An aerosol generating material and a method of making and using the same

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of heated cigarette technology, specifically relating to an aerosol generating material, its preparation method, and its applications. The aerosol generating material comprises: a base paper layer, an atomizing agent release-promoting layer, and an aroma-releasing layer; wherein, the surface of the base paper layer is loaded with the atomizing agent release-promoting layer, and the surface of the atomizing agent release-promoting layer is loaded with the aroma-releasing layer; the atomizing agent release-promoting layer comprises: an atomizing agent and an atomizing agent release-promoting material, wherein the atomizing agent release-promoting material is selected from a loosely structured material. To facilitate the synergistic release of aroma-releasing substances by the atomizing agent, this invention layers the atomizing agent and aroma-releasing substances, placing the atomizing agent at the bottom of the aroma-releasing substance to facilitate the formation of a smoke aerosol after atomization. Furthermore, the atomizing agent release-promoting material forms atomizing agent release channels within the atomizing agent release-promoting layer, thereby promoting atomizing agent release, reducing atomizing agent residue, and ultimately promoting smoke release.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of heated cigarette technology, specifically relating to an aerosol generating material, its preparation method, and its applications. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the increasing global efforts to control tobacco use, heated tobacco products have gained popularity due to their lower harm, leading major multinational tobacco companies and enterprises to launch heated cigarette products. Heated cigarettes are tobacco products that use heating devices, physicochemical reactions, or aerosol heating to heat tobacco materials at low temperatures rather than burning them. Heated cigarettes release nicotine-containing aerosols through low-temperature distillation and evaporation, allowing consumers to inhale them. Compared to the combustion process of traditional cigarettes, the release of harmful or potentially harmful components in heated cigarettes is significantly reduced, giving them a relatively "harm-reduced" characteristic.

[0003] Currently, heated cigarettes can be broadly categorized into different types based on the form of the filler material, such as shredded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, and tobacco pellets. Existing literature reports the thermophysical properties and smoke release patterns of reconstituted tobacco and shredded tobacco. However, due to the relatively low heating temperature of the filler material, which serves as the smoke release medium in heated cigarettes, issues exist such as poor initial smoke release per puff, need for improved stability after each puff, and insufficient component synergy.

[0004] This invention is proposed to optimize the controlled release of atomizing agents and the synergistic release between components, thereby improving the consumer's inhalation sensory experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides an aerosol generating material, the aerosol generating material comprising: a base paper layer, an atomizing agent release layer, and a fragrance release layer;

[0006] The base paper layer has an atomizing agent release layer on its surface, and the atomizing agent release layer has an aroma release layer on its surface.

[0007] The atomizing agent release layer comprises: an atomizing agent and an atomizing agent release-promoting material, wherein the atomizing agent release-promoting material is selected from a loose skeletal structure material.

[0008] Preferably, the upper and lower surfaces of the base paper layer are both loaded with an atomizing agent release layer, and the upper and lower surfaces of the atomizing agent release layer are both loaded with a fragrance release layer.

[0009] Preferably, the loose skeletal structure material is selected from one or more of cellulose nanofibers and their derivatives, such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), cellulose nanofibers (CNF), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), sodium carboxycellulose, hydroxycellulose, and cationic modified cellulose.

[0010] Preferably, the aroma-releasing layer may include tobacco substances, tobacco coating liquid, and / or extracts.

[0011] Preferably, the tobacco substance is tobacco powder with a particle size ranging from 20 mesh to 400 mesh.

[0012] Preferably, the extract includes, but is not limited to, one or more herbal plant extracts such as tobacco, cocoa, and chicory.

[0013] Preferably, the atomizing agent is selected from one or more of glycerol, glycerides and their derivatives, propylene glycol, and ethanol.

