Aerosol matrix structure, preparation method thereof and low-temperature heating cigarette

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of aerosol matrixes, and discloses an aerosol matrix structure, a preparation method thereof and a low-temperature heating cigarette. The aerosol matrix structure is prepared from plant materials. The aerosol matrix structure is prepared from the plant material in the mode of steam heating and then forming. The aerosol matrix structure has low specific heat capacity and high thermal conductivity, and can reduce the heating temperature when the low-temperature heating cigarette is used, so that the phenomenon that the temperature of the generated aerosol is too high is avoided, the preheating time of the aerosol is shortened, the heating uniformity of the aerosol is improved, and the consistency and the utilization rate of the aerosol are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of aerosol matrix, and specifically relates to an aerosol matrix structure and a preparation method thereof, and a low-temperature heated cigarette. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the acceleration of the global tobacco control movement, the sales of traditional cigarettes have declined in some countries, and the tobacco industry has entered a new era of seeking reform and breakthroughs, which has also promoted and accelerated the research and development of new tobacco products such as e-cigarettes, snus, smokeless tobacco products and heat-not-burn tobacco products. Among them, heat-not-burn tobacco products have received the most attention. Heat-not-burn tobacco products are "low-temperature cigarettes" designed with the idea of ​​"heating without burning". They use external heat sources to heat the tobacco leaves to a degree that is just enough to emit tobacco aroma, and the tobacco substances will not burn.

[0003] Existing heat-not-burn cigarettes are generally in the form of thickened tobacco sheets. During the preparation process of the thickened tobacco sheets, a large amount of water is added to form a tobacco paste slurry, which is then coated and dried. The resulting thickened tobacco sheets have poor thermal conductivity and high heating temperature, resulting in uneven or incomplete release of flavor substances. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned defects or deficiencies in the prior art, it is desired to provide an aerosol matrix structure and a preparation method thereof, and a low-temperature heated cigarette.

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol matrix structure, comprising plant materials; the aerosol matrix structure is prepared by first steam heating the plant materials and then shaping them.

[0006] In addition, an aerosol matrix structure of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0007] Preferably, the plant material comprises any one of fresh plant material, plant processing waste or dry plant material with a moisture content of 5-20%, preferably dry plant material with a moisture content of 6-10%.

[0008] Preferably, the plant material comprises plants of one or more genera and families.

[0009] Preferably, the plant material comprises at least one of the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits or extracts of a plant.

[0010] Preferably, the raw materials for preparing the aerosol matrix structure also include: an atomizer and / or a fragrance.

[0011] Further preferably, the atomizer comprises propylene glycol and / or vegetable glycerin.

[0012] Further preferably, the fragrance includes at least one of furanone, lemon oil, phenylethyl alcohol, cocoa extract, tobacco extract, Maillard reactant, acetaldehyde, and raspberry ketone.

[0013] Preferably, the mass ratio of the plant material, the atomizer and the fragrance is (0.6-1):(0-0.5):(0-0.15), and the preferred mass ratio is 1:(0.1-0.3):(0-0.1);

[0014] Further preferably, the mass ratio of propylene glycol to vegetable glycerin in the atomizer is (0-0.3):(0-0.2).

[0015] Preferably, the thermal conductivity of the aerosol matrix structure is 900 to 4300 W / (m*k), and more preferably, the thermal conductivity is 1100 to 4000 W / (m*k).

[0016] Preferably, the specific heat capacity of the aerosol matrix structure is 1.4 to 3.8 kj / (kg*°C), and more preferably, the specific heat capacity is 2.5 to 3.6 kj / (kg*°C).

[0017] Preferably, the porosity of the aerosol matrix structure is 0.3 to 0.7, and more preferably, the porosity is 0.35 to 0.6.

[0018] Preferably, the shape of the aerosol matrix structure is any one of columnar, spherical, and prismatic, preferably columnar.

[0019] More preferably, the outer diameter of the columnar aerosol matrix structure is 4.5 to 9.0 mm and the length is 3 to 20 mm.

[0020] Preferably, the water content of the aerosol matrix structure is 5 to 13.5%, and more preferably, the water content is 7.5 to 12%.

[0021] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for preparing an aerosol matrix structure, comprising:

[0022] The plant material is steam heated and formed to obtain an aerosol matrix structure.

[0023] In addition, the method for preparing an aerosol matrix structure of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0024] Preferably, the plant material comprises fresh plant material or dry plant material with a moisture content of 5-20%, and more preferably dry plant material with a moisture content of 6-10%.

[0025] Preferably, the plant material comprises plants of one or more genera and families.

[0026] Further preferably, the plant material includes at least one of the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits or extracts of the plant.

[0027] Preferably, before steam heating the plant material, the method further comprises:

[0028] Mix the plant material with the aerosol and / or fragrance well.

[0029] Preferably, the atomizer comprises propylene glycol and / or vegetable glycerin.

[0030] Preferably, the fragrance includes at least one of furanone, lemon oil, phenylethyl alcohol, cocoa extract, tobacco extract, Maillard reactant, acetaldehyde and raspberry ketone.

