JP2009234169A - Manufacturing method for optical film - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a manufacturing method for an optical film which can manufacture the optical film being usable to both end sections in the width direction in order to cope with the trend of a wider width while keeping the planarity of the film uniform, and can greatly increase productivity regarding the optical film which can be utilized for various kinds of functional films such as a protective film for the polarizing plate of a liquid crystal displaying apparatus (an LCD, and a liquid crystal display), a retardation film, a visibility angle enlarging film, and a reflection preventive film being used for plasma displays. <P>SOLUTION: In this manufacturing method for the optical film by the solution casting film-forming method, the viscosity of a dope which is cast to both end sections in the width direction of a casting support is made lower than the viscosity of the dope which is cast to the central section in the width direction of the casting support. The casting dope viscosity (V1)(Pa sec) at the central section in the width direction and the casting dope viscosity (V2)(Pa sec) at both end sections in the width direction have a relationship shown by the formula: 0.5×(V1)≤V2≤0.9×(V1). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is also used for various functional films such as a protective film for polarizing plates used for liquid crystal display devices (LCDs, liquid crystal displays), retardation films, viewing angle widening films, antireflection films used for plasma displays, and the like. It is related with the manufacturing method of the optical film which can be manufactured.

  In recent years, since liquid crystal display devices are space- and energy-saving, their use as liquid crystal displays for TVs, personal computers, mobile phones, and the like is increasing.

  In particular, liquid crystal TVs have a larger screen and higher image quality, and further improvements in the visual recognition function of polarizing plate protective films and retardation films, which are indispensable members, are required.

  As the liquid crystal TV has a larger screen and higher image quality, the required film width is also increasing.

  However, the wide film has a problem that, in the film forming process, vibrations at both ends in the width direction of the film are large, film thickness deviation and surface failure occur, and productivity is low.

  By the way, it has been attempted to produce a wide film, but it has been very difficult. Because the width at the time of dope casting is limited due to restrictions on the production equipment of optical films, at present, the film after casting is stretched to take as wide a film width as possible. Can be manufactured.

  As a method for obtaining a wide film by stretching a film after casting, PET or polyvinyl alcohol is known, and a film having a wide width is obtained by stretching about 2 to 4 times the casting width. ing.

  However, in the case of a cellulose ester film, for example, when it is highly stretched, the haze becomes high and cannot be used as an optical film. In the worst case, the film is broken to stop the film formation.

  In addition, for example, in triacetyl cellulose, the stretch rate is limited to about 1.05 to 1.15 times, and even in the case of a cellulose acetate propionate film used for a retardation film in recent years, the stretch rate is It is limited to about 1.03 to 1.3 times. In the case of a retardation film, particularly high stretching causes surface roughness of the film surface and generation of voids inside the film, thereby reducing the light transmittance and lowering the contrast when incorporated in a liquid crystal display device. There was a big problem in wide film production.

  And the width direction both ends of the web (cast film) immediately after casting vibrate, and horizontal streaks in the width direction of the film are likely to occur. Particularly, when the film is thin and widened This is even more noticeable.

  In such a case, if only the defective part of the film end part is cut, the center part of the film can be used, but there is an illusion that the film end part cannot be cut in order to ensure a wide width.

  By the way, the following patent document 1 discloses a method for producing a film that undergoes the following three steps when producing a film by a solution casting method. First, in the first step, a resin solution 3 The step of casting the solution on the base material independently and setting the interval to 10 mm or more, the second step is to dry the base material obtained in the first step as it is to obtain a resin solution Next, the step of winding the substrate into a roll while the film is placed on the substrate, the third step is to unwind the roll-shaped substrate obtained in the second step, and In this step, the film other than the film located at both ends is subjected to secondary drying, and then the film after secondary drying is wound into a roll.

Moreover, the following patent document 2 discloses a method for producing an optical film using a plurality of dopes including a polymer and a solvent. Dopes having a higher concentration than other dopes are formed on both edges of the soft film. It is described that the longitudinal elastic modulus of both edges is 450,000 Pa or more.
JP 2006-342228 A JP 2007-210344 A

  However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to cast three or more resin solutions independently, but the film end cannot be used as a product, and the production of a wide film is not possible. There was a problem that could not be handled. Further, the method described in Patent Document 2 has a problem that an optical film having an excellent visual recognition function in, for example, a polarizing plate protective film or a retardation film cannot be produced.

  Conventionally, in the film forming process, both ends in the width direction of the film are greatly vibrated, and both ends in the width direction of the film where the film thickness deviation or surface failure has occurred are cut off by a slitter before winding. However, with the recent widening, there is an increasing demand to use both ends of the film in the width direction as products.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and to meet recent demands, and a thermoplastic resin solution (dope) cast on a casting support by a solution casting film forming method. As a plurality of types of dopes having different viscosities, and both ends of the casting support in the width direction than the viscosity of the dope cast on the casting surface at the center in the width direction of the casting support. By reducing the viscosity of the dope cast on the casting surface, it is possible to produce an optical film that can be used up to both ends in the width direction corresponding to widening while maintaining the flatness of the film uniform. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical film manufacturing method capable of greatly improving productivity.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a method for producing an optical film by a solution casting film forming method, wherein the resin solution is cast on the casting surface in the center in the width direction of the casting support. It is characterized in that the viscosity of the dope cast on the casting surfaces at both ends in the width direction of the casting support is lower than the viscosity of the (dope).

  Here, the casting surfaces at both ends in the width direction of the casting support are respectively inward from both ends in the width direction of the casting support, and correspond to 10 to 20% of the total width of the casting support. The casting surface at the center in the width direction (intermediate part) of the casting support means the remaining part of the width of the casting support.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the method for producing an optical film according to claim 1, wherein the viscosity (Pa · sec) of the dope cast on the casting surface in the center in the width direction of the casting support is V1. When the viscosity (Pa · sec) of the dope cast on the casting surface at both ends in the width direction of the casting support is V2, the following relationship is established.

    0.5 x (V1) ≤ V2 ≤ 0.9 x (V1)

  According to the invention of claim 1, a plurality of types of dopes having different viscosities are used as the thermoplastic resin solution (dope) cast on the casting support by the solution casting film forming method, and the casting support. By reducing the viscosity of the dope cast on the casting surface at both ends in the width direction of the casting support than the viscosity of the dope cast on the casting surface at the center in the width direction, the plane of the film It is possible to manufacture an optical film that can be used up to both ends in the width direction corresponding to widening while maintaining the uniformity, and the productivity can be greatly improved.

  Here, the casting surfaces at both ends in the width direction of the casting support are respectively inward from both ends in the width direction of the casting support, and correspond to 10 to 20% of the total width of the casting support. The casting surface at the center in the width direction of the casting support means the remainder of the width of the casting support.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the method for producing an optical film according to claim 1, wherein the viscosity (Pa · sec) of the dope cast on the casting surface in the center in the width direction of the casting support is V1. When the viscosity (Pa · sec) of the dope cast on the casting surfaces at both ends in the width direction of the casting support is V2, the relationship of the following formula is established.

0.5 x (V1) ≤ V2 ≤ 0.9 x (V1)
According to invention of Claim 2, it casts to the casting surface of the width direction both ends of a casting support body rather than the viscosity of dope cast | casted to the casting surface of the width direction center part of a casting support body. By reducing the viscosity of the dope, it is possible to produce an optical film that can be used up to both ends in the width direction while keeping the flatness of the film uniform, greatly increasing productivity. There is an effect that it can be improved.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

  The method for producing an optical film according to the present invention is based on a solution casting film forming method, and the width of the casting support is larger than the viscosity of the dope cast on the casting surface in the center in the width direction of the casting support. It is characterized in that the viscosity of the dope cast on the casting surface at both ends in the hand direction is lowered.

  According to the method for producing an optical film of the present invention, as a thermoplastic dope cast on a casting support by a solution casting film forming method, a plurality of types of dopes having mutually different viscosities are used, and casting is performed. If the viscosity of the dope cast on the casting surface at both ends in the width direction of the casting support is lower than the viscosity of the dope cast on the casting surface at the center in the width direction of the support, the casting will be cast. The cast ribbon (ribbon-like cast film) is less likely to vibrate, and the horizontal streaks (transverse film thickness unevenness) in the width direction of the film generated by the vibration are not noticeable and the flatness is uniform. It is possible to produce an optical film that can be used up to both ends in the width direction of the film corresponding to the widening while maintaining it, and this can greatly improve the productivity of the optical film, and the polarizing plate Even if it is processed into a complete problem such as visibility Cause not those.

