Aerosol generating material and use thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating material comprising: tobacco particles comprising a tobacco material; and an expanding agent, wherein the expanding agent expands upon contact with moisture to move the tobacco particles within the aerosol generating material and expose further tobacco material. The present invention also relates to tobacco particles comprising a tobacco material and an expanding agent. Such aerosol generating material and tobacco particles can be used in a non-combustible aerosol provision system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to aerosol-generating materials comprising tobacco materials and expanding agents. It also relates to tobacco granules comprising tobacco materials and expanding agents. These aerosol-generating materials and tobacco granules can be used in non-flammable aerosol supply systems. Background Technology

[0002] Smoking products such as cigarettes and cigars produce tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Efforts have been made to provide alternatives to these products by producing products that release compounds without burning them. Examples of such products are so-called "heat-not-burn" products or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating but not burning a smokeable material. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the invention, an aerosol generating material is provided, comprising: tobacco particles containing tobacco material; and an expanding agent, wherein the expanding agent expands upon contact with moisture to cause the tobacco particles to move within the aerosol generating material and expose further tobacco material.

[0004] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material contains about 5% to about 50% by weight of an expanding agent, based on the weight of the aerosol generating material.

[0005] In some embodiments, the expanding agent is selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and croscarmellose sodium (CCS).

[0006] In some implementations, at least some of the expanding agents are included within the tobacco particles.

[0007] In some implementations, the expanding agent is distributed throughout the tobacco particles.

[0008] In some implementations, at least some of the expanding agent is present on the surface of the tobacco particles.

[0009] In some embodiments, the tobacco pellets contain a core of expansion agent surrounded by tobacco material.

[0010] In some implementations, tobacco pellets are formed by extrusion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises individual particles of an expanding agent located between tobacco particles.

[0012] In some embodiments, the tobacco material has a pH of at least about 7. In some embodiments, the tobacco has a pH of about 8 to about 9.5, or about 8.5 to about 9.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the invention, tobacco pellets comprising tobacco material and an expanding agent are provided, wherein the expanding agent expands upon contact with moisture to cause the tobacco pellets to rupture and / or break open.

[0014] In some implementations, the tobacco particles contain about 5% to about 50% by weight of an expanding agent, based on the weight of the tobacco particles.

[0015] In some implementations, tobacco pellets are formed by co-extruding tobacco material and an expanding agent.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the invention, a consumable is provided comprising an aerosol-generating material according to the first aspect, or comprising one or more tobacco particles according to the second aspect.

[0017] In some embodiments, the consumable includes a first chamber containing aerosol-generating material or one or more tobacco particles and a second chamber containing aerosolizable material.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a non-flammable aerosol supply system is provided, comprising an aerosol generating material according to the first aspect, or comprising one or more tobacco particles according to the second aspect.

[0019] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply system further includes an aerosolizable material, wherein the system is configured to heat the aerosolizable material to form vapor and / or aerosol, wherein the vapor / aerosol contacts the aerosol-generating material or one or more tobacco particles to entrain one or more of its components, and thus form an inhalable medium.

[0020] In some implementations, the vapor / aerosol contains moisture that causes the expanding agent to expand.

[0021] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, it is provided that an expanding agent in an aerosol-generating material containing tobacco particles, upon exposure to moisture, causes the tobacco particles to move within the aerosol-generating material and exposes additional tobacco material.

[0022] In some embodiments, an expanding agent is included in at least one tobacco particle and wherein the expanding agent expands upon contact with moisture to cause the tobacco particle to rupture and / or break apart.

[0023] In some implementations, the expanding agent is exposed to moisture because the aerosol generating material is exposed to moisture-containing vapor.

[0024] In some implementations, the vapor is generated by a non-flammable aerosol supply system. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a mixing system for heating aerosol-generating materials to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating materials; and

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a cartridge that can be used to contain aerosol generating materials and / or tobacco particles according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] This invention relates to aerosol-generating materials comprising tobacco material and a expanding agent. The expanding agent expands upon contact with moisture to disrupt the aerosol-generating material, thereby exposing more tobacco material to allow for the release of more tobacco components upon heating. The expanding agent also traps moisture during its expansion, thereby reducing the wetting of the tobacco material.

