Aerosol-generating article and system

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article (100) is provided. The article (100) is for use with an aerosol-generating device (200) to generate an aerosol. The article (100) includes an inlet (108), an outlet (110), and a flow channel extending from the inlet to the outlet; comprising a first aerosol-generating substrate, the first aerosol-generating section (112) being located in the flow channel; and a second aerosol-generating segment (114) comprising a second aerosol-generating substrate, the second aerosol-generating segment (114) being located in the flow channel. The article (100) is a planar article having a length, a width, and a thickness that does not exceed 0.5 times the length and does not exceed 0.5 times the width. And the first aerosol-generating substrate has a lower aerosol former content or / and a lower bulk density than the second aerosol-generating substrate. An aerosol-generating system comprising the article (100) is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol-generating articles and aerosol-generating systems comprising an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article. Background Art

[0002] A typical aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate. In use, the aerosol-generating device heats a heating element that is in proximity to or in contact with the aerosol-generating substrate, thereby causing heating of the aerosol-generating substrate and release of volatile compounds from the aerosol-generating substrate. These compounds then cool to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

[0003] Such aerosol-generating articles, in which the aerosol-generating substrate is heated rather than combusted, present a number of challenges not encountered with conventional cigarettes.

[0004] First, the aerosol-generating substrate is typically heated to a significantly lower temperature than the temperature achieved during combustion in conventional cigarettes. This can affect the release of certain volatile compounds, such as nicotine, from the aerosol-generating substrate and their delivery to the user. At the same time, if the heating temperature is increased in an attempt to promote the delivery of those volatile compounds, there may be a risk of burning the substrate, and the generated aerosol will need to cool to a greater extent and more quickly before reaching the user.

[0005] Secondly, it takes a certain amount of time to heat the aerosol-generating substrate to the temperature required for aerosol formation, and therefore there may be a delay in the delivery of the aerosol to the user after heating has begun. This phenomenon whereby a user initially draws on an aerosol-generating article and the aerosol that reaches the user is relatively low in flavors or certain volatile compounds (such as nicotine) is often referred to as the "cold puff" effect or the "empty puff" effect. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved aerosol-generating article, eg an aerosol-generating article that addresses one or both of the above challenges, and in particular an aerosol-generating article that may be able to provide a more consistent delivery of volatile compounds during a puffing process.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol is provided. The aerosol-generating article may include an inlet, an outlet, and a flow channel extending from the inlet to the outlet. The article may include a first aerosol-generating segment, the first aerosol-generating segment including a first aerosol-generating substrate. The first aerosol-generating segment may be located in the flow channel. The article may include a second aerosol-generating segment, the second aerosol-generating segment including a second aerosol-generating substrate. The second aerosol-generating segment may be located in the flow channel. The aerosol-generating article may be a planar aerosol-generating article. The article may have a length, a width, and a thickness. The thickness may not exceed 0.5 times the length, preferably not exceed 0.2 times. The thickness may not exceed 0.5 times the width, preferably not exceed 0.2 times. The first aerosol-generating substrate may have a lower aerosol-forming agent content and / or a lower bulk density than the second aerosol-generating substrate.

[0008] Thus, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol, the aerosol-generating article comprising: an inlet, an outlet, and a flow channel extending from the inlet to the outlet; a first aerosol-generating segment comprising a first aerosol-generating substrate, the first aerosol-generating segment being located in the flow channel; and a second aerosol-generating segment comprising a second aerosol-generating substrate, the second aerosol-generating segment being located in the flow channel. The aerosol-generating article is a planar aerosol-generating article having a length, a width, and a thickness, the thickness being no more than 0.5 times the length and no more than 0.5 times the width. The first aerosol-generating substrate has a lower aerosol-forming agent content and / or a lower bulk density than the second aerosol-generating substrate.

[0009] The article of the first aspect is a planar article and the first aerosol-generating substrate has a lower aerosol-former content or / and a lower bulk density than the second aerosol-generating substrate.

[0010] The planar nature of the article may allow for rapid heat transfer from a heating element (eg, a planar heating element) to the first aerosol-generating substrate, thereby reducing the time required from initiation of heating to aerosol generation.

[0011] The first aerosol-generating substrate having a lower aerosol-former content and / or a lower bulk density than the second aerosol-generating substrate may allow the first aerosol-generating substrate to heat more quickly due to the first aerosol-generating substrate having a lower thermal inertia. This may allow the first aerosol-generating substrate to begin generating aerosol in a relatively short period of time, thereby shortening the time required from the start of heating to aerosol generation.

[0012] Thus, advantageously, these features may work together synergistically to shorten the time required from initiation of heating to aerosol generation.

[0013] The first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may comprise the same aerosol-former (or aerosol-formers) as each other, or different aerosol-formers may be used.

[0014] The first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may comprise or consist of a first aerosol-generating substrate and a second aerosol-generating substrate, respectively.The first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a non-aerosol-generating material and an aerosol-generating material.

[0015] Optionally, the first aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 10% by weight on a dry weight basis. Optionally, the first aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of no more than 30%, 25% or 20% by weight on a dry weight basis. Optionally, the first aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of between 10% and 30% by weight on a dry weight basis, preferably between 10% and 25% by weight, more preferably between 10% and 20% by weight.

[0016] Advantageously, such an aerosol-former content in the first aerosol-generating substrate may provide a good compromise between allowing the first aerosol-generating substrate to generate aerosol quickly and being able to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol.

[0017] Alternatively, the second aerosol-forming substrate may contain at least 40%, 45%, or 50% by weight of an aerosol-forming agent on a dry weight basis. Alternatively, the second aerosol-forming substrate may contain no more than 80%, 75%, or 70% by weight of an aerosol-forming agent on a dry weight basis. Alternatively, the second aerosol-forming substrate may contain between 40% and 80% by weight of an aerosol-forming agent on a dry weight basis, preferably between 45% and 75% by weight, and more preferably between 50% and 70% by weight of an aerosol-forming agent on a dry weight basis.

[0018] Because the first aerosol-generating substrate may have a relatively low aerosol-former content, it may be depleted relatively quickly. Therefore, it may be advantageous for the second aerosol-generating substrate to have a relatively high aerosol-former content. In this way, the first aerosol-generating substrate may be heated quickly during use to provide an aerosol for earlier puffs, while the second aerosol-generating substrate may take longer to heat and then provide an aerosol for later puffs during use, after the first aerosol-generating substrate has been depleted.

[0019] Alternatively, the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 1.1 times, 1.2 times, 1.5 times, 2 times, or 2.5 times the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate on a dry weight basis. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is no more than 10 times, 8 times, or 6 times the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0020] Optionally, the second aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-former content of X% and the first aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-former content of Y% by weight on a dry weight basis, and X is greater than Y by at least 5, 10 or 20.

[0021] Optionally, the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate is no more than 30 wt% on a dry weight basis, and the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 40 wt% on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate is no more than 25 wt% on a dry weight basis, and the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 45 wt% on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate is no more than 20 wt% on a dry weight basis, and the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 50 wt% on a dry weight basis.

[0022] Alternatively, the first aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of at least 100 mg / cm3, 150 mg / cm3, or 200 mg / cm3. Alternatively, the first aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of no more than 400 mg / cm3, 350 mg / cm3, or 300 mg / cm3. Alternatively, the first aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density between 100 mg / cm3 and 400 mg / cm3, preferably between 150 mg / cm3 and 350 mg / cm3.