[0031] Preferably, the mass ratio of the plant material, the atomizer and the fragrance is (0.6-1):(0-0.5):(0-0.15), and more preferably the mass ratio is 1:(0.1-0.3):(0-0.1).

[0032] Preferably, the mass ratio of propylene glycol to vegetable glycerin in the atomizer is (0-0.3):(0-0.2).

[0033] Preferably, the steam heating pressure is 0.1 to 5 bar, and more preferably the pressure is 0.3 to 4 bar;

[0034] The steam heating temperature is 20-152°C, and the preferred temperature is 29-144°C;

[0035] The steam heating time is 30 to 180 minutes, and more preferably 40 to 80 minutes.

[0036] Preferably, the forming method includes stamping forming or puffing forming.

[0037] Preferably, after steam heating and molding the plant material, the method further comprises:

[0038] The formed material is dried.

[0039] The third aspect of the present invention provides a low-temperature heating cigarette, comprising an aerosol matrix structure, a cooling component and a filter component connected in sequence; wherein the aerosol matrix structure is the aerosol matrix structure described in any embodiment of the present application, or is obtained by the preparation method of the aerosol matrix structure described in any embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Preferably, the cooling element has a length of 10 to 20 mm, preferably a length of 11 to 17 mm.

[0041] Preferably, the length of the filter element is 3 to 8 mm, preferably 6 to 7 mm.

[0042] According to the aerosol matrix structure and preparation method thereof, and low-temperature heated cigarettes provided by the present invention, the aerosol matrix structure is made of plant materials by first steam heating and then shaping, and has high thermal conductivity and low specific heat capacity, so that the flavor substances are released evenly or completely, thereby improving the user's smoking experience. The low specific heat capacity can be used to reduce the heating temperature of the low-temperature heated cigarette during use, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of high aerosol temperature. The high thermal conductivity can be used to reduce the aerosol preheating time, improve the aerosol heating uniformity, and thus improve the aerosol consistency and utilization rate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Other features, objects and advantages of the present application will become more apparent by reading the detailed description of non-limiting embodiments made with reference to the following drawings:

[0044] Figure 1 A structural diagram of an aerosol matrix structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 2 A structural diagram of the aerosol matrix structure provided in the embodiment of the present application for direct use;

[0046] Figure 3 for Figure 2 sectional view of

[0047] Figure 4 An exemplary structural diagram of a low-temperature heating cigarette provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 5 for Figure 4 sectional view of

[0049] Figure 6 Another exemplary structural diagram of a low-temperature heated cigarette provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method for preparing an aerosol matrix structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 8 Another flowchart of the method for preparing the aerosol matrix structure provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0052] In the above figure, 10 is an aerosol matrix structure; 11 is a vent hole; 20 is a cooling element; 30 is a filter element; 40 is a heater; and 41 is a release port. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It is to be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the relevant invention, rather than to limit the invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts related to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0054] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other. The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0055] The terms used in this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The singular forms of "a", "said" and "the" used in this application and the appended claims are also intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates other meanings. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0056] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" is to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, ie, meaning "including, but not limited to."

[0057] In the description of the specification, the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "exemplary embodiment", "example", "specific example" or "some examples" are intended to indicate that a specific feature, structure, material or characteristic associated with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. The schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. In addition, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be included in any one or more embodiments or examples in any appropriate manner.

[0058] Heat-not-burn cigarettes are one of the important components of new tobacco products. The smoke-generating materials of heat-not-burn cigarettes mainly include granular (or block), traditional tobacco and thin sheets. Among them, thin sheets are one of the main materials of the smoke-generating segments. At present, there are three urgent problems to be solved when using existing smoke-generating segment materials to make heat-not-burn products: First, when preparing heat-not-burn products, the viscosity of the atomizer used is relatively large, which makes it impossible to be quickly absorbed by the material, and the atomization effect is still not significantly improved even if the proportion of atomizer added is increased on the original basis. The atomizer cannot be completely absorbed by the material, which leads to a low smoke release of heat-not-burn products and cannot meet the consumer's smoking experience; second, due to the low heating temperature and poor thermal conductivity of existing heat-not-burn products, the release of flavor substances is uneven or incomplete, which affects the sensory quality and utilization rate of the product; third, the manufacturing process of the existing smoke-generating segment medium is complicated, the equipment investment is high, the energy consumption of the processing process is large, and the environmental pollution is large.

[0059] To solve at least some of the above technical problems, Figure 1 As shown, in a first aspect of an embodiment of the present application, an aerosol matrix structure 10 is provided, comprising a plant material; the aerosol matrix structure 10 is made by first steam heating the plant material and then shaping it.

[0060] Specifically, the aerosol matrix structure 10 is a structure with aroma enhancement and cooling effect, which is made of plant materials by first steam heating and then molding. The plant materials are steam heated to damage the cell walls and soften the plant fibers in the plant materials, thereby facilitating the release and molding of aroma components in the plant cells. Then, the aerosol matrix structure 10 with high thermal conductivity and low specific heat capacity is manufactured by stamping or puffing, and the aroma substances are released evenly or completely, thereby improving the user's smoking experience.

