hydrogen or fluorine; A1 is 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; A2 is 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene or 2,6-difluoro-1,4-phenylene; Z1 is a single bond or —(CH2)2—; Z2 is a single bond, —(CH2)2—, —COO—, or —CF2O—; and Z3 is a single bond or —COO—.

Abstract: A nematic liquid crystal composition of the present invention includes 10 to 80% by mass of either one or at least two compounds represented by general formula (I) as a first component; and 20 to 70% by mass of either one or at least two compounds represented by general formula (II) as a second component, wherein a dielectric constant anisotropy is negative. The use of this nematic liquid crystal composition can provide a highly reliable liquid crystal display element capable of maintaining a high voltage-holding ratio even in a high temperature region, and achieving quick responsiveness without reducing the cell gap.

Abstract: A spin-on dielectric of novel composition formed as a sol comprising an a source of silicon such as an orthosilicate ester, alone or in combination with an alkylated orthosilicate ester, a polar solvent, water, an acid catalyst, which may be a strong acid catalyst, and an amphiphilic block copolymer surfactant, optionally including an organic acid, a co-solvent and/or a reactive solvent. Also provided is a method of formulating the sol, a film made from the spin-on dielectric that has desirable electrical and mechanical properties, methods for treating the film described to optimize the film's electrical and mechanical performance, and methods for depositing the film onto silicon, steel or other surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystalline polyester composition comprising a terphenyl and a liquid crystalline polyester, wherein the terphenyl substantially consists of p-terphenyl, and the p-terphenyl is contained in the composition in the amount of 0.3 to 15 parts by weight on the basis of 100 parts by weight of the liquid crystalline polyester. The liquid crystalline polyester composition has high flowability and low anisotropy, which can also suppress generation of gases when molded.

Abstract: A display material or automobile member of the present invention includes at least one cholesteric liquid crystal layer, an optical property of which is changed by an electric field, and the cholesteric liquid crystal layer contains at least one chiral reagent having one or more fluorine atoms, and at least one nematic liquid crystal. The nematic liquid crystal preferably has an absolute value of dielectric constant anisotropy of 1.0 or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chiral dopants having a laterally alkylated phenyl unit of the general formula I: in which Q*, R, A, Z, V, W, X, Y and n are as defined in claim 1, to the use thereof as components in liquid-crystalline mixtures, and to liquid-crystal and electro-optical display elements which contain the liquid-crystalline mixtures according to the invention.

Abstract: The use of a mesogenic compound having a terminal end chain comprising carbon, oxygen, or sulphur, which has at least one pendent C1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy or a cycloalkyl ring, arranged no more than 6 atoms from the end of the chain either decreasing the melting point, increasing the clearing point, increasing the speed of switching and/or increasing the tilt angle of a liquid crystal mixture. Examples of such compounds are of formula (I) where M is a mesogenic core group, and X and Y are terminal groups, provided that at least one group X or Y is a group of sub-formula (i) where Z1, Z2, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, s, q, m and n are as defined in the specification. Novel compounds of formula (I) are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention is generally related to a polymer/liquid crystal composite, which includes a liquid crystal material which exhibits an optically isotropic liquid crystal phase in the temperature range of approximately 5° C. or more in the elevated temperature process but does not exhibit a nematic phase; and a polymer, and which is used for an element driven in a state of the optically isotropic liquid crystal phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymerised liquid crystal (LC) film comprising at least one photoisomerisable compound and having a pattern of regions with different retardation and/or different orientation of the LC material, to methods of preparing such a film, and to its use as alignment layer, optical retardation film or optical waveguide in liquid crystal displays or other optical or electrooptical components or devices, or for decorative or security applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a resin molded article comprising a liquid crystalline polymer and a fibrous filler, the article having a surface with difference of 0.4 ?m or smaller in a surface roughness expressed by Ra value measured before and after repeating 30 times the operation of pasting and peeling a tape having an adhesive power of 4.0 N/mm. The resin molded article is excellent in mechanical strength when used in an electric/electronic component or in an optical apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel photochromic liquid crystal materials which may be used in various electro-optic devices including liquid crystal devices. The materials can be converted into another form on irradiation by light which may make it feasible for them to be addressed by light in electro-optic devices. The materials are based on 5-membered heterocycles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid crystal mixed-composition comprising one or more cellulose derivatives and one or more liquid crystal compounds (preferably low-molecular liquid crystal compound) which can be oriented in a specific direction differing from that of the cellulose derivative, wherein the ratio by weight of the both is preferably in a range from 1:9 to 9:1, a retardation film produced using the composition, a circularly or elliptically polarizing film using the retardation film and an image display device provided with a circularly or elliptically polarizing film. The liquid crystal mixed-composition can be easily oriented in a specific direction on a rubbed substrate. If this orientation is fixed, a retardation film can be easily obtained which has such wavelength dispersion characteristics that the same level of retardation can be imparted to each wavelength in a wide visible region.

