Tobacco medium and aerosol-generating article comprising the same

Abstract

To provide a tobacco medium capable of increasing an amount of nicotine transfer even at a low temperature and a low pH.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a tobacco medium and an aerosol-generating article including the same, and more specifically to a tobacco medium for use in a non-combustible aerosol-generating article. The present invention is directed to a tobacco medium including a pulverized tobacco material and a pH adjuster, such that the tobacco medium includes at least 70 wt.% of the pulverized tobacco material on a dry weight basis, the pulverized tobacco material includes at least 4 wt.% of nicotine on a dry weight basis, the tobacco medium includes at least 2.8 wt.% of nicotine on a dry weight basis, and a PH of the tobacco medium is in the range from 6 and 9.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Relates to a tobacco medium containing a tobacco substance and an aerosol generating article containing the tobacco medium.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional combustible tobacco, which is smoked by lighting a fire, heats tobacco leaves at a temperature of about 800°C to 850°C, whereas non-combustible (e.g., heat-not-burn) tobacco generates an aerosol at a relatively low temperature. For example, non-combustible tobacco is heated by a device at a temperature of about 280°C to 350°C to generate an aerosol.

[0003] Non-combustible tobacco can be distinguished into heated tobacco and unheated tobacco, and in both unheated tobacco and heated tobacco, it is important to smoothly transfer nicotine at a lower temperature. Specifically, in the case of unheated tobacco, nicotine transfer must occur smoothly without applying heat, and in the case of heated tobacco, nicotine transfer must occur smoothly at a lower temperature in order to miniaturize the device and minimize battery consumption.

[0004] Accordingly, there are many conventional techniques for alkalizing and providing tobacco raw materials in order to smoothly transfer nicotine under low heating temperature or unheated conditions. Nicotine in tobacco substances exists in the form of a salt and is difficult to vaporize at a low temperature, so alkalizing it enables smooth provision to users in the form of free-base nicotine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The more the tobacco raw material is alkalized, the more the generation of abnormal odor increases, and the storability of nicotine in the raw material decreases due to the volatilization of free-base nicotine, which is the result of alkalization.

[0007] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a tobacco medium capable of increasing the transfer amount of nicotine even at a low temperature and a low pH.

[0008] The problems to be solved in the examples are not limited to this, and it can be said that the objects or effects that can be grasped from the means for solving the problems or the embodiments described below are also included.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The tobacco medium according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pulverized tobacco substance and a pH adjuster, the tobacco medium includes 70% by weight or more of the pulverized tobacco substance based on the dry weight, the pulverized tobacco substance includes 4% by weight or more of nicotine based on the dry weight, the tobacco medium includes 2.8% by weight or more of nicotine based on the dry weight, and the pH of the tobacco medium is in the range of 6 to 9.

[0010] In an aerosol generating article including the tobacco medium according to an embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco medium includes a pulverized tobacco substance and a pH adjuster, the tobacco medium includes 70% by weight or more of the pulverized tobacco substance based on the dry weight, the pulverized tobacco substance includes 4% by weight or more of nicotine based on the dry weight, the tobacco medium includes 2.8% by weight or more of nicotine based on the dry weight, and the pH of the tobacco medium is 6 to 9.

Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a tobacco medium that can smooth the transfer of nicotine, reduce the abnormal odor generated by alkalization, and reduce the loss rate of nicotine during storage even at relatively low temperatures and low pH values without further replenishing nicotine salts.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] The tobacco medium according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a ground tobacco substance and a pH regulator, the tobacco medium includes 70% by weight or more of the ground tobacco substance based on the dry weight, the ground tobacco substance includes 4% by weight or more of nicotine based on the dry weight, the tobacco medium includes 2.8% by weight or more of nicotine based on the dry weight, and the pH of the tobacco medium is in the range of 6 to 9.

[0014] The tobacco medium may be included in a non-combustible aerosol generating article.

[0015] The heating temperature of the article may be 30°C to 180°C.

[0016] The tobacco medium may be manufactured in the form of plate-like leaves or granules.

[0017] The form of the granules may be a structure including a core and a shell surrounding the core.

[0018] The tobacco medium may further include a coating layer on the outer contour of the plate-like leaves or the granular medium.

[0019] The coating layer may contain voids.

