Aerosol-generating article comprising multiple portions of an aerosol-generating substrate

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article (100) having a proximal end and a distal end, the aerosol-generating article comprising: a plurality of portions of an aerosol-generating substrate (110, 112) arranged in series along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article; a first barrier (130) positioned between the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article; and one or more separators (120), wherein the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprise two portions of an aerosol-generating substrate separated from one another by at least one of the one or more separators, and the first barrier and the one or more separators are substantially impermeable.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising a plurality of portions of an aerosol-generating substrate for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating. The present invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating article, and an aerosol generating device configured to heat the aerosol-generating article. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing material, is heated rather than combusted are known in the art. One purpose of such "heat-and-burn" aerosol-generating articles is to reduce known harmful smoke constituents of the type produced by the combustion and pyrolytic decomposition of tobacco in conventional cigarettes.

[0003] Typically, in heated aerosol-generating articles, the aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-generating substrate. In use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate by the transfer of heat from the heat source to the aerosol-generating substrate and are entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

[0004] A number of handheld aerosol generating devices configured to heat an aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article are known in the art. Such devices include electrically operated aerosol generating devices in which an aerosol is generated by heat transfer from one or more electric heating elements of the aerosol generating device to the aerosol-generating substrate of the heated aerosol-generating article. Known handheld electrically operated aerosol generating devices typically comprise a battery, control electronics, and one or more electric heating elements for heating the aerosol-generating substrate of the heated aerosol-generating article that are specifically designed for use with the aerosol generating device.

[0005] Some known electrically operated aerosol generating devices include an internal heating element configured to be inserted into an aerosol generating substrate of a heated aerosol generating article. Other known electrically operated aerosol generating devices include one or more external heating elements. For example, WO2020 / 115151A1 discloses an aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating article and an electrically operated aerosol generating device including an external heating element surrounding the periphery of the aerosol generating article.

[0006] Electrically operated aerosol generating devices are also known in the art, including an inductor configured to inductively heat an aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article. For example, WO2015 / 176898A1 discloses an aerosol generating system including an aerosol-generating article, including an elongated susceptor in thermal contact with the aerosol-generating substrate, and an electrically operated aerosol generating device having an inductor for heating the aerosol-generating substrate. In use, a fluctuating or alternating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor induces eddy currents in the susceptor, which cause the susceptor to heat as a result of one or both of resistive losses (Joule heating) and hysteretic losses (if the susceptor is magnetic). The heat generated in the susceptor is transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate by conduction.

[0007] One well-known type of heated aerosol-generating article, commonly referred to as a heated non-combustion tobacco product or heated tobacco product, comprises a solid aerosol-generating substrate containing tobacco material, which is heated to generate an inhalable aerosol. Known heated tobacco products typically comprise a single piece of aerosol-generating substrate. In use, air is typically drawn through the entire length of the single piece of aerosol-generating substrate during each puff by a user. This can adversely affect the quality and consistency of the aerosol delivered to the user with successive puffs, especially if the user discontinues and then resumes use of the heated tobacco product. For example, if a user discontinues use of a heated tobacco product and then resumes, the quality of the aerosol delivered to the user after resuming use of the heated tobacco product may be significantly poorer than the quality of the aerosol delivered to the user before discontinuing use of the heated tobacco product. As a result, when a user discontinues use of a heated tobacco product, the user may choose to discard the partially used heated tobacco product rather than resuming use of the heated tobacco product.

[0008] It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article that improves the quality and consistency of the aerosol delivered to a user between successive puffs as compared to known heated tobacco products of the types mentioned above.

[0009] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article that allows use of the article to be discontinued and subsequently resumed by the user without adversely affecting the quality of the aerosol delivered to the user. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article having a proximal end and a distal end. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of portions of an aerosol-generating substrate. The plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be arranged in series along a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first barrier. The first barrier may be located between the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article. The first barrier may be substantially impermeable. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more separators. The plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise two portions of an aerosol-generating substrate separated from each other by at least one of the one or more separators. The one or more separators may be substantially impermeable.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating article having a proximal end and a distal end, the aerosol-generating article comprising a plurality of portions of an aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article, a first barrier located between the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article, and one or more separators, wherein the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprise two portions of an aerosol-generating substrate separated from each other by at least one of the one or more separators, and the first barrier and the one or more separators are substantially impermeable.

[0012] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system, which may comprise an aerosol-generating article as described above. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device, which may be configured to heat portions of an aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the present invention and an aerosol generating apparatus configured to heat a plurality of portions of an aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0014] The aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention comprises a plurality of portions of an aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, a first barrier located between the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and a distal end of the aerosol-generating article, and one or more separators, the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprising two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate separated from each other by at least one of the one or more separators, the first barrier and the one or more separators being substantially impermeable. The inclusion of these features in the aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention may advantageously allow the aerosol generated upon heating of each of the two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate to be delivered to the user without being drawn through the other of the two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. This may advantageously improve the quality and consistency of the aerosol delivered to the user in successive puffs. As will be further explained below, this may also advantageously allow the use of the aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention to be interrupted and then resumed by the user without adversely affecting the quality of the aerosol delivered to the user.

[0015] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "aerosol-generating article" is used to describe an article that includes an aerosol-generating substrate that is heated to generate and deliver an inhalable aerosol to a user.

[0016] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" is used to describe a substrate that includes an aerosol-forming material that is capable of releasing, upon heating, a volatile compound that is capable of generating an aerosol.

[0017] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "aerosol" is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets, in a gas. Aerosols can be visible or invisible. Aerosols may include vapors of substances that are normally liquids or solids at room temperature, as well as solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets.

[0018] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "aerosol-generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.

[0019] The aerosol-generating article according to the invention has a proximal end through which the aerosol exits the aerosol-generating article for delivery to a user in use. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the downstream end or mouth end of the aerosol-generating article. In use, a user directly or indirectly breathes on the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating article.

[0020] An aerosol-generating article according to the present invention has a distal end. The distal end is opposite the proximal end. The distal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0021] Components of an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative location between the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0022] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "longitudinal" is used to describe the direction between the proximal and distal ends of the aerosol-generating article.

[0023] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "length" is used to describe the maximum dimension of an aerosol-generating article according to the invention, and components of an aerosol-generating article according to the invention, in the longitudinal direction, i.e. in the direction between the proximal end and the opposing distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0024] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "transverse" is used to describe a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, that is, perpendicular to the direction between the proximal and distal ends of the aerosol-generating article.

[0025] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "width" is used to describe the maximum dimension of a component of an aerosol-generating article in the transverse direction of the aerosol-generating article.

[0026] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "airflow path" is used to describe the path that air may be drawn through an aerosol-generating article.

[0027] The aerosol-generating article comprises a plurality of portions of an aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article, i.e. the aerosol-generating article comprises two or more portions of an aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article.

[0028] The portions of the aerosol-generating substrate are physically distinct from one another.

[0029] The number of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be selected based on the desired number of puffs of aerosol delivered to a user.

[0030] The multiple portions of an aerosol-generating substrate may comprise three or more portions of an aerosol-generating substrate, i.e. the aerosol-generating article may comprise three or more portions of an aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article.

[0031] The multiple portions of an aerosol-generating substrate may comprise four or more portions of an aerosol-generating substrate, i.e. the aerosol-generating article may comprise four or more portions of an aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article.

[0032] The multiple portions of an aerosol-generating substrate may comprise up to ten portions of an aerosol-generating substrate, i.e. the aerosol-generating article may comprise up to ten portions of an aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article.

[0033] The multiple portions of an aerosol-generating substrate may comprise up to eight portions of an aerosol-generating substrate, i.e. the aerosol-generating article may comprise up to eight portions of an aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article.

[0034] The multiple portions of an aerosol-generating substrate may comprise up to six portions of an aerosol-generating substrate, i.e. the aerosol-generating article may comprise up to six portions of an aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article.

[0035] The multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise two to ten portions of the aerosol-generating substrate, two to eight portions of the aerosol-generating substrate, or two to six portions of the aerosol-generating substrate, i.e. the aerosol-generating article may comprise two to ten portions of the aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, two to eight portions of the aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, or two to six portions of the aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0036] The multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise three to ten portions of the aerosol-generating substrate, three to eight portions of the aerosol-generating substrate, or three to six portions of the aerosol-generating substrate, i.e. the aerosol-generating article may comprise three to ten portions of the aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, three to eight portions of the aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, or three to six portions of the aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0037] The multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise four to ten portions of the aerosol-generating substrate, four to eight portions of the aerosol-generating substrate, or four to six portions of the aerosol-generating substrate, i.e. the aerosol-generating article may comprise four to ten portions of the aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article, four to eight portions of the aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article, or four to six portions of the aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article.

[0038] The multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise five portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0039] The portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have any desired length.

[0040] Each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have substantially the same length.

[0041] Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of at least about 3 millimeters, or at least about 4 millimeters.

[0042] Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of up to about 10 millimeters, up to about 8 millimeters, or up to about 6 millimeters.

[0043] Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of from about 3 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, from about 3 millimeters to about 8 millimeters, or from about 3 millimeters to about 6 millimeters.

[0044] Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of from about 4 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, from about 4 millimeters to about 8 millimeters, or from about 4 millimeters to about 6 millimeters.

[0045] Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of about 5 millimeters.

[0046] The portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have any desired width.

[0047] Each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have substantially the same width.

[0048] Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have a width of at least about 5 millimeters, or at least about 6 millimeters.

[0049] Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have a width of up to about 12 millimeters, up to about 10 millimeters, or up to about 8 millimeters.

[0050] Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have a width of from about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, from about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or from about 5 millimeters to about 8 millimeters.

[0051] Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have a width of from about 6 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, from about 6 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or from about 6 millimeters to about 8 millimeters.

[0052] The portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have a width that is substantially the same as the width of the aerosol-generating article.

[0053] The portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have any desired shape.

[0054] Each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have substantially the same shape.

[0055] Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have a substantially circular transverse cross-section.

[0056] When the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate have a substantially circular transverse cross-section, the width of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate corresponds to the outer annular diameter of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0057] Where the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate have a substantially circular transverse cross-section, each of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have an inner annular diameter of at least about 2 millimeters, or at least about 3 millimeters.

