Ultra-low nicotine smoking article

Abstract

The invention relates to an ultralow nicotine smoking product. The smoking article comprises a medium part and a filtering part, the medium part contains a tobacco medium comprising flue-cured tobacco, expanded tobacco shreds and expanded cut stems, based on the total weight of the tobacco medium, the flue-cured tobacco accounts for 50-60 wt%, the expanded tobacco shreds account for 20-30 wt%, and the expanded cut stems account for 10-30 wt%, the nicotine content of the tobacco medium is from 0.01% to 0.05%.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a super-low nicotine smoking product. Background Art

[0002] Generally, tobacco refers to a perennial plant of the Solanaceae family of dicotyledonous plants. Recently, tobacco has also come to refer generally to smoking products in which tobacco leaves are wrapped in cigarette paper and a filter part is provided on one side. There are thousands of such tobaccos in the world, and they have various shapes and forms.

[0003] Currently, the nicotine content of commercially available smoking products is about 5% or less. However, reducing the nicotine content of smoking products has gradually become a global trend.

[0004] In order to produce tobacco with a low nicotine content, existing methods use the leaves of other plants (such as herb leaves) instead of tobacco leaves, or soak tobacco leaves, or use adsorbents, etc. However, existing methods have problems such as it being difficult to satisfy the preferences of smokers who are accustomed to the tobacco flavor of traditional tobacco leaves, or not being able to sufficiently reduce the nicotine content, and the process being cumbersome and difficult to use.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to develop a smoking product that can more easily reduce the nicotine content in tobacco leaves compared to existing commercially available smoking products. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a smoking product that uses super-low nicotine tobacco leaves for the smoking product and reduces the nicotine content of the tobacco medium by adjusting the mixing ratio of the tobacco medium while maintaining the tobacco flavor.

[0008] However, the problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other unmentioned problems through the following description.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a super-low nicotine smoking product including a medium part and a filter part. The medium part contains a tobacco medium including flue-cured tobacco, expanded tobacco shreds, and expanded stem shreds. Based on the total weight of the tobacco medium, the flue-cured tobacco is 50% to 60% by weight, the expanded tobacco shreds are 20% to 30% by weight, and the expanded stem shreds are 10% to 30% by weight. The nicotine content of the tobacco medium is 0.01% to 0.05%.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an ultra-low nicotine smoking article, comprising a medium portion and a filter portion. The medium portion contains a tobacco medium including flue-cured tobacco, expanded tobacco leaves and expanded tobacco stems, and the nicotine content of the tobacco medium is 0.01% to 0.05%. The content ratio of tar to nicotine in the mainstream smoke components of the smoking article is 80:1 to 400:1.

[0012] Advantages of the Invention

[0013] The smoking article of the present invention can provide an ultra-low nicotine smoking article, which while maintaining the tobacco flavor and combustibility (or thermal conductivity) of the smoking article, has a nicotine content in the tobacco medium of less than 0.05%.

[0014] It should be understood that the advantages of the present invention are not limited to the above advantages, and further include all advantages derivable from the specific description or the invention described in the claims of the present invention. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] Figure 1 are the sensory evaluation results of the tobacco flavor of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 of the ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 are the sensory evaluation results of the tobacco flavor of Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 of the ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0017] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, various changes can be made to the embodiments, and the scope of the claims of the present application is not limited to these embodiments. It should be understood that all changes, equivalents and their substitutes to the embodiments are included within the scope of the claims.

[0018] The terms used in the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the intention. Unless otherwise specified in the context, singular expressions include plural expressions. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are used to express the presence of the stated features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0019] Without other definitions, all terms, including technical or scientific terms used herein, have the ordinary meanings understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the examples belong. Terms commonly used, such as those defined in a dictionary, should be understood as having the meanings in the relevant technical content. Without being explicitly defined in this specification, they should not be construed as having idealized or overly formal meanings.

[0020] In the process of describing the examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In the process of describing the exemplary embodiments, when it is determined that a specific description of a related well-known structure or function will cause unnecessary confusion to the present disclosure, its specific description is omitted.

[0021] Moreover, when describing the constituent elements of the exemplary embodiments, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from other constituent elements, and are not used to limit the nature, order or sequence of the corresponding constituent elements, etc.