[0023] Advantageously, such a bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate may provide a good compromise between allowing the first aerosol-generating substrate to generate aerosol quickly and being able to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol.

[0024] Alternatively, the second aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of at least 500 mg / cm3, 550 mg / cm3, or 600 mg / cm3. Alternatively, the second aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of no more than 1000 mg / cm3, 900 mg / cm3, or 800 mg / cm3. Alternatively, the second aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density between 500 mg / cm3 and 1000 mg / cm3, preferably between 550 mg / cm3 and 900 mg / cm3.

[0025] Because the first aerosol-generating substrate may have a relatively low bulk density, it may be depleted relatively quickly. Therefore, it may be advantageous for the second aerosol-generating substrate to have a relatively high bulk density. In this way, the first aerosol-generating substrate may be heated quickly during use to provide an aerosol for an earlier puff, while the second aerosol-generating substrate may require longer heating and then provide an aerosol for a later puff during use, after the first aerosol-generating substrate has been depleted.

[0026] Optionally, the bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 1.1 times, 1.2 times, 1.5 times, 2 times, or 2.5 times the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate. Optionally, the bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 20 mg / cm3, 50 mg / cm3, 100 mg / cm3, or 200 mg / cm3 greater than the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0027] Optionally, the first aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of less than 400 mg / cm3 and the second aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of at least 500 mg / cm3. Preferably, the first aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of less than 350 mg / cm3 and the second aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of at least 550 mg / cm3. More preferably, the first aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of less than 300 mg / cm3 and the second aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of at least 600 mg / cm3.

[0028] Optionally, the first aerosol-generating substrate has both a lower aerosol-forming agent content and a lower bulk density than the second aerosol-generating substrate. Advantageously, the first aerosol-generating substrate has both a lower aerosol-forming agent content and a lower bulk density than the second aerosol-generating substrate, which may amplify the benefits explained above. That is, this may allow the first aerosol-generating substrate to heat quickly and generate an aerosol, while the second aerosol-generating substrate heats slowly and continues to generate an aerosol after the first aerosol-generating substrate has been depleted.

[0029] Optionally, the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 1.1 times the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate on a dry weight basis, and the bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 1.1 times the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate. Preferably, the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 1.2 times the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate on a dry weight basis, and the bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 1.2 times the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate. More preferably, the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 1.5 times the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate on a dry weight basis, and the bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 1.5 times the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate. Even more preferably, the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least twice the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate on a dry weight basis; and the bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least twice the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate. Most preferably, the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 2.5 times the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate on a dry weight basis; and the bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 2.5 times the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0030] Alternatively, the second aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of X wt% on a dry weight basis and the first aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of Y wt% on a dry weight basis, and X is at least 5 greater than Y; and the bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 50 mg / cm3 greater than the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate. Preferably, the second aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of X wt% on a dry weight basis and the first aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of Y wt% on a dry weight basis, and X is at least 10 greater than Y; and the bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 100 mg / cm3 greater than the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate. More preferably, the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is X weight percent on a dry weight basis, and the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate is Y weight percent on a dry weight basis, and X is at least 20 greater than Y; and the bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 200 mg / cm3 greater than the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0031] Optionally, the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate is no more than 30 wt% on a dry weight basis, and the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 40 wt% on a dry weight basis; and the first aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of less than 400 mg / cm3, and the second aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of at least 500 mg / cm3. Preferably, the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate is no more than 25 wt% on a dry weight basis, and the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 45 wt% on a dry weight basis; and the first aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of less than 350 mg / cm3, and the second aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of at least 550 mg / cm3. More preferably, the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate is no more than 20 wt% on a dry weight basis, and the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 50 wt% on a dry weight basis; and the first aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of less than 300 mg / cm3 and the second aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of at least 600 mg / cm3.

[0032] Optionally, at least a portion of the second aerosol generating segment is upstream of at least a portion of the first aerosol generating segment. Optionally, the second aerosol generating segment is upstream of the first aerosol generating segment. Optionally, all of the second aerosol generating segment is upstream of all of the first aerosol generating segment.

[0033] Once an aerosol has been generated from the first aerosol-generating substrate, the remaining, exhausted first aerosol-generating segment may have a relatively low weight and density. Therefore, positioning the second aerosol-generating segment upstream of the first aerosol-generating segment may be preferable to the reverse, as this may advantageously mean that the first aerosol-generating segment provides minimal filtration of aerosol generated from the second, upstream aerosol-generating segment during later puffs. This may enable consistent aerosol delivery to the user during use.

[0034] Optionally, the second aerosol generating segment (e.g., upstream of the first aerosol generating segment) is spaced apart from the first aerosol generating segment by at least 0.5 mm, 1 mm, or 2 mm. Optionally, the second aerosol generating segment (e.g., upstream of the first aerosol generating segment) is spaced apart from the first aerosol generating segment by no more than 10 mm, 5 mm, or 2 mm. Optionally, the second aerosol generating segment (e.g., upstream of the first aerosol generating segment) is spaced apart from the first aerosol generating segment by between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

[0035] Advantageously, these spacings provide a good compromise between having segments far enough apart that one segment can be heated without significantly heating another segment, and being close enough that space is not wasted and the overall length of the article is not excessive.

[0036] The first aerosol-generating segment may have a first length, a first width, and a first thickness. The first thickness may be no more than 0.5 times the first length, preferably no more than 0.2 times, more preferably no more than 0.1 times. The first thickness may be no more than 0.5 times the first width, preferably no more than 0.2 times, more preferably no more than 0.1 times.

[0037] The second aerosol-generating segment may have a second length, a second width, and a second thickness. The second thickness may be no more than 0.5 times the second length, preferably no more than 0.2 times, and more preferably no more than 0.1 times. The second thickness may be no more than 0.5 times the second width, preferably no more than 0.2 times, and more preferably no more than 0.1 times.

[0038] Advantageously, a thin or planar aerosol generating segment can allow a greater proportion of the segment to be heated to a sufficient temperature to generate an aerosol more quickly. Alternatively or additionally, a thin or planar aerosol generating segment can allow a greater proportion of the substrate to be heated to a sufficiently high temperature to generate an aerosol because less substrate can be positioned relatively far from the heater and therefore less substrate can be wasted.

[0039] Optionally, one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment are prismatic in shape, such as a cuboid or a right cylinder. Optionally, the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment are of the same shape.

[0040] Optionally, one or both of the first aerosol generating segment and the second aerosol generating segment has a thickness of at least 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.2 mm. Optionally, one or both of the first aerosol generating segment and the second aerosol generating segment has a thickness of no more than 5 mm, 4 mm or 3 mm. Optionally, one or both of the first aerosol generating segment and the second aerosol generating segment has a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 4 mm. Advantageously, such thicknesses can provide a good compromise between a segment being thick enough to accommodate a reasonable amount of aerosol generating substrate and being thin enough to allow the substrate farthest from the heater to be heated to a sufficiently high temperature to generate an aerosol without a significant risk of burning the substrate closest to the heater.

[0041] Optionally, one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment has a width of at least 5 mm or 10 mm. Optionally, one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment has a width of no more than 30 mm or 20 mm. Optionally, one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment has a width of between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0042] Optionally, one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment has a length of at least 5 mm or 10 mm. Optionally, one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment has a length of no more than 30 mm or 20 mm. Optionally, one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment has a length of between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0043] Advantageously, such a width and length can fit comfortably within an article that is a comfortable size for a user to hold between their fingers, while still providing a sufficient amount of substrate to generate sufficient aerosol to satisfy the user during the use process.

