Composition for preparing integrally formed structural segment for aerosol-generating article and aerosol-generating article

Abstract

The present application provides a composition for preparing an integrated structural segment for an aerosol generating article, comprising: a macromolecular organic substance including one or more of a polysaccharide substance, an oligosaccharide substance; an aroma precursor including one or more of a first aroma precursor, a second aroma precursor, a third aroma precursor, a fourth aroma precursor, wherein the first aroma precursor includes one or more of a monosaccharide or a disaccharide; the second aroma precursor includes one or more of an organic acid substance; the third aroma precursor includes one or more of a protein substance, an amino acid substance; the fourth aroma precursor includes one or more of a carotenoid, a lychee extract, a cembrane compound; an adjuvant including one or both of a mineral adjuvant and a fat adjuvant; a smoking agent including an alcohol substance; a nicotine substance and water. The structural segment prepared using the composition of the present application has a similar sensory experience to the structural segment in the existing aerosol generating article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of aerosol generation technology, and particularly to a composition for preparing an integrally molded structural segment for aerosol generation and an aerosol generation article. Background Technology

[0002] Heated non-combustible aerosol products are inhaled by heating tobacco or non-tobacco substances with electronic devices instead of through combustion. When inhaled using electronic heating devices, users can experience the aroma of tobacco or other fragrances. Furthermore, the heating process in heated non-combustible aerosol products is at low temperatures, significantly reducing the release of tar and harmful substances in the smoke. Compared to traditional combustible aerosol products, this reduces the harmful substances produced by the high-temperature pyrolysis of tobacco during combustion. Therefore, heated non-combustible aerosol products have become the mainstream development direction in the tobacco industry.

[0003] Existing heated non-combustible aerosol generating products typically consist of a matrix section and a functional section. The functional section includes a pre-plug section, a cooling section, a support section, and a filter section, all connected by a coating layer before use. The matrix section is the primary aerosol-generating part, often presented as tobacco shreds, tobacco sheets, flavored biomass materials, flavored sheets, flavored granules, or a combination of these materials. Tobacco shreds and tobacco sheets contain tobacco raw materials, whose quality and availability are poor due to factors such as planting methods, region, climate, processing methods, and national and regional regulations. Furthermore, tobacco raw materials contain many unknown components when generating aerosols, and may contain harmful components unique to tobacco, such as nitrosamines. Flavored biomass materials, flavored sheets, and flavored granules do not contain tobacco raw materials, but their tobacco aroma reproduction is insufficient, and they are prone to producing unpleasant odors such as burnt, papery, or woody smells, resulting in a poor consumer experience.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved matrix segment or functional segment that can solve or mitigate at least one problem present in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a composition for preparing a one-piece molded structural segment for aerosol generation articles and an aerosol generation article, which can replace the structural segment in existing aerosol generation articles and provide a good suction experience.

[0006] The first aspect of this application provides a composition for preparing an integral structural segment for aerosol generation articles, the composition comprising:

[0007] Macromolecular organic substances, wherein the macromolecular organic substances include one or more of polysaccharides and oligosaccharides;

[0008] The aroma precursor includes one or more of a first aroma precursor, a second aroma precursor, a third aroma precursor, and a fourth aroma precursor, wherein the first aroma precursor includes one or more monosaccharides or disaccharides; the second aroma precursor includes one or more organic acids; the third aroma precursor includes one or more proteins and amino acids; and the fourth aroma precursor includes a bio-extracted fragrance substance.

[0009] The excipients include one or more of mineral excipients and oil excipients;

[0010] Smoke-generating agent, wherein the smoke-generating agent includes alcohols;

[0011] Nicotine-like substances; and water.

[0012] In some embodiments, the composition satisfies one or more of the following characteristics:

[0013] (1) The polysaccharides include one or more of pectin, glucomannan, starch, and cellulose;

[0014] (2) The oligosaccharides include cyclodextrin;

[0015] (3) The monosaccharides include one or more of glucose and fructose;

[0016] (4) The disaccharide includes sucrose;

[0017] (5) The organic acids include one or more of malic acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, palmitic acid, benzoic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid;

[0018] (6) The protein substances mentioned include soybean protein;

[0019] (7) The amino acid substances include one or more of proline, glutamic acid, tryptophan, lysine, serine, glycine, alanine, phenylalanine, and aspartic acid;

[0020] (8) The bio-extracted flavoring substances include one or more of carotenoids, lysine extract, and cephalosporin compounds;

[0021] (9) The mineral auxiliary materials include one or more of potassium sulfate, magnesium chloride, diammonium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, and calcium carbonate;

[0022] (10) The oil-based excipients include caprylic / capric triglyceride;

[0023] (11) The alcohols include one or more of propylene glycol and glycerol;

[0024] (12) The nicotine-containing substances include one or more of free nicotine, malic nicotine, citrate nicotine, and benzoic nicotine.

[0025] In some embodiments, the composition satisfies one or more of the following characteristics:

[0026] (1) The starch includes one or more of amylopectin and amylose;

[0027] (2) The cellulose substances include one or more of microcrystalline cellulose, ethyl cellulose, spherical microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

[0028] In some embodiments, the composition satisfies one or more of the following characteristics:

[0029] (1) The first aroma precursor is selected from one or more of glucose and fructose;

[0030] (2) The second aroma precursor is selected from one or more of citric acid, malic acid, and benzoic acid;

[0031] (3) The third aroma precursor is selected from one or more of soybean protein and proline;

[0032] (4) The mineral auxiliary material is calcium carbonate;

[0033] (5) The smoke-generating agent is glycerol.