[0061] Among them, the low specific heat capacity of the aerosol matrix structure 10 can reduce the heating temperature of the low-temperature heated cigarette during use, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of high aerosol temperature. Compared with the heating temperature of the existing low-temperature heated cigarettes of 280 to 320°C, the aerosol matrix structure 10 of the present application can reduce the heating temperature of the low-temperature heated cigarette during use to 180 to 200°C.

[0062] The high thermal conductivity of the aerosol matrix structure 10 can reduce the aerosol preheating time and improve the aerosol heating uniformity, thereby improving the aerosol consistency and utilization rate. Compared with the 15-20s preheating time of existing low-temperature heated cigarettes, the aerosol matrix structure 10 of the present application can enable the low-temperature heated cigarette to reach the working temperature or the temperature at which the aerosol begins to be released within 1-5s when used.

[0063] In the embodiment of the present application, during use, if a heating device is used to heat the aerosol matrix structure 10, the aroma enhancement and cooling structure of the aerosol matrix can quickly absorb the heat generated by the heating device and achieve a uniform temperature of the entire matrix, thereby achieving a working state. During the interval between uses of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol matrix structure 10 can release the stored internal energy into the aerosol retained inside the aerosol generating device to maintain the critical temperature of the aerosol matrix for smoking, thereby improving the consistency of the aerosol temperature when the consumer uses it.

[0064] In some embodiments, the plant material comprises any one of fresh plant material, plant processing waste, or dry plant material with a moisture content of 5-20%, preferably dry plant material with a moisture content of 6-10%.

[0065] Specifically, the plant material can be selected from one or more of fresh plant materials, plant processing waste, or dried plant materials with a moisture content of 5-20%. Among them, fresh plant materials are unprocessed plant materials after picking. Plant processing waste can be residues in plant extraction. Dried plant materials with a moisture content of 5-20% are plant materials obtained by drying fresh plant materials, such as drying by oven drying. For example, in order to extend the use time of the plant materials, the plant materials can be dried by shade drying or other methods.

[0066] The moisture content of the dried plant material is 5-20%. When the moisture content of the dried plant material is lower than 5%, the aroma cost retention rate in the plant material is low, and the use experience will decrease after processing and molding; when the moisture content of the dried plant material is higher than 20%, it is easy to be infested by insects, mold, yellow spots and the like during storage, resulting in material waste. The preferred moisture content of the dried plant material is 6-10%.

[0067] The plant material uses plant processing waste, such as using the residues generated during the production of plant extracts as the production raw materials for the aerosol matrix structure 10, which can improve the utilization rate of the plant material in the production process and further reduce the production cost.

[0068] In some embodiments, the plant material includes plants of one or more genera and families.

[0069] Specifically, the plant material used in the aerosol matrix structure 10 is a mixture of one or more plants of different families, such as the plant material includes one or more of Solanaceae plants, Rosaceae plants, Moraceae jackfruit plants, Euphorbiaceae Phyllanthus plants, and Hemp plants. The plant material is a mixture of plants of different families in any proportion, and those skilled in the art can set it according to actual needs.

[0070] In some embodiments, the plant material includes at least one of a root, a stem, a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or an extract of a plant.

[0071] Specifically, the plant material used in the aerosol matrix structure 10 is composed of one or more plant roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits or extracts, with the desired flavor added in any proportion. By changing the type of plant material used in the aerosol matrix structure 10 or the composition ratio of each part of the plant material, the flavor enhancement structure is given different aroma characteristics, reducing or eliminating impurities in the aerosol generation process, thereby improving or enhancing the consumer's experience of the inhalation process.

[0072] In some embodiments, the raw materials for preparing the aerosol matrix structure 10 further include: an atomizer and / or a flavorant.

[0073] Specifically, in addition to using plant materials, the aerosol matrix structure 10 provided in the embodiment of the present application can also add an atomizer and / or a fragrance according to actual needs, wherein the atomizer is used to enhance the atomization effect of the aerosol matrix structure 10 and improve the user experience. The fragrance is used to increase the fragrance of the aerosol matrix structure 10 to meet different fragrance requirements.

[0074] Optionally, the atomizer includes propylene glycol (PG) and / or vegetable glycerin (VG). When heated, VG and PG will produce steam, which can be inhaled. VG has a certain sweetness and is more viscous than PG. High-VG e-liquid has a mellower taste and is very suitable for producing a large amount of smoke.

[0075] Optionally, the fragrance includes at least one of furanone, lemon oil, phenylethyl alcohol, cocoa extract, tobacco extract, Maillard reactant, acetaldehyde, and raspberry ketone. Those skilled in the art can set the specific types of atomizers and fragrances according to actual needs.

[0076] In some embodiments, the mass ratio of the plant material, the atomizer and the fragrance is (0.6-1):(0-0.5):(0-0.15), and the preferred mass ratio is 1:(0.1-0.3):(0-0.1); the preferred mass ratio of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin in the atomizer is (0-0.3):(0-0.2).