[0029] The present invention also relates to tobacco pellets comprising tobacco material and a expanding agent. The expanding agent expands upon contact with moisture to cause the tobacco pellets to rupture and / or break apart, thereby exposing more tobacco material to allow for the release of more tobacco components upon heating. The expanding agent also traps moisture, thereby reducing the wetting of the tobacco pellets.

[0030] This aerosol generating material and tobacco particles can be used in non-flammable aerosol supply systems (such as mixing devices) where aerosolizable materials (such as e-liquid) are heated to generate vapors and / or aerosols that pass through or across tobacco-containing aerosol generating materials or particles to pick up components, including nicotine and (tobacco-derived) flavorings and aromas.

[0031] It is known in the art that mixing devices can contain tobacco used to provide a user with an aerosol having the authentic taste and texture of tobacco. One problem with such devices is that using aerosol-generated materials results in reduced nicotine delivery, especially towards the end of the material's lifespan. This is because more volatile components, including nicotine and many flavoring and aroma compounds, are more easily released from the surface of the tobacco material. Another problem is that vapors or aerosols passing over or through the tobacco material introduce moisture. As the tobacco becomes increasingly damp in this moisture, nicotine release is negatively affected.

[0032] Expanding agent

[0033] This invention seeks to address these problems by including an expanding agent. An expanding agent is a material that expands in volume when it comes into contact with water, moisture, or humidity. In some embodiments, the expanding agent is one or more of the following: carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), croscarmellose sodium (CCS), and other materials known in the art that expand upon contact with water.

[0034] The expanding agent can be located anywhere within the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the expanding agent is dispersed within the tobacco material of the aerosol-generating material.

[0035] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material includes tobacco particles. In some embodiments, the expanding agent is located within the tobacco particles. For example, the tobacco particles may contain an expanding agent core. Alternatively, the expanding agent may be distributed within the tobacco particles, such as being uniformly distributed inside the tobacco particles. In other embodiments, the expanding agent is distributed on the outside of the tobacco particles, for example, as a complete or incomplete coating, or uniformly or non-uniformly distributed.

[0036] In embodiments where the expanding agent is located inside the tobacco pellet, the expanding agent expands upon contact with moisture and causes the pellet to rupture or break apart, thereby exposing fresh surface areas of the tobacco pellet and allowing for further release of nicotine and other tobacco components. This has the advantage of increased consistency in nicotine delivery during pellet use.

[0037] In other embodiments where the expanding agent is included simultaneously with and separate from the tobacco material, the tobacco material is optionally in the form of tobacco particles. The mixture of tobacco material and expanding agent constitutes an aerosol-generating material. The expanding agent expands as the aerosol-generating material is exposed to moisture. This expansion causes displacement within the aerosol-generating material, thereby exposing fresh surface areas of the tobacco material. It is not desirable to be bound by theory, but it is thought that the expansion of the expanding agent upon contact with moisture causes movement of the tobacco material within the aerosol-generating material, thereby exposing fresh surface areas of the tobacco material, which in turn increases nicotine release. This also has the advantage of improving the consistency of nicotine release. An additional advantage is the increased release of other flavoring agents that may be included in the aerosol-generating material.

[0038] The aerosol-generating material will include sufficient expanding agent to provide adequate expansion to expose more surface area of ​​the tobacco material during use in an aerosol supply system. In some embodiments, the expanding agent is included in the aerosol-generating material in an amount of about 5% to about 50% by weight, based on the weight of the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the expanding agent is included in an amount of at least about 5%, 10%, 2%, 30%, or at least about 40% by weight of the aerosol-generating material.

