Material for smoking article, smoking article, and smoking system

Abstract

A material for a smoking article includes non-pulp fibers and a hydrophobic substance. The non-pulp fibers are preferably plant-derived.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a material for smoking articles, a smoking article, and a smoking system. Background Technology

[0002] Materials used in smoking products include hydrophobic substances. Because hydrophobic substances are not easily mixed and dispersed with other components, methods such as dissolving the hydrophobic substance in a hydrophobic solvent and spraying the solution onto the other components are known. Examples of solvents that can be safely used in this case include ethanol, benzyl alcohol, various fatty acids, triacetin esters, and medium-chain fatty acid esters. However, when using ethanol as a solvent, the hydrophobic substance may not be soluble enough. The solubility problem is solved when fatty acids or medium-chain fatty acid esters are used as solvents. However, in this case, the solvent itself has low volatility and therefore leaves residues, thus affecting the flavor during inhalation. Furthermore, when using hydrophobic solvents, a homogeneous mixture cannot be obtained if the other components have a high water content.

[0003] Another method that can be listed involves dispersing the hydrophobic substance in water and then spraying the resulting dispersion onto other components. Methods for dispersing hydrophobic substances in water include: 1) mechanical emulsion formation; 2) emulsion formation using emulsifiers; and 3) methods using inclusion compounds (such as cyclodextrins, typically) (PTL 1 and NPL 1). For method 1), the stability of the emulsion is limited, often leading to problems such as inhomogeneity of the forming material and nozzle clogging when spraying the emulsion. For method 2), the co-presentation of emulsifiers can affect flavor. For method 3), inclusion compounds are typically expensive, and the host molecule may also have undesirable effects on flavor during smoking.

[0004] Another example of a method that can be listed is: 4) When the hydrophobic substance is solid, the unmodified solid is mixed with another solid material. In this case, both the hydrophobic substance and the other solid material are in powder form, which is desirable for obtaining a molded material with a homogeneous state, commonly referred to as "powder mixing." However, a common problem with powder mixing is that a homogeneous mixture is not produced due to the ratio of the amount of the added material to the amount of the added material, as well as the differences in their specific gravity and particle size distribution. Another method that can be listed is: 5) When the hydrophobic substance is liquid, the unmodified liquid is mixed with another component. This method can be expected to achieve a more uniform dispersion than that achieved by mixing solids, but there may be problems with some components solidifying. It is also feasible to use anti-solidifying agents in combination to prevent this, but there are safety concerns, and the anti-solidifying agents themselves may have undesirable effects on flavor. To address these problems, a method that can be listed is: 6) Using excipients to form the hydrophobic substance into powder to promote powder mixing, and then mixing it with another solid material to obtain a molded material. Specific examples of this method involve mixing a molten hydrophobic component with an excipient and stirring the material, the hydrophobic component having been heated at or above its melting point. In this method, the dispersibility of the hydrophobic substance depends largely on its physical properties (such as viscosity). Therefore, localized coagulation may occur, resulting in the inability to obtain a homogeneous powder formulation. Known methods for obtaining a homogeneous powder formulation include: mixing and stirring the hydrophobic substance with a polysaccharide in an alcohol, followed by drying using spray drying; and mechanically stirring the hydrophobic substance in an aqueous solution containing dissolved sugar until homogeneous and then freeze-drying (PTL2). However, spray drying methods have problems, such as the limited capacity to support hydrophobic substances, and freeze-drying methods have problems, such as unsuitability for continuous large-scale production and localized agglomeration due to deliquescence.

[0005] Citation List

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] PTL 1: JP H6-93996 B2

[0008] PTL 2: JP 6203702 B2

[0009] Non-patent literature

[0010] NPL 1: TAKEMOTO, Kiichi et al., “Inclusion Compounds - From Basics to Future Technology” [Translated Title], Tokyo Kagaku Dozin, 1989, pp. 175-178 Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] As mentioned above, it is not easy to uniformly mix hydrophobic substances and other components. In view of this, the problem solved by the present invention is to provide a material for smoking articles that has good dispersibility of hydrophobic substances.

[0013] Solution to the problem

[0014] The inventors solved the above problems by using non-pulp fibers.

[0015] Aspect 1

[0016] A material for use in smoking articles, the material comprising:

[0017] Non-pulp fibers; and

[0018] Hydrophobic substances.

[0019] Aspect 2

[0020] As disclosed in Part 1, these non-pulp fibers are plant-derived.

[0021] Aspect 3

[0022] As disclosed in aspect 1 or 2, these non-pulp fibers are monofibrillated cellulose fibers.

[0023] Aspect 4

[0024] As disclosed in any of aspects 1 to 3, these non-pulp fibers include dietary fiber.