  Here, the casting surfaces at both ends in the width direction of the casting support are respectively inward from both ends in the width direction of the casting support, and correspond to 10 to 20% of the total width of the casting support. The casting surface at the center in the width direction of the casting support means the remainder of the width of the casting support.

  In the method for producing an optical film according to the present invention, the viscosity (Pa · sec) of the dope cast on the casting surface at the center in the width direction of the casting support is V1, and both ends of the casting support in the width direction are used. When the viscosity (Pa · sec) of the dope cast on the casting surface of the part is V2, it is preferable that the relationship of the following formula is established.

0.5 x (V1) ≤ V2 ≤ 0.9 x (V1)
Here, if the viscosity V2 of the dope cast at both ends in the width direction is less than 0.5 × (V1), the casting ribbon stretches and undulates. In such a case, the film formation is stopped and the film formation is stopped. Moreover, when the viscosity V2 of the dope cast at both ends in the width direction exceeds 0.9 × (V1), there is an improvement effect, but it occurs to the extent that horizontal streaks in the film width direction can be confirmed. Therefore, it is not preferable.

  Here, in order to set the viscosity of the dope low, it is necessary to increase the amount of the solvent that dissolves the solid content. Therefore, if the viscosity of the dope is lowered over the entire width, it is possible to produce a film without horizontal streaks in the width direction of the film, but this is not preferable because the equipment for recovering the volatilized solvent is enlarged. Therefore, in order to reduce the solvent used, the present invention has been completed by reducing only the viscosity of the dope used at both ends in the width direction of the film.

  In the present embodiment, the dope for producing an optical film contains a resin such as a cellulose ester resin as a main material, and includes a plasticizer, a retardation adjusting agent, an ultraviolet absorber, fine particles, and a low molecular weight substance. Including at least one kind of substance and a solvent.

  In the method for producing an optical film of the present embodiment, various resins can be used as the film material, and among them, cellulose ester is preferable.

  A cellulose ester is a cellulose ester in which a hydroxyl group derived from cellulose is substituted with an acyl group or the like. Examples thereof include cellulose acylates such as cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate and cellulose acetate propionate butyrate, and cellulose acetate having an aliphatic polyester graft side chain. Among these, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate propionate, and cellulose acetate having an aliphatic polyester graft side chain are preferable. Other substituents may be included as long as the effects of the present embodiment are not impaired.

  As an example of cellulose triacetate, the substitution degree of acetyl groups is preferably 2.0 or more and 3.0 or less. By setting the degree of substitution within this range, good moldability can be obtained, and desired in-plane retardation (Ro) and thickness direction retardation (Rt) can be obtained. If the substitution degree of the acetyl group is lower than this range, the heat resistance as a retardation film, particularly the dimensional stability under wet heat may be inferior, and if the substitution degree is too large, the necessary retardation characteristics will not be exhibited. There is a case.

  Although there is no limitation in particular as a cellulose of the raw material of the cellulose ester used for this Embodiment, Cotton linter, wood pulp, kenaf etc. can be mentioned. Moreover, the cellulose ester obtained from them can be mixed and used in arbitrary ratios, respectively.

  In the present embodiment, the number average molecular weight of the cellulose ester is preferably in the range of 60,000 to 300,000 because the mechanical strength of the resulting film is strong. Furthermore, 70,000-200,000 are preferable.

  In the present embodiment, various additives can be added to the cellulose ester.

  In the method of the present invention, as the cellulose ester resin preferably used, for example, the substitution degree of acyl groups such as cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate and the like is 1.80 to 2.80, preferably 2. Examples include 40 to 2.50 cellulose ester resins, and preferably contains at least one selected from these.

  Of these, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate and the like are particularly preferable. In addition, two or more compatible polymers may be blended and dope dissolution described later may be performed, but the present invention is not limited to these.

  The solvent of the cellulose ester is not particularly limited as long as it is a solvent that can dissolve the cellulose ester, but even a solvent that cannot be dissolved alone can be used if it can be dissolved by mixing with other solvents. Can do. In general, a mixed solvent composed of a good solvent, methylene chloride and a poor solvent of cellulose ester, is used, and the mixed solvent preferably contains 4 to 30% by weight of the poor solvent.

  In addition, examples of good solvents that can be used include methylene chloride, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, amyl acetate, acetone, tetrahydrofuran, 1,3-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxane, cyclohexanone, ethyl formate, 2,2,2- Trifluoroethanol, 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propanol, 1,3-difluoro-2-propanol, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-methyl-2- Examples include propanol, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol, 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propanol, nitroethane, and the like, such as methylene chloride. Of organic halogen compounds, dioxolane derivatives, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, acetone and the like are preferred organic solvents (ie Mentioned as good solvent). The use of methyl acetate is particularly preferred because the resulting film has less curl.

  Examples of the poor solvent for cellulose ester include alcohols having 1 to 8 carbon atoms such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol, n-butanol, sec-butanol, tert-butanol, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, and acetic acid. Examples thereof include ethyl, propyl acetate, monochlorobenzene, benzene, cyclohexane, tetrahydrofuran, methyl cellosolve, and ethylene glycol monomethyl ether. These poor solvents can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  In the present invention, various additives can be added to the cellulose ester.

  In the present invention, it is preferable to add a plasticizer. As the plasticizer, conventionally known plasticizers for cellulose esters can be preferably used. In particular, those having excellent compatibility are preferred, and for example, phosphate esters and carboxylic acid esters are preferred. Examples of phosphate esters include triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, phenyl diphenyl phosphate, and the like. Examples of carboxylic acid esters include phthalic acid esters and citric acid esters. Examples of phthalic acid esters include dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, and diethyl hexyl phthalate. Mention may be made of tributyl. In addition, butyl oleate, methylacetyl ricinoleate, dibutyl sebacate, triacetin, and the like are also included. Alkylphthalylalkyl glycolates are also preferably used for this purpose. The alkyl in the alkylphthalylalkyl glycolate is an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Examples of alkyl phthalyl alkyl glycolates include methyl phthalyl methyl glycolate, ethyl phthalyl ethyl glycolate, propyl phthalyl propyl glycolate, butyl phthalyl butyl glycolate, octyl phthalyl octyl glycolate, methyl phthalyl ethyl glycolate, Ethyl phthalyl methyl glycolate, ethyl phthalyl propyl glycolate, propyl phthalyl ethyl glycolate, methyl phthalyl propyl glycolate, methyl phthalyl butyl glycolate, ethyl phthalyl butyl glycolate, butyl phthalyl methyl glycolate, butyl Phthalyl ethyl glycolate, propyl phthalyl butyl glycolate, butyl phthalyl propyl glycolate, methyl phthalyl octyl glycolate, ethyl phthalyl octyl Collate, octyl phthalyl methyl glycolate, octyl phthalyl ethyl glycolate and the like can be mentioned, such as methyl phthalyl methyl glycolate, ethyl phthalyl ethyl glycolate, propyl phthalyl propyl glycolate, butyl phthalyl butyl glycolate, Octyl phthalyl octyl glycolate is preferable, and ethyl phthalyl ethyl glycolate is particularly preferably used. A plasticizer having a large molecular weight is preferable because it can suppress volatilization during extrusion. Examples of these include aliphatic polyesters composed of glycol and dibasic acids such as polyethylene adipate, polybutylene adipate, polyethylene succinate and polybutylene succinate, and fats composed of oxycarboxylic acids such as polylactic acid and polyglycolic acid. Aliphatic polyesters composed of lactones such as aromatic polyesters, polycaprolactone, polypropiolactone and polyvalerolactone, and vinyl polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone. These plasticizers can be used alone or in combination.

  It is preferable to contain 1-30 weight% of content of the plasticizer mentioned above with respect to a cellulose ester. By containing the plasticizer in this range, the dimensional stability of the cellulose ester film under wet heat can be improved.

  Examples of ultraviolet absorbers that can be used in the present invention include oxybenzophenone compounds, benzotriazole compounds, salicylic acid ester compounds, benzophenone compounds, cyanoacrylate compounds, nickel complex compounds, and the like. A benzotriazole-based compound with little coloring is preferable. Further, ultraviolet absorbers described in JP-A-10-182621 and JP-A-8-337574, and polymer ultraviolet absorbers described in JP-A-6-148430 are also preferably used. As an ultraviolet absorber, from the viewpoint of preventing the deterioration of polarizers and liquid crystals, it is excellent in the ability to absorb ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 370 nm or less, and from the viewpoint of liquid crystal display properties, the absorption of visible light having a wavelength of 400 nm or more is small. Is preferred.

