Aerosol-generating articles including wrappers

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating article comprising a paper wrapper wrapped around the aerosol-generating article, the paper wrapper including an embossed portion having an inner surface that is water-resistant.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article having a wrapper. The present invention is particularly applicable to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate and adapted to generate an inhalable aerosol upon heating. [Background technology]

[0002] Flammable aerosol-generating articles such as cigarettes typically comprise a cylindrical rod of tobacco cut filler enclosed in a wrapper, and a cylindrical filter axially aligned with the rolled tobacco rod in end-to-end contact. The cylindrical filter typically contains a filter material enclosed by a plug wrapper. The rolled tobacco rod and filter are joined by a strip of chipping wrapper, usually made of paper material, enclosing the entire length of the filter and adjacent portions of the tobacco rod. A cigarette is consumed by a consumer by lighting one end and burning the finely cut tobacco rod. The smoker then inhales the mainstream smoke into their mouth by drawing air from either the mouth-side or filter-side end of the cigarette.

[0003] Aerosol generating articles in which an aerosol generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, is heated rather than burned are known in the art. Typically, in such heated aerosol generating articles, aerosols are generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol generating substrate or material, which may be in contact with, within, around, or downstream of the heat source. During use of the aerosol generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol generating substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form aerosols.

[0004] Numerous prior art documents disclose aerosol generators for consuming aerosol-generating articles. Such devices include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generators in which aerosols are generated by heat transfer from one or more electric heater elements of the aerosol generator to an aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article. For example, electrically heated aerosol generators have been proposed that include internal heater blades adapted to be inserted into an aerosol-generating substrate. Alternatively, an inductively exothermic aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate and a susceptor element disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate has been proposed by WO2015 / 176898.

[0005] It is generally known that aerosol-generating substrates are wrapped in a wrapper. The wrapper provides structural integrity to the aerosol-generating article and helps to keep the aerosol-generating substrate in place. Generally, it is known that thicker wrappers may be more effective in performing these functions. However, thicker wrappers can present difficulties in the manufacture and assembly of aerosol-generating articles.

[0006] The wrapper used to enclose the aerosol generating substrate can absorb humectants, water, and other compounds found in the mainstream smoke or aerosol passing through the aerosol generating article. The wrapper can also absorb humidity or moisture surrounding it. The absorbed material may result in either or both soiling and weakening of the wrapper. This may adversely affect either or both the appearance and structural integrity of the aerosol generating article. Furthermore, the material absorbed by the wrapper from the aerosol generating substrate may negatively affect the intended performance of the aerosol generating substrate during use, for example, by reducing the available humectants in the aerosol generating substrate.

[0007] Heat-activated aerosol generating articles or aerosol generating articles are particularly susceptible to such problems due to the high levels of humectants in the aerosol generating substrate of these heat-activated aerosol generating articles.

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to provide aerosol-generating articles that are less prone to such drawbacks. For example, it is desirable to provide aerosol-generating articles that have high performance consistency and are mechanically stable.

[0009] Furthermore, it would be preferable to reduce the interaction between the aerosol generating substrate and the wrapper in the aerosol generating article. It is also preferable to provide an aerosol generating article having a wrapper that does not easily absorb moisture or compounds contained in the mainstream smoke or aerosol that passes through the aerosol generating article. [Overview of the project]

[0010] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating. The aerosol generating article may include a paper wrapper. The paper wrapper may be wrapped around at least a portion of the aerosol generating article. The paper wrapper may include an embossed portion. The embossed portion may have a water-resistant inner surface.

[0011] According to the present invention, an aerosol generating article is provided for generating an inhalable aerosol when heated, the aerosol generating article comprising a paper wrapper wrapped around at least a portion of the aerosol generating article, the paper wrapper comprising an embossed portion having a water-resistant inner surface.

[0012] The term "aerosol-generating article" is used herein to mean an article in which an aerosol-generating substrate is heated to produce an inhalable aerosol that is delivered to the consumer. The term "aerosol-generating substrate" as used herein means a substrate having the ability to generate an aerosol by releasing volatile compounds upon heating.

[0013] Conventional cigarettes are ignited when the user holds a flame to one end of the cigarette and draws air through the other end. The localized heat from the flame and the oxygen in the air drawn through the cigarette ignites the end of the cigarette, and the resulting combustion produces inhalable smoke. In contrast, in heated aerosol generating articles, the aerosol is generated by heating a flavor-generating substrate (such as tobacco). Known heated aerosol generating articles include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating articles in which an aerosol is generated by heat transfer from a combustible fuel element or heat source to a physically separated aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol generating article according to the present invention has a particular application in an aerosol generating system comprising an electrically heated aerosol generating device having an internal heater blade adapted to be inserted into a rod of an aerosol generating substrate. This type of aerosol generating article is described in the prior art, for example, EP0822670.

[0014] As used herein, the term "aerosol generator" refers to a device comprising a heater element that interacts with an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.

[0015] As used herein, the term "basis weight" refers to a measure of mass in grams per square meter, or per unit area. In other words, basis weight is a measure of surface density. Basis weight may also be called grammage.

[0016] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "rod" is used to refer to a generally cylindrical element having a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section.

[0017] The terms "distal", "upstream", "proximal" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative positions of components or parts of components of an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system according to the present invention has a proximal end through which the aerosol exits the system for delivery to a user during use, and an opposing distal end. The proximal end of the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as the mouth-side end. During use, the user inhales the proximal end of the aerosol generating article to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" relate to the direction of movement of the aerosol through the aerosol generating article when the user inhales the proximal end.

[0018] As used herein, the term "longitudinal direction" refers to the direction corresponding to the major longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article, which extends between the upstream end and the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" describe the relative positions of elements (or parts of elements) of the aerosol generating article with respect to the direction in which the aerosol is conveyed through the aerosol generating article during use.

[0019] During use, air is drawn longitudinally through the aerosol generating article. The term "transverse direction" refers to a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Any reference to the "cross-section" of the aerosol generating article or a component of the aerosol generating article refers to a transverse cross-section, unless otherwise specified.

[0020] The term "length" means the dimension of a component of the aerosol generating article in the longitudinal direction. For example, it may be used to mean the dimension of a rod or an elongated tubular element in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] The term "wrapper" or "paper wrapper" is interchangeable and refers to a wrapping material that surrounds the aerosol generating substrate to maintain the shape of the aerosol generating substrate, and is formed of paper or other materials with any filler.

[0022] When used herein in relation to wrappers, the terms “inside” and “outside” in describing the surface of the wrapper refer to the orientation of the wrapper relative to the aerosol-generating article. A wrapper may be used for packaging such that its inner surface faces the aerosol-generating article and its outer surface faces away from the aerosol-generating article.

[0023] The term “embossing” is used herein to refer to protrusions formed on the surface of a wrapper. These protrusions may be engraved, molded, or stamped onto the wrapper. A portion of the wrapper that has such embossing is said to be “embossed.” A section of the wrapper that does not form embossing and does not protrude from the wrapper is referred herein to as “debossed.”

[0024] As used herein, the term “water resistance” refers to a wrapper exhibiting moisture resistance properties. One useful way to determine this is by measuring the water contact angle. The “water contact angle” is the angle conventionally measured through a liquid, where the liquid / vapor interface intersects with the solid surface. This quantifies the wettability of a solid surface by a liquid via Young's equation. The hydrophobic or water contact angle may also be determined by utilizing the TAPPI T558 test method, and the result is expressed as the interfacial contact angle and reported in “degrees,” which can range from approximately 0 to approximately 180 degrees.

[0025] The paper wrapper of the present invention provides an improved component for aerosol-generating articles. By providing an embossed portion in the paper wrapper for aerosol-generating articles, the interaction between the inner surface of the paper wrapper and the aerosol-generating article can be reduced. For example, the embossing of the embossed portion can reduce the amount of contact between the inner surface of the paper wrapper and the aerosol-generating article. This can advantageously help to reduce the extent to which moisture may be transferred between the aerosol-generating article and the paper wrapper. This can also advantageously help to reduce the extent to which heat may be transferred between the aerosol-generating article and the paper wrapper.

[0026] The wrapper configuration of the present invention may also advantageously help reduce the extent to which heat can be transferred between the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating device used with the aerosol generating article. This is particularly advantageous when the aerosol generating substrate is heated by a heat source within the aerosol generating substrate, such as one or both of a susceptor element and a heating blade, and when at least a portion of the aerosol generating device surrounds a portion of the aerosol generating article containing the aerosol generating substrate. These advantages may also be desirable when the rods of the aerosol generating substrate are heated by a heating element upstream of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0027] The thermal insulation properties of the embossed portion of the wrapper can be advantageous from an energy efficiency standpoint, for example, by preventing undesirable heat loss from aerosol-generating articles.

[0028] By applying embossed areas to the paper wrapper for aerosol-generating articles, a thicker paper wrapper can be wrapped around the aerosol-generating article, and the aerosol-generating article can be manufactured at high speed. This is because the embossing of the wrapper can impart bending and curling properties to the thicker wrapper that are similar to those of conventional wrappers.

[0029] By providing a thicker wrapper for aerosol-generating articles, the structural integrity of the aerosol-generating articles can be maintained.

[0030] This is because paper wrappers are more resistant to either or both of the moisture and / or heat originating from aerosol-generating articles. Therefore, aerosol-generating articles are less likely to deform during use.

[0031] Furthermore, by providing a paper wrapper having an embossed portion, the structural integrity of the aerosol-generating article can be further improved.

[0032] This is because, as mentioned above, the reduced interaction between the aerosol-generating article and the wrapper further reduces the possibility of the aerosol-generating article deforming during use.

[0033] Reducing the interaction between the paper wrapper and the rod of the aerosol-generating article is also thought to help reduce the possibility of one or both of the moisture and / or heat moving from the inside to the outside of the aerosol-generating article.

[0034] An aerosol-generating article may have a paper wrapper wrapped around at least a portion of the article. The wrapper may have a basis weight greater than that of conventional wrappers for aerosol-generating articles commonly known in the art. A high-basis-weight wrapper may act as an improved barrier between one surface of the wrapper and the other surface of the wrapper. A high-basis-weight wrapper may slow or reduce the transfer of one or both of moisture and heat through the wrapper. This may help maintain the structural integrity of the wrapper and the aerosol-generating article. The paper wrapper may have a basis weight of 50 grams per square meter to 100 grams per square meter.

[0035] An aerosol generating article may comprise multiple segments or components. Multiple segments or components may be assembled together along their long axis. Multiple segments may be assembled in the form of a rod. Multiple segments may include a rod of an aerosol generating substrate. Each of the multiple segments may comprise one or more of the following components, detailed below: an upstream element, a mouthpiece element, a support element, and an aerosol cooling element. Multiple segments may comprise one or both of a cavity and a filter segment. A filter segment may be a plug of a fibrous filter material such as cellulose acetate. A filter segment may be a hollow tube of a fibrous filter material such as a hollow acetate tube.

