Biodegradable cigarette filter tow and method of manufacture

Abstract

A biodegradable cigarette filter tow includes a mixture of at least two or more natural materials selected from the group consisting of hemp fiber, flax fiber, abaca fiber or pulp, sisal fiber or pulp, wood pulp, and cotton fiber or cotton flock. The mixture may also include regenerated cellulose fibers. The mixture may include a natural binder or may be hydroentangled.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to a biodegradable cigarette filter and more specifically, to a non-synthetic, natural cigarette filter tow.[0003]2. Related Art[0004]Popular smoking articles have undergone significant development in the past 50 years with a recent increased awareness of limiting consumption of chemicals which can impede the emotional enjoyment of smoking cigarettes or other products. In addressing the desire for an enhanced smoking experience, much research and development has centered around the cigarette filter which currently primarily serves the purpose of filtering the smoke generated from burning tobacco. Typically, a filter has a filter tow made from plasticized cellulose acetate and can also include polyhydric alcohols, and the tow is wrapped with an inner and outer layer of cigarette paper. The inner layer is known as the plug wrap and the outer wrapping layer is known as the tipping paper. A cigarette ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021]In one embodiment, an intimate blend of two or more natural fibers is used to form a nonwoven sheet for manufacturing of a cigarette filter element. The fiber blend also contains fiber from a regenerated natural polymer, preferably cellulose. A natural binder (adhesive) or binder derived from a natural source is applied to the nonwoven sheet. The binder may be applied such that it coats all of the constituent fiber surfaces, or may be applied in specific locations on the sheet. The optimum fiber morphology, fiber composition, binde...

Problems solved by technology

The materials making up the filter core and binder biodegrade only very slowly over lengthy periods of time and thus cause unsightly environmental litter and pollution.

In such methods however, the biodegradation rate of the entire filter is determined by the biodegradation rate of the material that can be easily biodegraded and, thus, the biodegradation rate of th...

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