[0058] Each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have an inner annular diameter of up to about 9 millimeters, up to about 7 millimeters, or up to about 5 millimeters.

[0059] Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have an inner annular diameter of from about 2 millimeters to about 9 millimeters, from about 2 millimeters to about 7 millimeters, or from about 2 millimeters to about 5 millimeters.

[0060] Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have an inner annular diameter of from about 3 millimeters to about 9 millimeters, from about 3 millimeters to about 7 millimeters, or from about 3 millimeters to about 5 millimeters.

[0061] Each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have substantially the same shape and dimensions, which may advantageously facilitate manufacture of the aerosol-generating article.

[0062] The aerosol-generating article includes one or more separators.

[0063] The number of separators may be selected based on the desired number of potential interruptions in the use of the aerosol-generating article by a user.

[0064] The aerosol-generating article may include two or more separators.

[0065] The aerosol-generating article may include three or more separators.

[0066] The aerosol-generating article may include up to nine separators.

[0067] The aerosol-generating article may include up to seven separators.

[0068] The aerosol-generating article may include up to five separators.

[0069] The aerosol-generating article may include two to nine separators, two to seven separators, or two to five separators.

[0070] The aerosol-generating article may include three to nine separators, three to seven separators, or three to five separators.

[0071] The aerosol-generating article may include four separators.

[0072] The number of separators may be the same as the number of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. That is, the aerosol-generating article may comprise n separators, where "n" is the number of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise five portions of the aerosol-generating substrate, and the aerosol-generating article may comprise five separators.

[0073] The number of separators may be greater than the number of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. That is, the aerosol-generating article may comprise n+1 or more separators, where "n" is the number of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise five portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the aerosol-generating article may comprise six separators.

[0074] The number of separators may be less than the number of parts of the aerosol-generating substrate, i.e. the aerosol-generating article may comprise up to n-1 separators, where "n" is the number of parts of the aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article.

[0075] The aerosol-generating article preferably comprises n-1 separators, where "n" is the number of portions of aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the plurality of portions of aerosol-generating substrate may comprise five portions of aerosol-generating substrate and the aerosol-generating article may comprise four separators.

[0076] The multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate separated from each other by at least one of the one or more separators.

[0077] The multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may include two or more portions of the aerosol-generating substrate that are not separated from one another by at least one of the one or more separators. For example, if the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate include five portions of the aerosol-generating substrate, the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may include three portions of the aerosol-generating substrate that are separated from one another by at least one of the one or more separators, and two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate that are not separated from one another by at least one of the one or more separators.

[0078] Advantageously, each of the multiple portions of aerosol-generating substrate in series may be separated from other portions of aerosol-generating substrate in series by at least one of the one or more separators, for example the multiple portions of aerosol-generating substrate may comprise five portions of aerosol-generating substrate each separated from each other by at least one of the one or more separators.

[0079] The multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the one or more separators may be arranged in series, alternating along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. For example, if the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate include three portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the aerosol-generating article includes two separators, the three portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the two separators may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article in the following order: portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, separator, portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, separator, portion of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0080] One or more separators may abut portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0081] Each of the one or more separators may abut at least one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0082] Each of the one or more separators may abut two of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0083] The one or more separators may be affixed to multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate, for example one of the one or more separators may be glued to multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0084] Each of the one or more separators may be affixed to at least one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0085] Each of the one or more separators may be affixed to two of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0086] The one or more separators may be coatings applied to portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0087] Each of the one or more separators may be a coating applied to at least one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0088] Each of the one or more separators may be a coating applied to two of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0089] The one or more separators may have any desired length.

[0090] Each of the one or more separators may have substantially the same length.

[0091] Each of the one or more separators may have a length of at least about 0.1 millimeters, at least about 0.2 millimeters, or at least about 0.3 millimeters.

[0092] Each of the one or more separators may have a length of up to about 1 millimeter, up to about 0.8 millimeters, or up to about 0.6 millimeters.

[0093] Each of the one or more separators may have a length of about 0.1 millimeter to about 1 millimeter, about 0.1 millimeter to about 0.8 millimeters, or about 0.1 millimeter to about 0.6 millimeters.

[0094] Each of the one or more separators may have a length of about 0.2 millimeters to about 1 millimeter, about 0.2 millimeters to about 0.8 millimeters, or about 0.2 millimeters to about 0.6 millimeters.

[0095] Each of the one or more separators may have a length of about 0.3 millimeters to about 1 millimeter, about 0.3 millimeters to about 0.8 millimeters, or about 0.3 millimeters to about 0.6 millimeters.

[0096] The one or more separators may have any desired width.

[0097] Each of the one or more separators may have substantially the same width.

[0098] Each of the one or more separators may have a width of at least about 5 millimeters, or at least about 6 millimeters.

[0099] Each of the one or more separators may have a width of up to about 12 millimeters, up to about 10 millimeters, or up to about 8 millimeters.

[0100] Each of the one or more separators may have a width of about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or about 5 millimeters to about 8 millimeters.

[0101] Each of the one or more separators can have a width of about 6 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, about 6 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or about 6 millimeters to about 8 millimeters.

[0102] The one or more separators may have a width that is substantially the same as the width of the aerosol-generating article.

[0103] The one or more separators may have any desired shape.

[0104] Each of the one or more separators may have substantially the same shape.

[0105] Each of the one or more separators may have a substantially circular transverse cross-section.

[0106] When the one or more separators have a substantially circular transverse cross-section, the width of the one or more separators corresponds to an outer annular diameter of the one or more separators.

[0107] When the one or more separators have a substantially circular cross-section, each of the one or more separators may have an inner annular diameter of at least about 2 millimeters, or at least about 3 millimeters.

[0108] Each of the one or more separators may have an inner annular diameter of up to about 9 millimeters, up to about 7 millimeters, or up to about 5 millimeters.

[0109] Each of the one or more separators may have an inner annular diameter of about 2 millimeters to about 9 millimeters, about 2 millimeters to about 7 millimeters, or about 2 millimeters to about 5 millimeters.

[0110] Each of the one or more separators may have an inner annular diameter of about 3 millimeters to about 9 millimeters, about 3 millimeters to about 7 millimeters, or about 3 millimeters to about 5 millimeters.

[0111] Each of the one or more separators may have substantially the same shape and dimensions, which may advantageously facilitate manufacturing of the aerosol-generating article.

[0112] The one or more separators are substantially impermeable.

[0113] Advantageously, the air permeability of the one or more separators is such that air flow through the one or more separators between portions of the aerosol-generating substrate that are separated from one another by one of the one or more separators is substantially prevented.

[0114] Each of the one or more separators has a diameter of about 800 cm 3 .μm / (m 2 .d.bar) ~ approx. 1900cm 3 .μm / (m 2 Each of the one or more separators may have an oxygen permeability of about 1100 cm 3 .μm / (m 2 .d.bar) ~ approx. 1800cm 3 .μm / (m 2Preferably, each of the one or more separators has an oxygen permeability of about 1400 cm 3 .μm / (m 2 .d.bar) ~ approx. 900cm 3 .μm / (m 2 It has an oxygen permeability of 1.5 MPa (0.5 MPa).

[0115] Each of the one or more separators has a flow rate of about 200 g.μm / (m 2 .d) ~ approx. 900g.μm / (m 2 Each of the one or more separators may have a water permeability of about 280 g.μm / (m 2 .d) ~ approx. 800g.μm / (m 2 Preferably, each of the one or more separators has a water permeability of about 400 g.μm / (m 2 .d) ~ approx. 700g.μm / (m 2 It is more preferable that the material has a water permeability of .d).

[0116] One or more of the separators may be impermeable.

[0117] The one or more separators may be formed from one or more suitable materials, which are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, plastic materials, ceramic materials, impregnated papers such as paper impregnated with wax and paper impregnated with glycerol, polymeric films, metallized films, laminated polymeric films, laminated metallized films, and combinations thereof.

[0118] Suitable polymeric films include, but are not limited to, films formed from one or more of polyimide (PI), polyaryletherketone (PAEK) (such as polyetherketone (PEK), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyetherketoneetherketoneketone (PEKEKK)), and fluorinated polymers (such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), conductive polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDFELS), and fluorinated ethylenepropylene (FEP)).

[0119] The one or more separators may be formed from a substantially impermeable adhesive.

[0120] One or more of the separators may be thermally insulating.

[0121] This may advantageously reduce or substantially prevent heat transfer between portions of the aerosol-generating substrate that are separated from one another by one of the one or more separators.

[0122] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "thermal insulation material" is used to describe a separator having a thermal conductivity of less than about 50 milliwatts per meter·Kelvin (mW / (m·K)) at 23 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 50% as measured using the modified transient plane source (MTPS) method.

[0123] Where an aerosol-generating article comprises two or more separators, the two or more separators may be substantially identical, i.e., each of the two or more separators may have substantially the same composition, shape, and dimensions, which may advantageously facilitate manufacture of the aerosol-generating article.

[0124] The aerosol-generating article includes a first barrier located between the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and a distal end of the aerosol-generating article. The first barrier may be described as being upstream of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. Thus, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating article having a proximal end and a distal end, the aerosol-generating article comprising: portions of the aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article; a first barrier located upstream of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate; and one or more separators, the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprising two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate separated from each other by at least one of the one or more separators, and the first barrier and the one or more separators being substantially impermeable.

[0125] The first barrier may be located at a distal end of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0126] The first barrier may be affixed to a distal end of one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0127] The aerosol-generating article may include one or more components between the first barrier and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may include one or more components upstream of the first barrier. For example, the aerosol-generating article may include a plug of cellulose acetate tow located upstream of the first barrier.

[0128] The first barrier may be located at the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0129] The first barrier is substantially impermeable.

[0130] The first barrier may be impermeable.

[0131] The first barrier may advantageously substantially prevent air from being drawn into the aerosol-generating article through the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0132] The first barrier may advantageously prevent air from being drawn into the aerosol-generating article through the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0133] The first barrier may advantageously form a hermetic seal at the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0134] The first barrier may have any desired length.