[0077] In an embodiment of the present application, the plant material and the atomizer and / or the flavor are steam-heated to damage the cell walls in the plant material and soften the plant fibers, and then a stamping molding, puffing molding, etc. method is adopted to form an aerosol matrix structure 10 for enhancing fragrance and reducing temperature. The aerosol matrix structure 10 can reduce the amount of atomizer while ensuring the atomization amount, such as the amount of propylene glycol does not exceed 30%, and the amount of vegetable glycerin does not exceed 20%, thereby satisfying the consumer's smoking experience.

[0078] In some embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is 900-4300 W / (m*k).

[0079] Specifically, when the thermal conductivity of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is lower than 900W / (m*k), during use, the aerosol matrix structure 10 has a strong ability to absorb heat from the equipment, resulting in the aerosol matrix structure 10 producing serious impurities such as burnt gas; when the thermal conductivity is higher than 4300W / (m*k), the aerosol matrix structure 10 takes a long time to heat up, resulting in a decrease in the consumer's experience. Therefore, it is reasonable for the thermal conductivity of the aerosol matrix structure 10 to be between 900 and 4300W / (m*k), and the thermal conductivity of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is preferably between 1100 and 4000W / (m*k).

[0080] In some embodiments, the specific heat capacity of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is 1.4 to 3.8 kj / (kg*°C).

[0081] Specifically, when the specific heat capacity of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is lower than 1.4 kj / (kg*℃), the energy absorption between the aerosol matrix structure 10 and the heated contact surface is relatively high during use, and it is easy to produce impurities such as burnt gas, which affects the consumer's puffing experience; when the specific heat capacity of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is higher than 3.8 kj / (kg*℃), it is easy to reach a state of equilibrium with the aerosol temperature during use, so that the aerosol matrix structure 10 releases aerosol during the puff interval, resulting in a decrease in the utilization rate of the aerosol matrix. Therefore, it is reasonable for the specific heat capacity of the aerosol matrix structure 10 to be between 1.4 and 3.8 kj / (kg*℃), and preferably, the specific heat capacity of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is between 2.5 and 3.6 kj / (kg*℃).

[0082] In some embodiments, the porosity of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is 0.3-0.7.

[0083] Specifically, when the porosity of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is lower than 0.3, the inner wall of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is relatively tight, which is not conducive to aerosol release and will cause the overall suction resistance of the aerosol matrix structure 10 to increase; when the porosity of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is higher than 0.7, the inside of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is relatively loose, which is easy to increase aerosol entrapment, resulting in a decrease in aerosol utilization. Therefore, it is reasonable for the porosity of the aerosol matrix structure 10 to be 0.3 to 0.7, and the preferred porosity of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is 0.35 to 0.6.

[0084] In some embodiments, the shape of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is any one of columnar, spherical, and prismatic, preferably columnar, and more preferably, the outer diameter of the columnar aerosol matrix structure 10 is 4.5 to 9.0 mm and the length is 3 to 20 mm.

[0085] Specifically, the shape of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is determined by the shape of the mold used for stamping or puffing. The shape of the final aerosol matrix structure 10 is any one of columnar, spherical, and prismatic, preferably columnar or spherical. The outer diameter of the formed aerosol matrix structure 10 is 4.5 to 9.0 mm and the length is 3 to 20 mm.

[0086] like Figure 1 As shown, the mold is a columnar structure with an air vent 11. The center of the mold is provided with an axial air vent 11, and the mold is provided with a plurality of through holes in the circumference. The plurality of through holes penetrate the two end faces of the mold in the axial direction. The final aerosol matrix structure 10 is a columnar structure with an air vent 11.

[0087] For example, Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the mold is a columnar structure, and the formed aerosol matrix structure 10 is a columnar structure. Figures 2 to 3 As shown, the mold is a spherical structure, and the formed aerosol matrix structure 10 is also a spherical structure.

[0088] In some embodiments, the water content of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is 5-13.5%.

[0089] Specifically, when the water content of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is lower than 5%, the aerosol becomes dry during use due to the low water content of the aerosol matrix structure 10, affecting the mouthfeel of the aerosol; when the water content of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is greater than 13.5%, the aerosol produced by the aerosol matrix structure 10 has a high water content during use, causing the consumer to experience a "popping" phenomenon when puffing, resulting in a decrease in the use experience. Therefore, it is appropriate for the water content of the aerosol matrix structure 10 to be 5 to 13.5%, and preferably the water content of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is 7.5 to 12%.

[0090] The second aspect of the present invention, as Figure 7 As shown, a method for preparing an aerosol matrix structure 10 is provided, comprising:

[0091] S220: Steam heating and shaping the plant material to obtain an aerosol matrix structure 10.

[0092] Specifically, the plant material includes fresh plant material, plant material processing waste or dry plant material with a moisture content of 5-20%, preferably dry plant material with a moisture content of 6-10%. The plant material includes one or more plant families, preferably the plant material includes at least one of the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits or extracts of plants. Among them, the plant material processing waste can use the residues generated in the production process of plant extracts as production raw materials, which can improve the utilization rate of plant materials in the production process and reduce production costs.