[0044] The first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may be formed from the same type of substrate as each other. Alternatively, the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may be different types of materials as each other.

[0045] Suitable types of material for the first and second aerosol-generating substrates are described below, and include, for example, tobacco cut filler, homogenised tobacco material, such as cast leaf, aerosol-generating films and gel compositions.

[0046] Preferably, the first aerosol-generating substrate comprises a tobacco material. In certain preferred embodiments, the first aerosol-generating substrate comprises a shredded tobacco material. For example, as described in more detail below, the shredded tobacco material can be in the form of a cut filler. Alternatively, the shredded tobacco material can be in the form of shredded material of a homogenized tobacco material. Suitable homogenized tobacco materials are described below.

[0047] In the context of this specification, the term "cut filler" is used to describe a blend of chopped plant material, such as tobacco plant material, including in particular one or more of leaves, processed stems and ribs, homogenised plant material.

[0048] Cut filler may also include other post-cut filler tobaccos or additions.

[0049] Preferably, the shredded filler comprises at least 25% plant leaves, more preferably at least 50% plant leaves, even more preferably at least 75% plant leaves, and most preferably at least 90% plant leaves. Preferably, the plant material is one of tobacco, mint, tea, and cloves. Most preferably, the plant material is tobacco. However, other plant materials may be used, for example, other plant materials that have the ability to release a substance that can subsequently form an aerosol when heat is applied.

[0050] Preferably, the cut filler comprises tobacco plant material including thin layers of one or more of flue-cured tobacco, sun-cured tobacco, oriental tobacco, and filler tobacco.The term "tobacco" may refer to any plant member of the genus Nicotiana.

[0051] The cut filler may be similar to cut filler used in conventional smoking articles.The cut filler may preferably have a cut width of between 0.3 mm and 2.0 mm, or between 0.5 mm and 1.2 mm, or between 0.6 mm and 0.9 mm.

[0052] Preferably, the strand has a length of between about 10 mm and about 40 mm before it is collated to form the aerosol-generating rod.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the weight of the cut filler is between 25 mg and 150 mg, preferably between 30 mg and 125 mg, more preferably between 40 mg and 100 mg. This amount of cut filler generally allows sufficient material to form an aerosol during early puffing.

[0054] Preferably, the shredded filler is soaked with an aerosol-forming agent. Soaking the shredded filler can be accomplished by spraying or by other suitable application methods. The aerosol-forming agent can be applied to the blend during the preparation of the shredded filler. For example, the aerosol-forming agent can be applied to the blend in a direct conditioning casing cylinder (DCCC). Conventional machinery can be used to apply the aerosol-forming agent to the shredded filler. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are described above.

[0055] Preferably, the aerosol former in the cut filler comprises one or more of glycerol and propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of glycerol or propylene glycol or a combination of glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0056] In other preferred embodiments, the first aerosol-generating substrate comprises homogenised plant material, preferably homogenised tobacco material.

[0057] As used herein, the term "homogenized plant material" includes any plant material formed by agglomeration of plant particles. For example, a sheet or web of homogenized tobacco material for an aerosol-forming substrate can be formed by agglomerating particles of tobacco material obtained by comminuting, grinding or crushing plant material and optionally one or more of tobacco leaves and tobacco stems. The homogenized plant material can be produced by casting, extrusion, papermaking, or any other suitable process known in the art.

[0058] The homogenised plant material may be provided in any suitable form.

[0059] In some embodiments, the homogenized plant material may be in the form of one or more sheets.As used herein, the term "sheet" describes a laminar element having a width and length that is substantially greater than its thickness.

[0060] The homogenized plant material may be in the form of a plurality of pellets or granules.

[0061] Homogenized plant material can be in the form of multiple stocks, strips or fragments.As used herein, term " stock " describes elongated element material, and its length is significantly greater than its width and thickness.Term " stock " should be considered to comprise strip, fragment and any other homogenized plant material with similar form.The stock of homogenized plant material can be formed by the sheet material of homogenized plant material, for example, by cutting or chopping, or by other methods, for example, by extrusion process.

[0062] As mentioned above, when the homogenised plant material is in the form of one or more sheets, the sheets may be produced by a casting process. Alternatively, the sheets of homogenised plant material may be produced by a papermaking process.

[0063] The one or more sheets as described herein may each individually have a thickness between 100 and 600 microns, preferably between 150 and 300 microns, and most preferably between 200 and 250 microns. Individual thickness refers to the thickness of an individual sheet, while combined thickness refers to the total thickness of all sheets comprising the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0064] The one or more sheets as described herein may each individually have a grammage of between 100 and 600 g / m2.

[0065] One or more sheets as described herein may each individually have a density of 0.3 g / cm3 to 1.3 g / cm3, and preferably 0.7 g / cm3 to 1.0 g / cm3.

[0066] One or more sheets as described herein may be one or more of curled, folded, gathered, and pleated.

[0067] One or more sheets of homogenized plant material can be cut into stocks as described above. In such embodiments, the aerosol generating matrix comprises a plurality of homogenized plant material stocks. Stock can be used to form a rod. Usually, the width of these stocks is about 5 millimeters, or about 4 millimeters, or about 3 millimeters, or about 2 millimeters or less. The length of stock can be greater than about 5 millimeters, between about 5 millimeters and about 15 millimeters, about 8 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, or about 12 millimeters. Preferably, stock has a length substantially identical to each other.

[0068] The homogenized plant material may comprise, on a dry weight basis, between 2.5 wt% and 95 wt% plant particles, or between 5 wt% and 90 wt% plant particles, or between 10 wt% and 80 wt% plant particles, or between 15 wt% and 70 wt% plant particles, or between 20 wt% and 60 wt% plant particles, or between 30 wt% and 50 wt% plant particles.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the homogenized plant material is a homogenized tobacco material comprising tobacco particles. Sheets of homogenized tobacco material for use in such embodiments can have a tobacco content of at least about 40% by weight on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least about 50% by weight on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least about 70% by weight on a dry weight basis, and most preferably at least about 90% by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0070] The term "tobacco particles" may be used to describe particles of any plant member of the Nicotiana genus. The term "tobacco particles" includes ground or pulverized tobacco leaves, ground or pulverized tobacco stems, tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during the processing, handling, and transportation of tobacco. In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco particles are substantially all derived from tobacco leaves. In contrast, isolated nicotine and nicotine salts are compounds derived from tobacco, but are not considered to be tobacco particles for the purposes of this disclosure and are not included in the percentage of particulate plant material.

[0071] The second aerosol-generating substrate may include nicotine. As used herein, the term "nicotine" is used to describe nicotine, nicotine base, or a nicotine salt. In embodiments where the second aerosol-generating substrate includes nicotine base or a nicotine salt, the amount of nicotine described herein refers to the amount of freebase nicotine or the amount of protonated nicotine, respectively.

