Method of production of a substrate for an aerosol generating article and related substrate

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for the production of a substrate for an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article being adapted for cooperative operation with a heat-not-burn aerosol generating device, the method comprising: - forming (110) a gel portion by: forming (112) a pre-mixture of an aerosol former and a thickening agent; heating (114) the pre-mixture; adding (116) water to the pre-mixture; - adding (120) an active substrate portion to the gel portion to form a substrate mass.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for producing a matrix for aerosol-generating articles. The invention also relates to a matrix produced by this method, and an aerosol-generating article comprising this matrix.

[0002] Specifically, the aerosol generating article is designed to operate in conjunction with an aerosol generating device, and the matrix contained in the aerosol generating article is capable of forming an aerosol when heated by the aerosol generating device. Therefore, this type of aerosol generating device (also known as a heated non-combustible device) is suitable for generating inhaled aerosols by heating rather than combustion. Background Technology

[0003] Over the past few years, the popularity and use of risk reduction or risk improvement devices (also known as vaporizers) have grown rapidly as an adjunct to help habitual smokers quit traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarettes, and rolled cigarettes. Unlike the way tobacco is burned in traditional tobacco products, there are various devices and systems available to heat or warm vaporizable substances.

[0004] A common risk reduction or risk improvement device is a matrix-heated aerosol generating device or a heat-not-burn device. This type of device generates aerosols or vapors by heating an aerosol-generating matrix, typically contained in a separate consumable article. This aerosol-generating matrix usually comprises moist tobacco leaves or other suitable vaporizable materials, and the temperature is typically in the range of 150°C to 350°C. By heating the aerosol-generating matrix instead of burning or igniting it, an aerosol containing the components sought by the user is released, but without producing combustion and ignition products. Furthermore, aerosols generated by heating tobacco or other vaporizable materials generally do not contain the burnt or bitter taste that could be unpleasant to the user, or the smoke that could irritate and pollute the surrounding environment, which is produced by combustion and ignition.

[0005] Aerosol generating articles that can be used with this type of aerosol generating device can take various forms. Some of these aerosol generating articles can be long rod-shaped or any other suitable shape, such as a flat shape. Typically, such aerosol generating articles are at least partially housed in the heating chamber of the device, which includes one or more heaters for heating the articles.

[0006] The matrix contained in aerosol-generating articles typically includes an aerosol-forming agent capable of forming aerosols when the matrix is ​​heated. Therefore, the amount of aerosol formed by the matrix depends on the content of the aerosol-forming agent in the matrix. It is generally desirable to increase this content to increase the amount of aerosol formed by the matrix. However, known methods for producing the matrix do not significantly increase this content. For example, in matrices produced by certain known methods, the content of the aerosol-forming agent ranges from 10 wt.% to 25 wt.%. This may be insufficient to form the desired amount of aerosol when the matrix is ​​heated. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a method for producing a matrix for aerosol-generating articles, which allows for a significant increase in the content of aerosol-forming agents in the matrix, and thus an increase in the amount of aerosols generated by the matrix when heated.

[0008] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a method for producing a matrix for an aerosol-generating article suitable for operation in conjunction with a heated non-combustible aerosol generating apparatus, the method comprising:

[0009] - The gel portion is formed through the following steps:

[0010] A premixture of aerosol forming agent and thickener is formed;

[0011] Heating the premixed mixture;

[0012] Add water to the premixture;

[0013] - Add active matrix components to the gel portion to form matrix aggregates.

[0014] The method may also include the step of forming a matrix from matrix aggregates.

[0015] According to the present invention, a matrix aggregate is obtained by mixing a wet material portion (i.e., a gel portion) with a dry material portion (i.e., an active matrix portion). The gel portion produced according to the present invention contains an increased amount of aerosol forming agent (compared to gels obtained according to prior art methods), while ensuring good adhesive properties and a high viscosity level. Adding an aerosol forming agent to the gel reduces the water content in the gel and provides good adhesive properties and sufficient viscosity for the formation of the matrix aggregate. Therefore, even a small amount of water is sufficient to ensure these properties. This allows the aerosol forming agent in the gel to be increased to up to 90 wt.%. Therefore, the aerosol forming agent content in the resulting matrix can be increased to, for example, up to 60 wt.% (on a dry basis). This allows the article to generate aerosol more rapidly and release a larger amount of aerosol during the adsorption phase.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the premix is ​​heated first, and then water is added to the premix. Heating the premix before adding water ensures rapid, reliable, reproducible, and controlled gel formation.