[0036] As described above, the aerosol generating article may include a paper wrapper wrapped around at least a portion of the aerosol generating article. Therefore, the paper wrapper may be wrapped around one or more segments or components of the aerosol generating article, such as the rods of the aerosol-forming substrate, upstream elements, mouthpiece elements, support elements, aerosol cooling elements, filter segments, and cavities. In some embodiments, the paper wrapper is wrapped around all segments of the aerosol generating article. In some embodiments, the paper wrapper is wrapped around only a portion of the segments of the aerosol generating article. Preferably, the paper wrapper is wrapped around at least two segments of the aerosol generating article. Preferably, the paper wrapper is wrapped around the rods of the aerosol-forming substrate and at least one other segment of the aerosol generating article.

[0037] Advantageously, by providing a paper wrapper having an embossed portion with a water-resistant inner surface, the paper wrapper can provide a further improved barrier between the aerosol-generating article and the user. This is because the combination of embossing and water resistance on the inner surface of the wrapper allows moisture to be retained within the rod of the aerosol-generating article. This can further reduce the possibility of moisture moving from the inside to the outside of the aerosol-generating article.

[0038] It may be particularly advantageous to position the embossed portion so as to surround the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article. This is because the aerosol-forming substrate may be a component having a particularly high liquid content. It may also be advantageous to position the embossed portion so as to surround any portion of the aerosol-generating article containing either or both liquid and / or gel. For example, the embossed portion can surround an element of the aerosol-generating article that constitutes a liquid-containing capsule. As another example, the embossed portion can surround an element of the aerosol-generating article that is filled with gel. The element may be a porous medium.

[0039] The water resistance of a paper wrapper can be achieved by providing a water-resistant material to the inner surface of the embossed portion, or by treating the inner surface of the embossed portion of the wrapper. For example, the inner surface of the embossed portion may include a water-resistant coating. The inner surface of the embossed portion may be water-resistant.

[0040] Paper wrappers can be chemically water-resistant. For example, the water resistance of a paper wrapper may be due to hydrophobic groups covalently bonded to the paper, as described in WO2016 / 063180A1. This can be achieved by applying a liquid composition containing a fatty acid halide to at least one surface of the paper and maintaining that surface at a temperature of about 120°C to about 180°C. The fatty acid halide reacts in situ with proton-donating groups in the paper material, resulting in the formation of a fatty acid ester.

[0041] As a further example, the water resistance of a paper wrapper can be achieved by arranging a wrapper consisting of a surface treatment containing either or both PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol) and / or silicone. PVOH, silicone, or both can be applied to the paper wrapper as a surface coating. PVOH, silicone, or both may be deposited on the inner surface of the paper wrapper, forming a layer thereon.

[0042] The water resistance of a paper wrapper can be achieved by providing a metal foil layer to the paper wrapper. Therefore, in some embodiments, the paper wrapper comprises a paper layer and a metal foil layer. The paper wrapper may include a laminate of the paper layer and the metal foil layer. The metal foil layer can provide water resistance to the paper wrapper. The metal foil layer may be provided on the paper wrapper by vapor deposition. The metal foil layer may be an aluminum foil layer. The metal foil layer may contain aluminum. The metal foil layer may form the inner surface of the paper wrapper.

[0043] The aerosol-generating article may include a rod of aerosol-generating substrate. The embossed portion of the paper wrapper may surround at least the rod of aerosol-generating substrate. Positioning the embossed portion of the wrapper to surround the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is advantageous in that it helps reduce the possibility of moisture moving from the aerosol-generating substrate to the wrapper.

[0044] The embossed portion may surround only the rod of the aerosol generating substrate. The embossed portion may surround one or more other parts of the aerosol generating article, such as the rod of the aerosol generating substrate and one or more other parts of the aerosol generating article adjacent to the rod of the aerosol generating substrate. These other parts or components of the aerosol generating article are described in more detail below and include, but are not limited to, upstream elements and components of the downstream section, including mouthpiece elements, support elements and aerosol cooling elements.

[0045] The embossed portion of the wrapper may directly surround the rod of the aerosol generating substrate. When the embossed portion of the wrapper directly surrounds the rod of the aerosol generating substrate, the embossed portion of the wrapper comes into direct contact with the rod of the aerosol generating article.

[0046] The embossed portion of the wrapper may indirectly surround the rods of the aerosol generating substrate. If the embossed portion of the wrapper indirectly surrounds the rods of the aerosol generating substrate, there may be one or more additional layers between the embossed portion of the wrapper and the rods of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0047] The embossed portion of the wrapper can completely surround the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate around its periphery.

[0048] The embossed portion of the wrapper may surround only a portion of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate. If the embossed portion of the wrapper surrounds only a portion of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate, then 80% or less of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate, and at least 20%, will be surrounded by the embossed portion of the wrapper.

[0049] The embossed portion of the wrapper may surround the rod of the aerosol generating substrate along at least 80 percent of the rod's length. Preferably, the embossed portion of the wrapper surrounds the rod of the aerosol generating substrate along at least 90 percent of the rod's length. More preferably, the embossed portion of the wrapper surrounds the rod of the aerosol generating substrate along 100 percent of the rod's length.

[0050] The embossed portion of the wrapper may extend along the entire length of the wrapper.

[0051] The embossed portion of the wrapper may extend along only a portion of the wrapper. If the embossed portion extends along only a portion of the wrapper, it may extend along no more than 80 percent of the wrapper's length and at least 20 percent.

[0052] The embossed portion of the wrapper may have an embossed outer surface and a debossed inner surface. The embossed outer surface may be characterized by one or more embossings that protrude from and are spaced apart from the plane of the wrapper. Thus, the surface area of ​​the embossed portion of the wrapper that comes into contact with the rods of the aerosol-generating substrate is reduced. This may help to provide improved resistance to either or both moisture and heat from the aerosol-generating substrate. The debossed inner surface may be characterized by one or more debossings corresponding to areas of the wrapper that are not embossed. These debossings are in the same plane as the wrapper. The debossings on the inner surface may come into direct or indirect contact with the rods of the aerosol-generating article. This arrangement is thought to help to increase the stability of the wrapper because the debossed surface may be more stable than the embossed surface.

[0053] The embossed portion of the wrapper may have a greater basis weight than conventional wrappers for aerosol-generating articles commonly known in the art. A thicker wrapper can slow down or reduce the transfer of either or both moisture and / or heat through the wrapper. This can help maintain the structural integrity of the aerosol-generating article and further improve the wrapper's resistance to either or both moisture and / or heat from the rods of the aerosol-generating substrate. The embossed portion of the wrapper may have a basis weight of 50 grams to 100 grams per square meter. Preferably, the embossed portion of the wrapper has a basis weight of 60 grams to 90 grams per square meter. More preferably, the embossed portion of the wrapper has a basis weight of 75 grams to 80 grams per square meter.

[0054] The embossed portion of the wrapper may have multiple embossing patterns.

[0055] If the embossed portion of the wrapper has multiple embossings, each embossing may have a depth of 0.07 mm to 0.21 mm, preferably 0.10 mm to 0.18 mm, more preferably 0.12 mm to 0.16 mm. Each embossing may also have a pitch of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm, preferably 0.25 mm to 0.35 mm, more preferably 0.275 mm to 0.325 mm. The embossings may be in the shape of a spherical dome. If each embossing is a spherical dome, the angle between the tangent to the spherical dome and the interception to the horizontal wrap line may be 30 to 60 degrees. The multiple embossings may be spaced apart in a repeating pattern. This spaced-apart repeating pattern of embossing, having substantially the same depth, pitch, and profile, can help ensure uniform water and heat resistance along the surface of the embossed portion of the wrapper.

[0056] The embossed portion of the wrapper may have a bending moment of 3 centinewton-cm to 8 centinewton-cm at 90 degrees. Preferably, the embossed portion of the wrapper has a bending moment of 4 centinewton-cm to 7 centinewton-cm at 90 degrees. More preferably, the embossed portion of the wrapper has a bending moment of 4 centinewton-cm to 6 centinewton-cm at 90 degrees.

[0057] The embossed portion of the wrapper may have angle markings of 10 to 40 degrees after being bent 90 degrees. Preferably, the embossed portion of the wrapper may have angle markings of 15 to 35 degrees after being bent 90 degrees. More preferably, the embossed portion of the wrapper may have angle markings of 20 to 30 degrees after being bent 90 degrees.

[0058] The bending moment and angle memory of the wrapper are measured according to the Schlenker bending stiffness test in accordance with standard DIN 53864 (August 1978), using a suitable bending strength testing apparatus provided, for example, by Frank Prufgerate GmbH. In the sense of standard DIN 53864, the bending moment is the torque required to bend the test sample (paper material) at a specific angle (90 degrees) at a specific clamping length (20 millimeters). In the sense of standard DIN 53864, the angle memory is the remaining angle of the test sample after the bending moment test has been performed. A large angle indicates that the sample has good deadfold characteristics.

[0059] Similar to conventional wrappers, having an embossed portion of the wrapper that has the bending and winding properties defined above makes it possible to wrap a thick wrapper around a rod for an aerosol generating substrate, potentially enabling the high-speed production of aerosol generating articles.

[0060] The embossed portion of the wrapper may be a water-resistant wrapper. A water-resistant wrapper can provide an additional barrier against moisture from the rods of the aerosol-generating substrate. The embossed portion may have a water-resistant inner surface. If the inner surface of the embossed portion of the wrapper is water-resistant, moisture from the rods of the aerosol-generating substrate can be prevented from penetrating into the wrapper. This can help to reduce swelling, visible soiling, and physical weakening of the packaging, and maintain the structural integrity of the aerosol-generating article. By reducing or preventing the expansion of the aerosol-generating article, damage to the aerosol-generating article is prevented, the aerosol-generating article can be reliably inserted into and removed from heating devices, and the usability of the aerosol-generating article is improved. One useful method for determining the water resistance properties of a wrapper is to measure the water contact angle. The "water contact angle" is the angle conventionally measured through a liquid, where the liquid / vapor interface intersects with a solid surface. This quantifies the wettability of a solid surface by a liquid via Young's equation. The hydrophobicity or water contact angle may be determined by utilizing the TAPPI T558 test method, and the result is expressed as an interfacial contact angle and reported in degrees, which can range from approximately 0 to approximately 180 degrees. The water-resistant inner surface of the embossed portion of the wrapper may have a water contact angle of at least 30 degrees. Preferably, the water-resistant inner surface of the embossed portion of the wrapper may have a water contact angle of at least 40 degrees. More preferably, the water-resistant inner surface of the embossed portion of the wrapper may have a water contact angle of at least 45 degrees.