[0072] Preferably, the second aerosol-generating substrate comprises at least 0.5% nicotine by weight on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the second aerosol-generating substrate comprises at least 1% nicotine by weight on a dry weight basis. Even more preferably, the second aerosol-generating substrate comprises at least 2% nicotine by weight on a dry weight basis. Additionally, or alternatively, the second aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises less than 10% nicotine by weight on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the second aerosol-generating substrate comprises less than 8% nicotine by weight on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the second aerosol-generating substrate comprises less than 6% nicotine by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0073] For example, the second aerosol-generating substrate may comprise between 0.5 wt% and 10 wt%, or between 1 wt% and 8 wt%, or between 2 wt% and 6 wt% nicotine on a dry weight basis.

[0074] The second aerosol-generating substrate may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0075] As described above, the second aerosol-generating substrate may be in the form of cut filler or homogenised tobacco material.

[0076] Preferably, the second aerosol-generating substrate is in the form of an aerosol-generating film comprising a cellulose-based film-forming agent, nicotine and an aerosol-forming agent. The aerosol-generating film may further comprise a cellulose-based reinforcing agent. The aerosol-generating film may further comprise water, preferably 30% by weight or less of water.

[0077] As used herein, the term "film" is used to describe a solid, layered element whose thickness is less than its width or length. A film can be self-supporting. In other words, the film can have cohesive and mechanical properties that allow it to be separated from the supporting surface even if it is cast as a film formulation onto the supporting surface. Alternatively, the film can be placed on a support or sandwiched between other materials. This can enhance the mechanical stability of the film.

[0078] The aerosol-forming agent content of the aerosol-generating film is within the range defined above for the second aerosol-generating substrate.

[0079] The term "cellulose-based film former" is used to describe cellulosic polymers that are capable of forming continuous films, either alone or in the presence of an auxiliary thickener.

[0080] Preferably, the cellulose-based film former is selected from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), ethylcellulose (EC), hydroxyethyl methylcellulose (HEMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), and combinations thereof.

[0081] More preferably, the cellulose-based film former is selected from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), ethylcellulose (EC), and combinations thereof.

[0082] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cellulose-based film former is HPMC.

[0083] The aerosol-generating film may have a cellulose-based film-forming agent content of between 10 wt% and 40 wt%, alternatively between 15 wt% and 35 wt%, or alternatively between 20 wt% and 30 wt% on a dry weight basis.

[0084] Preferably, the aerosol-generating film further comprises a cellulose-based strengthening agent.Preferably, the cellulose-based strengthening agent is selected from the group consisting of cellulose fibers, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), cellulose powder and combinations thereof.

[0085] The aerosol-generating film may have a cellulose-based strengthening agent content of between 0.5 and 40 wt% on a dry weight basis, or between 5 and 30 wt% on a dry weight basis, or between 10 and 25 wt% on a dry weight basis.

[0086] The aerosol-generating film may further comprise carboxymethylcellulose, preferably sodium carboxymethylcellulose.

[0087] The aerosol-generating film may have a carboxymethylcellulose content of between 1 wt% and 15 wt%, alternatively between 2 wt% and 12 wt%, or alternatively between 4 wt% and 10 wt% on a dry weight basis.

[0088] The aerosol-generating film preferably comprises nicotine.

[0089] In embodiments wherein the aerosol-generating film comprises nicotine base or a nicotine salt, the amounts of nicotine recited herein are the amounts of freebase nicotine or the amounts of protonated nicotine, respectively.

[0090] The aerosol-generating film may comprise natural nicotine or synthetic nicotine.

[0091] The aerosol-generating film may comprise one or more monobasic nicotine salts.

[0092] As used herein, the term "monobasic nicotine salt" is used to describe the nicotine salt of a monobasic acid.

[0093] Preferably, the aerosol-generating film comprises at least 0.5% by weight of nicotine on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the aerosol-generating film comprises at least 1% by weight of nicotine on a dry weight basis. Even more preferably, the aerosol-generating film comprises at least 2% by weight of nicotine on a dry weight basis. Additionally, or alternatively, the aerosol-generating film preferably comprises less than 10% by weight of nicotine on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the aerosol-generating film comprises less than 8% by weight of nicotine on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the aerosol-generating film comprises less than 6% by weight of nicotine on a dry weight basis.

[0094] For example, the aerosol-generating film may comprise between 0.5 wt% and 10 wt% nicotine, or between 1 wt% and 8 wt% nicotine, or between 2 wt% and 6 wt% nicotine on a dry weight basis.

[0095] The aerosol-generating film may be a substantially tobacco-free aerosol-generating film.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming film comprises an acid. More preferably, the aerosol-forming film comprises one or more organic acids. Even more preferably, the aerosol-forming film comprises one or more carboxylic acids. In particularly preferred embodiments, the acid is lactic acid, benzoic acid, fumaric acid, or levulinic acid.

[0097] Preferably, the aerosol-generating film comprises between 0.25 wt% and 3.5 wt% acid, or between 0.5 wt% and 3 wt% acid, or between 1 wt% and 2.5 wt% acid on a dry weight basis.

[0098] The aerosol-forming film may have a thickness of about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm, more preferably about 0.1 mm to about 0.75 mm, even more preferably about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm. In particularly preferred embodiments, a layer of the film-forming composition is formed having a thickness of about 50 μm to 400 μm, more preferably about 100 μm to 200 μm.

[0099] Alternatively, the aerosol-generating film may be provided on a suitable carrier element within the second aerosol-generating segment.

[0100] In an alternative embodiment, the second aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a gel composition comprising nicotine, at least one gelling agent and an aerosol-forming agent. The gel composition is preferably substantially free of tobacco.

[0101] The preferred weight ranges for nicotine in the gel composition are the same as those defined above for the aerosol-forming film.

[0102] The gel composition preferably comprises at least 50% by weight of an aerosol former, more preferably at least 60% by weight of an aerosol former, and even more preferably at least 70% by weight of an aerosol former, based on dry weight. The gel composition may comprise up to 80% by weight of an aerosol former. The aerosol former in the gel composition is preferably glycerol.

[0103] The gel composition preferably comprises at least one gelling agent. Preferably, the gel composition comprises a total amount of gelling agent in the range of about 0.4 wt % to about 10 wt %, or about 0.5 wt % to about 8 wt %, or about 1 wt % to about 6 wt %, or about 2 wt % to about 4 wt %, or about 2 wt % to about 3 wt %.

[0104] The term "gelling agent" refers to a compound that, when added to a 50 wt % water / 50 wt % glycerol mixture in an amount of about 0.3 wt %, homogeneously forms a solid medium or support matrix that results in a gel. Gelling agents include, but are not limited to, hydrogen-bonding crosslinking gelling agents and ionic crosslinking gelling agents.

[0105] The term "hydrogen-bonding cross-linking gelling agent" refers to a gelling agent that forms non-covalent cross-links or physical cross-links via hydrogen bonds.

[0106] The hydrogen bond cross-linking gelling agent may include one or more of galactomannan, gelatin, agarose, konjac gum or agar. The hydrogen bond cross-linking gelling agent may preferably include agar.

[0107] The term "ionic cross-linking gelling agent" refers to a gelling agent that forms non-covalent cross-links or physical cross-links through ionic bonds.

[0108] The ionically cross-linked gelling agent may include low acyl gellan gum, pectin, kappa carrageenan, iota carrageenan or alginate. The ionically cross-linked gelling agent may preferably include low acyl gellan gum.

[0109] The gelling agent may comprise one or more biopolymers. The biopolymer may be formed from a polysaccharide.