[0017] According to some embodiments, a gel is formed by mixing the following:

[0018] - Aerosol forming agent between 80 wt.% and 96 wt.%, preferably 90 wt.%;

[0019] - Thickener between 1 wt.% and 10 wt.%, preferably 5 wt.%;

[0020] - Water between 1 wt.% and 10 wt.%, preferably 5 wt.%.

[0021] Therefore, the content of aerosol forming agent in the gel can be increased to up to 90 wt. while ensuring that the gel has good adhesive properties and a high viscosity level.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the thickener may be selected from the group consisting of: agar, gellan gum, tamarind gum, modified starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), or combinations thereof.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the thickener comprises a mixture of agar and carboxymethyl cellulose, the mixture being mixed at a ratio between 10:90 and 90:10, preferably between 40:60 and 60:40, and most preferably about 50:50.

[0024] This specific combination of thickener components is advantageous for achieving desired gel viscosity and adhesive properties even in the presence of high aerosol-forming agent content. Furthermore, when using a lamination process to treat the matrix aggregates, the tackiness of the resulting matrix aggregates and the resulting laminated sheets can be reduced.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, thickeners may include hydroxypropyl cellulose and guar gum, preferably in combination with agar and / or CMC.

[0026] According to some embodiments, a premixture of aerosol forming agent and thickener forms a suspension.

[0027] In other words, the thickener is suspended in the aerosol forming agent. Heating and adding water results in a homogeneous mixture of the thickener and aerosol forming agent. This allows for gel formation.

[0028] Preferably, the liquid aerosol forming agent and thickener are first formulated into a suspension, and then water is added. More preferably, the premix is ​​heated first, and then water is added. Since no water is added to the premix, a gel has not yet formed, and the thickener remains suspended in the aerosol forming agent.

[0029] Additionally, when the thickener includes agar, heating is typically required to gel the agar. If the premix (especially one containing glycerol, CMC, and agar) is heated before water is added, agar gels faster compared to adding water to a cold premix and then heating it. Using a thickener including CMC and agar further allows for obtaining a high-viscosity gel while maintaining a very low water content. In contrast, adding water to the premix and then heating it can lead to uneven gel formation, where CMC binds a significant amount of water at room temperature, leaving insufficient free water for the agar to absorb.

[0030] Alternatively, in some embodiments, water is first added to the premix before the premix is ​​heated.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the premix is ​​heated to a temperature of at least 60°C, preferably between 65°C and 80°C.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the method further includes forming a matrix from matrix aggregates. The matrix may take the form of a single solid body or multiple solid bodies, preferably sheets, strips, filaments, or beads.

[0033] The matrix can be formed using processes such as embossing / debossing, stamping, or molding. Combinations of these processes can also be used. Alternatively or additionally, more complex forming processes can be used, such as extruding thick sheets or bulk blocks and laminating them into sheets or strips. Lamination can form very thin sheets of about 0.1 to 1.2 mm to facilitate aerosolization and reduce heating energy consumption.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the matrix can be further cut / shaped to conform to the dimensions of the matrix portion of the aerosol-generating article. The matrix can be cut / shaped, for example, to a length of 5-20 mm and a width of 2-10 mm.

[0035] Additionally, during the step of forming the matrix from matrix particles, aerosol channels can be formed on or through the matrix surface. These channels allow for the conduction of airflow and the release of aerosols to be delivered to the user.

[0036] Furthermore, the relatively low moisture content in the resulting matrix facilitates its shaping into parts or sheets and ensures the desired moisture content within the matrix, eliminating the need for additional drying steps. This allows for a simplified manufacturing process for aerosol-generated articles and reduces energy consumption. This can be particularly convenient for matrices with specific shapes, such as flat shapes.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the matrix is ​​at least partially dried after formation to achieve a desired moisture content in the matrix. The desired moisture content in the matrix is ​​selected based on the shape of the matrix, its heating method, the power of the aerosol generating device, the composition of the matrix, etc.

