Water-dispersible filter

Abstract

A filter for an aerosol generating consumable is provided, the filter comprising: a section comprising a water dispersible material; and a water dispersible wrapper at least partially surrounding the section, wherein the basis weight of the water dispersible material is higher than the basis weight of the water dispersible wrapper.

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to a filter for use in aerosol-generating consumables and a consumable including the filter. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol-generating consumables (such as conventional cigarettes) and consumables designed for non-combustion heating devices typically include filters. The most common filters are made from cellulose acetate tow. However, cellulose acetate tow is only biodegradable under certain specific conditions that are not easily met in the natural environment and does not disperse in liquids such as water. Therefore, known filters made from cellulose acetate tow take a very long time (in practice, many years) to decompose naturally when left in the environment.

[0003] The object of this invention is to overcome at least some of the problems cited above. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to this disclosure, a filter for aerosol-generating consumables is provided, the filter comprising: a section containing a water-dispersible material; and a water-dispersible envelope at least partially surrounding the section, wherein the basis weight of the water-dispersible material is equal to or greater than the basis weight of the water-dispersible envelope.

[0005] Advantageously, filters containing water-dispersible materials and water-dispersible encapsulants allow for greater dispersibility in water and are therefore more environmentally friendly. Furthermore, the basis weight of the water-dispersible material being equal to or greater than the basis weight of the water-dispersible encapsulants provides improved dispersibility to the filter.

[0006] In one example, the basis weight of the water-dispersible material is higher than that of the water-dispersible encapsulation. Advantageously, the higher basis weight of the water-dispersible material provides improved dispersibility to the filter.

[0007] Water-dispersible materials can include cellulose fibers. Advantageously, cellulose fibers have good dispersibility in water. For example, water-dispersible materials can be paper. Water-dispersible materials formed from paper provide good dispersibility for packaging.

[0008] Water-dispersible materials may contain adhesives. Advantageously, the adhesives bind the fibers of the water-dispersible material together to maintain its shape, while also dissolving in water to allow the water-dispersible material to disperse in the water.

[0009] Water-dispersible packages can be paper-based. Paper-based packages provide good dispersibility for the package.

[0010] The total dry weight of the water-dispersible material and the water-dispersible encapsulation can be less than 0.25 g. Advantageously, a total dry weight of less than 0.25 g provides improved water dispersibility for the filter.

[0011] The basis weight of water-dispersible materials can be 30 g / m³. 2 Up to 50 g / m 2 Advantageously, the basis weight of the water-dispersible material is 30 g / m³. 2 Up to 50 g / m 2 The water dispersibility of water-dispersible materials has been improved.

[0012] The basis weight of water-dispersible inclusions can be 25 g / m³ 2 Up to 45 g / m 2 Advantageously, the basis weight of the water-dispersible inclusions is 25 g / m³. 2 Up to 45 g / m 2 Improved the water dispersibility of water-dispersible encapsulants.

[0013] The porosity of water-dispersible materials can be at least 3500 CU. Water-dispersible materials with a porosity of at least 3500 CU provide good dispersibility for filters.

[0014] The porosity of the water-dispersible material can be less than that of the water-dispersible encapsulation. Advantageously, the smaller porosity of the water-dispersible material compared to the water-dispersible encapsulation provides good dispersibility for the filter.

[0015] The water dispersibility of a water-dispersible material can be less than that of a water-dispersible encapsulation. In this example, the water-dispersible encapsulation disperses at a faster rate than the water-dispersible material. After the water-dispersible encapsulation disperses, the filter cannot maintain its shape (e.g., rod-shaped), so at this stage, the water-dispersible material can become even more dispersed.

[0016] The water dispersibility of the filter can be at least 50%. Water dispersibility in the filter means it poses less harm to the environment.

[0017] Water-dispersible materials can have a wrinkled structure. The wrinkled structure provides stiffness to the water-dispersible material, allowing it to maintain its shape and function as a filter.

[0018] The hardness of the filter can be less than 85%. Advantageously, a hardness of less than 85% results in improved dispersibility of the filter.

[0019] According to this disclosure, an aerosol generating consumable is provided, comprising: an aerosol generating precursor material wrapped in wrapping paper; a filter according to this disclosure; and splicing paper connecting the aerosol generating precursor material to the filter.

