Ultra-low nicotine smoking products

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ultra-low nicotine smoking article, which includes a medium portion and a filter portion, wherein the medium portion contains a tobacco medium including flue-cured tobacco, expanded shredded tobacco, and expanded midrib, the tobacco medium comprising 50% to 60% by weight of flue-cured tobacco, 20% to 30% by weight of expanded shredded tobacco, and 10% to 30% by weight of expanded midrib, based on the total weight of the tobacco medium, and the nicotine content of the tobacco medium is 0.01% to 0.05%.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to very low nicotine smoking articles. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, tobacco refers to a perennial plant of the Solanaceae family, a dicotyledonous plant. Recently, however, it has come to refer to a product manufactured for smoking, in which tobacco leaves (leaf tobacco) are wrapped in a cigarette with a filter on one side. There are thousands of varieties of such cigarettes sold around the world in various shapes and forms.

[0003] Currently, the nicotine content of commercially available smoking articles is approximately 5% or less. However, there has been a recent global trend to lower the nicotine content of smoking articles.

[0004] Conventional methods for producing tobacco with a low nicotine content have involved using leaves from other plants (such as herbal leaves) instead of tobacco, steeping tobacco, or using adsorbents. However, these methods have had problems such as difficulty in meeting the tastes of smokers accustomed to the taste of existing tobacco leaves, not being sufficient to reduce the nicotine content, and the cumbersome process making them difficult to use.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to develop smoking articles that have a lower nicotine content in the leaf than existing smoking articles that are more easily available on the market. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a smoking article that applies ultra-low nicotine leaf tobacco to a smoking article and adjusts the blending ratio of the tobacco medium to lower the nicotine content of the tobacco medium while maintaining the tobacco taste.

[0007] However, the problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and further problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an ultra-low nicotine smoking article comprising a medium portion and a filter portion, the medium portion containing a tobacco medium including flue-cured tobacco, expanded shredded tobacco, and expanded midrib, the tobacco medium comprising 50% to 60% by weight of flue-cured tobacco, 20% to 30% by weight of expanded shredded tobacco, and 10% to 30% by weight of expanded midrib relative to the total weight of the tobacco medium, and the nicotine content of the tobacco medium is 0.01% to 0.05%.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an ultra-low nicotine smoking article comprising a medium portion and a filter portion, the medium portion containing a tobacco medium including flue-cured tobacco, expanded shredded tobacco, and expanded midrib, the nicotine content of the tobacco medium being 0.01% to 0.05%, and the tar to nicotine content ratio among the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article being 80:1 to 400:1. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] By using the smoking article of the present invention, it is possible to provide an ultra-low nicotine smoking article in which the nicotine content of the tobacco medium is 0.05% or less while maintaining the tobacco taste and burning properties (or thermal conductivity) of the smoking article.

[0011] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above effects, but should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description of the present invention or the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the results of a sensory evaluation of tobacco taste for Example 1 of an ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention and Comparative Example 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the results of a sensory evaluation of tobacco taste for Example 2 of an ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention and Comparative Example 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed in this specification are merely examples for the purpose of describing the embodiments, and the embodiments may be implemented in various different forms, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives to the embodiments are included in the scope of the claims.

[0014] The terms used in the embodiments are merely used for the purpose of explanation and are not to be construed as being limiting. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0015] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Commonly used predefined terms should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined herein.

[0016] In addition, in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. In the description of the embodiments, if a detailed description of related known technology is determined to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiments, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0017] Furthermore, when describing components of an embodiment, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are used to distinguish the component from other components, and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components. When a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it will be understood that the component is directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that other components may be "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0018] Components having functions common to those included in any of the embodiments will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, the description of one embodiment will be applied to the other embodiments, and detailed description will be omitted to the extent that they overlap.

[0019] Throughout the specification, when any part "comprises" any component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but that it may further include other components.

[0020] Throughout the specification, "smoking article" refers to an article capable of generating an aerosol, such as a cigarette, cigar, etc. Smoking articles may include an aerosol-generating substance or an aerosol-forming substrate. Smoking articles may also include solid substances based on tobacco raw materials, such as reconstituted tobacco sheets, cut tobacco, and reconstituted tobacco. Smoking substances may include volatile compounds.

[0021] Also, throughout this specification, "upstream" or "upstream direction" means a direction away from the mouth of a user smoking a smoking article, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" means a direction toward the mouth of a user smoking a smoking article.