[0135] The first barrier may have a length of at least about 0.1 millimeters, at least about 0.2 millimeters, or at least about 0.3 millimeters.

[0136] The first barrier may have a length of up to about 1 millimeter, up to about 0.8 millimeters, or up to about 0.6 millimeters.

[0137] The first barrier may have a length of about 0.1 millimeters to about 1 millimeter, about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.8 millimeters, or about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.6 millimeters.

[0138] The first barrier may have a length of about 0.2 millimeters to about 1 millimeter, about 0.2 millimeters to about 0.8 millimeters, or about 0.2 millimeters to about 0.6 millimeters.

[0139] The first barrier may have a length of about 0.3 millimeters to about 1 millimeter, about 0.3 millimeters to about 0.8 millimeters, or about 0.3 millimeters to about 0.6 millimeters.

[0140] The first barrier may have any desired width.

[0141] The first barrier may have a width of at least about 5 millimeters, or at least about 6 millimeters.

[0142] The first barrier may have a width of up to about 12 millimeters, up to about 10 millimeters, or up to about 8 millimeters.

[0143] The first barrier can have a width of about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or about 5 millimeters to about 8 millimeters.

[0144] The first barrier can have a width of about 6 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, about 6 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or about 6 millimeters to about 8 millimeters.

[0145] The first barrier may have a width substantially the same as the width of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0146] The first barrier may have a width substantially the same as the width of the aerosol-generating article.

[0147] The first barrier may have any desired shape.

[0148] The first barrier may have a substantially circular transverse cross-section.

[0149] When the first barrier has a substantially circular transverse cross-section, the width of the first barrier corresponds to the diameter of the first barrier.

[0150] The first barrier may be formed from one or more suitable materials, which are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, plastic materials, ceramic materials, impregnated papers such as paper impregnated with wax and paper impregnated with glycerol, polymeric films, metallized films, laminated polymeric films, laminated metallized films, and combinations thereof.

[0151] Suitable polymeric films include, but are not limited to, films formed from one or more of polyimide (PI), polyaryletherketone (PAEK) (such as polyetherketone (PEK), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyetherketoneetherketoneketone (PEKEKK)), and fluorinated polymers (such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), conductive polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDFELS), and fluorinated ethylenepropylene (FEP)).

[0152] The aerosol-generating article may include a second barrier located between the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The second barrier may be described as being downstream of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. That is, the aerosol-generating article may include a second barrier located downstream of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0153] The second barrier may be located at a proximal end of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0154] The second barrier may be affixed to a proximal end of one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0155] The second barrier may be a coating applied to one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0156] The second barrier may be located at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0157] The second barrier may be substantially impermeable.

[0158] The second barrier may be impermeable.

[0159] The second barrier may have any desired length.

[0160] The second barrier may have a length of at least about 0.1 millimeters, at least about 0.2 millimeters, or at least about 0.3 millimeters.

[0161] The second barrier may have a length of up to about 1 millimeter, up to about 0.8 millimeters, or up to about 0.6 millimeters.

[0162] The second barrier may have a length of about 0.1 millimeters to about 1 millimeter, about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.8 millimeters, or about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.6 millimeters.

[0163] The second barrier may have a length of about 0.2 millimeters to about 1 millimeter, about 0.2 millimeters to about 0.8 millimeters, or about 0.2 millimeters to about 0.6 millimeters.

[0164] The second barrier may have a length of about 0.3 millimeters to about 1 millimeter, about 0.3 millimeters to about 0.8 millimeters, or about 0.3 millimeters to about 0.6 millimeters.

[0165] The second barrier may have any desired width.

[0166] The second barrier may have a width of at least about 5 millimeters, or at least about 6 millimeters.

[0167] The second barrier may have a width of up to about 12 millimeters, up to about 10 millimeters, or up to about 8 millimeters.

[0168] The second barrier can have a width of about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or about 5 millimeters to about 8 millimeters.

[0169] The second barrier can have a width of about 6 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, about 6 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or about 6 millimeters to about 8 millimeters.

[0170] The second barrier may have a width substantially the same as the width of the aerosol-generating article.

[0171] The second barrier may have any desired shape.

[0172] The second barrier may have a substantially annular transverse cross-section.

[0173] Where the second barrier has a substantially annular transverse cross-section, the width of the second barrier corresponds to the outer annular diameter of the second barrier.

[0174] Where the second barrier has a substantially circular transverse cross-section, the second barrier may have an inner annular diameter of at least about 2 millimeters, or at least about 3 millimeters.

[0175] The second barrier may have an inner annular diameter of up to about 9 millimeters, up to about 7 millimeters, or up to about 5 millimeters.

[0176] The second barrier may have an inner annular diameter of about 2 millimeters to about 9 millimeters, about 2 millimeters to about 7 millimeters, or about 2 millimeters to about 5 millimeters.

[0177] The second barrier may have an inner annular diameter of about 3 millimeters to about 9 millimeters, about 3 millimeters to about 7 millimeters, or about 3 millimeters to about 5 millimeters.

[0178] The second barrier may be formed from one or more suitable materials, which are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, plastic materials, ceramic materials, impregnated papers such as paper impregnated with wax and paper impregnated with glycerol, polymeric films, metallized films, laminated polymeric films, laminated metallized films, and combinations thereof.

[0179] Suitable polymeric films include, but are not limited to, films formed from one or more of polyimide (PI), polyaryletherketone (PAEK) (such as polyetherketone (PEK), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyetherketoneetherketoneketone (PEKEKK)), and fluorinated polymers (such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), conductive polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDFELS), and fluorinated ethylenepropylene (FEP)).

[0180] The second barrier may be formed from a substantially impermeable adhesive.

[0181] The second barrier may be substantially identical to the one or more separators, i.e., the second barrier may have substantially the same composition, shape and dimensions as the one or more separators, which may advantageously facilitate the manufacture of the aerosol-generating article.

[0182] The aerosol-generating article includes a passageway through which air can be drawn through the aerosol-generating article for delivery to a user.

[0183] The aerosol-generating article may include an airflow channel that forms at least a portion of the airflow path.

[0184] The airflow channels may extend from the distal ends of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate towards the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0185] The airflow channel may extend from the distal end of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0186] The airflow channel may extend from the first barrier towards the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0187] The airflow channel may extend from the first barrier to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0188] Multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be positioned around the periphery of the airflow channel.

[0189] One or more separators may be located around the periphery of the airflow channel.

[0190] Multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and one or more separators may be positioned around the periphery of the airflow channel.

[0191] When each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has a substantially annular transverse cross-section, the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may surround the airflow channel.

[0192] When the one or more separators each have a substantially annular transverse cross-section, the one or more separators may surround the airflow channel.

[0193] The airflow channels may be partially or completely filled.

[0194] The airflow channels may comprise a porous material such as low density cellulose acetate tow.

[0195] The airflow channels may be partially or completely empty.

[0196] The airflow channel may be a hollow cavity.

[0197] The aerosol-generating article may include a hollow cavity extending along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0198] The hollow cavity may extend from the distal end of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate towards the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0199] The hollow cavity may extend from the distal end of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0200] The hollow cavity may extend from the first barrier towards the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0201] The hollow cavity may extend from the first barrier to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0202] Multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be positioned around the periphery of the hollow cavity.

[0203] One or more separators may be located around the periphery of the hollow cavity.

[0204] Multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and one or more separators may be positioned around the periphery of the hollow cavity.

[0205] When the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate each have a substantially circular transverse cross-section, the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may enclose a hollow cavity.

[0206] The hollow cavity may be defined by the internal annular surfaces of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0207] When the one or more separators each have a substantially circular transverse cross-section, the one or more separators may enclose a hollow cavity.

[0208] The hollow cavity may be defined by the interior annular surfaces of one or more separators.

[0209] When the second barrier has a substantially annular transverse cross-section, the second barrier may enclose a hollow cavity. The hollow cavity may be defined by an inner annular surface of the second barrier.

[0210] The hollow cavity may have any desired shape.

[0211] The hollow cavity may be substantially cylindrical.

[0212] The hollow cavity may have any desired width.

[0213] The width of the hollow cavity may be selected based on the desired resistance to withdrawal of the aerosol-generating article.

[0214] The hollow cavity may have a width of at least about 2 millimeters, or at least about 3 millimeters.

[0215] The hollow cavity may have a width of up to about 9 millimeters, up to about 7 millimeters, or up to about 5 millimeters.

[0216] The hollow cavity can have a width of about 2 millimeters to about 9 millimeters, about 2 millimeters to about 7 millimeters, or about 2 millimeters to about 5 millimeters.

[0217] The hollow cavity can have a width of about 3 millimeters to about 9 millimeters, about 3 millimeters to about 7.5 millimeters, or about 3 millimeters to about 5 millimeters.

[0218] Where multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate are positioned around the periphery of the hollow cavity, the ratio of the width of the hollow cavity to the width of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be at least about 0.2, at least about 0.3, or at least about 0.4.

[0219] The ratio of the width of the hollow cavity to the width of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be at most about 0.9, at most about 0.8, or at most about 0.7.

[0220] The ratio of the width of the hollow cavity to the width of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be from about 0.2 to about 0.9, from about 0.2 to about 0.8, or from about 0.2 to about 0.7.

[0221] The ratio of the width of the hollow cavity to the width of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be from about 0.3 to about 0.9, from about 0.3 to about 0.8, or from about 0.3 to about 0.7.

[0222] The ratio of the width of the hollow cavity to the width of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be from about 0.4 to about 0.9, from about 0.4 to about 0.8, or from about 0.4 to about 0.7.

[0223] The hollow cavity may have any desired transverse cross-section.

[0224] The hollow cavity may have a substantially circular transverse cross-section.

[0225] When the hollow cavity has a substantially circular transverse cross-section, the width of the hollow cavity corresponds to the diameter of the hollow cavity.

[0226] The aerosol-generating article may include a hollow tubular element extending along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. The hollow cavity may be defined by an inner surface of the hollow tubular element.

[0227] The hollow tubular element may include a breathable wall.

[0228] The air permeable wall of the hollow tubular element may surround a hollow cavity.