[0020] The tobacco medium according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pulverized tobacco substance and a pH adjuster, the tobacco medium includes 70% by weight or more of the pulverized tobacco substance based on the dry weight, the pulverized tobacco substance includes 4% by weight or more of nicotine based on the dry weight, the tobacco medium includes 2.8% by weight or more of nicotine based on the dry weight, and the pH of the tobacco medium is in the range of 6 to 9.

[0021] In an aerosol-generating article containing the tobacco medium according to an embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco medium includes a pulverized tobacco substance and a pH adjuster, the tobacco medium includes 70% by weight or more of the pulverized tobacco substance based on the dry weight, the pulverized tobacco substance includes 4% by weight or more of nicotine based on the dry weight, the tobacco medium includes 2.8% by weight or more of nicotine based on the dry weight, and the pH of the tobacco medium is in the range of 6 to 9.

[0022] When the aerosol-generating article is heated at a heating temperature, it can generate an aerosol without combustion.

[0023] The heating temperature of the article may be in the range of 30°C to 180°C.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached technology, the present invention will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement it. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0025] The terms used in this application are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be construed as precluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features or numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined as in a commonly used dictionary should be construed to have a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art and should not be construed in an idealized or overly formal sense unless clearly defined in this application.

[0027] Also, it goes without saying that the drawings attached to this application are for embodying the present invention and do not limit or restrict the scope of the rights. What can be easily inferred by an expert in the technical field from the drawings and the following detailed description is construed to belong to the scope of the rights.

[0028] As an example, the present invention relates to a tobacco medium contained in an aerosol-generating article, specifically to a tobacco medium contained in a non-combustible aerosol-generating article.

[0029] In the present invention, the "non-combustible aerosol-generating article" can be referred to as a non-combustible tobacco or a non-combustible tobacco article. By way of example, the non-combustible aerosol-generating article may be a heated aerosol-generating article or a non-heated aerosol-generating article.

[0030] As an example, a heated aerosol generating article may be an article that generates an aerosol using air heated by electric energy, and a user may smoke by inhaling the aerosol released from the article. Generally, an aerosol generating article includes a medium part and a filter part, and the medium part may contain a tobacco medium.

[0031] As an example, the non-combustible aerosol generating article of the present invention can provide sufficient nicotine without an unpleasant odor even at a low temperature (for example, 30°C to 180°C).

[0032] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating article (100) may include a tobacco rod (110) and a filter rod (120).

[0034] As an example, the filter rod (120) may be composed of a single segment or a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod (120) may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. Optionally, the filter rod (120) may further include more segments for performing other functions. It may further include more segments.

[0035] As an example, the tobacco rod (110) and the filter rod (120) may be wrapped by one or more wrappers (130). At least one hole through which outside air flows in or inside air flows out may be formed in the wrapper (130). As another example, when two or more wrappers (130) are used, the tobacco rod (110) may be wrapped by the first wrapper and the filter rod (120) may be wrapped by the second wrapper. Further, the tobacco rod (110) and the filter rod (120) wrapped by individual wrappers may be joined and the whole cigarette may be repackaged by the third wrapper. As still another example, as described above, when the filter rod (120) is composed of a plurality of segments, the segments may be wrapped by respective wrappers. Thereafter, the whole cigarette may be repackaged by another wrapper.

[0036] In the present invention, the "tobacco medium" may be an aerosol product substance that releases a volatile compound when heated. The tobacco medium includes a pH regulator and a tobacco substance containing nicotine such as tobacco leaves, and may further include excipients such as a binder or other additives.

[0037] As an example, the tobacco medium of the present invention may include a pulverized tobacco substance and a pH regulator.

[0038] As an example, the tobacco medium may be manufactured in the form of granules or plate-like leaves containing a tobacco substance and an excipient.

[0039] In the present invention, the "tobacco substance" is a substance that forms an aerosol generating base material, and may be a tobacco leaf piece, a tobacco stem, tobacco dust generated during tobacco processing, and / or a strip of the main leaf piece of a tobacco leaf. The tobacco leaf may be at least one selected from among yellow species, burley species, oriental species, cigar leaves, and toast, but is not limited thereto.

