Aerosol-generating sheet

Abstract

A method for producing an aerosol-generating sheet containing a tobacco extract E and one or more other components B, said method comprising: (1) a step of preparing a mixture containing the tobacco extract E and one or more other components B and satisfying the following relationship: Liquid-to-Solid Ratio = weight of water in the mixture / weight of non-aqueous components in the mixture > = 3, and (2) a step of obtaining a sheet from the mixture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating sheet. Background Art

[0002] Aerosol-generating sheets are used as flavor sources in smoking articles. PTLs 1 and 2 disclose aerosol-generating sheets in which tobacco extracts are used as tobacco-derived materials.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] [PTL 1] JP 6695359 B2

[0006] [PTL 2] JP 5248486 B2 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] When producing a sheet using tobacco extracts as disclosed in PTLs 1 and 2, the composition used for the sheet must be concentrated. Producing the sheet without concentrating the sheet composition can make the production process more efficient. In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is to provide a more efficient method for producing an aerosol-generating sheet.

[0009] Solution to the problem

[0010] The inventors solved the problem by ensuring that the liquid-to-solid ratio, defined as "weight of water in the mixture / weight of non-water components in the mixture", is at least a predetermined value. Specifically, the problem was solved by the following invention:

[0011] Aspect 1

[0012] A method for producing an aerosol-generating sheet containing a tobacco extract E and one or more other ingredients B, the method comprising:

[0013] (1) A step of preparing a mixture containing the tobacco extract E and one or more other ingredients B and satisfying the following relationship:

[0014] Liquid-to-solid ratio = weight of water in the mixture / weight of non-water components in the mixture ≥ 3

[0015] and (2) a step of obtaining a sheet from the mixture.

[0016] Aspect 2

[0017] The production method according to aspect 1, wherein step (1) comprises:

[0018] (1-1) A step of preliminarily extracting a tobacco raw material with water to obtain a tobacco extract liquid L containing the tobacco extract E and water, and determining an extraction rate a defined by the following equation (1):

[0019] (1)

[0020] (1-2) A step of determining X related to the weight of water for further extraction by the same method as step (1-1) based on the following equation (1):

[0021] (I)

[0022] (Here,

[0023] Liquid-solid ratio ≥ 3

[0024]

[0025] Bw: total weight of water in all ingredients B

[0026] Bd: total dry weight of all ingredients B

[0027] )

[0028] (1-3) extracting the tobacco raw material using water in an amount satisfying the above-mentioned X to obtain a tobacco extract; and

[0029] (1-4) A step of mixing the tobacco extract obtained in the above step (1-3) with the one or more other ingredients to prepare a mixture satisfying equation (I).

[0030] Aspect 3

[0031] The production method according to aspect 1, wherein step (1) comprises:

[0032] (1-1) Preliminary extraction of a tobacco raw material with a solvent mixture containing water and alcohol to obtain a tobacco extract liquid L' containing the tobacco extract E, water and alcohol, and determining an extraction rate a' defined by the following equation (1'):

[0033] (1')

[0034] (1-2) A step of determining X related to the weight of water for further extraction by the same method as step (1-1) based on the following equation (I'):

[0035] (I')

[0036] (Here,

[0037] Liquid-solid ratio ≥ 3

[0038]

[0039] Bw: total weight of water in all ingredients B

[0040] Bd: total dry weight of all ingredients B

[0041] )

[0042] (1-3) determining the amount of the solvent mixture for the further extraction based on the weight ratio X, and extracting the tobacco raw material using the solvent mixture to obtain a tobacco extract; and

[0043] (1-4) A step of mixing the tobacco extract obtained in the above step (1-3) with the one or more other ingredients to prepare a mixture satisfying equation (I').

[0044] Aspect 4

[0045] The production method according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the content of the tobacco extract in the aerosol-generating sheet is 15% to 50% by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0046] Aspect 5

[0047] The production method according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the one or more other ingredients B comprise an aerosol source, and

[0048] The content of the aerosol source in the aerosol-generating sheet is 10 to 60% by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0049] Aspect 6

[0050] The production method according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the one or more other components include non-wood fibers, wood fibers or adhesives.