[0022] When a constituent element has the same function as a constituent element of a certain exemplary embodiment, the same name is also used for description in other embodiments. In the absence of a counterexample, the configuration disclosed in a certain exemplary embodiment can be applied to other embodiments, and the specific description of the repeated configuration can be omitted.

[0023] Throughout the specification, when it is stated that a certain part "comprises" a certain constituent element, it may also include other constituent elements rather than excluding the possibility of the existence of other constituent elements.

[0024] Throughout the specification, a "smoking article" may refer to an article capable of generating an aerosol, such as a cigarette (cigarette), cigar, etc. The smoking article may include an aerosol-forming substance or an aerosol-forming substrate. In addition, the smoking article may include a solid substance based on tobacco raw materials such as cut tobacco leaves, cut tobacco, and reconstituted tobacco. The smoking substance may include volatile compounds.

[0025] Furthermore, throughout the specification, "upstream" or "upstream direction" refers to the direction away from the mouth of the user who inhales the smoking article, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" refers to the direction towards the mouth of the user who inhales the smoking article.

[0026] Throughout the specification, an "ultra-low nicotine smoking article" may refer to a smoking article having a nicotine content in the tobacco medium of 0.01% to 0.05%.

[0027] The medium part of the smoking article can be made as follows. The tobacco leaves after the foreign matter screening is completed are mixed, cut by a cutting machine, and then passed through a dryer. Then, in addition to the mixing process, flavoring treatment can also be performed with flavoring substances in a flavoring device to compensate for the insufficient flavor and taste of the tobacco leaves and to mask the undesired flavors and tastes. The main raw materials of the tobacco medium used in this process are flue-cured tobacco, air-cured tobacco, and sun-cured tobacco, and the auxiliary materials are reconstituted tobacco sheet, expanded cut tobacco (DIET), and expanded stem cut tobacco (STS).

[0028] One embodiment of the present invention may provide an ultra-low nicotine smoking article. The smoking article includes a medium portion and a filter portion. The medium portion may contain a tobacco medium, and the tobacco medium includes flue-cured tobacco, expanded cut tobacco (DIET), and expanded stem tobacco (STS). Relative to the total weight of the tobacco medium, the flue-cured tobacco may be 50% to 60% by weight, the expanded cut tobacco may be 20% to 30% by weight, and the expanded stem tobacco may be 10% to 30% by weight. At this time, the nicotine content of the tobacco medium may be 0.01% to 0.05%.

[0029] Another embodiment of the present invention may provide an ultra-low nicotine smoking article, which includes a medium portion and a filter portion. Among them, the medium portion contains a tobacco medium including flue-cured tobacco, expanded cut tobacco, and expanded stem tobacco, and the nicotine content of the tobacco medium is 0.01% to 0.05%. At this time, the content ratio of tar to nicotine in the mainstream smoke components of the smoking article may be 150:1 to 330:1.

[0030] Flue-cured tobacco is one of the main raw materials of tobacco, and its characteristic is high sugar content. When mixing, it can play a role in dominating the inherent flavor. However, when the content of flue-cured tobacco increases, the combustibility (or thermal conductivity) of the smoking article is reduced, and the draw is reduced.

[0031] Expanded cut tobacco is tobacco leaves instantaneously expanded with high-temperature steam after cooling flue-cured tobacco leaves with carbon dioxide. When mixing, it can play a role in imparting combustibility (or thermal conductivity). When the content of expanded cut tobacco is too high, the combustibility (or thermal conductivity) is excessively increased.

[0032] Expanded stem tobacco can adjust the nicotine transfer amount and impart combustibility (or thermal conductivity) when mixing. Expanded stem tobacco can be used as a filler for smoking articles, and since stem tobacco is a by-product of tobacco leaves, the cost can also be reduced. However, when the content of expanded stem tobacco is too much, it may exhibit bad cigarette flavors such as spicy or pungent flavors, and there is a problem of reducing the tobacco flavor.

[0033] Therefore, the nicotine content of tobacco substances can be adjusted by changing the contents of flue-cured tobacco, expanded cut tobacco, and expanded stem tobacco, and a smoking article with excellent tobacco flavor and appropriate combustibility (or thermal conductivity) can be provided.