[0040] In the present invention, the "pH adjuster" may be used to alkalize nicotine in the form of a salt present in tobacco substances to convert it into free-base nicotine. In the nicotine salt state, it is difficult to vaporize or aerosolize at a low temperature. Therefore, by alkalizing it with a pH adjuster, it can be converted into the form of free-base nicotine and transmitted to the user.

[0041] As an example, the tobacco medium may contain ground tobacco substances and a pH adjuster. The tobacco medium contains 70% by weight or more of ground tobacco substances based on the dry weight, and the ground tobacco substances may contain 4% by weight or more of nicotine based on the dry weight. That is, the tobacco medium may contain 2.8% by weight or more of nicotine based on the dry weight. The pH of the tobacco medium may be in the range of 6 to 9.

[0042] As an example, by alkalizing the tobacco substances with a pH adjuster in the tobacco medium, nicotine present in the salt state is converted into free-base nicotine, and by increasing the vapor pressure thereby, the transfer of nicotine can be smoothly carried out even under relatively low temperature conditions.

[0043] As an example, by using the above-described tobacco medium, the transfer amount of nicotine can be increased at a relatively low temperature. The tobacco medium may be filled in a non-combustion aerosol generating article, and the non-combustion aerosol generating article may be heated by a device at a heating temperature of 30°C to 180°C. It may be heated by a device.

[0044] Therefore, even if a temperature much lower than that of a normal heating device is applied to the tobacco medium, the loss or off-odor of nicotine during storage can be minimized, and a sufficient amount of nicotine can be transferred.

[0045] Specifically, the tobacco material according to one embodiment can contain a relatively high content of nicotine, whereby a sufficient amount of free-base nicotine can be provided even at a relatively low temperature. In this regard, the tobacco material of the present invention can be usefully used in a non-heated aerosol generating article or a heated aerosol generating article with a low heating temperature, enabling miniaturization of the device and minimizing battery consumption.

[0046] Also, the tobacco material according to one embodiment can contain a relatively high content of nicotine, whereby a sufficient amount of free-base nicotine can be provided even at a relatively low pH. By applying a relatively low pH, it is possible to reduce the abnormal odor generated during the conversion to free-base nicotine and reduce the loss rate of nicotine during storage. For example, even when using a relatively small amount of a pH adjuster, a sufficient amount of free-base nicotine can be provided.

[0047] As one embodiment, the tobacco medium of the present invention contains 70% by weight or more, preferably 75% by weight or more, more preferably 80% by weight or more of the ground tobacco material based on the dry weight, and may contain an excipient containing a pH adjuster. If the tobacco material is contained in the tobacco medium below the above-described range and the content of the excipient is excessively high, there may be a problem because a sufficient amount of nicotine cannot be provided to the user.

[0048] As one embodiment, the ground tobacco material contained in the tobacco medium of the present invention may contain 4% by weight or more of nicotine based on the dry weight. As one embodiment, the ground tobacco material contained in the tobacco medium of the present invention may contain a relatively high content of nicotine. For example, it may be 4.5% by weight or more, or 5% by weight or more, or 5.5% by weight or more based on the dry weight.

[0049] As an example, the tobacco medium of the present invention may contain 2.8% by weight or more of nicotine based on dry weight. For example, the tobacco medium of the present invention may be 3.15% by weight or more, or 3.5% by weight or more, or 3.85% by weight or more based on dry weight.

[0050] As described above, the present invention can provide a high nicotine transfer amount with a relatively small amount of pH adjuster by using a tobacco substance containing a relatively high content of nicotine. Also, even when the same amount of pH adjuster is used, a low pH can be maintained, and the content of free-base nicotine is high even at a relatively low pH. As a result, nicotine transfer can be smoothly performed, off-odor can be reduced, and the amount lost as free-base nicotine during storage can be decreased.

[0051] As an example, the tobacco substance of the present invention is obtained by pulverizing leaf tobacco of a species having a relatively high nicotine content, and can also be obtained by pulverizing leaf tobacco in which various species are mixed.

[0052] As an example, the pH of the tobacco medium containing a pH adjuster is 6 to 9, preferably 6 to 8, and more preferably 6 to 7.

[0053] By including a tobacco substance having a relatively high nicotine content, the tobacco medium of the present invention can smoothly transfer nicotine even in the neutral and relatively weakly basic pH ranges described above.

