Synthesis of a Novel Organic-Solvent-Soluble Polyimide and Its Application to Alignment Film for Liquid Crystal Displays

Abstract
We have synthesized a novel organic-solvent-soluble polyimide to be used as alignment films for liquid crystal displays. The polyimide has an aliphatic structure and can be cured at temperatures below 200° C. The novel polyimide also shows better alignment properties judging from its birefringence and dichroic ratio than conventional polyimides derived from the precursor polyamic acids. The alignment of a nematic liquid crystal on the novel polyimide shows a good texture without irregular liquid crystal domains.