[0025] Aspect 5

[0026] As disclosed in aspect 4, the dietary fiber includes citrus fiber.

[0027] Aspect 6

[0028] The materials disclosed in any of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the average fiber diameter of these non-pulp fibers is 25 µm or less.

[0029] Aspect 7

[0030] The materials disclosed in any of aspects 1 to 6 include 0.01-10 wt% of the hydrophobic substance.

[0031] Aspect 8

[0032] As disclosed in any of aspects 1 to 7, the hydrophobic material is supported on these non-pulp fibers.

[0033] Aspect 9

[0034] The material disclosed in any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the hydrophobic substance has a boiling point of 100°C or lower.

[0035] Aspect 10

[0036] The hydrophobic substance is selected from the group consisting of menthol, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, tobacco extract, and combinations thereof, as disclosed in any one of aspects 1 to 9.

[0037] Aspect 11

[0038] The material disclosed in any one of aspects 1 to 10 is in the form of sheet, powder or granules.

[0039] Aspect 12

[0040] A method for producing materials as disclosed in any one of aspects 1 to 11, the method comprising:

[0041] The mixing step used to obtain a mixture by mixing these non-pulp fibers and the hydrophobic substance; and

[0042] Forming steps for grinding, granulating, or sheet forming the mixture.

[0043] Aspect 13

[0044] A smoking article comprising the materials disclosed in any one of aspects 1 to 12.

[0045] Aspect 14

[0046] A smoking system comprising a smoking article as disclosed in aspect 13 and a heating device for heating the smoking article.

[0047] Advantages of the present invention

[0048] This invention enables the provision of a material for smoking articles that has good hydrophobic dispersibility. Attached Figure Description

[0049] [ Figure 1An example of a heated but non-burning smoking product is shown.

[0050] [ Figure 2 An embodiment of a heated, non-burning smoking system is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0051] As used in this disclosure, the range “XY” includes both X and Y as endpoints. Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly stated, weights in this disclosure are given on a dry basis (dry weight).

[0052] 1. Materials used in smoking products

[0053] Materials used in smoking articles are those used in smoking articles. According to this embodiment, materials used in smoking articles include hydrophobic substances and non-pulp fibers.

[0054] (1) Non-pulp fibers (component A)

[0055] Non-pulp fibers act as excipients. Non-pulp fibers (hereinafter also referred to as "Component A") are fibers other than pulp fibers. Pulp fibers are aggregates of cellulose fibers extracted from plants (including woody plants) and are commonly used as starting materials for paper. Examples of pulp fibers that can be listed include waste paper pulp, chemical pulp, and mechanical pulp. In addition, pulp fibers include normal cellulose fibers and crystalline cellulose fibers.

[0056] Non-pulp fibers allow hydrophobic substances to be advantageously dispersed in materials used in smoking articles. This is (but not limited to) the fact that non-pulp fibers are considered to have a high affinity for hydrophobic substances and, in some cases, the ability to support them. Non-pulp fibers are preferably plant-derived. Plant-derived fibers are biodegradable and therefore advantageous in terms of their lower environmental impact.

[0057] Wood pulp typically exists in the form of fiber bundles composed of multiple bundles of single fibers with a diameter of 20 µm, and has a fiber diameter of approximately 100-200 µm and a fiber length of approximately 1000-2000 µm. When tobacco sheets with tensile strength suitable for practical use are produced using wood pulp, the sheets end up being 100-300 µm thick, which leads to a decrease in thermal conductivity. However, non-pulp fibers allow for the formation of thin sheets with excellent mechanical strength, and also achieve excellent thermal conductivity. From this perspective, the average fiber diameter of non-pulp fibers is preferably 25 µm or less, more preferably 20 µm or less, and even more preferably 15 µm or less. There is no lower limit to the average fiber diameter, but it is 2 nm or greater, 10 nm or greater, 100 nm or greater, 1 µm or greater, or 5 µm or greater.

[0058] The average fiber diameter of non-pulp fibers can be determined by acquiring images of the fibers, measuring the width (minor axis) of multiple fibers, and averaging these values. When the fiber shape is columnar (rectangular cross-section), the width of the main face (i.e., the longer of the main face width and the side face width) is defined as the fiber width. The number of fibers measured is preferably 100 or more.

[0059] The non-pulp fiber is preferably a monofibrillated cellulose fiber. Monofibrillated cellulose fibers are fine fibers obtained by subjecting pulp fibers to treatments such as fibrillation. Monofibrillated cellulose fibers can undergo chemical modifications such as oxidation. The average fiber diameter of the monofibrillated cellulose fibers is as described above. There is no limitation on the average fiber length of the monofibrillated cellulose fibers, but its upper limit is preferably 2000 µm or less, and more preferably 1500 µm or less. Its lower limit is preferably 100 µm or more, and more preferably 500 µm or more.