[0039] At least some suitable expanding agents used herein are known to function as binders and can be included in aerosol-generating materials due to their adhesive properties. However, these agents have not previously been incorporated into aerosol-generating materials in amounts or in manner that allow them to expand sufficiently to disrupt the aerosol-generating material. Nor have they previously been included in amounts sufficient to improve the release characteristics of the aerosol-generating material or in a manner that allows them to absorb sufficient moisture to improve the release characteristics of the aerosol-generating material. How the expanding agent is included in the aerosol-generating material also affects its effectiveness.

[0040] Tobacco materials

[0041] In some implementations, tobacco can form aggregated structures, such as particles or individual monolithic components, or it can be in the form of free-flowing particles.

[0042] Agglomerated structures offer the advantages of convenient and effective nicotine release and bulking agent binding. Furthermore, aerosol-generating materials containing tobacco in particulate form can be readily incorporated into consumables and / or aerosol supply systems (such as mixing devices).

[0043] Tobacco particles (tobacco microparticles) of desired size can be formed by grinding, chopping, cutting, or crushing tobacco material. Suitable machines for producing such tobacco particles include, for example, shredders, cutters, or mills, such as hammer mills, roller mills, or other types of commercially available milling machines.

[0044] The size of the tobacco particles is selected to provide particles that can be readily formed into aggregate structures using the methods described herein and have the properties described herein, and said particles provide a source of tobacco components that are readily released when heated in a non-flammable solvent supply system. In some embodiments, a suitable binder may be used to agglomerate the tobacco. In some embodiments, an expanding agent may be used to agglomerate the tobacco. The tobacco material may be pretreated or pre-processed.

[0045] In some embodiments, one or more binders are included in the agglomerated structure containing tobacco. This may be present in the agglomerated structure, in addition to a swelling agent, if present. In some embodiments, the one or more binders are selected from the group consisting of: thermotropic reversible gelling agents such as gelatin; starch; polysaccharides; pectin; cellulose; cellulose derivatives; and alginate. Adhesive additives may be selected to aid in the formation of the agglomerated structure by helping tobacco particles adhere to each other and to other components in the composition.

[0046] Formation of aggregate structure

[0047] In some embodiments, agglomerated structures can be formed by grinding tobacco starting material, which can be pretreated or pre-processed, to the desired particle size. An expanding agent is added to the tobacco particles to form a precursor material. Any additional components can be added to the precursor material. These additional components can be in liquid or solid form, such as particles or powders. Agglomerated structures are then formed from the resulting precursor composition by adhering the tobacco particles and optional other components to form a multi-particle entity.

[0048] In some embodiments, water may be added to the precursor composition as a processing aid. For example, the presence of water may help dissolve the components of the precursor composition, and / or it may help bind or improve aggregation.

[0049] In some embodiments, the precursor composition can be formed into an aggregate structure by a method including one or more steps selected from the group consisting of granulation, extrusion and spheroidization.

[0050] The extrusion of the precursor composition involves feeding the precursor composition through an orifice to produce extruded agglomerates. The process of applying pressure combined with shear force to the precursor composition produces the agglomerated structure.

[0051] Extrusion can be performed using one of the main categories of extruders: screw, sieve and basket, roller, plunger, and pin extruders. Forming agglomerated structures through extrusion offers the advantage that this process combines the mixing, conditioning, homogenization, and molding of the precursor composition.

[0052] In some embodiments, the expanding agent is added to the precursor composition and co-extruded. This has the advantage that the expanding agent is uniformly distributed throughout the formed aggregate structure. Other materials may also be added to the extrusion process, such as alkali, diluents, solid aerosol forming agents, solid flavor modifiers, and other additives known in the art. In some embodiments, the expanding agent is added after the tobacco material is extruded.

[0053] Types of tobacco

[0054] Tobacco materials can be fermented, cured, uncured, roasted, or otherwise pretreated. Tobacco can be, for example, stems, flakes, dust, or mixtures thereof. Suitable tobacco materials include the following tobacco types: Virginia tobacco or flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, Oriental tobacco, or blends of tobacco materials. Tobacco can be expanded, such as dry ice expanded tobacco (DIET), or processed by any other means, such as extrusion.

