An e-liquid containing no or a small amount of glycerol

Abstract

The present application provides an electronic cigarette liquid without or with a small amount of glycerol, characterized in that it comprises the following components by mass: 5-60 parts of water; 5-50 parts of a water-soluble smoke providing component which is solid at room temperature; and 0-30 parts of glycerol. The electronic cigarette liquid is environmentally friendly, safe, comfortable in taste, good in smoke effect and low in viscosity. Since the water-soluble smoke providing component is used, the problem that the atomization amount of the electronic cigarette is significantly reduced when the water content in the electronic cigarette liquid is greater than 10% is avoided, so that the safety and the smoking taste of the electronic cigarette liquid are improved under the condition of ensuring a certain smoke amount.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of e-cigarette liquids, and more particularly to an e-cigarette liquid that contains little or no glycerin. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the main ingredients in e-cigarettes on the market are glycerin and propylene glycol. Glycerin primarily functions to vaporize and produce smoke. Traditionally, glycerin is considered to have a sweet taste and a strong chemical feel when inhaled, making it less appealing to users compared to traditional cigarettes.

[0003] Furthermore, it has long been believed that water has a significant impact on the atomization effect of traditional e-liquids that use glycerin and propylene glycol as the main atomizing agents. When the water content in e-liquid is greater than 10%, the atomization volume of e-liquid is significantly reduced.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a brand-new e-cigarette liquid that contains a small amount of glycerin or even none of it, in order to improve the safety and vaping experience of the e-cigarette liquid while ensuring a certain amount of vapor production. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an electronic cigarette e-liquid that is environmentally friendly, safe, has a comfortable taste, good smoke generation effect and low viscosity.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An e-cigarette liquid containing little or no glycerin is characterized by comprising the following components in parts by weight: 5-60 parts water; 5-50 parts a vapor-providing component that is solid at room temperature and soluble in water; and 0-30 parts glycerin. The vapor-providing component is a sugar alcohol. Traditionally, sugar alcohols are considered crystalline solids with no fluidity and therefore unsuitable as atomizing agents in e-cigarettes. Furthermore, water is traditionally believed to significantly impact the atomization effect of e-cigarette liquids that primarily use glycerin and propylene glycol as atomizing agents; when the water content in the e-cigarette liquid exceeds 10%, the atomization rate decreases significantly. This invention uses a sugar alcohol dissolved in water as the vapor-providing component, serving as the main atomizing component in the e-cigarette liquid formulation.

[0008] Furthermore, the average vapor production per puff of the e-cigarette liquid is greater than or equal to 0.80 ug / puff, where the vapor production is the weight of the captured aerosol. This invention has discovered through research that e-cigarette liquids containing a mixture of sugar alcohols dissolved in water have excellent vapor production effects, with a vapor production volume no less than that of a mixture of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0009] Further, the electronic cigarette liquid is characterized by comprising the following components in parts by weight: 10 to 50 parts sugar alcohol; 0 to 30 parts glycerin; and 20 to 50 parts water.

[0010] Furthermore, the e-cigarette liquid is composed of the following components in parts by weight: 20 to 30 parts sugar alcohol; 0 to 10 parts glycerin; and 20 to 40 parts water.

[0011] Further, the sugar alcohol is selected from at least one of erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, and sorbitol; preferably, a mixture of erythritol and xylitol, wherein the mass ratio of erythritol to xylitol is 1:1 to 1:4; more preferably, a mixture of erythritol, sorbitol, and xylitol, wherein the mass ratio of erythritol to xylitol is 1:1 to 1:4, and the mass ratio of erythritol to sorbitol is 1:1 to 1:4. Extensive experiments have shown that when a mixture of erythritol and xylitol with a mass ratio between 1:1 and 1:4 is used, and particularly when sorbitol is added in a mass ratio between 1:1 and 1:4 with erythritol, the e-cigarette liquid achieves an optimal balance in terms of vapor production, physical properties, and taste. In this invention, water is used instead of most of the glycerin as the solvent in the atomizer; compared to glycerin, water has significantly better taste and safety. Erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, and sorbitol are all commonly used sugar substitutes and are widely accepted by consumers; their safety has also been tested over a long period. Therefore, even if the electronic cigarette of this invention is accidentally ingested, it will not cause serious consequences.