[0022] Throughout the specification, "ultra-low nicotine smoking article" means a smoking article in which the nicotine content of the tobacco medium is between 0.01% and 0.05%.

[0023] The medium portion of a smoking article can be manufactured by the following method. After the separation of impurities, tobacco leaves are blended, chopped by a shredder, and passed through a dryer. Separately from the blending process, the leaves may then be flavored in a flavoring facility to supplement the tobacco's lacking flavor or mask undesirable aromas and flavors. The primary tobacco medium materials used in this process include flue-cured, air-cured, and sun-cured tobacco, while secondary materials include reconstituted tobacco sheet, expanded cut tobacco (DIET), and expanded midrib (STS).

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an ultra-low nicotine smoking article may be provided. The smoking article includes a medium portion and a filter portion, and the medium portion may contain a tobacco medium including flue-cured tobacco, expanded shredded tobacco (DIET), and expanded midrib tobacco (STS). The tobacco medium may contain, by total weight, 50% to 60% flue-cured tobacco, 20% to 30% expanded shredded tobacco, and 10% to 30% expanded midrib. Here, the nicotine content of the tobacco medium may be 0.01% to 0.05%.

[0025] In another embodiment of the present invention, an ultra-low nicotine smoking article can be provided, which includes a medium portion and a filter portion, the medium portion containing a tobacco medium including flue-cured tobacco, expanded shredded tobacco, and expanded midrib tobacco, and the nicotine content of the tobacco medium is 0.01% to 0.05%. Here, the tar to nicotine content ratio among the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article may be 150:1 to 330:1.

[0026] Flue-cured tobacco is one of the main ingredients in tobacco and is characterized by its high sugar content. It plays a key role in bringing out the unique flavor of tobacco when blended. However, if the flue-cured tobacco content is too high, the smoking article's combustion (or thermal conductivity) will decrease, resulting in poor drawability.

[0027] Expanded shredded tobacco is made by cooling flue-cured tobacco using carbon dioxide and then instantly expanding it with high-temperature steam. Its role is to impart combustion properties (or thermal conductivity) during blending. If the content of expanded shredded tobacco becomes too high, there is a problem that combustion properties (or thermal conductivity) will increase too much.

[0028] The expanded midrib regulates the amount of nicotine transferred during blending and contributes to combustion properties (or thermal conductivity). The expanded midrib can be used as a filler for smoking articles, and because midrib is a by-product of tobacco leaf production, it also has the effect of reducing costs. However, if the content of expanded midrib is too high, negative smoking tastes such as a harsh or irritating taste may be expressed, resulting in a reduced tobacco flavor.

[0029] Therefore, by varying the content of flue-cured tobacco, expanded shred tobacco, and expanded midrib, the nicotine content of the tobacco material can be adjusted to provide a smoking article with excellent tobacco taste and appropriate burning properties (or thermal conductivity).

[0030] In the smoking article of the present invention, if the flue-cured tobacco content is less than 50% by weight, the original tobacco flavor will be insufficient, and if the flue-cured tobacco content exceeds 60% by weight, the nicotine content of the tobacco medium will exceed 0.05%.

[0031] If the expanded shredded tobacco content is less than 20% by weight, the burning speed of the tobacco will be slow, and if the expanded shredded tobacco content exceeds 30% by weight, the original tobacco flavor will be lacking and the drawability will be weakened.

[0032] Meanwhile, the content of the expanded midrib may be 10% to 30% by weight, preferably 15% to 25% by weight, and more preferably 17% to 23% by weight. If the content of the expanded midrib is less than 10% by weight, the nicotine content of the tobacco medium may exceed 0.05%, and if it exceeds 30% by weight, negative tastes such as a hot or irritating taste may be exhibited.

[0033] Meanwhile, the flue-cured, expanded shredded tobacco, and expanded midrib are separated from at least one selected from the group consisting of flue-cured thick leaves and thin leaves, although in terms of effectiveness, it is preferable to separate them from flue-cured thick leaves and thin leaves before blending.