[0034] In some embodiments, the composition comprises, by total mass, 35%-60% macromolecular organic substances, 15%-33.5% aroma precursors, 10%-15% excipients, and 16%-24.5% smoke generators.

[0035] In some embodiments, the composition comprises 1%-3% amylose, 2%-4% amylopectin, 2%-5% glucose, 2%-4% fructose, 0-4% sucrose, 1.6%-3.6% malic acid, 1.2% citric acid, 0.9% oxalic acid, 0.12% palmitic acid, 7%-8% soy protein, 0.6% proline, 0.3% glycine, 0.1% lysine, 7%-12% microcrystalline cellulose, 3%-5% ethyl cellulose, 3%-6% globular microcrystalline cellulose, and 5.56%... -7.56% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, 3% potassium sulfate, 2%-4% diammonium phosphate, 2%-4% calcium carbonate, 0-2% pectin, 2%-4% β-cyclodextrin, 5%-7% glucomannan, 2%-4% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, 0.3% free nicotine, 0.75% malic nicotine, 0.3% citrate nicotine, 0.15% benzoic acid nicotine, 0.048% oleic acid, 0.072% linoleic acid, 3% licorice extract, 2% propylene glycol, 16%-20% glycerol, 2% water.

[0036] In some embodiments, the integral molding includes molding using one or more processes such as casting, extrusion molding, and pressing.

[0037] In some embodiments, the structural segment is used as one or more of the following in an aerosol-generating article: a matrix segment, a pre-plug segment, a support segment, a cooling segment, a transition segment, and a fragrance-carrying structural component.

[0038] This application also provides an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article comprising a structural segment, the structural segment being made from the above-described composition;

[0039] Preferably, the structural segment is one or more of the following: matrix segment, pre-plug segment, support segment, cooling segment, transition segment, and fragrance-carrying structural component of the aerosol-generated product.

[0040] In some embodiments, the structural segment includes micropores;

[0041] Preferably, the structural segment further includes at least one air passage hole, the air passage hole penetrating at least one end of the structural segment along its length.

[0042] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article is a heat-non-combustible aerosol generating article.

[0043] In the composition of the structural segment for preparing aerosol-generating articles disclosed in this application, macromolecular organic substances and excipients provide the basis for molding and a supporting framework for the aerosol matrix. The smoke-generating agent, when heated, generates aerosols. Further combination with aroma precursors allows the structural segment to produce characteristic aromas, such as tobacco aromas, upon heating, providing users with a smoking experience similar to existing aerosol-generating articles. The structural segments of this application, such as the matrix segment, do not require the addition of tobacco raw materials, flavored biomass materials, flavoring sheets, flavoring particles, etc., which helps ensure the quality stability of the aerosol-generated articles and reduces unpleasant odors. Furthermore, the raw materials for the aerosol matrix of this application are widely available, which helps ensure the source stability of the aerosol-generated articles. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of a matrix segment or functional segment in an embodiment of this application, along a cross section perpendicular to the length direction.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of a matrix segment or functional segment in another embodiment of this application, along a cross section perpendicular to the length direction.

[0050] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of a matrix segment or functional segment in a cross section perpendicular to the length direction, according to another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the described embodiments and drawings are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0052] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specified, the terminology used herein should be understood as having the meaning commonly used in the art. Therefore, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. In the event of any conflict, this specification shall prevail.

[0053] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only the elements expressly stated, but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to implementing the method or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other related elements in the method or apparatus that includes that element.

[0054] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," and "third" used in the embodiments of this application are merely to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of objects. It is understood that "first," "second," and "third" can be interchanged in a specific order or sequence where permitted. It should be understood that the objects distinguished by "first," "second," and "third" can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in an order other than those described herein.

[0055] Existing heated non-combustible (HNC) aerosol products typically require the addition of tobacco-based raw materials, flavored biomass materials, flavoring sheets, or flavoring granules to provide tobacco aroma or other characteristic aromas in the matrix segment. However, these raw materials are prone to quality instability due to various factors and can easily produce harmful substances or unpleasant odors. Therefore, there is a need for a structural segment that can replace the matrix or functional segment in existing aerosol products, providing a similar puffing experience with better quality stability.

[0056] In view of this, the first aspect of this application provides a composition for preparing a one-piece molded structural segment for aerosol generation articles, the composition comprising:

[0057] Macromolecular organic substances, wherein the macromolecular organic substances include one or more of polysaccharides and oligosaccharides;

[0058] The aroma precursor includes one or more of a first aroma precursor, a second aroma precursor, a third aroma precursor, and a fourth aroma precursor, wherein the first aroma precursor includes one or more monosaccharides or disaccharides; the second aroma precursor includes one or more organic acids; the third aroma precursor includes one or more proteins and amino acids; and the fourth aroma precursor includes a bio-extracted fragrance substance.