[0061] The aerosol generating article of the present invention may comprise a rod of an aerosol generating substrate. The rod of the aerosol generating substrate may comprise a gel composition. The gel composition may comprise at least one gelling agent, at least one of an alkaloid compound and a cannabinoid compound, and an aerosol forming body. The aerosol generating substrate may comprise a gel composition containing nicotine.

[0062] The rod of the aerosol generating substrate may contain one or more aerosol-forming bodies. As they volatilize, the aerosol-forming bodies can carry other vaporized compounds released from the rod of the aerosol generating substrate upon heating, such as nicotine and flavoring agents in the aerosol. Suitable aerosol-forming bodies to be included in the rod of the aerosol generating substrate are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol), esters of polyhydric alcohols (glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dodecanedioic acid and dimethyl tetradecanedioic acid).

[0063] The rod of the aerosol generating substrate may have an aerosol-forming content of at least 10 percent by dry weight. The rod of the aerosol generating substrate may have an aerosol-forming content of at least 15 percent by dry weight. The rod of the aerosol generating substrate may have an aerosol-forming content of at least 20 percent by dry weight. The rod of the aerosol generating substrate may have an aerosol-forming content of at least 30 percent by dry weight. The rod of the aerosol generating substrate may have an aerosol-forming content of at least 40 percent by dry weight. The rod of the aerosol generating substrate may have an aerosol-forming content of at least 50 percent by dry weight. The rod of the aerosol generating substrate may have an aerosol-forming content of at least 60 percent by dry weight. The rod of the aerosol generating substrate may have an aerosol-forming content of at least 70 percent by dry weight. The rod of the aerosol generating substrate may have an aerosol-forming content of at least 80 percent by dry weight. The rod of the aerosol generating substrate may have an aerosol-forming material content of at least 90 percent by dry weight.

[0064] The rod of the aerosol generating substrate may have an aerosol-forming material content of approximately 5% to 30% by weight on a dry weight basis, for example, approximately 10% to 25% by weight on a dry weight basis, or approximately 15% to 20% by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0065] For example, when intended for use in an aerosol generating article for an electrically operated aerosol generating system having a substrate that has a heating element, it is preferable that the aerosol-forming material content be about 5% to about 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. When intended for use in an aerosol generating article for an electrically operated aerosol generating system having a substrate that has a heating element, the aerosol-forming material is preferably glycerol.

[0066] The rods of the aerosol-generating substrate may have an aerosol-forming content of about 1 percent to about 5 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. For example, if the substrate is intended for use in an aerosol-generating article in which the aerosol-forming material is kept in a storage compartment separated from the substrate, the substrate may have an aerosol-forming content greater than 1 percent and less than about 5 percent. In such embodiments, the aerosol-forming material volatilizes upon heating, and the flow of aerosol-forming material comes into contact with the aerosol-generating substrate to infuse the aerosol with flavor from the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0067] The aerosol-generating substrate may have an aerosol-forming content of about 30 to 45 weight percent. This relatively high level of aerosol-forming is particularly suitable for aerosol-generating substrates intended to be heated at temperatures below 275 degrees Celsius. In such embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate preferably further comprises about 2 to 10 weight percent of cellulose ether and about 5 to 50 weight percent of additional cellulose, on a dry weight basis. The use of a combination of cellulose ether and additional cellulose has been found to result in particularly effective aerosol delivery when used in aerosol-generating substrates having an aerosol-forming content of 30 to 45 weight percent.

[0068] Preferably, the gel composition comprises an alkaloid compound, or a cannabinoid compound, or both an alkaloid compound and a cannabinoid compound, an aerosol-forming body, and at least one gelling agent. Preferably, at least one gelling agent forms a solid medium, glycerol is dispersed in the solid medium, and the alkaloid or cannabinoid is dispersed in the glycerol. The gel composition is preferably a stable gel phase.

[0069] Advantageously, a nicotine-containing stable gel composition provides a predictable compositional form during storage or during the transition from manufacture to consumer. The nicotine-containing stable gel composition substantially maintains its shape. The nicotine-containing stable gel composition substantially does not release the liquid phase during storage or during the transition from manufacture to consumer. The nicotine-containing stable gel composition may offer a simple consumable design. This consumable may not need to be designed to contain a liquid, and therefore a wider range of materials and container structures may be considered.

[0070] The gel compositions described herein may be combined with an aerosol generator to deliver nicotine aerosol to the lungs at inhalation rates or airflow rates within the range of conventional smoking methods. The aerosol generator can continuously heat the gel composition. The consumer can take multiple inhalations or "smokes," each delivering an amount of nicotine aerosol. When heated, the gel composition can deliver a high nicotine / low total particulate matter (TPM) aerosol to the consumer, preferably in a continuous manner.

[0071] The terms "stable gel phase" or "stable gel" refer to a gel that substantially maintains its shape and mass when exposed to various environmental conditions. A stable gel is substantially unable to release or absorb water (sweat) when exposed to standard temperature and pressure while the relative humidity is varied from approximately 10 percent to approximately 60 percent. For example, a stable gel can substantially maintain its shape and mass when exposed to standard temperature and pressure while the relative humidity is varied from approximately 10 percent to approximately 60 percent.

[0072] The gel composition may contain an alkaloid compound, or a cannabinoid compound, or both an alkaloid compound and a cannabinoid compound. The gel composition may contain one or more alkaloids. The gel composition may contain one or more cannabinoids. The gel composition may contain a combination of one or more alkaloids and one or more cannabinoids.

[0073] The term “alkaloid compound” refers to any one class of naturally occurring organic compounds containing one or more basic nitrogen atoms. Generally, alkaloids contain at least one nitrogen atom in an amine-type structure. This nitrogen atom or another nitrogen atom within the molecule of an alkaloid compound can be active as a base in acid-base reactions. Most alkaloid compounds have one or more of their nitrogen atoms as part of a cyclic system, such as a heterocycle. In nature, alkaloid compounds are found mainly in plants, and are particularly common in flowering plants of certain families. However, some alkaloid compounds are found in animal species and fungi. In this disclosure, the term “alkaloid compound” refers to both naturally occurring alkaloid compounds and synthetically produced alkaloid compounds.

[0074] The gel composition preferably contains an alkaloid compound selected from the group consisting of nicotine, anatabine, and combinations thereof.

[0075] Preferably, the gel composition contains nicotine.

[0076] The term "nicotine" refers to nicotine and nicotine derivatives (e.g., free base nicotine, nicotine salts, and similar substances).

[0077] The term “cannabinoid compound” means any one type of naturally occurring compound found in some cannabis plants, including Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabinoid compounds are particularly concentrated in female flower heads. Naturally occurring cannabinoid compounds in cannabis plants include cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In this disclosure, the term “cannabinoid compound” is used to describe both naturally occurring and synthetically produced cannabinoid compounds.

[0078] The gel may contain cannabinoid compounds selected from the group consisting of cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabiersoin (CBE), cannabicitran (CBT), and combinations thereof.

[0079] The gel composition may preferably contain a cannabinoid compound selected from the group consisting of cannabidiol (CBD), THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and combinations thereof.

[0080] The gel preferably contains cannabidiol (CBD).

[0081] The gel composition may contain nicotine and cannabidiol (CBD).

[0082] The gel composition may contain nicotine, cannabidiol (CBD), and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

[0083] The gel composition further comprises an aerosol-forming body. Ideally, the aerosol-forming body is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the associated aerosol generator. Suitable aerosol-forming bodies include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanediol and dimethyl tetradecanediol). The polyhydric alcohol or a mixture thereof may be one or more of triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin (glycerol or propane-1,2,3-triol) or polyethylene glycol. The aerosol-forming body is preferably glycerol.

[0084] The gel composition contains the majority of the aerosol-forming material. The gel composition may contain a mixture of water and the aerosol-forming material, the aerosol-forming material forming the majority (by weight) of the gel composition. The aerosol-forming material may form at least about 50 weight percent of the gel composition. The aerosol-forming material may form at least about 60 weight percent, or at least about 65 weight percent, or at least about 70 weight percent of the gel composition. The aerosol-forming material may form about 70 to about 80 weight percent of the gel composition. The aerosol-forming material may form about 70 to about 75 weight percent of the gel composition.

[0085] The gel composition may consist mostly of glycerol. The gel composition may consist of a mixture of water and glycerol, with glycerol forming the majority (by weight) of the gel composition. Glycerol may form at least about 50 weight percent of the gel composition. Glycerol may form at least about 60 weight percent, or at least about 65 weight percent, or at least about 70 weight percent of the gel composition. Glycerol may form about 70 to about 80 weight percent of the gel composition. Glycerol may form about 70 to about 75 weight percent of the gel composition.

[0086] The gel composition further comprises at least one gelling agent.

[0087] The term "gelling agent" refers to a compound that, when added homogeneously to a mixture of 50% water and 50% glycerol in an amount of approximately 0.3% by weight, forms a solid medium or supporting matrix, leading to the formation of a gel. Examples of gelling agents, though not limited to them, include hydrogen-linked gelling agents and ionic-linked gelling agents.

[0088] The gelling agent may contain one or more biopolymers. The biopolymers may be formed from polysaccharides.

[0089] Preferably, the gel composition contains at least about 0.2 weight percent of a hydrogen-bonding crosslinking gelling agent. Alternatively, or additionally, the gel composition preferably contains at least about 0.2 weight percent of an ion-crosslinking gelling agent. Most preferably, the gel composition contains at least about 0.2 weight percent of a hydrogen-bonding crosslinking gelling agent and at least about 0.2 weight percent of an ion-crosslinking gelling agent. The gel composition may contain about 0.5 to about 3 weight percent of a hydrogen-bonding crosslinking gelling agent and about 0.5 to about 3 weight percent of an ion-crosslinking gelling agent, or about 1 to about 2 weight percent of a hydrogen-bonding crosslinking gelling agent and about 1 to about 2 weight percent of an ion-crosslinking gelling agent. The hydrogen-bonding crosslinking gelling agent and the ion-crosslinking gelling agent may be present in substantially equal amounts in the gel composition.

[0090] The term "hydrogen bond crosslinking gelling agent" refers to a gelling agent that forms non-covalent or physical crosslinks via hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bonds are not covalent bonds to hydrogen atoms, but rather a type of electrostatic dipole-dipole attraction between molecules. This results from the attraction between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an extremely electronegative atom, such as N, O, or F atoms, and another extremely electronegative atom.

[0091] The hydrogen bonding crosslinking gelling agent may contain one or more of galactomannan, gelatin, agarose, konjac gum, or agar. It is preferable that the hydrogen bonding crosslinking gelling agent contains agar.

[0092] The gel composition preferably contains a hydrogen bonding crosslinking gelling agent in an amount ranging from about 0.3% to about 5% by weight.

[0093] The gel composition may contain galactomannan in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 5% by weight.

[0094] The gel composition may contain gelatin in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 5% by weight.

[0095] The gel composition may contain agarose in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 5% by weight.