[0014] Preferably, the basis weight of the base paper layer is in the range of 20-50 g / m³. 2 The coating amount of the atomizing agent release-promoting layer on the base paper layer is 3-30 g / m². 2 The atomizing agent release-promoting material accounts for 2-30% of the atomizing agent's mass fraction, and the aroma-releasing layer has a mass of 3-30 g / m³. 2 .

[0015] Preferably, the basis weight of the base paper layer is in the range of 30-40 g / m³. 2 .

[0016] The second aspect of this application provides a method for preparing the aerosol generating material according to any one of the first aspects, characterized in that it includes the following steps:

[0017] Step 1: Mix the atomizing agent, the atomizing agent release promoter, and water evenly to obtain a mixture of the atomizing agent and the atomizing agent release promoter; the atomizing agent release promoter is selected from one or more of cellulose nanofibers and their derivatives, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and cationic modified cellulose;

[0018] Step 2: Using a coating machine, the mixture of atomizing agent and atomizing agent release accelerator is coated onto the surface of the base paper and dried to form an atomizing agent release accelerator layer;

[0019] Step 3: Coat the aroma-releasing substance onto the upper part of the atomizing agent release-promoting layer and dry it to form the aroma-releasing layer; the final material obtained is an aerosol generating material.

[0020] Preferably, in step 1, the mass ratio of atomizing agent, atomizing agent release activator and water is (80-95):(2-30):(1-10).

[0021] Preferably, the coating amount in step 2 is 3-30 g / m². 2 The drying temperature is 50-80℃, and the drying time is 3-20 minutes.

[0022] Preferably, the coating amount in step 3 is 3-30 g / m². 2The drying temperature is 50-100℃, and the drying time is 5-20 minutes.

[0023] Preferably, the viscosity of the mixture of atomizing agent and atomizing agent release-promoting material after mixing in step 1 is 30-3000 mPa·s (25℃).

[0024] Preferably, the mixture of the atomizing agent and the atomizing agent release-promoting material is in a gel state.

[0025] The third aspect of this application provides the use of the aerosol generating material described in any one of the first aspects for promoting the release of flue gas.

[0026] Preferably, the base paper layer is a base paper used for reconstituted tobacco sheets using a papermaking composite method.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0028] 1. To facilitate the release of aroma-releasing substances in conjunction with the atomizing agent, this invention coats the atomizing agent and aroma-releasing substances in layers, placing the atomizing agent at the bottom of the aroma-releasing substances to facilitate the formation of smoke aerosols after the atomizing agent is atomized. Furthermore, an atomizing agent release-promoting material is used to form atomizing agent release channels in the atomizing agent layer, thereby promoting the release of the atomizing agent, reducing atomizing agent residue, and ultimately promoting the release of smoke.

[0029] Specifically, the atomizing agent release-promoting material in this application is selected from materials with a loose skeletal structure, such as cellulose nanofibers and their derivatives, including cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), cellulose nanofibers (CNF), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and cationic modified cellulose. The reasons are: (1) These substances contain a large number of hydroxyl groups on their surface, which can form a large number of hydrogen bonds with the atomizing agent molecules, thereby reducing the interaction forces within the atomizing agent molecules, and thus transforming large molecular clusters into small molecular clusters. The atomizing agent of small molecular clusters is easier to release when heated. (2) These substances form a loose skeletal structure after drying. The skeletal structure is easy to load a large number of small molecular cluster atomizing agents, so that the small molecular cluster atomizing agents are evenly dispersed, and thus evenly heated, which facilitates the gradual release of small molecular cluster substances.

[0030] The applicant analyzes the reasons as follows: Without the addition of atomizing agents to promote release, the atomizing agent directly penetrates into the pores of plant fibers (such as base paper fibers or tobacco fibers), resulting in a slow release rate and a high residue rate. However, with the addition of atomizing agents to promote release in this application, propylene glycol is bound to the loose skeletal structure of the atomizing agents to promote release (rather than penetrating into the pores of plant fibers), making it easier to release.