[0060] Furthermore, the non-pulp fiber is preferably dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is a dietary component that is difficult for human digestive enzymes to digest. More preferably, it is insoluble dietary fiber that is not soluble in water. Dietary fiber can be porous, i.e., spongy. Porous fibers increase the surface area of ​​the sheet material used in smoking products and readily support hydrophobic substances. From this perspective, the fiber is preferably citrus fiber. Citrus fiber is a fiber mainly composed of the mesocarp of citrus fruits. The average fiber diameter of citrus fiber is as described above. Additionally, dietary fiber can also be short fibers or columnar particles with a low aspect ratio.

[0061] On one hand, monocellulose fiber and dietary fiber are used in combination. The combined use of the two fibers enhances the strength of the material used in smoking products. The upper limit of the monocellulose fiber weight relative to 1 part by weight is preferably 1.5 parts by weight or less, and more preferably 1.2 parts by weight or less, and the lower limit is preferably 0.1 parts by weight or more, and more preferably 0.3 parts by weight or more.

[0062] The amount of non-pulp fibers in materials used in smoking articles is preferably 1-76 wt%, and more preferably 5-30 wt%. Excessive amounts of non-pulp fibers are uneconomical. Furthermore, using too few non-pulp fibers may fail to achieve the desired effect.

[0063] (2) Hydrophobic substances (component B)

[0064] The hydrophobic substance in the material for use in smoking articles preferably functions as a flavor source. That is, the hydrophobic substance (hereinafter also referred to as "component B") is a hydrophobic flavor substance. There is no limitation on the amount of the hydrophobic substance, provided that such an amount can produce the desired flavor, and the amount is preferably 0.01-16 wt%, and more preferably 0.05-6 wt%, of the material for use in smoking articles.

[0065] The hydrophobic substance is preferably supported on non-pulp fibers. This arrangement improves the dispersion of the hydrophobic substance in materials used in smoking articles. The mixing ratio of the hydrophobic substance (component B) to the non-pulp fibers (component A) is preferably 0.1-80 wt%, more preferably 0.1-30 wt%, and even more preferably 1-25 wt%.

[0066] If the hydrophobic material has a melting point, that melting point is preferably 100°C or lower. When the hydrophobic material has such a melting point, delivery during smoking is improved. From this perspective, the upper limit of the melting point is preferably 80°C or lower. Meanwhile, if the melting point is too low, storage stability decreases. From this perspective, the lower limit of the melting point is preferably 35°C or higher, and more preferably 40°C or higher. The melting point is determined by means of well-known calorimetric analysis (such as DSC).

[0067] The hydrophobic substance is preferably a cyclic monoterpene used as a flavor source, or a tobacco extract. These materials can be used in combination. The cyclic monoterpene used as a flavor source is preferably menthol, vanillin, or ethyl vanillin.

[0068] Tobacco extract is the active ingredient (excluding the extraction medium) contained in an extract obtained by extracting tobacco raw material from the tobacco plant. Extraction can be performed in known ways, and the following methods can be listed by way of example: 1) a method of extracting tobacco raw material using a medium to obtain a tobacco extract; 2) a method of adding a medium to the tobacco raw material, heating the mixture, and collecting the generated vapor to obtain a tobacco extract; and 3) a method of allowing the thermally vaporized medium to pass through the tobacco raw material and collecting the vapor that has passed through to obtain a tobacco extract. Examples of media include water, hydrophilic organic solvents (such as alcohols), aprotic solvents, hydrophobic organic solvents (such as hexane and petroleum-based solvents), or combinations thereof.

[0069] Method 1) preferably uses a hydrophobic organic solvent to extract hydrophobic substances, and from the perspective of ease of operation, a hydrophobic aprotic solvent is preferred. Furthermore, in methods 2) and 3), for efficiency considerations, glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, or alcohols such as ethanol are preferably used as the medium. Acids or bases may also be used for extraction if necessary. The liquid containing the tobacco extract and the medium obtained through extraction is called tobacco extract.

[0070] For example, raw materials from the genus *Nicotiana* (such as *Nicotiana tabacum* and *Nicotiana rustica*) can be used as tobacco raw materials. Examples of *Nicotiana tabacum* varieties that can be used include varieties such as Burley tobacco and flue-cured tobacco. Native species of the genus *Nicotiana*, such as Oriental tobacco or Burley tobacco, can also be used.