[0096] The gel composition may contain konjac gum in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 5% by weight.

[0097] The gel composition may contain agar in an amount ranging from approximately 0.2% to approximately 5% by weight.

[0098] The term "ionic crosslinking gelling agent" refers to a gelling agent that forms non-covalent or physical crosslinks via ionic bonding. Ionic crosslinking involves the association of polymer chains through non-covalent interactions. A crosslinking network is formed when polyvalent molecules with opposite charges are electrostatically attracted to each other, creating a crosslinked polymer network.

[0099] The ion-crosslinking gelling agent may include low-acylgellan, pectin, kappa-carrageenan, iota-carrageenan, or alginate. It is preferable that the ion-crosslinking gelling agent includes low-acylgellan.

[0100] The gel composition may contain an ionic crosslinking gelling agent in an amount ranging from about 0.3% to about 5% by weight.

[0101] The gel composition may contain low acylgelanes in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 5% by weight.

[0102] The gel composition may contain pectin in an amount ranging from approximately 0.2% to approximately 5% by weight.

[0103] The gel composition may contain kappacarrageenan in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 5% by weight.

[0104] The gel composition may contain iotacarragenan in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 5% by weight.

[0105] The gel composition may contain alginate in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 5% by weight.

[0106] The gel composition may contain a hydrogen bonding crosslinking gelling agent and an ion crosslinking gelling agent in a ratio of approximately 3:1 to approximately 1:3.

[0107] The gel composition may further contain a thickening agent. A thickening agent combined with a hydrogen-bonding crosslinking gelling agent, surprisingly, appears to support the solid culture medium and maintain the gel composition even when it contains high levels of glycerol.

[0108] The term "thickener" refers to a compound that, when uniformly added in an amount of 0.3 weight percent to a mixture of 50 weight percent water and 50 weight percent glycerol at 25°C, increases viscosity without causing gel formation, causing the mixture to remain in a fluid state or to stay fluid.

[0109] The viscosity values ​​listed herein can be measured using a Brookfield RVT viscometer, rotating a disk-type RV#2 spindle at a speed of 6 revolutions per minute (rpm) at 25°C.

[0110] The gel composition preferably contains a thickening agent in the range of about 0.2% to about 5% by weight.

[0111] The thickener may contain one or more of the following: xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, methylcellulose, gum arabic, guar gum, lambda carrageenan, or starch. It is preferable that the thickener contains xanthan gum.

[0112] The gel composition may contain xanthan gum in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 5% by weight.

[0113] The gel composition may contain carboxymethylcellulose in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 5% by weight.

[0114] The gel composition may contain microcrystalline cellulose in an amount ranging from approximately 0.2% to approximately 5% by weight.

[0115] The gel composition may contain methylcellulose in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 5% by weight.

[0116] The gel composition may contain gum arabic in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 5% by weight.

[0117] The gel composition may contain guar gum in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 5% by weight.

[0118] The gel composition may contain lambda carrageenan in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 5% by weight.

[0119] The gel composition may contain starch in an amount ranging from approximately 0.2% to approximately 5% by weight.

[0120] The gel composition may further contain divalent cations. Preferably, the divalent cations include calcium ions such as calcium lactate in the solution. Divalent cations (such as calcium ions) can assist in gel formation in compositions containing gelling agents, such as ion-crosslinking gelling agents. Ionic effects may assist in gel formation. Divalent cations may be present in the gel composition in amounts ranging from about 0.1 to about 1 weight percent, or from about 0.5 to about 1 weight percent.

[0121] The gel composition may further contain an acid. The acid may contain a carboxylic acid. The carboxylic acid may contain a ketone group. Preferably, the carboxylic acid contains a ketone group having less than 10 carbon atoms, such as levulinic acid or lactic acid, or less than 6 carbon atoms or less than 4 carbonate atoms. Preferably, this carboxylic acid has three carbon atoms (such as lactic acid). Surprisingly, lactic acid improves the stability of the gel composition to a greater extent than similar carboxylic acids. The carboxylic acid may assist in gel formation. The carboxylic acid may reduce changes in the concentration of alkaloid compounds, or cannabinoid compounds, or both, in the gel composition during storage. The carboxylic acid may reduce changes in the nicotine concentration in the gel composition during storage.

[0122] The gel composition may contain carboxylic acid in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight.

[0123] The gel composition may contain lactic acid in an amount ranging from approximately 0.1% to approximately 5% by weight.

[0124] The gel composition may contain levulinic acid in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight.

[0125] The gel composition preferably contains some water. The gel composition is more stable when it contains some water.

[0126] The gel composition preferably contains about 8% to about 32% by weight of water. The gel composition preferably contains about 15% to about 25% by weight of water. The gel composition preferably contains about 18% to about 22% by weight of water. The gel composition preferably contains about 20% by weight of water.

[0127] Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate contains about 150 mg to about 350 mg of gel composition.

[0128] Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate comprises a porous medium loaded with a gel composition. The advantage of the porous medium loaded with the gel composition is that the gel composition is retained within the porous medium, which can assist in the manufacture, storage, or transport of the gel composition. This can help maintain the desired shape of the gel composition, particularly during manufacture, transport, or use.

[0129] The term "porous" is used herein to refer to a material that provides multiple pores or openings that allow air to pass through the material.

[0130] The porous medium may be any suitable porous material capable of holding or retaining the gel composition. Ideally, the porous medium can allow the gel composition to move within it. The porous medium may include natural materials, synthetic or semi-synthetic materials, or combinations thereof. The porous medium may include sheet materials, foams, or fibers, such as loose fibers, or combinations thereof. The porous medium may include woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, or extruded materials, or combinations thereof. The porous medium preferably includes cotton, paper, viscose, PLA, or cellulose acetate, or combinations thereof. The porous medium preferably includes sheet materials, such as cotton or cellulose acetate. The porous medium may preferably include sheets made from cotton fibers.

[0131] The porous medium may be crimped or shredded. Preferably, the porous medium is crimped. Alternatively, the porous medium may include shredded porous medium. The crimping or shredding process may be performed before or after loading the gel composition.

[0132] The crimping of sheet materials has the advantage of improving the structure and enabling passages through it. These passages in the crimped sheet material facilitate gel loading, gel retention, and fluid passage through the crimped sheet material. Therefore, there are advantages to using crimped sheet materials as porous media.

[0133] Shredding provides a high surface area-to-volume ratio to the medium, allowing it to easily absorb the gel.

[0134] The sheet material may be a composite material. The sheet material is preferably porous. The sheet material can assist in the manufacture of tubular elements containing gels. The sheet material can assist in the introduction of activators into tubular elements containing gels. The sheet material may help stabilize the structure of tubular elements containing gels. The sheet material can assist in the transport or storage of gels. The use of the sheet material allows, for example, to add structure to a porous medium by crimping the sheet material, or assists in such addition.

[0135] The porous medium can be thread. Thread may include, for example, cotton, paper, or acetate thread. Thread may also be loaded with gel, like any other porous medium. An advantage of using thread as the porous medium is that it can aid in ease of manufacture.

[0136] The threads may be loaded with gel by any known means. The threads may be simply coated with gel, or they may be impregnated with gel. In manufacturing, the threads may be impregnated with gel and stored ready for immediate use so that they can be included in the assembly of tubular elements.

[0137] The porous medium loaded with the gel composition is preferably provided within a tubular element that forms part of the aerosol-generating article. Ideally, the tubular element is longer in its longitudinal direction than in its width, but this is not necessarily required, as it may be part of a multi-component item where its longitudinal direction is longer than its width. Typically, the tubular element is cylindrical, but this is not necessarily required. For example, the tubular element may have an elliptical, triangular, rectangular, or other polygonal or irregular cross-section.

[0138] The tubular element preferably includes a first longitudinal passage. The tubular element is preferably formed from a wrapper defining the first longitudinal passage. The wrapper is preferably a water-resistant wrapper. This water resistance of the wrapper can be achieved by using a water-resistant material or by treating the material of the wrapper. This can be achieved by treating one or both sides of the wrapper. Being water-resistant can help not lose structure, hardness, or rigidity. This can also help prevent leakage of the gel or liquid, especially when using a gel in a fluid structure.

[0139] An aerosol-generating article may be provided with an upstream element upstream of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate. The upstream element may abut against the upstream end of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0140] The aerosol generating article may be provided with a downstream section disposed downstream of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate and aligned axially with the rod of the aerosol generating substrate. The downstream section may include one or more downstream elements.

[0141] The aerosol generating substrate may be heated by an internal heating blade in an electrically heated aerosol generator, which is adapted to be inserted into the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate may also be inductively heated by a susceptor element disposed within the aerosol generating substrate.

[0142] Providing an upstream element is advantageous because it can protect the rod of the aerosol generating substrate and prevent physical contact between the gel composition within the rod of the aerosol generating substrate and the susceptor element, if present. The upstream element may be a portion adjacent to the rod of the aerosol generating substrate, which may also be surrounded by an embossed portion of the wrapper.

[0143] The downstream section comprises a mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece element may extend entirely to the oral end of the aerosol generating article. The mouthpiece element may be adjacent to the rod of the aerosol generating substrate, and may also be surrounded by an embossed portion of the wrapper. The downstream section may further comprise an intermediate hollow section between the mouthpiece element and the rod of the aerosol generating substrate. The intermediate hollow section may comprise an aerosol cooling element. The aerosol cooling element may comprise a hollow tubular segment. The intermediate hollow section may comprise a support element which may include a hollow tubular segment. The intermediate hollow section may comprise the aerosol cooling element and the support element. The support element may be located upstream of the aerosol cooling element. The intermediate hollow section may be adjacent to the rod of the aerosol generating substrate, and may also be surrounded by an embossed portion of the wrapper.

[0144] As used herein, the term “hollow tubular segment” is generally used to mean an elongated element that defines a lumen or airflow passage along its longitudinal axis. In particular, the term “tubular” is used below with respect to a tubular element having a substantially cylindrical cross-section and defining at least one airflow conduit that establishes an uninterrupted fluid communication between the upstream and downstream ends of the tubular element. However, naturally, alternative shapes of tubular segments (e.g., alternative cross-sectional shapes) may be possible.

[0145] As used herein, the term “slender” means that an element has a length dimension that is greater than its width dimension or diameter dimension, for example, more than twice its width dimension or diameter dimension.

[0146] In the context of this disclosure, the hollow tubular segment provides an unrestricted flow channel. This means that the hollow tubular segment provides a negligible level of drawdown resistance (RTD). Therefore, the flow channel should not contain any components that would obstruct the longitudinal airflow. Preferably, the flow channel is substantially empty.

[0147] The aerosol generating article may have a ventilation zone located along the downstream section. More specifically, the aerosol generating article may have a ventilation zone located along the aerosol cooling element. The aerosol cooling element may include or be in the form of a hollow tubular segment, and the ventilation zone is provided along the hollow tubular segment of the aerosol cooling element.