[0055] Tobacco pH treatment

[0056] In some embodiments, the tobacco contained in the aerosol-generating material is pH-treated. The tobacco material can be treated with an alkali to promote nicotine release. For example, nicotine is released from nicotine salts in the tobacco by reacting with an alkali. The pH-adjusted nicotine then volatilizes at a lower temperature during use.

[0057] In some embodiments, the pH is adjusted by adding one or more bases or alkaline buffer systems. In some embodiments, the pH of the tobacco material is at least about 7.5. In some embodiments, the tobacco material has a pH of about 8 to about 9.5, or about 8.5 to about 9.

[0058] Other components

[0059] Any additional components may be added to the aerosol-generating material and / or agglomerate structure. These additional components may be in liquid or solid form. The additional solid components are preferably in particulate or powder form. Examples of additional components include one or more of the following: pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0060] In some embodiments, by including particles of an inert filler material in the precursor composition, the aggregated structure formed from the tobacco material can have an increased surface area. Suitable inert fillers can be porous or non-porous.

[0061] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material and / or agglomeration structure further includes at least one aerosol-former material. The aerosol-former material may include one or more components capable of forming aerosols. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may include one or more of glycerol, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl caprylate, triethyl citrate, glyceryl triacetate, a mixture of glyceryl diacetate, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, glyceryl tribanoate, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. Combinations of aerosol-formers may be used in the same or different proportions.

[0062] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material and / or aggregate structure further comprise a preservative. Suitable preservatives are readily known to those skilled in the art and include those that are safe for use, for example, in the production of products that produce inhalable aerosols. Examples of preservatives that may be used include: propylene glycol, carvacrol, thymol, L-menthol, 1,8-cineole, phenoxyethanol, phytoCide, sorbic acid and its salts, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, ethylhexylglycerin, parabens, and vitamins such as vitamin E or vitamin C.

[0063] Flavorings

[0064] In some embodiments, one or more flavoring agents are included in the aerosol-generating material and / or aggregate structure. As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent" and "flavoring agent" refer to materials that, where permitted by local regulations, can be used in products for adult consumers to produce a desired taste, aroma, or other sensory experience. These may include naturally occurring flavoring materials, botanicals, plant extracts, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice (glycyrrhizin), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf). Leaf), chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, Japanese matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, vanilla, holly, cherry, berries, raspberry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, black nightshade, bourbon, Scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, West Indian bitter orange, nutmeg, hairy palm, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, areca nut, hookah, pine Honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, neroli, cherry blossom, cinnamon, coriander, French brandy, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, allspice, ginger, coriander, coffee, peppermint oil from any species of peppermint, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper berries, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, fennel, oregano, chili pepper, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, perilla, turmeric, coriander leaf, beetle, blackcurrant, valerian, peppermint, nutmeg, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon barley. This includes balm, lemon basil, chives, wormwood, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene, flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor blockers, sensory receptor activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acetylsupanose potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. These can be imitations, synthetic or natural ingredients, or blends thereof. They can be in any suitable form, such as liquids like oils, solids like powders, or gases.

[0065] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes flavoring components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits, and / or cranberry. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes flavoring components extracted from tobacco.

[0066] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent may include a sensate designed to induce a somatosensory sensation, which is typically chemically induced and perceived by stimulating the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or in place of the aroma or taste nerves. These sensates may include agents that provide hot, cold, tingling, or numbing effects. Suitable heat-effecting agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable coolants may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol WS-3.

[0067] Consumables

[0068] Consumables are articles comprising or composed of aerosol-generating materials, some or all of which are intended to be consumed by the user during use. Consumables may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a nozzle, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which heats the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol during use. The heater may, for example, comprise a flammable material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a sensor.

[0069] Delivery system

[0070] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to include systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes non-flammable aerosol supply systems (such as tobacco heating products) that release compounds from aerosol generating materials without burning the aerosol generating materials, as well as mixing systems that use combinations of aerosol generating materials to generate aerosols.