[0059] Excipients, including one or both of mineral excipients and oil-based excipients; and

[0060] Smoke-generating agent, wherein the smoke-generating agent includes alcohols;

[0061] Nicotine-like substances; and water.

[0062] In this application, the structural segment is described as a "porous structure," which refers to a structure with high porosity. This ensures efficient aerosol generation, and the interconnected pores form a three-dimensional network structure, which helps reduce suction resistance. In this application, the "porous structure" is a microporous structure. Micropores are formed by the gaps between the components of the composition after molding. These micropores are irregular and belong to the category of pores in a microscopic sense. The size of the micropores is determined by the gaps between the powder components after molding.

[0063] In this application, macromolecular organic substances provide the basic materials supporting the formation of the structural segments. Among them, polysaccharides and oligosaccharides typically have long molecular chains, enabling them to form stable network structures and provide a skeletal structure for the structural segments. Furthermore, oligosaccharides also have the function of absorbing and slowly releasing aroma components in the aerosol. The first aroma precursor is a monosaccharide or disaccharide, which decomposes upon heating of the structural segment to produce aroma substances. The second aroma precursor is an organic acid, which can adjust the pH value in the structural segment, regulate the aerosol taste, reduce irritation, and improve the user's vaping experience. The third aroma precursor is a protein and / or amino acid, which, upon thermal decomposition, produces aroma and flavor components in the aerosol. In addition, amino acids react with reducing sugars in the first aroma precursor via Maillard reactions to generate aroma components in the aerosol, increasing the aroma richness in the aerosol and thus improving the vaping experience. The fourth aroma precursor is a bio-extracted fragrance substance, which decomposes upon heating to produce aroma and flavor substances. The excipients include mineral-based and oil-based excipients. Mineral-based excipients provide molding and extrusion support for the structural segments and also regulate the heat transfer rate of the structural segments, maintaining the moisture content in the aerosol product and adjusting its aroma and flavor. Oil-based excipients dissolve oil-soluble components in the structural segments, aiding in the uniform dispersion of various components. They also regulate the viscosity and flowability of the aerosol product, improving its processing performance. The smoke-generating agent, after being heated and atomized, produces an aerosol, providing a smoking experience similar to traditional cigarettes. It also retains moisture in the aerosol product, enhancing the smoking experience. Nicotine-based substances can enter the bloodstream, stimulating the pituitary gland to produce dopamine, thereby achieving physiological satisfaction and enhancing the user's sensory experience.

[0064] This application combines the aforementioned substances and prepares a single structural segment using an integral molding process. Without adding tobacco raw materials or other flavor-carrying biomass materials, it can generate an aerosol with characteristic tobacco aroma, providing users with a vaping experience similar to existing aerosol-generated products. The components in the composition used to prepare the structural segment in this application are widely available and of stable quality; using them in aerosol-generated products helps improve their quality stability.

[0065] In this application, polysaccharides refer to polymeric carbohydrates composed of at least 10 monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds. A glycosidic bond is formed by the dehydration condensation of a hydroxyl group of one monosaccharide and a hydroxyl group of another monosaccharide. In some embodiments, the polysaccharides include one or more of pectin, glucomannan, starches, and celluloses. These polysaccharides are commonly used in the food industry, possessing food safety properties and exhibiting relatively long molecular chains, enabling them to form stable structures and facilitating the formation of structural segments. In some embodiments, the starch includes one or more of amylopectin and amylose. In some embodiments, the celluloses include one or more of microcrystalline cellulose, ethyl cellulose, globular microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

[0066] In this application, oligosaccharides refer to compounds composed of 2-10 glycosidic bonds. In some embodiments, the oligosaccharides include cyclodextrins. Cyclodextrins have good adsorption and sustained-release properties, which are beneficial for the release of aroma components in the structural segments.

[0067] In this application, a monosaccharide is a molecule that cannot be easily hydrolyzed into smaller sugars. In some embodiments, the monosaccharide includes one or more of glucose and fructose.

[0068] In this application, a disaccharide refers to a carbohydrate substance formed by two monosaccharide molecules through a glycosidic bond. In some embodiments, the disaccharide includes sucrose.

[0069] In this application, organic acids refer to organic compounds whose molecular structure contains acidic functional groups, including, for example, carboxylic acids. In some embodiments, the organic acids include one or more of malic acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, palmitic acid, benzoic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. These organic acids can adjust the pH of the structural segment, which is beneficial for improving the taste.

[0070] In this application, protein-like substances refer to substances having a protein molecular structure. In some embodiments, the protein-like substances include soy protein. This is beneficial for providing a rich taste and aroma experience.

[0071] In this application, amino acids refer to compounds with the structural formula R-CH(NH2)-COOH, where R is a side chain group, and are the basic building blocks of biological functional macromolecules such as proteins. In some embodiments, the amino acids include one or more of proline, glutamic acid, tryptophan, serine, glycine, alanine, phenylalanine, and aspartic acid. These amino acids can provide rich flavor and can also undergo reactions such as Maillard reactions with reducing sugars in the raw material components, enhancing the richness of aroma and improving the sensory experience.

[0072] In this application, bio-extracted flavoring substances refer to flavoring substances extracted from biological raw materials, such as plants. In some embodiments, the bio-extracted flavoring substances include one or more of carotenoids, lysine extract, and sipranone compounds. This enables the provision of characteristic tobacco aromas.