  Specific examples of UV absorbers useful in the present invention include 2- (2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl) benzotriazole, 2- (2'-hydroxy-3 ', 5'-di-tert-butylphenyl) ) Benzotriazole, 2- (2'-hydroxy-3'-tert-butyl-5'-methylphenyl) benzotriazole, 2- (2'-hydroxy-3 ', 5'-di-tert-butylphenyl)- 5-chlorobenzotriazole, 2- (2′-hydroxy-3 ′-(3 ″, 4 ″, 5 ″, 6 ″ -tetrahydrophthalimidomethyl) -5′-methylphenyl) benzotriazole, 2,2-methylenebis ( 4- (1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl) -6- (2H-benzotriazol-2-yl) phenol), 2- (2'-hydroxy-3'- ert-butyl-5'-methylphenyl) -5-chlorobenzotriazole, 2- (2H-benzotriazol-2-yl) -6- (linear and side chain dodecyl) -4-methylphenol, octyl-3- [3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5- (chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl) phenyl] propionate and 2-ethylhexyl-3- [3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5- (5 -Chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl) phenyl] propionate and the like can be mentioned, but not limited thereto. As commercially available products, TINUVIN 109, TINUVIN 171 and TINUVIN 326 (all manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals) can be preferably used.

  Specific examples of benzophenone compounds include 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone, 2,2'-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-5-sulfobenzophenone, bis (2-methoxy-4-hydroxy- 5-benzoylphenylmethane) and the like, but is not limited thereto.

  The blending amount of these ultraviolet absorbers is preferably in the range of 0.01 to 10% by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 5% by weight, based on the cellulose ester. If the amount used is too small, the UV absorption effect may be insufficient, and if it is too large, the transparency of the film may be deteriorated. The ultraviolet absorber is preferably one having high heat stability.

  In the present invention, the above-mentioned plasticizer and ultraviolet absorber may also have a role as an additive for reducing the thickness direction retardation (Rt).

  When the substitution degree of the acetyl group of the cellulose ester is low, the heat resistance may be lowered. In this case, it is effective to add an antioxidant.

  As the antioxidant, a hindered phenol compound is preferably used, and 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol, pentaerythrityl-tetrakis [3- (3,5-di-t-butyl- 4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate], triethylene glycol-bis [3- (3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate], 1,6-hexanediol-bis [3- (3,5 -Di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate], 2,4-bis- (n-octylthio) -6- (4-hydroxy-3,5-di-t-butylanilino) -1,3,5 -Triazine, 2,2-thio-diethylenebis [3- (3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate], octadecyl-3- (3 -Di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate, N, N'-hexamethylenebis (3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxy-hydrocinnamamide), 1,3,5-trimethyl -2,4,6-tris (3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) benzene, tris- (3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) -isocyanurate, etc. Can be mentioned. In particular, 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol, pentaerythrityl-tetrakis [3- (3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate], triethylene glycol-bis [3- (3-t-butyl-5-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate] is preferred. Further, for example, hydrazine-based metal deactivators such as N, N′-bis [3- (3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionyl] hydrazine and tris (2,4-di-t A phosphorus-based processing stabilizer such as -butylphenyl) phosphite may be used in combination.

  In order to impart slipperiness to the cellulose derivative in the present invention, it is preferable to add fine particles such as a matting agent. Examples of the fine particles include fine particles of an inorganic compound or fine particles of an organic compound.

  Examples of the fine particles of the inorganic compound include fine particles of silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, tin oxide and the like. Of these, fine particles of a compound containing a silicon atom are preferred, and fine silicon dioxide particles are particularly preferred. Examples of the silicon dioxide fine particles include Aerosil 200, 200V, 300, R972, R972V, R974, R202, R812, R805, OX50, and TT600 manufactured by Aerosil Co., Ltd.

  Examples of the organic compound fine particles include fine particles such as acrylic resin, silicone resin, fluorine compound resin, and urethane resin.

  The primary particle size of the fine particles is not particularly limited, but the average particle size in the film is preferably about 0.05 to 5.0 μm. More preferably, it is 0.1-1.0 micrometer.

  When the cellulose ester film is observed with an electron microscope or an optical microscope, the average particle diameter of the fine particles indicates an average value of the lengths in the major axis direction of the particles at the observation position of the film. As long as the particles are observed in the film, they may be primary particles or secondary particles in which the primary particles are aggregated, but most of the particles that are usually observed are secondary particles.

As an example of the measurement method, 10 vertical cross-sectional photographs are taken at random for each film, and the number of particles in 100 μm ² whose major axis length is in the range of 0.05 to 5 μm for each cross-sectional photograph. Count. The average value of the major axis lengths of the particles counted at this time is obtained, and a value obtained by averaging the average values of 10 locations is defined as the average particle size.

  In the case of fine particles, the primary particle size, the particle size after being dispersed in a solvent, and the particle size added to the film often change, and it is important that the fine particles are finally combined with the cellulose ester in the film. It is to control the particle size formed by aggregation.

  When the average particle diameter of the fine particles exceeds 5 μm, haze deterioration or the like may be observed, or it may cause a failure in a wound state as a foreign matter. Moreover, when the average particle diameter of fine particles is less than 0.05 μm, it becomes difficult to impart slipperiness to the film.

  The fine particles are used by adding 0.04 to 0.5% by weight to the cellulose ester. Preferably, 0.05 to 0.3% by weight, more preferably 0.05 to 0.25% by weight is added. When the amount of fine particles added is 0.04% by weight or less, the film surface roughness becomes too smooth and blocking occurs due to an increase in the friction coefficient. If the amount of fine particles added exceeds 0.5% by weight, the coefficient of friction on the film surface will be too low, causing winding misalignment during winding, and the transparency of the film will be low and haze will be high. The above range is essential because it has no value as a film.

  For the dispersion of the fine particles, it is preferable to treat the composition in which the fine particles and the solvent are mixed with a high-pressure dispersion apparatus. The high-pressure dispersion apparatus used in the present invention is an apparatus that creates special conditions such as high shear and high pressure by passing a composition in which fine particles and a solvent are mixed at high speed through a narrow tube.

It is preferable that the maximum pressure condition inside the apparatus is 980 N / cm ² or more in a thin tube having a tube diameter of 1 to 2000 μm, for example, by processing with a high-pressure dispersion apparatus. More preferably, the maximum pressure condition inside the apparatus is 1960 N / cm ² or more. Further, at that time, those having a maximum reaching speed of 100 m / sec or more and those having a heat transfer speed of 100 kcal / hr or more are preferable.

  Examples of the high-pressure dispersing device as described above include an ultra-high pressure homogenizer (trade name: Microfluidizer) manufactured by Microfluidics Corporation or a nanomizer manufactured by Nanomizer, and other manton gorin type high-pressure dispersing devices such as those manufactured by Izumi Food Machinery. A homogenizer etc. are mentioned.

  In the method of producing an optical film by a solution casting method, a dope (resin solution) containing a cellulose ester and an additive is cast on a metal rotating drum or a metal rotating endless belt (support). It has a casting process for forming a web, a stretching process for stretching the web peeled from the support by a tenter device, a drying process for drying the web after stretching, and a winding process for winding the dried film. .

  In the method of producing an optical film by the solution casting film forming method, first, dissolution of cellulose ester is usually performed by means such as a stirring dissolution method, a heating dissolution method, and an ultrasonic dissolution method in a dissolution vessel under pressure. Thus, a method of heating at a temperature not lower than the boiling point of the solvent at a normal pressure and in a range in which the solvent does not boil and dissolving while stirring is more preferable in order to prevent generation of a bulk undissolved material called gel or mamaco. Further, a cooling dissolution method described in JP-A-9-95538 or a method of dissolving under high pressure described in JP-A-11-21379 may be used.

  A method in which the cellulose ester is mixed with a poor solvent and wetted or swollen, and then mixed with a good solvent and dissolved is also preferably used. At this time, an apparatus for mixing or dissolving cellulose ester with a poor solvent and an apparatus for mixing and dissolving with a good solvent may be separately provided.

  The type of the pressure vessel used for dissolving the cellulose ester is not particularly limited as long as it can withstand a predetermined pressure and can be heated and stirred under pressure. In addition, instruments such as a pressure gauge and a thermometer are appropriately disposed in the pressurized container. The pressurization may be performed by a method of injecting an inert gas such as nitrogen gas or by increasing the vapor pressure of the solvent by heating. Heating is preferably performed from the outside. For example, a jacket type is preferable because temperature control is easy.