[0051] Aspect 7

[0052] The production method according to aspect 6, wherein the non-wood fiber is dietary fiber.

[0053] Aspect 8

[0054] The production method according to aspect 7, wherein the non-wood fiber is citrus fiber.

[0055] Aspect 9

[0056] The production method according to any one of aspects 6 to 8, wherein the binder is carboxyalkyl cellulose or guar gum.

[0057] Aspect 10

[0058] The production method according to any one of aspects 6 to 9, wherein the wood fiber content is lower than the non-wood fiber content.

[0059] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0060] The present invention allows for a more efficient method for producing aerosol-generating sheets. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] As used in this disclosure, the range "XY" includes as endpoints X and Y. Dry weight is the weight excluding the weight of water.

[0062] 1. Production Method

[0063] In one embodiment, a method for producing an aerosol-generating sheet containing tobacco extract E and one or more other ingredients B includes: (1) preparing a mixture containing tobacco extract E and one or more other ingredients B at a specific liquid-to-solid ratio; and (2) obtaining a sheet from the mixture.

[0064] (1) Step (1): Step of preparing a mixture

[0065] In this step, a mixture is prepared which contains the tobacco extract E and one or more other ingredients B and satisfies the following relationship.

[0066] Liquid-to-solid ratio = weight of water in the mixture / weight of non-water components in the mixture ≥ 3

[0067] If the liquid-to-solid ratio is less than 3, the sheet will be difficult to produce. On the other hand, an excessively high upper limit will result in a sheet containing less active ingredients. In this regard, the upper limit of the liquid-to-solid ratio is preferably 8 or less, and more preferably 5 or less. A mixture with a liquid-to-solid ratio within this range can be supplied to the sheet production process without concentration. This reduces the loss of flavor components. Substances that are liquid at ambient temperature are also included in the "non-aqueous components of the mixture," but for convenience in this disclosure, the liquid-to-solid ratio is defined as above.

[0068] The type of sheet material obtained will vary according to the amount of the ingredients included in the mixture. For example, in the type in which the tobacco extract E dry weight in the mixture is greater than the aerosol source dry weight (hereinafter also referred to as "tobacco-rich type"), the liquid-solid ratio is preferably 3 to 5. In these types, the tobacco extract E dry weight / mixture dry weight ratio is preferably 15% to 50% by weight. In the type in which the aerosol source dry weight in the mixture is greater than the tobacco extract E dry weight (hereinafter also referred to as "aerosol-rich type"), the liquid-solid ratio is also preferably 3 to 5. In these types, the aerosol source dry weight / mixture dry weight ratio is preferably 40% to 60% by weight.

[0069] 1) Tobacco extract

[0070] Tobacco extract E is the flavoring agent or mixture extracted from tobacco. Tobacco extract can be prepared by known methods. The example of the medium for extraction comprises water or hydrophilic organic solvent such as alcohol. On the one hand, the medium is water (this embodiment is also referred to as "water extraction"), and in another embodiment, the medium is a medium mixture of water and alcohol (this embodiment is also referred to as "solvent extraction"). The example of alcohol comprises polyols (such as propylene glycol and glycerol) and monohydric alcohols (such as ethanol). Alcohol is preferably an aerosol source as described below.

[0071] The example of extraction method comprises: 1) using medium to extract tobacco raw material to obtain the method for tobacco extract; 2) medium is added in tobacco raw material, heats mixture, and collects the method for the steam produced; And 3) allows hot vaporization medium to pass through tobacco raw material, and collects the method for the steam that has passed through.For example, in the method of 1), for the consideration of processability, water extraction is preferred.In the method of 2) and 3), for the consideration of work efficiency, solvent extraction is preferred.As required, acid or alkali also can be used for extraction.The liquid that contains tobacco extract E and the medium that obtains by extraction is called tobacco extract liquid L.