[0110] Biopolymers include, for example, gellan gum (natural, low acyl gellan gum, high acyl gellan gum, preferably low acyl gellan gum), xanthan gum, alginates (alginic acid), agar, guar gum, etc. The composition may preferably include xanthan gum. The composition may include two biopolymers. The composition may include three biopolymers. The composition may include substantially equal weights of the two biopolymers. The composition may include substantially equal weights of the three biopolymers.

[0111] The gel composition may also include a viscosity increasing agent. The viscosity increasing agent in combination with the hydrogen bonding cross-linking gelling agent and the ion bonding cross-linking gelling agent appears to unexpectedly support the solid medium and maintain the gel composition even when the gel composition includes high levels of glycerol.

[0112] The term "viscosity increasing agent" refers to a compound that, when homogeneously added in an amount of 0.3 wt. % to a 50 wt. % water / 50 wt. % glycerol mixture at 25°C, increases viscosity without causing gel formation, the mixture remaining or remaining fluid.

[0113] The gel composition preferably includes a viscosity increasing agent in the range of about 0.2 wt % to about 5 wt %, or about 0.5 wt % to about 3 wt %, or about 0.5 wt % to about 2 wt %, or about 1 wt % to about 2 wt %.

[0114] The viscosity increasing agent may include one or more of xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, methyl cellulose, gum arabic, guar gum, lambda-carrageenan or starch. The viscosity increasing agent may preferably include xanthan gum.

[0115] The gel composition may also include divalent cations. Preferably, the divalent cations include calcium ions, such as calcium lactate in solution. For example, divalent cations (such as calcium ions) can help form a gel in a composition that includes a gelling agent, such as an ionically crosslinked gelling agent. Ionic effects can aid gel formation. The divalent cations can be present in the gel composition in a range of about 0.1% to about 1% by weight, or about 0.5% by weight.

[0116] The gel composition may also include an acid. The acid may include a carboxylic acid. The carboxylic acid may include a ketone group. Preferably, the carboxylic acid may include a ketone group having less than about 10 carbon atoms, less than about 6 carbon atoms, or less than about 4 carbon atoms, such as levulinic acid or lactic acid. Preferably, the carboxylic acid has three carbon atoms (such as lactic acid).

[0117] The gel composition preferably includes some water.When the gel composition includes some water, the gel composition is more stable.

[0118] Preferably, the gel composition comprises water in an amount of from about 8% to about 32% by weight, or from about 15% to about 25% by weight, or from about 18% to about 22% by weight, or about 20% by weight.

[0119] Preferably, when a gel composition is used, the second aerosol-generating substrate comprises a porous medium loaded with the gel composition. An advantage of a porous medium loaded with the gel composition is that the gel composition is retained within the porous medium, and this can aid in the manufacture, storage, or transport of the gel composition. This can help maintain the desired shape of the gel composition, particularly during manufacture, transport, or use.

[0120] The term "porous" is used herein to refer to a material that provides a plurality of pores or openings that allow air to pass through the material.

[0121] The porous medium can be any suitable porous material capable of containing or retaining the gel composition. Ideally, the porous medium allows the gel composition to move therein. In particular embodiments, the porous medium comprises a natural material, a synthetic or semi-synthetic material, or a combination thereof. In particular embodiments, the porous medium comprises a sheet material, a foam or fibers, such as loose fibers; or a combination thereof. In particular embodiments, the porous medium comprises a woven, non-woven or extruded material, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the porous medium comprises cotton, paper, viscose, PLA or cellulose acetate, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the porous medium comprises a sheet material, such as cotton or cellulose acetate. In particularly preferred embodiments, the porous medium comprises a sheet made of cotton fibers. The porous medium can be curled or chopped. The porous medium can be in the form of a sheet, a wire or a tubular element.

[0122] Optionally, the aerosol-generating article comprises a frame, such as a planar frame. The frame may be a unitary component, or may comprise multiple components. The frame may comprise, or at least partially define, an inlet. The frame may comprise, or at least partially define, an outlet. The frame may comprise, or at least partially define, a flow channel.

[0123] The article may include a top panel. The frame may include a top panel. The top panel may be referred to as a top layer. The top panel may be planar.

[0124] The article may include a base. The frame may include a base. The base may be referred to as a bottom layer. The base may be planar.

[0125] The article, such as a frame of an article, may include a front wall. The front wall may be an upstream wall and may be referred to as an upstream wall. The inlet may be defined in the front wall, such as an orifice in the front wall. The article, such as a frame of an article, may include a rear wall. The rear wall may be a downstream wall and may be referred to as a downstream wall. The outlet may be defined in the rear wall, such as an orifice in the rear wall. The front wall may be opposite to the rear wall. The outlet may be opposite to the inlet. The article (such as a frame of an article) may include one or more side walls. The one or more side walls may include a left side wall and a right side wall. The left side wall and the right side wall may be opposite to each other. The one or more side walls may extend from the front wall to the rear wall. Any two or more of the front wall, the rear wall, and the one or more side walls may be integrated with each other. Advantageously, such a structure may provide a sturdy article that is easy to manufacture.

[0126] The article (e.g., the frame of the article) may include or at least partially define a recess. The recess may be between the inlet and the outlet. The recess may be downstream of the inlet and upstream of the outlet. The front wall, the rear wall, and one or more side walls may together surround or primarily surround the recess, for example, around more than 270 degrees, 300 degrees, or 300 degrees in a single plane. The recess may be located between the front wall and the rear wall. The recess may be located between the left wall and the right wall. The recess may be located between the top plate and the base. Advantageously, the recess may provide suitable space for the first aerosol generating segment and the second aerosol generating segment.

[0127] One or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment may be located in the recess. The article (e.g., a frame of the article) may include or define an opening. The opening may be in the top plate. Alternatively, the opening may be present due to the absence of a top plate. The opening may advantageously allow a user to insert or remove one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment into or from the recess.

[0128] The frame may comprise a biodegradable material. The frame may comprise a porous material. The frame may comprise a cellulosic material. The cellulosic material may be one or more of the following: paper, cellulose acetate. The frame may comprise a fibrous material. The frame may comprise any one or more of the following: synthetic fibers, polyester, bonded polyolefins, polyethylene, terylene, polypropylene, biopolymer fibers, nylon fibers, and ceramic fibers. Advantageously, such materials may offer a good compromise between one or more of the following: cost, weight, strength, breathability, ease of manufacture, and environmental friendliness.

[0129] One or both of the article and the frame may have a substantially parallelepiped shape. The frame may have a frame length, a frame width, and a frame depth. The frame length may be greater than each of the frame width and the frame depth. The inlet and outlet may be disposed at opposite ends of the frame length.

[0130] The ratio of the frame width to the frame thickness can be between 3:1 and 30:1. The ratio of the frame length to the frame width can be between 1:1 and 5:1. The frame can have a thickness between about 1 mm and about 3 mm. The frame can have a width between about 10 mm and 30 mm. The frame can have a length between about 30 mm and 50 mm.

[0131] Advantageously, such dimensions may provide an article that is small enough to be easily held between a user's fingers, yet large enough to contain a sufficient amount of aerosol-generating substrate to satisfy the user during the use process.

[0132] The base can have a base thickness. The base thickness can be less than the frame thickness, for example, no more than half the frame thickness. The base can be fixed or hermetically sealed to the frame. The base can be fixed or hermetically sealed to one or more bottom surfaces of the frame, for example, to one or more bottom surfaces of one or more walls of the frame.

