Sheet material having desiccant properties and its use

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sheet material having desiccant properties, which comprises a base material and a hygroscopic material. The present invention also relates to a pack comprising a sheet material that can be used to hold consumables for use in a non-combustion aerosol supply system. A method of preparing the sheet material and the use of the sheet material are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet material having desiccant properties. In particular, the present invention is proposed for use in the packaging of articles for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system, the articles comprising an aerosol-generating material. Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a pack or package component comprising the sheet material, and to a method for manufacturing the sheet material and the use of the sheet material.

Background Art

[0002] A non-combustible aerosol supply system including a hybrid device may contain an aerosol-generating material that may contain a tobacco material or tobacco extract used to supply an aerosol having the taste and texture of real tobacco to a user.

[0003] One problem encountered in such systems is that the flavor and the content of volatile compounds and nicotine decrease with the storage amount of the aerosol-generating material, especially towards the end of the life of the material. One reason for this decrease is that as the aerosol-generating material absorbs moisture from the environment, the release of active substances such as nicotine and flavor is adversely affected. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the shelf life of the aerosol-generating material. Water can be introduced from the environment, for example due to the humidity of the air.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheet material having desiccant properties and capable of absorbing moisture from the surrounding environment of the sheet material, the sheet material comprising a base material and a hygroscopic material.

[0005] In some embodiments, the sheet material comprises from about 25 to about 70 wt% (DWB) of a hygroscopic material, based on the total weight of the sheet material.

[0006] In some embodiments, the hygroscopic material is selected from the group consisting of oxides, alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts, monosaccharides and disaccharides, sugar alcohols, and polybasic acids and their salts.

[0007] In some embodiments, the hygroscopic material is selected from the group consisting of sodium salts, potassium salts, magnesium salts, calcium salts, ammonium salts, and lithium salts.

[0008] In some embodiments, the hygroscopic material is selected from the group consisting of sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate, sodium chloride, sodium bromide, sodium iodide, potassium nitrite, potassium nitrate, potassium chloride, potassium bromide, potassium iodide, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, ammonium nitrate, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate, ammonium carbonate, calcium chloride, sucrose, fructose, glucose, galactose, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, citric acid and its salts, malic acid and its salts, and succinic acid and its salts.

[0009] In some embodiments, the substrate includes paper, paperboard, or cardboard.

[0010] In some embodiments, the hygroscopic material is a powder incorporated into the substrate.

[0011] In some embodiments, the substrate includes cellulose fibers.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sheet material includes about 25 to about 50 weight% (DWB) cellulose fibers based on the total weight of the substrate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sheet material further includes a binder.

[0014] In some embodiments, the binder is one or more selected from the group consisting of alginate, pectin, starch and its derivatives, polysaccharides, cellulose and its derivatives, gums, silica or silicone compounds, clay, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

[0015] In some embodiments, the sheet material contains a binder in an amount of about 0.05 to about 30% by weight (dry weight basis) based on the total weight of the sheet material.

[0016] In some embodiments, the sheet material is about 20 g / m 2 ~ about 250 g / m 2 and has a basis weight.

[0017] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a thickness of about 30 μm to about 500 μm.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a tensile strength of about 50 N / m to about 900 N / m.

[0019] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a wet tensile strength of about 4 to about 8 N / 15 mm.

[0020] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a flexural resistance of about 100 to about 350 mN as measured using ISO 2493.

[0021] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a moisture content of at most about 10%.

[0022] In a second aspect of the present invention, a pack comprising the sheet material is provided, and the relative humidity within the pack is maintained over time.

[0023] In some embodiments, the relative humidity within the pack is maintained within the range of about 9 to about 14%.

[0024] In some embodiments, the sheet material is incorporated into the pack as a box, an outer frame, an inner frame, an inner packaging material, or an insert.

[0025] In some embodiments, the pack defines a chamber for receiving one or more consumables for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0026] In some embodiments, the pack comprises one or more consumables for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0027] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a sheet material, wherein a hygroscopic material is incorporated during or after forming the sheet from a substrate.

[0028] In some embodiments, the hygroscopic material is applied on at least a portion of at least one surface of the sheet of the substrate.

[0029] In some embodiments, the hygroscopic material is added to the substrate and a mixture is formed into the sheet material.

[0030] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of a sheet material for maintaining the relative humidity within a pack comprising the sheet material.

[0031] In some embodiments, the relative humidity is maintained within a range of about 5% to about 30%.

[0032] In some embodiments, the use of the sheet material is for maintaining the moisture content of a consumable for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system below a desired threshold.

[0033] In some embodiments, the threshold moisture content of the consumable is at most about 11%.

[0034] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0035]

Figure 1

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The present invention relates to a sheet material having desiccant properties, comprising a base material and a hygroscopic material.

[0037] The sheet material can be incorporated into a pack of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material. The desiccant properties of the sheet material mean that the sheet material competes with the aerosol-generating material to absorb moisture from the surrounding environment, and thus reduces the amount of moisture absorbed by the aerosol-generating material, for example during storage or when the pack is opened and exposed to environmental moisture.

[0038] The term desiccant properties refers to properties that induce or maintain a dry state in the vicinity of the sheet material. In the context of the present invention, where the sheet material is intended to be incorporated into a pack of an aerosol-generating article, the vicinity can be defined as the interior of the pack.

[0039] In an embodiment where the sheet material is incorporated into a pack surrounding an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, the sheet material will be in the vicinity of the aerosol-generating material. The desiccant material in the sheet material absorbs moisture from the environment surrounding the aerosol-generating material, thereby reducing the moisture absorption by the aerosol-generating material itself. Thus, the sheet material can maintain the moisture content of the aerosol-generating material and prevent or reduce unwanted moisture absorption by the aerosol-generating material while the aerosol-generating material is placed in the pack or package.