[0072] Raw materials of the genus Nicotiana (such as common tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and yellow tobacco (Nicotiana rustica)) can be used as tobacco raw materials. Examples of common tobacco that can be used include varieties such as Burley tobacco (Burleytobacco) and yellow tobacco (yellow tobacco). Oriental tobacco (Oriental tobacco) or Burley tobacco, which are native species of the genus Nicotiana, can also be used.

[0073] The tobacco raw material can be chopped or powdered tobacco raw material (hereinafter also referred to as " raw material sheet "). In this case, the particle size of the raw material sheet is preferably 0.5 to 1.18 mm. This type of raw material sheet is for example obtained by screening according to JIS Z 8815 using the stainless steel sieve according to JIS Z 8801. For example, 1) use the stainless steel sieve with 1.18 mm openings to screen the raw material sheet in the time period of 20 minutes by drying and mechanical oscillation, to obtain the raw material sheet passing the stainless steel sieve with 1.18 mm openings. 2) then use the stainless steel sieve with 0.50 mm openings to screen the raw material sheet in the time period of 20 minutes by drying and mechanical oscillation, to remove the raw material sheet passing the stainless steel sieve with 0.50 mm openings. Therefore, the raw material sheet can be prepared by passing the stainless steel sieve with a specified upper limit (1.18 mm openings) and not passing the stainless steel sieve with a specified lower limit (0.50 mm openings).

[0074] On the one hand, the tobacco raw material is treated with alkali. The flavor components produced by the treatment are collected to prepare a tobacco extract liquid L comprising a tobacco extract E and water. At this point, the flavor components are preferably extracted from the alkali-treated tobacco raw material in a gaseous form, and the gas is preferably introduced into the water so that the flavor components are transferred to the liquid.

[0075] The alkaline substance is preferably an alkaline liquid, such as potassium carbonate aqueous solution. At this point, the alkaline substance is supplied until the pH of the tobacco raw material is within a certain range. The pH is preferably at least 8.0 and more preferably 8.9 to 9.7. The pH of the tobacco raw material is the pH of water when the tobacco raw material is mixed with 10 times the amount of water.

[0076] The moisture content of tobacco raw material is not restricted, but is preferably about 5% to 30% by weight for the consideration of effective flavor component extraction.The moisture content of tobacco raw material can be determined by known methods; For example, moisture content can be defined as the weight loss that occurs at the time point where 1 g sample has been heated to 105 ° C and heated until the weight change rate is not more than 1 mg / min. This can for example be determined using a moisture analyzer (such as MB45, OHAUS CORPORATION) with a halogen heat source.

[0077] In some embodiments, the tobacco extract E of the present invention can be used to prepare the tobacco extract E of the present invention.Too small amounts of tobacco extract E will cause bad smoking flavor, and too much amount may cause the loss of sheet material strength.In this respect, the lower limit of tobacco extract E dry weight / mixture dry weight ratio is preferably by weight 10% or bigger, by weight 15% or bigger or by weight 20% or bigger.The upper limit is preferably by weight 60% or littler, by weight 50% or littler or by weight 40% or littler.Especially, for the type that is rich in tobacco, this ratio is preferably by weight 20% to 50%.For the type that is rich in aerosol source, this ratio is preferably by weight 10% to 40%.In the present embodiment, every kind of component equals every kind of component in the sheet material with the amount (dry weight / mixture dry weight of every kind of component) of dry basis in the mixture.

[0078] 2) One or more other ingredients B

[0079] 2-2) Aerosol Sources

[0080] In some embodiments, the present invention provides the aerosol source of the present invention.The example of aerosol source comprises polyol, such as glycerine or propylene glycol.The water content of aerosol source can be determined by known method, and can for example determine in the mode identical with the water content of tobacco raw material.A too small amount of aerosol source will cause smoke quantity deficiency in the smoking process.Too large a amount will cause sheet material to be handled badly.In this respect, the lower limit of aerosol dry weight / mixture dry weight ratio is preferably by weight 5% or larger, by weight 10% or larger, by weight 20% or larger or by weight 40% or larger.The upper limit is preferably by weight 70% or less, by weight 60% or less, by weight 50% or less or by weight 40% or less.Especially, for the type that is rich in aerosol source, this ratio is preferably by weight 40% to 60%.For the type that is rich in tobacco, this ratio is preferably by weight 10% to 40% and more preferably by weight 20% to 40%.