[0054] Examples of the pH adjuster may include one or more basic inorganic salts selected from the group consisting of alkali metal carbonates, alkaline earth metal carbonates, alkali metal hydrogen carbonates, alkaline earth metal hydrogen carbonates, alkali metal hydroxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, alkali metal phosphates, alkaline earth metal phosphates, alkali metal monohydrogen phosphates, and alkaline earth metal monohydrogen phosphates.

[0055] As an example, the non-combustible aerosol generating article may be filled with the tobacco medium of the present invention. The non-combustible aerosol generating article may include a non-heated aerosol generating article that does not apply heat and a heated aerosol generating article that applies a relatively low temperature. As an example, the heated aerosol generating article of the present invention may be an article that applies a temperature even lower than that of a normal heated aerosol generating article.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the heating temperature of the device of the aerosol generating article of the present invention may be in the range of 30°C to 180°C. For example, the temperature received by the medium during heating may be 100°C to 180°C, or may be 150°C to 180°C. The heating temperature may be 30°C or higher.

[0057] The tobacco medium of the present invention described above includes a pulverized tobacco substance and a pH regulator. The tobacco medium includes 70% by weight or more of the pulverized tobacco substance based on the dry weight, and the pulverized tobacco substance includes 4% by weight or more of nicotine based on the dry weight. That is, the tobacco medium includes 2.8% by weight or more of nicotine based on the dry weight. Also, the pH of the tobacco medium may be 6 to 9. By including such a tobacco substance with a high nicotine content in this way, it is possible to smoothly provide nicotine transfer even at a relatively low temperature. Therefore, the tobacco medium of the present invention can be used in the heated aerosol generating article and the non-heated aerosol generating article as described above.

[0058] As an example, the tobacco medium of the present invention described above is not limited to a specific form. For example, the tobacco medium may be manufactured in the form of reconstituted tobacco leaves or granules.

[0059] As an example, the form of the reconstituted tobacco leaves may mean cut tobacco obtained by finely cutting a sheet of reconstituted tobacco leaves, and as another example, it may mean a plurality of tobacco sticks obtained by shredding a sheet of reconstituted tobacco leaves.

[0060] For example, the sheet of the plate-shaped leaf is produced by pulverizing tobacco raw materials such as tobacco leaf pieces, tobacco stems, and / or tobacco fine powder generated during tobacco processing to produce a slurry in which aerosol product substances, flavoring liquids, binders, water, etc. are mixed. Thereafter, after forming a sheet of the plate-shaped leaf using the slurry, a tobacco stick can be produced by cutting or shredding the dried sheet of the plate-shaped leaf. On the other hand, when producing the slurry, natural pulp or cellulose can be added, and one or more binders can be mixed and used.

[0061] As an example, the form of the granule may be constituted in a single-layer form, or may be constituted in a multilayer structure including a core and a shell surrounding the core. Specifically, the form of the granule having a core-shell structure can be constituted by a "core" formed by spheroidizing a pulverized tobacco substance or the like and a "shell" surrounding it. The shell can have one or more layers.

[0062] Figure 2 schematically shows an example of a case where the tobacco medium according to an embodiment of the present invention is constituted by a granular medium having a core-shell structure. to be.

[0063] The granular tobacco medium (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a double structure composed of one core (210) and one shell (220) as shown in Fig. 2(a), or may be a triple structure composed of a core (210) and a two-layer shell (220, 230) as shown in Fig. 2(b), and may be a triple structure or more composed of a core (210) and a three-layer shell (220, 230, 240) as shown in Fig. 2(c), or may be a multiple structure more than that.

[0064] As an example, the core-shell structure of the present invention can be manufactured by methods commonly used in the relevant technical field. By way of example, the core may be manufactured by spheronizing cut tobacco raw materials, and preferably may be formed by an atomizing process such as spray chilling.

[0065] Thereafter, such a core may be layered with powder to form a shell surrounding the core. Preferably, core particles may be dispersed in a substance constituting the shell in a molten state to form a core-shell structure.