[0034] For the smoking article of the present invention, when the content of flue-cured tobacco is less than 50% by weight, the original flavor of tobacco is insufficient; when the content of flue-cured tobacco exceeds 60% by weight, the nicotine content of the tobacco medium may exceed 0.05%.

[0035] When the content of expanded cut tobacco is less than 20% by weight, the burning rate of tobacco may be reduced; when the content of expanded cut tobacco is higher than 30%, the original flavor of tobacco may be insufficient, and the draw may be reduced.

[0036] In addition, the content of expanded cut stem can be 10% to 30% by weight, preferably 15% to 25% by weight, and more preferably 17% to 23% by weight. When the content of expanded cut stem is less than 10% by weight, the nicotine content of the tobacco medium may exceed 0.05%; when it exceeds 30% by weight, unpleasant flavors such as pungency and irritation may be emitted.

[0037] On the other hand, the flue-cured tobacco, expanded tobacco leaves, and expanded cut stem can be separated from at least one selected from the group consisting of free flue-cured tobacco thick leaves and thin leaves. However, for the above-mentioned effects, it is preferably separated from the flue-cured tobacco thick leaves and thin leaves and then mixed.

[0038] In a smoking article according to an embodiment of the present invention, the nicotine content of the tobacco medium can be 0.01% to 0.05%, preferably 0.03% to 0.05%. The nicotine content of the tobacco medium used in existing commercially available smoking articles is generally about 5% or less. Compared with the tobacco medium used in existing commercially available smoking articles, the nicotine content of the tobacco medium used in the present invention is reduced by more than 95%, and the nicotine content of the smoking article can be reduced to a non-addictive level.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco medium can be obtained from a plant having at least one of the following morphological characteristics (1) to (16).

[0040] (1) The plant body is oval;

[0041] (2) The plant body is 123 to 124 cm tall;

[0042] (3) The color of the main stem of the plant body is green;

[0043] (4) The number of leaves of the plant body is 24 to 25;

[0044] (5) The growth degree of the axillary buds of the plant body is 1.5;

[0045] (6) Presence or absence of petiole: sessile leaf;

[0046] (7) The leaf angle of the leaf is moderate;

[0047] (8) The leaf length is 60 to 65 cm;

[0048] (9) The leaf width is 30 to 35 cm;

[0049] (10) The leaf shape is broad oval;

[0050] (11) The cross-sectional shape of the leaf is convex;

[0051] (12) The longitudinal section of the leaf bends moderately backward;

[0052] (13) The curvature of the leaf surface is moderate;

[0053] (14) The wavy shape of the leaf edge is weak;

[0054] (15) The auricle of the leaf is strongly developed; and

[0055] (16) The leaf color is light green.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco medium can be obtained from a plant body having at least one of the following morphological characteristics (17) to (32).

[0057] (17) The number of above-ground leaves is moderate;

[0058] (18) The flowering period is early;

[0059] (19) The number of flowering days is 60 to 65 days;

[0060] (20) The flower length is 55 mm to 60 mm;

[0061] (21) The flower tube diameter is 5 mm to 6 mm;

[0062] (22) The corolla size is 28 mm to 32 mm;

[0063] (23) The protrusion degree of the corolla top is strong;

[0064] (24) The corolla color is pink;

[0065] (25) The flower stamens develop normally;

[0066] (26) The pistil is shorter than the stamen in length;

[0067] (27) The flower shape is an inverted conical shape;

[0068] (28) The flower is located above the upper leaves;

[0069] (29) The flowering density is moderate;

[0070] (30) The capsule is oval;

[0071] (31) There is no male sterility; and

[0072] (32) It has no resistance to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and potato virus Y (PVY).

[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco medium can be obtained from a plant body having at least one of the above morphological characteristics (1) to (32).

[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco medium can be obtained from tobacco (scientific name: Nicotiana tabacum L.) with the variety name KF128 registered at the National Institute of Seeds and Variety Evaluation, Korea. KF128 can have any one or more of the above characteristics.

[0075] On the other hand, compared with the currently major flue-cured tobacco variety K326 in the United States, KF128 has the distinguishing characteristics shown in (33) to (40) below.