[0081] 2-3) Non-wood fiber

[0082] Non-wood fibers are fibers that are not derived from wood, and are preferably fibers other than tobacco fibers. Tobacco fibers are less likely to make the sheet stronger and may cause an astringent taste. Dietary fibers are preferred as non-wood fibers. Dietary fibers are dietary components that are indigestible by human digestive enzymes, and are more preferably water-insoluble dietary fibers. Dietary fibers can be porous, specifically, sponge-like. Porous fibers can increase the surface area of ​​the sheet of smoking articles and can improve the thermal conductivity of the sheet. For example, the fiber is preferably citrus fiber because it is readily available. Citrus fiber is primarily composed of the mesocarp of citrus fruits. Dietary fiber can also be short fibers or columnar particles with a small aspect ratio. Citrus fiber is particularly preferred because it can be used in small quantities to make the sheet stronger. The moisture content of the non-wood fibers can be determined by known methods, and can be determined, for example, in the same manner as the moisture content of tobacco raw materials. In one aspect, the non-wood fiber dry weight / mixture dry weight ratio is 10% to 40% by weight or 10% to 30% by weight.

[0083] 2-4) Wood fiber

[0084] Wood fiber can be used as one or more other components.The example of wood fiber comprises softwood pulp, Vitacel FL400 and Vitacel L600 / 30 (all from J. Rettenmaier & Sohne company).Determine the moisture content of wood fiber so that decision should blend how many wood fibers to satisfy above-mentioned relationship.The moisture content of wood fiber can be determined by known methods, and can for example determine in the mode identical with the moisture content of tobacco raw material.On the one hand, wood fiber dry weight / mixture dry weight ratio is by weight 1% to 10%.When wood fiber and non-wood fiber all existed, wood fiber content is preferably lower than non-wood fiber content.

[0085] 2-5) Adhesive

[0086] Adhesive can be used as one or more other ingredients.The example of adhesive comprises carboxyalkyl cellulose and guar gum.Determine the moisture content of adhesive so that decision should blend how many adhesives to satisfy above-mentioned relationship.The moisture content of adhesive can be determined by known method, and can for example determine in the mode identical with the moisture content of tobacco raw material.On the one hand, adhesive dry weight / mixture dry weight ratio is by weight 1% to 10%.