[0066] As an example, the tobacco medium of the present invention may further include a coating layer on the outer surface. By way of example, the tobacco medium of the present invention may be manufactured in the form of plate-shaped leaves or granules, and may include a coating layer surrounding the plate-shaped leaves or granular medium. When a coating layer is further included, the hardness of the tobacco medium can be improved and the manufacturing workability can be enhanced. Substances that can constitute the coating layer can be used without limitation. Binder substances may include, for example, one or more selected from the group consisting of alginates; celluloses such as methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, ethylhydroxyethylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose; dextran; gums; gum derivatives such as hydroxyethyl guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum, hydroxyethyl locust bean gum and hydroxypropyl locust bean gum; pectins such as fruit pectin, citrus pectin and tobacco pectin; starches such as modified or derivatized starch; pullulan; and konjac powder.

[0067] As an example, it is preferable that the coating layer has pores in the tobacco medium of the present invention to increase the transfer amount of nicotine from the tobacco substances contained therein.

[0068] As an example, a heat-not-burn tobacco (i.e., an aerosol-generating article that is heated rather than burned) may be filled with the medium of the present invention. The medium is preferably included in a roll-up tobacco that is indirectly heated by electrical energy.

[0069] As an example, a roll-up tobacco containing the tobacco medium of the present invention may be inserted into an aerosol-generating article including a heater. When the roll-up tobacco is heated by the heater, an aerosol is generated from the tobacco medium and can be inhaled by a user.

[0070] As an example, the tobacco medium of the present invention may include a pulverized tobacco substance and an excipient, and the excipient may include, but is not limited to, a pH adjuster excluding the tobacco substance, a binder, an aerosol former, and other additives.

[0071] As an example, the binder is a substance that can increase hardness by well binding a pulverized tobacco substance or the like, and can be used without limitation as long as it is a substance known in the art as described above. For example, alginate; cellulose such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, and carboxymethyl cellulose ; dextran; gum; gum derivatives such as hydroxyethyl guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum, hydroxyethyl locust bean gum, and hydroxypropyl locust bean gum; pectin such as fruit pectin, citrus pectin, and tobacco pectin; starch such as modified or derivatized starch; pullulan; and konjac powder, and may include one or more selected from the group consisting of.

[0072] As an example, an aerosol-forming agent is a substance that volatilizes when heated to a specific volatilization temperature or higher and enables nicotine or the like to be transmitted to the aerosol. Examples include monohydric alcohols such as menthol; polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, erythritol, propylene glycol, and glycerol; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate; aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids such as diethyl suberate, dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, ethyl laurate, lauryl acetate, and triethyl citrate; benzyl benzoate; benzyl phenylacetate; ethyl vanillate; lauric acid; myristic acid; propylene carbonate; and tributyrin, and may include one or more selected from the group consisting of these, but are not limited thereto.

[0073] As one embodiment, the excipient contained in the tobacco medium of the present invention may further include, as other additives, one or more selected from the group consisting of a wetting agent, a plasticizer, a flavoring agent, tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0074] As an example, a wetting agent is a substance for maintaining a preferable level of moisture in the tobacco medium and may include, but is not limited to, glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0075] As an example, a plasticizer is a formulation that softens a substance and enhances its moldability. For example, it may include one or more selected from the group consisting of triacetin, dibutyl phthalate, dibutyl sebacate, diethyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, acetyl tributyl citrate, acetyl triethyl citrate, diacetylated monoglyceride, dibutyl sebacate, mineral oil, benzyl benzoate, chlorobutanol, glycerol monostearate, lanolin alcohol, and a cellulose acetate phthalate compatible plasticizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0076] As an example, the flavoring agent can also be referred to as a fragrance agent and may be a preparation that imparts taste and / or aroma to the aerosol generated from tobacco substances. It may include, but is not limited to, licorice, sucrose, fructose syrup, isosweet, cocoa, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, coriander, cascarilla, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, mint oil, caraway, cognac, jasmine, chamomile, menthol, cinnamon, ylang-ylang, sage, spearmint, ginger, coriander or coffee.

[0077] As an example, it may include tobacco cellulose fibers as tobacco fibers and non-tobacco cellulose fibers as non-tobacco fibers. By including cellulose fibers, the tensile strength of the tobacco medium can advantageously be increased. As an example, suitable non-tobacco cellulose fibers are known in the art and may include, but are not limited to, one or more selected from the group consisting of hardwood fibers, softwood fibers, jute fibers, and linen fibers.