[0071] The tobacco raw material can be cut or powdered tobacco raw material (hereinafter also referred to as "raw material flakes"). In such cases, the particle size of the raw material flakes is preferably 0.5-1.18 mm. Such raw material flakes are obtained, for example, by sieving using a stainless steel sieve conforming to JIS Z 8801 according to JIS Z 8815. For example, 1) the raw material flakes are sieved using a stainless steel sieve with a 1.18 mm opening by means of mechanical oscillation during a drying period of 20 minutes to obtain raw material flakes that have passed through the stainless steel sieve with a 1.18 mm opening. 2) The raw material flakes are then sieved using a stainless steel sieve with a 0.50 mm opening by means of mechanical oscillation during a drying period of 20 minutes to remove the raw material flakes that have passed through the stainless steel sieve with a 0.50 mm opening. Thus, it is possible to prepare raw material flakes that pass through a stainless steel sieve with a specified upper limit (1.18 mm opening) but not through a stainless steel sieve with a specified lower limit (0.50 mm opening).

[0072] The moisture content of the extracted tobacco raw material is not limited, but is preferably about 5-30 wt% for the purpose of extracting effective flavor components. The moisture content of the tobacco raw material can be determined by known methods; for example, moisture content can be defined as the amount of weight loss at a time point when 1 g of sample has been collected and heated at 105°C until the rate of weight change is no greater than 1 mg / min. This can be determined, for example, using a moisture analyzer with a halogen pyrogen source (such as the MB45, manufactured by OHAUS CORPORATION).

[0073] (3) Adhesive (Component C)

[0074] A binder (hereinafter also referred to as "Component C") reinforces the material used in smoking articles. Well-known binders can be used, but it is preferably selected from the group consisting of: cellulose derivatives, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, locust bean gum, alginate, sodium alginate, starch, soluble soybean polysaccharides, and combinations thereof. Enumerated cellulose derivatives include alkyl cellulose, hydroxyalkyl cellulose, and carboxyl cellulose. More specifically, enumerated cellulose derivatives include: methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl methylcellulose (HEMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and their salts. Among these, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) are preferably used in combination.

[0075] The amount of component C in the material used in smoking articles is preferably 1-50 wt%, and more preferably 3-30 wt%. Amounts below this lower limit will make it difficult to achieve sufficient strength.

[0076] (4) Aerosol source (component D)

[0077] The aerosol source (hereinafter also referred to as "component D") is a substance that forms an aerosol upon heating. Examples of aerosol sources include polyols such as glycerol or polyethylene glycol. The amount of component D in materials used in smoking articles is preferably 8-50 wt%, and more preferably 10-30 wt%. Amounts below the lower limit will result in insufficient smoke production during smoking. Amounts above the upper limit will result in decreased handleability of the materials used in smoking articles.

[0078] (5) Fibers other than component A (component F)

[0079] Materials used in smoking articles preferably include fibers other than component A (such fibers will also be referred to as "component F" below). Examples of fibers include wood fibers and cellulose fibers (typically pulp). Component F has the function of reinforcing materials used in smoking articles. From this perspective, in one aspect, the content of component F in materials used in smoking articles is 20-80 wt%.

[0080] (6) Form

[0081] The material used in smoking articles allows component B to be advantageously dispersed therein and also possesses excellent formability. Therefore, the material used in smoking articles is suitable as a filler material for smoking articles. The material used in smoking articles can be in the form of tobacco shreds, sheets, tobacco sticks, powder, or granules.

[0082] 2. Production Method

[0083] Materials used in smoking articles can be produced by any method, but are preferably produced by a method that includes the following steps.

[0084] A mixing step used to obtain a mixture by mixing non-pulp fibers (component A) and a hydrophobic substance (component B).

[0085] Forming steps used for grinding, granulating, or sheet forming of mixtures.

[0086] (1) Mixing steps

[0087] Preferably, component A and component B are mixed such that a favorable dispersion of component B in the mixture can be achieved without any inhomogeneity, even when other components are mixed in. This is because (not limited to) component B is considered to be supported on component A. The mixing ratio is appropriately adjusted according to the final material used in the smoking article, but in one aspect, the mixing ratio is preferably component A: component B = 100:1-30 (by weight), and more preferably component A: component B = 100:1-25 (by weight).

[0088] (2) The step of mixing with other components

[0089] Following the above mixing steps, steps may be provided to mix with other components (component CF) as needed. The mixing ratio should be adjusted appropriately according to the final material used in the smoking product.

[0090] (3) Forming steps

[0091] In this step, the mixture obtained in the previous step is shaped. Examples of shaping include grinding, granulation, or sheet forming. Grinding can be performed using a well-known grinding mill. Particles can be obtained, for example, by kneading the mixture with the addition of water, granulating the resulting kneaded material in a wet extrusion granulator (forming the resulting kneaded material into a long cylindrical shape), and then cutting the granulated material into short cylindrical or spherical shapes.