[0087] 2-6) Flavoring

[0088] Examples of flavoring agents include, but are not limited to, menthol, and any of the following may be used. The amount of flavoring agent may also be a known amount. These examples of flavoring agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0089] The following are examples of preferred flavoring agents: p-methoxyacetophenone, acetophenone, acetylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, alfalfa extract, amyl alcohol, amyl butyrate, trans-anisole, star anise oil, apple juice, Peruvian balsam oil, beeswax absolute, benzaldehyde, benzoin extract, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, benzyl propionate, 2,3-butanedione, 2-butanol, butyl butyrate, butyric acid, caramel, cardamom oil, carob absolute, β-carotene, carrot juice, L-carvone, β-caryophyllene, cinnamon bark oil, cedarwood oil, celery seed oil, chamomile oil, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl cinnamate, citronella oil, DL-citronellol, sage extract, cocoa, coffee, konjac oil , coriander oil, cumin aldehyde, davana oil, δ-decanoic acid, γ-decanoic acid, decanoic acid, dill weed oil, 3,4-dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione, 4,5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-one, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl lactate, ethyl laurate, ethyl levulinate, ethyl maltol, ethyl caprylate, ethyl oleate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl phenylacetate, ethyl propionate, ethyl stearate, ethyl valerate, ethyl vanillin, ethyl vanillin glucoside, 2-ethyl -3, (5 or 6) -dimethylpyrazine, 5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-(5H) -furanone, 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine, eucalyptus extract, fenugreek absolute, broom absolute, gentian root extract, geraniol, geranyl acetate, grape juice, guaiacol, guava extract, γ-heptyl lactone, γ-caprolactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexanol, hexyl phenylacetate, honey, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid lactone, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, sodium 4-hydroxyundecanoate, immortelle absolute, β-purple Rotone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyrate, isobutyl phenylacetate, jasmine absolute, kola nut extract, labdanum oil, terpene-free lemon oil, licorice extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, angelica root oil, maltol, maple syrup, menthol, menthone, L-menthyl acetate, p-anisaldehyde, methyl-2-pyrrolidone, methyl anthranilate, methyl phenylacetate, methyl salicylate, 4'-methylacetophenone, methylcyclopentenolone, 3-methylvaleric acid, mimosa absolute, molasses, myristic acid, nerol, nerolidol, γ-nonalactone, nutmeg oil, δ-octalactone, octanal, caprylic acid, neroli oil, orange oil, orris root oil, palmitic acid, -Pentadecalactone, peppermint oil, paraguay orange leaf oil, phenylethyl alcohol, phenylethyl phenylacetate, phenylacetic acid, piperonal, plum extract, allyl guaiacol, propionate, 3-propyl indenylphthalide, plum juice, pyruvic acid, raisin extract, rose oil, rum, sage oil, sandalwood oil, spearmint oil, styrax absolute, marigold oil, tea distillate, α-terpinyl ester, terpinyl acetate, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline, 1,5,5,9-tetramethyl-13-oxacyclo(8.3.0.0(4.9))tridecane, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, thyme oil, tomato Extract, 2-tridecanone, triethyl citrate, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1,4-dione, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadienyl)-2-buten-4-one, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, γ-undecalactone, γ-valerolactone, vanilla extract, vanillin, veratraldehyde, violet leaf absolute, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-3) and ethyl-2-(p-menthane-3-carboxamide) acetate (WS-5).

[0090] 3) Preferred aspects

[0091] Water extraction

[0092] Step (1) preferably includes the following steps (1-1) to (1-4).

[0093] Step (1-1)

[0094] In this step, the tobacco raw material is preliminarily extracted with water, and the extraction rate a defined by the following equation (1) is determined.

[0095] (1)

[0096] The dry weight is the weight excluding water. Therefore, Ed (dry weight of tobacco extract E) is the dry weight of the tobacco extract L obtained by extraction, specifically, the weight of the tobacco extract L minus the weight of water.

[0097] Extraction can be performed by a known method. For the sake of smoking flavor, the extraction temperature is not limited, but is preferably 60°C to 100°C, and more preferably 70°C to 90°C. The extraction time is preferably 20 to 40 minutes.

[0098] Steps (1-2)

[0099] In this step, the factor X related to the weight of water for further extraction is determined based on equation (I). The liquid-to-solid ratio is determined to meet the range.

[0100] (I)

[0101] X is defined as Specifically, X is the ratio of the weight of water used for extraction relative to the dry weight of the tobacco raw material.

[0102] Bw is the total weight of water in all components B in the mixture obtained in steps 1-4. All components B refer to all components other than the tobacco extract, and include, for example, aerosol sources and fibers. Bd is the total dry weight of all components B in the mixture obtained in steps 1-4. Bw and Bd are obtained by analyzing the components using known methods.

[0103] The symbol t is defined as the proportion of tobacco extract used: Specifically, t is [dry weight of tobacco extract E / dry weight of mixture] in the mixture obtained in steps 1-4.

[0104] Equation (I) is derived as follows.

[0105] ,

[0106] And thus can be transformed as follows.

[0107] Mathematical formula 1

[0108]

[0109] Steps (1-3)

[0110] In this step, the tobacco raw material is extracted with water in an amount satisfying the above X to obtain a tobacco extract. The conditions for the extraction are the same as those for the primary extraction.

[0111] Steps (1-4)

[0112] In this step, the tobacco extract obtained in step (1-3) is mixed with one or more other ingredients to prepare a mixture satisfying equation (I), specifically having a desired liquid-to-solid ratio R.

