Hybrid polymer materials for liquid crystal alignment layers

Abstract

The present invention provides novel hybrid polymer useful for alignment layers for inducing alignment of a liquid crystal medium. Hybrid polymers of this invention are prepared from at least one component selected from the group consisting of monomer, oligomer and polymer within the class of polyimides, poly(amic acids) and esters thereof and at least one component selected from the group consisting of addition monomer and functionalized addition polymer wherein the two components are covalently bonded to form a copolymer. The invention further describes liquid crystal optical elements such as all liquid crystal display products or modes, liquid crystal devices and liquid crystal optical films comprising the novel hybrid polymer alignment layers.

1 . A branched hybrid polymer that is prepared from
 (a) at least one component selected from the group consisting of monomer(s), oligomer(s) and polymer(s), wherein the monomer(s), oligomer(s) and polymer(s) are within the class of polyimides, poly(amic acids) and esters thereof, and   (b) at least one component that is a functionalized addition polymer wherein the at least one component comprises one or more photoreactive groups capable of forming a covalent bond after exposure to light; and
 wherein the components (a) and (b) are covalently bonded to form a copolymer. 
   
   
   
       2 . The branched hybrid polymer of  claim 1  wherein the functionalized addition polymer comprises one or more functionalized moieties as side groups. 
   
   
       3 . The branched hybrid polymer of  claim 1  wherein the functionalized addition polymer comprises one or more functionalized moieties as end groups. 
   
   
       4 . (canceled) 
   
   
       5 . (canceled) 
   
   
       6 . (canceled) 
   
   
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       9 . (canceled) 
   
   
       10 . (canceled) 
   
   
       11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . (canceled) 
   
   
       13 . (canceled) 
   
   
       14 . (canceled) 
   
   
       15 . (canceled) 
   
   
       16 . (canceled) 
   
   
       17 . (canceled) 
   
   
       18 . (canceled) 
   
   
       19 . An alignment layer prepared from at least one branched hybrid polymer of any one of  claims 1 - 3 . 
   
   
       20 . An optical alignment layer prepared from at least one branched hybrid polymer of any one of  claims 1 - 3 . 
   
   
       21 . A vertical alignment layer prepared from at least one branched hybrid polymer of any one of  claims 1 - 3 . 
   
   
       22 . A liquid crystal display comprising at least one alignment layer of  claim 19 . 
   
   
       23 . A liquid crystal display comprising at least one optical alignment layer of  claim 20 . 
   
   
       24 . A liquid crystal display comprising at least one vertical alignment layer of  claim 21 . 
   
   
       25 . A liquid crystal device comprising at least one alignment layer of  claim 19 . 
   
   
       26 . A liquid crystal device comprising at least one optical alignment layer of  claim 20 . 
   
   
       27 . A liquid crystal device comprising at least one vertical alignment layer of  claim 21 . 
   
   
       28 . A liquid crystal optical film prepared from at least one alignment layer of  claim 19 . 
   
   
       29 . A liquid crystal optical film prepared from at least one optical alignment layer of  claim 20 . 
   
   
       30 . A liquid crystal optical film prepared from at least one vertical alignment layer of  claim 21 .