[0073] In this application, mineral additives refer to naturally occurring minerals possessing one or more usable physicochemical properties, or minerals that have been processed to meet the above conditions. These typically include inorganic minerals, which generally exhibit good water absorption and molding properties. In some embodiments, the mineral additives include one or more of potassium sulfate, magnesium chloride, diammonium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, and calcium carbonate. These mineral additives possess good molding properties and biocompatibility.

[0074] In this application, oil-based excipients refer to esters formed from higher fatty acids and glycerol. In some embodiments, the oil-based excipient is caprylic / capric glyceride. This allows for the dissolution of oil-soluble components in the structural segments, facilitating uniform dispersion of the various components. Furthermore, it can adjust the viscosity and flowability of the aerosol-generated product, improving its processing performance.

[0075] In this application, alcohols refer to compounds formed by replacing at least one hydrogen atom in the side chain of an aliphatic hydrocarbon, alicyclic hydrocarbon, or aromatic hydrocarbon with a hydroxyl group, and generally exhibit good volatility. In some embodiments, the alcohols include one or more of propylene glycol and glycerol. Thus, these alcohols can volatilize upon heating to generate a large amount of aerosol, providing a tobacco-like smoking experience.

[0076] In this application, nicotine-like substances refer to a natural alkaloid found in tobacco and its derivatives. This natural alkaloid is nicotine, belonging to the pyridine alkaloid class, which is easily absorbed by the human body, stimulating the central nervous system to release dopamine and producing a feeling of satisfaction from smoking. In some embodiments, the nicotine-like substances include one or more of free nicotine, malic nicotine, citrate nicotine, and benzoic acid nicotine.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first aroma precursor is selected from one or more of glucose and fructose.

[0078] In some embodiments, the second aroma precursor is selected from one or more of citric acid, malic acid, and benzoic acid.

[0079] In some embodiments, the third aroma precursor is selected from one or more of soybean protein and proline.

[0080] In some embodiments, the mineral adjuvant is calcium carbonate.

[0081] In some embodiments, the smoke-generating agent is glycerol.

[0082] In some embodiments, the composition comprises, by weight, 35%-60% macromolecular organic substances, 15%-33.5% aroma precursors, 10%-15% excipients, and 16%-24.5% smoke-generating agents. The structural segments prepared from the compositions formulated according to the above proportions exhibit good formability and quality stability, and possess an aroma experience and taste similar to existing aerosol-generated products, thus capable of replacing matrix segments or other functional segments in existing aerosol-generated products.

[0083] In some embodiments, the composition comprises 0.1%-1% amylose; 3%-10% amylopectin; 0.5%-2% pectin; 3%-8% cyclodextrin; 1%-5% glucomannan; 1%-5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose; 5%-15% microcrystalline cellulose; 1%-8% ethyl cellulose; 5%-15% globular microcrystalline cellulose; 5%-15% glucose; 5%-15% fructose; 1%-5% sucrose; 1%-5% malic acid; 0.5%-3% citric acid; 0.5%-1.5% oxalic acid; 0.05%-0.15% palmitic acid; 0.1%-0.3% benzoic acid; 0.05%-0.1% oleic acid; 0.05%-0.1% linoleic acid; 3%-1%... 0% soy protein; 1%-3% proline; 0.1%-0.5% glutamic acid; 0.1%-0.5% tryptophan; 0.1%-0.3% serine; 0.1%-0.2% glycine; 0.05%-0.1% alanine; 0.01%-0.1% phenylalanine; 0.01%-0.05% aspartic acid; 0-3% carotenoids; 0-3% lysine extract; 0-3% siprine compounds; 0.5%-1% potassium sulfate; 1%-2% magnesium chloride; 0.1%-0.5% diammonium phosphate; 0.1%-0.5% magnesium sulfate; 2%-5% calcium carbonate; 0.1%-1% caprylic / capric triglyceride; 5%-10% propylene glycol; and 10%-20% glycerol.

[0084] In other embodiments, the composition comprises 1%-3% amylose, 2%-4% amylopectin, 2%-5% glucose, 2%-4% fructose, 0-4% sucrose, 1.6%-3.6% malic acid, 1.2% citric acid, 0.9% oxalic acid, 0.12% palmitic acid, 7%-8% soy protein, 0.6% proline, 0.3% glycine, 0.1% lysine, 7%-12% microcrystalline cellulose, 3%-5% ethyl cellulose, 3%-6% globular microcrystalline cellulose, and 5.56 7.56% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, 3% potassium sulfate, 2%-4% diammonium phosphate, 2%-4% calcium carbonate, 0-2% pectin, 2%-4% β-cyclodextrin, 5%-7% glucomannan, 2%-4% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, 0.3% free nicotine, 0.75% malic nicotine, 0.3% citrate nicotine, 0.15% benzoic acid nicotine, 0.048% oleic acid, 0.072% linoleic acid, 3% licorice extract, 2% propylene glycol, 16%-20% glycerol, 2% water.

[0085] In some embodiments, the structural segments are manufactured using a one-piece molding process. This one-piece molding process overcomes the problems of lint shedding, residue, and difficulty in cleaning that occur with aerosol-generated products during suction. This, in turn, improves the user experience.