[0020] The features mentioned above can be combined in various ways. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Examples of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an aerosol-generating consumable including a filter is shown, with a portion of the filter exposed to show its internal structure;

[0023] Figure 2 Schematic cross-sections of filters in their undeformed and deformed states are shown; and

[0024] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the aerosol-generating consumables, showing additional optional components. Detailed Implementation

[0025] As used herein, the terms “aerosol precursor material,” “vapor precursor material,” or “vaporizable material” are used synonymously and can refer to materials and / or compositions that may, for example, include nicotine or tobacco and optionally a vaporizing agent. Aerosol precursor materials are configured to release an aerosol upon combustion, heating, or other mechanical stimulation (e.g., by vibration). Tobacco can take the form of various materials, such as shredded tobacco, particulate tobacco, tobacco leaves, and / or reconstituted tobacco. Nicotine can be in the form of nicotine salts. Suitable vaporizing agents include: polyols, such as sorbitol, glycerol, and diols (e.g., propylene glycol or triethylene glycol); non-polyols (e.g., monohydric alcohols), acids (e.g., lactic acid), glycerol derivatives, and esters (e.g., triacetyl, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerol, or vegetable glycerol). In some examples, aerosol precursor materials are essentially liquids or gels containing or comprising one or more solid particles (e.g., tobacco particles extracted from tobacco material or suspended in a solution or gel).

[0026] As used herein, the term "aerosol" can include a suspension of a vaporizable material such as: solid particles; droplets; or gas. The suspension may be in a gas (including air). Aerosol as used herein can generally refer to / include vapor. Aerosols may include one or more components of a vaporizable material.

[0027] As used herein, the term "water-dispersible" refers to a component formed of a material that physically decomposes or disintegrates upon contact with water. A "water-dispersible material" and a "water-dispersible encapsulation" are considered "water-dispersible" if the dispersibility, as measured by the procedure discussed below, is at least 30% (e.g., 40%). A "filter" is considered "water-dispersible" if the dispersibility, as measured by the procedure discussed below, is at least 20% (e.g., 30%).

[0028] As used in this article, “g / m 2 "" refers to grams per square meter and can be used interchangeably with "grams per square meter (gsm)".

[0029] Figure 1 An embodiment of a filter 100 for aerosol generation consumables according to the present invention is shown.

[0030] Filter 100 includes a segment containing a water-dispersible material 102 and a water-dispersible envelope 104. The water-dispersible envelope 104 at least partially surrounds the segment containing the water-dispersible material 102. In one example, the water-dispersible envelope 104 completely surrounds the segment containing the water-dispersible material 102, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0031] The water-dispersible material 102 may contain any suitable fibers. For example, the water-dispersible material may contain fibers selected from wood pulp fibers (such as softwood kraft pulp, hardwood kraft pulp, or dissolving pulp) and non-wood plant fibers (such as kenaf pulp, flax pulp, or short-fiber pulp). In one example, the water-dispersible material 102 is formed from cellulose fibers. For example, the water-dispersible material 102 may contain cellulose fibers, such as paper and / or nonwoven fabrics. In some examples, the water-dispersible material 102 contains only pulp fibers. That is, it does not contain chemical cellulose fibers and / or plastic fibers.

[0032] The water-dispersible material may also contain an adhesive. The adhesive may be selected from any suitable water-soluble adhesive. The water-soluble adhesive may impregnate the components of the water-dispersible material 102 and at least partially fill the voids between the fibers of the water-dispersible material 102.

[0033] In one example, the water-soluble binder may be selected from carboxyl cellulose salts, alginates, pectinates, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, carboxylated starch, phosphorylated starch, anionic polyacrylamide, or other anionic polymer electrolyte salts; methylcellulose, hydroxyalkyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxides, polyvinyl alkyl ethers, hydroxyalkylated starch, oxidized starch, pregelatinized starch, or other nonionic polymers; guar gum, tara gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, carrageenan, galactomannan, pullulan, dextran, dextrin, or other water-soluble polysaccharides; gelatin, casein, or other water-soluble proteins, etc., wherein one type may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination. In one example, the water-soluble binder may be selected from carboxymethyl cellulose salts and / or carboxyethyl cellulose salts.

[0034] Preferably, the water-dispersible material 102 comprises cellulose fibers and a water-soluble binder.

[0035] In one example, the water-dispersible material 102 has a wrinkled structure. For example, the water-dispersible material 102 may be in the form of a sheet (not shown), which may be formed into a continuous bar by rolling, curling, corrugating, or folding. Preferably, the water-dispersible material 102 is paper, and more preferably, it is paper that has been corrugated to form a wrinkled structure.