[0040] The storage of aerosol - forming materials for use in current non - combustible aerosol supply systems presents different challenges than the storage of tobacco materials used in conventional combustible smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars. Aerosol - forming materials contain a greater amount of humectants than tobacco materials used in combustible smoking articles. This is because the humectants contribute to the generation or formation of aerosol when the material is heated (without being combusted). In the case of combustible smoking articles, the tobacco material tends to dry during storage. As a result, packages of such articles often contain a moisture - impermeable film to retain moisture inside the package. Some smoking article packages may further include a moisture reservoir that helps maintain the desired moisture content of the tobacco material. Such a moisture reservoir may contain a desiccant material pre - loaded with water, whereby the desiccant material maintains a (high) moisture level within the package by maintaining a moisture balance.

[0041] In contrast, during the storage of aerosol - forming materials for use in non - combustible aerosol supply systems, the materials tend to absorb moisture from the ambient environment. This water uptake is known to be associated with an adverse effect on the release of active substances such as nicotine and flavor from the aerosol - forming material when the aerosol - forming material is consumed. Thus, for aerosol - forming materials for use in non - combustible aerosol supply systems, it is advantageous to protect this material from moisture and reduce the amount of water that can be absorbed during storage.

[0042] In some embodiments, the aerosol - forming material for use in a non - combustible aerosol supply system has a moisture content of from about 10% to about 25% (calculated on a wet weight basis) when measured by gas chromatography - thermal conductivity detector (GC - TCD) or Karl Fischer titration.

[0043] The sheet material of the present invention has desiccant properties, whereby the sheet material competes with the hygroscopic aerosol - forming material for moisture, and thus prevents the aerosol - forming material from absorbing water or reduces the amount of water absorbed.

[0044] In some embodiments, the sheet material is intended to be used by being disposed in the vicinity of an aerosol - generating material for use in a non - combustible aerosol supply system. In some embodiments, the sheet material is in the vicinity of the aerosol - generating material during storage. The sheet material can be used to maintain the quality of the aerosol - generating material and extend the shelf life by providing a desiccant effect.

[0045] Sheet material The sheet material provided by the present invention comprises a paper or cardboard substrate incorporating a hygroscopic material. The hygroscopic material provides the sheet material with the ability to absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. In practice, it is important that the hygroscopic material does not get wet before use so that the sheet material can absorb water.

[0046] The substrate provides the structure of the sheet material and makes the sheet material suitable for use as part of a pack or package. As will be described below, in some embodiments, this enables the incorporation of the hygroscopic material as an integral or structural part of a pack or packing in which the aerosol - generating material is stored.

[0047] Advantages associated with the sheet material of the present invention are that the sheet material is biodegradable, recyclable, or otherwise environmentally friendly, and can be sustainably sourced. The sheet material can replace other low - sustainability materials, non - recyclable materials, and / or non - biodegradable materials, such as plastic films and metal foils, that are conventionally used in packages of consumables containing an aerosol - generating material to protect the aerosol - generating material from moisture.

[0048] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a basis weight of from about 20 g / m 2 ~ about 250 g / m 2 . In some embodiments, the sheet material has a basis weight of at least about 20 g / m 2 and at least about 30 g / m 2, at least about 40 g / m 2 , at least about 50 g / m 2 , at least about 60 g / m 2 , at least about 70 g / m 2 , at least about 80 g / m 2 , at least about 90 g / m 2 , at least about 100 g / m 2 , at least about 125 g / m 2 , at least about 150 g / m 2 , at least about 175 g / m 2 , or at least about 200 g / m 2 has a basis weight. In some embodiments, the sheet material is up to about 250 g / m 2 , up to about 240 g / m 2 , up to about 230 g / m 2 , up to about 220 g / m 2 , up to about 210 g / m 2 , up to about 200 g / m 2 , up to about 190 g / m 2 , up to about 180 g / m 2 , up to about 170 g / m 2 , up to about 160 g / m 2 , up to about 150 g / m 2 , up to about 125 g / m 2 , up to about 100 g / m 2 , up to about 75 g / m 2 , or up to about 50 g / m 2 has a basis weight. The basis weight of the material affects the density of the material and can thus affect the thickness, tensile strength, and bending moment, and can be selected to provide an optimized structural integrity of the sheet material. The basis weight of the material may be measured by any suitable method known in the art, for example, by weighing a known area of the material.

[0049] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a thickness of from about 30 μm to about 500 μm. The thickness of the sheet material may be measured using a microscope such as a scanning electron microscope (SEM) known to those skilled in the art, or any other suitable technique known to those skilled in the art. The thickness of the substrate can contribute to the structural rigidity of the substrate and thus to the structural integrity of the sheet material and any item or pack made therefrom.

[0050] In some cases, the thickness of the sheet material may vary by no more than about 25%, about 20%, about 15%, about 10%, about 5%, or about 1% across the area of the sheet material. This has advantages in embodiments where the sheet material is used as part of a pack or package. The sheet material has a consistent thickness so that the space for the consumable(s) within the pack or package can be predictable and accurate.

[0051] The thickness of the sheet can be determined using ISO 534:2011 "Paper and board - Determination of thickness". The inventors have found that thicker sheet materials may function better in the present invention. This may be because thicker materials provide improved tensile strength and thus sufficient structural integrity for the pack or package material. In addition, the thickness of the sheet material can contribute to the appropriate bending resistance of the sheet material. This means that the shape of the material is retained when the material is bent. Preferably, this provides a shape to the sheet material and / or support material that fits around the aerosol generating device, fits well into the package, and can be handled by the user.

[0052] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a bending resistance of from about 100 to about 350 mN as measured using ISO 2493 in the machine direction (MD), which is the direction of travel during manufacture. In some embodiments, the sheet material has a bending resistance of from about 50 to about 250 mN as measured using ISO 2493 in the cross direction (CD), which is the direction 90° to the MD.

[0053] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a tensile strength of about 50 N / m to about 900 N / m. In some embodiments, the sheet material has a tensile strength of about 50 N / m to about 900 N / m, about 80 N / m to about 860 N / m, about 100 N / m to about 820 N / m, about 140 N / m to about 780 N / m, about 180 N / m to about 720 N / m.