[0031] 2. In addition, the process flow designed in this invention is simple, and the production and preparation needs can be met using existing production equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a self-assembly raw material for heated cigarettes that promotes atomization.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the release principle of the atomizing agent release material of this application. a represents the atomizing agent release material, and b represents the atomizing agent release material.

[0034] Figure 3 These are the thermogravimetric data of the aerosol generating materials of Example 1 and Comparative Sample 1.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating material being rolled up.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a graph showing the residual data of the cigarette in Example 2 and the atomizer in Comparative Example 2.

[0037] Figure 6 This refers to the amount of smoke released per puff and the corresponding amount of atomizing agent and nicotine released by the cigarette in Example 2 and Comparative Example 2.

[0038] Figure 7 This refers to the amount of smoke released per puff of the cigarette in Example 3 of Application Example 3 and Comparative Example 3, as well as the corresponding amount of atomizing agent and nicotine released.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a graph showing the residual atomizing agent data of the cigarette from Example 4 in Application Example 4 and Comparative Example 4. Attached image description:

[0041] 1. Fragrance release layer; 2. Atomizing agent release layer; 3. Base paper layer. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The present invention will be described below with reference to specific embodiments, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited thereto. Experimental methods not specifically described in the embodiments generally use conventional conditions and conditions described in the manual, or conditions recommended by the manufacturer. The general equipment, materials, reagents, etc., used are all commercially available unless otherwise specified. The raw materials used in the following embodiments and comparative examples are all commercially available.

[0043] The following base paper, glycerin, cellulose nanofibers, aroma-releasing tobacco concentrate, etc., can all be prepared by conventional means.

[0044] Example 1

[0045] A method for preparing an aerosol generating material includes the following steps:

[0046] 1. The quantitative value is selected as 35±0.5g / m 2 The base paper.

[0047] 2. Using a rapid dispersion device, the atomizing agent glycerol, the atomizing agent release-promoting material cellulose nanofibers (CNF), and water are mixed evenly at a mass ratio of 85:10:2. The viscosity of the mixed atomizing agent and the atomizing agent release-promoting material mixture is 80±1.0 mPa·s (20℃).

[0048] 3. The atomizing agent and atomizing agent release accelerator mixture are coated onto the surface of the base paper using a coating machine. The coating amount is controlled by adjusting the coating machine speed and the depth of the coating metering roller, with a coating amount of 20 ± 0.5 g / m². 2 The atomizing agent and the mixture of atomizing agent release-promoting materials are dried using a drying chamber at 80℃ for 3 minutes to form an atomizing agent release-promoting layer. The coating is double-sided, meaning it is applied to both the top and bottom surfaces.

[0049] 4. Coat the aroma-releasing tobacco concentrate onto the atomizing agent release-enhancing layer with a coating amount of 20±0.5g / m². 2 The coating was applied to both sides. Drying was performed using a chamber drying device at 100℃ for 5 minutes. The yield was 75 ± 1.0 g / m³. 2 The structural diagram of the aerosol generating material is shown below. Figure 1 .

[0050] Comparative Example 1

[0051] The only difference from Example 1 is that the atomizing agent and the release-promoting material cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were not added in step 1, resulting in aerosol generating material comparison sample 1.

[0052] Application Example 1

[0053] 10 mg of the aerosol generating material prepared in Example 1 and 10 mg of control sample 1 were placed in a thermogravimetric analyzer and heated from room temperature to 250°C and held at that temperature for 30 min. The results are as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the thermal weight loss and fastest thermal weight loss rate of the aerosol generating material with CNF added in Example 1 are much greater than those of the control sample 1 without CNF added.

[0054] The fastest rate of thermal weight loss in Example 1 was 1.86 times that of Comparative Sample 1, indicating that the addition of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) can promote the release of atomizing agents and thus promote the release of flue gas.