[0092] Sheet forming can be carried out using well-known methods such as rolling or casting. Details of the various types of sheets manufactured by such methods are disclosed in "Encyclopedia of Tobacco, Tobacco Academic Studies Center, March 31, 2009".

[0093] <Rolling>

[0094] Examples of methods for producing sheet materials by means of rolling include, for instance, the following steps.

[0095] 1) Introduce the water-containing mixture into the rolling rolls and perform the rolling process.

[0096] 2) The step of drying the rolled product in a dryer.

[0097] When producing sheets using this method, the surface of the rolling rolls can be heated or cooled as needed, and the rotational speed of the rolling rolls can be adjusted. Furthermore, the spacing between the rolling rolls can be adjusted. One or more rolling rolls can be used to obtain sheets with the desired basis weight.

[0098] <Casting>

[0099] For example, methods that include the following steps can be listed.

[0100] 1) The step of spreading (casting) a thin layer of water-containing mixture (slurry).

[0101] 2) The step of drying the cast sheet.

[0102] When producing sheets using this method, a step can be added in which the slurry is exposed to ultraviolet or X-ray radiation to remove some components, such as nitrosamines.

[0103] <Extrusion>

[0104] For example, methods that include the following steps can be listed.

[0105] 1) The step of preparing a wet sheet by flattening the aqueous mixture or extruding it from a die. 33) The step of drying the wet sheet.

[0106] 3. Smoking products

[0107] As mentioned above, materials used in smoking articles are suitable as fillers for smoking articles. Examples of smoking articles include combustible smoking articles and heated-but-not-burn smoking articles. Examples of heated-but-not-burn smoking articles will be described here. Figure 1An embodiment of a heated non-burning smoking article is shown. As shown in the accompanying drawings, the heated non-burning smoking article 20 includes: a tobacco segment 20A, a cylindrical cooling portion 20B with circumferential perforations, and a filter portion 20C. The heated non-burning smoking article 20 may include other components besides these. There is no limitation on the axial length of the heated non-burning smoking article 20, but the axial length is preferably 40-90 mm, more preferably 50-75 mm, and even more preferably 50-60 mm. Furthermore, the circumferential length of the heated non-burning smoking article 20 is preferably 16-25 mm, more preferably 20-24 mm, and even more preferably 21-23 mm. In an exemplary model that can be exemplified, the length of the tobacco segment 20A is 20 mm, the length of the cooling portion 20B is 20 mm, and the length of the filter portion 20C is 7 mm. The lengths of the components can be appropriately modified according to manufacturability and desired quality, etc. Figure 1 The pattern of setting the first segment 25 is shown, but this segment is not required, and only the second segment 26 can be set on the downstream side of the cooling section 20B.

[0108] 1) Tobacco Section 20A

[0109] The tobacco filling material 21 in tobacco segment 20A comprises materials used in smoking articles. There are no particular limitations on the method of packaging the tobacco filling material 21 inside the wrapper 22, but for example, the tobacco filling material 21 may be encapsulated in the wrapper 22, or the tobacco filling material 21 may be packaged inside a cylindrical wrapper 22. When the tobacco filling material has a longitudinal shape (e.g., a rectangular shape), the tobacco filling material may be packaged such that the longitudinal direction of each rectangle is randomly oriented inside the wrapper 22, or it may be packaged such that the longitudinal direction is aligned with or perpendicular to the axial direction of the tobacco segment 20A. The tobacco segment 20A is heated to vaporize the tobacco components, the aerosol source, and the water contained in the tobacco filling material 21, and is then ready for inhalation of these components.

[0110] 2) Cooling section 20B

[0111] The cooling section 20B is preferably formed of a cylindrical member. The cylindrical member can be, for example, a paper tube 23 obtained by processing cardboard into a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the cooling section 20B can also be formed of a thin sheet of material that is wrinkled and then pleated, gathered, or folded to form a channel. Examples of such materials that can be used include sheet materials selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, cellulose acetate, and aluminum foil. The total surface area of ​​the cooling section 20B is appropriately set considering cooling efficiency and can be, for example, 300-1000 mm².2 / mm. The cooling section 20B is preferably provided with perforations 24. The perforations 24 allow outside air to be introduced into the cooling section 20B during inhalation. Therefore, the aerosol vaporized components generated by heating the tobacco section 20A are liquefied because the aerosol vaporized components come into contact with outside air, causing their temperature to drop and forming an aerosol. There is no particular limitation on the diameter (spanning length) of the perforations 24, and the diameter can be, for example, 0.5-1.5 mm. There is no particular limitation on the number of perforations 24, and one, two, or more perforations can be present. For example, multiple perforations 24 can be provided on the circumference of the cooling section 20B.