[0148] The inventors found that satisfactory cooling of the aerosol flow generated in conjunction with the heating of an aerosol generating substrate and drawn out through one of such aerosol cooling elements can be achieved by providing a ventilation zone at a location along a hollow tubular segment. Furthermore, the inventors found that it may be possible to counteract the effects of increased aerosol dilution caused by the entry of ventilation air into the article by locating the ventilation zone at a precisely defined position along the length of the aerosol cooling element, and preferably by utilizing a hollow tubular segment having a predetermined peripheral wall thickness or internal volume, as described in more detail below.

[0149] The rod of the aerosol generating substrate may further include a susceptor element. The susceptor element may be an elongated susceptor element. Preferably, the susceptor element extends in the longitudinal direction within the aerosol generating substrate.

[0150] These elements of aerosol-generating articles are described in more detail below.

[0151] As described above, the aerosol generating article of the present invention comprises a rod of an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate may be a solid aerosol generating substrate.

[0152] The elongated susceptor element may be arranged substantially along its long axis within the rod of the aerosol generating substrate, and may also be in thermal contact with the aerosol generating substrate.

[0153] As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term "susceptor element" refers to a material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When located in a fluctuating electromagnetic field, induced eddy currents in the susceptor element cause heating of the susceptor element. When an elongated susceptor element is located in thermal contact with an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate is heated by the susceptor element.

[0154] When used to describe a susceptor element, the term "elongated" means that the susceptor element has a length dimension that is greater than its width dimension or thickness dimension, for example, greater than twice its width dimension or thickness dimension.

[0155] The susceptor element is positioned substantially longitudinally within the rod. This means that the length dimension of the elongated susceptor element is positioned approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rod, for example, within ±10 degrees of parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rod. The elongated susceptor element may be positioned at the radial center within the rod, or it may extend along the longitudinal axis of the rod.

[0156] Preferably, the susceptor element extends fully to the downstream end of the rod of the aerosol generating article. The susceptor element may extend fully to the upstream end of the rod of the aerosol generating article. The susceptor element may have substantially the same length as the rod of the aerosol generating substrate and extend from the upstream end of the rod to the downstream end of the rod.

[0157] The susceptor element may preferably be in the form of a pin, rod, strip, or blade.

[0158] The susceptor element may preferably have a length of about 5 mm to about 15 mm, for example, about 6 mm to about 12 mm, or about 8 mm to about 10 mm.

[0159] The ratio between the length of the susceptor element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article substrate can be approximately 0.2 to 0.35.

[0160] Preferably, the ratio of the length of the susceptor element to the total length of the aerosol-generating article substrate is at least about 0.22, more preferably at least about 0.24, and even more preferably at least about 0.26. Preferably, the ratio of the length of the susceptor element to the total length of the aerosol-generating article substrate is less than about 0.34, more preferably less than about 0.32, and even more preferably less than about 0.3.

[0161] The ratio between the length of the susceptor element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article substrate is preferably about 0.22 to about 0.34, more preferably about 0.24 to about 0.34, and even more preferably about 0.26 to about 0.34. The ratio between the length of the susceptor element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article substrate is preferably about 0.22 to about 0.32, more preferably about 0.24 to about 0.32, and even more preferably about 0.26 to about 0.32. The ratio between the length of the susceptor element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article substrate is preferably about 0.22 to about 0.3, more preferably about 0.24 to about 0.3, and even more preferably about 0.26 to about 0.3.

[0162] The ratio between the length of the susceptor element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article substrate may be approximately 0.27.

[0163] The susceptor element preferably has a width of about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0164] The susceptor element can generally have a thickness of about 0.01 mm to about 2 mm, for example, about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. Preferably, the susceptor element has a thickness of about 10 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, more preferably about 10 micrometers to about 100 micrometers.

[0165] If the susceptor element has a certain cross-section, for example a circular cross-section, it has a preferred width or diameter of about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0166] If the susceptor element has the form of a strip or blade, the strip or blade preferably has a rectangular shape with a width of about 2 mm to about 8 mm, more preferably about 3 mm to about 5 mm. As an example, a susceptor element in the form of a blade strip may have a width of about 4 mm.

[0167] If the susceptor element has the form of a strip or blade, the strip or blade is preferably rectangular in shape and has a thickness of about 0.03 mm to about 0.15 mm, more preferably about 0.05 mm to about 0.09 mm. As an example, a susceptor element in the form of a blade strip may have a thickness of about 0.07 mm.

[0168] The elongated susceptor elements are in the form of strips or blades, preferably having a rectangular shape and a thickness of about 55 micrometers to about 65 micrometers.

[0169] More preferably, the elongated susceptor element may have a thickness of about 57 micrometers to about 63 micrometers. Even more preferably, the elongated susceptor element may have a thickness of about 58 micrometers to about 62 micrometers. The elongated susceptor element may have a thickness of about 60 micrometers.

[0170] It is preferable that the elongated susceptor element has a length equal to or shorter than the length of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0171] The susceptor element can be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating substrate. Preferred susceptor elements may include metals or carbon.

[0172] Preferred susceptor elements may include or consist of ferromagnetic materials such as ferromagnetic alloys, ferrite iron, or ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. Suitable susceptor elements may be aluminum or contain aluminum. Preferred susceptor elements may be formed from 400 series stainless steel, such as grade 410, or grade 420, or grade 430 stainless steel. Different materials dissipate different amounts of energy when positioned in an electromagnetic field having similar values ​​of frequency and magnetic field strength.

[0173] Thus, any of the parameters of the susceptor element, such as the type of material, length, width, and thickness, can be varied to provide the desired power distribution within a known electromagnetic field. A preferred susceptor element may be heated to a temperature above 250 degrees Celsius.

[0174] A suitable susceptor element may comprise a non-metallic core on which a metal layer, such as a metal strip formed on the surface of a ceramic core, is arranged. The susceptor element may have a protective outer layer enclosing it, such as a protective ceramic layer or a protective glass layer. The susceptor element may also comprise a protective coating formed of glass, ceramic, or an inert metal, formed on the core of the susceptor element material.

[0175] The susceptor element is positioned in thermal contact with the aerosol-generating substrate. Thus, when the temperature of the susceptor element increases, the aerosol-generating substrate is heated, and an aerosol is formed. Preferably, the susceptor element is positioned, for example, within the aerosol-generating substrate, in direct physical contact with the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0176] The susceptor element may be a multi-material susceptor element and may comprise a first susceptor element material and a second susceptor element material. The first susceptor element material is physically in close contact with the second susceptor element material. The second susceptor element material preferably has a Curie temperature lower than 500 degrees Celsius. The first susceptor element material is preferably used primarily to heat the susceptor element when it is placed in a fluctuating electromagnetic field. Any suitable material may be used. For example, the first susceptor element material may be aluminum or an iron-based material such as stainless steel. The second susceptor element material is preferably used primarily to indicate when the susceptor element has reached a specific temperature, which is the Curie temperature of the second susceptor element material. The Curie temperature of the second susceptor element material can be used to regulate the temperature of the entire susceptor element during operation. Therefore, the Curie temperature of the second susceptor element material should be below the ignition point of the aerosol-generating substrate. Suitable materials for the second susceptor element material may include nickel and certain nickel alloys.

[0177] By providing a susceptor element having at least first and second susceptor element materials, with a second susceptor element material having a Curie temperature and a first susceptor element material not having a Curie temperature, or by providing first and second susceptor element materials having different first and second Curie temperatures, the heating of the aerosol generating substrate and the temperature control of its heating can be separated. The first susceptor element material is preferably a magnetic material having a Curie temperature of over 500 degrees Celsius. From the viewpoint of heating efficiency, it is desirable that the Curie temperature of the first susceptor element material exceeds any maximum temperature to which the susceptor element can be heated. The second Curie temperature is preferably selected to be lower than 400 degrees Celsius, preferably lower than 380 degrees Celsius, or lower than 360 degrees Celsius. The second susceptor element material is preferably a magnetic material selected to have a second Curie temperature that is substantially the same as the desired maximum heating temperature. In other words, the second Curie temperature is preferably approximately the same as the temperature at which the susceptor element should be heated to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating substrate. The second Curie temperature may be, for example, in the range of 200 to 400 degrees Celsius, or in the range of 250 to 360 degrees Celsius. The second Curie temperature of the second susceptor element material may be selected such that, when heated by a susceptor element having a temperature equal to the second Curie temperature, the overall average temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate does not exceed 240 degrees Celsius.

[0178] Aerosol-generating articles may have ventilation zones. Aerosol-generating articles may have a ventilation level of at least about 5 percent.

[0179] The term "ventilation level" is used throughout this specification to mean the volume ratio of the airflow entering the aerosol-generating article through the ventilation zone (ventilation airflow) to the sum of the aerosol airflow and the ventilation airflow. A higher ventilation level results in greater dilution of the aerosol flow delivered to the consumer.

[0180] Aerosol-generating articles may typically have a ventilation level of at least about 10 percent, preferably at least about 15 percent, and more preferably at least about 20 percent.

[0181] The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of at least about 25 percent. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level of less than about 60 percent. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention has a ventilation level of about 45 percent or less. More preferably, the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention has a ventilation level of about 40 percent or less, and even more preferably, about 35 percent or less.

[0182] The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of about 30 percent. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of about 20 percent to about 60 percent, preferably about 20 percent to about 45 percent, more preferably about 20 percent to about 40 percent. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of about 25 percent to about 60 percent, preferably about 25 percent to about 45 percent, more preferably about 25 percent to about 40 percent. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of about 30 percent to about 60 percent, preferably about 30 percent to about 45 percent, more preferably about 30 percent to about 40 percent.

[0183] Aerosol-generating articles may have a breathability level of approximately 28 percent to approximately 42 percent. Aerosol-generating articles may have a breathability level of approximately 30 percent.

[0184] The formation of aerosols from gaseous mixtures containing various chemical species depends on the delicate interactions between nucleation, evaporation, condensation, and even fusion, which explain changes in vapor concentration, temperature, and velocity fields. The so-called classical nucleation theory is based on the assumption that some molecules in the gas phase are large enough to remain coherent for a long time with a sufficient probability (e.g., a 50 / 50 probability). These molecules represent a kind of critical threshold molecular cluster within transient molecular aggregates, meaning that smaller molecular clusters generally decompose into the gas phase somewhat more readily, while larger clusters generally grow more readily. These critical clusters are identified as the primary nucleation cores from which droplets are expected to grow due to the condensation of molecules from the vapor. The newly nucleated, untreated droplet is assumed to appear with a certain intrinsic diameter and then grow by several orders of magnitude. This can be facilitated and enhanced by the rapid cooling of the surrounding vapor, which induces condensation. In this regard, it is helpful to keep in mind that evaporation and condensation are two aspects of the same mechanism: the transfer of mass between liquid and gas. Evaporation involves net mass transfer from the liquid droplet phase to the gas phase, while condensation is net mass transfer from the gas phase to the liquid droplet phase. Due to evaporation (or condensation), the liquid droplet shrinks (or grows), but the number of droplets does not change.