  The heating temperature after adding the solvent is higher than the boiling point of the solvent to be used. In the case of two or more mixed solvents, the heating temperature is higher than the boiling point of the lower boiling solvent and the solvent does not boil. Is preferred. If the heating temperature is too high, the required pressure increases and productivity decreases. The range of preferable heating temperature is 20-120 degreeC, 30-100 degreeC is more preferable, The range of 40-80 degreeC is further more preferable. The pressure is adjusted so that the solvent does not boil at the set temperature.

  In addition to cellulose ester and solvent, additives such as necessary plasticizers and UV absorbers can be mixed with the solvent in advance, dissolved or dispersed, and then added to the solvent before dissolving the cellulose ester. It may be put into the dope.

  After dissolving the cellulose ester, it is taken out from the container while cooling, or it is taken out from the container with a pump or the like and cooled with a heat exchanger or the like, and the resulting polymer dope is used for film formation. May be cooled to room temperature.

  The particle size d of the cellulose ester as a raw material is such that particles having a size of 0.1 mm ≦ d ≦ 20 mm are constituted at a ratio of 60% by weight or more, so that good solubility can be obtained without generating an aggregate of cellulose ester. Desirable to get.

  The mixture of the raw material cellulose ester and the solvent is dissolved in a dissolving kettle having a stirrer, and at this time, the peripheral speed of the stirring blade is preferably at least 0.5 m / second or more and stirred and dissolved for 30 minutes or more.

  In the method of the present invention, the cellulose ester dope dissolved in the dissolution vessel is sent to a filter by a pump and filtered in the filter. This filtration can be performed by a normal method, but the method of filtering while heating under pressure at a temperature not lower than the boiling point of the solvent at normal pressure and in a range where the solvent does not boil is the differential pressure before and after the filter medium (hereinafter referred to as the pressure difference). The increase in the pressure may be small, which is preferable.

  In the method of the present invention, the cellulose ester dope is filtered to remove foreign matters, particularly foreign matters that are mistakenly recognized as images in a liquid crystal image display device. It may be said that the quality of the protective film for polarizing plates is determined by this filtration.

  Filter media used for filtration preferably have a low absolute filtration accuracy. However, if the absolute filtration accuracy is too low, the filter media is likely to be clogged, and the filter media must be frequently replaced, resulting in increased productivity. There is a problem of lowering.

  For this reason, in the method of the present invention, the filter medium used for the cellulose ester dope preferably has an absolute filtration accuracy of 0.020 mm or less. As the filter paper, for example, No. of Azumi Filter Paper Co., Ltd., a commercially available product. 244, 277, etc. can be mentioned and used preferably.

  There are no particular restrictions on the material of the filter medium, and normal filter media can be used. However, plastic fiber filter media such as polypropylene and Teflon (registered trademark), and metal filter media such as stainless steel fibers are used to remove fibers. This is preferable.

  The preferable temperature range of dope filtration is 45-120 degreeC, 45-70 degreeC is more preferable, and it is further more preferable that it is the range of 45-55 degreeC.

  The filtration pressure is preferably 3500 kPa or less, more preferably 3000 kPa or less, and even more preferably 2500 kPa or less. The filtration pressure can be controlled by appropriately selecting the filtration flow rate and the filtration area. The dope thus obtained is stored in a stock tank, defoamed and then used for casting.

  Thus, when the dope is prepared by previously mixing the domain forming material, the cellulose ester, and the solvent in the dissolution vessel, it is usually unnecessary to add the domain forming material in-line. However, if necessary, all or part of the domain forming material can be mixed in-line.

  For example, an amorphous particle dispersion mixed or dispersed in a suitable solvent in a dissolution vessel is sent to a filter by a pump and filtered in the filter. The obtained dope is stored in the second stock tank and defoamed.

  Cellulose ester solution (or sometimes referred to as dope stock solution) transferred from the first stock tank by a pump and a domain-forming material solution (amorphous particle dispersion) transferred from the second stock tank by a pump. Is merged with a merge pipe.

  A filter is arranged immediately before the junction tube, and for example, lump and large foreign matter generated from the path due to exchange of filter media etc. can be removed from the amorphous particle dispersion or dope stock solution being fed. . Here, a metal filter having solvent resistance is preferably used.

  The filter medium is preferably a metal, particularly stainless steel, from the viewpoint of durability. From the viewpoint of clogging, it is preferable to have a porosity of 60 to 80%. Most preferably, the filtration is performed with a metal filter medium having an absolute filtration accuracy of 30 to 60 μm and a porosity of 60 to 80%, so that coarse foreign substances can be reliably removed over a long period of time. preferable. Examples of the metal filter medium having an absolute filtration accuracy of 30 to 60 μm and a porosity of 60 to 80% include NF-10, NF-12, and NF-13 of Finepore NF series manufactured by Nippon Seisen Co., Ltd. be able to.

  The two liquids combined as described above are transported in a layered manner in the conduit, and are difficult to mix as they are. Therefore, after the two liquids are merged, they are transferred to the next step while being sufficiently mixed by a mixer such as an in-line mixer.

  As an in-line mixer that can be used in the present invention, for example, a static mixer SWJ (Toray static type in-pipe mixer, Hi-Mixer, manufactured by Toray Engineering) is preferable.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of an apparatus for producing an optical film by the solution casting method of the present invention.

  Referring to the figure, the dope adjusted in the melting pot is fed to the casting die (2) by a conduit and is transported infinitely on the casting support (1) made of, for example, a rotationally driven stainless steel endless belt. The dope is cast from the casting die (2) at the casting position.

  The method for producing an optical film according to the present invention comprises a casting support (1) rather than the viscosity of the dope cast from the casting die (2) to the casting surface in the center in the width direction of the casting support (1). ), The viscosity of the dope cast on the casting surface at both ends in the width direction is lowered.

  In the method for producing an optical film according to the present invention, the viscosity (Pa · sec) of the dope cast on the casting surface at the center in the width direction of the casting support (1) is V1, and the casting support (1 When the viscosity (Pa · sec) of the dope cast on the casting surfaces at both ends in the width direction of V) is V2, it is preferable that the relationship of the following equation holds.

0.5 x (V1) ≤ V2 ≤ 0.9 x (V1)
Here, if the viscosity V2 of the dope cast at both ends in the width direction is less than 0.5 × (V1), the casting ribbon stretches and undulates. In such a case, the film formation is stopped and the film formation is stopped. Further, when the viscosity V2 of the dope cast at both ends in the width direction exceeds 0.9 × (V1), there is an improvement effect, but the width of the step in the width direction of the film can be confirmed. Therefore, it is not preferable.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a specific embodiment of the method for producing an optical film of the present invention.

  In the present invention, the casting surfaces at both ends in the width direction of the casting support (1) are the inner sides of the casting support (1) from both ends in the width direction. The casting surface corresponding to 10 to 20% of the entire width, the casting surface in the center in the width direction of the casting support (1) refers to the remainder of the width of the casting support (1). It is.

  In other words, in the present invention, the casting surfaces at both ends in the width direction of the casting support (1) are the narrowest, and the casting surfaces (1) flow inward from both ends in the width direction. Therefore, in this case, the casting surface at the center in the width direction of the casting support (1) is the casting support ( It will occupy the remainder of the width of 1), ie 80% of the total width of the casting support (1).

  On the other hand, in the widest case, the casting surfaces of both ends in the width direction of the casting support (1) are respectively inward from both ends in the width direction of the casting support (1). It occupies 0 to 20% of the total width of (1). Therefore, in this case, the casting surface at the center in the width direction of the casting support (1) is the remainder of the width of the casting support (1). That is, it occupies 60% of the entire width of the casting support (1).

  And, as shown in FIG. 3, specifically, in the method for producing an optical film of the present invention, a thermoplastic resin dope cast on a casting support (1) by a solution casting film forming method is used. A high-viscosity dope is cast on the casting surface at the center in the width direction of the stretch support (1), and a low-viscosity dope is cast on the casting surfaces at both ends in the width direction of the cast support (1). Is to cast.

  As a result, the casting ribbon (ribbon-like casting film) cast on the casting surfaces at both ends in the width direction of the casting support (1) is less likely to vibrate, and the film width direction generated by the vibration To produce an optical film that can be used up to both ends in the width direction of the film corresponding to widening while maintaining flatness and keeping the horizontal streaks (horizontal step thickness unevenness) inconspicuous And the productivity of the optical film can be greatly improved. And even if the optical film manufactured by the method of the present invention is processed into a polarizing plate, no problem such as visibility occurs.