[0113] Solvent extraction

[0114] Step (1) preferably includes the following steps (1-1') to (1-4').

[0115] Step (1-1')

[0116] In this step, the tobacco raw material is preliminarily extracted with the solvent mixture, and the extraction rate a' defined by the following equation (1') is determined.

[0117] (1')

[0118] Thus, Ed (dry weight of tobacco extract E) is the weight of the tobacco extract L' obtained by extraction minus the weight of water and alcohol. The extraction can be performed as described above in the case of water extraction.

[0119] Steps (1-2')

[0120] In this step, the factor X related to the weight of water in the solvent mixture used for further solvent mixture extraction is determined based on equation (I').

[0121] (I')

[0122] X is defined as Ew (weight of water in tobacco extract L') / Td (dry weight of tobacco raw material). Specifically, X is the ratio of the weight of water used in solvent extraction to the dry weight of tobacco raw material.

[0123] Bw is the total weight of water in all components B in the mixture obtained in step 1-4'. Bd is the total dry weight of all components B in the mixture obtained in step 1-4'. The dry weight of the alcohol used in the solvent extraction is included in Bd.

[0124] The symbol t is defined as the proportion of tobacco extract used in solvent extraction: .

[0125] Equation (I') is derived in the same manner as in equation (I) as follows.

[0126] Mathematical formula 2

[0127]

[0128] Steps (1-3')

[0129] In this step, the composition and amount of the solvent mixture for further extraction are first determined based on X. For example, when the weight ratio of water and alcohol in the solvent mixture used in the preliminary extraction is 1:z, then the water (X) and alcohol ( ) to prepare a solvent mixture. The solvent mixture is then used to extract the tobacco extract to obtain the tobacco extract. The extraction conditions are the same as those for the primary extraction.

[0130] Steps (1-4')

[0131] This step can be performed in the same manner as step (1-4).

[0132] (2) Step (2): Sheet preparation step

[0133] In this step, a sheet is obtained from the mixture prepared in step (1). The sheet can be produced by known methods, but the above-mentioned effect will be even more obvious using a casting method. In the casting method, it is usually necessary to concentrate the tobacco extract in the mixture in order to increase the concentration of solids in the mixture. However, in this embodiment, a mixture with a suitable liquid-to-solid ratio is prepared, thereby allowing the sheet to be cast without concentrating the extract. Concentration generally requires heating and decompression. The disadvantage that occurs at such times is the loss or degradation of some flavor components in the extract. Depending on the flavor components, the device may be contaminated, or the degradation of the flavor components may result in less smoking flavor. Any flavor components that are removed may also be recycled, but this will be cumbersome. These disadvantages can be avoided in this embodiment.

[0134] When obtaining sheet material under the situation that extract is not concentrated, for example, mixture is cast on substrate to form wet sheet material without going through concentration step.Then dry wet sheet material to obtain tobacco sheet material.Particularly preferably, the tobacco extract obtained in step (1-3) is mixed with one or more other ingredients to prepare the mixture that satisfies equation (I), and obtain sheet material (cast sheet material) from said mixture.Drying temperature is preferably 50 ℃ to 100 ℃.The tobacco sheet material obtained by casting method is also referred to as "cast sheet material".

[0135] The mixture used in the casting process can be prepared by known methods, but is preferably prepared by a process comprising the following steps:

[0136] Step 1: A step of mixing the tobacco extract with an aerosol source such as glycerin (and water when water is added);

[0137] Step 2: A step of mixing the adhesive into the mixture until the adhesive is mixed uniformly;

[0138] Step 3: A step of mixing other solids into the mixture obtained in step 2.

[0139] When solids comprising a binder are first mixed with one another, the binder can "clump," a difficult-to-solve condition. In this method, the binder is first mixed with the aerosol source, thereby reducing the likelihood of the binder "caking." "Caking" refers to a condition in which the ingredients exist in a clumped form rather than being dispersed or dissolved.