[0229] The portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprise an aerosol-generating material.

[0230] The portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may contain any suitable amount of aerosol-generating material.

[0231] The total amount of aerosol-generating material in the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be selected based on the desired total number of puffs of aerosol generated for delivery to a user during use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0232] The amount of aerosol-generating material in each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be selected based on the desired number of puffs of aerosol generated upon heating of each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0233] Each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be configured to generate the same number of puffs of aerosol upon heating thereof.

[0234] Each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be configured to generate a single puff of aerosol upon heating thereof.

[0235] Each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be configured to generate multiple aerosol puffs upon heating thereof.

[0236] For example, each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be configured to generate 2 to 10 puffs of aerosol upon heating.

[0237] For example, each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be configured to generate 4 to 8 puffs of aerosol upon heating.

[0238] For example, each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be configured to generate five puffs of aerosol upon heating thereof.

[0239] The portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may include a breathable wrapper surrounded by the aerosol-generating material.

[0240] The aerosol-generating material in each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have the same physical form.The multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprising aerosol-generating materials having different physical forms.The aerosol-generating material in each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have different physical forms.

[0241] The aerosol-generating material may be a solid aerosol-generating material. At least one of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a solid aerosol-generating material. The plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprising a solid aerosol-generating material. Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a solid aerosol-generating material.

[0242] The aerosol-generating material may be a liquid aerosol-generating material. At least one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a liquid aerosol-generating material. The portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprising a liquid aerosol-generating material. Each of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a liquid aerosol-generating material.

[0243] The aerosol-generating material may be a gel aerosol-generating material. At least one of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a gel aerosol-generating material. The plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprising a gel aerosol-generating material. Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a gel aerosol-generating material.

[0244] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "gel" is used to describe a substantially dilute crosslinked system that does not exhibit flow when in a steady state.

[0245] Where the aerosol-generating material is a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material, the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a solid support element for the aerosol-generating material, for example, the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a porous solid support element loaded with the aerosol-generating material.

[0246] Each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have the same composition. This may enable the aerosol-generating article to have a substantially consistent delivery performance. In particular, this may enable the aerosol-generating article to have a substantially consistent delivery performance both before and after the user ceases to use the aerosol-generating article. This may be especially the case when different portions of the aerosol-generating substrate are heated between different inhalation sessions.

[0247] The multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may include at least two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate having different compositions from each other. Each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may have a different composition. This may provide a wide range of flavors and experiences to the user. During use, the user may be able to select which portion or combination of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate is heated to provide the desired flavor and experience.

[0248] At least one of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-generating material comprising nicotine.The plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprising an aerosol-generating material comprising nicotine.Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-generating material comprising nicotine.

[0249] As used herein with respect to the present invention, the term "nicotine" refers to nicotine and nicotine derivatives, such as free base nicotine, nicotine salts, and the like.

[0250] At least one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be free of nicotine.The portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least two portions of aerosol-generating substrate that are free of nicotine.Each of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be free of nicotine.

[0251] The aerosol-generating material may comprise a cannabinoid. At least one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-generating material comprising a cannabinoid. The portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprising an aerosol-generating material comprising a cannabinoid. Each of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-generating material comprising a cannabinoid.

[0252] Suitable cannabinoids include, but are not limited to, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

[0253] The aerosol-generating material may be plant material. At least one of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise plant material. The plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprising plant material. Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise plant material.

[0254] The plant material may be tobacco material. At least one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise tobacco material. The portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprising tobacco material. Each of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise tobacco material.

[0255] Suitable forms of tobacco material include, but are not limited to, tobacco cut filler, reconstituted tobacco, cast leaf tobacco, effervescent continuous tobacco, and expanded tobacco.

[0256] The plant material may be a non-tobacco plant material. At least one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a non-tobacco plant material. The portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprising non-tobacco plant material. Each of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a non-tobacco plant material.

[0257] The plant material may be cannabis material. At least one of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise cannabis material. The plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprising cannabis material. Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise cannabis material.

[0258] Other suitable non-tobacco plant materials include, but are not limited to, ginger materials, eucalyptus materials, clove materials, and star anise materials.

[0259] At least one of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise both tobacco material and non-tobacco plant material. The plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprising both tobacco material and non-tobacco plant material. Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise both tobacco material and non-tobacco plant material.

[0260] The plant material may be homogenized plant material.

[0261] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "homogenized plant material" is used to describe a material formed by agglomerating particulate plant material.

[0262] The homogenized plant material may be in the form of, for example, a powder, granules, pellets, pieces, strands, sheets, or any combination thereof.

[0263] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "strand" describes an elongated element of material having a length substantially greater than its width and thickness.

[0264] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "sheet" means a laminar element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness.

[0265] The homogenized plant material may include a binder.

[0266] At least one of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be free of tobacco material.The plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate that are free of tobacco material.Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may be free of tobacco material.

[0267] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more aerosol formers. At least one of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-generating material comprising one or more aerosol formers. The plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprising an aerosol-generating material comprising one or more aerosol formers. Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-generating material comprising one or more aerosol formers.

[0268] Aerosol formers suitable for inclusion in the aerosol-generating substrate are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and tetradecanedioate).

[0269] The aerosol former may act as a wetting agent.

[0270] At least one of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a porous element loaded with an aerosol-generating material.The plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprising a porous element loaded with an aerosol-generating material.Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a porous element loaded with an aerosol-generating material.

[0271] As used in the context of the present invention, the term "porous element" describes a material that provides a plurality of pores or openings that allow the passage of air through the material. The porous element can be any suitable porous material that is capable of holding or retaining aerosol-generating materials, particularly when these are provided in liquid or gel form.

[0272] The porous element may comprise natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic materials, or combinations thereof. The porous element may comprise sheet materials, foams, or fibers, e.g., loose fibers, or combinations thereof. The porous substrate may comprise woven, nonwoven, or extruded materials, or combinations thereof. For example, the porous substrate may comprise cotton, paper, polylactic acid (PLA), fiberglass, Kevlar, or cellulose acetate, or combinations thereof. The porous substrate may comprise an assembly of sheet materials, e.g., made of cotton or cellulose acetate. The porous substrate may comprise a cellulosic material.

[0273] When the aerosol-generating material is in the form of a gel, the gel may include at least one gelling agent. As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "gelling agent" refers to a compound that, when homogeneously added in an amount of about 0.3 weight percent to a 50 weight percent water / 50 weight percent glycerol mixture, forms a solid medium or support matrix leading to a gel. Suitable gelling agents include, but are not limited to, hydrogen bond crosslinking gelling agents and ionic crosslinking gelling agents. The gelling agent may include one or more biopolymers. The biopolymer may be formed of a polysaccharide. Suitable biopolymers include, but are not limited to, gellan gum (natural gellan gum, low acyl gellan gum, high acyl gellan gum, and low acyl gellan gum are preferred), xanthan gum, alginate (alginic acid), agar, guar gum, and the like.

[0274] The aerosol-generating material may comprise a flavourant. At least one of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-generating material comprising a flavourant. The plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprising an aerosol-generating material comprising a flavourant. Each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-generating material comprising a flavourant.

[0275] Suitable flavoring agents include, but are not limited to, menthol, mint (such as menthol and mint), chocolate, licorice, citrus and other fruit flavors, gamma octamer, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, breath freshening flavors, spice flavors (such as cinnamon), methyl salicylate, linalool, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, ginger oil, and tobacco flavors.

[0276] The aerosol-generating article may include a mouthpiece located between the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece may be described as being downstream of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. That is, the aerosol-generating article may include a mouthpiece located downstream of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0277] When the aerosol-generating article includes a second barrier, the mouthpiece may be located between the second barrier and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece may be described as being downstream of the second barrier. That is, the aerosol-generating article may include a second barrier located downstream of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and a mouthpiece located downstream of the second barrier.

[0278] The mouthpiece may be located at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0279] The mouthpiece may include one or more filter segments. For example, the mouthpiece element may include one or more filter segments formed from a fibrous filtration material. The mouthpiece may include one or more filter segments formed from a cellulose acetate filtration material.

[0280] The mouthpiece may not include a filter segment.The mouthpiece may not include a filter segment of fibrous filtration material.The mouthpiece may not include a filter segment formed of cellulose acetate filtration material.

[0281] If present, the mouthpiece preferably has a length of about 12 millimeters or less, 10 millimeters or less, 8 millimeters or less, or about 6 millimeters or less.

[0282] The aerosol-generating article may not include a mouthpiece.

[0283] The portions of the aerosol-generating substrate, the first barrier, and the one or more separators may be assembled within a breathable wrapper to form an aerosol-generating article.

[0284] Where the aerosol-generating article comprises one or more other components, the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate, the first barrier, the one or more separators, and the one or more other components may be assembled within a breathable wrapper to form the aerosol-generating article. For example, where the aerosol-generating article comprises a second barrier, the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate, the first barrier, the one or more separators, and the second barrier may be assembled within a breathable wrapper to form the aerosol-generating article.

[0285] Suitable breathable wrappers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, cigarette paper, filter plug wrap, and tipping paper.

[0286] The aerosol-generating article may have any desired shape.

[0287] The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical.

[0288] The aerosol-generating article may have any desired length.

[0289] The aerosol-generating article may have a length of at least about 15 millimeters, at least about 20 millimeters, or at least about 25 millimeters.

[0290] The aerosol-generating article may have a length of up to about 45 millimeters, at least up to about 40 millimeters, or up to about 35 millimeters.

[0291] The aerosol-generating article may have a length of from about 15 millimeters to about 45 millimeters, from about 15 millimeters to about 40 millimeters, or from about 15 millimeters to about 35 millimeters.

[0292] The aerosol-generating article may have a length of from about 20 millimeters to about 45 millimeters, from about 20 millimeters to about 40 millimeters, or from about 20 millimeters to about 35 millimeters.

[0293] The aerosol-generating article may have a length of from about 25 millimeters to about 45 millimeters, from about 25 millimeters to about 40 millimeters, or from about 25 millimeters to about 35 millimeters.

[0294] The aerosol-generating article may have a length of about 28 millimeters.