[0038] For example, in some embodiments, a matrix with a moisture content between 9 wt.% and 12 wt.% may be dried prior to drying to reduce its moisture content to between 6 wt.% and 9 wt.%.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the substrate is laminated into a sheet. The thickness of the sheet can be less than 1200 μm, advantageously less than 400 μm.

[0040] For example, lamination can be performed before drying. For example, a substrate in sheet form can be used for flat-shaped aerosol-generating articles. According to some examples, the sheet can be folded or rolled to form several layers.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the matrix contains between 30 wt.% and 50 wt.% of an aerosol forming agent on a dry basis.

[0042] This content of aerosol-forming agent in the resulting matrix is ​​particularly advantageous for enabling the product to generate aerosols more quickly and release a larger amount of aerosols during the adsorption phase.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the active matrix portion comprises or is formed of at least one plant material and / or fibrous material and / or nicotine. In some embodiments, the at least one plant material comprises tobacco leaf particles and / or non-tobacco plant or non-tobacco plant extracts. The fibrous material may comprise cellulose fibers and / or citrus fibers.

[0044] In some embodiments, at least one plant material is mixed with a fibrous material at a ratio between 3:1 and 6:1.

[0045] Alternatively, at least one plant material may have a lower proportion of fibrous material. In some examples, there is no fibrous material. In this case, the moisture content of the substrate can be higher.

[0046] In some embodiments, the tobacco particle size D90 is between 120 μm and 5 mm, preferably between 500 μm and 900 μm.

[0047] The term "particle size D90" should be understood as meaning that 90% of the particles are within the specified range, either larger or smaller than the specified value. Particle size is measured using a Mastersizer-3000 Aero Dry S.

[0048] This particle size offers particular advantages in the resulting matrix. Specifically, because the surface area to volume ratio of individual particles decreases with increasing particle size, fewer water-soluble compounds migrate from tobacco into the gel portion of the matrix. This is advantageous in terms of improved flavor, as sheets made from larger particles have a more pronounced and "natural tobacco flavor."

[0049] The present invention also relates to a matrix produced according to the method described above.

[0050] The matrix may include the following (on a dry basis):

[0051] Aerosol forming agent between 5 wt.% and 60 wt.%;

[0052] Thickeners ranging from 0.3 wt.% to 5 wt.%;

[0053] A plant material ranging from 10 wt.% to 70 wt.%.

[0054] The matrix may also optionally include fibrous material between 5 wt.% and 50 wt.%.

[0055] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating article comprising such a matrix. Attached Figure Description

[0056] The invention and its advantages will be better understood after reading the following description, which is given by way of non-limiting example and is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0057] - Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating assembly, which includes an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article according to the present invention.

[0058] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the aerosol-generated products;

[0059] - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partially exploded perspective view of an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating article including a matrix; and

[0060] - Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A flowchart of the substrate production method. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Before describing the invention, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the construction details set forth in the following description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, who will benefit from this disclosure, that the invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced or performed in various ways.

[0062] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" or "device" can include an inhalation device that delivers aerosol (including inhalation-ready aerosol) to a user via a heater element described in further detail below. The device can be portable. "Portable" can mean used when the device is held by a user. The device can be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol (unlike a metered aerosol) for a variable period of time, for example, by activating the heater element, which can be controlled by a trigger. The trigger can be user-activated, such as an inhalation button and / or an inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor can be sensitive to inhalation intensity and duration to provide a variable amount of vapor (to simulate the effects of inhaling traditional combustible smoking products such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes). The device can include temperature control elements to drive the heater and / or the heated aerosol-generating material (aerosol precursor) to a specified target temperature and thereafter maintain the temperature at a target temperature capable of effectively generating aerosols.

[0063] As used herein, the term "aerosol" can include a suspension of one or more of the following: solid particles; droplets; gases. The suspension can be present in gases, including air. Aerosols as used herein can generally refer to / include vapors. Aerosols can include one or more components of a vaporizable material.

[0064] Figure 1 An aerosol generating assembly 10 is shown, which includes an aerosol generating device 11 and an aerosol generating article 12. The aerosol generating article 12 is intended to operate in conjunction with the aerosol generating device 11 to generate aerosols, as will be described in further detail below.