[0076] (33) The leaves of KF128 are longer than those of K326;

[0077] (34) The leaves of KF128 are wider than those of K326;

[0078] (35) The leaves of KF128 are wide oval, while the leaves of K326 are narrow oval;

[0079] (36) The tip of the KF128 leaf is moderately sharp, while the tip of the K326 leaf is very sharp;

[0080] (37) The curvature of the KF128 leaf surface is moderate, while the curvature of the K326 leaf surface is strong;

[0081] (38) The wavy shape of the KF128 leaf edge is weak, while the wavy shape of the K326 leaf edge is moderate;

[0082] (39) The flower length of KF128 is shorter than that of K326;

[0083] (40) The corolla of KF128 is smaller than that of K326.

[0084] In a smoking article according to an embodiment of the present invention, the total nitrogen content of the tobacco medium can be 0.05% to 1%. Among the smoke components, nitrogen-containing substances, especially NO3, are precursors of substances that cause irritation during smoking and are also components that generate off-flavors. Using a tobacco medium with a low total nitrogen content can reduce the irritation during smoking. Moreover, it is also possible to reduce the off-flavor components themselves to reduce the tobacco off-flavors generated during / after smoking. In addition, by reducing the nitrogen compounds, which are the tobacco-specific off-flavor components, contained in the mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke, the tobacco off-flavors in the mouth, on clothes, hands, etc. after smoking can be reduced.

[0085] A smoking article according to an embodiment of the present invention can additionally include excipients such as binders or other additives, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] An adhesive is a material that can well adhere to tobacco medium fragments, etc. to improve hardness, and any material known in the art can be used without limitation. For example, it may include at least one selected from the group consisting of: cellulose-based materials such as alginate, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, ethylhydroxyethylcellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose; dextran; gum; gum derivatives such as hydroxyethyl guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum, hydroxyethyl locust bean gum, and hydroxypropyl locust bean gum; pectin-based materials such as fruit pectin, citrus pectin, and tobacco pectin; modified or derivative starch; pullulan; and konjac powder.

[0087] Other additives may additionally include at least one selected from the group consisting of wetting agents, plasticizers, tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof, but are not limited thereto.

[0088] A wetting agent is a substance that helps maintain a preferred level of moisture in the medium part, and may include glycerol or propylene glycol, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0089] A plasticizer is a preparation that improves moldability by softening the material. For example, it may include at least one selected from the group consisting of triacetin, dibutyl phthalate, dibutyl sebacate, diethyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, tributyl acetylcitrate, triethyl acetylcitrate, diacetylated monoglyceride, dibutyl sebacate, mineral oil, benzyl benzoate, chlorobutanol, glyceryl monostearate, lanolin alcohol, and cellulose acetate phthalate compatible plasticizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0090] Examples of tobacco fibers may include tobacco cellulose fibers. When tobacco cellulose fibers are included, the tensile strength of the tobacco medium can be improved. In addition, non-tobacco fibers are also well-known in the art and may include non-tobacco cellulose fibers. Examples of suitable non-tobacco fibers may include at least one selected from the group consisting of hardwood fibers, softwood fibers, jute fibers, and flax fibers, but are not limited thereto.

[0091] In a smoking article according to an embodiment of the present invention, by way of example, the weight of the medium part may be 500 milligrams per cigarette (mg / cig) to 700 mg / cig.

[0092] In an embodiment of the present invention, the filter part may be located at the downstream end of the smoking article and may be a single filter or a composite filter. The composite filter may be a dual filter or a triple filter.

[0093] The filter part may include at least one fiber selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate, lyocell fiber, polypropylene, polyester, and polylactic acid, but is not limited to the examples described.

[0094] In addition, the filter part may further include activated carbon and a plasticizer. The activated carbon can reduce the smoke components in the mainstream smoke. Not only ordinary activated carbon can be used, but also super activated carbon and composite activated carbon can be used. The plasticizer can impart hardness to the smoking article through binding between fibers, and the plasticizer can be triacetin.

[0095] In addition, the filter part may additionally include a capsule filled with perfume liquid, and a filter treated with fragrance can also be used to improve the tobacco flavor. The capsule filled with perfume liquid has crushability that breaks when pressure is applied. For example, when crushed by hand, the perfume liquid inside the capsule can moisten the filter part. On the other hand, a filter treated with fragrance can be manufactured by a transfer jet nozzle system (TJNS) that sprays perfume liquid onto the tow during the filter manufacturing process. When a capsule filled with perfume liquid and a TJNS filter are used simultaneously, the perfume liquid components are adsorbed when passing through the activated carbon, which may reduce its effect. Therefore, the filter including activated carbon should be located upstream of the capsule and the TJNS filter.