[0054] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a wet tensile strength of about 4 to about 8 N / 15 mm. In some embodiments, the sheet material has a wet tensile strength of about 5 to about 7, or about 6 N / 15 mm. The wet tensile strength can be measured by any means known in the art, and may be measured using an Instron Tensile&Compression tester.

[0055] It is important to select the appropriate thickness, bending strength, tensile strength, and / or wet tensile strength of the sheet material so that the sheet material is strong enough and malleable enough for the intended purpose. For example, a more rigid sheet material (associated with higher thickness, bending moment, tensile strength, and / or wet tensile strength) may be suitable for the pack, so that the sheet is sturdy and does not wrinkle. On the other hand, in embodiments where the sheet material is used as an inner packaging material in which one or more consumables are packaged inside the pack, the sheet material must be malleable enough to fit the shape of the consumable, strong enough to maintain that shape, and not break or otherwise deteriorate.

[0056] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a moisture content of up to about 10%. Such a low moisture content is preferred to ensure that the sheet material absorbs moisture reliably during use.

[0057] In some embodiments, the hygroscopic material is included in the sheet material in an amount of about 25 to about 70 wt% (DWB), based on the total weight of the sheet material. In some embodiments, the hygroscopic material is included in the sheet material in an amount of about 30 to about 65 wt%, about 40 to about 60 wt%, about 50 to about 60 wt%, or about 52 to about 58 wt% (DWB), based on the total weight of the sheet material.

[0058] Hygroscopic material As used herein, the term hygroscopic refers to the characteristic property of readily taking up and retaining moisture. Thus, a hygroscopic material is a material that readily takes up and retains moisture (by absorption or adsorption).

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, the hygroscopic material may be selected from the group consisting of oxides, alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts, monosaccharides and disaccharides, sugar alcohols, and polybasic acids and their salts. The hygroscopic material is selected from the group consisting of sodium salts, potassium salts, magnesium salts, calcium salts, ammonium salts, and lithium salts. The hygroscopic material is selected from the group consisting of magnesium oxide, potassium oxide, copper oxide, aluminum oxide, calcium oxide, sodium hydroxide, diphosphorus pentoxide, silicon oxide, and their salts. In some embodiments, the hygroscopic material is magnesium oxide.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, the hygroscopic material may be selected from the group consisting of sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate, sodium chloride, sodium bromide, sodium iodide, potassium nitrite, potassium nitrate, potassium chloride, potassium bromide, potassium iodide, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, ammonium nitrate, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate, ammonium carbonate, calcium chloride, sucrose, fructose, glucose, galactose, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, citric acid and its salts, malic acid and its salts, and succinic acid and its salts.

[0061] The hygroscopic material can be stored, for example, under low humidity conditions with a humidity of less than about 30% before use or incorporation into the sheet material. In some embodiments, the manufacturing is a wet process followed by drying.

[0062] The sheet material can contain from about 20 to about 80 wt% or from about 30 to 70 wt% of the hygroscopic material (all calculated on a dry weight basis). The sheet material can contain at least about 20 wt%, about 25 wt%, about 30 wt%, about 35 wt%, about 40 wt%, about 45 wt%, about 50 wt%, about 55 wt%, or at least about 60 wt% of the hygroscopic material (all calculated on a dry weight basis). Additionally or alternatively, the sheet material can contain up to about 60 wt%, about 65 wt%, about 70 wt%, about 75 wt%, or up to about 80 wt% of the hygroscopic material (all calculated on a dry weight basis).

[0063] In some embodiments, the hygroscopic material can be a solid material in particulate form, for example, in the form of a free-flowing powder. The hygroscopic material in powder form can be incorporated into the substrate or applied to the surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, the hygroscopic material in powder form can be added to a solvent before being incorporated into the substrate. In such embodiments, the water-containing material can be dissolved or dispersed in the solvent. The solvent can be an aqueous solvent.

[0064] In embodiments where the hygroscopic material is a powder, each particle of the powder can have a maximum dimension. As used herein, the term "maximum dimension" refers to the longest straight-line distance from a point on the surface of a particle of the hygroscopic material or any point on the particle surface to any other surface point on the same particle or particle surface of the hygroscopic material. The maximum dimension of the particles of the particulate tobacco material can be measured using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

[0065] In some embodiments, the maximum dimension of each particle of the hygroscopic material in the sheet material is at most about 800 μm. In some embodiments, the maximum dimension of each particle of the hygroscopic material is at most about 2000 μm. In some embodiments, the hygroscopic dimension of each particle of the tobacco material is from about 200 μm to about 800 μm.

[0066] The population of particles of the hygroscopic material can have a particle size distribution (D90) of at least about 100 μm. In some embodiments, the population of particles of the hygroscopic material has a particle size distribution (D90) of at least 50 μm, at least 60, at least 70 μm, at least 80 μm, at least 90, at least 100 μm, at least 110 μm, at least 120 μm, at least 130 μm. In some embodiments, the population of particles of the hygroscopic material has a particle size distribution (D90) of up to 720 μm, up to 740 μm, up to 760 μm, up to 780 μm, up to 800 μm, up to 820 μm, up to 840 μm, up to 860 μm. Sieving analysis can be used to determine the particle size distribution of the particles of the hygroscopic material.

[0067] Substrate The sheet material comprises a substrate. The substrate can provide the sheet material with the desired or necessary structure and rigidity so as to maintain the shape of the sheet material when the sheet material is deformed, as described herein, for example.

[0068] In some embodiments, the substrate includes paper, paperboard, or cardboard. In some embodiments, the substrate consists of or consists essentially of paper, paperboard, paper-based material, or paper-like material.

[0069] In some embodiments, the hygroscopic material is applied to a paper, paperboard, or cardboard substrate that is already in the form of a sheet. In such embodiments, the hygroscopic material tends to be present on one or more surfaces of the substrate sheet.