[0065] according to Figure 1In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 11 includes a device body 15 extending along the device axis Y between a closed end 16 and an open end 17. The open end 17 has an opening through which the aerosol generating article 12 can be inserted into the device 11. The device body 15 defines an internal space of the device 11 that accommodates various components designed to perform different functions of the device 11. This internal space may, for example, accommodate a battery for powering the device 11, a control module for controlling the operation of the device 11, a heating chamber 60 for heating the aerosol generating article 12, etc. Figure 1 In the example, only the heating chamber 60 is shown. Specifically, the heating chamber 60 is designed to at least partially contain the aerosol-generating article 12. Figure 1 In the example, the heating chamber 60 may be arranged, for example, near the opening formed by the open end 17 of the device body 15. For example, the heating chamber 60 may extend along the device axis Y and be cup-shaped. The heating chamber 60 may include a heater designed to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 12. For example, the heater includes a pair of heating plates opposite each other and designed to heat opposite walls of the aerosol generating article 12, as will be described in further detail below. Each heating plate may include, or be made of, metal or ceramic. Preferably, the metal is stainless steel (e.g., SAE 316L). According to other embodiments, the heater includes any other device or material suitable for heating the aerosol generating article, such as a heating element or a magnetic coil that interacts with a thermally sensing element adjacent to or in contact with the aerosol matrix.

[0066] exist Figure 2 In this example, the aerosol generating article 12 is flat in shape. In other words, in this example, the aerosol generating article 12 is a flat cuboid extending along the article axis X between the inlet end 18 and the outlet end 19, with external dimensions of L x W x D. In a typical example, the length L of article 12 along the article axis X is approximately 33 mm, while its width W and depth D are approximately 12 mm and 1.2 mm, respectively. Depending on the example, for example, the values ​​of L, W, and D can be selected within a range of + / - 40%. The depth D of the aerosol generating article 12 is formed by a pair of parallel walls 23A, 23B (hereinafter referred to as sidewalls 23A, 23B), and the width W of the aerosol generating article 12 is formed by a pair of parallel walls 24A, 24B (hereinafter referred to as wider walls 24A, 24B). Figure 2In the example, the aerosol generating article 12 is flat in shape, so that the width of each wider wall 24A, 24B is, for example, at least 5 times, and advantageously 10 times, that of each sidewall 23A, 23B. Therefore, the flat shape of the aerosol generating article 12 is defined by the ratio between each wider wall 24A, 24B and each sidewall 23A, 23B, which is greater than 5 and advantageously greater than 10. In some embodiments, the edges between the wider walls 24A, 24B and the sidewalls 23A, 23B may be rounded. According to other examples, the aerosol generating article 12 may have any other suitable shape, such as a cylindrical shape (i.e., rod-shaped) with a circular, elliptical, or rectangular cross-section.

[0067] The aerosol generating article 12 includes a matrix portion 25 and a cooling portion 26 arranged sequentially along the article axis X, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown. For example, the matrix portion 25 may be slightly longer than the cooling portion 26. For example, the length L2 of the matrix portion 25 along the article axis X may be approximately 18 mm, and the length L1 of the cooling portion 26 along the article axis X may be approximately 15 mm. The matrix portion 25 defines the inlet end 18 of the article 12, and the cooling portion 16 defines the outlet end 19 of the article 12. The matrix portion 25 and the cooling portion 26 may be secured to each other by a wrapping 31 extending around the article axis X. In this case, the wrapping 31 forms the sidewalls 23A, 23B and the wider walls 24A, 24B of the aerosol generating article 12. The wrapping 31 may be formed, for example, from one or more layers of paper sheets. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article 12 is provided only with the matrix portion 25.

[0068] The matrix portion 25 of the aerosol-generating article 12 is designed (e.g., through an opening formed by the device body 15) to be housed within the heating chamber 60 of the aerosol-generating device 11, such that the article coincides with the device axes X and Y. Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. The portion of each wider wall 23A, 23B corresponding to the matrix portion 25 of article 12 is designed to be heated by the heating chamber 60 of device 11. Specifically, according to some embodiments, these portions are respectively designed to contact the heating plate forming the heater, as described above. In some embodiments, only the corresponding portion of one of the wider walls 23A, 23B is designed to be heated by the heater. Continuing according to some other embodiments, at least a portion of at least one of walls 23A, 23B, 24A, 24B is designed to be heated by the heater of the heating chamber 60 in a remote manner (i.e., a non-contact manner), for example by convection.