[0093] The preparation method of the aerosol matrix structure 10 provided in the embodiment of the present application is simple, the process flow is concise, the production cost is low, and when used by consumers, it can effectively reduce the heating temperature of the aerosol, the outlet temperature of the low-temperature heated cigarette, and harmful substances such as aldehydes, and can improve the uniformity of aerosol penetration and the smoothness of suction. The aerosol matrix structure 10 obtained by the preparation method of the present application has high thermal conductivity and low specific heat capacity, so that the flavor substances are released evenly or completely, improving the user's suction experience, and the low specific heat capacity can reduce the heating temperature of the low-temperature heated cigarette when used, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of high aerosol temperature, and using high thermal conductivity to reduce the aerosol preheating time, improve the uniformity of aerosol heating, and thus improve the consistency and utilization rate of aerosol.

[0094] Compared with the existing thickening method for preparing tobacco sheets, the aerosol matrix structure 10 obtained by steam heating, stamping or puffing the plant material in the present application can reduce the drying time of the aerosol matrix structure 10 and significantly reduce energy consumption due to the less moisture introduced by steam heating, and can also reduce the loss of flavors and improve the smoking experience of the aerosol matrix structure 10; and the present application adopts stamping or puffing to instantly obtain the aerosol matrix structure 10, thereby improving the production efficiency of the aerosol matrix structure 10.

[0095] In some embodiments, Figure 8 As shown, before steam heating the plant material, the method further includes:

[0096] S210: Evenly mix the plant material with an atomizer and / or a flavor; preferably, the atomizer includes propylene glycol and / or vegetable glycerin, and preferably, the flavor includes at least one of furanone, lemon oil, phenylethyl alcohol, cocoa extract, tobacco extract, Maillard reactant, and acetaldehyde.

[0097] Specifically, the aerosol matrix structure 10 of the present application can be directly made by steam heating and molding plant materials; or, according to actual needs, the plant material and the atomizer and / or flavor are first evenly mixed to obtain a mixture, and the mixture is steam heated and molded.

[0098] In some embodiments, in S210, the mass ratio of the plant material, the atomizer and the fragrance is (0.6-1):(0-0.5):(0-0.15), and further preferably, the mass ratio of the plant material, the atomizer and the fragrance is 1:(0.1-0.3):(0-0.1); wherein the mass ratio of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin in the atomizer is (0-0.3):(0-0.2).

[0099] Specifically, the plant material and the atomizer and / or the flavor are steam-heated to damage the cell walls in the plant material and soften the plant fibers, and then a stamping molding, puffing molding, etc. method is adopted to form an aerosol matrix structure 10 for enhancing fragrance and reducing temperature. The aerosol matrix structure 10 can reduce the amount of atomizer while ensuring the atomization amount, such as the amount of propylene glycol does not exceed 30%, and the amount of vegetable glycerin does not exceed 20%, thereby satisfying the consumer's smoking experience.

[0100] In some embodiments, the steam heating pressure is 0.1 to 5 bar, the steam heating temperature is 20 to 152° C., and the steam heating time is 30 to 180 min.

[0101] Specifically, the steam heating pressure is 0.1-5 bar, and the heating temperature is 20-152°C. When the steam pressure is lower than 0.1 bar and the temperature is lower than 20°C, it takes a long time to loosen the internal structure of the plant material (low efficiency), which affects the processing process; when the steam pressure is higher than 5 bar and the temperature is higher than 152°C, the pressure value that the equipment must withstand is higher, and the equipment investment cost is high. Preferably, the steam heating pressure is 0.3-4 bar, and the steam heating temperature is 29-144°C.

[0102] The steam heating time is 30 to 180 minutes. When the steam heating time is less than 30 minutes, the internal cell structure of the plant material is not easy to open, resulting in insufficient aroma release ability of the aerosol matrix structure 10 in the later stage; when the steam heating time is higher than 180 minutes, the internal fibers of the plant material soften, resulting in insufficient shaping ability of the aerosol matrix structure 10 after forming.

[0103] In some embodiments, the forming method includes stamping forming or expansion forming.

[0104] Specifically, stamping molding refers to a processing and molding method in which a press and a mold apply external force to plates, strips, tubes, profiles, etc. to cause plastic deformation or separation, thereby obtaining a workpiece (stamping part) of the desired shape and size. Stamping molding is a process of stamping at 1 to 5 bars for 1 to 2 seconds at room temperature, preferably at 1 to 3 bars. The aerosol matrix structure 10 can be prepared in a short time by stamping, thereby improving the production efficiency of the aerosol matrix structure 10. Those skilled in the art can also choose to use puffing molding to mold plant materials or mixtures (plant materials mixed with atomizers and / or fragrances) according to actual needs.

[0105] In some embodiments, Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, after steam heating and molding the plant material, the method further includes:

[0106] S230: Drying the formed material.

[0107] Specifically, after the aerosol matrix is ​​formed, it can be dried by one or more drying methods such as microwave drying and infrared drying to obtain an aerosol matrix structure 10 with a water content of 5 to 13.5%. The drying temperature is 60 to 120° C. and the drying time is 1 to 20 minutes; preferably, the drying temperature is 70 to 100° C. and the drying time is 3 to 8 minutes.