[0295] The aerosol-generating article may have any desired width.

[0296] The aerosol-generating article may have a width of at least about 5 millimeters, or at least about 6 millimeters.

[0297] The aerosol-generating article may have a width of up to about 12 millimeters, up to about 10 millimeters, or up to about 8 millimeters.

[0298] The aerosol-generating article may have a width of from about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, from about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or from about 5 millimeters to about 8 millimeters.

[0299] The aerosol-generating article may have a width of from about 6 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, or from about 6 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, or from about 6 millimeters to about 8 millimeters.

[0300] The aerosol-generating article may have a substantially circular transverse cross-section.

[0301] When the aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular transverse cross-section, the width of the aerosol-generating article corresponds to the diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0302] The resistance to draw (RTD) of the aerosol-generating article is preferably less than or equal to about 50 mmH2O when measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015 at a temperature of about 22 degrees Celsius, a pressure of about 101 kPa (about 760 Torr), and a relative humidity of about 60%, with a volumetric flow rate of about 17.5 milliliters / second at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0303] For example, the resistance to draw (RTD) of the aerosol-generating article may be about 25 mmH2O or less, about 15 mmH2O or less, about 10 mmH2O or less, or about 5 mmH2O or less.

[0304] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the present invention and an aerosol generating apparatus configured to heat a plurality of portions of an aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0305] The aerosol generating device may include a housing defining a device cavity configured to receive an aerosol generating article.

[0306] The aerosol generating device may be a handheld aerosol generating device.

[0307] The aerosol generating device may be an electrically operated aerosol generating device.

[0308] The aerosol generating device may include a power source and control electronics.

[0309] The aerosol generating device may include a battery and control electronics.

[0310] The aerosol-generating device may be configured to simultaneously heat multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0311] The aerosol-generating device may be configured to sequentially heat multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0312] The aerosol-generating device may be configured to heat multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article to the same temperature.

[0313] The aerosol-generating device may be configured to heat portions of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article to different temperatures.

[0314] The aerosol-generating device may be configured to externally heat a plurality of portions of an aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article, i.e. the aerosol-generating device may be configured to heat a plurality of portions of an aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article from outside the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0315] The aerosol-generating article may include multiple heating elements.

[0316] The aerosol-generating article may include multiple external heating elements.

[0317] Multiple heating elements of the aerosol generating device may be positioned around the periphery of the device cavity.

[0318] Each of the plurality of heating elements may be configured to heat a different one of a plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0319] Each of the multiple heating elements may be configured to be activated independently of each other.

[0320] The multiple heating elements may include one or more resistive heating elements, one or more inductive heating elements, or a combination thereof.