  In the present invention, the high-viscosity dope cast on the casting surface at the center in the width direction of the casting support (1) has a viscosity (V1) of, for example, 8000 to 12000 (Pa · sec). It is desirable to use the low-viscosity dope cast on the casting surface at both ends in the width direction of the casting support (1), and the following equation is related to the viscosity (V1) of the high-viscosity dope. A dope having a dope viscosity (V2) (Pa · sec) is used.

0.5 x (V1) ≤ V2 ≤ 0.9 x (V1)
In the present invention, the casting die (2) is not shown in the figure, but, for example, there are three die portions so that dopes having three different viscosities, low viscosity dope, high viscosity dope, and low viscosity dope can be cast. It is preferable to use a casting die (2) divided into two.

  In order to produce a low-viscosity dope with respect to a high-viscosity dope, for example, after producing a standard high-viscosity dope, by increasing the amount of a solvent such as methylene chloride or ethanol, a low viscosity dope having a desired viscosity value is obtained. It is possible to make a dope of viscosity.

  Here, as the casting die (2), a pressure die that can adjust the slit shape of the die portion and can easily make the film thickness uniform is particularly preferable.

  In the casting die (2), the angle formed by the inner slit wall surface and the surface of the casting support (1) is preferably 40 to 90 °, particularly preferably 60 to 75 °.

  The gap between the die lip of the casting die (2) and the surface of the casting support (1) is preferably set with a gap of 0.2 to 10 mm, and more preferably a gap of 0.5 to 5 mm. preferable. The slit gap of the casting die (2) is preferably 0.05 to 1.5 mm, more preferably 0.15 to 1.0 mm.

  The surface roughness Ra of the casting support (1) is 0.0001 to 1 μm, more preferably 0.0003 to 0.1 μm, and further preferably 0.0005 to 0.05 μm.

  In the illustrated film forming apparatus provided with a rotationally driven endless belt as a casting support (1), the belt support (1) is disposed between a pair of front and rear drums and an intermediate portion between them and an upper portion of the endless belt support (1). It comprises a plurality of support rolls (not shown) that support the transition part and the lower transition part from the back side.

  In addition, one or both of the drums wound at both ends of the rotationally driven endless belt support (1) are provided with a drive device that applies tension to the belt support (1), whereby the belt support (1). Is used in a tensioned state.

  When an endless belt is used as the casting support (1), the belt temperature during film formation can be cast in a general temperature range of 0 ° C. to a temperature lower than the boiling point of the solvent. The range of 5 ° C. to the solvent boiling point −5 ° C. is more preferable. At this time, it is necessary to control the ambient atmospheric humidity above the dew point.

  Further, when the casting support (1) is transported at a speed of 10 m / min or more, the casting film coming out from the lip of the casting die (2) is depressurized and mixed with air, or in the horizontal direction of the film width direction. In order to suppress fluttering of the casting ribbon that causes the streaks, it is preferable to provide a decompression chamber on the upstream side of the casting die (2) and reduce the pressure by 10 to 600 Pa, more preferably 10 to 200 Pa.

  The gap between the lower end surface of the decompression chamber and the casting support (1) surface is in the range of 0.5 to 5 mm, and the suction air volume does not become too large, thereby generating the dope dry film at the casting die lip end. Is desirable because it is suppressed.

  In order to increase the film forming speed, two or more pressure casting dies (2) may be provided on the casting support (1), and the dope amount may be divided to form a multilayer film.

  When casting the dope onto the casting support (1), it is preferable to control the temperature below the boiling point of the solvent used for dissolving the raw polymer and below the boiling point of the solvent having the lowest boiling point in the mixed solvent.

  In the system using an endless belt as the casting support (1), the film strength is such that the web (10) can be peeled from the casting support (1) by the peeling roll (6) on the casting support (1). In order to dry and solidify until it becomes, it is preferable to dry to 150 weight% or less of the residual solvent amount in a web (10), and 80 to 120 weight% is more preferable. Moreover, as for the web temperature when peeling a web (10) from a casting support body (1), 0-30 degreeC is preferable. Further, immediately after the web (10) is peeled off from the casting support (1), the temperature rapidly decreases once due to solvent evaporation from the close-contact surface side of the casting support (1), and water vapor or solvent vapor in the atmosphere. For example, the web temperature at the time of peeling is more preferably 5 to 30 ° C. because volatile components are easily condensed.

  Here, the residual solvent amount can be expressed by the following equation.

Residual solvent amount (% by weight) = {(M−N) / N} × 100
In the formula, M is the weight of the web at an arbitrary time point, and N is the weight when the weight M is dried at 110 ° C. for 3 hours.

  The dope film (web) (10) formed by the dope cast on the endless belt support (1) is heated on the cast support (1), and the peeling roll is removed from the cast support (1). This is a step of evaporating the solvent until the web (10) becomes peelable by (6).

  In order to evaporate the solvent, there are a method of blowing air from the web side, a method of transferring heat from the back surface of the casting support (1) with a liquid, a method of transferring heat from the front and back by radiant heat, and the like.

  In the system using an endless belt for the casting support (1), the peeling tension when the belt support (1) and the web (10) are peeled by the peeling roll (6) is usually 20 to 25 kg / m. However, in the cellulose ester film produced according to the present invention, which has been made thinner than before, the web (10) is likely to wrinkle at the time of peeling, and thus peels at a minimum tension of 17 kg / m that can be peeled. It is preferable that peeling is performed at a minimum tension of -14 kg / m.

  In the system using an endless belt for the casting support (1), the web (10) after peeling is introduced into the initial drying device (3). In the initial drying device (3), the web (10) is meandered by a plurality of conveying rolls (7) arranged in a staggered manner as viewed from the side, while the web (10) is in the bottom of the initial drying device (3). The hot air (11) is blown from the front part and discharged from the rear part of the ceiling of the initial drying device (3).

  In the method for producing a cellulose ester film by a solution casting film forming method, the residual solvent amount of the web (10) when the web (10) is peeled from the belt support (1) is 80 to 170% by weight, and the tenter (4 It is preferable that the residual solvent amount of the web (10) at the time of entering) is 2 to 20% by weight, and the drying temperature of the initial drying device (3) between them is 60 to 110 ° C.

  Here, if the residual solvent amount of the web when the web is peeled from the casting support is less than 80% by weight, the peeling force of the web from the casting support becomes high, resulting in a resistance at the time of peeling. This is not preferable because the appearance quality deterioration of the horizontal step failure occurs. Further, if the residual solvent amount of the web when the web is peeled off from the casting support exceeds 170% by weight, the web becomes unstable and the conveyance stability is hindered, and the web becomes soft and easily causes troubles. This is not preferable.

  Also, if the residual solvent amount of the web when entering the tenter is less than 2% by weight, the desired optical property stability cannot be obtained, and it is necessary to increase the initial drying capacity, and the conveyance accompanying the film shrinkage during this period This is not preferable because of deterioration of the properties. When the residual solvent amount of the web when entering the tenter exceeds 20% by weight, the stretched film becomes soft, so that the effect of stretching on the film is reduced, the stability of desired optical characteristics, and the desired optical characteristics. Since a value cannot be obtained, it is not preferable.

  Further, if the drying temperature of the initial drying apparatus is less than 60 ° C., it is not preferable because the drying ability cannot be obtained. When the drying temperature of the initial drying apparatus exceeds 110 ° C., the transportability is deteriorated due to film shrinkage during that time, and it is difficult to maintain the service temperature of the production equipment.

  In the method for producing a cellulose ester film by the solution casting film forming method, the shrinkage rate in the width direction of the web (10) of the initial drying device (3) is set to 5% or less. As a result, the conveyance stability of the film is increased, and there is no occurrence of clogging failure or wrinkle generation failure of the cellulose ester film caused by trouble during conveyance, and the shrinkage rate in the film width direction is suppressed, so that when the conveyance tension changes The fluctuation of the optical property value of the film is suppressed, and the optical property value is stabilized.

  The base material of the roll used in the present invention may be a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel or a plastic such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Further, it may be a surface-treated product. The surface treatment may be any of plating, thermal spraying, and coating film formation. As the plating, nickel-phosphorus composite plating, nickel-boron composite plating, or the like can be used. As the thermal spraying, tungsten carbide thermal spraying, alumina ceramic thermal spraying, or the like can be used. PVD coating, CVD coating, etc. can be used for coating film formation. These can be made by common roll manufacturers and can be purchased.