[0096] In an embodiment of the present invention, the inhalation resistance of the filter part may be 60 to 100 mmWG. For example, the inhalation resistance may be 70 mmWG to 90 mmWG, or 77 mmWG to 85 mmWG.

[0097] The smoking article according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a filter wrapper paper that wraps the filter part, a tipping paper that wraps the filter wrapper paper, and cigarette paper.

[0098] The filter wrapper paper can wrap the filter part to form a filter segment. For example, the filter wrapper paper may have oil resistance to prevent the capsule contained in the filter part from being crushed and its contents from seeping into the tipping paper.

[0099] The tipping paper is the paper that connects the cigarette and the filter, and may have perforations. The perforations are used to dilute the smoke components of the smoking article by increasing the dilution rate of the tobacco.

[0100] The cigarette paper is a thin paper for rolling up tobacco for smoking, mainly made of raw materials such as flax and wood pulp. The cigarette paper additives may include fillers and combustion aids. The fillers can be used to enhance whiteness and opacity, adjust the porosity, and reduce the odor during combustion. On the other hand, the combustion aids can play a role in promoting or inhibiting combustion.

[0101] In the smoking article of the present invention, the unencapsulated pressuredrop (UPD) of the smoking article can be 80 mmWG to 100 mmWG, and the encapsulated pressure drop (EPD) can be 120 mmWG to 155 mmWG. Herein, UPD refers to the inhalation resistance when smoking without blocking the filter perforations, and EPD refers to the inhalation resistance when smoking with the filter perforations blocked.

[0102] In the smoking article of the present invention, the UPD / EPD value can be 0.5 to 0.9, preferably 0.51 to 0.8. When the UPD / EPD value decreases, the drawability can be improved and the sense of smoke volume can be increased.

[0103] The circumference of the smoking article can be 15 mm to 30 mm, preferably 16 mm to 27 mm. For example, for the circumference of the smoking article, a regular cigarette can be 24.2 mm, a slender cigarette can be 21.7 mm, and an ultra-slender cigarette can be 16.7 mm.

[0104] In addition, the hardness of the smoking article can be 55% to 98%. For example, the hardness of the smoking article can be 60% to 96%, or 70% to 80%.

[0105] However, it is not limited to the described ranges.

[0106] In an embodiment of the present invention, the air dilution rate of the smoking article can be 10% to 60%. For example, the air dilution rate can be 20% to 60%, or 30% to 40%.

[0107] In an embodiment of the present invention, the content of tar in the smoke components of the mainstream smoke of the smoking article can be 4 mg / cig to 8 mg / cig.

[0108] In an embodiment of the present invention, the content of nicotine in the smoke components of the mainstream smoke of the smoking article can be 0.02 mg / cig to 0.05 mg / cig. For example, the content of nicotine can be 0.02 mg / cig to 0.04 mg / cig.

[0109] In an embodiment of the present invention, the content of carbon monoxide in the smoke components of the mainstream smoke of the smoking article can be 3 mg / cig to 18 mg / cig. For example, the content of carbon monoxide can be 5 mg / cig to 11 mg / cig.

[0110] In one embodiment of the present invention, the content ratio of tar to nicotine in the mainstream smoke components of the smoking article may be from 80:1 to 400:1. For example, the content ratio of tar to nicotine in the mainstream smoke components of the smoking article may be from 100:1 to 400:1, from 111:1 to 334:1, from 90:1 to 355:1, from 112:1 to 355:1, from 125:1 to 296:1, from 175:1 to 210:1, or from 180:1 to 200:1.

[0111] The smoking article according to an embodiment of the present invention may be combustible or non-combustible. The combustible smoking article may refer to a traditional cigarette. The non-combustible smoking article includes an electronic smoking article that is indirectly heated by electric energy rather than directly burned.

[0112] The electronic smoking article may include a non-combustible smoking article and an aerosol generating device into which the non-combustible smoking article can be inserted. The electronic smoking article may be a product that uses electric energy to heat the inserted smoking article to generate an aerosol, so that the user inhales and then exhales the aerosol to achieve smoking.