[0321] The aerosol generating device may include a mouthpiece. EXAMPLES

[0322] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of which may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0323] Example 1: 1. An aerosol-generating article having a proximal end and a distal end, the aerosol-generating article comprising a plurality of portions of an aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article, a first barrier located between the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article, and one or more separators, wherein the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprise two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate separated from each other by at least one of the one or more separators, and the first barrier and the one or more separators are substantially impermeable. Example 2: 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the plurality of portions of an aerosol-generating substrate comprises three or more portions of an aerosol-generating substrate. Example 3: 3. An aerosol-generating article as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of portions of an aerosol-generating substrate comprises four or more portions of an aerosol-generating substrate. Example 4: 4. An aerosol-generating article as claimed in any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises up to ten portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 5: 5. An aerosol-generating article as claimed in any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises up to eight portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 6: 6. An aerosol-generating article as claimed in any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises up to six portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 7: 7. An aerosol-generating article as claimed in any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises five portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 8: An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has substantially the same length. Example 9: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has a length of at least about 3 millimeters. Example 10: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has a length of at least about 4 millimeters. Example 11: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has a length of up to about 10 millimeters. Example 12: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has a length of up to about 8 millimeters. Example 13: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has a length of up to about 6 millimeters. Example 14: An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has a length of about 5 millimeters. Example 15: An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has substantially the same width. Example 16: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has a width of at least about 5 millimeters. Example 17: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has a width of at least about 6 millimeters. Example 18: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has a width of up to about 12 millimeters. Example 19: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has a width of up to about 10 millimeters. Example 20: An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has a width of up to about 8 millimeters. Example 21: An aerosol-generating article as claimed in any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate have substantially the same width as the width of the aerosol-generating article. Example 22: An aerosol-generating article as claimed in any one of Examples 1 to 21, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has substantially the same shape. Example 23: An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has a substantially circular transverse cross-section. Example 24: 24. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 23, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has an inner annular diameter of at least about 2 millimeters. Example 25: 25. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 23 or 24, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has an inner annular diameter of at least about 3 millimeters. Example 26: 26. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 23 to 25, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has an inner annular diameter of up to about 9 millimeters. Example 27: 27. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 23 to 26, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has an inner annular diameter of up to about 7 millimeters. Example 28: 28. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 23 to 27, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has an inner annular diameter of up to about 5 millimeters. Example 29: An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 1 to 28, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has substantially the same shape and dimensions. Example 30: 30. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1 to 29, comprising two or more separators. Example 31: 31. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1 to 30, comprising three or more separators. Example 32: 32. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 31, comprising up to nine separators. Example 33: 33. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1 to 32, comprising up to seven separators. Example 34: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 33, comprising up to five separators. Example 35: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 34, comprising four separators. Example 36: An aerosol-generating article as claimed in any one of Examples 1 to 35, wherein the number of separators is the same as the number of parts of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 37: An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 1 to 35, wherein the number of separators is greater than the number of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 38: An aerosol-generating article as claimed in any one of Examples 1 to 35, wherein the number of separators is less than the number of parts of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 39: An aerosol-generating article as claimed in any one of Examples 1 to 35, wherein the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises n portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the aerosol-generating article comprises n-1 separators. Example 40: An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 1 to 39, comprising two or more portions of an aerosol-generating substrate, the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate not being separated from each other by at least one of the one or more separators. Example 41: An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 1 to 39, wherein each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate in series is separated from other portions of the aerosol-generating substrate in series by at least one of the one or more separators. Example 42: An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 1 to 39 and 41, wherein the multiple sections of aerosol-generating substrate and the one or more separators are arranged in series alternating along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. Example 43: 43. An aerosol-generating article as claimed in any one of Examples 1 to 42, wherein the one or more separators abut multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 44: An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 1 to 43, wherein each of the one or more separators abuts at least one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 45: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 35 and 38 to 44, wherein each of the one or more separators abuts two of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 46: 46. ​​An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 1 to 45, wherein the one or more separators are coatings applied to portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 47: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 46, wherein each of the one or more separators is a coating applied to at least one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 48: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1-35 and 38-47, wherein each of the one or more separators is a coating applied to two of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 49: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 48, wherein each of the one or more separators has substantially the same length. Example 50: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 49, wherein each of the one or more separators has a length of at least about 0.1 millimeters. Example 51: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 50, wherein each of the one or more separators has a length of at least about 0.2 millimeters. Example 52: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 51, wherein each of the one or more separators has a length of at least about 0.3 millimeters. Example 53: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 52, wherein each of the one or more separators has a length of up to about 1 millimeter. Example 54: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 53, wherein each of the one or more separators has a length of up to about 0.8 millimeters. Example 55: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 54, wherein each of the one or more separators has a length of up to about 0.6 millimeters. Example 56: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 55, wherein each of the one or more separators has substantially the same width. Example 57: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 56, wherein each of the one or more separators has a width of at least about 5 millimeters. Example 58: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 57, wherein each of the one or more separators has a width of at least about 6 millimeters. Example 59: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 58, wherein each of the one or more separators has a width of up to about 12 millimeters. Example 60: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 59, wherein each of the one or more separators has a width of up to about 10 millimeters. Example 61: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 60, wherein each of the one or more separators has a width of up to about 8 millimeters. Example 62: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 61, wherein the one or more separators have a width substantially the same as the width of the aerosol-generating article. Example 63: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 62, wherein each of the one or more separators has substantially the same shape. Example 64: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 63, wherein each of the one or more separators has a substantially circular transverse cross-section. Example 65: 65. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 64, wherein each of the one or more separators has an inner annular diameter of at least about 2 millimeters. Example 66: 66. An aerosol-generating article as described in example 64 or 65, wherein each of the one or more separators has an inner annular diameter of at least about 3 millimeters. Example 67: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 64 to 66, wherein each of the one or more separators has an inner annular diameter of up to about 9 millimeters. Example 68: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 64 to 67, wherein each of the one or more separators has an inner annular diameter of up to about 7 millimeters. Example 69: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 64 to 68, wherein each of the one or more separators has an inner annular diameter of up to about 5 millimeters. Example 70: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1-69, wherein each of the one or more separators has substantially the same shape and dimensions. Example 71: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 70, wherein the one or more separators are impermeable. Example 72: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 71, wherein the one or more separators are formed from one or more of a plastic material, a ceramic material, an impregnated paper such as paper impregnated with wax, and paper impregnated with glycerol, a polymeric film, a metallized film, a laminated polymeric film, and a laminated metallized film. Example 73: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 72, wherein the one or more separators are formed from a substantially impermeable adhesive. Example 74: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 73, wherein the one or more separators are thermally insulating. Example 75: 75. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1 to 74, comprising two or more separators, wherein the two or more separators are substantially identical. Example 76: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 75, wherein the first barrier is located at a distal end of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 77: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 76, wherein the first barrier is affixed to a distal end of one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 78: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 77, wherein the first barrier is located at a distal end of the aerosol-generating article. Example 79: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 78, wherein the first barrier is impermeable. Example 80: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 79, wherein the first barrier has a length of at least about 0.1 millimeters. Example 81: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 80, wherein the first barrier has a length of at least about 0.2 millimeters. Example 82: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 81, wherein the first barrier has a length of at least about 0.3 millimeters. Example 83: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 82, wherein the first barrier has a length of up to about 1 millimeter. Example 84: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 83, wherein the first barrier has a length of up to about 0.8 millimeters. Example 85: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 84, wherein the first barrier has a length of up to about 0.6 millimeters. Example 86: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 85, wherein the first barrier has a width of at least about 5 millimeters. Example 87: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 86, wherein the first barrier has a width of at least about 6 millimeters. Example 88: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 87, wherein the first barrier has a width of up to about 12 millimeters. Example 89: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 88, wherein the first barrier has a width of up to about 10 millimeters. Example 90: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 89, wherein the first barrier has a width of up to about 8 millimeters. Example 91: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 90, wherein the first barrier has a width substantially the same as the width of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 92: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 90, wherein the first barrier has a width substantially the same as the width of the aerosol-generating article. Example 93: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1-92, wherein the first barrier has a substantially circular transverse cross-section. Example 94: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 93, wherein the first barrier is formed from one or more of a plastic material, a ceramic material, an impregnated paper such as paper impregnated with wax, and paper impregnated with glycerol, a polymeric film, a metallized film, a laminated polymeric film, and a laminated metallized film. Example 95: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 94, further comprising a second barrier located between the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. Example 96: The aerosol-generating article of Example 95, wherein the second barrier is located at a proximal end of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 97: 97. The aerosol-generating article of embodiment 95 or 96, wherein the second barrier is affixed to a proximal end of one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 98: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 95 to 97, wherein the second barrier is a coating applied to one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 99: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 95 to 98, wherein the second barrier is located at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. Example 100: 99. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 95 to 99, wherein the second barrier is substantially impermeable. Example 101: 95. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 95 to 100, wherein the second barrier is impermeable. Example 102: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 95 to 101, wherein the second barrier has a length of at least about 0.1 millimeters. Example 103: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 95 to 102, wherein the second barrier has a length of at least about 0.2 millimeters. Example 104: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 95 to 103, wherein the second barrier has a length of at least about 0.3 millimeters. Example 105: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 95 to 104, wherein the second barrier has a length of up to about 1 millimeter. Example 106: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 95 to 105, wherein the second barrier has a length of up to about 0.8 millimeters. Example 107: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 95 to 106, wherein the second barrier has a length of up to about 0.6 millimeters. Example 108: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 95-107, wherein the second barrier has a width of at least about 5 millimeters. Example 109: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 95-108, wherein the second barrier has a width of at least about 6 millimeters. Example 110: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 95 to 109, wherein the second barrier has a width of up to about 12 millimeters. Example 111: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 95 to 110, wherein the second barrier has a width of up to about 10 millimeters. Example 112: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 95 to 111, wherein the second barrier has a width of up to about 8 millimeters. Example 113: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 95-112, wherein the second barrier has substantially the same width as the aerosol-generating article. Example 114: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 95-113, wherein the second barrier has a substantially circular transverse cross-section. Example 115: The aerosol-generating article of example 114, wherein the second barrier has an inner annular diameter of at least about 2 millimeters. Example 116: 116. The aerosol-generating article of example 114 or 115, wherein the second barrier has an inner annular diameter of at least about 3 millimeters. Example 117: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 114-116, wherein the second barrier has an inner annular diameter of up to about 9 millimeters. Example 118: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 114-117, wherein the second barrier has an inner annular diameter of up to about 7 millimeters. Example 119: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 114-118, wherein the second barrier has an inner annular diameter of up to about 5 millimeters. Example 120: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 114 to 119, wherein the second barrier is formed from one or more of a plastic material, a ceramic material, an impregnated paper such as paper impregnated with wax, and paper impregnated with glycerol, a polymeric film, a metallized film, a laminated polymeric film, and a laminated metallized film. Example 121: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 114 to 120, wherein the second barrier is formed from a substantially impermeable adhesive. Example 122: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 114-121, wherein the second barrier is substantially identical to the one or more separators. Example 123: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 122, further comprising a hollow cavity extending along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. Example 124: An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 123, wherein the hollow cavity extends from the distal ends of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate toward the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. Example 125: An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 123 or 124, wherein the hollow cavity extends from the distal ends of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. Example 126: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 123-125, wherein the hollow cavity extends from the first barrier toward the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. Example 127: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 123-126, wherein the hollow cavity extends from the first barrier to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. Example 128: 128. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 123 to 127, wherein a plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate are positioned around the periphery of the hollow cavity. Example 129: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 123-128, wherein one or more separators are positioned around the periphery of the hollow cavity. Example 130: 130. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 123 to 129, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has a substantially circular transverse cross-section, and the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate enclose a hollow cavity. Example 131: 131. An aerosol-generating article as described in claim 130, wherein the hollow cavity is defined by inner annular surfaces of a plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 132: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 123-131, wherein each of the one or more separators has a substantially circular transverse cross-section, and the one or more separators surround a hollow cavity. Example 133: The aerosol-generating article of example 132, wherein the hollow cavity is defined by an inner annular surface of the one or more separators. Example 134: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 123-133, wherein the second barrier has a substantially annular transverse cross-section, and the second barrier surrounds a hollow cavity. Example 135: 135. An aerosol-generating article as described in 134, wherein the hollow cavity is defined by an inner annular surface of the second barrier. Example 136: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 123 to 135, wherein the hollow cavity is substantially cylindrical. Example 137: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 123-136, wherein the hollow cavity has a width of at least about 2 millimeters. Example 138: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 123 to 137, wherein the hollow cavity has a width of at least about 3 millimeters. Example 139: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 123 to 138, wherein the hollow cavity has a width of up to about 9 millimeters. Example 140: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 123 to 139, wherein the hollow cavity has a width of up to about 7 millimeters. Example 141: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 123 to 140, wherein the hollow cavity has a width of up to about 5 millimeters. Example 142: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 123 to 141, wherein the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate are positioned around the periphery of the hollow cavity, and the ratio of the width of the hollow cavity to the width of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate is at least about 0.2. Example 143: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 123 to 142, wherein the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate are positioned around the periphery of the hollow cavity, and the ratio of the width of the hollow cavity to the width of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate is at least about 0.3. Example 144: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 123 to 143, wherein the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate are positioned around the periphery of the hollow cavity, and the ratio of the width of the hollow cavity to the width of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate is at least about 0.4. Example 145: An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 123 to 144, wherein the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate are positioned around the periphery of the hollow cavity, and the ratio of the width of the hollow cavity to the width of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate is up to about 0.9. Example 146: An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 123 to 145, wherein the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate are positioned around the periphery of the hollow cavity, and the ratio of the width of the hollow cavity to the width of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate is up to about 0.8. Example 147: An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 123 to 146, wherein the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate are positioned around the periphery of the hollow cavity, and the ratio of the width of the hollow cavity to the width of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate is up to about 0.7. Example 148: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 123-147, wherein the hollow cavity has a substantially circular transverse cross-section. Example 149: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 123 to 148, further comprising a hollow tubular element extending along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. Example 150: The aerosol-generating article of Example 149, wherein the hollow cavity is defined by the inner surface of the hollow tubular element. Example 151: 151. The aerosol-generating article of example 149 or 150, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises a breathable wall surrounding the hollow cavity. Example 152: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 151, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate is configured to generate the same number of puffs of aerosol when heated. Example 153: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 152, wherein each of a plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate is configured to generate a single puff of aerosol upon heating thereof. Example 154: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 152, wherein each of a plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate is configured to generate a plurality of aerosol puffs upon heating. Example 155: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 154, wherein the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprise an aerosol-generating material and a breathable wrapper surrounding the aerosol-generating material. Example 156: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 155, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises an aerosol-generating material having the same physical form. Example 157: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 155, wherein the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises at least two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprising aerosol-generating materials having different physical forms from each other. Example 158: 158. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1-155 and 157, wherein each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises an aerosol-generating material having a different physical form. Example 159: An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 1 to 156, wherein each of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has the same composition. Example 160: An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 1 to 158, wherein the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises at least two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate having different compositions from each other. Example 161: An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 1 to 160, wherein at least one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises an aerosol-generating material that includes nicotine. Example 162: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1 to 158 and 160 to 161, wherein at least one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate does not contain nicotine. Example 163: An aerosol-generating article as claimed in any one of Examples 1 to 162, wherein at least one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises an aerosol-generating material comprising plant material. Example 164: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 163, wherein at least one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises an aerosol-generating material comprising tobacco material. Example 165: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1-164, wherein at least one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises an aerosol-generating material that comprises a non-tobacco plant material. Example 166: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 165, wherein at least one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate does not contain tobacco material. Example 167: 167. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1 to 166, wherein at least one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises an aerosol-generating material that includes one or more aerosol formers. Example 168: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 167, wherein at least one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises an aerosol-generating material and a porous element loaded with the aerosol-generating material. Example 169: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 168, wherein at least one of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises an aerosol-generating material that includes a flavorant. Example 170: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 169, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a mouthpiece located between the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. Example 171: The aerosol-generating article of Example 170, wherein the mouthpiece comprises one or more filter segments. Example 172: An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 170 or 171, wherein the mouthpiece comprises one or more filter segments formed from a cellulose acetate filtration material. Example 173: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 171, wherein the mouthpiece does not include a filter segment formed from a cellulose acetate filtration material. Example 174: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 169, wherein the aerosol-generating article does not include a mouthpiece. Example 175: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 174, wherein multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate, the first barrier, and the one or more separators are assembled within a breathable wrapper to form the aerosol-generating article. Example 176: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 1 to 175, wherein multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate, the first barrier, the one or more separators, and the second barrier are assembled within a breathable wrapper to form the aerosol-generating article. Example 177: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1 to 176, wherein the aerosol-generating article is substantially cylindrical. Example 178: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1-177, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a length of at least about 15 millimeters. Example 179: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1-178, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a length of at least about 20 millimeters. Example 180: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1-179, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a length of at least about 25 millimeters. Example 181: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1 to 180, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a length of up to about 45 millimeters. Example 182: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1-181, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a length of up to about 40 millimeters. Example 183: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 182, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a length of up to about 35 millimeters. Example 184: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1-183, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a length of about 28 millimeters. Example 185: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 184, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a width of at least about 5 millimeters. Example 186: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 185, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a width of at least about 6 millimeters. Example 187: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 186, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a width of up to about 12 millimeters. Example 188: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 187, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a width of up to about 10 millimeters. Example 189: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 188, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a width of up to about 8 millimeters. Example 190: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1 to 189, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular transverse cross-section. Example 191: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1-190, wherein the aerosol-generating article has an RTD of about 50 mmH2O or less. Example 192: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1 to 191, wherein the aerosol-generating article has an RTD of about 25 mmH2O or less. Example 193: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1 to 192, wherein the aerosol-generating article has an RTD of about 15 mmH2O or less. Example 194: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1 to 193, wherein the aerosol-generating article has an RTD of about 10 mmH2O or less. Example 195: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1 to 194, wherein the aerosol-generating article has an RTD of about 5 mmH2O or less. Example 196: An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 195, and an aerosol generating device configured to heat a plurality of portions of an aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article. Example 197: An aerosol generating system as described in Example 196, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a housing defining a device cavity configured to receive an aerosol generating article. Example 198: An aerosol generating system as described in Example 196 or 197, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to sequentially heat multiple portions of the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article. Example 199: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 196 to 198, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to simultaneously heat multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article. Example 200: 200. The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 196-199, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to externally heat multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article. Example 201: The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 196 to 200, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a plurality of heating elements. Example 202: The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples 196-201, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a plurality of external heating elements. Example 203: An aerosol generating system as described in Example 201 or 202, wherein multiple heating elements of the aerosol generating device are positioned around the periphery of the device cavity. Example 204: An aerosol generating system described in any one of Examples 201 to 203, wherein each of the multiple heating elements is configured to heat a different one of multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article. Example 205: An aerosol generating system described in any one of Examples 201 to 204, wherein each of the multiple heating elements is configured to be activated independently of each other.