[0055] Example 2

[0056] A method for preparing an aerosol generating material includes the following steps:

[0057] 1. The quantitative value is selected as 30±0.5g / m 2 The base paper.

[0058] 2. Using a rapid dispersion device, the atomizing agent propylene glycol, the atomizing agent release-promoting material cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and water are mixed evenly at a mass ratio of 90:15:1. The viscosity of the mixed atomizing agent and the atomizing agent release-promoting material is 219±1.0 mPa·s (20℃).

[0059] 3. The atomizing agent and atomizing agent release accelerator mixture are coated onto the surface of the base paper using a coating machine. The coating amount is controlled by adjusting the coating machine speed and the depth of the coating metering roller, with a coating amount of 25 ± 0.5 g / m². 2 The atomizing agent and the mixture of atomizing agent release accelerator were dried using a chamber drying device at a temperature of 50°C for 20 minutes. The coating was applied to both the top and bottom surfaces.

[0060] 4. Coat the aroma-releasing tobacco concentrate onto the atomizing agent layer with a coating amount of 25±0.5g / m². 2 The sample was dried using a chamber drying device at 50℃ for 20 minutes. The yield was 80 ± 1.0 g / m³. 2 Aerosol generating material. The coating is double-sided, meaning it is applied to both the top and bottom surfaces.

[0061] The aerosol generating material is rolled into a smoke-generating section (illustration of rolling the aerosol generating material into a smoke-generating section using a cigarette rolling machine). Figure 4 The concentric circle material (in the style of the cigarette) is wrapped in cigarette paper and assembled into a heated cigarette.

[0062] Comparative Example 2

[0063] A method for preparing an aerosol generating material, differing from Example 2 in that the atomizing agent is coated together with the aroma-releasing substance, rather than being coated in layers, is described below:

[0064] 1. The quantitative value is selected as 30±0.5g / m 2 The base paper.

[0065] 2. The atomizing agent propylene glycol and the aroma-releasing tobacco concentrate are mixed at a mass ratio of 1:1 and then coated onto the upper and lower surfaces of the base paper using a coating machine. The coating amount is controlled by adjusting the coating machine speed and the depth of the coating metering roller, with a coating amount of 50 g / m². 2 .

[0066] 3. Drying is carried out using a box-type drying device at a temperature of 80℃ for 15 minutes. The yield is 80±1.0 g / m³. 2 Aerosol generating materials.

[0067] The aerosol generating material is rolled into a smoke-generating section (illustration of rolling the aerosol generating material into a smoke-generating section using a cigarette rolling machine). Figure 4 The concentric circle material (in the style of the cigarette) is wrapped in cigarette paper and assembled into a heated cigarette.

[0068] Application Example 2

[0069] Cigarettes from Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 were taken respectively. Using a circumferentially heated smoking device, cigarettes were smoked at Canadian depth using a smoking machine at heating temperatures of 200°C, 220°C, 240°C, 260°C, 280°C and 300°C. The cigarette core residues after 12 puffs were analyzed by chromatography to calculate the residual rate of propylene glycol.

[0070] The results are as follows Figure 5 As shown, the propylene glycol residue rate of the cigarette in Example 2 gradually decreased with increasing temperature and was consistently much lower than that in Comparative Example 2. At a temperature of 220°C, the difference in propylene glycol residue rate between Comparative Example 2 and Example 2 was the largest, with Example 2's propylene glycol residue rate being only 64.5% of that of the Comparative Example. A heating temperature of 260°C was selected, and puff tests were conducted on samples from Example 2 and Comparative Example 2. The amount of smoke released per puff was as follows... Figure 6 As shown, the overall puff-per-puff smoke release in Example 2 is higher than that in Comparative Example 2. Furthermore, the puff-per-puff release trends of both the atomizing agent and nicotine are consistent. This indicates that layering the atomizing agent and adding atomizing agent release-promoting materials is beneficial for promoting the release of the atomizing agent, thereby promoting smoke release.