[0086] In this application, "integrated molding process" includes casting, extrusion molding, and pressing. Extrusion molding refers to a processing method in which a raw material composition is added to an extruder, and the material is simultaneously heated and plasticized by the action between the extruder barrel and screw, and continuously pushed forward by the screw through the die head to form products or semi-finished products of various cross-sections. The finished products formed by extrusion molding are strip-shaped. Because the structural segment is an integrated structure, the aerosol-generated product remains a unified medium after heating or cessation of heating, preventing disintegration and falling off, thus reducing problems such as filament shedding, residue, and difficulty in cleaning.

[0087] In some embodiments, the structural segments serve as one or more of the following in an aerosol-generating article: a matrix segment, a pre-plug segment, a support segment, a cooling segment, a filter segment, and a flavor-carrying structural component. By using the structural segments of this application as various components in the aerosol-generating article, aerosols and tobacco characteristic aromas can be provided to the aerosol-generating article, improving the smoking experience. Furthermore, using the structural segments of this application as a pre-plug segment can alter the draw resistance of the aerosol-generating article, prevent leakage, and optimize the appearance of the cigarette. Using the structural segments of this application as a cooling segment can lower the smoke temperature, and using them as a support segment can improve the strength of the aerosol-generating article. Using them as other components in the aerosol-generating article can also optimize sensory quality and the appearance of the aerosol-generating article.

[0088] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article is selected from combustible aerosol generating articles, heated non-combustible aerosol generating articles, and / or atomized aerosol generating articles.

[0089] A second aspect of this application also provides an aerosol-generating article comprising a structural segment made from the aforementioned composition. This facilitates the provision of tobacco-characteristic aromas into the aerosol-generating article, improving its quality and enhancing the user's smoking experience.

[0090] Aerosol generating products are used in conjunction with aerosol generating devices, which include heating components and power supply components. The power supply components provide electrical energy to the heating components, which convert the electrical energy into other forms of energy and apply them to the aerosol generating matrix in the matrix section, thereby heating the aerosol generating matrix to generate aerosols for users to inhale.

[0091] In some embodiments, the structural segment is one or more of the following: matrix segment, pre-plug segment, support segment, cooling segment, transition segment, and fragrance-carrying structural component of an aerosol-generated product.

[0092] In some embodiments, the structural segment includes micropores. Micropores refer to the gaps between the components that form microscopic pores after the composition used to prepare the structural segment is molded. This facilitates the formation of aerosols.

[0093] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the micropore is 0.7 nm. 2 ~710μm 2 Alternatively, the hydraulic diameter of the micropores is 10 nm to 30 μm.

[0094] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the micropore is 1963 nm. 2 ~20μm 2 Alternatively, the hydraulic diameter of the micropores is 50 nm to 5 μm.

[0095] In some embodiments, the structural segment further includes air passages extending through at least one end of the structural segment along its length. This improves the air permeability of the structural segment.

[0096] In some embodiments, the air passage extends through opposite ends of the structural segment along its length.

[0097] In some embodiments, the interior of the structural segment has multiple air passages.

[0098] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the air passage is circular, elliptical, racetrack-shaped, fan-shaped, or polygonal in a plane perpendicular to the length direction of the structural segment.

[0099] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the airway orifice is 0.0019 mm. 2 -30mm 2 Alternatively, the hydraulic diameter of the airway orifice is 0.05mm-6mm.

[0100] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the spacer wall between adjacent airway openings is 10 μm to 800 μm.

[0101] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-4 The structure of the aerosol-generating article of this application is illustrated by way of example.

[0102] In some implementations, reference Figures 1 to 2 The aerosol-generating article includes a matrix segment 20 (i.e., an aerosol-generating matrix), a functional segment 30, and an encapsulation layer (not shown in the figure). The encapsulation layer covers the circumferential exterior of the functional segment and the matrix segment.

[0103] The matrix segment 20 has two axial ends, namely a proximal lip end 20a and a distal lip end 20b. The proximal lip end 20a refers to the end of the matrix segment 20 that is closer to the user's lips when the user uses the aerosol-generated product, and the distal lip end 20b refers to the end of the matrix segment 20 that is farther away from the user's lips when the user uses the aerosol-generated product.

[0104] This application does not limit the specific structure of the functional section 30, which includes at least one of the following: the front plug section 10, the filter section 31, the support section 32, and the cooling section 33.

[0105] The coating layer can protect the aerosol-generating matrix. The coating layer includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following materials: fiber paper, metal foil, metal foil composite fiber paper, polyethylene composite fiber paper, polyethylene (PE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT).

[0106] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The functional section 30 includes one or more of the following: a filter section 31, a support section 32, and a cooling section 33. The functional section is located near the lip end 20a of the matrix section 20.

[0107] In some implementations, such as Figure 1As shown, the functional section 30 includes a filter section 31, which is disposed near the lip end 20a of the matrix section 20 along its axial direction. The aerosol generated by the matrix section is transported to the filter section under suction negative pressure. The filter section is used to filter and / or adsorb some particulate matter and harmful substances in the aerosol, improving the user's suction experience and enhancing the safety of the aerosol-generated products. Furthermore, the process of the aerosol being loosened by the filter section before reaching the user can reduce the aerosol temperature, mitigating the "burning" sensation experienced when inhaling the aerosol.