[0012] Furthermore, the e-cigarette liquid includes substances for enhancing aroma and / or tobacco extracts. The substances for enhancing aroma include tobacco flavorings and / or tobacco fragrances, preferably in quantities of 0.01 to 10 parts by weight. The tobacco extracts preferably have a weight component of 0 to 20 parts. Flavorings are generally liquid, while fragrances are generally solid. The solvent for flavorings and / or fragrances is primarily water. To promote solubility and inhibit mold growth, a small amount of propylene glycol or ethanol may be added as a solubilizer or mold inhibitor, but only to the extent that it does not affect the taste or cause an intoxicating effect on the consumer.

[0013] The present invention also provides an electronic cigarette atomizing agent, characterized in that the electronic cigarette atomizing agent is composed of the following components in parts by weight: 5 to 50 parts of sugar alcohol; 5 to 60 parts of water; and 0 to 30 parts of glycerol.

[0014] Furthermore, the electronic cigarette atomizing agent is composed of the following components in parts by weight: 10 to 50 parts sugar alcohol; 0 to 30 parts glycerol; and 20 to 50 parts water.

[0015] Furthermore, the electronic cigarette atomizing agent is composed of the following components in parts by weight: 20 to 30 parts sugar alcohol; 0 to 10 parts glycerol; and 20 to 40 parts water.

[0016] Furthermore, the sugar alcohol is selected from at least one of erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, and sorbitol.

[0017] Furthermore, the sugar alcohol is a mixture of erythritol and xylitol, and the mass ratio of erythritol to xylitol is 1:1 to 1:4.

[0018] Furthermore, the sugar alcohol is a mixture of erythritol, xylitol and sorbitol, wherein the mass ratio of erythritol, xylitol and sorbitol is 1:1:1 to 1:4:4.

[0019] The present invention also provides an electronic e-liquid comprising the electronic atomizing agent described in any of the preceding claims.

[0020] Furthermore, it also includes substances for enhancing aroma and / or tobacco extracts.

[0021] Furthermore, the substances used to enhance aroma include tobacco flavorings and / or tobacco fragrances.

[0022] Furthermore, the e-liquid has low viscosity. Water can reduce the viscosity of e-liquid and improve its solubility for flavoring substances. Therefore, the viscosity of this e-liquid formulation is lower than that of glycerin + propylene glycol e-liquid, allowing it to be used at lower power, reducing heating power, avoiding carbonization and coking caused by high heating coil temperature, and extending battery life.

[0023] Furthermore, the e-liquid has a low boiling point. The atomizer design, with sugar alcohols and water as the main components, results in a new formula with lower viscosity and boiling point than traditional formulas, reducing carbon buildup, extending battery life, and lowering the production cost of e-cigarettes.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0025] 1. The atomizer design, with sugar alcohols and water as the main components, offers superior safety and inhalation experience compared to traditional glycerin atomizers.

[0026] 2. This formula has the advantages of low cost and simple production. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The features and advantages of this patent are described in detail below in specific embodiments. The content is sufficient to enable those skilled in the art to understand the technical content of this patent and implement it accordingly. Furthermore, based on this specification, claims and drawings, those skilled in the art can easily understand the purpose and advantages of this patent.

[0028] Example 1:

[0029] S1: Erythritol and xylitol are dissolved in water, wherein the mass ratio of erythritol, xylitol and water is 1:4:6.

[0030] S2: Mix the caramel tobacco water-soluble flavoring with the mixture from step S1 to obtain the e-cigarette liquid of this embodiment, wherein the mass ratio of the caramel tobacco water-soluble flavoring to the mixture from S1 is 1:10.

[0031] Example 2:

[0032] S1: Erythritol and xylitol are dissolved in water, wherein the mass ratio of erythritol, xylitol and water is 1:4:4.