[0069] Matrix portion 25 includes Figure 3The matrix 35 is shown. The matrix 35 extends along the entire length of the matrix portion 25 and forms a solid body capable of releasing aerosols upon heating. For example, the solid body may be formed in a generally cuboid shape. In some examples, aerosol channels for conducting aerosols are formed on the surface of the solid body. In some examples, each cross-section of the solid body may have a corrugated shape, such as... Figure 3 As shown. In this example, the corrugated shape defines multiple raised regions and multiple recessed regions. Each recessed region forms an aerosol channel between its surface and the inner surface 36 of the package 31. Each raised region is in direct contact with the inner surface 36 of the package 31. As will be further described in detail below, the matrix 35 particularly includes an active matrix comprising tobacco particles and / or an inhalable agent containing at least one stimulant and / or flavoring agent. The matrix 35 can be produced using the methods described in further detail below.

[0070] According to different embodiments, the cooling portion 26 is designed to form its own suction nozzle or to be housed within an external suction nozzle that can be mounted on the device body 15. The cooling portion 26 is intended to function as a cooler to cool vapor before it is inhaled by the user. In one embodiment, the cooling portion 26 is hollow, advantageously completely hollow. In other words, in this embodiment, the cooling portion 26 is defined only by the inner surface 36 of the wrapping 31. According to another embodiment, the cooling portion 26 includes at least one inner wall extending along the article axis X and forming one or more airflow channels. For example, the inner wall may be completely adjacent to the inner surface 36 of the wrapping 31, or extend between a pair of walls (side walls 23A, 23B or the wider walls 24A, 24B). In the latter case, several airflow channels may be formed in the cooling portion 26. In another embodiment, the cooling portion 26 includes a core. For example, the core may have a corrugated shape and form one or more airflow channels. The core can be made of a cellulose material, such as corrugated paper or forming pulp, or a combination of natural cellulose materials (e.g., paper) and cellulose acetate or polymer materials. Continuing in another embodiment, the cooling section 26 is substantially made of cellulose acetate or polymer materials and includes voids that allow aerosols to flow through it. This material can also be used as a filter. In this case, the length L1 of the cooling section 26 can be reduced compared to other embodiments.

[0071] Now refer to Figure 4 To illustrate a method for producing matrix 35.

[0072] The method includes step 110, which involves forming a gel portion. Step 110 may include several sub-steps.

[0073] In sub-step 112, a premix is ​​formed by mixing the aerosol forming agent and the thickener. This premix advantageously forms a suspension.

[0074] Thickeners may include a mixture of agar and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) mixed at a ratio between 10:90 and 90:10, preferably between 40:60 and 60:40, and most preferably about 50:50. In some embodiments, other binders such as hydroxypropyl cellulose and guar gum may also be used, preferably in combination with agar and / or CMC.

[0075] Aerosol forming agents may include glycerol, propylene glycol, and / or any combination thereof. Preferably, the aerosol forming agent comprises or consists of glycerol.

[0076] During the next sub-step 114, the premix is ​​heated to a temperature of at least 60°C, preferably between 65°C and 80°C.

[0077] In the next sub-step 116, water is added to the premix. This allows the thickener and aerosol forming agent to be evenly distributed in the suspension.

[0078] Alternatively, the sub-step 116 of adding water is performed before the sub-step 114 of heating the premix. In other words, in this case, water is added to the premix first, and then the premix is ​​heated.

[0079] In some embodiments, at the end of step 110, the gel portion may exhibit the following content on a wet basis:

[0080]

[0081] The method may further include step 120 of adding an active matrix portion to the gel portion to form a matrix aggregate.

[0082] Specifically, the active matrix portion may include or be formed from at least one plant material and / or fibrous material and / or nicotine. The plant material may include tobacco particles and / or non-tobacco plant and / or non-tobacco plant extracts. The fibrous material may include cellulose fibers and / or citrus fibers. The plant material and fibrous material may be mixed at a ratio between 3:1 and 6:1, advantageously between 4:1 and 5:1. The tobacco particles may be formed from tobacco leaves and / or tobacco leaf sheets (i.e., destemmed tobacco leaves). In some embodiments, the size of the tobacco particles may generally be larger than a predetermined value. For example, the particle size D90 of the tobacco particles may be between 120 μm and 5 mm, preferably between 500 μm and 900 μm, and more preferably between 750 μm and 850 μm.