[0140] 2. Aerosol generating sheet

[0141] The aerosol-generating sheet obtained by the above-described production method can be used as a filler for smoking articles. Examples of smoking articles include combustion smoking articles and heat-not-burn smoking articles. In particular, the aerosol-generating sheet obtained by the above-described method can be of a tobacco-rich type and an aerosol-source-rich type, as described above, thereby allowing a wide range of consumer needs to be met.

[0142] Aspects of implementation are listed below.

[0143] Aspect 1

[0144] A method for producing an aerosol-generating sheet containing a tobacco extract E and one or more other ingredients B, the method comprising:

[0145] (1) A step of preparing a mixture containing the tobacco extract E and one or more other ingredients B and satisfying the following relationship:

[0146] Liquid-to-solid ratio = weight of water in the mixture / weight of non-water components in the mixture ≥ 3

[0147] and (2) a step of obtaining a sheet from the mixture.

[0148] Aspect 2

[0149] The production method according to aspect 1, wherein step (1) comprises:

[0150] (1-1) A step of preliminarily extracting a tobacco raw material with water to obtain a tobacco extract liquid L containing the tobacco extract E and water, and determining an extraction rate a defined by the following equation (1):

[0151] (1)

[0152] (1-2) A step of determining X related to the weight of water for further extraction by the same method as step (1-1) based on the following equation (1):

[0153] (I)

[0154] (Here,

[0155] Liquid-solid ratio ≥ 3

[0156]

[0157] Bw: total weight of water in all ingredients B

[0158] Bd: total dry weight of all ingredients B

[0159] )

[0160] (1-3) extracting the tobacco raw material using water in an amount satisfying the above-mentioned X to obtain a tobacco extract; and

[0161] (1-4) A step of mixing the tobacco extract obtained in the above step (1-3) with the one or more other ingredients to prepare a mixture satisfying equation (I).

[0162] Aspect 3

[0163] The production method according to aspect 1, wherein step (1) comprises:

[0164] (1-1) Preliminary extraction of a tobacco raw material with a solvent mixture containing water and alcohol to obtain a tobacco extract liquid L' containing the tobacco extract E, water and alcohol, and determining an extraction rate a' defined by the following equation (1'):

[0165] (1')

[0166] (1-2) A step of determining X related to the weight of water for further extraction by the same method as step (1-1) based on the following equation (I'):

[0167] (I')

[0168] (Here,

[0169] Liquid-solid ratio ≥ 3

[0170]

[0171] Bw: total weight of water in all ingredients B

[0172] Bd: total dry weight of all ingredients B

[0173] )

[0174] (1-3) determining the amount of the solvent mixture for the further extraction based on the weight ratio X, and extracting the tobacco raw material using the solvent mixture to obtain a tobacco extract; and

[0175] (1-4) A step of mixing the tobacco extract obtained in the above step (1-3) with the one or more other ingredients to prepare a mixture satisfying equation (I').

[0176] Aspect 4

[0177] The production method according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the content of the tobacco extract in the aerosol-generating sheet is 15% to 50% by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0178] Aspect 5

[0179] The production method according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the one or more other ingredients B comprise an aerosol source, and

[0180] The content of the aerosol source in the aerosol-generating sheet is 10 to 60% by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0181] Aspect 6

[0182] The production method according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the one or more other components include non-wood fibers, wood fibers or adhesives.

[0183] Aspect 7

[0184] The production method according to aspect 6, wherein the non-wood fiber is dietary fiber.

[0185] Aspect 8

[0186] The production method according to aspect 7, wherein the non-wood fiber is citrus fiber.

[0187] Aspect 9

[0188] The production method according to any one of aspects 6 to 8, wherein the binder is carboxyalkyl cellulose or guar gum.

[0189] Aspect 10

[0190] The production method according to any one of aspects 6 to 9, wherein the wood fiber content is lower than the non-wood fiber content.

[0191] Examples

[0192] Example 1

[0193] (1) Tobacco extract

[0194] To prepare tobacco raw material, 250 g of tobacco raw material and 1085 g of water were placed in a flask for extraction, and the contents were stirred at 80°C for about 60 minutes.