[0112] The cooling section 20B can be formed in the shape of a rod with an axial length of, for example, 7-28 mm. The axial length of the cooling section 20B can be, for example, 18 mm. The cooling section 20B can have a substantially circular axial cross-sectional shape with a diameter of 5-10 mm. The diameter of the cooling section can be, for example, approximately 7 mm.

[0113] 3) Filter section 20°C

[0114] There are no particular restrictions on the configuration of the filter section 20C, but it can be formed by a single or multiple filler layers. The outer side of the filler layer can be wrapped with one or more sheets of wrapping paper. For example, the airflow resistance of the filter section 20C can be appropriately modified by the amount and material of the filter filler material filling the filter section 20C. For example, when the filter filler material is cellulose acetate fiber, increasing the amount of cellulose acetate fiber filling the filter section 20C may lead to an increase in airflow resistance. When the filter filler material is cellulose acetate fiber, the packing density of the cellulose acetate fiber can be 0.13-0.18 g / cm³. 3 Air resistance is a value measured using an air resistance meter (trade name: SODIMAX, manufactured by SODIM).

[0115] There is no particular limitation on the circumferential length of the filter section 20C, but this circumferential length is preferably 16-25 mm, more preferably 20-24 mm, and even more preferably 21-23 mm. The axial length of the filter section 20C ( Figure 1 The horizontal length of the filter section 20C can be selected to be 4-10 mm, and this length is chosen to achieve an airflow resistance of 15-60 mmH2O per segment. The axial length of the filter section 20C is preferably 5-9 mm, and more preferably 6-8 mm. There are no particular limitations on the cross-sectional shape of the filter section 20C, but the cross-sectional shape can be, for example, circular, elliptical, or polygonal. In addition, easily ruptured capsules, flavor beads, or flavor materials containing flavor materials can be directly added to the filter section 20C.

[0116] The filter section 20C may include a central hole portion as a first section 25. The central hole portion may include a first filling layer 25a having one or more hollow portions, and an inner rod wrapping (inner wrapping paper) 25b covering the filling layer. The central hole portion functions to reinforce the suction nozzle portion. The shape of the central hole portion can be maintained by thermoforming without the need for the inner rod wrapping 25b. The first filling layer 25a may, for example, be formed as a rod with an inner diameter of φ5.0 mm-φ1.0 mm, filled with high-density cellulose acetate fibers, wherein a plasticizer containing triacetin is added in an amount of 6-20 wt% relative to the weight of cellulose acetate, and the plasticizer is cured. The first filling layer 25a has a high fiber packing density, so air and aerosol flow only through the hollow portions during suction, with almost no air and aerosol flowing through the first filling layer 25a. The first filling layer 25a inside the central hole portion is a fiber-filled layer, and therefore the user experiences almost no discomfort when touching the outside during use. The filter section 20C may include a second section 26. The second section 26 includes a second filling layer 26a and an inner wrapping material (inner wrapping paper) 26b covering the second filling layer 26a.

[0117] The first filling layer 25a and the second filling layer 26a are connected by an outer wrapping material (outer wrapping paper) 27. For example, the outer wrapping material 27 can be a cylindrical paper. Furthermore, the tobacco segment 20A, the cooling section 20B, and the connecting first filling layer 25a and second filling layer 26a are connected by a mouthpiece liner 28. These connections can be formed, for example, by coating the inner surface of the mouthpiece liner 28 with glue (such as vinyl acetate-based glue) and wrapping the three components. These components can also be connected using multiple liners via multiple individual connectors.

[0118] The combination of heated non-burning smoking products with heating devices for generating aerosols, especially heated non-burning smoking systems. Figure 2 An example of this system is shown. The heated non-burning smoking system in the accompanying drawings includes a heated non-burning smoking article 20 and a heating device 10 for externally heating a tobacco segment 20A.

[0119] The heating device 10 includes a body 11, a heater 12, a metal tube 13, a battery unit 14, and a control unit 15. The body 11 has a cylindrical recess 16, wherein the heater 12 and the metal tube 13 are positioned facing the tobacco segment 20A inserted into the recess 16. The heater 12 may be a resistive heater, wherein the battery unit 14 supplies power according to commands from the control unit 15 controlling the temperature, causing the heater 12 to heat. Heat emitted from the heater 12 is transferred to the tobacco segment 20A through the highly thermally conductive metal tube 13. The accompanying drawings illustrate a mode in which the heating device 10 heats the tobacco segment 20A from the outside, but the tobacco segment can also be heated from the inside. There are no particular limitations on the heating temperature generated by the heating device 10, and this heating temperature is preferably 400°C or lower, more preferably 150-400°C, and even more preferably 200-350°C. The heating temperature refers to the temperature of the heater in the heating device 10. In addition, a sensor can be installed inside the tobacco segment 20A to heat the tobacco segment 20A by means of IH method.