[0071] Example 3

[0072] A method for preparing an aerosol generating material includes the following steps:

[0073] 1. Select base paper with a basis weight of 40±0.5g / m2.

[0074] 2. Using a rapid dispersion device, the atomizing agent glycerol, the atomizing agent release promoter microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and water are mixed evenly at a mass ratio of 85:10:2. The viscosity of the mixed atomizing agent and the atomizing agent release promoter mixture is 105±1.0 mPa·s (20℃).

[0075] 3. The atomizing agent and atomizing agent release accelerator mixture are coated onto the base paper surface using a coating machine. The coating amount is controlled by adjusting the coating machine speed and the depth of the coating metering roller, achieving a coating amount of 22 ± 0.5 g / m². The atomizing agent and atomizing agent release accelerator mixture layer is then dried using a drying chamber at 70°C for 12 minutes to form the atomizing agent release accelerator layer. The coating is double-sided, meaning it is applied to both the top and bottom surfaces.

[0076] 4. Coat the aroma-releasing tobacco concentrate onto the atomizing agent release-enhancing layer with a coating amount of 22±0.5g / m². 2The coating was double-sided. Drying was performed using a chamber drying device at 80°C for 20 minutes. The yield was 84 ± 1.0 g / m³. 2 Aerosol generating materials.

[0077] Comparative Example 3

[0078] A method for preparing an aerosol generating material, differing from Example 3 in that the atomizing agent is coated together with the aroma-releasing substance, rather than being coated in layers, is described below:

[0079] 1. The quantitative value was selected as 40±0.5g / m 2 The base paper.

[0080] 2. The atomizing agent propylene glycol and the aroma-releasing tobacco concentrate are mixed at a mass ratio of 1:1 and then coated onto the upper and lower surfaces of the base paper using a coating machine. The coating amount is controlled by adjusting the coating machine speed and the depth of the coating metering roller, with a coating amount of 44 g / m². 2 .

[0081] 3. Drying was carried out using a box-type drying device at a temperature of 80℃ for 20 minutes. The yield was 84±1.0 g / m³. 2 Aerosol generating materials.

[0082] The aerosol generating material is rolled into a smoke-generating section (illustration of rolling the aerosol generating material into a smoke-generating section using a cigarette rolling machine). Figure 4 The concentric circle material (in the style of the cigarette) is wrapped in cigarette paper and assembled into a heated cigarette.

[0083] Application Example 3

[0084] Cigarettes from Example 3 and Comparative Example 3 were taken respectively. Using a circumferentially heated smoking device, the cigarettes were drawn using a smoking machine at a heating temperature of 260°C according to the Canadian depth. The amount of smoke released per puff was measured.

[0085] The results are as follows Figure 7 As shown, the overall puff-per-puff smoke release in Example 3 was higher than that in Comparative Example 3. The total smoke release in Example 3 was 2.4 mg more than that in Comparative Example 3. The trends in nicotine puff-per-puff release in Examples 3 and Comparative Example 3 were consistent with the smoke release trends. Therefore, it can be concluded that layering the atomizing agent and adding atomizing agent release-promoting materials is beneficial for promoting the release of the atomizing agent, thereby promoting smoke release.

[0086] Example 4

[0087] A method for preparing an aerosol generating material includes the following steps:

[0088] 1. The quantitative value is selected as 45±0.5g / m 2The base paper.

[0089] 2. Using a rapid dispersion device, the atomizing agent propylene glycol, the atomizing agent release promoter sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and water are mixed evenly at a mass ratio of 90:15:1. The viscosity of the mixed atomizing agent and the atomizing agent release promoter is 400±1.0 mPa·s (20℃).