[0195] (2) Mixture

[0196] The following were used as other ingredients: wood pulp (softwood pulp); non-wood pulp (Herbacel AQ Plus CF-D / 100, from DSP Gokyo Food & Chemical Co., Ltd.); an aerosol source (glycerin); and a binder (cellulose derivatives: CMCF30MC and CMC350HC, from Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.; guar gum: GRINDSTED 175, from Dupont Danico). These were mixed with the tobacco extract to prepare a mixture. The mixing ratios are shown in Table 1.

[0197] (3) Sheet

[0198] The mixture was cast onto a stainless steel sheet and dried in an oven at 80°C to produce a 1.5 mm thick cast sheet. The dried sheet was conditioned at 22°C and 60% RH for at least overnight, and then visually assessed for its ability to hold liquid. The results are presented in Table 1.

[0199] Table 1

[0200]

[0201] Sheets were formed in all examples. However, the mixture (slurry) in Example 2 (liquid-to-solid ratio of 8) had a low viscosity and, while acceptable, poor workability. A binder was then used to provide a slurry with a higher viscosity, resulting in good workability (Example 3). The use of 27% non-wood pulp (Herbacel) allowed the production of a sheet with even better workability (despite a liquid-to-solid ratio of 7) (Example 4).

Claims

1. A method for producing an aerosol-generating sheet containing a tobacco extract E and one or more other ingredients B, the method comprising: (1) A step of preparing a mixture containing the tobacco extract E and one or more other ingredients B and satisfying the following relationship: Liquid-to-solid ratio = weight of water in the mixture / weight of non-water components in the mixture ≥ 3 and (2) a step of obtaining a sheet from the mixture.

2. The production method according to claim 1, wherein Step (1) includes: (1-1) A step of preliminarily extracting a tobacco raw material with water to obtain a tobacco extract liquid L containing the tobacco extract E and water, and determining an extraction rate a defined by the following equation (1): (1) (1-2) A step of determining X related to the weight of water for further extraction by the same method as step (1-1) based on the following equation (1): (I) (Here, Liquid-solid ratio ≥ 3 Bw: total weight of water in all ingredients B Bd: total dry weight of all ingredients B ） (1-3) extracting the tobacco raw material using water in an amount satisfying the above-mentioned X to obtain a tobacco extract; and (1-4) A step of mixing the tobacco extract obtained in the above step (1-3) with the one or more other ingredients to prepare a mixture satisfying equation (I).

3. The production method according to claim 1, wherein Step (1) includes: (1-1) Preliminary extraction of the tobacco raw material with a solvent mixture comprising water and alcohol to obtain a tobacco extract liquid L' comprising the tobacco extract E, water and alcohol, and determining an extraction rate a' defined by the following equation (1'): (1’) (1-2) A step of determining X related to the weight of water for further extraction by the same method as step (1-1) based on the following equation (I'): (I’) (Here, Liquid-solid ratio ≥ 3 Bw: total weight of water in all ingredients B Bd: total dry weight of all ingredients B ） (1-3) determining the amount of the solvent mixture for the further extraction based on the weight ratio X, and extracting the tobacco raw material using the solvent mixture to obtain a tobacco extract; and (1-4) A step of mixing the tobacco extract obtained in the above step (1-3) with the one or more other ingredients to prepare a mixture satisfying equation (I').

4. The production method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The content of the tobacco extract in the aerosol-generating sheet is 15 to 50% by weight on a dry weight basis.

5. The production method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The one or more other components B comprise an aerosol source, and The content of the aerosol source in the aerosol-generating sheet is 10 to 60% by weight on a dry weight basis.

6. The production method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The one or more other components B include non-wood fibers, wood fibers or binders.

7. The production method according to claim 6, wherein The non-wood fiber is dietary fiber.

8. The production method according to claim 7, wherein The non-wood fiber is citrus fiber.

9. The production method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein The binder is carboxyalkyl cellulose or guar gum.

10. The production method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein The wood fiber content is lower than the non-wood fiber content.

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