Abstract: A polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable liquid crystal monomer capable of achieving hybrid alignment on an alignment processed surface and at least one of a photopolymerization initiator represented by the following general formula (1) and a photopolymerization initiator represented by the following general formula (2): wherein R1 to R6 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.

Abstract: To provide a liquid crystalline composition, which can be obtained by mixing a plurality of liquid crystalline composition search of which can exhibit different liquid crystal phases from one another, being capable of exhibiting a biaxial liquid crystal phase, a liquid crystalline composition contains a liquid crystalline composition R which exhibits a liquid crystal phase having a positive birefringence; and a liquid crystalline composition D which exhibits a liquid crystal phase having a negative birefringence, in which the liquid crystalline composition R comprises a compound having a rectangular plate-like shape.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid crystal composition characterized by containing 15% by mass or more of a compound having a terminal structure represented by the general formula (I) below. This liquid crystal composition has high dielectric constant anisotropy (?) and low rotational viscosity (?1), and is thus suitably used as a liquid crystal composition for IPS liquid crystal displays or low voltage-driven TN liquid crystal displays. (I) (In the above formula, Q represents a saturated or unsaturated alkyl group having 1-8 carbon atoms which may be substituted by a halogen atom.

Abstract: The invention relates to bimesogenic compounds of formula (I): R1-MG-X-Sp-X2-MG-R2 wherein R1, R2, MG1, MG2, X1, X2 and Sp have the meaning given in claim 1, to the use of bimesogenic compounds of formula (I) in liquid crystal media and devices, in particular in flexoelectric liquid crystal devices, to liquid crystal media and devices, in particular flexoelectric devices, comprising bimesogenic compounds of formula (I) and to improvements in flexoelectric devices.

Abstract: The present invention intends to inexpensively mass-produce a water-insoluble crystalline gel that mainly comprises a nucleic acid having both gelling properties and liquid-crystallizing properties as well as both an adsorptivity of an aromatic compound and optical properties. A nucleic acid dissolved solution is prepared by dissolving a nucleic acid in water, a buffer, an aqueous solution containing salt, an aqueous polar solvent solution, or a mixture thereof; and the nucleic acid dissolved solution is then dialyzed in an aqueous solution containing a multivalent metal cation having a valence of b 2 or more to obtain a liquid crystalline gel mainly comprises a nucleic acid in the shape of a column, tube, cone, rod, fiber, ball, plate, or film. This liquid crystalline gel has a structure, which is concentric and radially oriented from the center when observation is conducted on the plate or film surface.

Abstract: A cubic liquid crystal composition comprising at least one amphiphilic compound having the following general formula (1) and having an IV/OV value of 0.65 to 0.95, and water or an aqueous medium: wherein R represents a hydrophilic group; X and Y each independently represent a hydrogen atom or together form an oxygen atom; n is an integer of 0 to 4; and m is an integer of 0 to 3.

Abstract: Amphiphilic oligo(p-phenylene vinylene) compounds and methods of use en route to self-assembled composites and device fabrication.

Abstract: A polymerisable mixture that can be applied as a layer, an orientation layer of the mixture, and an optical component, such as a retarder or a liquid crystal display, having a layer of which the mixture is a precursor.

Abstract: A liquid crystal composition and a display having the same are provided. The liquid crystal composition includes a first class including a neutral liquid crystal compound, and a second class including a polar liquid crystal compound having at least one fluorine atom. The second class includes a liquid crystal compound represented by Chemical Formula (I): R1—CF2O—R2 ??(I) where R1 and R2 may be the same or different, and has an aromatic ring having at least one fluorine atom. The liquid crystal compound represented by Chemical Formula (I) is included at less than about 22 wt % of the total content of the liquid crystal composition in one example.

Abstract: Tolane compounds of the formula I wherein R1, R2, L1, L2 and L3 are as defined herein, are described. Further described are liquid-crystalline media comprising at least one tolane compound of formula I as well as liquid-crystal display elements containing such a liquid-crystalline medium.

Abstract: There is provided a process for forming a light emitting polymer comprising photopolymerization of a reactive mesogen having an endgroup which is susceptible to photopolymerization e.g. by a radical polymerization process. Also provided are methods for using the light emitter in displays, backlights, electronic apparatus and security viewers.