[0113] The non-combustible smoking article according to an embodiment of the present invention may have various structures.

[0114] For example, between the medium part and the filter part of the smoking article according to an embodiment of the present invention, a support structure and a cooling structure may also be included.

[0115] The support structure can be located downstream of the medium part and can be a hollow tubular structure. The support structure is used to support the medium part to prevent the medium part from being pushed when inserted into the aerosol generating device and plays a role in moving atomization. The support structure can be prepared using cellulose acetate, and the hardness of the support structure can be adjusted by changing the content of the plasticizer added during the manufacture of the support structure. Alternatively, the support structure can be manufactured by inserting structures such as membranes and tubes made of the same or different materials into the hollow.

[0116] The cooling structure may be located downstream of the support structure. When a smoker inhales the aerosol generated by heating the medium part, especially the heat generated during the first puff may make the smoker feel uncomfortable. The cooling structure is a cooling component that cools the aerosol generated by heating the medium part. Therefore, the smoker can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0117] As another example, in addition to the medium part and the filter part, the smoking article according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a front filter section and a support structure.

[0118] The front filter section can be located upstream of the media section. The front filter section can be used to identify dedicated smoking articles used in the aerosol generating device. For example, the front filter section can be made of cellulose acetate. A hollow can be formed in the center of the front filter section, or micro-channels can be formed only to the extent that it prevents the tobacco media in the media section from escaping to the outside and only forms an air flow path.

[0119] However, the above examples are only examples of non-combustible smoking articles that can be used in the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the described examples.

[0120] The aerosol generating device can include some or all of a battery, a control unit, a vaporizer, and a heater. The arrangement relationship of the above components can be changed according to the design of the aerosol generating device.

[0121] The battery can provide the power required for the operation of the aerosol generating device. For example, the battery can supply power to heat the heater, or can provide the power required for the operation of the control unit. In addition, the battery can supply the power required for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. in the aerosol generating device.

[0122] The control unit can overall control the operation of the aerosol generating device. For example, the control unit can control the operation of the battery, the heater, and other structures that can be included in the aerosol generating device. And, the control unit can confirm the state of each structure of the aerosol generating device, thereby determining whether the aerosol generating device is in an operable state.

[0123] The vaporizer can heat the liquid composition to generate aerosol, and the vaporizer can include a liquid storage section, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element, but is not limited thereto. When the smoking article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device can operate the heater and / or the vaporizer to generate aerosol from the smoking article and / or the vaporizer. The generated aerosol can be transmitted to the smoker through the smoking article. The vaporizer can also be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0124] The heater can be powered by the battery to achieve heating. For example, when the smoking article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the heater can be inserted into a certain area inside the smoking article to heat the inside of the smoking article, or heat the outside of the smoking article, or heat the inside and the outside of the smoking article simultaneously, so as to aerosolize the volatile substances in the smoking article. The shape of the heater can be various shapes such as tubular, plate-shaped, needle-shaped, rod-shaped, etc., and the number of heaters can be one or more. In addition, the heater can be a resistance heater or an induction heater.

[0125] In addition to the above structures, the aerosol generating device can also include general structures.

[0126] The present invention will be described in more detail below in conjunction with embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0127] 1. Preparation of smoking articles

[0128] Prepare the ultra-low nicotine smoking articles of Preparation Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3. The design details of the examples and comparative examples are shown in Table 1 below. The composition and content of the medium part are as follows:

[0129] Preparation Example 1

[0130] The medium part contains a tobacco medium including flue-cured tobacco, expanded tobacco leaves and expanded stem shreds. Based on the total weight of the tobacco medium, it is mixed with 55% by weight of flue-cured tobacco, 25% by weight of expanded tobacco leaves and 20% by weight of expanded stem shreds.

[0131] Preparation Example 2

[0132] The medium part includes a tobacco medium containing flue-cured tobacco, expanded tobacco leaves and expanded stem shreds. Based on the total weight of the tobacco medium, it is mixed with 55.3% by weight of flue-cured tobacco, 22.3% by weight of expanded tobacco leaves and 22.4% by weight of expanded stem shreds.

[0133] Comparative Example 1

[0134] The medium part includes a tobacco medium containing flue-cured tobacco and expanded stem shreds. Based on the total weight of the tobacco medium, it is mixed with 78.9% by weight of flue-cured tobacco and 19.4% by weight of expanded stem shreds.