[0034] In a smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention, the nicotine content of the tobacco medium may be 0.01% to 0.05%, preferably 0.03% to 0.05%. The nicotine content of the tobacco medium used in existing commercially available smoking articles is typically 5% or less. In the present invention, by using a tobacco medium having a nicotine content that is 95% or more lower than that of the tobacco medium used in the commercially available smoking article, the nicotine content of the smoking article can be reduced to a level that does not induce addiction.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco medium is obtained from a plant having one or more of the following morphological characteristics (1) to (16): (1) The plant body is oval in shape. (2) The plant height is 123-124 cm. (3) The original stem color of the plant is green. (4) The number of leaves on the plant is 24 to 25. (5) The number of axillary buds in the plant is 1.5. (6) The leaves are sessile. (7) The leaf attachment angle is intermediate. (8) The leaves are 60 to 65 cm long. (9) The leaves are 30 to 35 cm wide. (10) The leaves are broadly oval in shape. (11) The cross-sectional shape of the leaf is plump. (12) The terminal surface of the leaf bends backward at about midpoint. (13) The degree of roughness of the leaf surface is medium. (14) The edges of the leaves are weakly corrugated. (15) The leaf auricles are well developed. (16) The leaves are pale green in color.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco medium is obtained from a plant having one or more of the following morphological characteristics (17) to (32): (17) The number of leaves above ground is intermediate. (18) The flowering period is early. (19) The flowering period is 60 to 65 days. (20) The flower is 55 to 60 mm long. (21) The diameter of the corolla is 5 to 6 mm. (22) The size of the corolla is 28 to 32 mm. (23) The end of the corolla is highly protruding. (24) The color of the corolla is pink. (25) The development of the stamens in the flowers is normal. (26) The length of the pistil is short compared to the stamens. (27) The flower is inverted cone-shaped. (28) The flowers are located above the upper leaves. (29) The density of flowers is medium. (30) The capsule is oval in shape. (31) There is no male sterility. (32) There is no resistance to TMV (Tobacco mosaic virus) and PVY (Potato virus Y).

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco medium is obtained from a plant having one or more of the morphological characteristics (1) to (32) above.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco medium is obtained from tobacco (scientific name: Nicotiana tabacum L.) with the variety name KF128 registered with the National Seed Service. KF128 may have any one or more of the above-mentioned characteristics.

[0039] On the other hand, KF128 has the following distinguishing characteristics (33)-(40) compared to K326, the major flue-colored cultivar currently grown in the United States. (33) KF128 has longer leaves than K326. (34) KF128 has wider leaves than K326. (35) KF128 has a broad elliptical leaf shape, while K326 has a narrow elliptical leaf shape. (36) KF128 has an intermediate shape at the end of the leaf, while K326 has a significantly pointed shape at the end of the leaf. (37) KF128 has a medium level of leaf surface roughness, while K326 has a strong level of leaf surface roughness. (38) KF128 has a weak waveform at the leaf tip, while K326 has an intermediate waveform at the leaf tip. (39) KF128 has shorter flowers than K326. (40) KF128 has a smaller corolla size than K326.

[0040] In a smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco medium may have a total nitrogen content of 0.05% to 1%. Among smoke components, nitrogen-containing substances, particularly NO3, are precursors of substances that induce irritation during smoking and are odor-inducing components. Using a tobacco medium with a low total nitrogen content can reduce irritation during smoking. Furthermore, it can reduce the odor-inducing components themselves, thereby reducing the tobacco odor generated during and after smoking. Another advantage is that by reducing nitrogen compounds, which are tobacco-specific odor components contained in mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke, it can reduce the tobacco odor remaining on the mouth, clothes, hands, etc. after smoking.

[0041] Smoking articles according to one embodiment of the present invention may additionally include excipients such as, but not limited to, binders and other additives.

[0042] The binder may be any material known in the art that effectively binds the ground tobacco medium and increases hardness, without limitation. Examples include 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 starches; pullulan; and konjac powder.

[0043] Other additives may additionally include, but are not limited to, one or more selected from the group consisting of humectants, plasticizers, tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof.

[0044] Humectants include, but are not limited to, substances such as glycerin or propylene glycol that help maintain a desired level of moisture within the media.

[0045] The plasticizer, which is an agent that makes the material flexible and more moldable, includes, by way of example only, one or more selected from the group consisting of compatible plasticizers such as triacetin, dibutyl phthalate, dibutyl sebacate, diethyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, tributyl acetyl citrate, triethyl acetyl citrate, diacetylated monoglyceride, dibutyl sebacate, mineral oil, benzyl benzoate, chlorobutanol, glycerin monostearate, lanolin alcohol, and cellulose acetate phthalate, but is not limited thereto.