[0033] S2: Mix the tobacco extract paste with the mixture from step S1 until homogeneous to obtain the e-cigarette liquid of this embodiment, wherein the mass ratio of the tobacco extract paste to the mixture from step S1 is 1:10.

[0034] Example 3:

[0035] S1: Erythritol and xylitol are dissolved in water, wherein the mass ratio of erythritol, xylitol and water is 1:4:5.

[0036] S2: Mix the orange soda-flavored water-soluble flavoring with the mixture from step S1 until homogeneous to obtain the e-cigarette liquid of this embodiment, wherein the mass ratio of the orange soda-flavored water-soluble flavoring to the mixture from step S1 is 1:10.

[0037] Example 4:

[0038] S1: Erythritol, mannitol and glycerol are dissolved in water, wherein the mass ratio of erythritol, mannitol, glycerol and water is 1:4:2:6.

[0039] S2: Mix the caramel tobacco flavored water-soluble flavoring with the mixture from step S1 to obtain the e-cigarette liquid of this embodiment, wherein the mass ratio of the caramel tobacco flavored water-soluble flavoring to the mixture from step S1 is 1:10.

[0040] Example 5:

[0041] S1: Erythritol, xylitol and glycerol are dissolved in water, wherein the mass ratio of erythritol, xylitol, glycerol and water is 1:4:2:5.

[0042] S2: Mix the hawthorn-flavored water-soluble flavoring with the mixture from step S1 until homogeneous to obtain the e-cigarette liquid of this embodiment, wherein the mass ratio of the hawthorn-flavored water-soluble flavoring to the mixture from step S1 is 1:10.

[0043] Example 6:

[0044] S1: Erythritol, xylitol and glycerol are dissolved in water, wherein the mass ratio of erythritol, xylitol, glycerol and water is 1:6:4:10.

[0045] S2: Mix the hawthorn-flavored water-soluble flavoring with the mixture from step S1 to obtain the e-cigarette liquid of this embodiment, wherein the mass ratio of the hawthorn-flavored water-soluble flavoring to the mixture from step S1 is 1:19.

[0046] Example 7:

[0047] S1: Erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol and glycerol are dissolved in water, wherein the mass ratio of erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, glycerol and water is 1:4:1:2:5.

[0048] S2: Mix the water-soluble mint flavoring with the mixture from step S1 until homogeneous to obtain the e-cigarette liquid of this embodiment, wherein the mass ratio of the water-soluble mint flavoring to the mixture from step S1 is 1:10.

[0049] Example 8:

[0050] S1: Erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol and glycerol are dissolved in water, wherein the mass ratio of erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, glycerol and water is 1:4:1:1:2:5.

[0051] S2: Mix the caramel tobacco flavored water-soluble flavoring with the mixture from step S1 to obtain the e-cigarette liquid of this embodiment, wherein the mass ratio of the caramel tobacco flavored water-soluble flavoring to the mixture from step S1 is 1:20.

[0052] Example 9:

[0053] S1: Dissolve xylitol in water, wherein the mass ratio of xylitol to water is 1:1.

[0054] S2: Mix the caramel tobacco flavored water-soluble flavoring with the mixture from step S1 to obtain the e-cigarette liquid of this embodiment, wherein the mass ratio of the caramel tobacco flavored water-soluble flavoring to the mixture from step S1 is 1:20.

[0055] Example 10:

[0056] S1: Erythritol is dissolved in water, wherein the mass ratio of erythritol to water is 1:4.

[0057] S2: Mix the orange soda-flavored water-soluble flavoring with the mixture from step S1 to obtain the e-cigarette liquid of this embodiment, wherein the mass ratio of the caramel tobacco flavoring to the mixture from step S1 is 1:20.

[0058] Examples 11-20 and Comparative Examples 1-8:

[0059] The raw materials were mixed according to the mass ratio of each component in Table 1 and stirred evenly to obtain the electronic e-liquids of Examples 11-20 and Comparative Examples 1-8.