[0135] Comparative Example 2

[0136] The medium part includes a tobacco medium containing flue-cured tobacco, expanded tobacco leaves and expanded stem shreds. Based on the total weight of the tobacco medium, it is mixed with 45.0% by weight of flue-cured tobacco, 20.0% by weight of expanded tobacco leaves and 35.0% by weight of expanded stem shreds.

[0137] Comparative Example 3

[0138] The medium part includes a tobacco medium containing flue-cured tobacco, expanded tobacco leaves and expanded stem shreds. Based on the total weight of the tobacco medium, it is mixed with 63.2% by weight of flue-cured tobacco, 24.0% by weight of expanded tobacco leaves and 12.7% by weight of expanded stem shreds.

[0139] Table 1

[0140]

[0141]

[0142] Among them, Acemono refers to a filter made of cellulose acetate tow. In Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 2 and 3, activated carbon was added to the Acemono filter section. Comparative Example 1 is a double composite structure filter of Acemono and a paper filter, which does not contain activated carbon.

[0143] 2. Experimental Example 1: Analysis of the Contents of Nicotine, NO3, and Ammonia in Tobacco Medium

[0144] The contents of nicotine, NO3, and ammonia in the tobacco medium of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 were analyzed as follows. The analysis was carried out by the AUTO ANALYSIS method. 0.5 g of the medium powder was immersed in a 5% acetic acid solvent, and the filtered extract was used. After color development, the components were analyzed by a CONTINUENCE FLOW ANALYSIS (CFA) device based on the absorbance wavelength analysis in the visible light region. The analysis results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0145] Table 2

[0146] Content (%) Example 1 Example 2 Comparative Example 1 Comparative Example 2 Comparative Example 3 Nicotine 0.05 or less 0.05 0.08 0.05 0.06 <![CDATA[NO3]]> 0.34 0.34 1.99 0.48 0.23 Ammonia 0.05 0.05 0.45 0.05 0.05

[0147] 3. Experimental Example 2: Analysis of the Components of the Mainstream Smoke of Smoking Products

[0148] The analysis results of the components of the mainstream smoke of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 are shown in Table 3 below.

[0149] Table 3

[0150]

[0151] The number of puffs of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 was about 6 times. Comparing the results of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, compared with Comparative Example 1, the nicotine content in the mainstream smoke of Example 1 decreased by 0.01 mg / cig. The content ratio of tar to nicotine in Example 1 was 197:1, and that in Comparative Example 1 was 167:1. In the mainstream smoke of Example 1, the reduction rate of nicotine content was greater compared to the tar content.

[0152] The number of puffs of Example 2 and Comparative Examples 2 and 3 was about 8 times. Comparing the results of Example 2 and Comparative Examples 2 and 3, compared with Comparative Examples 2 and 3, the nicotine content in the mainstream smoke of Example 2 decreased by 0.001 to 0.003 mg / cig. The content ratio of tar to nicotine in Example 2 was 188:1, that in Comparative Example 2 was 160:1, and that in Comparative Example 3 was 170:1. In the mainstream smoke of Example 2, the reduction rate of nicotine content was greater compared to the tar content.

[0153] On the other hand, compared with Comparative Examples 1 to 3, the carbon monoxide content in the mainstream smoke of Examples 1 and 2 decreased.

[0154] 4. Experimental Example 3: Evaluation of Tobacco Flavor

[0155] A sensory evaluation was conducted to evaluate the tobacco flavor of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. The sensory evaluation represents the tobacco flavor felt by smokers during smoking in numerical values, and was evaluated by 17 members of the evaluation group, with a total score of 7 points. The sensory evaluation results are as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown.

[0156] Figure 1 are the results of the sensory evaluation of the tobacco flavor of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 under the same conditions. Compared with Comparative Example 1, the off-flavor of Example 1 was reduced, the aftertaste was more refreshing, and the overall tobacco flavor was improved.

[0157] Figure 2 are the results of the sensory evaluation of the tobacco flavor of Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 under the same conditions. In Example 2, compared with Comparative Example 2, the irritation and off-flavor were reduced, the aftertaste was more refreshing, and the overall tobacco flavor was improved.