[0046] Examples of tobacco fibers may include tobacco cellulose fibers, which, when present, can increase the tensile strength of the tobacco medium. Examples of non-tobacco fibers are known in the art and may include non-tobacco cellulose fibers. Examples of suitable non-tobacco fibers include, but are not limited to, one or more selected from the group consisting of hardwood fibers, softwood fibers, jute fibers, and flax fibers.

[0047] In the smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention, the weight of the medium portion may be, for example, 500 mg / cig to 700 mg / cig.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the filter section is located at the downstream end of the smoking article and may be a mono-filter or a composite filter, which may be, for example, a dual filter or a triple filter.

[0049] The filter portion includes at least one fiber selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate, lyocell, polypropylene, polyester, and polylactic acid, but is not limited to the examples given.

[0050] Meanwhile, the filter portion may further include activated carbon and a plasticizer. The activated carbon reduces smoke components present in mainstream smoke, and the activated carbon may be a general activated carbon, a super activated carbon, or a composite activated carbon. The plasticizer provides hardness to the smoking article by bonding fibers, and one example of the plasticizer is triacetin.

[0051] The filter portion may also include a separate capsule containing a liquid aroma to improve the tobacco taste, or a scented filter may be used. Capsules containing a liquid aroma exhibit a crushability that allows them to break when pressure is applied, and for example, when crushed by hand, the liquid aroma present in the capsule may wet the filter portion. Meanwhile, the scented filter may be manufactured using, for example, a transfer jet nozzle system (TJNS) method, in which the liquid aroma is sprayed onto the tow during the filter manufacturing process. If a capsule containing a liquid aroma and a TJNS filter are used simultaneously, it is preferable that the filter containing activated carbon be located upstream of the capsule and the TJNS filter, since components of the liquid aroma may be adsorbed via the activated carbon, reducing its functionality.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, the suction resistance of the filter portion may be 60 to 100 mmWG. For example, the suction resistance may be 70 mmWG to 90 mmWG, or 77 mmWG to 85 mmWG.

[0053] The smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a filter paper wrapping the filter portion, a tipping paper wrapping the filter paper, and a cigarette paper.

[0054] The filter paper wrapper may wrap the filter portion to form a filter segment. For example, the filter paper has an oil-resistant function to prevent capsules contained in the filter portion from being crushed and their contents from penetrating into the tip paper.

[0055] Tipping paper is a paper that connects the cigarette and the filter and may be perforated, which increases the tobacco dilution rate and serves to thin the smoke components in the smoking article.

[0056] Cigarette paper is a thin, lightweight paper used to roll cigarettes and is primarily made from flax and wood pulp. Fillers and smoke improvers can be used as additives in cigarette paper. Fillers improve whiteness and opacity, regulate porosity, and reduce bad breath during combustion. Meanwhile, smoke improvers promote or inhibit combustion.

[0057] In the smoking article according to the present invention, the UPD (unencapsulated pressure drop) and EPD (encapsulated pressure drop) of the smoking article may be 80 mmWG to 100 mmWG and 120 mmWG to 155 mmWG, respectively. Here, UPD refers to the resistance to inhalation when smoking without blocking the filter perforations, and EPD refers to the resistance to inhalation when smoking with blocking the filter perforations.

[0058] In the smoking article according to the present invention, the UPD / EPD value may be 0.5 to 0.9, preferably 0.51 to 0.8. A decrease in the UPD / EPD value improves inhalability and increases the perceived volume of smoke.

[0059] The circumference of the smoking article may be 15 mm to 30 mm, preferably 16 mm to 27 mm. For example, the circumference of the smoking article may be 24.2 mm for regular cigarettes, 21.7 mm for slim cigarettes, and 16.7 mm for extra slim cigarettes.

[0060] On the other hand, the hardness of the smoking article may be 55% to 98%. For example, the hardness of the smoking article may be 60% to 96%, or 70% to 80%.

[0061] However, the range is not limited to the range described.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air dilution rate of the smoking article may be 10% to 60%. For example, the air dilution rate may be 20% to 60%, or 30% to 40%.