[0060] Table 1: Mass ratio of each component in Examples 11-20 and Comparative Examples 1-8

[0061]

[0062] Smoke Capture Test 1

[0063] The e-cigarette liquid of Example 6 was filled into the e-cigarette device, and inhaled using a linear inhalation machine (model: SM450) according to the bell curve conditions. During inhalation, the e-cigarette device was connected to an external constant voltage source of 4.5V. The inhalation mode was a square wave curve, with each puff lasting 3 seconds and an interval of 30 seconds.

[0064] Smoke volume was captured using 45 mm Cambridge glass fiber filters, and the amount of material captured by the Cambridge filters was measured using a gravimetric method. All substances except water were captured by the Cambridge filters, forming smoke.

[0065] The smoke capture data for this embodiment is detailed in Table 2.

[0066] Table 2 Smoke capture data from Smoke Capture Test 1

[0067]

[0068] The weight captured by the filter can be considered as the gaseous component of the atomizing agent after heating, i.e., the vapor portion. The weight loss of the device represents the portion of the e-liquid that evaporates upon heating in the electronic cigarette device. Since water is not captured by the filter, the amount captured by the filter is less than the weight loss of the device. Combining the data from both, the capture rate can be calculated. Comparing this with the composition ratio of the e-liquid, it can be found that the capture rate is directly proportional to the solute portion of the e-liquid. Therefore, the atomization amount of the electronic e-liquid of this invention, which contains little or no glycerin, is directly proportional to the solute portion of the e-liquid.

[0069] Using the same electronic cigarette device, e-liquid made of pure glycerin, and the same smoking machine, the weight of the filter and the device was measured before and after the experiment to obtain data on filter capture and device weight loss, as shown in Table 3.

[0070] Table 3. Smoke capture data of pure glycerol

[0071]

[0072] Because glycerin readily absorbs moisture from the air, the amount captured by the filter is higher than the instrument's weight loss data.

[0073] As can be seen from the comparison of Tables 2 and 3, the e-liquid of the present invention, which contains little or no glycerin, has a similar atomization amount to glycerin. Under the condition that the solute content in the e-liquid is 60%, the atomization amount of the e-liquid containing little or no glycerin is 60% of that of pure glycerin e-liquid under the same conditions.

[0074] When the e-cigarette liquids of Examples 1-20 were added to a regular e-cigarette atomizer and inhaled normally, a pale blue vapor visible to the naked eye was produced. Continuous inhalation did not significantly reduce the vapor volume, and the flavor remained stable. Experiments showed that, compared to a 1:1 glycerin-propylene glycol e-liquid, the atomizer of this invention with a water content of 50% also had a collection weight close to 50% of the collection weight of a 1:1 glycerin-propylene glycol e-liquid. Visual observation of the vapor volume produced during inhalation also showed that the atomizer of this invention with a water content of 50% also had a vapor volume close to 50% of the vapor volume of a 1:1 glycerin-propylene glycol e-liquid.

[0075] Sensory evaluation test 1

[0076] In addition to comparing vapor production by weighing, visual observation and subjective evaluation methods were also used to evaluate the vapor production of e-liquids containing little or no glycerin. The sensory quality of the e-liquids described in this embodiment of the invention was tested. The sensory quality evaluation criteria are shown in Table 4, including five evaluation items: vapor production, sweetness, irritation, off-flavors, and aftertaste. Each evaluation item has a maximum scale of 9 points, and each evaluation item is scored in units of 1 point.

[0077] Table 4 Sensory Quality Scoring Standards for Electronic Cigarette Liquids

[0078]

[0079] Evaluation method: Provide the sampling technical experts with the sample and sensory quality evaluation standard table, and evaluate each indicator according to the requirements of the table.

[0080] Results statistics: All evaluation results from the evaluation experts were valid. The arithmetic mean of each expert's individual evaluation results was calculated, rounded to one decimal place. The arithmetic mean of each individual result was then summed to obtain the total score.