[0071] According to this disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol supply system (or its components) does not burn or ignite, in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0072] In some implementations, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as an electric non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0073] In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heated non-combustible system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0074] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a mixing system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols, and one or more of the aerosol-generating materials can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials can be in the form of, for example, solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system includes liquid or gel aerosol-generating materials and solid aerosol-generating materials. Solid aerosol-generating materials may include tobacco.

[0075] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables used in conjunction with the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0076] In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-flammable aerosol supply devices. Throughout this disclosure, these consumables are sometimes referred to as articles.

[0077] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as its non-flammable aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. For example, the power source may be an electrical source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to the aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material adjacent to the exothermic power source.

[0078] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, nozzles, filters, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0079] In some embodiments, consumables used with the non-flammable aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material delivery component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating area, housing, packaging paper, filter, nozzle and / or aerosol modifier.

[0080] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example of a non-flammable aerosol supply system is shown. This system is for heating a mixture of aerosol-generating material and an aerosolizable material such as a liquid. Device 1 has a housing 2 containing a chamber 4, which, in use, contains the aerosol-generating material 3 to be heated and volatilized. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises a plurality of tobacco particles containing an expander as discussed herein, contained in the chamber or disposed in a cartridge, similar to... Figure 2The cigarette cartridge shown. Alternatively or additionally, the expanding agent is in the form of individual particles located within the tobacco particles. The housing 2 also includes a liquid reservoir 5 containing a liquid 6 to be heated to form vapor.

[0081] Device 1 further includes an electronics / electricity chamber 7, which may, for example, contain electrical control circuitry and / or a power supply (not shown). The electrical control circuitry may include a controller, such as a microprocessor arrangement, configured and arranged to control the heating of the aerosol-generating material and liquid 6 via one or more heating elements (not shown). The electrical control circuitry may allow device 21 to be aspirated to heat the aerosol-generating material "on demand." Alternatively, device 2 may have a manually operable switch for user-initiated aspiration.

[0082] The housing 2 also includes an inlet 8 through which air is drawn into the device. The housing 2 also includes an outlet 9 at the nozzle 10 of the device 1. Air is drawn into the device 1 through the inlet 8, travels through the device, picks up vapors generated by heating the liquid 6 in the liquid reservoir 5, and active substances and volatile components released by the aerosol generating material 3, and the resulting aerosols generated by the device leave the device through the outlet 9 and are inhaled by the user.

[0083] exist Figure 1 The mixing device 1 shown schematically represents only one possible configuration of such a device. The relative positions of the liquid reservoir 5 and the aerosol generating material chamber 4 can be changed, as can the path of airflow through the device.

[0084] In one embodiment, the liquid reservoir is located upstream of the aerosol-generating material to be volatilized. Alternatively, the liquid reservoir may be located downstream of the aerosol-generating material to be volatilized. In yet another arrangement, the two aerosol sources in the device may be arranged side by side, etc.

[0085] In some embodiments, vapor generated by heating the liquid in the liquid reservoir flows over or through the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the increased temperature of the vapor causes the release of volatile components. The vapor also carries moisture, which is absorbed by the expanding agent and causes it to expand.

[0086] Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-generating material can be heated separately by a heating device.

[0087] In some embodiments, a mixing apparatus is provided in which vapor generated by heating a liquid heats the aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material. The vapor also carries moisture that causes the expanding agent to expand. In some embodiments, the liquid is a nicotine-free liquid. In other embodiments, the liquid contains nicotine. In some embodiments where the aerosol-generating material is heated by vapor to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material, the apparatus does not include a separate device for heating the aerosol-generating material.

[0088] In some embodiments, the hybrid product described herein may receive a consumable in the form of a container or cartridge containing aerosol-generating material. These containers or cartridges may be removable. They may replace the above-mentioned... Figure 1 The described device, and in the alternative embodiments discussed, contains both the chamber for accommodating the aerosol-generating material and the aerosol-generating material itself.