[0070] In other embodiments, the hygroscopic material is incorporated into the paper or cardboard when the substrate sheet is manufactured. In these embodiments, the hygroscopic material may be distributed throughout the substrate, for example, uniformly throughout the substrate. In some embodiments, the hygroscopic material may be concentrated on or near the surface of the substrate.

[0071] In embodiments where the hygroscopic material is added to the formed substrate, the substrate is about 20 g / m2 ~ about 90 g / m 2 、 about 25 g / m 2 ~ about 35 g / m 2 、 or about 55 g / m 2 ~ 65 g / m 2 and may have a basis weight (evaluated according to ISO 536). In some embodiments, the basis weight of the sheet-form substrate is at least about 15, at least about 20, at least about 25, at least about 30, at least about 35, at least about 40, at least about 45, at least about 50, at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about 80, at least about 90, at least about 100, at least about 110, at least about 120, at least about 130, at least about 140, at least about 150, at least about 160, at least about 180, at least about 190, at least about 200, at least about 210, at least about 220, at least about 230, at least about 240 g / m 2 is. In some embodiments, the basis weight of the sheet-form substrate is about 250 or less, about 240 or less, about 230 or less, about 220 or less, about 210 or less, about 200 or less, about 190 or less, about 180 or less, about 170 or less, about 160 or less, about 150 or less, about 140 or less, about 130 or less, about 120 or less, about 110 or less, about 100 or less, about 90 or less, about 80 or less, about 70 or less, about 60 or less, about 55 or less, about 50 or less, about 45 or less, about 40 or less, about 35 or less, about 30 g / m 2 or less.

[0072] In some embodiments, the substrate has a thickness of at least about 10 μm. In some cases, the substrate has a thickness of at least about 50 μm, at least about 100 μm. In some cases, the substrate has a maximum thickness of about 100 μm. In some cases, the substrate has a maximum thickness across the area of the substrate of up to about 500 μm, up to about 300 μm, up to about 200 μm, up to about 100 μm, up to about 95 μm, up to about 90 μm, up to about 85 μm, or up to about 80 μm.

[0073] The thickness of the sheet can be determined using ISO 534:2011 "Paper and board - Determination of thickness".

[0074] In some embodiments, the substrate is a porous paper such as airlaid paper. The porous structure of such a paper substrate enables the easy addition of a hygroscopic material to the substrate, either during or after manufacture. The pores within this type of substrate can accommodate and support particulate hygroscopic material, and the binder used to form the airlaid paper can help hold the particles of the hygroscopic material in place. The pores can also provide space around the particles of the hygroscopic material, which can be beneficial as it means there is room for the particles to swell as they absorb moisture, thereby ensuring that the desiccant effect of these particles is not hindered by physical constraints against particle expansion.

[0075] Incorporation of the hygroscopic material into the sheet material In some embodiments, the hygroscopic material is incorporated into the sheet material during manufacture of the sheet from the substrate. In alternative embodiments, the hygroscopic material is added to the sheet of the substrate to form a sheet material having desiccant properties. In some embodiments, the hygroscopic material may be added onto at least a portion of at least one surface of the substrate.

[0076] In some embodiments, the hygroscopic material is added to the components of the substrate when the sheet is formed. These embodiments enjoy the advantage that the hygroscopic material is uniformly incorporated throughout the resulting sheet material. This means that the sheet material has desiccant properties throughout the material.

[0077] In some embodiments, the sheet material includes a fibrous material. In some embodiments, the substrate includes a fibrous material. The fibrous material provides structure and rigidity to the substrate and / or sheet material described herein. In some embodiments, the fibrous material is selected from wood pulp, cellulose fibers, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the sheet or substrate includes fibrous material in an amount of from about 25% to about 50% of the total mass (dry weight basis) of the sheet material. In some embodiments, the sheet or substrate includes fibrous material in an amount of from about 25% to about 50%, from about 30% to about 40%, or from about 30% to about 35% of the total mass (dry weight basis) of the sheet material.

[0078] For example, in some embodiments, the sheet material is formed from a mixture comprising wood pulp or other fibrous material, a binder, and a hygroscopic material. In that case, the mixture is formed into a sheet having desired physical properties such as thickness, basis weight, etc. In some embodiments, the sheet material includes a fibrous material, a binder, and a water-containing material.

[0079] In some embodiments, the sheet material is formed from the above-described mixture comprising a hygroscopic material using conventional methods for forming paper, paperboard, or cardboard, i.e., conventional papermaking processes. In other embodiments, the sheet material may be formed using dry techniques such as to form airlaid materials. In other embodiments, the sheet material may be formed using band casting techniques.

[0080] An advantage of incorporating the hygroscopic material into the sheet of the substrate is that the resulting sheet material is stronger and the likelihood that the hygroscopic material can be separated from the substrate during the manufacture of a pack using the sheet material, or during the transportation or storage of the sheet material or a pack containing such material, can be reduced.

[0081] In some embodiments, the hygroscopic material is applied to at least one surface of the substrate sheet. In some embodiments, the hygroscopic material is applied to the substrate as a coating. In some embodiments, the hygroscopic material or coating is sprayed onto the substrate. The advantage of providing a coating containing the hygroscopic material is that a substrate having known properties such as bending moment and tensile strength can be used. Further, the positioning of the hygroscopic material on the surface of the substrate means that there is sufficient space for the hygroscopic material to expand when it absorbs moisture. Also, since it is exposed to moisture more than the hygroscopic material embedded or partially embedded in the substrate, it will absorb moisture more easily.