[0078] One embodiment of the present invention can provide an aerosol-generating article including the above-described tobacco medium. Specifically, the aerosol-generating article of the present invention may be a non-combustible aerosol-generating article. Generally, it may include a filter part and a medium part, and the tobacco medium of the present invention may be included in the medium part.

[0079] As an example, the aerosol-generating article may generally be manufactured in a cylindrical shape, and those having a diameter in the range of 5 mm to 8 mm are preferable in terms of having a form and size similar to that of a conventional combustible tobacco, but are not limited thereto. Also, as an example, the filter part included in the aerosol-generating article may be in a form commonly used in the technical field to which the present invention belongs.

[0080] Hereinafter, examples will be given for a specific description of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the following examples, and % in the following examples means weight % unless otherwise specified.

[0081] <Example>

[0082] 1. Comparison of characteristics of tobacco media according to the pH of tobacco media containing the same tobacco substance

[0083] (1) Production of tobacco medium and measurement of pH

[0084] A tobacco medium was produced using ground tobacco substances having the same nicotine content. Tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, etc. were ground, and potassium carbonate as a basic pH regulator, glycerol as an aerosol former, hydroxyethyl guar gum as a binder, water for granule formation, and a solvent of ethanol were included as shown in the composition of Table 1 below to produce a slurry, and then granules were formed. The ground tobacco substances contained in granules (a) and (b) have a nicotine content of about 2.9% by weight.

[0085]

Table 1

[0086] At room temperature (about 25 °C), the pH of granules (a) and (b) was measured using a pH meter. Granule (a) had a pH of 7.54 and granule (b) had a pH of 8.87.

[0087] For each granule, the content of free-base nicotine was calculated using the following Henderson-Hasselbalch equation (1). The content of free-base nicotine in the total nicotine content of granule (a) was 24.87% by weight, and the content of free-base nicotine in the total nicotine content of granule (b) was 87.62% by weight.

[0088]

Equation

[0089] (According to the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation (pKa value is 8.02))

[0090] (2) Measurement of nicotine delivery and sensory evaluation

[0091] A stick containing the tobacco medium produced in the above 1.(1) (i.e., tobacco) was produced. The stick was heated at a temperature of about 70°C, and the nicotine delivery (mg / 10 puff) was measured during 10 puffs. The stick was scored on a 7-point scale for off-odor, irritation, and overall palatability during smoking, and the average value was described in Table 2 below.

[0092] The off-odor during smoking means a taste or aroma that does not harmonize with the original taste or aroma of tobacco and reduces the value of the product. The lower the score, the weaker the user feels such a taste or aroma during smoking.

[0093] Irritation means a tingling, scratching, or stabbing feeling in the neck, nose, mouth, etc. 1 second after inhalation. The lower the irritation, the lower the score.

[0094] The overall taste of tobacco was evaluated such that the higher the preference for tobacco based on the overall flavor of tobacco felt after inhalation, the higher the score (i.e., closer to 7 points).

[0095] That is, the lower the sensory evaluation score for off-odor and irritation, the better the evaluation result. Conversely, the higher the sensory evaluation score for the overall taste of tobacco, the better the evaluation result.

[0096]

Table 2

[0097] As a result, even when the nicotine content of the crushed tobacco substance was the same, the stick containing the tobacco medium with a high pH had a higher free-base nicotine content, and a large amount of nicotine was transmitted even at a low temperature. Also, even when using the crushed tobacco substance in the same manner, it was found that the stick containing the tobacco medium (granule (b)) with a high pH had a stronger off-odor and irritation during smoking and received a low score for the overall taste of the tobacco.

[0098] (3) Evaluation of nicotine storage property

[0099] The tobacco medium produced in the above 1.(1) was evaluated for nicotine storage property. It was observed for about 8 weeks under two storage conditions: the state where the medium was open (OPEN) at room temperature and the state where it was sealed in a plastic bag. The results are shown in Table 3 below.

[0100] [Table 3]

[0101] As a result, the tobacco medium (granule (b)) with a high pH showed a higher nicotine reduction rate after 8 weeks.