  FIG. 2 shows another example of an apparatus for carrying out the method for producing a cellulose ester film by the solution casting film-forming method of the present invention, and a drum is used as the casting support (21).

  In the same figure, a dope was prepared in the same manner as described above, and the dope was cast from a casting die (2) onto a drum support (21) coated with hard chrome to obtain a web (10). When the web (10) moves approximately 3/4 rounds by the rotation of the drum support (21), it is peeled off by the peeling roll (6).

  The dope is fed to the casting die (2) through a pressurized metering gear pump, and the dope is cast from the casting die (2) onto the casting support (21) made of a drum at the casting position.

  When a drum is used as the casting support (21), the temperature of the drum during film formation is preferably cooled to 10 ° C or lower, more preferably 0 ° C or lower, and -10 ° C or lower. More preferably, it is cooled. The dope cast on the drum surface increases the gel film strength (film strength) by cooling gelation, and the gel film strength (film strength) is also improved by promoting drying until stripping. To increase.

  In the system using a drum as the casting support (21), on the casting support (21), the web (10) is dried and solidified until the film strength becomes detachable from the casting support (21). The drum temperature is preferably cooled to 10 ° C or lower, more preferably 0 ° C or lower, and further preferably -10 ° C or lower.

  In the method for producing a cellulose ester film by the solution casting film forming method, the residual solvent of the web when the web (10) is peeled from the drum support (21) even in the method using a drum as the casting support (21). The amount is preferably 80 to 170% by weight, and the residual solvent amount of the web when entering the tenter (4) is preferably 2 to 20% by weight.

  In FIG. 2, the other points are the same as in the case of FIG. 1, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components in the drawing.

  Next, in either the method using the endless belt (1) as the casting support or the method using the drum (21), the production of the film for an image display member requires the web (or film) (10). A tenter method in which both side edges are fixed with clips or the like is known, and is preferable for improving flatness and dimensional stability.

  In particular, in the initial drying apparatus (3) after peeling from the casting support (1) (21), the web (or film) tends to shrink in the width direction by evaporation of the solvent. Shrinkage increases with drying at higher temperatures. Drying while suppressing this shrinkage as much as possible is preferable for improving the flatness of the finished film.

  In the stretching step using the tenter (4), for example, the stretching ratio when producing the cellulose ester film is 1.01 to 3 times, preferably 1.5 to 3 times with respect to the film forming direction or the width direction. Is double. When stretching in the biaxial direction, the side to be stretched at a high magnification is 1.01 to 3 times, preferably 1.5 to 3 times, and the stretching ratio in the other direction is 0.8 to 1.5. The film can be stretched by a factor of preferably 0.9 to 1.2.

  These width maintenance or lateral stretching in the film forming step is preferably performed by a tenter (4), and may be a pin tenter or a clip tenter.

  In the stretching step using the tenter (4), the web (10) is blown from the front portion of the bottom of the tenter (4) and is discharged from the rear portion of the ceiling of the tenter (4). Is dried with stretching.

  It is preferable to provide a post-drying device (5) after the stretching step using the tenter (4). In the post-drying device (5), the web (10) is meandered by a plurality of conveying rolls (8) arranged in a staggered manner as viewed from the side, and the web (10) is dried during that time. Moreover, although film conveyance tension | tensile_strength in a postdrying apparatus (5) is influenced by the physical property of dope, the amount of residual solvent at the time of peeling and a film conveyance process, the temperature in a postdrying apparatus (5), etc., 30-250N / M is preferable, and 60 to 150 N / m is more preferable. 80 to 120 N / m is most preferable.

  The means for drying the web (or film) (10) is not particularly limited, and is generally performed by hot air, infrared rays, a heating roll, microwaves, or the like. It is preferable to dry with hot air from the viewpoint of simplicity. For example, warm air (13) is blown from the front portion of the bottom of the post-drying device (5) and discharged from the rear portion of the ceiling of the post-drying device (5). ). The drying temperature is preferably 40 to 160 ° C, and more preferably 50 to 160 ° C in order to improve the flatness and dimensional stability. These steps from casting to post-drying may be performed in an air atmosphere or in an inert gas atmosphere such as nitrogen gas. In this case, it goes without saying that the dry atmosphere is carried out in consideration of the explosion limit concentration of the solvent.

  The web conveyance tension at the time of drying is 30 to 300 N / width m, and 40 to 270 N / width m is more preferable.

  It is preferred that a device for cleaning the surface of the web (or film) (10) is arranged before and / or after the drying step and / or the thermal straightening device.

  The cleaning device applies ultrasonic vibration to the web (or film) (10) in the middle of conveyance, blows high-pressure air onto the surface, blows off the adhering matter, and sucks it to remove adhering dust. To do. In addition, known means and methods such as a method for performing flame treatment (corona treatment, plasma treatment) and a method for installing an adhesive roll can be used without any particular limitation.

  In addition, the cleaning means to arrange | position may be single and may be two or more.

  Since adhesion of dust or the like to the web (10) is often due to the effect of static electricity, static electricity on the web (10) may be removed by disposing a static elimination means, for example, a static elimination bar, in front of the above-described cleaning device. preferable. As the charge removal bar, a known bar can be used without any particular limitation.

  In the drying process, as a measure to suppress the phenomenon that the plasticizer contained in the web (or film) (10) evaporates and condenses on the roll or wall surface, a fresh gas of a specific amount or more with respect to the supplied air volume per unit time Is preferably introduced. And it is preferable to set the quantity of the fresh gas supplied to 5 to 50% of the total supply air volume.

  The reason why the supply amount of fresh gas is 5 to 50% is that if the amount is less than 5%, the amount of fresh gas is too small to suppress the plasticizer condensation. If the amount exceeds 50%, the amount of fresh gas is too large. This is because the running cost increases waste.

  In addition to the above measures, for example, the following configuration can be adopted. First, a configuration in which a part of the air in the drying / correction process chamber is circulated and the plasticizer is forcibly removed by passing it through a cooler coil or the like and then raised to a specified temperature with a heater. A configuration in which the temperature of the portion in contact with the metal surface is increased, for example, a configuration in which the temperature of the portion in contact with the metal surface is increased by a steam / surface heater or the like. Third, fresh air is supplied to lower the vapor pressure of the plasticizer on the roll surface. As a means for supplying fresh air, a configuration in which a slit is provided in the width direction in the vicinity of the roll and air is supplied from the punch plate box to suppress the air velocity distribution of the supplied air is used. It is not something.

  In addition, it is preferable that the film temperature at the time of taking out a film from a drying process or a heat correction process chamber or the cooling process of the film which came out of them shall be 60 degrees C or less.

  Here, it is because it is in the conditions which are easy to generate | occur | produce the condensation of a plasticizer when it carries out from the correction | amendment and cooling process box at the temperature exceeding 60 degreeC.

  Next, embossing provided on both side edges of the polymer film will be described. The polymer film that has finished the transport drying process is subjected to processing for forming an emboss on the film by an embossing apparatus prior to introduction into the winding process. As an embossing apparatus, an apparatus described in JP-A-63-74850 can be used.

  Here, the height h (μm) of the emboss is set in the range of 0.05 to 0.3 times the film thickness T, and the width W is set in the range of 0.005 to 0.02 times the film width L. . For example, when the film thickness is 40 μm and the film width is 100 cm, the thickness of the emboss 31 is set to 2 to 12 μm and the emboss width is set to 5 to 30 mm.

  Embossing may be formed on both sides of the film. In this case, the height h1 + h2 (μm) of the emboss is set in the range of 0.05 to 0.3 times the film thickness T, and the width W is set in the range of 0.005 to 0.02 times the film width L. For example, when the film thickness is 40 μm, the emboss height h 1 + h 2 (μm) is set to 2 to 12 μm. The emboss width is set to 5 to 30 mm.

  The lower limit of the embossed height is from the height necessary to prevent partial uneven adhesion between the films. On the other hand, the upper limit is too high, and the embossed shape is too high. This is because it deforms to induce a failure.

  Regarding the width of the emboss, the embossed part will eventually become a loss part, but it is desirable to reduce it. For example, when the film thickness is reduced from 80 μm to 40 μm, the frictional force between the film and the roll becomes 50 μm as a boundary. It was found that the grip force was extremely reduced, and when the film-forming speed was increased to 30 m / min or more, it was found that the friction force between the film and the roll was extremely reduced especially at 50 m / min or more. did. For this reason, the emboss width is the minimum necessary for suppressing slipping of the film, particularly when a high-speed film formation of 50 m / min or more is performed with a thin film of 50 μm or less. However, it is also linked to the height of the above-mentioned embossing, and the embossing height × embossing width for clearing all of the pyramid shape, horse back, polygonal shape, and winding failure are determined. In addition, embossing can be arrange | positioned not only at the both ends of a film but at the center part.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that a static eliminator is installed before winding and immediately after the winding unit to neutralize the film.