[0185] In this scenario (and if the scenario is further complicated by fusion phenomena), the temperature and rate of cooling may play a crucial role in determining how the system responds. Generally, because the nucleation process is typically nonlinear, different cooling rates may lead to significantly different temperature behavior with respect to liquid phase (droplet) formation. While we do not wish to be bound by theory, we assume that cooling can result in a rapid increase in the number of droplet condensations, followed by a short, strong increase in this growth (nucleation burst). This nucleation burst is likely to be more pronounced at lower temperatures. Furthermore, faster cooling rates may favor the early initiation of nucleation. In contrast, a decrease in the cooling rate is likely to have a favorable effect on the final size that the aerosol droplets eventually reach.

[0186] The inventors were surprised to find that the dilution effect on aerosols (which can be evaluated by measuring its effect on the delivery of aerosol-forming substances (such as glycerol) contained in the aerosol-generating substrate) is favorably minimized at permeability levels within the aforementioned range. In particular, permeability levels of 25 to 50 percent, and more preferably 28 to 42 percent, were found to lead to particularly satisfactory values ​​of glycerol delivery. At the same time, the degree of nucleation is enhanced, and consequently, the delivery of nicotine and aerosol-forming substances (e.g., glycerol) is enhanced.

[0187] The inventors were surprised to find that the favorable effect of enhanced nucleation, facilitated by rapid cooling induced by the introduction of aeration air into the article, significantly counteracts the undesirable effect of dilution. Therefore, satisfactory values ​​of aerosol delivery are consistently achieved by the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention.

[0188] This is particularly advantageous for “short” aerosol-generating articles, such as when the length of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate is less than about 40 millimeters, preferably less than 25 millimeters, and even more preferably less than 20 millimeters, or when the total length of the aerosol-generating article is less than about 70 millimeters, preferably less than about 60 millimeters, and even more preferably less than 50 millimeters. As is understood, in such aerosol-generating articles, there is little time and space for aerosol formation and little time and space for the particulate phase of the aerosol to become available for delivery to the consumer.

[0189] The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention may have a length of about 35 mm to about 100 mm.

[0190] The total length of the aerosol generating article according to the present invention is preferably at least about 38 millimeters. More preferably, the total length of the aerosol generating article according to the present invention is at least about 40 millimeters. Even more preferably, the total length of the aerosol generating article according to the present invention is at least about 42 millimeters.

[0191] The total length of the aerosol generating article according to the present invention is preferably 70 millimeters or less. More preferably, the total length of the aerosol generating article according to the present invention is preferably 60 millimeters or less. Even more preferably, the total length of the aerosol generating article according to the present invention is preferably 50 millimeters or less.

[0192] The total length of the aerosol generating article is preferably about 38 mm to about 70 mm, more preferably about 40 mm to about 70 mm, and even more preferably about 42 mm to about 70 mm. The total length of the aerosol generating article is preferably about 38 mm to about 60 mm, more preferably about 40 mm to about 60 mm, and even more preferably about 42 mm to about 60 mm. The total length of the aerosol generating article is preferably about 38 mm to about 50 mm, more preferably about 40 mm to about 50 mm, and even more preferably about 42 mm to about 50 mm. The total length of the aerosol generating article is preferably about 45 mm.

[0193] The aerosol-generating article preferably has an outer diameter of at least 5 mm. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of at least 6 mm. More preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of at least 7 mm.

[0194] The aerosol generating article preferably has an outer diameter of about 12 mm or less. More preferably, the aerosol generating article has an outer diameter of about 10 mm or less. Even more preferably, the aerosol generating article has an outer diameter of about 8 mm or less.

[0195] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 12 mm, preferably about 6 mm to about 12 mm, more preferably about 7 mm to about 12 mm. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 10 mm, preferably about 6 mm to about 10 mm, more preferably about 7 mm to about 10 mm. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 8 mm, preferably about 6 mm to about 8 mm, more preferably about 7 mm to about 8 mm.

[0196] The diameter (D ME ) of the aerosol-generating article at the mouth side end is preferably greater than the diameter (D DE ) of the aerosol-generating article at the distal end. More specifically, the ratio (D ME / D DE ) between the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the mouth side end and the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the distal end is (preferably) at least about 1.005.

[0197] Preferably, the ratio (D ME / D DE ) between the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the mouth side end and the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the distal end is at least about 1.01. More preferably, the ratio (D ME / D DE ) between the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the mouth side end and the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the distal end is at least about 1.02. Even more preferably, the ratio (D ME / D DE ) between the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the mouth side end and the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the distal end is at least about 1.05.

[0198] The ratio (D ME / D DE ) between the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the mouth side end and the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the distal end is preferably about 1.30 or less. More preferably, the ratio (D ME / D DE ) between the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the mouth side end and the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the distal end is about 1.25 or less. Even more preferably, the ratio (D ME / D DE ) between the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the mouth side end and the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the distal end is about 1.20 or less. Preferably, the ratio (D ME / D DE ) between the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the mouth side end and the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the distal end is 1.15 or less than 1.10.

[0199] The ratio of the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the oral end to the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the distal end (D ME / D DE The ratio is approximately 1.01 to 1.30, more preferably 1.02 to 1.30, and even more preferably 1.05 to 1.30.

[0200] Alternatively, the ratio (D) between the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the oral end and the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the distal end. ME / D DE The ratio (D) is approximately 1.01 to 1.25, more preferably 1.02 to 1.25, and even more preferably 1.05 to 1.25. Alternatively, the ratio (D) between the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the oral end and the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the distal end is ME / D DE The ratio (D) is approximately 1.01 to 1.20, more preferably 1.02 to 1.20, and even more preferably 1.05 to 1.20. Alternatively, the ratio (D) between the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the oral end and the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the distal end is ME / D DE ) may be approximately 1.01 to 1.15, more preferably 1.02 to 1.15, and even more preferably 1.05 to 1.15.

[0201] For example, the outer diameter of the article may be substantially constant over the distal end of the article extending at least about 5 millimeters or at least about 10 millimeters from the distal end of the aerosol-generating article. Alternatively, the outer diameter of the article may be tapered over the distal portion of the article extending at least about 5 millimeters or at least about 10 millimeters from the distal end.

[0202] As described above, the elements of the aerosol generating article may be arranged such that the center of mass of the aerosol generating article is at least about 60 percent along the length of the aerosol generating article from the downstream end. More preferably, the elements of the aerosol generating article are arranged such that the center of mass of the aerosol generating article is at least about 62 percent along the length of the aerosol generating article from the downstream end, and more preferably at least about 65 percent along the length of the aerosol generating article from the downstream end.

[0203] The center of mass is preferably about 70 percent or less along the length of the aerosol-generating article from the downstream end.

[0204] By providing an arrangement of elements that give the center of mass closer to the upstream end than the downstream end, an aerosol generating article with a weight imbalance having a heavier upstream end can be obtained. This weight imbalance can advantageously provide tactile feedback to the consumer, allowing the consumer to distinguish between the upstream and downstream ends and insert the correct end into the aerosol generating device.

[0205] The aerosol generating article according to the present invention may be arranged in a linear, continuous configuration and comprises an upstream element, a rod of an aerosol generating substrate located immediately downstream of the upstream element, a support element located immediately downstream of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol cooling element located immediately downstream of the support element, a mouthpiece element located immediately downstream of the aerosol cooling element, and an outer wrapper surrounding the upstream element, the support element, the aerosol cooling element, and the mouthpiece element.

[0206] More specifically, the rod of the aerosol generating substrate may be in contact with the upstream element. The support element may be in contact with the rod of the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol cooling element may be in contact with the support element. The mouthpiece element may be in contact with the aerosol cooling element.

[0207] The aerosol-generating article may have a substantially cylindrical shape and an outer diameter of about 7.25 millimeters.

[0208] The upstream element may have a length of approximately 5 millimeters, the rod of the aerosol generating article may have a length of approximately 12 millimeters, the support element may have a length of approximately 8 millimeters, and the mouthpiece element may have a length of approximately 12 millimeters. Therefore, the total length of the aerosol generating article may be approximately 45 millimeters.

[0209] The upstream element may be in the form of a cellulose acetate plug wrapped in a rigid plug wrap.

[0210] The aerosol generating article may include an elongated susceptor element that is substantially axially disposed within the rod of the aerosol generating substrate and is in thermal contact with the aerosol generating substrate. The susceptor element may be in the form of a strip or blade and may have a length substantially equal to the length of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate and a thickness of about 60 micrometers.

[0211] The support element may be in the form of a hollow cellulose acetate tube and may have an inner diameter of about 1.9 millimeters. Therefore, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the support element may be about 2.675 millimeters.

[0212] The aerosol cooling element may be in the form of a finer hollow cellulose acetate tube and may have an inner diameter of about 3.25 millimeters. Therefore, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the aerosol cooling element may be about 2 millimeters.

[0213] The mouthpiece element may be in the form of a low-density cellulose acetate filter segment.

[0214] The rod of the aerosol generating substrate may comprise an aerosol generating substrate containing a gel composition.

[0215] Features described in reference to one embodiment or example may also be applicable to other embodiments and examples.