Abstract: Disclosed are liquid crystalline polymer compositions, which are melt moldable, and which contain a perfluorinated polymer, and a particulate aramid, and optionally contain hollow glass or quartz spheres, and which usually have low dielectric constants. They are particularly useful as electrical connectors and substrates for other electronic applications which use high frequency signals.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid crystal alignment layer comprising an alignment layer; and chemically bound to said alignment layer, a transport material. Also provided are methods for forming the liquid crystal alignment layer and the use thereof in displays for electronic apparatus.

Abstract: Novel compositions containing SF4—O—CF3 bonded to an organic group are disclosed. Aryl trifluoromethoxytetrafluorosulfuranes (or Ar—SF4—O—CF3), have been synthesized via the reaction of an aryl disulfide or thiol with fluoroxytrifluoromethane (F3COF). The compositions are useful synthons, which may be derivatized to yield highly electrically polar molecules, particularly novel liquid crystal compositions having high dielectric anisotropies. Cycloalkyl trifluoromethoxytetrafluorosulfuranes have similar utility.

Abstract: Main chain thermotropic liquid crystal esters, ester-imides, and ester-amides were prepared from AA, BB, and AB type monomeric materials and were end-capped with phenylacetylene, phenylmaleimide, or nadimide reactive end-groups. The resulting reactive end-capped liquid crystal oligomers exhibit a variety of improved and preferred physical properties. The end-capped liquid crystal oligomers are thermotropic and have, preferably, molecular weights in the range of approximately 1000-15,000 grams per mole. The end-capped liquid crystal oligomers have broad liquid crystalline melting ranges and exhibit high melt stability and very low melt viscosities at accessible temperatures. The end-capped liquid crystal oligomers are stable for up to an hour in the melt phase.

Abstract: By means of a liquid crystalline polyester resin composition containing 100 parts by weight of a liquid crystalline polyester forming an anisotropic melt phase, and not less than 0.01 part by weight and not more than 0.2 part by weight of at least one phosphite compounds defined by the formula (I): a liquid crystalline polyester resin composition capable of producing molded products having excellent thermal stability under high temperatures without causing occurrence of blister in the molded products even in the course of soldering.

Abstract: A liquid crystalline compound represented by Formula (1c′): wherein R1 and R2, rings A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5, Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4, Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4, and k, l, m and n are as defined in the specification. Also provided is a liquid crystal composition containing at least one of these liquid crystalline compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymerizable liquid-crystalline compounds of the general formula (I) where A1 and A2 are identical or different and are each a crosslinkable group; the radicals X are identical or different and are each a single bond, —O—, —S—, —C═N—, —O—CO—, —CO—O—, —O—CO—O—, —CO—NR—, —NR—CO—, —NR—, —O—CO—NR, —NR—CO—O—, —CH2—O— or —NR—CO—NR, in which R is H or C1-C4-alkyl; and M is a mesogenic group, a process for their preparation and their use for preparing cholesteric phases.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a polymerizable liquid crystal composition incorporating a polymerizable liquid crystal compound which displays a low nematic phase temperature, displays excellent compatibility with other polymerizable liquid crystal compounds, and furthermore yields a product following polymerization, of good transparency and high mechanical strength.

Abstract: A process for alignment of rod-like liquid crystal molecules comprises the steps of: forming an orientation layer for vertical alignment on a support; and forming a liquid crystal layer containing rod-like liquid crystal molecules on the orientation layer to align the rod-like liquid crystal molecules at an average inclined angle of 50 to 90°. The liquid crystal layer further contains a compound represented by the formula (I): (Hb—L1—Cy1—L2—)nCy2  (I) wherein Hb is an aliphatic group having 6 to 40 carbon atoms or an siloxanoxy group substituted with an aliphatic group having 6 to 40 carbon atoms, each of L1 and L2 is a single bond or a divalent linking group, Cy1 is a divalent aromatic group or a divalent heterocyclic group, n is 2, 3 or 4, and Cy2 is an n-valent aromatic group or an n-valent heterocyclic group.

Abstract: A liquid crystal/cured composite layer is formed by sandwiching a mixture of a liquid crystal with an uncured curable compound i.e. a curable compound represented by a structure of an acryloyl group—(OR1)n—O-mesogen structural portion-O—(R2O)m-acryloyl group structure (wherein each of R1 and R2 is a C2-6 alkylene group, and each of n and m is from 1 to 10), between a pair of substrates provided with transparent electrodes, and curing the curable compound.