  The static eliminator can be configured in such a way that a reverse potential is applied by a static eliminator or a forced charging device at the time of winding so that the charging potential when the original winding is re-drawn is ± 2 KV or less. It can also be set as the structure which static-eliminates with the static elimination device converted into positive / negative alternately at 1-150Hz.

  Moreover, it can replace with said static elimination device and can utilize the ionizer and static elimination bar which generate | occur | produce ion wind. Here, the ionizer static elimination is performed by blowing an ion wind toward the film wound up from the embossing device through the transport roll. The ion wind is generated by a static eliminator. Any known static eliminator can be used without limitation.

  The static elimination at the time of film formation winding is to induce coating unevenness when the charged potential is ± 2KV or more when the original film is redrawn and the functional film is applied. Especially when pursuing thin film and high speed Since film peeling electrification at the time of re-feeding becomes high, static elimination during film formation is essential.

  A winding process is a process of winding the film (20) after drying by a winding apparatus (14), and obtaining the original winding of a cellulose-ester film. A film with good dimensional stability can be obtained by setting the residual solvent amount of the film (20) to be dried to 0.5% by weight or less, preferably 0.1% by weight or less.

  The winding method of the film may be a generally used winder, and there are methods for controlling the tension such as a constant torque method, a constant tension method, a taper tension method, a program tension control method with a constant internal stress, etc. Use it properly.

  The film may be joined to the winding core (winding core) by either a double-sided adhesive tape or a single-sided adhesive tape.

  At the start of initial winding, the winding tension is preferably 280 N / m width or less, and only the embossed portion is wound so that the pressing force of the touch roll winding + the initial winding tension is 60 N / m width or more.

  The film thickness (T) of the cellulose ester film varies depending on the purpose of use, but the finished film is usually preferably in the range of 35 to 85 μm, and particularly in the range of 40 to 80 μm as the film for a liquid crystal image display device.

  In order to adjust the film thickness, it is preferable to control the dope concentration, the pumping amount, the slit gap of the die base, the extrusion pressure of the die, the speed of the casting support, etc. so as to obtain the desired thickness. .

  Further, as a means for making the film thickness uniform, it is preferable that the film thickness detecting means is used to feed back the programmed feedback information to each of the above devices and adjust it.

In the present invention, the cellulose ester film preferably has a tensile strength of 90 to 170 N / mm ² in both the MD direction and the TD direction, and particularly preferably 120 to 160 N / mm ² .

  The moisture content is preferably 0.1 to 5%, more preferably 0.3 to 4%, and still more preferably 0.5 to 2%.

  In the present invention, the cellulose ester film desirably has a transmittance of 90% or more, more preferably 92% or more, and further preferably 93% or more. Further, the haze is preferably 0.5% or less, particularly preferably 0.1% or less, and more preferably 0%.

  In the present invention, the cellulose ester film preferably has a smaller curl value, and the deformation direction may be the + direction or the-direction. The absolute value of the curl value is preferably 30 or less, more preferably 20 or less, and particularly preferably 10 or less. The curl value is expressed by a radius of curvature (1 / m).

  By using a protective film for a polarizing plate made of a cellulose ester film produced by the method of the present invention, it is possible to provide a polarizing plate excellent in durability, dimensional stability, and optical isotropy as well as thinning. .

  Here, the polarizing film is obtained by longitudinally stretching a conventionally used film, such as a polyvinyl alcohol film, that can be stretched and oriented with a dichroic dye such as iodine. Since the polarizing film itself does not have sufficient strength and durability, a polarizing plate is generally obtained by adhering a cellulose triacetate film having no anisotropy as a protective film to both sides thereof.

  In the above, the polarizing plate may be prepared by laminating a retardation film made of a cellulose ester film produced by the method of the present invention to the polarizing film, and the retardation film also serves as a protective film. You may produce by bonding together with a polarizing film directly. The method of bonding is not particularly limited, but can be performed with an adhesive composed of an aqueous solution of a water-soluble polymer. The water-soluble polymer adhesive is preferably a completely saponified polyvinyl alcohol aqueous solution. Furthermore, as described above, a long polarizing plate can be obtained by laminating a long polarizing film that has been stretched in the longitudinal direction and treated with a dichroic dye and a long retardation film. The polarizing plate is a sticking type in which a peelable sheet is laminated on one or both sides thereof via a pressure sensitive adhesive layer (for example, an acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive layer). Or the like can be easily attached).

  Said polarizing plate can be produced by a general method. For example, there is a method in which a cellulose ester film is subjected to alkali saponification treatment, and a polyvinyl alcohol film is immersed and stretched in an iodine solution, and bonded to both surfaces using a completely saponified polyvinyl alcohol aqueous solution. The alkali saponification treatment refers to a treatment of immersing the cellulose ester film in a high-temperature strong alkaline solution in order to improve the wetness of the water-based adhesive and improve the adhesiveness.

  The cellulose ester film produced by the method of the present invention includes a hard coat layer, an antiglare layer, an antireflection layer, an antifouling layer, an antistatic layer, a conductive layer, an optical anisotropic layer, a liquid crystal layer, an alignment layer, and an adhesive layer. Various functional layers such as an adhesive layer and an undercoat layer can be provided. These functional layers can be provided by a method such as coating or vapor deposition, sputtering, plasma CVD, or atmospheric pressure plasma treatment.

  The polarizing plate is one in which the cellulose ester film constitutes at least one of two polarizing plate protective films disposed on both sides of the polarizing film. The polarizing plate thus obtained is The liquid crystal cell is provided on one side or both sides of the liquid crystal cell, and a liquid crystal display device is obtained using the liquid crystal cell.

  By using a protective film for a polarizing plate made of a cellulose ester film produced by the method of the present invention, it is possible to provide a polarizing plate excellent in durability, dimensional stability, and optical isotropy as well as thinning. .

  Furthermore, a liquid crystal display device using this polarizing plate can maintain stable display performance over a long period of time.

  The liquid crystal display device is a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal cell driven in an IPS mode composed of a pair of substrates sandwiching a liquid crystal layer, and a pair of polarizing plates arranged orthogonally on both sides of the liquid crystal cell. The cellulose ester film produced by the method according to the present invention is provided on the liquid crystal cell side of at least one polarizing plate.

  The present invention also provides an image display device capable of realizing an easy-to-view display having a high contrast ratio over a wide range, particularly a liquid crystal display device operating in the IPS mode, using the cellulose ester film produced by the method of the present invention. Is.

  The cellulose ester film produced by the method of the present invention can also be used as a base material for an antireflection film or an optical compensation film.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

  A cellulose acetate propionate film as an optical film was produced by the method of the present invention.

Example 1
(Dope composition)
Cellulose acetate propionate 100 parts by weight Triphenyl phosphate 5.5 parts by weight Ethylphthalyl ethyl glycolate 5.5 parts by weight Methylene chloride 400 parts by weight Ethanol 45 parts by weight Tinuvin 109 (manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals) 0. 5 parts by weight Tinuvin 171 (manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals) 0.5 part by weight Aerosil 972V (manufactured by Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd.) 0.2 part by weight After the temperature was raised to 80 ° C., the mixture was stirred for 3 hours and completely dissolved. Thereafter, stirring was stopped, the liquid temperature was lowered to 43 ° C., and filtration was performed using a filter paper having a filtration accuracy of 0.005 mm. The bubbles in the dope were degassed by allowing this to stand overnight.

  And as shown in FIG. 3, specifically, said dope was used as a high-viscosity dope cast on the casting surface of the center part of the width direction of a casting support body (1). The dope had a viscosity of 10,000 (Pa · sec).

  On the other hand, 80 parts by weight of methylene chloride and 9 parts by weight of ethanol are further added to the above dope composition as a low-viscosity dope cast on the casting surfaces at both ends in the width direction of the casting support (1). By adding, a low-viscosity dope having a viscosity of 8000 (Pa · sec) was prepared.

  The dope viscosity was measured by the falling ball method. That is, the viscosity measurement by the falling ball method of the dope was performed by filling a viscosity tube having an inner diameter of 40 mm with a dope, setting the temperature to 35 ° C., and having a diameter of 6.342 to 6.350 mm and a weight of 1.026 to 1.039 g. It is the viscosity obtained by dropping a sphere and measuring the time (seconds) required to drop 250 mm. The dope viscosity can be adjusted by appropriately setting the addition amount of the solvent and the addition amount of the additive in addition to the cellulose acetate propionate concentration.