[0082] In some embodiments, the sheet material includes a binder. In embodiments where the hygroscopic material is applied to the substrate as a coating, the coating may further include an additional binder. Suitable binders include, for example, film formers such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gums such as gelatin, acacia gum, guar gum, xanthan gum, carrageenan and agarose, starch and its derivatives, polysaccharides, pectin, alginate, wood pulp, cellulose, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose, silicone compounds such as silica or fumed silica and sodium silicate, clays such as kaolin, pullulan, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and combinations thereof. In some cases, the binder may include alginate and / or pectin, and the precursor material may further include a curing agent (such as a calcium source) that can assist in the formation of an amorphous solid. In some cases, the binder may include calcium-crosslinked alginate and / or calcium-crosslinked pectin. In some embodiments, the binder is guar gum or CMC.

[0083] In some embodiments, the coating comprises at least about 0.05 wt%, at least about 0.08 wt%, at least about 0.1 wt%, at least about 0.5 wt%, at least about 0.8 wt%, at least about 1 wt%, at least about 2 wt%, at least about 3 wt%, at least about 4 wt%, at least about 5 wt%, at least about 10 wt%, or at least about 15 wt% binder (all calculated on a dry weight basis). Optionally, the coating comprises about 30 wt% or less, about 25 wt% or less, about 20 wt% or less, about 15 wt% or less, about 10 wt% or less, about 5 wt% or less, about 2 wt% or less, about 1 wt% or less, about 0.5 wt% or less, about 1 wt% or less, or about 0.08 wt% or less binder (all calculated on a dry weight basis).

[0084] In some embodiments, the sheet material comprises at least about 0.05 wt%, at least about 0.08 wt%, at least about 0.1 wt%, at least about 0.5 wt%, at least about 0.8 wt%, at least about 1 wt%, at least about 2 wt%, at least about 3 wt%, at least about 4 wt%, at least about 5 wt%, at least about 10 wt%, or at least about 15 wt% binder (all calculated on a dry weight basis). Optionally, the sheet material comprises about 30 wt% or less, about 25 wt% or less, about 20 wt% or less, about 15 wt% or less, about 10 wt% or less, about 5 wt% or less, about 2 wt% or less, about 1 wt% or less, about 0.5 wt% or less, about 1 wt% or less, or about 0.08 wt% or less binder (all calculated on a dry weight basis).

[0085] In some embodiments, the sheet material comprises from about 0.06 to about 20 wt%, from about 0.08 to about 5 wt%, from about 8 to about 12 wt%, or from about 13 to about 18 wt% binder (all calculated on a dry weight basis).

[0086] The amount of binder included in the coating and / or sheet material can be selected to be appropriate for the method of manufacturing the coating and / or sheet material. For example, in embodiments where an airlaid process is employed, the sheet material may preferably include about 10 wt% of guar gum. In another example, in embodiments where a conventional method for forming paper is employed, the sheet material may preferably include about 0.08 wt% of guar gum. In a further example, in embodiments where a band casting process is employed, the sheet material may preferably include about 15 wt% of CMC. Therefore, it is important to select the correct binder and correct ratio to provide suitable properties for the coating or sheet material.

[0087] In some embodiments, the coating includes at least about 0.1 wt%, about 1 wt%, about 10 wt%, about 20 wt%, about 30 wt%, about 35 wt%, about 40 wt%, about 45 wt%, or at least about 50 wt% of a hygroscopic material (all calculated on a dry weight basis). In some cases, the coating includes about 99 wt%, about 97 wt%, about 95 wt%, about 90 wt%, about 85 wt%, about 80 wt%, about 75 wt%, about 70 wt%, about 65 wt%, about 60 wt%, about 55 wt%, or about 50 wt% or less of a hygroscopic material (all calculated on a dry weight basis). In some embodiments, the coating includes about 40 to about 70 wt% of a hygroscopic material (all calculated on a dry weight basis).

[0088] In some embodiments, the sheet material includes at least about 0.1 wt%, about 1 wt%, about 10 wt%, about 20 wt%, about 30 wt%, about 35 wt%, about 40 wt%, about 45 wt%, or at least about 50 wt% of a hygroscopic material (all calculated on a dry weight basis). In some cases, the sheet material includes about 99 wt%, about 97 wt%, about 95 wt%, about 90 wt%, about 85 wt%, about 80 wt%, about 75 wt%, about 70 wt%, about 65 wt%, about 60 wt%, about 55 wt%, or about 50 wt% or less of a hygroscopic material (all calculated on a dry weight basis). In some embodiments, the sheet material includes about 40 to 70 wt% of a hygroscopic material (all calculated on a dry weight basis).

[0089] The coating may include an appropriate amount of binder to provide a suitable viscosity. For example, the coating must have sufficient viscosity to form a film and provide a coating with a desired thickness or other physical properties. However, if the viscosity of the coating is too high, it may be difficult to apply it to the substrate sheet.

[0090] Incorporation of the sheet material into a pack In some embodiments of the present invention, the sheet material is incorporated into a pack or package for storing the aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material may be incorporated into an article or consumable that can be stored within a pack or package comprising the sheet material. For example, the article may be a tobacco heating product (THP) for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0091] In some embodiments of the present invention, the sheet material is positioned near or in the vicinity of the aerosol-generating material. For example, the sheet material may be positioned within the packing in the vicinity of a consumable comprising the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the sheet material is used to form an inner bundle within the pack of the consumable. This has the advantage that the sheet material has a desiccant effect on the aerosol-generating material, or at least on the environment around the aerosol-generating material. This means that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material is maintained in an at least partially dry environment, reducing the moisture available for absorption by the aerosol-generating material. This provides an improved environment for storing the aerosol-generating material. Thus, the desiccant properties are advantageous when storing the consumable within the device or pack, for example during transportation, pre-sale storage, and post-sale storage.

[0092] In some embodiments of the present invention, the sheet material is incorporated into the pack as a box, outer frame, inner frame, inner packaging material, or insert. This is advantageous because the sheet material can contribute to the desiccant effect on the contents of the pack, which in some embodiments may include one or more articles comprising an aerosol-generating material.