[0108] It should be noted that the preparation method of the aerosol matrix structure 10 provided in any embodiment of the present application is used to obtain the aerosol matrix structure 10 provided in any embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the specific preparation raw materials, dosage and corresponding product performance of the aerosol matrix structure 10 of the preparation method of the aerosol matrix structure 10 are consistent with the above-mentioned aerosol matrix structure 10, and this application will not repeat them one by one.

[0109] A third aspect of the present invention, as Figures 4 to 6 As shown, a low-temperature heating cigarette is provided, comprising an aerosol matrix structure 10, a cooling element 20 and a filter element 30 connected in sequence; wherein the aerosol matrix structure 10 is the aerosol matrix structure 10 described in any embodiment of the present application, or is obtained by the preparation method of the aerosol matrix structure 10 described in any embodiment of the present application.

[0110] Specifically, the aerosol matrix structure 10 provided in any embodiment of the present application can be used directly, or the aerosol matrix structure 10 can be connected to the cooling element 20 and the filter element 30 along the axis to make a low-temperature heating cigarette with high thermal conductivity and low specific heat capacity. The cooling element 20 has a length of 10 to 20 mm, preferably 11 to 17 mm. The filter element 30 has a length of 3 to 8 mm, preferably 6 to 7 mm.

[0111] Since the heating temperature of the aerosol matrix structure 10 is between 180 and 200 degrees Celsius, which is relatively high, if the aerosol matrix structure 10 is directly inhaled, it will burn the smoker. The cooling element 20 can cool the aerosol matrix structure 10 to reduce the outlet temperature of the low-temperature heated cigarette and satisfy the sensory experience of the smoker. The filter end is used to filter harmful impurities and further reduce the outlet temperature of the low-temperature heated cigarette to meet the needs of consumers.

[0112] It should be noted that the low-temperature heated cigarette of the present application includes the aerosol matrix structure 10 described in any embodiment of the present application, or is obtained by using the preparation method of the aerosol matrix structure 10 described in any embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the specific technical effects of the low-temperature heated cigarette of the present application are consistent with the aerosol matrix structure 10 and its preparation method, and the present application will not repeat them one by one.

[0113] The present invention will be described in detail below by way of examples. The examples of the embodiments are intended to explain the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. If no specific techniques or conditions are specified in the embodiments, the techniques or conditions described in the literature in the art or the product specifications are used. If no manufacturer is specified for the reagents or instruments used, they are all conventional products that can be obtained commercially.

[0114] Example 1

[0115] An aerosol matrix structure 10 and a method for preparing a corresponding low-temperature non-heating cigarette, comprising:

[0116] S210: Mix and homogenize Solanaceae plants with a moisture content of 8-12% and Rosaceae plants in a mass ratio of 1:0.3 to obtain a plant mixture; wherein the mass ratio of stem: leaf: flower in the plant mixture is 0.2:0.6:0.2.

[0117] S220: Heat the plant mixture in a 0.7 bar, 90°C steam environment for 60 minutes and then place it in Figure 4 The cylindrical mold shown is punched at 3 bar for 1 second.

[0118] S230: The formed material is microwave-dried at 80°C for 4 to 8 minutes to obtain an aerosol matrix structure 10 with a water content of 7.5 to 10%; wherein the aerosol matrix structure 10 is a columnar structure with a length of 15 mm and a diameter of 7.2 mm, and its thermal conductivity is 1929 W / (m*k), specific heat capacity is: 2.9 kj / (kg*℃), and the porosity is 0.45.

[0119] S240: Connect the aerosol matrix structure 10 with a length of 15 mm to the cooling element 20 with a length of 12 mm and the filter element 30 with a length of 7 mm along the central axis to obtain the following: Figure 4 The low temperature heating shown does not burn smoke.

[0120] Example 2

[0121] An aerosol matrix structure 10 and a method for preparing a corresponding low-temperature non-heating cigarette, comprising:

[0122] S210: Mix and homogenize the Solanaceae plant with the Moraceae Jackfruit plant and the Euphorbiaceae Leafy Guava fruit in a ratio of 1:0.3:0.2 to obtain a plant mixture; wherein the mass ratio of stem:leaf:flower:fruit in the plant mixture is 0.2:0.5:0.2:0.1.

[0123] S220: The plant mixture is heated and rehydrated in a 0.7 bar, 90°C steam environment for 60 minutes, and then placed in a mold with a vent hole 11 and stamped at 3.5 bar for 2 seconds.

[0124] S230: The formed material is dried by infrared to obtain an aerosol matrix structure 10 having a water content of 6.5-8.5%; wherein the aerosol matrix structure 10 is a columnar structure with a vent hole 11 having a length of 15 mm and a diameter of 7.2 mm (such as Figure 1As shown), the diameter of each vent hole 11 is 0.3 mm, one vent hole 11 is located at the axial center of the columnar aerosol matrix structure 10, and the other four vent holes 11 are evenly distributed along the radial direction of the columnar aerosol matrix structure 10, and its thermal conductivity is 2230 W / (m*k), specific heat capacity is 3.3 kj / (kg*℃), and porosity is 0.53.