[0120] Examples are disclosed below.

[0121] Aspect 1

[0122] A material for use in smoking articles, the material comprising: non-pulp fibers; and

[0123] Hydrophobic substances.

[0124] Aspect 2

[0125] As disclosed in Part 1, these non-pulp fibers are of plant origin.

[0126] Aspect 3

[0127] As disclosed in aspect 1 or 2, these non-pulp fibers are monofibrillated cellulose fibers.

[0128] Aspect 4

[0129] As disclosed in any of aspects 1 to 3, these non-pulp fibers include dietary fiber.

[0130] Aspect 5

[0131] As disclosed in aspect 4, the dietary fiber includes citrus fiber.

[0132] Aspect 6

[0133] The materials disclosed in any of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the average fiber diameter of these non-pulp fibers is 25 µm or less.

[0134] Aspect 7

[0135] The materials disclosed in any of aspects 1 to 6 include 0.01-10 wt% of the hydrophobic substance.

[0136] Aspect 8

[0137] As disclosed in any of aspects 1 to 7, the hydrophobic material is supported on these non-pulp fibers.

[0138] Aspect 9

[0139] The material disclosed in any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the hydrophobic substance has a boiling point of 100°C or lower.

[0140] Aspect 10

[0141] The hydrophobic substance is selected from the group consisting of menthol, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, tobacco extract, and combinations thereof, as disclosed in any one of aspects 1 to 9.

[0142] Aspect 11

[0143] The material disclosed in any one of aspects 1 to 10 is in the form of sheet, powder or granules.

[0144] Aspect 12

[0145] A method for producing materials as disclosed in any one of aspects 1 to 11, the method comprising:

[0146] The mixing step used to obtain a mixture by mixing these non-pulp fibers and the hydrophobic substance; and

[0147] Forming steps for grinding, granulating, or sheet forming the mixture.

[0148] Aspect 13

[0149] A smoking article comprising the materials disclosed in any one of aspects 1 to 12.

[0150] Aspect 14

[0151] A smoking system comprising a smoking article as disclosed in aspect 13 and a heating device for heating the smoking article.

[0152] Example

[0153] [Example 1 and Comparison Example 1]

[0154] Tobacco raw material is provided for extraction using organic solvents according to conventional methods. Hexane, ethyl acetate, and acetone are used as solvents. The resulting organic phase (solution) is concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure to obtain a semi-solid tobacco extract. These extracts are concentrated to dryness and then redissolved in ethanol or water.

[0155] Prepare the following items. For convenience, the following materials are referred to as "excipients".

[0156] Non-pulp fiber (component A): Citrus fiber

[0157] Adhesive (Component C): Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC)

[0158] Fibers other than component A (component F): crystalline cellulose fibers, cellulose fibers

[0159] 10 g of tobacco extract extracted with ethyl acetate was added as a hydrophobic agent to 90 g of each excipient. The tobacco extract was preheated to ensure flowability. Heating temperature was 60°C or higher, and better flowability was achieved at 80°C. The mixture of excipients and tobacco extract was stirred and mixed using a stirring blade until the overall color of the powder was no longer uneven.

[0160] Regardless of the excipient used, mixing can proceed until the powder as a whole is free of color inconsistencies. However, when using CMC or HPC (comparative example), significant clumping occurs during mixing, and subsequent usability is expected to be problematic. Furthermore, when using cellulose fibers or crystalline cellulose fibers (comparative example), usability is also insufficient, although clumping is suppressed. Meanwhile, when using citrus fibers (example), a powder with slight clumping and high usability is obtained.

[0161] [Example 2]

[0162] Citrus fiber was used as component A, and a hydrophobic substance was prepared as component B, using tobacco extract produced by the same method as in Example 1. The tobacco extract was added to the citrus fiber in any range between 1 wt% and 200 wt%, and the materials were mixed and stirred. The tobacco extract was preheated at 80°C and introduced in small amounts. After mixing, the materials were stirred and mixed using a stirring blade until the overall color of the powder was no longer uneven. The mixed powder slightly agglomerated, and suitable usability for subsequent steps was expected where the mixing ratio of tobacco extract to citrus fiber was up to 25 wt%. Meanwhile, mixing ratios of tobacco extract to citrus fiber from 25 wt% to 80 wt% were within acceptable limits, but agglomeration was confirmed. When the mixing ratio of tobacco extract to citrus fiber was greater than 80% by weight, significant agglomeration was observed, which impaired the suitability of subsequent processes. That is, it was confirmed that a tobacco extract content of 80 wt% or less relative to component A (citrus fiber) was desirable, and a content of 25 wt% or less was more preferred.