Abstract: Liquid-crystalline compositions containing, as components, A) at least one compound of the formula I Z1—Y1—A1—Y3—M—Y4—A2—Y2—Z2  (I),  where Z1 and Z2 are each a reactive group, Y1 to Y4 are each a linking unit, A1 and A2 are each a spacer and M is a mesogenic group, B) at least one reactive compound selected from b1) vinyl or allyl ethers, b2) vinyl or allyl esters of saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acids, b3) methacrylic or acrylic esters of monofunctional or polyfunctional alcohols, b4) polyester (meth)acrylates, b5) vinylaromatics or vinylheteroaromatics, and b6) compounds of the general formula II CH2═CH—NR2—R1  (II), in which R1 and R2 are as defined in detail in the description, and C) if desired further additives.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymerizable liquid-crystalline compounds of the general formula (I) where A1 and A2 are identical or different and are each a crosslinkable group; the radicals X are identical or different and are each a single bond, —O—, —S—, —C═N—, —O—CO—, —CO—O—, —O—CO—O—, —CO—NR—, —NR—CO—, —NR—, —O—CO—NR, —NR—CO—O—, —CH2—O— or —NR—CO—NR, in which R is H or C1-C4-alkyl; and M is a mesogenic group, a process for their preparation and their use for preparing cholesteric phases.

Abstract: An electrolyte comprises a liquid-crystal compound, a straight-chain or branched polyether compound and a metal salt.

Abstract: A mixture comprising a molecule of formula (I); in which A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and A6, which may be the same or different, are each N or —CH; Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5 and Y6, which may be the same or different, are each hydrogen or C1 to C12 alkoxy; X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6, which may be the same or different, are each hydrogen, C1 to C12 alkoxy or alkyl C1 to C12; and R7, R8, R9, R10, R11 and R12 are each hydrogen, or each of R7 and R8, R9 and R10 and R11 and R12 may form a bond; and a molecule of formula (II); in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6, which may be the same or different, are each alkyl or substituted (and/or chiral) alkyl C1 to C16, acyl C1 to C16, polyethyleneoxy, a flexible connection to a polymer backbone or part of a polymer backbone in homopolymers, copolymers or block copolymers; and B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 and B6a, which may be the same or different, are each, hydrogen, alkyl C1 to C16, alkoxy C1 to C16, nitro, halogeno, cyano, amido, diazo or ester, e.g. alkyl C1 to C16 ester.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymer beads comprising an anisotropic polymer material with helically twisted structure, to their use in reflective films, spraying or printing inks or as pigments, for optical or electrooptical, decorative or security applications, to a reflective film comprising one or more polymer beads in a transmissive binder, and to a security marking or security device comprising one or more polymer beads or comprising a reflective film.

Abstract: Phenylacetylene compounds are disclosed which are expected to exhibit high refractive index anisotropy, easy to mix with other liquid crystal compounds, has advantageous stability against light, and may be used as a material for producing various films and the like. The compounds are represented by the formula (1): wherein A1 to A12: H, F, etc.; B1, B2: H, CH3; p, q, r, s , t: 0 or 1, provided that when q=0, at least one of A2 and A4 to A10 stands for a C1 to C10 alkyl or alkoxy group optionally substituted with at least one F; m, n: an integer of 0 to 14, provided that when s=1, n is not 0, and when t=1, m is not 0; W: —CH2CH2—, —C≡C—.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device and an electro-optical device include substrates facing each other and each having an electrode, the substrates being spaced apart, spacers disposed between the substrates and defining an electro-optical cell together with the substrates, and a colloidal liquid crystal composite (CLCC) formed in the electro-optical cell. The CLCC includes particle-rich inter-domain regions and micro-domains of a mesogenic liquid crystal, and the particle-rich inter-domain regions include colloidal organic particles being networked in the mesogenic liquid crystal.

Abstract: This invention provides LC compositions useful as birefringent materials in electrooptic devices which exhibit zero or low negatively sloped birefringence dispersioon (e.g., exhibiting positive birefringence dispersion significantly lower than that of currently available LC compositions) or more preferably positively sloped birefringence dispersion in which birefringence of the material increases with wavelength. The invention provides compounds useful as components of LC compositions which exhibit negative birefringence where n0 is higher than ne. The compounds of this invention are dimers of LC-like compounds in which the monomers are linked to each other through a high birefringence moiety (dimerization linker). The LC monomers consist of an LC core and one or two tail groups. Preferred monomers for this invention have low birefringence in comparison to the birefringence of the monomer linking moiety.

Abstract: A reflective type liquid crystal display which has, between a pair of transparent substrates with electrodes thereon, a nematic liquid crystal composition which exhibits a cholesteric phase at room temperature. The liquid crystal composition contains a nematic liquid crystal mixture containing a liquid crystalline difluorostilbene compound, and a chiral agent. The concentration of the liquid crystalline difluorostilbene compound in the liquid crystal composition is preferably in a range from 5 wt % to 60 wt %.