[0036] The basis weight of water-dispersible material 102 can be at least 20 g / m³. 2 For example, at least 25 g / m 2 For example, at least 30 g / m 2 The basis weight of water-dispersible material 102 can be as high as 60 g / m³. 2 For example, up to 55 g / m 2 For example, up to 50 g / m 2 The basis weight of water-dispersible material 102 can be 20 g / m³. 2 Up to 60 g / m 2 For example, 25 g / m 2 Up to 55 g / m 2 or 30 g / m 2 Up to 50 g / m 2 .

[0037] In one example, the porosity of the water-dispersible material 102 may be at least 3500 CU, as measured according to ISO 2965. In another example, the porosity of the water-dispersible material 102 may be less than the porosity of the water-dispersible encapsulation 104. The porosity of the water-dispersible material 102 may be as high as 10000 CU, more preferably as high as 6000 CU. Generally, providing a water-dispersible encapsulation 104 with higher porosity means that it has a greater tendency to absorb water, resulting in higher dispersibility relative to the water-dispersible material 102.

[0038] In one embodiment, when the water-dispersible material 102 comes into contact with water, the water-soluble adhesive dissolves and the fibers are able to disperse, which causes the water-dispersible material 102 to disintegrate.

[0039] The water-dispersible package 104 can contain any suitable fibers. For example, the water-dispersible package 104 can contain fibers selected from wood pulp fibers (such as softwood kraft pulp, hardwood kraft pulp, or dissolving pulp) and non-wood plant fibers (such as kenaf pulp, flax pulp, or short-fiber pulp). In one example, the water-dispersible material 102 is formed of cellulose fibers. For example, the water-dispersible package 104 can contain cellulose fibers, such as paper and / or nonwoven fibers. In some examples, the water-dispersible package 104 contains only pulp fibers. That is, it does not contain chemical cellulose fibers and / or plastic fibers.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the water-dispersible coating 104 can be a sheet material wrapped around the rod-shaped water-dispersible material 102.

[0041] The basis weight of the water-dispersible encapsulation 104 may be at least 15 g / m³. 2 For example, at least 20 g / m 2 For example, at least 25 g / m 2 The basis weight of the water-dispersible inclusion 104 can be as high as 55 g / m³. 2 For example, up to 50 g / m 2 For example, as high as 45 g / m 2 The basis weight of the water-dispersible inclusion 104 can be 15 g / m³. 2 Up to 55 g / m 2 For example, 20 g / m 2 Up to 50 g / m 2 or 25 g / m 2 Up to 45 g / m 2 .

[0042] In one example, the basis weight of the water-dispersible material 102 can be 38 g / m³. 2 Up to 42 g / m2 Furthermore, the basis weight of the water-dispersible inclusion 104 can be 27 g / m³. 2 Up to 31 g / m 2 .

[0043] The total dry weight of the water-dispersible material 102 and the water-dispersible encapsulant 104 can be less than 0.40 g. For example, the total dry weight of the water-dispersible material and the water-dispersible encapsulant can be less than 0.35 g, such as less than 0.30 g or less than 0.25 g.

[0044] The water dispersibility of water-dispersible material 102 ( The water dispersibility of the water-dispersible material 102 can be less than that of the water-dispersible material 104. For example, the water dispersibility of the water-dispersible material 102 can be 30% to 60%, such as 40% to 50%; and the water dispersibility of the water-dispersible material 104 can be 50% to 95%, such as 60% to 85%, or even 70% to 85%.

[0045] In one example, the water dispersibility of the filter can be at least 50%. The water dispersibility of the filter can be at least 55%, such as at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, or even at least 90%.

[0046] The water dispersibility of filter 100 is measured by the following method:

[0047] 1. Measure the initial weight of the two filters 100.

[0048] 2. Add two filters 100 to a sample tube containing distilled water. The sample tube has a capacity of approximately 50 mL and contains approximately 40 mL of distilled water. Each of the two filters 100 is 30 mm long. It should be noted that if the sample is smaller than 30 mm, multiple samples can be used to achieve an equivalent size, such that the total length of the filters is equal to 60 mm. For example, if a sample is 10 mm, six samples can be used to achieve the equivalent length of two 30 mm filters.

[0049] 3. Shake the sample tube containing filter 100 (130 rpm) for 20 minutes.

[0050] 4. Pass the contents of the sample tube through a sieve with a pore size of 9.5 mm.