[0216] A non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. Any one or more features of these embodiments may be combined with any one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0217] Example 1. An aerosol generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, A paper wrapper that surrounds an aerosol-generating article, wherein the paper wrapper is An aerosol-generating article including an embossed portion having a water-resistant inner surface. Example 2. The aerosol generating article according to Example 1, wherein the aerosol generating article further comprises a rod of an aerosol generating substrate. Example 3. The aerosol generating article according to Example 2, wherein the rod of the aerosol generating substrate comprises an aerosol forming body. Example 4. The aerosol generating article according to Example 3, wherein the aerosol forming body contains glycerin. Example 5. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the inner surface of the embossed portion of the paper wrapper has a water contact angle of at least 30 degrees. Example 6. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the inner surface of the embossed portion of the paper wrapper has a water contact angle of at least 40 degrees. Example 7. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the inner surface of the embossed portion of the paper wrapper has a water contact angle of at least 45 degrees. Example 8. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the embossed portion of the wrapper directly surrounds the rod of the aerosol generating substrate. Example 9. An aerosol generating substrate according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the embossed portion completely surrounds the rod of the aerosol generating substrate around the periphery of the rod. Example 10. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the embossed portion of the wrapper has an embossed outer surface and a debossed inner surface. Example 11. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the embossed portion of the wrapper has a basis weight of 50 grams to 100 grams per square meter, preferably 60 grams to 90 grams per square meter, and most preferably 75 grams to 80 grams per square meter. Example 12. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the embossed portion of the wrapper has multiple embossing patterns. Example 13. The aerosol-generating article according to Example 12, wherein each embossed surface has a depth of 0.07 mm to 0.21 mm. Example 14. The aerosol-generating article according to Example 12 or 13, wherein each embossed pattern has a pitch of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. Example 15. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 12 to 14, wherein each embossed surface is a spherical dome. Example 16. The aerosol-generating article according to Example 15, wherein the angle between the tangent to the spherical dome and the interception to the horizontal lap line is between 30 and 60 degrees. Example 17. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 12 to 16, wherein multiple embossings are provided in a spaced-out repeating pattern. Example 18. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the embossed portion of the wrapper has a bending moment of 3 centimeters to 8 Newton-cm, preferably 4 to 7 Newton-cm, more preferably 5 to 6 Newton-cm, at 90 degrees. Example 19. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein the embossed portion of the wrapper has angle markings of 10 to 40 degrees, preferably 15 to 35 degrees, more preferably 20 to 30 degrees, after being bent 90 degrees. Example 20. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the rod of the aerosol generating substrate contains a gel composition. Example 21. The aerosol generating article according to Example 21, wherein the gel composition comprises at least one gelling agent, at least one of an alkaloid compound and a cannabinoid compound. Example 22. The aerosol generating article according to Example 21 or 22, wherein the gel composition comprises an aerosol-forming body. Example 23. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the rod of the aerosol generating substrate includes a plug of a porous medium loaded with a gel composition. Example 24. The aerosol generating article according to Example 23, wherein the porous medium is in the form of a crimped sheet. Example 25. The aerosol-generating article according to Example 23 or 24, wherein the porous medium contains cotton fibers. Example 26. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 20 to 25, wherein the gel composition contains at least 1 weight percent nicotine. Example 27. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 20 to 26, wherein the gel composition further comprises an acid. Example 28. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 20 to 27, wherein the gel composition contains at least one gelling agent in an amount of 1% to 6% by weight. Example 29. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 28, further comprising an elongated susceptor element extending in the longitudinal direction through a rod of an aerosol generating substrate. Example 30. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 29, further comprising an upstream element provided upstream of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate. Example 31. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 30, further comprising an upstream element provided upstream of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate and in contact with the upstream end of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate. Example 32. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 31, further comprising a downstream section disposed downstream of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate and aligned axially with the rod of the aerosol generating substrate, the downstream section comprising one or more downstream elements. Example 33. An aerosol generating article according to Example 30 or 31, wherein the upstream element includes a plug of fibrous filtration material. Example 34. An aerosol generating article according to any of Examples 30 to 33, wherein the upstream element draw resistance is at least 20 mmH2O. Example 35. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 32 to 34, wherein the downstream section comprises a mouthpiece element including a mouthpiece filter segment formed from a fibrous filtration material. Example 36. The aerosol generating article according to Example 35, wherein the draw resistance of the upstream element is at least 1.5 times that of the mouthpiece element. Example 37. The aerosol generating article according to Example 35 or 36, wherein the downstream section further includes an intermediate hollow section between the rod of the aerosol generating substrate and the mouthpiece element, the intermediate hollow section includes an aerosol cooling element that abuts the upstream end of the mouthpiece element, and the aerosol cooling element includes a hollow tubular segment that defines a longitudinal cavity providing an unlimited flow channel. Example 38. The aerosol generating article according to Example 37, further comprising a support element in which an intermediate hollow section is a support element between an aerosol cooling element and a rod of an aerosol generating substrate, and includes a hollow tubular segment that defines a longitudinal cavity providing an unlimited flow channel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0218] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an overhead view of the embossed pattern on the embossed portion of a paper wrapper used with an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the embossed pattern on the embossed portion of a paper wrapper used with an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail, albeit only illustratively, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0219] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating article 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating article 1 comprises a rod 111 of an aerosol generating substrate 112 and a downstream section 114 located downstream of the rod 111 of the aerosol generating substrate 112. Furthermore, the aerosol generating article 1 comprises an upstream section 16 located upstream of the rod 111 of the aerosol generating substrate 112. Thus, the aerosol generating article 1 may extend from an upstream or distal end 18 to a downstream or oral end 20.

[0220] The aerosol-generating article has a total length of approximately 45 millimeters.

[0221] The downstream section 114 includes a tubular element 100 located immediately downstream of the rod 111 of the aerosol generating substrate 112, the tubular element 100 being aligned with the rod 111 of the aerosol generating substrate 112 in the longitudinal direction. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the upstream end of the tubular element 100 abuts against the downstream end of the rod 111 of the aerosol generating substrate 12, in particular the downstream end of the rod 111.

[0222] The rod 111 includes an aerosol generating substrate 112 containing a porous medium loaded with the gel composition defined above. Examples of suitable gel compositions are shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0223] Furthermore, the downstream section 114 includes a mouthpiece element 42 located downstream of the tubular element 100. More specifically, the mouthpiece element 42 is positioned immediately downstream of the tubular element 100. As shown in Figure 1, the upstream end of the mouthpiece element 42 abuts against the downstream end 40 of the tubular element 100.

[0224] The mouthpiece element 42 is supplied in the form of a cylindrical plug made of low-density cellulose acetate. The mouthpiece element 42 has a length of approximately 12 mm and an outer diameter of approximately 7.25 mm. The RTD of the mouthpiece element 42 is approximately 12 mm of H2O.

[0225] The aerosol-generating article 1 includes a ventilation zone 60 positioned along the tubular element 100. More specifically, the ventilation zone is located approximately 4 millimeters from the downstream end of the tubular element 100. The ventilation level of the aerosol-generating article 1 is approximately 40 percent.

[0226] The rod 111 includes an aerosol generating substrate 112 of one of the types described above. The aerosol generating substrate 112 can substantially define the structure and dimensions of the rod 111. The rod 111 including the aerosol generating substrate has an outer diameter of about 7.25 millimeters and a length of about 12 millimeters.

[0227] The aerosol generating article 1 further comprises a paper wrapper 10 having an embossed portion 113 surrounding the rod 111 of the aerosol generating substrate 112. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the embossed portion 113 of the paper wrapper 10 completely surrounds the rod 111 of the aerosol generating substrate around its periphery. In this embodiment, the embossed portion 113 of the paper wrapper 10 surrounds the rod 11 of the aerosol generating substrate along its entire length. The embossed portion 113 of the wrapper 10 has a water-resistant inner surface.

[0228] In this embodiment, the paper wrapper 10 extends along the entire length of the aerosol generating article 1, from the upstream end 18 to the downstream end 20. The paper wrapper 10 completely surrounds the upstream element 46, the rod 111 of the aerosol generating substrate 112, the tubular element 100, and the mouthpiece 42 around them. The paper wrapper 10 defines the outer surface of the aerosol generating article 1.

[0229] The depiction of the embossed portion 113 in Figure 1 is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the embossing itself or its arrangement on the embossed portion 113. Figure 1 also does not indicate that the inner surface of the embossed portion 113 is water-resistant. The embossed portion 113 will be described in more detail below with respect to Figures 4 and 5.

[0230] The rod 111 of the aerosol generating substrate 112 also includes an elongated susceptor element 44 within the aerosol generating substrate 112. More specifically, the susceptor element 44 is substantially longitudinally positioned within the aerosol generating substrate 112 so as to be substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rod 111. As shown in the drawing of Figure 1, the susceptor element 44 is positioned radially centrally within the rod and extends effectively along the longitudinal axis of the rod 111.

[0231] The susceptor element 44 extends along the entire length of the rod 111 from its upstream end to its downstream end. In practice, the susceptor element 44 has substantially the same length as the rod 111, which contains the aerosol generating substrate 112.

[0232] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the susceptor element 44 is provided in the form of a strip, having a length of about 12 millimeters, a thickness of about 60 micrometers, and a width of about 4 millimeters.

[0233] The upstream section 16 includes an upstream element 46 located immediately upstream of the rod 111 of the aerosol generating substrate 112, and the upstream element 46 is aligned with the rod 111 of the aerosol generating substrate 112 in the longitudinal direction. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the downstream end of the upstream element 46 abuts against the upstream end of the rod 111, in particular the upstream end of the aerosol generating substrate 112. This advantageously prevents the susceptor element 44 from detaching. Furthermore, this ensures that consumers cannot accidentally come into contact with the heated susceptor element 44 after use.

[0234] The upstream element 46 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate surrounded by a rigid paper wrapper 10. The upstream cavity element 46 has a length of approximately 5 millimeters. The RTD of the upstream element 46 is approximately 30 millimeters of H2O.

[0235] The tubular element 100 comprises a tubular body 103 defining a cavity 106 extending from a first end 101 of the tubular body 103 to a second end 102 of the tubular body 103. The tubular element 100 also comprises a folded end portion that forms a first end wall 104 at the first end 101 of the tubular body 103. The first end wall 104 defines an opening 105 that allows airflow between the cavity 106 and the outside of the tubular element 100. In particular, the embodiment in Figure 1 is configured so that aerosols can flow from the rod 111 of the aerosol generating substrate 112 through the opening 105 into the cavity 106.

[0236] The cavity 106 of the tubular body 103 is substantially empty, and therefore substantially unlimited airflow is possible along the cavity 106. As a result, the RTD of the tubular element 100 can be localized at a specific longitudinal position of the tubular element 100, namely at the first end wall 104, and can be controlled through a selected configuration of the first end wall 104 and its corresponding opening 105. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the RTD of the tubular element 100 (which is essentially the RTD of the first end wall 104) is substantially 10 mmH2O. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the tubular element 100 has a length of about 16 mm, an outer diameter of about 7.25 mm, and an inner diameter (D) of about 6.5 mm. FTS ) has. Therefore, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the tubular body 103 is approximately 0.75 millimeters.

[0237] As shown in Figure 1, the first end wall 104 extends substantially transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article 1 and the longitudinal axis of the tubular element 100. The opening 105 is the only opening in the first end wall 104, and the opening 105 is located at the roughly radial center of the tubular element 100. Thus, the first end wall 104 is generally annular in shape.

[0238] The combination of the first end wall 104 and its corresponding opening 105 provides an effective barrier configuration that can restrict the movement of the aerosol generating substrate, while also allowing one or both of the air and / or aerosol to flow from the rod 111 of the aerosol generating substrate 112 through the opening 105 into the cavity 106. The opening 105 is generally aligned with the radial center of the susceptor element 44 of the rod 111 of the aerosol generating substrate 112. This is advantageous because it helps maintain a distance between the first end wall 105 and the susceptor, thereby helping to mitigate undesirable heating of the first end wall 105. This may also be advantageous because it can provide a direct, unobstructed downstream flow of aerosol generated by the portion of the aerosol generating substrate that is close to the susceptor element 44.

[0239] The first end wall 104 is formed by folding the end portion of the tubular element 100 around a folding point. The folding point generally corresponds to the first end of the tubular body 103 of the tubular element 100.