[0081] Table 5: Comparison of E-liquid Evaluation Data between E-liquids with or without a small amount of glycerin and Traditional E-liquids

[0082]

[0083] Smoke Capture Test 2

[0084] The prepared e-liquids of Example 14 and Comparative Examples 1-8 were respectively poured into the e-cigarette device's oil reservoir and inhaled using an e-cigarette device, with the Cambridge filter capturing the aerosol. The weight change of the Cambridge filter before and after the first 50 puffs was precisely measured using a weighing method to obtain the average weight of aerosol per puff. The data of the e-liquids of Example 14 and Comparative Examples 1-8 were compared to measure the vapor production of the e-liquids. Specific data are shown in Table 6:

[0085] Table 6: Comparison of vapor production per puff between e-liquids with little or no glycerin and traditional e-liquids.

[0086]

[0087] According to the data in Table 6, the proportion of water in traditional e-liquids should not be too high, otherwise it will significantly reduce the amount of vapor and affect the vaping quality. However, adding vapor-providing components to water can significantly increase the amount of vapor.

[0088] In Example 14, the prepared e-liquid was poured into the e-cigarette device's oil reservoir and inhaled using an e-cigarette device, with the Cambridge filter capturing the aerosol.

[0089] The weight change of the Cambridge filter before and after capture was accurately measured using a gravimetric method to obtain the weight of aerosol in each puff. Data from Comparative Example 8 were measured under the same experimental conditions to compare the two sets of data, which were used to measure the vapor production of e-liquids with or without glycerin. Specific data are shown in Table 7.

[0090] Table 7: Comparison of average vapor production (ug / puff) between e-liquids with little or no glycerin and traditional e-liquids

[0091]

[0092] The data in Table 7 demonstrates that the addition of a vapor-generating agent significantly increases the vapor production of e-liquids with little or no glycerin. The results are only slightly lower than those of traditional e-liquids. When directly inhaled on a vaping device, the vapor production, as observed visually, is at an acceptable level.

[0093] Based on the data in Table 7 and the evaluation experiment, the following conclusions were drawn: e-cigarette liquids containing little or no glycerin produce slightly less vapor than traditional glycerin- or propylene glycol-based e-liquids. They are suitable for smokers seeking a low to medium vapor production.

[0094] Experiment 1 for the detection of carbonyl compounds

[0095] In the field of e-cigarette research, the safety of e-liquid is usually assessed by measuring the content of aldehydes and ketones in the aerosol.

[0096] 1) The samples selected for the experiment were: propylene glycol, glycerin, blank atomizer, commercially available e-cigarette liquid sample 70 (Cloud No. 1 e-cigarette liquid), commercially available e-cigarette liquid sample 82 (Huanghelou vapor e-cigarette liquid), the mixture sample obtained in step 1 of Example 1 (code S1, two samples in total, namely S1-1 and S1-2), and the e-cigarette liquid obtained in step 2 of Example 1 (code S2, two samples in total, namely S2-1 and S2-2).

[0097] 2) Testing Methods

[0098] 2.1) Linear Inhalation Machine Test Procedure: The above samples were poured into the electronic cigarette device, and inhaled using a linear inhalation machine (model: SM450) according to the bell curve conditions. During inhalation, the electronic cigarette device was connected to a constant voltage source of 4.5V. The inhalation curve was a square wave curve, the inhalation volume was 55mL, the inhalation time was 3 seconds per puff, with a 30-second interval, for a total of 30 puffs. The vapor volume was captured using two 45mm Cambridge glass fiber filters (containing aldehyde and ketone derivatization reagents).

[0099] 2.2) High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Detection Procedure: The content of major carbonyl compounds in the collected material was determined using the industry standard method "Determination of Major Carbonyl Compounds in Mainstream Cigarette Smoke".

[0100] 2.3) Synchronization steps between electronic cigarette and smoking machine: Traditional atomizers (resistance wire + oil-wicking cotton) are synchronized with the smoking machine using a regulated power supply module (maximum voltage 6.2V, test voltage 4V); ultrasonic atomizers have no external devices, are connected to their own battery, and are manually synchronized with the smoking machine by pressing the switch.