[0093] In some embodiments, the pack is provided for storing one or more consumables for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system. The pack may include one or more of such consumables. In these embodiments, the sheet material incorporated into the pack can provide a desiccant effect to one, some, or all of the consumables. This provides a controlled moisture content environment for the storage of the consumables, reduces the moisture that the consumables can absorb, and thus improves the shelf life of the consumables and the quality of the aerosol supplied when these consumables are used in a non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0094] In some embodiments, the pack includes a hygroscopic material of from about 5 mg to about 100 mg.

[0095] The amount of the sheet material in the pack can be selected to provide a suitable desiccant effect. For example, this can be selected based on the size of the pack, or the nature of the consumable(s), or the distance between the sheet material and the aerosol-generating material.

[0096] In some embodiments, the sheet material of the present invention is incorporated into the pack by forming at least one of the components of the pack from the sheet material. Thus, the outer frame or the inner frame of the pack may comprise or consist of the sheet material according to the present invention. The sheet material may be a cardboard or paperboard material from which suitable blanks are cut, folded, and assembled into the desired parts of the carton or pack.

[0097] Additionally or alternatively, the sheet material may be used as an inner packaging material for packaging one or more of the articles positioned within the pack. In such embodiments, the hygroscopic material may be in very close proximity to the article, which can be advantageous.

[0098] Additionally or alternatively, the sheet material may be used as an insert and be included inside the pack with one or more of the articles. This insert may be positioned adjacent to the articles within the pack but does not completely surround the articles within the pack (and thus does not function as a packaging material). In such embodiments, the insert may be a paper or paper-like sheet material, or a stiffer cardboard or paperboard sheet material.

[0099] Use of the sheet material In some embodiments of the present invention, the relative humidity within the pack comprising the sheet material is maintained within the range of about 5% to about 30%. In some embodiments of the present invention, the moisture within the consumable kept within the pack comprising the sheet material is maintained within the range of about 5% to about 20%. In some embodiments, the pack is intended to store one or more consumables for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0100] In some embodiments of the present invention, the relative humidity within the pack comprising the sheet material is maintained for at least 365 days. In some embodiments of the present invention, the relative humidity within the pack comprising the sheet material is maintained for at least 150, 100, 50, 20, or 10 days. This means that the aerosol-generating material does not absorb a significant amount of moisture over this period. The aerosol-generating material may contain up to 20% moisture if the aerosol-generating material is in the vicinity of the sheet material during this period. The moisture content of the aerosol-generating material may be higher if the aerosol-generating material contains a humectant and / or is under high humidity conditions. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 6% to about 18%, about 8% to about 12%, about 9% to about 14%, or about 10% moisture if the aerosol-generating material is in the vicinity of the sheet material during this period.

[0101] Humidity can be measured in terms of absolute humidity (the total mass of water vapor in a given volume of air) or dew point (the temperature of the air required for water to condense and evaporate at the same rate). Relative humidity is a percentage measure of water vapor saturation relative to maximum saturation and indicates the absolute humidity relative to the maximum humidity at the same temperature. Humidity can be measured using a hygrometer or by any other suitable means known in the art.

[0102] The inventors have found that it is beneficial to store the sheet material under low humidity conditions, such as at a humidity of less than about 30%, prior to use or incorporation into a non-combustible aerosol supply system or a pack for an article. This reduces the amount of moisture to which the sheet material is exposed and, consequently, the amount of moisture absorbed by the sheet material.

[0103] In some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided the use of a sheet material for maintaining the water content of a consumable for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system and / or an aerosol-forming material within the consumable below a desired threshold. The threshold water content of the consumable and / or the aerosol-forming material can be up to about 15%. In some embodiments, the threshold water content of the consumable and / or the aerosol-forming material can be up to about 11%. In some embodiments, the water content of the consumable and / or the aerosol-forming material can be maintained at about 9% to about 11%.

[0104] In some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided the use of a sheet material for maintaining the water content within a pack below a desired threshold. The threshold water content within the pack can be up to about 15%. In some embodiments, the threshold water content within the pack can be up to about 11%. In some embodiments, the threshold water content within the pack can be maintained at about 9% to about 11%.

[0105] Maintaining the interior of the pack or the consumable below the threshold contributes to maintaining the aerosol-forming material below the threshold water content. This provides the aforementioned advantages such as an extended shelf life or maintaining the taste and aroma of the aerosol-forming material during storage or use.

[0106] Aerosol - generating material An aerosol - generating material is a material that can generate an aerosol when energy is supplied thereto, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. The aerosol - generating material can be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain, for example, an active substance and / or a flavorant. In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating material can include an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non - fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid, such as a liquid, within the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating material can include, for example, from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of an amorphous solid.

[0107] In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating material includes a tobacco material and / or a tobacco extract.

[0108] The tobacco extract or material may be from any type of tobacco and any part of the tobacco plant, including tobacco leaf blades, stems, stalks, veins, cut ends, and small pieces, or a mixture of two or more of them, or may be them. Suitable tobacco extracts or materials include the following types: Virginia or yellow tobacco, Burley tobacco, Oriental tobacco, or optionally a blend of tobacco materials including those listed herein. The tobacco may be expanded, such as dry ice expanded tobacco (DIET), or may be processed by any other means. In some embodiments, the tobacco material may be a reconstituted tobacco material. The tobacco may or may not be pretreated, for example, it may be solid stem (SS), shredded dried stem (SDS), steam treated stem (STS), or any combination thereof. The tobacco material may be pretreated by fermentation, curing, uncured, roasting, or other methods. The tobacco material may be provided in the form of cut rag tobacco. The cut rag tobacco may have, for example, a cut width of at least 15 cuts / inch (corresponding to a cut width of about 1.7 mm and about 5.9 cuts / cm). The cut rag tobacco may be formed from a mixture of forms of tobacco material, such as one or more mixtures of paper reconstituted tobacco, leaf tobacco, extruded tobacco, and band cast tobacco.