[0089] Reference Figure 2 The image shows a tobacco segment cartridge 11, which includes a housing 12 defining a cavity in which one or more aerosol-generating material particles (not shown) are contained. The housing 12 may be made, for example, of molded plastic. To allow inhaled air to enter the cartridge 11 and pass over or through the one or more aerosol-generating material particles and then exit the cartridge 11, vents 13 are provided in the housing 12 of the cartridge 11. In some embodiments, the cartridge 11 may further include a heating device that is heatable by suitable means to heat the one or more aerosol-generating material particles contained therein.

[0090] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of implementations and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, implementations, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. In addition to those specifically described herein, various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, constitute, or substantially constitute suitable combinations of, the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating material, the aerosol generating material comprising: tobacco particles, the tobacco particles comprising tobacco material; and an expanding agent, wherein... The expanding agent expands upon contact with moisture to cause the tobacco particles to move within the aerosol-generating material and expose additional tobacco material, wherein the moisture is moisture in the vapor formed when the aerosolizable material is heated by a non-flammable aerosol supply system.

2. The aerosol generating material according to claim 1, wherein, based on the weight of the aerosol generating material, it comprises 5% to 50% by weight of the expanding agent.

3. The aerosol generating material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The expanding agent is selected from the group consisting of: carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and croscarmellose sodium (CCS).

4. The aerosol generating material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least some of the expanding agent is contained within the tobacco particles.

5. The aerosol generating material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The expanding agent is distributed throughout the tobacco particles.

6. The aerosol generating material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least some of the expanding agent is present on the surface of the tobacco particles.

7. The aerosol generating material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tobacco particles comprise an expanding agent core surrounded by tobacco material.

8. The aerosol generating material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The tobacco particles are formed by extrusion.

9. The aerosol generating material according to claim 1 or 2, comprising individual particles of an expanding agent located between tobacco particles.

10. The aerosol generating material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The tobacco material has a pH of at least 7.

11. The aerosol generating material according to claim 10, wherein, The tobacco material has a pH of 8 to 9.

5.

12. The aerosol generating material according to claim 10, wherein, The tobacco material has a pH of 8.5 to 9.

13. A tobacco particle used in aerosol generating materials, the tobacco particle comprising tobacco material and a expanding agent, wherein, The expanding agent expands upon contact with moisture to cause the tobacco particles to break apart, wherein the moisture is moisture in the vapor formed when the aerosolizable material is heated by a non-flammable aerosol supply system.

14. The tobacco pellets of claim 13, wherein the expanding agent comprises 5% to 50% by weight of the tobacco pellets.

15. The tobacco pellets according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The tobacco particles are formed by co-extruding the tobacco material and the expanding agent.

16. A consumable comprising the aerosol-generating material of any one of claims 1 to 12, or comprising one or more tobacco particles of any one of claims 13 to 15.

17. The consumable of claim 16, comprising: A first chamber, the first chamber containing the aerosol generating material or one or more tobacco particles; And a second chamber containing an aerosolizable material.

18. A non-flammable aerosol supply system comprising the aerosol generating material of any one of claims 1 to 12, or comprising one or more tobacco particles of any one of claims 13 to 15.

19. The non-flammable aerosol supply system according to claim 18, further comprising an aerosolizable material, wherein, The non-flammable aerosol supply system is configured to heat the aerosolizable material to form vapor, wherein the vapor contacts the aerosol-generating material or one or more tobacco particles to entrain one or more of its components, and thus form an inhalable medium.

20. The non-flammable aerosol supply system according to claim 19, wherein, The vapor contains the moisture that causes the expanding agent to expand.

21. Use of a swelling agent in an aerosol-generating material containing tobacco particles, said swelling agent, upon exposure to moisture, causes the tobacco particles to move within the aerosol-generating material and expose further tobacco material, wherein, The moisture is the moisture in the vapor formed when the aerosolizable material is heated by a non-flammable aerosol supply system.

22. The use according to claim 21, wherein, The expanding agent is contained in at least one tobacco particle, and wherein the expanding agent expands upon contact with the moisture to cause the tobacco particle to rupture.

23. The use according to claim 21 or 22, wherein, The expanding agent is exposed to the moisture due to the aerosol generating material being exposed to vapors containing the moisture.

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