[0133] The top panel may have a top panel thickness. The top panel thickness may be less than the frame thickness, for example, no more than half the frame thickness. The top panel may be secured or hermetically sealed to the frame walls. The top panel may be secured or hermetically sealed to one or more top surfaces of the frame, for example, to one or more top surfaces of one or more walls of the frame.

[0134] Optionally, one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment are supported by a base. Optionally, one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment are arranged on the base. Optionally, one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment are fixed (e.g., adhered) to the base. The base may include an adhesive region, e.g., for this purpose. The adhesive region may be on an upper surface of the base.

[0135] One or both of the base and the top plate may comprise a biodegradable material. One or both of the base and the top plate may comprise a porous material. One or both of the base and the top plate may comprise a cellulosic material. The cellulosic material may be one or more of paper, a paper-based material, or cellulose acetate. One or both of the base and the top plate may comprise a fiber material. One or both of the base and the top plate may comprise any one or more of synthetic fibers, polyester, bonded polyolefins, polyethylene, terylene, polypropylene, biopolymer fibers, nylon fibers, and ceramic fibers. Advantageously, such materials may provide a good compromise between one or more of the following: cost, weight, strength, breathability, ease of manufacture, and environmental friendliness.

[0136] The length of the inlet may be between 5 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm. The width of the inlet may be between 5 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm. The depth of the inlet may be between 2 mm and 10 mm.

[0137] The length of the outlet may be between 5 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm. The width of the outlet may be between 5 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm. The depth of the outlet may be between 2 mm and 10 mm.

[0138] The thickness of one or each of the first aerosol generating segment and the second aerosol generating segment may be less than the frame depth. When the article (e.g., a frame) includes a top plate, a first space may exist between the top of the first aerosol generating segment and the bottom of the top plate. When the article (e.g., a frame) includes a top plate, a second space may exist between the top of the second aerosol generating segment and the bottom of the top plate. When in use, air may pass through the first aerosol generating segment and flow over the first aerosol generating segment. When in use, air may pass through the second aerosol generating segment and flow over the second aerosol generating segment. In use, the first space and the second space may allow air to flow over the respective first aerosol generating segment and the second aerosol generating segment. These spaces may advantageously reduce the suction resistance of the article. Alternatively, or in addition, these spaces may also promote turbulence or mixing of the various components of the aerosol generated during use.

[0139] The flow channel may be defined from the inlet through the recess to the outlet.The flow channel may comprise one or both of an empty space above the first aerosol generating segment and an empty space above the second aerosol generating segment.

[0140] According to a second aspect, an aerosol-generating system is provided, comprising an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device configured to engage with the aerosol-generating article and generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may be the article described above, for example, the article described in the first aspect.

[0141] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" may refer to an article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate. The article may be heated during use to generate an inhalable aerosol and deliver it to a consumer.

[0142] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" may refer to a substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating, such as compounds that cool and condense to generate an aerosol during use.

[0143] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" may refer to a device that, in use, interacts with (eg, heats) an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.

[0144] As used herein, the term "longitudinal" when used with reference to an aerosol-generating article may refer to a direction corresponding to the principal longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, extending between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating article.

[0145] As used herein, the term "transverse" may refer to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.Unless otherwise stated, any reference to a "cross-section" of an aerosol-generating article or component of an aerosol-generating article refers to a cross-section.

[0146] As used herein, the term "length" may refer to the largest dimension of a component of an aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction.

[0147] As used herein, the term "width" may refer to the largest dimension of a component of an aerosol-generating article in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0148] As used herein, the term "thickness" may refer to the largest dimension of a component of an aerosol-generating article in a second direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The second direction, or thickness direction, may also be perpendicular to the first direction, or width direction. The terms "thickness" and "depth" may be used interchangeably herein.

[0149] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" may refer to the relative position of an element or part of an element with respect to the direction in which air or aerosol is transported through the aerosol-generating article during use.

[0150] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the term "bulk density" may refer to bulk density on a dry weight basis. The bulk density of an aerosol-generating substrate (or segment) may be calculated by measuring or otherwise determining the total dry weight of the aerosol-generating substrate (or segment) and dividing it by the volume of the aerosol-generating segment substrate (or segment).

[0151] As used herein, the term "aerosol former" may refer to any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes the formation of an aerosol in use. The aerosol may be a dense and stable aerosol. The aerosol may be substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate or the aerosol-generating article. Suitable aerosol formers for inclusion in the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol and glycerol; esters of polyols such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Glycerol may be particularly preferred as an aerosol former. The aerosol former content described with respect to the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may likewise be considered as the glycerol content.

[0152] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the term "aerosol-forming agent content" may refer to the percentage content of the aerosol-forming agent on a dry weight basis. Indeed, unless otherwise indicated, all weight percentages referred to herein may refer to weight percentages on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate is based on the weight of the first aerosol-generating substrate, and the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is based on the weight of the second aerosol-generating substrate.

[0153] As used herein, the term "planar" may refer to a feature that is generally formed in a single Euclidean plane and does not wrap around or otherwise conform to a curved or other non-planar shape. A planar surface may extend in two dimensions in a single Euclidean plane. A planar object may extend in two dimensions in a single Euclidean plane significantly greater than in a third dimension perpendicular to the plane. More specifically, a planar object may extend in a first dimension and a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension at least two, five, or ten times greater than the object's extension in a third dimension perpendicular to the first and second dimensions.

[0154] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment or aspect described herein.

[0155] Ex1. An aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol, the aerosol-generating article comprising:

[0156] an inlet, an outlet, and a flow passage extending from the inlet to the outlet;

[0157] a first aerosol-generating segment comprising a first aerosol-generating substrate, the first aerosol-generating segment being located in the flow channel; and

[0158] a second aerosol-generating segment comprising a second aerosol-generating substrate, the second aerosol-generating segment being located in the flow channel,

[0159] in:

[0160] the aerosol-generating article is a planar aerosol-generating article having a length, a width, and a thickness, the thickness being no more than 0.5 times the length and no more than 0.5 times the width; and

[0161] The first aerosol-generating substrate has a lower aerosol-forming agent content and / or a lower bulk density than the second aerosol-generating substrate.

[0162] Ex2. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex1, wherein the thickness is no more than 0.2 times the length and no more than 0.2 times the width.

[0163] Ex3. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-former content of at least 10 wt% on a dry weight basis.

[0164] Ex4. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate is no more than 30 wt%, 25 wt% or 20 wt% on a dry weight basis.

[0165] Ex5. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate is between 10 wt% and 30 wt% on a dry weight basis.

[0166] Ex6. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-former content of at least 40 wt%, 45 wt% or 50 wt% on a dry weight basis.

[0167] Ex7. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is no more than 80 wt%, 75 wt% or 70 wt% on a dry weight basis.

[0168] Ex8. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is between 40% and 80% by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0169] Ex9. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate is no more than 30 wt% on a dry weight basis, and the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 40 wt% on a dry weight basis.

[0170] Ex10. An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 1.1 times, 1.2 times, 1.5 times, 2 times or 2.5 times the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate on a dry weight basis.

[0171] Ex11. The aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of at least 100 mg / cm3, 150 mg / cm3, or 200 mg / cm3.

[0172] Ex12. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of no more than 400 mg / cm3, 350 mg / cm3 or 300 mg / cm3.

[0173] Ex 13. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density between 100 mg / cm 3 and 400 mg / cm 3 .

[0174] Ex 14. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of at least 500 mg / cm3, 550 mg / cm3 or 600 mg / cm3.