  Next, using the solution casting film forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, a dope is cast from a casting die (2) at a temperature of 35 ° C., and is subjected to a mirror-finished stainless steel endless belt support (1 ) Cast to a width of 2200 mm.

  As the casting die (2), the inside is divided into three in a width ratio of 2: 6: 2, and a low viscosity dope at both ends and a high viscosity dope at the center are mutually connected. The one capable of flowing three dopes having different viscosities was used.

  Next, on the stainless steel endless belt support (1), the solvent was evaporated until the residual solvent amount reached 80% by weight, and the web (film) (10) was peeled from the belt support (1). Subsequently, the peeled web (10) was introduced into an initial drying device (3). In the initial drying device (3), the web (10) is meandered by a large number of conveying rolls (7) arranged in a staggered manner as viewed from the side, while the web (10) is in the bottom of the initial drying device (3). The hot air (11) was blown from the front portion of the initial drying device (3) and discharged from the rear portion of the ceiling of the initial drying device (3).

  In this example, the residual solvent amount of the web (10) when peeling the web (10) from the belt support (1) is 80% by weight, and the residual solvent amount of the web (10) when entering the tenter (4). Was 8 wt%, and the drying temperature of the initial drying apparatus (3) between them was 70 ° C.

  In the tenter (4), both ends in the width direction (TD direction) of the web (10) were gripped and stretched in the width direction of the web (10) at a stretch ratio of 15%.

  In the stretching process, warm air (12) is blown at a temperature of 140 ° C. from the warm air blowing slit port at the front part of the bottom of the tenter (4) and exhausted from the exhaust port at the rear part of the ceiling of the tenter (4) As the wind was discharged, the web (10) was stretched and dried.

  Next, the stretched film (web) (10) was introduced into the late drying apparatus (5). In the latter drying device (5), the drying was performed by the drying air (13) having a temperature of 120 ° C. blown from the hot air inlet at the front portion of the bottom of the drying device (5).

  After drying by the latter drying device (5), the left and right ends of the film (20) are embossed (knurled) by an embossing ring and a back roll (not shown), and an embossed portion having a width of 10 mm is formed at the end of the film. After the application, a cellulose acetate propionate film (20) having an end product width of 2000 mm and an film thickness of 80 μm having an embossed part was wound up by a winder (14).

Examples 2-5
A cellulose acetate propionate film is produced in the same manner as in Example 1, but the difference from Example 1 is that the casting surface of the casting support (1) is in the center in the width direction. The dope having a viscosity of 10,000 (Pa · sec) is used as the high-viscosity dope to be cast. As shown in Table 1 below, the flow at both ends in the width direction of the casting support (1) is used. In Example 2, a low-viscosity dope having a viscosity of 9000 (Pa · sec) was used by changing the amount of methylene chloride, which is a solvent, and ethanol used as a low-viscosity dope cast on the surface. In Example 3, a low-viscosity dope having a viscosity of 5000 (Pa · sec) was used, in Example 4, a low-viscosity dope having a viscosity of 4000 (Pa · sec) was used, and in Example 5, a viscosity of 9500 (Pa · sec) was used. ) Use of low viscosity dope A.

  And the other point was carried out similarly to the case of the said Example 1, and produced the various cellulose acetate propionate films of Examples 2-5.

Comparative Example 1
For comparison, a cellulose acetate propionate film is produced in the same manner as in the case of Example 1, but the difference from the case of Example 1 is that the center part in the width direction of the casting support (1). Both the high viscosity dope cast on the casting surface and the low viscosity dope cast on the casting surface at both ends in the width direction of the casting support (1) have the viscosity of 10,000 (Pa · Second) dope.

  And the other point was carried out similarly to the case of the said Example 1, and produced the cellulose acetate propionate film of the comparative example 1. FIG.

(Evaluation of film)
About the cellulose acetate propionate films of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1 produced as described above, the occurrence of horizontal streaks at the end in the width direction of the film was visually evaluated, and the obtained results were obtained. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

  Here, the state of occurrence of horizontal streaks at the end in the width direction of the film was evaluated according to the following ranking.

Occurrence of horizontal streaks at the end in the width direction of the film A: No horizontal streaking in the width direction of the film has occurred, and there is no problem even if it is processed into a polarizing plate. Has occurred
The streak pitch is 5 mm or more, and there is almost no problem even if it is processed into a polarizing plate.
When processed into a polarizing plate, there is a problem. Also, for the cellulose acetate propionate films of Examples 1 to 5 prepared as described above, the state of occurrence of horizontal streaks at the end in the width direction of the film is visually evaluated. In addition, the occurrence of surface failure due to bubble entrainment of the film was visually evaluated, and the results obtained are shown in Table 1 below. In addition, about the cellulose acetate propionate film produced by the comparative example 1, since the generation | occurrence | production of the horizontal step-like stripe of a film width direction is remarkable and it cannot use for the process of a polarizing plate, the bubble entrainment of a film We did not evaluate the occurrence of surface failure due to.

  Here, the state of occurrence of surface failure due to bubble entrainment of the film The evaluation of the state of occurrence of horizontal streaks at the lateral end was performed by the following ranking.

Occurrence of surface failure due to film entrainment A: No occurrence of surface failure due to entrainment of bubble in the film,
There is no problem even if it is processed into a polarizing plate. B: There is a slight occurrence of surface failure due to entrainment of bubbles in the film.
There is almost no problem even if it is processed into a polarizing plate. C: A surface failure has occurred due to film entrainment.
When processed into a polarizing plate, there is a problem

  As is clear from Table 1 above, according to the cellulose acetate propionate film produced in Examples 1 to 5 of the present invention, horizontal streaks in the width direction of the film were not generated and processed into a polarizing plate. There are no problems, or there are slight horizontal streaks in the width direction of the film, but the pitch of the lines is 5 mm or more, and there is almost no problem even if processed into a polarizing plate. There is no occurrence of surface failure due to bubble entrainment, and there is no problem even if processed into a polarizing plate, or there is a slight occurrence of surface failure due to bubble entrainment in the film, but there is almost no problem even if processed into a polarizing plate. It was a thing.

  Thus, according to the method of the present invention, two types of dopes having different viscosities are used as the cellulose acetate propionate dope cast on the casting support (1), and the casting support (1 ) By lowering the viscosity of the dope cast on the casting surface at both ends in the width direction of the casting support (1) than the viscosity of the dope cast on the casting surface at the center in the width direction. Can produce cellulose acetate propionate film that can be used up to both ends in the width direction while keeping the flatness of the film uniform, greatly improving film productivity I was able to.

  On the other hand, as in Comparative Example 1, when a dope having the same viscosity is used as the high viscosity dope and the low viscosity dope, horizontal streaks in the width direction of the film are generated, and the pitch of the lines is less than 5 mm. However, when processed into a polarizing plate, there was a problem.

It is a general | schematic flow sheet which shows one example of the apparatus which enforces the manufacturing method of the optical film of this invention. It is a schematic flow sheet showing an example. It is explanatory drawing which shows embodiment of the manufacturing method of the optical film of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1: Endless belt support (casting support)
2: Casting die 3: Initial drying device 4: Tenter 5: Late drying device 6: Peeling roll 7: Transport roll 8: Transport roll 10: Web 11: Hot air 12: Hot air 13: Hot air 14: Winding device 20: Cellulose acetate propionate film 21: Drum support

Claims (2)

In the method for producing an optical film by the solution casting film forming method, the width direction of the casting support is larger than the viscosity of the resin solution (dope) cast on the casting surface in the center in the width direction of the casting support. A method for producing an optical film, wherein the viscosity of the dope cast on the casting surfaces at both ends is lowered.
Here, the casting surfaces at both ends in the width direction of the casting support are respectively inward from both ends in the width direction of the casting support, and correspond to 10 to 20% of the total width of the casting support. The casting surface at the center in the width direction of the casting support means the remainder of the width of the casting support. The viscosity (Pa · sec) of the dope cast on the casting surface in the center in the width direction of the casting support is V1, and the dope of the dope casting on the casting surface at both ends in the width direction of the casting support is V1. 2. The method for producing an optical film according to claim 1, wherein when the viscosity (Pa.sec) is V2, the following formula is satisfied.
0.5 x (V1) ≤ V2 ≤ 0.9 x (V1)

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