[0125] S240: Connecting the aerosol matrix structure 10 with a length of 10 mm to the cooling element 20 with a length of 15 mm and the filter element 30 with a length of 6 mm along the central axis to obtain a low-temperature heat-not-burn cigarette.

[0126] Example 3

[0127] An aerosol matrix structure 10 and a method for preparing a corresponding low-temperature non-heating cigarette, comprising:

[0128] S210: Mix and homogenize the new Solanaceae plant with a moisture content of 60-80% with VG and spices in a mass ratio of 0.85:0.12:0.03 to obtain a mixture; wherein the mass ratio of roots: stems: leaves in the new Solanaceae plant is 0.2:0.5:0.15.

[0129] S220: The mixture is heated and rehumidified in a 3 bar, 90 °C steam environment for 90 minutes, and then placed in a mold for stamping at 2.5 bar for 1.5 seconds.

[0130] S230: The formed material is dried by microwave to obtain an aerosol matrix structure 10 with a water content of 6.5-8.5%; wherein the aerosol matrix structure 10 is a columnar structure with air holes 11 having a length of 15 mm and a diameter of 7.2 mm, and has five air holes 11, each of which has a diameter of 0.3 mm, one of which is located at the axial center of the columnar aerosol matrix structure 10, and the other four are evenly distributed along the radial direction of the columnar aerosol matrix structure 10, and its thermal conductivity is 2230 W / (m*k), specific heat capacity is 2.7 kj / (kg*℃), and porosity is 0.67.

[0131] S240: Connecting the aerosol matrix structure 10 with a length of 12 mm to the cooling element 20 with a length of 17 mm and the filter element 30 with a length of 6 mm along the central axis to obtain a low-temperature heat-not-burn cigarette.

[0132] Example 4

[0133] An aerosol matrix structure 10 and a method for preparing a corresponding low-temperature non-heating cigarette, comprising:

[0134] S210: Mix and homogenize the processing wastes of Hemp family plants and Euphorbiaceae genus plants with a moisture content of 11-13% according to the ratio of root: stem: flower: VG: spice = 0.2:0.5:0.2:0.15:0.05 to obtain a mixture.

[0135] S220: The mixture was heated and rehydrated in a 1.5 bar, 150°C steam environment for 130 min, and then placed in a mold with vent holes 11 and stamped at 3 bar for 1 second.

[0136] S230: The formed material is subjected to infrared drying to obtain an aerosol matrix structure 10 with a water content of 7.5-8.5%; wherein the aerosol matrix structure 10 is a columnar structure with ventilation holes 11 having a length of 15 mm and a diameter of 7.2 mm, and has five ventilation holes 11, each of which has a diameter of 0.3 mm, one of which is located at the axial center of the columnar aerosol matrix structure 10, and the other four ventilation holes 11 are uniformly distributed along the radial direction of the columnar aerosol matrix structure 10, and its thermal conductivity is 2630 W / (m*k), specific heat capacity is 1.7 kj / (kg*℃), and porosity is 0.59.

[0137] S240: Connecting the aerosol matrix structure 10 with a length of 12 mm to the cooling element 20 with a length of 11 mm and the filter element 30 with a length of 6 mm along the central axis to obtain a low-temperature heat-not-burn cigarette.

[0138] Example 5

[0139] A method for preparing an aerosol matrix structure 10 comprises:

[0140] S210: Using Solanaceae plants with a water content of 5-7%, mixing and homogenizing roots, stems, flowers: leaves: VG in a ratio of 0.1:0.2:0.1:0.5:0.1 to obtain a mixture.

[0141] S220: The mixture was heated and rehydrated in a 0.8 bar, 40°C steam environment for 50 minutes, and then placed in a spherical mold and pressed at 3 bar for 1 second to form a 6 mm diameter sphere;

[0142] S230: The formed spherical material is dried by microwave to obtain an aerosol matrix structure 10 with a water content of 9.5-13.5%; its thermal conductivity is 3150W / (m*k), specific heat capacity is 3.1kj / (kg*℃), and porosity is 0.59.

[0143] Finally, if Figure 3 As shown, the diameter is The spherical aerosol matrix structure 10 is placed in a heater 40 for heating to generate aerosol required by consumers. The aerosol can be released from a release port 41 of the heater 40 .

[0144] Comparative Example 1

[0145] A method for preparing a thickened tobacco sheet structure (such as sample K), comprising:

[0146] Plant materials such as Solanaceae plants are ground into powder, 90% water is added, and the mixture is stirred to obtain a mixture, which is then coated on a steel sheet and dried to obtain a thickened tobacco sheet structure.

[0147] According to the YC / T138-1998 sensory evaluation standard for tobacco and tobacco products, a smoking evaluation panel consisting of 15 smoking evaluation experts was organized to evaluate the aerosol matrix structure 10 or low-temperature heat-not-burn cigarettes obtained in Examples 1-5 and the thickened tobacco sheet obtained in Comparative Example 1 and measure the resistance to inhalation index. The evaluation and test results are shown in Table 1.