[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tar content of the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article may be 4 mg / cig to 8 mg / cig.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nicotine content of the mainstream smoke of the smoking article may be 0.02 mg / cig to 0.05 mg / cig, for example, 0.02 mg / cig to 0.04 mg / cig.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, the carbon monoxide content of the mainstream smoke of the smoking article may be 3 mg / cig to 18 mg / cig, for example, 5 mg / cig to 11 mg / cig.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tar to nicotine content ratio among the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article may be 80:1 to 400:1. For example, the tar to nicotine content ratio among the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article may be 100:1 to 400:1, 111:1 to 334:1, 90:1 to 355:1, 112:1 to 355:1, 125:1 to 296:1, 175:1 to 210:1, or 180:1 to 200:1.

[0067] The smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention may be either a combustion-type or a non-combustion-type. Combustion-type smoking articles refer to traditional cigarettes. Non-combustion-type smoking articles include electric smoking articles that are heated indirectly by electrical energy rather than by direct combustion.

[0068] In the case of an electric smoking article, it includes a non-combustible smoking article and an aerosol generating device into which the non-combustible smoking article is inserted. The electric smoking article uses electrical energy to heat the inserted smoking article, generating aerosol, which is inhaled and then released by the user, allowing the user to smoke.

[0069] Non-combustible smoking articles according to one embodiment of the present invention have a variety of structures.

[0070] As an example, a smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a support structure and a cooling structure between the medium portion and the filter portion.

[0071] The support structure may be a tube-shaped structure located downstream of the medium and having a hollow portion therein. The support structure supports the medium portion so that it does not shift when inserted into the aerosol generating device and also functions to transfer the atomization. The support structure may be manufactured using, for example, cellulose acetate, and the hardness of the support structure can be adjusted by varying the content of plasticizer added during the manufacture of the support structure. Alternatively, the support structure may be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube made of the same material or a release material into the hollow portion.

[0072] A cooling structure may be disposed downstream of the support structure. When a smoker inhales the aerosol generated by heating the medium portion, heat is generated, especially during the first puff, which can cause discomfort to the smoker. The cooling structure serves as a cooling member that cools the aerosol generated by heating the medium portion. This allows the smoker to inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0073] As a further example, a smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention may include not only a media portion and a filter portion, but also shear filter segments and a support structure.

[0074] The shear filter segment may be disposed upstream of the medium section. The shear filter segment serves to identify the shear filter segment as a smoking article specifically for use with the aerosol generating device. The shear filter segment may be made of cellulose acetate, for example. The shear filter segment may have a hollow section formed in the center, or may have only fine channels formed therein that prevent the tobacco medium in the medium section from falling out, but that allow only an airflow path to be formed.

[0075] However, the above examples are merely examples of non-combustion smoking articles that can be used with the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the examples described.

[0076] The aerosol generating device may include some or all of a battery, a controller, a vaporizer, and a heater, and the layout of these components may vary depending on the design of the aerosol generating device.

[0077] The battery supplies the power necessary for the aerosol generating device to operate. For example, the battery supplies power to heat the heater and to operate the control unit. The battery may also supply power necessary to operate the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device.

[0078] The control unit may control the overall operation of the aerosol generation device. For example, the control unit may control the operation of a battery, a heater, and other components included in the aerosol generation device. The control unit may also check the status of each component of the aerosol generation device to determine whether the aerosol generation device is in an operable state.

[0079] The vaporizer generates an aerosol by heating a liquid-phase composition, and includes, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. When a smoking article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device activates the heater and / or vaporizer, generating aerosol from the smoking article and / or vaporizer. The generated aerosol passes through the smoking article and is delivered to the smoker. The vaporizer is also called, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0080] The heater is heated by power supplied from a battery. For example, when a smoking article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the heater may be inserted into a portion of the interior of the smoking article to heat the interior of the smoking article, or the exterior of the smoking article, or both the interior and exterior of the smoking article to aerosolize the volatile substance in the smoking article. The heater may have various shapes, such as a tubular, plate-like, needle-like, or rod-like shape, and the number of heaters may be single or multiple. Meanwhile, the heater may be an electric resistance heater or an induction heater.

[0081] The aerosol generating device may further include a general-purpose component in addition to the components described above.

[0082] The present invention will be described in more detail below by way of examples of embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0083] 1. Manufacturing of smoking articles

[0084] Ultra-low nicotine smoking articles were manufactured according to Embodiments 1 and 2, and Comparative Examples 1 to 3. The design details of the embodiments and comparative examples are shown in Table 1 below. The components and contents of the medium portion are as follows:

[0085] Embodiment 1 The medium portion contained a tobacco medium including flue-cured tobacco, expanded shredded tobacco, and expanded midrib, and the tobacco medium was blended to a total weight of 55% flue-cured tobacco, 25% expanded shredded tobacco, and 20% expanded midrib.