[0083] After mixing with the gel portion, the active matrix portion may comprise, on a wet basis, between 40 wt.% and 85 wt.%, advantageously between 50 wt.% and 75 wt.%, and preferably between 60 wt.% and 70 wt.%. Therefore, on a wet basis, the gel portion may comprise, between 15 wt.% and 60 wt.%, advantageously between 25 wt.% and 50 wt.%, and preferably between 30 wt.% and 40 wt.%.

[0084] The method may further include step 130 of forming a matrix 35 from matrix aggregates. For example, the matrix 35 may take the form of a single solid body or multiple solid bodies. The body or each body may take the form of a sheet, one or more strips, one or more filaments, and / or one or more beads. Advantageously, step 130 includes laminating the matrix aggregates into multiple sheets.

[0085] Step 130 can be performed using a convex / concave pressing process, a stamping process, or a molding process. Combinations of these processes can also be used. Alternatively or additionally, processes for forming the clump matrix can be used, including sheet or bulk extrusion and subsequent lamination. The process may also include forming aerosol channels, as described above. Examples of reconstituted tobacco forming processes starting from reconstituted tobacco clumps are described in WO2020058814, WO 2021181327, or WO 2021144676.

[0086] Optionally, step 130 further includes at least partially drying one or more solid bodies to reduce or eliminate moisture content. For example, partial drying may be used for certain shapes of the substrate 35. For example, for a substrate with a flat shape, an initial moisture content between 9 wt.% and 12 wt.% may be reduced to a value between 6 wt.% and 9 wt.%.

[0087] In some embodiments, at the end of step 130, matrix 35 may exhibit the following content on a dry basis:

[0088]

[0089] In some embodiments, the matrix 35 may be further cut to conform to the dimensions of the aerosol-generating article 12, as previously disclosed.

Claims

1. A method for producing a matrix (35) for an aerosol generating article (12), the aerosol generating article being suitable for operation in conjunction with a heated non-combustible aerosol generating apparatus (11), the method comprising: - The (110) gel portion is formed by the following steps: Forming a premixture of (112) aerosol forming agent and thickener; Heat (114) the premixture; Add (116) water to the premixture; - Add (120) of the active matrix portion to the gel portion to form a matrix mass.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, First heat (114) the premix, then add (116) water to the premix.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, This gel is formed by mixing the following: - Aerosol forming agent between 80 wt.% and 96 wt.%, preferably 90 wt.%; - Thickener in the range of 1 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably 5 wt.%; - Water between 1 wt.% and 10 wt.%, preferably 5 wt.%.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The thickener comprises a mixture of agar and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) mixed in a ratio between 10:90 and 90:10, preferably between 40:60 and 60:40, and most preferably about 50:

50.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The premixture of the aerosol forming agent and the thickener forms a suspension.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The premix is ​​heated to a temperature of at least 60°C, preferably between 65°C and 80°C.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method further includes forming a matrix (35) from the matrix pellet (130), and optionally drying the matrix (35); Advantageously, the matrix (35) is presented as one or more solid bodies, preferably sheets, strips, filaments or beads.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The substrate (35) has a moisture content between 9 wt.% and 12 wt.%, and is optionally dried to reduce its moisture content to between 6 wt.% and 9 wt.%.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The substrate (35) is laminated into a sheet, preferably before drying.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The matrix (35) contains between 30 wt.% and 50 wt.% of aerosol forming agent on a dry basis.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The active matrix portion includes or is formed from at least one plant material and / or fibrous material and / or nicotine.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one plant material is mixed with the fiber material at a ratio between 3:1 and 6:

1.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The at least one plant material includes tobacco leaf particles and / or non-tobacco plants or non-tobacco plant extracts.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The tobacco particle size D90 is between 120 μm and 5 mm, preferably between 500 μm and 900 μm.

15. A matrix (35) produced according to the method of any one of the preceding claims, comprising, on a dry basis: Aerosol forming agent between 5 wt.% and 60 wt.%; Thickeners ranging from 0.3 wt.% to 5 wt.%; A plant material ranging from 10 wt.% to 70 wt.%.

16. The matrix (35) according to claim 15, further comprising between 5 wt.% and 50 wt.% fibrous material.

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