[0109] The aerosol forming material may include one or more active substances and / or flavors, one or more aerosol forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0110] An aerosol-forming agent material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent material may include one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0111] At least some of these aerosol-forming agent materials are wetting agents. Glycerol, for example, is a wetting agent. By including such a wetting agent, the tendency of the aerosol-generating material to absorb moisture can be significantly increased.

[0112] One or more other functional materials may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0113] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes an active substance.

[0114] As used herein, an active substance can be a physiologically active material that is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance can be selected, for example, from nutraceuticals, nootropics, and psychotropic drugs. The active substance may be naturally occurring or obtained synthetically. The active substance can include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or their components, derivatives, or combinations. The active substance can include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another plant-based substance.

[0115] In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0116] As described herein, the active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0117] As described herein, the active substance may include or be derived from one or more botanical substances or their constituents, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term "botanical substance" includes, but is not limited to, any material derived from a plant, including extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husks, or shells. Alternatively, the material may include synthetically obtained active compounds that are naturally present in the botanical substance. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, flakes, strips, or sheets. Exemplary botanical substances include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, nettles, hibiscus, laurel, licorice, matcha, mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, green or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, bilberry, nasturtium flower, vanilla, wintergreen, perilla, turmeric, curcuma, sandalwood, silantro, bergamot, orange flower, ginbai ka, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, calvi, vervain, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, burdock, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. Mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: Japanese mint, Mentha c.v., Egyptian mint, European mint, Audicoron mint, Candy mint, Curly mint, Kentucky Colonel mint, Horse mint, Pineapple mint, Pennyroyal mint, Green mint, and Apple mint.

[0118] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant substances or their constituents, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant substance is tobacco.

[0119] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant substances or their constituents, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant substance is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp.

[0120] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant substances or their constituents, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant substance is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0121] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a fragrance.

[0122] As used herein, the terms "flavor" and "flavoring" refer to materials that can be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other bodily sensations in products for adult consumers, when permitted by regional regulations.They may include naturally occurring flavor materials, plant substances, extracts of plant substances, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, katsura tree leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spice, Asian spice, herb, wintergreen, strawberry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus, damson, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, cart, nasturtium, cinnamon, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange flower, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, nettles, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, bilberry, Japanese quince flower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, perilla, curcuma, cilantro, gingergrass, blackcurrant, coltsfoot, pimento, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, calvi, barberry, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphor), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or alternative sugars (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant substances, or breath fresheners.They may be imitation, synthetic, or natural raw materials, or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, such as a liquid like oil, a solid like powder, or a gas.

[0123] In some embodiments, the flavor includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor includes flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavor includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor includes flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor includes flavor components extracted from cannabis.

[0124] In some embodiments, the flavor may include a sensory agent, which is intended to achieve a somatosensory perception that is typically chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or instead of olfactory or gustatory nerves, and these may include agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, or a numbing effect. Suitable heat effect agents can be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable cooling agents can be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0125] Delivery System and Non-Burning Aerosol Supply System As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass a system that delivers at least one substance to a user, including non-burning aerosol supply systems that release compounds from aerosol-generating materials without burning the aerosol-generating materials, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that generate an aerosol using a combination of an aerosol-generating material. The term "delivery system" may also encompass systems of combustion aerosol supply systems such as cigarettes, cigars, cigars, and pipe tobaccos, or hand-rolled cigarettes or handmade cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smokable substances).

[0126] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol supply system is a system in which the constituent aerosol-generating material (or its components) of the aerosol supply system is neither combusted nor burned in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0127] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustion aerosol supply system.

[0128] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaporizer device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0129] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0130] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0131] Typically, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustion aerosol supply device and a consumable for use with the non-combustion aerosol supply device.

[0132] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a consumable that comprises an aerosol-forming material and is configured to be used with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. These consumables may sometimes be referred to as articles throughout the present disclosure.

[0133] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as its non-combustible aerosol supply device, etc., may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power supply or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source comprises a carbon-based substrate that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-forming material or a heat transfer material proximate to the heat-generating power source.

[0134] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a suction port, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0135] In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may comprise an aerosol-forming material, an aerosol-forming material storage area, an aerosol-forming material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a packaging material, a filter, a suction port, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0136] Examples In a particular example, the sheet material was prepared to contain (on a dry weight basis) the following. Wood pulp 33.67 wt% Calcium chloride (10043-52-4) 54.29 wt% Guar gum (9000-30-0) 9.05 wt%

[0137] This mixture was formed into a sheet using a conventional (wet) papermaking process. In such a process, wood pulp and a binder, in this case guar gum, are placed on a conveyor to form a sheet, which is then dried. In this example, the hygroscopic material calcium chloride is added to the mixture before it is placed on the conveyor.

[0138] In another example, the sheet material is prepared to contain the following (on a dry weight basis). Cotton linter pulp 50 wt% Silica 40 wt% Guar gum (9000 - 30 - 0) 10 wt%

[0139] This mixture was formed into a sheet using a conventional (dry) airlaid papermaking process. In this example, the sheet material has a coating. A substrate containing wood pulp was placed on a mesh and dried to form a sheet. A coating containing a binder and a hygroscopic material was applied by spraying onto the surface of the sheet of the substrate.

[0140] In yet a further example, a blotting paper - based sheet is provided with a hygroscopic coating by spraying a mixture containing a particulate hygroscopic material and a binder onto the surface of the sheet of the substrate. The coating mixture contains 80% hygroscopic material and 20% binder, or the hygroscopic material and the binder in a ratio of about 4:1. The coating can be prepared from a mixture containing a solvent, such as water, which enables the mixture to be sprayed onto the sheet of the substrate. The mixture can also contain glycerol.

[0141] In yet another example, a test comparing the water absorption of the sheet material with that of tobacco was completed. The sheet material absorbed 125 wt% water relative to 25 wt% of the tobacco. This demonstrated that the sheet material absorbed significantly more water than the tobacco.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 1, a pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The pack 1 includes an outer frame 23, an inner frame 24, and an inner packaging material 4a that surrounds an article (not shown) stored in the pack.