[0108] In some implementations, such as Figure 2 The functional section includes a filter section 31, a support section 32, and a cooling section 33. The support section 32 is located at one end of the matrix section 20 along its axial direction, one end of the cooling section 33 is located at the end of the support section 32 away from the matrix section 20 along its axial direction, and the filter section 31 is located at the other end of the cooling section 33.

[0109] The support section 32 can connect and support the matrix section 20 and the cooling section 33 at both ends. The cooling section 33 is used to reduce the temperature of the aerosol so that the temperature of the aerosol flowing out of the filter section 31 is suitable and avoids the problem of the aerosol being "hot to the mouth".

[0110] Of course, the positions of the support section and the cooling section can also be interchanged, that is, the cooling section 33 is connected to one end of the matrix section 20 along the axis, and the two ends of the support section 32 are connected to the other end of the cooling section 33 and the filter section 31, respectively.

[0111] In some implementations, reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The functional section 30 includes one or more of the following: a pre-plug section 10, a filter section 31, a support section 32, and a cooling section 33. One or more of the filter section 31, support section 32, and cooling section 33 are disposed at one end of the matrix section 20 along its length, and the pre-plug section is disposed at the other end of the matrix section 20 along its length. The encapsulation layer wraps around the circumferential exterior of the functional section and the matrix section. The pre-plug section improves the problem of matrix section 20 detachment. Furthermore, the pre-plug section 10 can adsorb the condensed and recirculated aerosols after the aerosol generation product stops pumping, thereby avoiding the problem of aerosols flowing downwards after condensation, causing internal contamination of the aerosol generation device and making it difficult to clean, as well as the potential for cross-contamination of flavors when pumping different flavored aerosol generation products.

[0112] In some implementations, such as Figure 3 As shown, the aerosol-generating article includes a pre-plug section 10, a matrix section 20, a cooling section 33, a filter section 31, and a coating layer (not shown). The pre-plug section is located at the distal lip end 20b of the matrix section, the cooling section is located at the proximal lip end 20a of the matrix section, and the filter section is located at the other end of the cooling section away from the matrix section.

[0113] In some implementations, such as Figure 4 As shown, the aerosol-generating article includes a pre-plug section 10, a matrix section 20, a support section 32, a cooling section 33, a filter section 31, and a coating layer. The pre-plug section is located at the distal lip end 20b of the matrix section, the support section 32 is located at the proximal lip end 20a of the matrix section, and the cooling section 33 is located at the end of the support section 32 axially away from the matrix section 20. The filter section 31 is located at the end of the cooling section 33 axially away from the support section 32.

[0114] This application does not limit the structure of the functional segments and / or matrix segments. In some exemplary embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the functional segment and / or matrix segment itself has numerous micropores, which are interconnected to form micro-channels. It can be understood that after the functional segment and / or matrix segment is formed, the gaps between its raw material components constitute micropores. These micropores are irregular and belong to the category of pores in a microscopic sense. The size of the micropores is determined by the gaps between the powder components after the powder is formed.

[0115] During the aerosol generation process, the generated aerosols can enter the microchannels of the functional section. Under the negative pressure generated by suction, the aerosols are transported to the user for inhalation through the microchannels. In addition, as the aerosols flow through the microchannels, it also helps the functional section capture some substances in the aerosols and has a cooling effect.

[0116] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the micropore is 0.7 nm. 2 ~710μm 2 Alternatively, the hydraulic diameter of the micropores is 10 nm to 30 μm.

[0117] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the micropore is 1963 nm. 2 ~20μm 2 Alternatively, the hydraulic diameter of the micropores is 50 nm to 5 μm.

[0118] In some embodiments, the pre-plug section and the filter section themselves have numerous micropores, which are interconnected to form micro-air channels.

[0119] In other exemplary embodiments, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the functional segment and / or matrix segment include micropores and at least one airway pore, which penetrates at least one end of the structural segment along its length. The airway pore helps improve the air permeability of the functional segment and reduce suction resistance.

[0120] It should be noted that the airway pores mentioned above are pores in a macroscopic sense, while micropores are pores in a microscopic sense. The cross-sectional area of ​​an airway pore is much larger than that of a micropore, for example, at least 20 times larger.

[0121] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the airway pores is 20 to 60,000 times that of the micropores. This is beneficial for balancing the structural stability of the structural segment and the aerosol release rate. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the airway pores is 100 to 40,000 times that of the micropores.

[0122] The micro-airways are connected to the airway pores. Since the micro-airways are formed by the interconnection of micropores, the micropores are also connected to the airway pores. Furthermore, it can be understood that the interconnection between micropores can be partial, with some micropores not connected, or all micropores can be interconnected. A portion of the aerosol in the micro-airways can also be collected at the airway pores and delivered to the user's mouth under the negative pressure of suction. The airway pores help reduce the suction resistance for the user, improving the user experience. It should be noted that suction resistance is positively correlated with the flow resistance of the aerosol; the lower the flow resistance of the aerosol, the lower the perceived suction resistance, and vice versa.

[0123] In some embodiments, the airway opening extends through both ends of the functional segment and / or matrix segment along its length. This helps to reduce suction resistance for the user.