[0148] Table 1: Evaluation results of aerosol matrix structure

[0149]

[0150] It can be seen from Table 1 that, compared with the existing thickened tobacco sheet structure, the aerosol matrix structure 10 provided in the embodiment of the present application has significantly improved performance in terms of smoke volume, smoke smoothness, uniformity, smoke temperature, and inhalation resistance, and the overall sensory quality is also significantly improved.

[0151] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and an explanation of the technical principles used. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention involved in the present application is not limited to the technical solution formed by a specific combination of the above technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by any combination of the above technical features or their equivalent features without departing from the inventive concept. For example, the above features are replaced with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in the present application.

Claims

1. An aerosol matrix structure, characterized in that: The raw materials for preparing the aerosol matrix structure include plant materials; the aerosol matrix structure is prepared by first steam heating the plant materials and then shaping them.

2. The aerosol matrix structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plant material comprises any one of fresh plant material, plant processing waste or dry plant material with a moisture content of 5-20%, preferably dry plant material with a moisture content of 6-10%.

3. The aerosol matrix structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plant material comprises plants of one or more genera and families.

4. The aerosol matrix structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plant material includes at least one of the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits or extracts of the plant.

5. The aerosol matrix structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The raw materials for preparing the aerosol matrix structure also include: an atomizer and / or a fragrance, preferably the atomizer includes propylene glycol and / or vegetable glycerin, and preferably the fragrance includes at least one of furanone, lemon oil, phenylethyl alcohol, cocoa extract, tobacco extract, Maillard reactant, and acetaldehyde.

6. The aerosol matrix structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The mass ratio of the plant material, the atomizer and the fragrance is (0.6-1):(0-0.5):(0-0.15), and the preferred mass ratio is 1:(0.1-0.3):(0-0.1); the preferred mass ratio of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin in the atomizer is (0-0.3):(0-0.2).

7. The aerosol matrix structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The thermal conductivity of the aerosol matrix structure is 900 to 4300 W / (m*k), preferably 1100 to 4000 W / (m*k).

8. The aerosol matrix structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The specific heat capacity of the aerosol matrix structure is 1.4 to 3.8 kj / (kg*°C), preferably 2.5 to 3.6 kj / (kg*°C).

9. The aerosol matrix structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The porosity of the aerosol matrix structure is 0.3 to 0.7, preferably 0.35 to 0.

6.

10. The aerosol matrix structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The shape of the aerosol matrix structure is any one of columnar, spherical, and prism-shaped, preferably columnar, and more preferably the columnar aerosol matrix structure has an outer diameter of 4.5 to 9.0 mm and a length of 3 to 20 mm.

11. The aerosol matrix structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The water content of the aerosol matrix structure is 5 to 13.5%, preferably 7.5 to 12%.

12. A method for preparing an aerosol matrix structure, characterized in that: The method for preparing the aerosol matrix structure comprises: The plant material is steam heated and formed to obtain an aerosol matrix structure.

13. The method for preparing an aerosol matrix structure according to claim 12, characterized in that: The plant material includes fresh plant material or dry plant material with a moisture content of 5-20%, preferably dry plant material with a moisture content of 6-10%.

14. The method for preparing an aerosol matrix structure according to claim 12, characterized in that: The plant material includes plants of one or more genera and families, and preferably the plant material includes at least one of the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits or extracts of the plant.

15. The method for preparing an aerosol matrix structure according to claim 12, characterized in that: The steam heating of the plant material also includes: The plant material is uniformly mixed with an atomizer and / or a flavor; preferably, the atomizer includes propylene glycol and / or vegetable glycerin, and preferably, the flavor includes at least one of furanone, lemon oil, phenylethyl alcohol, cocoa extract, tobacco extract, Maillard reactant, acetaldehyde, and raspberry ketone.

16. The method for preparing an aerosol matrix structure according to claim 15, characterized in that: The mass ratio of the plant material, the atomizer and the fragrance is (0.6-1):(0-0.5):(0-0.15), and the preferred mass ratio is 1:(0.1-0.3):(0-0.1); the preferred mass ratio of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin in the atomizer is (0-0.3):(0-0.2).

17. The method for preparing an aerosol matrix structure according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that: The steam heating pressure is 0.1 to 5 bar, preferably 0.3 to 4 bar; The steam heating temperature is 20-152°C, preferably 29-144°C; The steam heating time is 30 to 180 minutes, preferably 40 to 80 minutes.

18. The method for preparing an aerosol matrix structure according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that: The forming method includes stamping forming or expansion forming.

19. The method for preparing an aerosol matrix structure according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that: After steam heating and molding the plant material, the method further comprises: The formed material is dried.

20. A low temperature heated cigarette, characterized in that: The low-temperature heated cigarette comprises an aerosol matrix structure, a cooling element and a filter element connected in sequence; wherein the aerosol matrix structure is the aerosol matrix structure described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or is obtained by the preparation method of the aerosol matrix structure described in any one of claims 12 to 19.

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