[0143] The outer frame 23 includes a container portion 2 and a lid portion 3. The container 2 forms a receiving space 4 capable of receiving a bundle of articles surrounded by the packaging material 4a therein. The articles can be consumables for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system. The lid 3 is attached to the container 2 along a hinge line 5 to enable the pack 1 to be opened and closed. It will be understood that the articles in the receiving space 4 are accessible when the lid 3 is in the open position, and the articles are held in the receiving space 4 when the lid 3 is in the closed position.

[0144] The inner frame 24 is configured to be installed inside the receiving space 4 close to or in contact with the inner surface of the front wall 6 of the container. As shown in the figure, the inner frame 24 partially extends from the open upper end 10 of the outer frame 23 of the container 2. The inner frame 24 is configured to add strength to a part of the outer frame 23.

[0145] Articles such as consumables for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system can be inserted and removed by the user through an opening 36 defined by an edge of the inner frame 24 including a recess 32.

[0146] The inner frame 24 of the container 2 may be a separate component of the package 1 with respect to the outer frame 23 of the container 2. The inner frame 24 may be held, for example, but not limited to, at a predetermined position within the outer frame 23 of the container 2 by an adhesive. Alternatively, the outer and inner frames 23, 24 may be integrally formed.

[0147] One or more of the outer frame, the inner frame, or the inner packaging material may comprise or consist of the sheet material according to the present invention.

[0148] For example, in some embodiments, the cardboard or paperboard from which the outer frame and / or the inner frame is formed consists of the sheet material according to the present invention. In other embodiments, the cardboard or paperboard from which the outer and / or inner frame is formed comprises the sheet material according to the present invention. For example, the sheet material may form a cardboard or paperboard that is used by being laminated on a further support sheet. In other embodiments, only some sections of the outer and / or inner frame are formed from the sheet material according to the present invention.

[0149] In some embodiments, the inner packaging material that surrounds the article stored in the pack consists of, or comprises, the sheet material according to the present invention.

[0150] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention defined by the claims or to the equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The various embodiments of the present invention may preferably include, consist of, or consist essentially of suitable combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Additionally, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A sheet material having desiccant properties and being able to absorb moisture from the surrounding environment, wherein the sheet material comprises a base material and a hygroscopic material.

2. The sheet material according to claim 1, comprising approximately 25 to approximately 70 wt% (on a dry weight basis) of a hygroscopic material based on the total weight of the sheet material.

3. The sheet material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hygroscopic material is selected from the group consisting of oxides, alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts, monosaccharides and disaccharides, sugar alcohols, and polybasic acids and their salts.

4. The sheet material according to claim 3, wherein the hygroscopic material is selected from the group consisting of sodium salts, potassium salts, magnesium salts, calcium salts, ammonium salts, and lithium salts.

5. The sheet material according to claim 3, wherein the hygroscopic material is selected from the group consisting of sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate, sodium chloride, sodium bromide, sodium iodide, potassium nitrite, potassium nitrate, potassium chloride, potassium bromide, potassium iodide, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, ammonium nitrate, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate, ammonium carbonate, calcium chloride, sucrose, fructose, glucose, galactose, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, citric acid and its salts, malic acid and its salts, and succinic acid and its salts.

6. The sheet material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base material includes paper, cardboard, or thick paper.

7. The sheet material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hygroscopic material is a powder incorporated into the base material.

8. The sheet material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base material includes cellulose fibers.

9. The sheet material according to claim 8, comprising approximately 25 to approximately 50% by weight (on a dry weight basis) of cellulose fibers based on the total weight of the aforementioned base material.

10. The sheet material according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a binder.

11. The sheet material according to claim 10, wherein the binder is one or more selected from the group consisting of alginate, pectin, starch and its derivatives, polysaccharides, cellulose and its derivatives, gum, silica or silicone compounds, clay, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

12. The sheet material according to claim 10, comprising about 0.05 to about 30% by weight (on a dry weight basis) of a binder based on the total weight of the sheet material.

13. Approximately 20g / m ２ ~Approx. 250g / m ２ A sheet material according to claim 1 or 2, having a basis weight.

14. A sheet material according to claim 1 or 2, having a thickness of approximately 30 μm to approximately 500 μm.

15. The sheet material according to claim 1 or 2, having a tensile strength of approximately 50 N / m to approximately 900 N / m.

16. The sheet material according to claim 1 or 2, having a wet tensile strength of approximately 4 to approximately 8 N / 15 mm.

17. The sheet material according to claim 1 or 2, having a bending resistance of approximately 100 to approximately 350 mN as measured using ISO 2493.

18. The sheet material according to claim 1 or 2, having a maximum moisture content of approximately 10%.

19. A pack comprising the sheet material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the relative humidity inside the pack is maintained over time.

20. The pack according to claim 19, wherein the relative humidity inside the pack is maintained within a range of about 9 to about 14%.

21. The pack according to claim 19, wherein the sheet material is incorporated into the pack as a box, outer frame, inner frame, inner packaging material, or insert.

22. The pack according to claim 19, defining a chamber for receiving one or more consumables for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system.

23. The pack according to claim 19, comprising one or more consumables for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system.

24. A method for manufacturing a sheet material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hygroscopic material is incorporated during or after the formation of the sheet from the substrate.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the hygroscopic material is applied to at least a portion of at least one surface of the sheet of the substrate.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein the hygroscopic material is added to the substrate and the mixture is formed on the sheet material.

27. Use of the sheet material according to claim 1 or 2 for maintaining relative humidity inside a pack containing the sheet material.

28. The use according to claim 27, wherein the relative humidity is maintained within a range of approximately 5 to approximately 30%.

29. Use of the sheet material according to claim 1 or 2 for maintaining the moisture content of consumables for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system below a desired threshold.

30. The use according to claim 29, wherein the threshold moisture content of the consumable is approximately 11% at most.

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