[0158] 5. Experimental Example 4: Measurement of Combustibility

[0159] The combustibility of the present invention refers to the time required for a smoking article to burn naturally for 30 mm. The combustibility of Example 1 was measured using an automatic time-distance analysis method. Specifically, the time required for Example 1 to burn naturally for 30 mm was measured 10 times, and then repeated once to obtain the result value. At this time, the pretreatment was carried out under the conditions of a temperature of 22 ± 1°C and a moisture content of 60 ± 2%, and the conditions for the above experiment were a temperature of 22 ± 2°C and a moisture content of 60 ± 5%.

[0160] As a result, the combustibility of Example 1 was 5 minutes and 38 seconds.

[0161] 6. Experimental Example 5: Measurement of Air Dilution Rate

[0162] The air dilution rates of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1 were measured. As a result, the air dilution rates of Example 1 and Example 2 were 32% and 56.1% respectively, and the air dilution rate was increased compared with the 13% air dilution rate of Comparative Example 1.

[0163] From the above experimental examples, it can be seen that the invention described in the claims of the present invention can provide a smoking article with ultra-low nicotine, which can maintain the tobacco flavor and combustibility (or thermal conductivity) while keeping the nicotine content of the tobacco medium below 0.05%.

[0164] As described above, although the embodiments are illustrated by the defined drawings, those of ordinary skill in the art can implement various technical modifications and variations based on the above content. For example, even if the described techniques are executed in a different order from the described method and / or multiple structural elements of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or assembled in a different form from the described method, or are replaced or substituted by other structural elements or equivalent technical solutions, appropriate results can also be achieved.

[0165] Therefore, other implementation examples, other embodiments, and equivalent contents within the scope of the claims all fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ultra-low nicotine smoking article, characterized in that, it includes a medium part and a filter part, the medium part contains a tobacco medium including flue-cured tobacco, expanded tobacco leaves and expanded stem strips, based on the total weight of the tobacco medium, the flue-cured tobacco is 50% to 60% by weight, the expanded tobacco leaves are 20% to 30% by weight, and the expanded stem strips are 10% to 30% by weight, the nicotine content of the tobacco medium is 0.01% to 0.05%.

2. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to claim 1, characterized in that, the tobacco medium is obtained from tobacco (scientific name: Nicotiana tabacum L.) with the variety name KF128 registered in the National Institute of Seeds, Korea.

3. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to claim 1, characterized in that, the flue-cured tobacco, expanded tobacco leaves and expanded stem strips are separated from at least one selected from the group consisting of thick flue-cured tobacco leaves and thin flue-cured tobacco leaves.

4. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to claim 1, characterized in that, the tobacco medium is made by mixing tobacco leaves with a total nitrogen content of 0.05% to 1%.

5. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to claim 1, characterized in that, the air dilution rate of the smoking article is 10% to 60%.

6. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to claim 1, characterized in that, the content of tar in the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article is 4 mg / cig to 8 mg / cig.

7. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to claim 1, characterized in that, the content of nicotine in the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article is 0.02 mg / cig to 0.05 mg / cig.

8. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to claim 1, characterized in that, the content of carbon monoxide in the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article is 3 mg / cig to 18 mg / cig.

9. An ultra-low nicotine smoking article, characterized in that, it includes a medium part and a filter part, the medium part contains a tobacco medium including flue-cured tobacco, expanded tobacco leaves and expanded stem strips, the nicotine content of the tobacco medium is 0.01% to 0.05%, the content ratio of tar to nicotine in the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article is 80:1 to 400:

1.

10. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to claim 9, characterized in that, the tobacco medium is obtained from tobacco (scientific name: Nicotiana tabacum L.) with the variety name KF128.

11. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to claim 9, characterized in that, the tobacco medium is made by mixing tobacco leaves with a total nitrogen content of 0.05% to 1%.

12. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to claim 9, characterized in that, the content of nicotine in the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article is 0.02 mg / cig to 0.05 mg / cig.

13. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to claim 1 or 9, characterized in that, The unencapsulated pressure drop / encapsulated pressure drop value of the smoking article is from 0.5 to 0.

9.

14. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to claim 1 or 9, wherein the weight of the medium part is from 500 mg / cig to 700 mg / cig.

15. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to claim 1 or 9, wherein the draw resistance of the filter part is from 60 mmWG to 100 mmWG.

Images