[0175] Ex15. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of no more than 1000 mg / cm3 or 800 mg / cm3.

[0176] Ex 16. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density between 500 mg / cm 3 and 1000 mg / cm 3 .

[0177] Ex17. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of less than 400 mg / cm3 and the second aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of at least 500 mg / cm3.

[0178] Ex18. An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein one or both of the following are true: the bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 1.1 times, 1.2 times, 1.5 times, 2 times or 2.5 times the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate; and the bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 20 g / cm3, 50 g / cm3, 100 g / cm3 or 200 g / cm3 greater than the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0179] Ex19. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate has both a lower aerosol-forming agent content and a lower bulk density than the second aerosol-generating substrate.

[0180] Ex20. An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein: the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 1.1 times the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate, measured on a dry weight basis; and the bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 1.1 times the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0181] Ex21. An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein: the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 1.2 times the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate, measured on a dry weight basis; and the bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 1.2 times the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0182] Ex22. An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein: the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 1.5 times the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate, measured on a dry weight basis; and the bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 1.5 times the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0183] Ex23. An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein: the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 2 times the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate, measured on a dry weight basis; and the bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 2 times the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0184] Ex24. An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein: the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 2.5 times the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate, measured on a dry weight basis; and the bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 2.5 times the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

[0185] Ex25. An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein: the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate is no more than 30 weight percent on a dry weight basis, and the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 40 weight percent on a dry weight basis; and the first aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of less than 400 mg / cm3, and the second aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of at least 500 mg / cm3.

[0186] Ex26. An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein: the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate is no more than 25 weight percent on a dry weight basis, and the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 45 weight percent on a dry weight basis; and the first aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of less than 350 mg / cm3, and the second aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of at least 550 mg / cm3.

[0187] Ex27. An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein: the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate is no more than 20 weight percent on a dry weight basis, and the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 50 weight percent on a dry weight basis; and the first aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of less than 300 mg / cm3, and the second aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of at least 600 mg / cm3.

[0188] Ex28. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein at least a portion of the second aerosol-generating segment is located upstream of at least a portion of the first aerosol-generating segment.

[0189] Ex29. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the second aerosol-generating segment is located at a position upstream of the first aerosol-generating segment.

[0190] Ex30. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the entirety of the second aerosol-generating segment is located upstream of the entirety of the first aerosol-generating segment.

[0191] Ex31. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the second aerosol-generating segment is spaced apart from the first aerosol-generating segment, for example upstream of the first aerosol-generating segment, by at least 0.5 mm, 1 mm or 2 mm.

[0192] Ex32. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the second aerosol-generating segment is spaced apart from the first aerosol-generating segment by no more than 10 mm, 5 mm or 2 mm, for example upstream of the first aerosol-generating segment.

[0193] Ex33. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the second aerosol-generating segment is spaced apart from the first aerosol-generating segment, for example upstream of the first aerosol-generating segment, by between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

[0194] Ex34. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment are planar.

[0195] Ex35. The aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment are prismatic in shape, such as a rectangular parallelepiped or a right cylindrical shape.

[0196] Ex36. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment are of the same shape.

[0197] Ex37. An aerosol-generating article according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment has the following characteristics: a length that is at least 2 times, 5 times or 10 times its thickness, or a width that is at least 2 times, 5 times or 10 times its thickness, or both a length and a width that are at least 2 times, 5 times or 10 times its thickness.

[0198] Ex38. The aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment have a thickness of at least 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.2 mm.

[0199] Ex39. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment have a thickness of no more than 5 mm, 4 mm or 3 mm.

[0200] Ex40. The aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment have a thickness between 0.1 mm and 5 mm.

[0201] Ex41. The aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment have a width of at least 5 mm or 10 mm.

[0202] Ex42. The aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment has a width of no more than 30 mm or 20 mm.

[0203] Ex43. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment have a width of between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0204] Ex44. The aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment have a length of at least between 5 mm and 10 mm.

[0205] Ex45. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment has a length of no more than 30 mm or 20 mm.

[0206] Ex46. The aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment have a length between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0207] Ex47. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a frame defining a recess.

[0208] Ex48. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex47, wherein one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment are located in the recess.

[0209] Ex49. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex47 or Ex48, wherein the frame comprises a planar base.

[0210] Ex50. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex47, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a planar base.

[0211] Ex51. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex49 or Ex50, wherein one or both of the first aerosol-generating segment and the second aerosol-generating segment are supported by, eg fixed to, the planar base.

[0212] Ex52. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article according to any preceding example and an aerosol generating device configured to engage with the aerosol generating article and generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating article.

[0213] Ex53. An aerosol generating system according to example Ex52, wherein the system, eg the device, comprises a planar heating surface configured to heat one or both of the first aerosol generating segment and the second aerosol generating segment.

[0214] Ex54. An aerosol generating system according to example Ex53, wherein the planar heating surface is configured to be positioned adjacent to and parallel to one or both of the following during use: a surface of the first aerosol generating segment defined by the length and width of the first aerosol generating segment; and a surface of the second aerosol generating segment defined by the length and width of the second aerosol generating segment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0215] Several examples will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0216] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an aerosol-generating article; and

[0217] Figure 2 Shown include Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating system of an aerosol-generating article. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0218] Figure 1Shown is an exploded view of an aerosol-generating article 100. The aerosol-generating article 100 is for use with an aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol.

[0219] The aerosol-generating article 100 is a planar aerosol-generating article having a length, a width and a thickness. The length is 40 mm, the width is 20 mm and the thickness is 3 mm.

[0220] The aerosol-generating article 100 comprises a top plate 102, a frame 104 and a base 106. The top plate 102, the frame 104 and the base 106 each have a length of 40 mm and a width of 20 mm. The top plate 102 and the base 106 each have a thickness of 0.1 mm, and the frame 104 has a thickness of 2.8 mm.

[0221] In this embodiment, the top plate 102 and base 106 are formed from a plastic, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, and the frame is formed from cellulose acetate. However, any suitable material may be used.

[0222] The frame 104 includes a rectangular parallelepiped peripheral wall defining a recess and is positioned between the top plate 102 and the base 106. The peripheral wall can be considered to include a front wall, a rear wall, a left wall, and a right wall, all of which are integral with each other and surround the recess. The frame 104 defines an inlet 108 in the front wall at a first longitudinal end and an outlet 110 in the rear wall at a second longitudinal end opposite the first longitudinal end. The inlet 108 and the outlet 110 are orifices in the front wall and the rear wall, respectively. The flow channel extends from the inlet 102, through the recess surrounded by the peripheral wall, and between the lower surface of the top plate 102 and the upper surface of the base 106, and extends to the outlet 104.

[0223] The lower surface of the top plate 102 is adhered to the upper surface of the peripheral wall of the frame 104 , and the upper surface of the base 106 is adhered to the lower surface of the peripheral wall of the frame 104 .

[0224] The aerosol-generating article 100 further comprises a first aerosol-generating segment 112 comprising a first aerosol-generating substrate and positioned in the flow channel, and a second aerosol-generating segment 114 comprising a second aerosol-generating substrate and also positioned in the flow channel.

[0225] The first and second aerosol generating segments 112 and 114 each have a length of 10 mm, a width of 10 mm, and a thickness of 2 mm. The first and second aerosol generating segments 112 and 114 are positioned in a recess defined by the frame 104 , between the top plate 102 and the base 104 .