[0163] [Example 3]

[0164] The molded material is produced as follows. The tobacco extract used below is prepared using the same method as in Example 1.

[0165] 1) Molding material 1

[0166] Tobacco extract was prepared as component B, and citrus fiber as component A. A powder was obtained by mixing 1 wt% of the tobacco extract with the citrus fiber. 10 g of the powder, 30 g of pulp fiber, and 30 g of hydroxypropyl cellulose were mixed. The mixture was then mixed with a small amount of 700 mL of water to obtain a slurry. The slurry was spread in a thin layer and dried to obtain a uniform sheet-like molding material. The molding material contained approximately 0.14 wt% of the tobacco extract.

[0167] 2) Molding material 2

[0168] Tobacco extract was used as component B in the preparation of molding material 1, and citrus fiber was used as component A. A powder was obtained by mixing 20 wt% of the tobacco extract with the citrus fiber. 20 g of the powder, 45 g of cellulose fiber, and 1.5 g of carboxymethyl cellulose were mixed. 30 mL of water was added to the mixture, and the materials were mixed and stirred. The mixture was kneaded to prepare a block solid, which was rolled into a sheet form and then dried to obtain a uniform sheet-like molding material. The molding material contained approximately 5.0 wt% of tobacco extract.

[0169] 3) Molding material 3

[0170] Tobacco extract was used as component B in the preparation of molding material 1, and citrus fiber was used as component A. A powder was obtained by mixing 10 wt% of tobacco extract with citrus fiber. 10 g of the powder, 30 g of pulp fiber, and 30 g of hydroxypropyl cellulose were mixed. The mixture was then mixed in small amounts with 700 mL of an aqueous solution containing 30 g of glycerol to obtain a slurry. The slurry was spread in a thin layer and dried to obtain a homogeneous molding material. The molding material contained approximately 0.91 wt% tobacco extract.

[0171] 4) Molding material 4

[0172] Tobacco extract was used as component B in the preparation of molding material 1, citrus fiber was used as component A, and menthol was also prepared. A powder was obtained by mixing 5 wt% tobacco extract and 4 wt% menthol with citrus fiber. 20 g of the powder, 45 g of cellulose fiber, and 1.5 g of carboxymethyl cellulose were mixed, and 20 mL of water was further added. The materials were mixed and stirred. The mixture was kneaded to prepare a block solid, which was rolled into a sheet form and then dried to obtain a uniform sheet-like molding material. The molding material essentially contains 1.4 wt% tobacco extract and approximately 1 wt% menthol.

[0173] List of reference numerals

[0174] 10 Heating device

[0175] 11 body

[0176] 12 heaters

[0177] 13 Metal pipes

[0178] 14 battery cells

[0179] 15 Control Unit

[0180] 16 recess

[0181] 17 Ventilation holes

[0182] 20 Heated tobacco products that do not burn

[0183] 20A Tobacco Section

[0184] 20B Cooling Section

[0185] 20C Filter Section

[0186] 21 Tobacco Filling Materials

[0187] 22. Wrapping paper

[0188] 23 Paper tubes

[0189] 24 piercings

[0190] 25 First paragraph

[0191] 25a First Filling Layer

[0192] 25b Inner rod wrapping

[0193] 26 Second paragraph

[0194] 26a Second Filling Layer

[0195] 26b Inner rod wrapping

[0196] 27. Outer bar wrapping

[0197] 28. Lining paper.

Claims

1. A material for use in smoking articles, the material comprising: Non-pulp fibers; as well as Hydrophobic substances.

2. The material as claimed in claim 1, wherein, These non-pulp fibers are plant-derived.

3. The material as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, These non-pulp fibers are monofibrillated cellulose fibers.

4. The material as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, These non-pulp fibers include dietary fiber.

5. The material as described in claim 4, wherein, This dietary fiber includes citrus fiber.

6. The material as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, These non-pulp fibers have an average fiber diameter of 25µm or less.

7. The material according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising 0.01-10 wt% of the hydrophobic substance.

8. The material as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The hydrophobic material supports these non-pulp fibers.

9. The material as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, This hydrophobic substance has a boiling point of 100°C or lower.

10. The material according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The hydrophobic substance was selected from the group consisting of menthol, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, tobacco extract, and combinations thereof.

11. The material as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the material is in the form of sheet, powder or granules.

12. A method for producing the material as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising: The mixing step used to obtain a mixture by mixing these non-pulp fibers with the hydrophobic substance; as well as Forming steps for grinding, granulating, or sheet forming the mixture.

13. A smoking article comprising the material as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A smoking system comprising a smoking article as described in claim 13 and a heating device for heating the smoking article.

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