[0240] Figure 2 shows an aerosol generating article 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating article 2 is generally similar to the aerosol generating article 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 1, and similar reference numerals are used where appropriate. However, the aerosol generating article 2 of Figure 2 does not have a tubular element. In particular, in contrast to the aerosol generating article 1 of Figure 1, the aerosol generating article 2 of Figure 2 does not include a tubular element 100 between the first element 100 and the mouthpiece element 42. Instead, the aerosol generating article 2 of Figure 2 includes two hollow acetate tubes between the first element 100 and the mouthpiece element 42. These are a first hollow acetate tube 280 located immediately downstream of the rod 211 of the aerosol generating substrate 212 and aligned with it in the longitudinal direction, and a second hollow acetate tube 290 located immediately downstream of the first hollow acetate tube 280.

[0241] The first hollow acetate tube 280 and the second hollow acetate tube 290 define a tubular body 203 having a cavity 206 extending from the first upstream end 201 of the tubular body 203 to the second downstream end 202 of the tubular body 203.

[0242] The first hollow acetate tube 280 defines the support element. The first upstream end of the first hollow acetate tube abuts against the downstream end of the rod 211 of the aerosol generating substrate 212.

[0243] The second hollow acetate tube 290 defines an aerosol cooling element that abuts the downstream end of the first hollow acetate tube 280.

[0244] The internal cavity 206 of the tubular body 203, defined by the first hollow acetate tube 280 and the second hollow acetate tube 290, is substantially empty, and therefore substantially unlimited airflow is possible along the cavity 206.

[0245] Overall, the tubular body 203 does not substantially contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article. The overall RTD of the tubular body 203 is substantially 0 milliH2O.

[0246] The first hollow acetate tube 280 has a length of approximately 8 mm, an outer diameter of approximately 7.25 mm, and an inner diameter of approximately 1.9 mm (D FTS ) has. Therefore, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the first hollow acetate tube 280 is approximately 2.67 millimeters.

[0247] The second hollow acetate tube 290 has a length of approximately 8 mm, an outer diameter of approximately 7.25 mm, and an inner diameter of approximately 3.25 mm (D STS ) has. Therefore, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the second hollow acetate tube 290 is about 2 millimeters. Therefore, the inner diameter (D) of the first hollow acetate tube 280 is FTS ) and the inner diameter (D) of the second hollow acetate tube 290 STS The ratio between ) is approximately 0.75.

[0248] The aerosol generating article 2 includes a ventilation zone 60 provided along the second hollow acetate pipe 290. More specifically, the ventilation zone is provided approximately 2 millimeters from the upstream end of the second hollow acetate pipe 290. The ventilation level of the aerosol generating article 10 is approximately 25 percent.

[0249] The aerosol generating article 2 further comprises a paper wrapper 10 having an embossed portion 213 surrounding the rod 211 of the aerosol generating substrate 212. In this embodiment of Figure 1, the embossed portion 213 of the paper wrapper 10 surrounds the rod 211 of the aerosol generating substrate 212 around the periphery of the rod 211. In this embodiment, the embossed portion 213 of the paper wrapper 10 surrounds the rod 211 of the aerosol generating substrate 212 along only a portion of the length of the rod 211. The embossed portion 213 of the wrapper 10 has a water-resistant inner surface.

[0250] In this embodiment, the paper wrapper 10 extends along the entire length of the aerosol generating article 2, from the upstream end 18 to the downstream end 20. The paper wrapper 10 completely surrounds the upstream element 46, the rod 211 of the aerosol generating substrate 212, the first hollow acetate tube 280, the second hollow acetate tube 290, and the mouthpiece 42 around them. The paper wrapper 10 defines the outer surface of the aerosol generating article 2.

[0251] The depiction of the embossed portion 213 in Figure 2 is for illustrative purposes only and therefore does not show the embossing itself or its arrangement on the embossed portion 213. Figure 2 also does not show that the inner surface of the embossed portion 213 is water-resistant. The embossed portion 213 will be described in more detail below with respect to Figures 4 and 5.

[0252] Figure 3 shows the aerosol generating article 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Different from the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol generating article 3 of the third embodiment does not include any form of upstream element 46 upstream of the rod 311 of the aerosol generating substrate 312. Thus, the upstream or distal end 318 of the aerosol generating article 3 is defined by the rod 311 of the aerosol generating substrate 312. Further, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the rod 311 of the aerosol generating substrate 312 does not include a susceptor element 44 located within the aerosol generating substrate 312. Such an aerosol generating article 3 may be configured to include a heater blade of an aerosol generating device. The heater blade may be inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 312 through the upstream end 318 of the aerosol generating article 3.

[0253] The aerosol generating article 3 of the third embodiment has a hollow acetate tube 380 that is substantially the same as the first hollow acetate tube 280 of the aerosol generating article 2 of the second embodiment. This hollow acetate tube 380 defines a support element and has a cavity 306 that extends from the upstream end of the hollow acetate tube 380 to the downstream end of the hollow acetate tube 380.

[0254] The cavity 306 of the hollow acetate tube 380 is substantially empty, and thus, a substantially unrestricted air flow is possible along the cavity 306.

[0255] The hollow acetate tube 380 does not substantially contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol generating article. The RTD of the intermediate hollow section 250 as a whole is substantially 0 millimeters of H2O.

[0256] The aerosol generating article 3 of the third embodiment includes an aerosol cooling element 370 located immediately downstream of the hollow acetate tube 380, and the aerosol cooling element 370 is aligned with the rod 311 of the aerosol generating substrate 312 and the hollow acetate tube 380 in the longitudinal axis direction. More specifically, the upstream end of the aerosol cooling element 370 abuts against the downstream end of the hollow acetate tube 380.

[0257] In contrast to the aerosol cooling element (hollow acetate tube 290) of the aerosol generator 2 of the second embodiment, the aerosol cooling element 370 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending channels that provide a low or substantially ineffective resistance to the passage of air through the rod. More specifically, the aerosol cooling element 370 is preferably formed from a non-porous sheet material selected from the group including metal foil, polymer sheet, and substantially non-porous paper or cardboard. In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the aerosol cooling element 370 is provided in the form of a crimped sheet and an assembly of sheets of polylactic acid (PLA). The aerosol cooling element 370 has a length of about 8 millimeters and an outer diameter of about 7.25 millimeters.

[0258] The aerosol generating article 3 further includes a paper wrapper 10 having an embossed portion 313 that surrounds the rod 311 of the aerosol generating substrate 312. In this embodiment of FIG. 3, the embossed portion 313 of the paper wrapper 10 surrounds the rod 311 of the aerosol generating substrate around only a portion of the circumference of the rod 311. In this embodiment, the embossed portion 313 of the paper wrapper 10 surrounds the rod 311 of the aerosol generating substrate along the entire length of the aerosol generating article 3. The embossed portion 313 of the wrapper 10 has a water-resistant inner surface.

[0259] In this embodiment, the paper wrapper 10 extends along the entire length of the aerosol generating article 3 from the upstream end 18 to the downstream end 20. The paper wrapper 10 completely surrounds the rod 311 of the aerosol generating substrate 312, the hollow acetate tube 380, the aerosol cooling element 370, and the mouthpiece 42 around their circumference. The paper wrapper 10 defines the outer surface of the aerosol generating article 3.

[0260] The depiction of the embossed portion 313 in Figure 3 is for illustrative purposes only and therefore does not show the embossing itself or its arrangement on the embossed portion 313. Figure 3 also does not show that the inner surface of the embossed portion 313 is water-resistant. The embossed portion 313 will be described in more detail below with respect to Figures 4 and 5.

[0261] Figures 4 and 5 show, respectively, an overhead view and a side cross-sectional view of the embossing pattern on the embossed portion of a paper wrapper used in an aerosol-generating article of an embodiment of the present invention. The embossed portion 13 shown in both Figures 4 and 5 is in an unrolled state. The embossed portion 13 has multiple spaced embossings 4 in a repeating pattern. The debossing 5 is defined by the space between each embossing where the paper wrapper 10 is not embossed. Each embossing is a spherical dome. The embossed portion 13 is further defined by the pitch 6 of the embossings 4. This pitch 6 is defined by the distance between the centers of two adjacent embossings 4. The embossings 4 are also defined by their depth 7. The depth 7 of the embossing is equal to the thickness of the unembossed paper wrapper 10 plus the height of the projections of the embossings 4. Each embossing has substantially the same depth, pitch, and profile. The embossed portion 13 has an inner surface 401 that comes into direct or indirect contact with the aerosol-generating article when assembled. The inner surface 401 is water-resistant. It is the debossing 5 that comes into direct or indirect contact with the aerosol-generating article. The inner surface of the embossing 4 is spaced apart from the aerosol-generating article. The embossed portion also has an outer surface 402.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, A paper wrapper that surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the paper wrapper is It includes an embossed portion having a water-resistant inner surface, The embossed portion of the wrapper has a basis weight of 50 grams per square meter to 100 grams per square meter. The water-resistant inner surface of the wrapper contains either or both polyvinyl alcohol and silicone. Aerosol-generating articles.

2. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating article further comprises a rod of an aerosol generating substrate.

3. The aerosol generating article according to claim 2, wherein the rod of the aerosol generating substrate comprises an aerosol forming body.

4. The aerosol generating article according to claim 3, wherein the aerosol forming body is glycerin.

5. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inner surface of the embossed portion of the paper wrapper has a water contact angle of at least 30 degrees.

6. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inner surface of the embossed portion of the paper wrapper has a water contact angle of at least 40 degrees.

7. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inner surface of the embossed portion of the paper wrapper has a water contact angle of at least 45 degrees.

8. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 2 to 4, or claims 5 to 7, which references claim 2, wherein the embossed portion of the wrapper directly surrounds the rod of the aerosol generating substrate.

9. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 2 to 4, claims 5 to 7 referencing claim 2, or claim 8, wherein the embossed portion completely surrounds the rod of the aerosol generating substrate around the periphery of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate.

10. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the embossed portion of the wrapper has an embossed outer surface and a debossed inner surface.

11. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the embossed portion of the wrapper has a basis weight of 60 grams to 90 grams per square meter, most preferably 75 grams to 80 grams per square meter.

12. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the embossed portion of the wrapper has a plurality of embossed areas.

13. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the embossed portion of the wrapper has a bending moment of 3 centimeters to 8 centimeters, preferably 4 centimeters to 7 centimeters, more preferably 5 centimeters to 6 centimeters at 90 degrees.

14. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the embossed portion of the wrapper has angle markings of 10 to 40 degrees, preferably 15 to 35 degrees, more preferably 20 to 30 degrees after being bent 90 degrees.

15. An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 2 to 4, claims 5 to 7, claim 8, or claims 10 to 14, which refer to claims 2, 8, or 9, wherein the rod of the aerosol generating substrate comprises a gel composition.

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