[0102] 2. Comparison of characteristics of tobacco media containing different tobacco substances

[0103] (1) Production of tobacco medium and measurement of pH

[0104] Granular tobacco media containing tobacco substances with a high nicotine content were produced (Example 1 and Example 2). Flue-cured tobacco with a nicotine content of about 6.4% by weight was crushed, and as described in 1.(1) above, potassium carbonate as a basic pH regulator, glycerol as an aerosol former, hydroxyethyl guar gum as a binder, water for granule formation, and a solvent of ethanol were included as shown in the composition of Table 4 below to produce a slurry, and then granules were formed.

[0105] In the case of Comparative Example 1, a ground tobacco substance having a nicotine content of about 2.9% by weight was included, and after a slurry was produced in the same manner as described above, granules were formed.

[0106]

Table 4

[0107] When the pH of each of the tobacco media of Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 1 was measured with a pH meter at room temperature (about 25°C), the pH of Example 1 was 6.6, the pH of Example 2 was 7.3, and the pH of Comparative Example 1 was 7.3. Although the content of the pH regulator in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 was the same, Comparative Example 1 showed a higher pH and was measured to be 7.3, the same as the pH of Example 2.

[0108] Based on this, for each tobacco medium, the content of free-base nicotine was calculated using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation of Equation 1 above. As a result of the calculation, the content of free-base nicotine in the total nicotine content of Example 1 was 6.6% by weight, and the content of free-base nicotine in the total nicotine content of Example 2 and Comparative Example 1 was 16% by weight.

[0109] (2) Measurement of nicotine delivery amount

[0110] Sticks containing the tobacco media of Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example produced in 2.(1) above were produced. Each stick was filled with 400 mg of the tobacco medium, and a temperature of about 70°C was applied and the nicotine delivery amount (mg / 10 puffs) was measured while proceeding for 10 puffs. The amount of free-base nicotine was calculated and described in Table 5 below.

[0111]

Table 5

[0112] As a result, a higher nicotine transfer amount was shown in Example 1 with a low pH. Also, although Comparative Example 1 and Example 2 had the same pH, Example 2 showed a higher nicotine transfer amount than Comparative Example 1.

[0113] Compared with the case of Comparative Example 1 containing a normal tobacco substance with a nicotine content of 0.1 to 3.5% by weight, when a tobacco raw material containing a high-content nicotine of 4% by weight or more as in the examples is used, more nicotine can be transferred at a lower pH, and it can be seen that there are advantages in terms of off-odor and storability.

[0114] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the examples. However, those skilled in the relevant technical field will understand that the present invention can be variously modified and changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the following claims.

Claims

**Claim 1** A tobacco medium in the form of granules containing a pulverized tobacco substance and a pH regulator, wherein the tobacco medium contains 70% by weight or more of the pulverized tobacco substance based on the dry weight, the pulverized tobacco substance contains 6.4% by weight or more of nicotine based on the dry weight, the tobacco medium contains 2.8% by weight or more of nicotine based on the dry weight, the pH regulator is potassium carbonate, and the pH of the tobacco medium is in the range of 6 to 9. Tobacco medium. **Claim 2** The tobacco medium according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco medium is included in a non-combustible aerosol generating article. **Claim 3** The tobacco medium according to claim 2, wherein the aerosol generating article has a heating temperature of 30°C to 180°C. **Claim 4** The tobacco medium according to claim 1, wherein the form of the granules is a structure including a core and a shell surrounding the core. **Claim 5** The tobacco medium according to claim 3, wherein the tobacco medium further includes a coating layer on the outer contour of the granules. **Claim 6** The tobacco medium according to claim 5, wherein the coating layer includes voids for increasing the transfer amount of nicotine from the tobacco substance. **Claim 7** An aerosol generating article containing a tobacco medium, wherein the tobacco medium is in the form of granules containing a pulverized tobacco substance and a pH regulator, the tobacco medium contains 70% by weight or more of the pulverized tobacco substance based on the dry weight, the pulverized tobacco substance contains 6.4% by weight or more of nicotine based on the dry weight, the tobacco medium contains 2.8% by weight or more of nicotine based on the dry weight, the pH regulator is potassium carbonate, and the pH of the tobacco medium is in the range of 6 to 9. Aerosol generating article. **Claim 8** The aerosol generating article according to claim 7, wherein when heated at the heating temperature, the aerosol generating article generates an aerosol without combustion. **Claim 9** The aerosol generating article according to claim 8, wherein the heating temperature is in the range of 30°C to 180°C.

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