[0124] In one implementation, such as Figure 6 As shown, the functional segment and / or matrix segment has an airway opening inside. This helps to reduce the suction resistance for the user.

[0125] In some implementations, such as Figure 7 As shown, the functional segment and / or matrix segment have multiple airway pores inside. This is more conducive to reducing the suction resistance for the user.

[0126] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the airway opening is circular, elliptical, racetrack-shaped, fan-shaped, or polygonal in a plane perpendicular to the length direction of the functional segment and / or matrix segment.

[0127] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the airway orifice is 0.0019 mm. 2 -30mm 2 Alternatively, the hydraulic diameter of the air passage orifice is 0.05mm-6mm. In this application, the hydraulic diameter refers to the ratio of four times the cross-sectional area to the perimeter. In some preferred embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage orifice is 0.007mm². 2 ~7.1mm 2 (square millimeters). In some preferred embodiments, the hydraulic diameter of the airway orifice is 0.1 mm to 3 mm. This facilitates more uniform aerosol release and higher utilization.

[0128] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the spacer wall between adjacent air passages is 10 μm to 800 μm. This facilitates heat penetration and diffusion, resulting in higher heat transfer efficiency, while also maintaining structural strength.

[0129] It should be noted that the matrix section included in the aerosol generating product is used to generate aerosols, while the filtration section, cooling section, support section, and fore-plug section do not generate aerosols.

[0130] This application also provides an aerosol generation system. The aerosol generation system includes an aerosol generation apparatus with a heating component and the aerosol generation article described above. Specifically, the heating component heats and atomizes the aerosol generation matrix to generate aerosols.

[0131] The present application will be described in further detail below with reference to specific embodiments. The purpose of this description is merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0132] Example

[0133] All non-tobacco raw materials used in the following examples are commercially available.

[0134] In the following examples, a screw extrusion device is used to extrude the raw material composition to obtain structural segments.

[0135] Example 1

[0136] Weigh the materials according to the formula shown in Table 1, mix them evenly, and then process them into honeycomb-shaped structural segments with a length of 12 mm using a screw extruder. Use these structural segments as the matrix segments to prepare aerosol-generated products.

[0137] Example 2

[0138] Weigh the materials according to the formula shown in Table 1, mix them evenly, and then process them into honeycomb-shaped structural segments with a length of 12 mm using a screw extruder. Use these structural segments as the matrix segments to prepare aerosol-generated products.

[0139] Example 3

[0140] Weigh the materials according to the formula shown in Table 1, mix them evenly, and then process them into honeycomb-shaped structural segments with a length of 12 mm using a screw extruder. Use these structural segments as the matrix segments to prepare aerosol-generated products.

[0141] Example 5

[0142] Weigh the materials according to the formula shown in Table 1, mix them thoroughly, and then process them into hollow cylindrical structural segments with a length of 36 mm using a screw extruder. Use these structural segments as the matrix segments to prepare aerosol-generated products.

[0143] Example 6

[0144] Weigh the materials according to the formula shown in Table 1, mix them thoroughly, and then process them into cylindrical structural segments with a length of 6 mm using a screw extruder. Use these structural segments as the matrix segments to prepare aerosol-generated products.

[0145] Comparative Example 1

[0146] Aerosol-generated products were prepared by using ordinary tobacco shreds as the matrix segment.

[0147] Table 1: Formulations for Examples 1-6

[0148]

[0149] The structural segments and aerosol-generated products prepared in Examples 1-6 and Comparative Example 1 were subjected to physical property testing and sensory evaluation according to the following methods. The results of the physical property testing are shown in Table 2, and the results of the sensory testing are shown in Table 3.

[0150] Physical performance testing:

[0151] (1) Hardness:

[0152] Testing equipment: Integrated testing stand

[0153] The hardness is tested according to standard YC / T 228-2007, and the hardness requirement is usually 84%-88%.

[0154] (2) Cohesion:

[0155] Testing instrument: Texture analyzer

[0156] Cohesion was tested according to standard YC / T 228-2007.

[0157] (3) Adhesion:

[0158] Testing instrument: Texture analyzer

[0159] Adhesion was tested according to standard YC / T 228-2007.

[0160] Sensory evaluation:

[0161] Sensory evaluation was conducted by an evaluation committee composed of seven professional sensory evaluators, and the evaluation scores were calculated as an average. The sensory evaluation was scored according to each sensory test item. The higher the score for each test item and the total score, the better the sensory evaluation and the better the quality of the aerosol product.

[0162] Table 2 shows the test results of the physical properties of the aerosol generation matrices of Examples 1-6 and Comparative Example 1.

[0163]

[0164] The results in Table 2 show that the overall test bench hardness of Examples 1-6 is greater than 85%, meeting the strength requirements for subsequent processing; the cohesiveness is close to that of Comparative Example 1, indicating good matrix toughness; and the adhesion is less than that of Comparative Example 1, meaning the matrix is ​​less prone to adhesion during subsequent processing, which is beneficial for continuous production. Therefore, the structural segment of this application, as a matrix segment, has similar performance to the matrix segments used in the prior art, and can meet, or even improve, the requirements for industrial applications.

[0165] Table 3. Sensory evaluation results of aerosol-generated articles from Examples 1-6 and Comparative Example 1.