[0324] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0325] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating article according to a first embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the aerosol-generating article shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating article according to a second embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol generation system according to a first embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, comprising the aerosol-generating article of FIG. 3 and an aerosol generating device during a first inhalation session. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 4A during a second inhalation session. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating article according to a third embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0326] 1 and 2 show an aerosol-generating article 100 according to a first embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention having a proximal end and a distal end. The aerosol-generating article 100 comprises two portions of an aerosol-generating substrate, namely a first portion of an aerosol-generating substrate 110 and a second portion of an aerosol-generating substrate 112. The first portion of an aerosol-generating substrate 110 and the second portion of an aerosol-generating substrate 112 are arranged in series along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article 100.

[0327] The first portion 110 of the aerosol-generating substrate and the second portion 112 of the aerosol-generating substrate are substantially identical. That is, the first portion 110 of the aerosol-generating substrate and the second portion 112 of the aerosol-generating substrate have substantially the same shape, size, and composition. Both the first portion 110 of the aerosol-generating substrate and the second portion 112 of the aerosol-generating substrate have an annular transverse cross-section. Both the first portion 110 of the aerosol-generating substrate and the second portion 112 of the aerosol-generating substrate comprise tobacco material.

[0328] The first portion of aerosol-generating substrate 110 and the second portion of aerosol-generating substrate 112 are each configured to generate ten aerosol puffs upon heating thereof, such that the aerosol-generating article 100 is configured to provide a total of twenty aerosol puffs to a user.

[0329] The aerosol-generating article 100 includes a separator 120. The separator 120 is substantially impermeable. The separator 120 has an annular transverse cross-section.

[0330] The first portion 110 of the aerosol-generating substrate and the second portion 112 of the aerosol-generating substrate are separated from each other by a separator 120. The separator 120 is located between the first portion 110 of the aerosol-generating substrate and the second portion 112 of the aerosol-generating substrate. The separator 120 abuts a proximal end of the first portion 110 of the aerosol-generating substrate and a distal end of the second portion 112 of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0331] The aerosol-generating article 100 includes a first barrier 130 located at a distal end of the aerosol-generating article 100. The first barrier 130 abuts the distal end of the aerosol-generating substrate first portion 110. The first barrier 130 has a substantially circular transverse cross-section. The first barrier 130 is substantially impermeable. The first barrier 130 substantially prevents air from being drawn into the aerosol-generating article 100 through the distal end of the aerosol-generating article 100.

[0332] The aerosol-generating article 100 includes a second barrier 140 located at a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article 100. The second barrier 140 abuts the proximal end of the second portion 112 of the aerosol-generating substrate. The second barrier 140 has an annular transverse cross-section. The second barrier 140 is substantially impermeable.

[0333] The first portion 110 of the aerosol-generating substrate, the separator 120, the second portion 112 of the aerosol-generating substrate, and the inner annular surface of the second barrier 140 define a hollow cavity 150 extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article 100 from the first barrier 130 to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article 100.

[0334] During use of the aerosol-generating article 100, air may be drawn into the aerosol-generating article 100 through the outer annular surface of the first portion 110 of the aerosol-generating substrate. Because the separator 120 and the first barrier 130 are substantially impermeable, air entering the aerosol-generating article 100 through the outer annular surface of the first portion 110 of the aerosol-generating substrate is preferentially drawn transversely through the first portion 110 of the aerosol-generating substrate into the hollow cavity 150 rather than being drawn longitudinally through the separator 120 into the second portion 112 of the aerosol-generating substrate or longitudinally through the first barrier 130. As a result, during use of the aerosol-generating article 100, aerosol generated upon heating of the first portion 110 of the aerosol-generating substrate is not drawn through the second portion 112 of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0335] During use of the aerosol-generating article 100, air may also be drawn into the aerosol-generating article 100 through the outer annular surface of the second portion 112 of the aerosol-generating substrate. Because the separator 120 and the second barrier 140 are substantially impermeable, air entering the aerosol-generating article 100 through the outer annular surface of the second portion 112 of the aerosol-generating substrate is preferentially drawn transversely through the second portion 112 of the aerosol-generating substrate into the hollow cavity 150, rather than longitudinally through the separator 120 into the first portion 110 of the aerosol-generating substrate or longitudinally through the second barrier 140. As a result, during use of the aerosol-generating article 100, aerosol generated upon heating of the second portion 112 of the aerosol-generating substrate is not drawn through the first portion 110 of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0336] During use of the aerosol-generating article 100, one of the first portion 110 of the aerosol-generating substrate and the second portion 112 of the aerosol-generating substrate may be heated to provide the user with ten puffs of aerosol during a first inhalation session. The user may then discontinue use of the aerosol-generating article 100. Upon the user resuming use of the aerosol-generating article 100, the other of the first portion 110 of the aerosol-generating substrate and the second portion 112 of the aerosol-generating substrate may be heated to provide the user with ten puffs of aerosol during a second inhalation session.

[0337] 3 shows an aerosol-generating article 200 according to a second embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention having a proximal end and a distal end. The aerosol-generating article 200 comprises five portions of an aerosol-generating substrate, namely a first portion of an aerosol-generating substrate 210, a second portion of an aerosol-generating substrate 212, a third portion of an aerosol-generating substrate 214, a fourth portion of an aerosol-generating substrate 216, and a fifth portion of an aerosol-generating substrate 218. The five portions of the aerosol-generating substrate are arranged in series along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article 200.

[0338] The first portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 210, the second portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 212, the third portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 214, the fourth portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 216, and the fifth portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 218 each have an annular transverse cross-section.

[0339] The first portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 210, the second portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 212, the third portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 214, the fourth portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 216, and the fifth portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 218 have substantially the same shape and dimensions.

[0340] A first portion 210 of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises non-tobacco plant material.

[0341] The second portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 212, the third portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 214, and the fourth portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 216 have substantially the same composition. The second portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 212, the third portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 214, and the fourth portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 216 each comprise tobacco material.

[0342] A fifth portion 218 of the aerosol-generating substrate includes a porous element loaded with a liquid aerosol-generating material. The porous element includes a cellulosic material. The liquid aerosol-generating material includes nicotine and flavorants.

[0343] The first aerosol-generating substrate portion 210, the second aerosol-generating substrate portion 212, the third aerosol-generating substrate portion 214, the fourth aerosol-generating substrate portion 216, and the fifth aerosol-generating substrate portion 218 are each configured to generate five aerosol puffs upon heating thereof, such that the aerosol-generating article 100 is configured to provide a total of 25 aerosol puffs to the user.

[0344] The aerosol-generating article 200 includes four separators, namely, a first separator 220, a second separator 222, a third separator 224, and a fourth separator 226. The first separator 220, the second separator 222, the third separator 224, and the fourth separator 226 are substantially identical. That is, the first separator 220, the second separator 222, the third separator 224, and the fourth separator 226 have substantially the same shape, dimensions, and composition. The first separator 220, the second separator 222, the third separator 224, and the fourth separator 226 are each substantially impermeable. The first separator 220, the second separator 222, the third separator 224, and the fourth separator 226 each have an annular transverse cross-section.

[0345] The five portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the four separators are arranged alternately along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. The five portions of the aerosol-generating substrate are separated from each other by the four separators.

[0346] The first portion 210 of the aerosol-generating substrate and the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating substrate are separated from each other by a first separator 220. The first separator 220 is located between the first portion 210 of the aerosol-generating substrate and the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating substrate. The first separator 220 abuts a proximal end of the first portion 210 of the aerosol-generating substrate and a distal end of the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0347] The second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating substrate and the third portion 214 of the aerosol-generating substrate are separated from each other by a second separator 222. The second separator 222 is located between the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating substrate and the third portion 214 of the aerosol-generating substrate. The second separator 222 abuts a proximal end of the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating substrate and a distal end of the third portion 214 of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0348] The third portion 214 of the aerosol-generating substrate and the fourth portion 216 of the aerosol-generating substrate are separated from each other by a third separator 224. The third separator 224 is located between the third portion 214 of the aerosol-generating substrate and the fourth portion 216 of the aerosol-generating substrate. The third separator 224 abuts a proximal end of the third portion 214 of the aerosol-generating substrate and a distal end of the fourth portion 216 of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0349] The fourth portion 216 of the aerosol-generating substrate and the fifth portion 218 of the aerosol-generating substrate are separated from each other by a fourth separator 226. The fourth separator 226 is located between the fourth portion 216 of the aerosol-generating substrate and the fifth portion 218 of the aerosol-generating substrate. The fourth separator 226 abuts a proximal end of the fourth portion 216 of the aerosol-generating substrate and a distal end of the fifth portion 218 of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0350] The aerosol-generating article 200 includes a first barrier 230 located at a distal end of the aerosol-generating article 200. The first barrier 230 abuts the distal end of the aerosol-generating substrate first portion 210. The first barrier 230 has a substantially circular transverse cross-section. The first barrier 230 is substantially impermeable. The first barrier 230 substantially prevents air from being drawn into the aerosol-generating article 200 through the distal end of the aerosol-generating article 200.