[0101] 2.4) Verification of the need for an absorption bottle: A high concentration of aldehyde and ketone standards was added to the blank atomizing agent. Based on the experimental method described above, an experiment was conducted by connecting an absorption bottle containing 10 ml of aldehyde and ketone derivatization reagent to the e-cigarette. The experimental results showed that no aldehydes or ketones were detected in the derivatized liquid in the absorption bottle. Therefore, the e-cigarette collector can collect all aldehyde and ketone compounds in 30 puffs of e-cigarette vapor with two filter elements, eliminating the need for an absorption bottle.

[0102] The test results are as follows:

[0103] Table 8. Aldehyde and Ketone Data for Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, and Blank Atomizing Agent in Conventional Atomizers

[0104]

[0105] Table 9. Aldehyde and ketone data for two commercially available e-liquids in traditional atomizers.

[0106]

[0107] Table 10 Aldehyde and ketone data for samples S1 and S2 from conventional atomizers.

[0108]

[0109] Note: ND = Not detected.

[0110] As can be seen from the comparison in Tables 8-10, no carbonyl compounds or other harmful substances were found after atomization of the e-cigarette atomizer containing no or a small amount of glycerin, or the e-cigarette oil containing no or a small amount of glycerin, according to the present invention. Compared with the gaseous phase composition of ordinary e-cigarette atomizers, the atomizer containing no or a small amount of glycerin has better safety.

[0111] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and does not constitute any limitation on this application. Although this application discloses preferred embodiments as described above, it is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application using the disclosed technical content are equivalent to equivalent implementation cases and fall within the scope of the technical solution.

[0112] The terminology and expressions used herein are for descriptive purposes only, and the invention should not be limited to these terms and expressions. The use of these terms and expressions does not imply the exclusion of any illustrative and descriptive equivalents (or parts thereof), and it should be recognized that various modifications that may exist should also be included within the scope of the claims. Other modifications, variations, and substitutions may also exist. Accordingly, the claims should be considered to cover all such equivalents.

[0113] Similarly, it should be noted that although the present invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments described above, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention, and various equivalent changes or substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, any changes or modifications to the above embodiments within the scope of the essential spirit of the present invention will fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electronic cigarette liquid containing little or no glycerin, characterized in that, The components include the following parts by weight: 20 to 40 parts water; The component provided is 20 to 30 parts of solid, water-soluble smoke at room temperature. The smoke-providing component is a sugar alcohol, which is a mixture of erythritol, sorbitol and xylitol. The mass ratio of erythritol to xylitol is 1:1 to 1:4 and the mass ratio of erythritol to sorbitol is 1:1 to 1:

4. and 0 to 20 parts of glycerin Tobacco extract components: 0 to 20 parts by weight. The average atomization volume of the e-cigarette liquid per puff is greater than or equal to 0.80 ug / puff.

2. The electronic cigarette liquid according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes substances used to enhance aroma.

3. The electronic cigarette liquid according to claim 2, characterized in that, The substances used to enhance aroma include tobacco flavorings and / or tobacco fragrances.

4. The electronic cigarette liquid according to claim 3, characterized in that, The e-cigarette liquid contains 0.01 to 10 parts by weight of a substance used to enhance aroma.

5. An electronic cigarette atomizing agent, characterized in that, The electronic cigarette atomizing agent is composed of the following components in parts by weight: 20 to 40 parts water; The component provided is 20 to 30 parts of solid, water-soluble smoke at room temperature. The smoke-providing component is a sugar alcohol, which is a mixture of erythritol, sorbitol and xylitol. The mass ratio of erythritol to xylitol is 1:1 to 1:4 and the mass ratio of erythritol to sorbitol is 1:1 to 1:

4. 0 to 10 parts glycerin; Tobacco extract components: 0 to 20 parts by weight; The electronic cigarette atomizing agent has an average atomization volume of greater than or equal to 0.80 ug / puff during inhalation.

6. The electronic cigarette atomizing agent according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes substances used to enhance aroma.

7. The electronic cigarette atomizing agent according to claim 6, characterized in that, The substances used to enhance aroma include tobacco flavorings and / or tobacco fragrances.

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