[0086] Embodiment 2 The medium portion contained a tobacco medium including flue-cured tobacco, expanded shredded tobacco, and expanded midrib, and the tobacco medium was blended to a total weight of 55.3% flue-cured tobacco, 22.3% expanded shredded tobacco, and 22.4% expanded midrib.

[0087] Comparative Example 1 The medium portion contained a tobacco medium containing flue-cured tobacco and expanded midrib, and the tobacco medium was blended to a total weight of 78.9% flue-cured tobacco and 19.4% expanded midrib.

[0088] Comparative Example 2 The medium portion contained a tobacco medium including flue-cured tobacco, expanded shredded tobacco, and expanded midrib, and the tobacco medium was blended to a total weight of 45.0% flue-cured tobacco, 20.0% expanded shredded tobacco, and 35.0% expanded midrib.

[0089] Comparative Example 3 The medium portion contained a tobacco medium including flue-cured tobacco, expanded shredded tobacco, and expanded midrib, and the tobacco medium was blended to a total weight of 63.2% flue-cured tobacco, 24.0% expanded shredded tobacco, and 12.7% expanded midrib.

[0090] [Table 1]

[0091] Here, ASEMONO refers to a filter made of cellulose acetate tow, and in the cases of Embodiments 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 2 and 3, activated carbon is added to the ASEMONO filter section. In the case of Comparative Example 1, the filter has a double composite structure of ASEMONO and a paper filter, and does not contain activated carbon.

[0092] 2. Experimental Example 1: Analysis of Nicotine, NO3, and Ammonia Contents in Tobacco Media

[0093] The nicotine, NO3, and ammonia contents of the tobacco medium of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 were investigated by the following method. The analysis was performed using an autoanalysis method, in which 0.5 g of medium powder was immersed in a 5% acetic acid solvent, and the extract was filtered and colored. The components were then analyzed through absorbance wavelength analysis in the visible light region using a CFA (Continuous Flow Analysis) device. The results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0094] [Table 2]

[0095] 3. Experimental Example 2: Analysis of Mainstream Smoke Components

[0096] The results of analyzing the components of the mainstream smoke of Embodiments 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 are shown in Table 3 below.

[0097] [Table 3]

[0098] Comparing the results of Embodiment 1, in which the number of puffs is about 6, with Comparative Example 1, the nicotine content in the mainstream smoke of Embodiment 1 was reduced by 0.01 mg / cig compared to Comparative Example 1. The tar to nicotine content ratio was 197:1 in Embodiment 1 and 167:1 in Comparative Example 1, indicating that the rate of reduction in the nicotine content relative to the tar content in the mainstream smoke was even greater in Embodiment 1.

[0099] Comparing the results of Embodiment 2, in which the number of puffs is 8 or more, with Comparative Examples 2 and 3, the nicotine content in the mainstream smoke of Embodiment 2 was reduced by 0.001 to 0.003 mg / cig compared to Comparative Examples 2 and 3. The tar to nicotine content ratio was 188:1 in Embodiment 2, 160:1 in Comparative Example 2, and 170:1 in Comparative Example 3, indicating that the rate of reduction in the nicotine content relative to the tar content in the mainstream smoke was even greater in Embodiment 2.

[0100] On the other hand, the carbon monoxide content in the mainstream smoke of the first and second embodiments was found to be reduced compared to the first to third comparative examples.

[0101] 4. Experimental Example 3: Evaluation of Tobacco Taste

[0102] A sensory evaluation was conducted to compare the taste of cigarettes from Embodiments 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. The sensory evaluation involved smokers confirming the taste of the cigarettes they perceived while smoking and rating it numerically. The evaluation was conducted on a panel of 17 people, and the evaluation was based on a total of 7 points. The results of the sensory evaluation are shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0103] 1 shows the results of a sensory evaluation of the taste of cigarettes from Embodiment 1 and Comparative Example 1, conducted under the same conditions. Compared to Comparative Example 1, Embodiment 1 exhibited a reduced unpleasant odor and a cleaner aftertaste, resulting in an overall improved cigarette taste.