[0351] The aerosol-generating article 200 includes a second barrier 240 located at a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article 200. The second barrier 240 abuts the proximal end of the fifth portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 218. The second barrier 240 has an annular transverse cross-section. The second barrier 240 is substantially impermeable.

[0352] The inner annular surface of the first portion 210 of the aerosol-generating substrate, the first separator 220, the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating substrate, the second separator 222, the third portion 214 of the aerosol-generating substrate, the third separator 224, the fourth portion 216 of the aerosol-generating substrate, the fourth separator 226, the fifth portion 218 of the aerosol-generating substrate, and the second barrier 240 define a hollow cavity 250 extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article 200 from the first barrier 230 to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article 200.

[0353] 4A and 4B show an aerosol generating system according to a first embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, comprising an aerosol generating article 200 and an aerosol generating device 300 according to the second embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention shown in FIG.

[0354] The aerosol generating device 300 comprises a housing defining a device cavity configured to receive the aerosol generating article 200, a number of heating elements 310, 312, 314, 316, 318 positioned around the periphery of the device cavity, and a mouthpiece 320.

[0355] The aerosol generating device 300 further includes a power source (not shown) in the form of a battery, such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery, and a control circuit (not shown) that controls the supply of power from the battery to the multiple heating elements 310, 312, 314, 316, 318.

[0356] 4A and 4B show an aerosol-generating article 200 received within a cavity of an aerosol-generating device 300. FIG.

[0357] The plurality of heating elements comprises five heating elements: a first heating element 310, a second heating element 312, a third heating element 314, a fourth heating element 316, and a fifth heating element 318. Each of the five heating elements is configured to heat a different one of five portions of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article 200.

[0358] The five heating elements 310, 312, 314, 316, 318 may be configured to heat the five portions of the aerosol-generating substrates 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 of the aerosol-generating article 200 to the same temperature or to different temperatures.

[0359] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the multiple heating elements are arranged such that when the aerosol-generating article 200 is received within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device 300, each of the five heating elements surrounds the periphery of one of the five portions of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article 200.

[0360] Each of the five heating elements may be activated independently of each other.

[0361] 4A shows the aerosol-generating system during a first inhalation session in which the first heating element 310 of the aerosol-generating device 300 is activated to heat the first portion 210 of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article 200. As indicated by the arrows in FIG. 4A, during the first inhalation session, air is drawn into the aerosol-generating article 200 through the outer annular surface of the first portion 210 of the aerosol-generating substrate. Because the first separator 220 and the first barrier 230 are substantially impermeable, air entering the aerosol-generating article 200 through the outer annular surface of the first portion 210 of the aerosol-generating substrate is preferentially drawn transversely through the first portion 210 of the aerosol-generating substrate into the hollow cavity 250, rather than being drawn longitudinally through the first separator 220 into the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating substrate or longitudinally through the first barrier 230.

[0362] Heating of the first portion 210 of the aerosol-generating article 200 by the first heating element 310 of the aerosol-generating device 300 releases volatile compounds from the non-tobacco plant material within the first portion 210 of the aerosol-generating substrate, which become entrained in air as it is drawn through the first portion 210 of the aerosol-generating substrate and into the hollow cavity 250. The air and the entrained compounds are drawn along the hollow cavity 250 to form an aerosol, which exits the aerosol-generating article 200 through the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article 200 and is delivered to the user through the mouthpiece 320 of the aerosol-generating device 300.

[0363] As shown by the arrows in FIG. 4A, the aerosol generated through heating of the first portion 210 of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article 200 by the first heating element 310 of the aerosol-generating device 300 during the first inhalation session is delivered to the user without being drawn off by any of the other portions 212, 214, 216, 218 of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article 200.

[0364] 4B shows the aerosol-generating system during a subsequent second inhalation session in which the second heating element 312 of the aerosol-generating device 300 is activated to heat the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article 200. As indicated by the arrows in FIG. 4B, during the second inhalation session, air is drawn into the aerosol-generating article 200 through the outer annular surface of the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating substrate. Because the first separator 220 and the second separator 222 are substantially impermeable, air entering the aerosol-generating article 200 through the outer annular surface of the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating substrate is preferentially drawn transversely through the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating substrate into the hollow cavity 250, rather than longitudinally through the second separator 222 to the third portion 214 of the aerosol-generating substrate or longitudinally through the first separator 220 to the first portion 210 of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0365] Heating of the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating article 200 by the second heating element 312 of the aerosol-generating device 300 releases nicotine and other volatile compounds from the tobacco material within the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating substrate, which become entrained in air as it is drawn through the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating substrate and into the hollow cavity 250. The air and the entrained compounds are drawn along the hollow cavity 250 to form an aerosol, which exits the aerosol-generating article 200 through the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article 200 and is delivered to the user through the mouthpiece 320 of the aerosol-generating device 300.

[0366] As shown by the arrow in FIG. 4B, the aerosol generated through heating of the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article 200 by the second heating element 312 of the aerosol-generating device 300 during the second inhalation session is delivered to the user without being drawn into any of the other portions 210, 214, 216, 218 of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article 200.

[0367] Aerosol may similarly be generated through heating of the third portion 214 of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article 200 by the third heating element 314 of the aerosol-generating device 300 during a third inhalation session, through heating of the fourth portion 216 of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article 200 by the fourth heating element 316 of the aerosol-generating device 300 during a fourth inhalation session, and through heating of the fifth portion 218 of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article 200 by the first heating element 318 of the aerosol-generating device 300 during a fifth inhalation session.

[0368] Thereby, multiple portions 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article 200 can be consumed sequentially.

[0369] Because the aerosol generated through heating of each of the multiple portions 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article 200 in each inhalation session is delivered to the user without being drawn through other portions of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article 200, use of the aerosol-generating article may advantageously be interrupted and then resumed by the user without compromising the delivery performance and taste of the aerosol delivered during each inhalation session.

[0370] In the aerosol-generating system according to the first embodiment of the second aspect of the invention shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article 200 are consumed sequentially from a distal end of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate to a proximal end of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments of the second aspect of the invention (not shown), the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article may be consumed sequentially from a proximal end of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate to a distal end of the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0371] 4A and 4B, in the aerosol-generating system according to the first embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the aerosol-generating article 200 comprises a second barrier 240. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments of the second aspect of the invention (not shown), the second barrier may be omitted.

[0372] Of course, in other embodiments of the second aspect of the invention (not shown), the aerosol generating device may include a second barrier, for example, the aerosol generating device 300 may include an impermeable annular lip or sheet located at the proximal end of the device cavity.

[0373] Figure 5 shows an aerosol-generating article 400 according to a third embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. The aerosol-generating article 400 according to the third embodiment of the first aspect of the invention shown in Figure 3 is of similar construction to the first embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 100 according to the first embodiment of the first aspect of the invention shown in Figure 1, and like reference numerals have been used in Figures 1 and 3 to denote like parts.

[0374] The aerosol-generating article 400 according to the third embodiment of the first aspect of the invention shown in Figure 3 differs from the aerosol-generating article 100 according to the first embodiment of the first aspect of the invention shown in Figure 1 in that in the aerosol-generating article 400 according to the third embodiment of the first aspect of the invention shown in Figure 3, the first barrier 130 is not located at the distal end of the aerosol-generating article 400. Instead, the aerosol-generating article 400 according to the third embodiment of the first aspect of the invention shown in Figure 3 comprises a plug 410 of cellulose acetate tow located at the distal end of the aerosol-generating article. The plug 410 is located upstream of the first barrier 130.

[0375] The first barrier 130 substantially prevents air from being drawn through the plug 410 and into the first portion 110 of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0376] The specific embodiments and examples described above are illustrative of the invention but do not limit it, it being understood that other embodiments of the invention may be made and that the specific embodiments and examples described herein are not exhaustive.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol-generating article having a proximal end and a distal end, a plurality of portions of an aerosol-generating substrate arranged in series along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article; a first barrier positioned between the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article; one or more separators; the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate separated from each other by at least one of the one or more separators; The aerosol-generating article, wherein the first barrier and the one or more separators are substantially impermeable.

2. 2. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises three or more portions of the aerosol-generating substrate.

3. 3. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate in the series is separated from other portions of the aerosol-generating substrate in the series by at least one of the one or more separators.

4. 3. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of portions of aerosol-generating substrate comprises n portions of aerosol-generating substrate, and the aerosol-generating article comprises n-1 separators.

5. 3. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the first barrier is located at the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

6. 3. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, further comprising a second barrier positioned between the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article, the second barrier being substantially impermeable to air.

7. 3. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, further comprising a hollow cavity extending along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the one or more separators are positioned around the periphery of the hollow cavity.

8. 8. The aerosol-generating article of claim 7, wherein the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the one or more separators have a substantially annular cross-section, and the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the one or more separators surround the hollow cavity.

9. 9. The aerosol-generating article of claim 8, wherein the hollow cavity is defined by portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the inner annular surfaces of the one or more separators.

10. 8. The aerosol-generating article of claim 7, further comprising a hollow tubular element extending along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, the hollow cavity being defined by an inner surface of the hollow tubular element.

11. 11. The aerosol-generating article of claim 10, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises a breathable wall surrounding the hollow cavity.

12. 3. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate has substantially the same composition.

13. 3. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises at least two portions of the aerosol-generating substrate having different compositions.

14. 3. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating substrate comprise tobacco material.

15. 3. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, further comprising a breathable wrapper surrounding the portions of the aerosol-generating substrate and the one or more separators.

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