[0051] 5. Dry the recovered filter fragments in an oven at 105°C and measure the weight of the dried filter fragments.

[0052] Water dispersibility The solubility of water is defined according to the following equation:

[0053]

[0054] The water dispersibility of the water-dispersible encapsulant 104 was measured by the following method:

[0055] 1. Measure the initial weight of the water-dispersible encapsulation 104.

[0056] 2. Add the water-dispersible encapsulant 104 to a sample tube containing distilled water. The sample tube has a capacity of approximately 50 mL and contains approximately 40 mL of distilled water. The water-dispersible encapsulant 104 is rectangular in shape, corresponding to a typical A6 paper size (10.5 cm × 14.8 cm). It should be noted that if the sample is smaller than A6 size, multiple samples can be measured to achieve an equivalent size. For example, if one sample is smaller than A6 size, multiple samples can be used to achieve an area equivalent to A6 size.

[0057] 3. Shake the sample tube containing the water-dispersible coating 104 (130 rpm) for 2 hours.

[0058] 4. Pass the contents of the sample tube through a sieve with a pore size of 9.5 mm.

[0059] 5. Dry the recovered water-dispersible package fragments in an oven at 105°C and measure the weight of the dried package fragments.

[0060] Water dispersibility The solubility of water is defined according to the following equation:

[0061]

[0062] The water dispersibility of the water dispersible material 102 was measured in the same manner by replacing the water dispersible coating with the water dispersible material 102.

[0063] The filter stiffness can be less than 90%. In one example, the filter stiffness can be less than 85%. The filter stiffness can be at least 80%. A stiffness of at least 80% results in improved user comfort.

[0064] As used herein, the term "hardness" refers to resistance to compression. Hardness is measured by applying a 2 kg load to ten filters wrapped with a water-dispersible coating for 20 seconds and measuring the average diameter of the indentations in the coated filters. The load is applied via two cylindrical rods, with each filter having a contact point with each rod. Figure 2 A filter 100 in an undeformed state 300 is shown, which represents the diameter of the filter before it is subjected to a force F. Figure 2 The filter 100 in a deformed state 400 after the application of load F is also shown. The hardness is calculated by the diameter Ds before the application of load F and the diameter Dd when the load F is applied using the following equation.

[0065] Hardness (%) = Dd / Ds × 100 (%)

[0066] This test can be performed using a DD60A densitometer manufactured by Borgwaldt Corporation. This test, known as the DD60A test, is the standard test method used for this device. The test is conducted at an ambient temperature of 22 ± 2 degrees Celsius. It should be noted that if the filter is not long enough to contact each cylindrical rod, a measurement can be performed such that one filter has one contact point with one cylindrical rod.

[0067] The suction resistance of the filter can be at least 60 mmWG, such as at least 65 mmWG, at least 70 mmWG, at least 75 mmWG, at least 80 mmWG, or at least 85 mmWG. The suction resistance of the filter can be up to 100 mmWG, such as up to 95 mmWG or up to 90 mmWG.

[0068] As used herein, the term “suction resistance” or “suction resistance” is well known in the art and is measured in millimeters of water (mmWG) according to ISO 6565.

[0069] In one embodiment, when the filter 100 comes into contact with water, the water-dispersible material 102 and the water-dispersible envelope 104 are operable to disintegrate and thus disperse in the water, such that the dry weight of the filter after dispersion is less than the dry weight of the filter before dispersion.

[0070] Aerosol generating consumables 200 may include aerosol precursor material 120 wrapped in wrapping paper 116; a filter 100; and splicing paper 114 that connects the aerosol generating precursor material 120 to the filter 100.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, the aerosol generating consumable 200 includes a filter 100 and an aerosol matrix portion 106 as previously described.

[0072] The aerosol matrix portion 106 can be configured to generate aerosols / vapors when heated or combusted. The aerosol matrix portion 106 has an inlet end (or distal end) 108 through which air can be drawn into the aerosol matrix portion 106. The aerosol matrix portion 106 also has an outlet end (or proximal end) 110 through which the generated aerosols can exit the aerosol matrix portion 106.

[0073] Filter 100 may be disposed downstream of the outlet end 110 of aerosol matrix portion 106. In one example, filter 100 is adjacent to the outlet end 110 of aerosol matrix portion 106. In another example not shown in the figures, an intermediate cooling section (such as a tubular member, such as a paper tube, etc.) may be disposed between filter 100 and aerosol matrix portion 106, which helps to cool the aerosol without increasing suction resistance.