[0090] 3. The atomizing agent and atomizing agent release accelerator mixture are coated onto the surface of the base paper using a coating machine. The coating amount is controlled by adjusting the coating machine speed and the depth of the coating metering roller, with a coating amount of 20 ± 0.5 g / m². 2 The atomizing agent and the mixture of atomizing agent release accelerator were dried using a chamber drying device at a temperature of 50°C for 10 minutes. The coating was applied to both the top and bottom surfaces.

[0091] 4. Coat the atomizing agent layer with the concentrated tobacco extract containing aroma-releasing substances, with a coating amount of 20±0.5g / m². 2 The sample was dried using a chamber drying device at 80℃ for 15 minutes. The yield was 95 ± 1.0 g / m³. 2 Aerosol generating materials.

[0092] Comparative Example 4

[0093] The only difference from Example 4 is that sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a release-promoting atomizing agent, was not added in step 1, resulting in aerosol generating material comparison sample 4.

[0094] Application Example 4

[0095] Cigarettes from Example 4 and Comparative Example 4 were taken respectively. Using a circumferentially heated smoking device, they were smoked at Canadian depth using a smoking machine at heating temperatures of 200℃, 220℃, 240℃, 260℃, 280℃ and 300℃. The residue of the cigarette core after 12 puffs was analyzed by chromatography to calculate the residual rate of propylene glycol.

[0096] The results are as follows Figure 8 As shown:

[0097] The propylene glycol residue rate of the cigarette in Example 4 gradually decreased with increasing temperature and was significantly lower than that in Comparative Example 4.

[0098] At 260°C, the propylene glycol residue in the cigarette of Example 4 was only 36% of that in the comparative example. It is evident that the comparative example, without the addition of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a release-enhancing agent, had a higher propylene glycol residue in the cigarette core after smoking compared to Example 4. The applicant believes this is because some of the propylene glycol in the comparative example penetrated deep into the pores of the plant fibers (e.g., base paper fibers), thus preventing effective release. In contrast, with the addition of the release-enhancing agent in Example 4, the propylene glycol was bound within the skeletal structure of the release-enhancing agent (rather than penetrating into the pores of the plant fibers), making it easier to release.

[0099] The above embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

Claims

1. A method for preparing an aerosol generating material, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Mix the atomizing agent, the atomizing agent release accelerator, and water evenly to obtain a mixture of the atomizing agent and the atomizing agent release accelerator, wherein the mixture is in a gel state; the atomizing agent release accelerator is selected from loose skeleton structure materials, which are selected from one or more of cellulose nanofibers and their derivatives, including cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibers, and microcrystalline cellulose; the atomizing agent is one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, and ethanol; Step 2: Using a coating machine, the mixture of atomizing agent and atomizing agent release accelerator is coated onto the surface of the base paper and dried to form an atomizing agent release accelerator layer; Step 3: Coat the surface of the atomizer release layer with the aroma-releasing substance and dry it to form an aroma-releasing layer. The aroma-releasing layer contains one or more of the following: tobacco flavoring substance concentrate, nicotine, and herbal plant extracts. The final material is an aerosol generating material.

2. The preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 1, the mass ratio of atomizing agent, atomizing agent release promoter and water is (80-95):(2-30):(1-10).

3. The preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The total amount of the atomizing agent release-promoting layer coating in step 2 is 3-30 g / m². 2 The drying temperature is 50-80℃, and the drying time is 3-20 minutes; The amount of fragrance-releasing layer applied in step 3 is 3-30 g / m². 2 The drying temperature is 50-100℃, and the drying time is 5-20 minutes.

4. The aerosol generating material obtained by the preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating material includes: a base paper layer, an atomizing agent release layer, and a fragrance release layer.

5. The aerosol generating material according to claim 4, characterized in that, The atomizing agent release layer is loaded on both the upper and lower surfaces of the base paper layer.

6. The aerosol generating material according to claim 4, characterized in that, The basis weight range of the base paper layer is 20-50 g / m³. 2 .

7. Use of the aerosol generating material according to any one of claims 4-6 for promoting flue gas release.

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