[0226] The base 104 includes an adhesive region 116. The first aerosol-generating segment 112 and the second aerosol-generating segment 114 are adhered to the adhesive region 116 on the base. In this embodiment, polyvinyl acetate is used as the adhesive. However, any suitable adhesive may be used.

[0227] The first aerosol-generating segment 112 is located completely downstream of the second aerosol-generating segment 114 and is longitudinally spaced apart from the second aerosol-generating segment 114 by approximately 1.5 millimeters.

[0228] The first aerosol-generating substrate is formed from approximately 60 mg of shredded tobacco material containing between 15% and 20% by weight of an aerosol-forming agent, in this case glycerol. The bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate is approximately 300 mg / cm3. The first aerosol-generating segment 112 is individually wrapped by a stick wrapper (not shown).

[0229] The second aerosol-generating substrate was formed from approximately 120 mg of aerosol-generating film fragments. Example compositions A and B of aerosol-generating films are shown in Table 1 below, where the weight percentages are on a dry weight basis:

[0230] Table 1: Aerosol-generating film compositions

[0231]

[0232]

[0233] The second aerosol-generating substrate has much more glycerol than the first aerosol-generating substrate and therefore has a much greater aerosol-forming agent content. The bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is about 600 mg / cm3. The second aerosol-generating segment 114 is also individually wrapped by a stick wrapper (not shown).

[0234] The first aerosol-generating substrate therefore has both a lower aerosol-former content and a lower bulk density than the second aerosol-generating substrate.

[0235] Figure 2 Shown include Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article 100 and an aerosol-generating device 200.

[0236] The aerosol generating device 200 comprises a battery 202 , control electronics 204 , and a housing 206 that at least partially defines a chamber 208 for receiving the article 100 .

[0237] One of the walls of chamber 208 is defined by a planar resistive heating element (not shown). The heating element comprises an electrically insulating substrate, a resistive heating track located on the inward-facing surface (i.e., the surface facing the chamber) of the electrically insulating substrate, and a protective glass coating surrounding the electrically insulating substrate and the resistive heating track. The resistive heating track follows a serpentine path over a majority of the inward-facing surface of the electrically insulating substrate so that, when heated, most of the inward-facing surface of the heating element reaches a similar temperature.

[0238] During use, the user places the article 100 into the chamber 208 of the device 200, such as Figure 2 In this position, the outer surface of the base 106 abuts the inwardly facing surface of the heating element.

[0239] The user may then press a button (not shown) on the device 200 to initiate heating of the heating element and thereafter begin drawing suction on the article 100 , and in particular on the outlet 110 .

[0240] In response to the button being pressed, the control electronics 204 supplies current from the battery 202 to the resistive heating track, causing the track to heat to approximately 250 degrees C. This heats the aerosol-generating substrate in the vicinity of the article 100.

[0241] The first aerosol-generating substrate has both a lower aerosol-forming agent content and a lower bulk density than the second aerosol-generating substrate, and is quickly heated to a sufficient temperature to generate an aerosol. This is because it has a low thermal inertia. Therefore, air flows into the article through the inlet 108, then passes through or flows over the second aerosol-generating segment 114 (in this early stage of the use process, the segment may not have reached a sufficiently high temperature to generate an aerosol), then passes through or flows over the first aerosol-generating segment 112 where an aerosol is being generated, and then reaches the user through the outlet 110. When the air passes through or passes through the first aerosol-generating segment 112, it entrains volatile compounds released by the heated first aerosol-generating substrate. These compounds cool and condense to form an aerosol, and the aerosol is then delivered to the user through the outlet 110.

[0242] Because the first aerosol-generating substrate is relatively thin in a direction extending away from the heating element, most, if not all, of it is heated to a sufficient temperature to generate an aerosol.

[0243] As use continues and the user continues to draw on the article 100, the first aerosol-generating substrate is depleted relatively quickly. However, by the time the first aerosol-generating substrate is depleted, the second aerosol-generating substrate has reached a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol. Thus, use can continue. The low bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate downstream of the second aerosol-generating substrate is also advantageous, meaning that when aerosol from the second aerosol-generating substrate flows over or through the first aerosol-generating substrate, the first aerosol-generating substrate does not provide a high level of filtration or significantly increase the resistance to draw.

[0244] Eventually, the second aerosol-generating substrate may be exhausted, and the user may press the button again to stop powering the heating element and end the use process.The user may then dispose of the article 100.

[0245] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc. should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Moreover, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein that may or may not be specifically listed herein. Therefore, in this context, the number A is understood to be A±10%A. In this context, the number A can be regarded as including the numerical value within the general standard error for the measurement of the property modified by the number A. In certain cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of A deviation does not substantially affect the basic characteristics and novel features of the invention claimed. Moreover, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein that may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol, the aerosol-generating article comprising: an inlet, an outlet, and a flow passage extending from the inlet to the outlet; a first aerosol-generating segment comprising a first aerosol-generating substrate, the first aerosol-generating segment being positioned in the flow channel; as well as a second aerosol-generating segment comprising a second aerosol-generating substrate, the second aerosol-generating segment being located in the flow channel, in: the aerosol-generating article is a planar aerosol-generating article having a length, a width, and a thickness, the thickness being no more than 0.5 times the length and no more than 0.5 times the width; and The first aerosol-generating substrate has a lower aerosol-forming agent content and / or a lower bulk density than the second aerosol-generating substrate.

2. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 1.1 times the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate on a dry weight basis.

3. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is X% and the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate is Y%, calculated on a dry weight basis, and X is at least 10 greater than Y.

4. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-forming agent content of the first aerosol-generating substrate does not exceed 30 wt% on a dry weight basis, and the aerosol-forming agent content of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 40 wt% on a dry weight basis.

5. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 1.1 times the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

6. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 50 mg / cm3 greater than the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

7. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of less than 400 mg / cm3 and the second aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of at least 500 mg / cm3.

8. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate has both a lower aerosol-former content and a lower bulk density than the second aerosol-generating substrate.

9. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein: The second aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-former content that is at least 1.1 times greater than the aerosol-former content of the first aerosol-generating substrate on a dry weight basis; and The bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 1.1 times the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

10. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein: in, The second aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-former content of X% and the first aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-former content of Y%, by weight on a dry weight basis, and X is at least 10 greater than Y; and The bulk density of the second aerosol-generating substrate is at least 50 mg / cm3 greater than the bulk density of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

11. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein: the first aerosol-generating substrate having an aerosol-former content of no more than 30 wt% on a dry weight basis, and the second aerosol-generating substrate having an aerosol-former content of at least 40 wt% on a dry weight basis; and The first aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of less than 400 mg / cm3 and the second aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density of at least 500 mg / cm3.

12. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the second aerosol-generating segment is located upstream of at least a portion of the first aerosol-generating segment.

13. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the second aerosol-generating segment is spaced apart from the first aerosol-generating segment by 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

14. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a base and a top plate opposite the base, wherein one or both of the following are true: the first aerosol-generating segment is disposed on the base, and at least a portion of the flow channel is located between the top plate and the first aerosol-generating segment; and The second aerosol-generating segment is disposed on the base, and at least a portion of the flow channel is located between the top plate and the second aerosol-generating segment.

15. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim and an aerosol-generating device configured to engage with the aerosol-generating article and to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating article.

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