[0074] In use, filter 100 acts as a suction nozzle through which a user inhales the generated aerosol by drawing air onto aerosol generating device 200. The filter is configured to remove certain components of the aerosol, as known in the art, before the user inhales it. Filter 100 has an inlet end 118 through which aerosol generated from the aerosol matrix portion can be drawn into filter 100 during use. Filter 100 also has an outlet end 112 through which the generated aerosol exits filter 100, and through which the user inhales the generated aerosol. Filter 100 and the aerosol matrix portion can extend coaxially from outlet end 112 of filter 100 to inlet end 108 of aerosol matrix portion 106 in a substantially longitudinal direction. In other words, the filter 100 and the aerosol matrix portion define the aerosol generating consumable 200 along the longitudinal axis X between the outlet end 112 of the filter 100 and the inlet end 108 of the aerosol matrix portion 106, and extend coaxially along the longitudinal axis.

[0075] The aerosol generating consumable 200 may further include a splice paper 114 that connects the filter 100 to the aerosol consumable portion 106 in a longitudinally aligned manner along the longitudinal axis X of the aerosol generating consumable 200. The splice paper 114 surrounds the water-dispersible coating 104 and extends along the aerosol generating consumable 200 to surround a portion of the aerosol matrix portion 106.

[0076] In one example, an encapsulation layer 116 may be present around the aerosol precursor material 120. The encapsulation layer 116 may extend at least from the inlet end 108 of the aerosol matrix portion 106 to the outlet end 110. The encapsulation layer 116 may be formed, for example, from cigarette paper, as is well known in the art. In the case where the aerosol consumable article 200 includes a cooling section as previously mentioned, the aerosol matrix portion 106 may first be individually encapsulated with the first encapsulation layer and then, at the outlet end 110 of the aerosol matrix portion, be encapsulated together with the cooling section in a longitudinally aligned manner by the encapsulation layer 116. A tipping paper 114 is then attached to the outlet end of the cooling section, and the filter 100 is then attached.

[0077] Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

[0078] Example

[0079] Different paper samples were used as water-dispersible materials and water-dispersible wrappers to form filters according to the invention. Paper information is listed in Table 1 below.

[0080] Table 1 – Paper Samples

[0081]

[0082] The filters formed from the different paper samples in Table 1 are listed in Table 2 below.

[0083] Table 2 – Filters

[0084]

[0085] Although “Paper 1” and “Paper 2” are listed under the headings “Water-dispersible materials” and “Water-dispersible packaging” in the table, both Paper 1 and Paper 2 are non-water-dispersible papers (as described in Table 1) and therefore not according to the invention.

[0086] As discussed above, the dispersibility, suction resistance, and hardness of the filter were measured, and the results are listed in Table 3 below.

[0087] Table 3 - Results

[0088] .

Claims

1. A filter for aerosol-generating consumables, the filter comprising: Sections containing water-dispersible materials; as well as A water-dispersible envelope that at least partially surrounds the section, wherein the basis weight of the water-dispersible material is equal to or greater than the basis weight of the water-dispersible envelope.

2. The filter according to claim 1, wherein, The basis weight of the water-dispersible material is higher than that of the water-dispersible encapsulation.

3. The filter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, This water-dispersible material includes cellulose fibers.

4. The filter according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 3, wherein, The water-dispersible material is paper.

5. The filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, This water-dispersible material contains a binder.

6. The filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The water-dispersible packaging is a paper packaging.

7. The filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The total dry weight of the water-dispersible material and the water-dispersible encapsulation is less than 0.25 g.

8. The filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The basis weight of this water-dispersible material is 30 g / m³. 2 Up to 50 g / m 2 .

9. The filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The basis weight of the water-dispersible inclusion is 25 g / m³. 2 Up to 45 g / m 2 .

10. The filter according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The porosity of this water-dispersible material is at least 3500 CU.

11. The filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The porosity of the water-dispersible material is less than that of the water-dispersible encapsulation.

12. The filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The water dispersibility of the water-dispersible material is less than that of the water dispersible package.

13. The filter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The filter has a water dispersibility of at least 50%.

14. The filter according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The filter has a hardness of less than 85%.

15. An aerosol-generating consumable, comprising: Precursor materials generated from aerosols wrapped in packaging paper. ； The filter according to any one of claims 1 to 14; and A splicing paper is used to attach the aerosol generation precursor material to the filter.

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