[0166]

[0167] The results in Table 3 show that the vaping quality of Examples 1-6 is improved or close to that of Comparative Example 1, especially in terms of sensory evaluation of aroma, smoke volume, and smoke comfort (off-flavors). In particular, the aerosol-generated product of Example 2 has significantly better sensory quality than Comparative Example 1. The structural segment prepared in Example 5, as a supporting cooling segment in the aerosol-generated product, can significantly improve the aroma experience and smoke comfort. Therefore, the structural segment prepared in this application can achieve similar or even better quality than existing matrix segments or functional segments, and thus can serve as a replacement for existing matrix segments or functional segments.

[0168] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. All equivalent structural transformations made using the content of this application's specification under the inventive concept of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A composition for preparing an integral structural segment for aerosol generation articles, characterized in that, The composition comprises: Macromolecular organic substances, wherein the macromolecular organic substances include one or more of polysaccharides and oligosaccharides; The aroma precursor includes one or more of a first aroma precursor, a second aroma precursor, a third aroma precursor, and a fourth aroma precursor, wherein the first aroma precursor includes one or more monosaccharides or disaccharides; the second aroma precursor includes one or more organic acids; the third aroma precursor includes one or more proteins and amino acids; and the fourth aroma precursor includes a bio-extracted fragrance substance. The excipients include one or more of mineral excipients and oil excipients; Smoke-generating agent, wherein the smoke-generating agent includes alcohols; Nicotine-like substances; and water.

2. The composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, It meets one or more of the following characteristics: (1) The polysaccharides include one or more of pectin, glucomannan, starch, and cellulose; (2) The oligosaccharides include cyclodextrin; (3) The monosaccharides include one or more of glucose and fructose; (4) The disaccharide includes sucrose; (5) The organic acids include one or more of malic acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, palmitic acid, benzoic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid; (6) The protein substances mentioned include soybean protein; (7) The amino acid substances include one or more of proline, glutamic acid, tryptophan, lysine, serine, glycine, alanine, phenylalanine, and aspartic acid; (8) The bio-extracted flavoring substances include one or more of carotenoids, lysine extract, and cephalosporin compounds; (9) The mineral auxiliary materials include one or more of potassium sulfate, magnesium chloride, diammonium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, and calcium carbonate; (10) The oil-based excipients include caprylic / capric triglyceride; (11) The alcohols include one or more of propylene glycol and glycerol; (12) The nicotine-containing substances include one or more of free nicotine, malic nicotine, citrate nicotine, and benzoic nicotine.

3. The composition according to claim 2, characterized in that, It meets one or more of the following characteristics: (1) The starch includes one or more of amylopectin and amylose; (2) The cellulose substances include one or more of microcrystalline cellulose, ethyl cellulose, spherical microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

4. The composition according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, It meets one or more of the following characteristics: (1) The first aroma precursor is selected from one or more of glucose and fructose; (2) The second aroma precursor is selected from one or more of citric acid, malic acid, and benzoic acid; (3) The third aroma precursor is selected from one or more of soybean protein and proline; (4) The mineral auxiliary material is calcium carbonate; (5) The smoke-generating agent is glycerol.

5. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Based on the total mass of the composition, the composition comprises 35%-60% macromolecular organic substances, 15%-33.5% aroma precursors, 10%-15% excipients, and 16%-24.5% smoke generators.

6. The composition according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, It includes 1%-3% amylose, 2%-4% amylopectin, 2%-5% glucose, 2%-4% fructose, 0-4% sucrose, 1.6%-3.6% malic acid, 1.2% citric acid, 0.9% oxalic acid, 0.12% palmitic acid, 7%-8% soy protein, 0.6% proline, 0.3% glycine, 0.1% lysine, 7%-12% microcrystalline cellulose, 3%-5% ethyl cellulose, 3%-6% globular microcrystalline cellulose, and 5.56%-7.56% carboxylic acid. Sodium methyl cellulose, 3% potassium sulfate, 2%-4% diammonium phosphate, 2%-4% calcium carbonate, 0-2% pectin, 2%-4% β-cyclodextrin, 5%-7% glucomannan, 2%-4% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, 0.3% free nicotine, 0.75% malic nicotine, 0.3% citrate nicotine, 0.15% benzoic acid nicotine, 0.048% oleic acid, 0.072% linoleic acid, 3% licorice extract, 2% propylene glycol, 16%-20% glycerol, 2% water.

7. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The integral molding includes molding using one or more processes such as casting, extrusion molding, and pressing.

8. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The structural segment is used as one or more of the following in aerosol-generating products: matrix segment, pre-plug segment, support segment, cooling segment, transition segment, and fragrance-carrying structural component.

9. An aerosol-generating product, characterized in that, The aerosol-generating article includes a structural segment, which is made using the composition of any one of claims 1-8; Preferably, the structural segment is one or more of the following: matrix segment, pre-plug segment, support segment, cooling segment, transition segment, and fragrance-carrying structural component of the aerosol-generated product.

10. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 9, characterized in that, The structural segment includes micropores; Preferably, the structural segment further includes at least one air passage hole, the air passage hole penetrating at least one end of the structural segment along its length.

11. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The aerosol-generating product is a non-combustible aerosol-generating product that is heated.

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