[0104] 2 shows the results of a sensory evaluation of the taste of cigarettes from Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 under the same conditions. Compared to Comparative Example 2, Example 2 exhibited reduced irritation and unpleasant odors, a cleaner aftertaste, and an improved overall cigarette taste.

[0105] 5. Experimental Example 4: Flammability Measurement

[0106] In the present invention, flammability refers to the time required for a smoking article to burn naturally for 30 mm. The flammability of Embodiment 1 was measured using an automated time-distance analysis method. Specifically, the time required for Embodiment 1 to burn naturally for 30 mm was measured 10 times, and then repeated once more to obtain the results. Here, the pretreatment was performed under conditions of a temperature of 22±1°C and a moisture content of 60±2%, and the experiment was performed under conditions of a temperature of 22±2°C and a moisture content of 60±5%.

[0107] As a result, the flammability of the first embodiment was measured at 5 minutes and 38 seconds.

[0108] 6. Experimental Example 5: Measurement of Air Dilution Ratio

[0109] The air dilution ratios were measured for Embodiments 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1. As a result, it was confirmed that the air dilution ratios for Embodiments 1 and 2 were 32% and 56.1%, respectively, which were improved compared to the air dilution ratio of Comparative Example 1, which was 13%.

[0110] From the above experimental examples, it can be seen that by utilizing the invention described in the claims of the present invention, it is possible to provide an ultra-low nicotine smoking article in which the nicotine content of the tobacco medium is low at 0.05% or less, while maintaining the taste and burning characteristics (or thermal conductivity) of tobacco.

[0111] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art may apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques may be performed in an order different from that described, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or combined in a form different from that described, or may be substituted or replaced by other components or equivalents, and still achieve appropriate results.

[0112] Accordingly, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. The medium portion and the filter portion are included. the medium portion contains a tobacco medium including flue-cured tobacco, expanded cut tobacco, and expanded midrib; The tobacco medium is 50% to 60% by weight of flue-cured tobacco, 20% to 30% by weight of expanded cut tobacco, and 10% to 30% by weight of expanded midrib tobacco, based on the total weight of the tobacco medium; An ultra-low nicotine smoking article, wherein the nicotine content of the tobacco medium is 0.01% to 0.05%.

2. 2. The very low nicotine smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco medium is obtained from tobacco (scientific name: Nicotiana tabacum L.) with the variety name KF128 registered with the National Seed Service.

3. 2. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article of claim 1, wherein the flue-cured tobacco, expanded shredded tobacco, and expanded midrib are separated from at least one selected from the group consisting of flue-cured thick leaves and thin leaves.

4. 2. The very low nicotine smoking article of claim 1, wherein the tobacco medium is a blend of leaf tobacco having a total nitrogen content of 0.05% to 1%.

5. 2. The very low nicotine smoking article of claim 1, wherein the air dilution ratio of the smoking article is 10% to 60%.

6. 2. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the tar content among the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article is 4 mg / cig to 8 mg / cig.

7. 2. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the nicotine content of the mainstream smoke of the smoking article is 0.02 mg / cig to 0.05 mg / cig.

8. 2. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the carbon monoxide content among the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article is 3 mg / cig to 18 mg / cig.

9. The medium portion and the filter portion are included. the medium portion contains a tobacco medium including flue-cured tobacco, expanded cut tobacco, and expanded midrib; the nicotine content of the tobacco medium is 0.01% to 0.05%; An ultra-low nicotine smoking article in which the ratio of tar to nicotine among the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article is 80:1 to 400:

1.

10. The very low nicotine smoking article according to claim 9, wherein the tobacco medium is obtained from tobacco (scientific name: Nicotiana tabacum L.) with a variety name of KF128.

11. 10. The very low nicotine smoking article according to claim 9, wherein the tobacco medium is a blend of tobacco leaves having a total nitrogen content of 0.05% to 1%.

12. 10. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to claim 9, wherein the nicotine content among the smoke components in the mainstream smoke of the smoking article is 0.02 mg / cig to 0.05 mg / cig.

13. The very low nicotine smoking article according to claim 1 or 9, wherein the UPD / EPD value of the smoking article is 0.5 to 0.

9.

14. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to claim 1 or claim 9, wherein the weight of the medium portion is 500 mg / cig to 700 mg / cig.

15. 10. The ultra-low nicotine smoking article according to claim 1 or claim 9, wherein the draw resistance of the filter portion is 60 mmWG to 100 mmWG.

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