Aerosol-forming materials and uses thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol-forming material comprising tobacco granules including tobacco material and an expansion agent, the expansion agent expanding upon contact with moisture to cause movement of the tobacco granules within the aerosol-forming material to expose further tobacco material. The present invention also relates to tobacco granules including the tobacco material and the expansion agent. Such aerosol-forming material and tobacco granules may be used in a non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-forming material comprising a tobacco material and an expansion agent. The present invention also relates to tobacco granules comprising a tobacco material and an expansion agent. Such aerosol-forming material and tobacco granules may be used in a non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes, cigars, etc., burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are so-called "heat-not-burn" products or tobacco heating devices or products that release compounds by heating smokable material, but without combustion. Overview

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating material comprising tobacco granules comprising tobacco material and an expansion agent, the expansion agent expanding on contact with moisture to cause movement of the tobacco granules within the aerosol-generating material to expose further tobacco material.

[0004] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises from about 5% to about 50% swelling agent by weight, based on the weight of the aerosol-forming material.

[0005] In some embodiments, the bulking agent is selected from the group consisting of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and croscarmellose sodium (CCS).

[0006] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the expansion agent is contained within the tobacco granules.

[0007] In some embodiments, the expansion agent is distributed throughout the tobacco granules.

[0008] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the expansion agent is present on the surface of the tobacco granules.

[0009] In some embodiments, the tobacco granules include a core of expansion agent surrounded by tobacco material.

[0010] In some embodiments, the tobacco granules are formed by extrusion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material includes discrete particles of expansion agent located between tobacco granules.

[0012] In some embodiments, the tobacco material has a pH of at least about 7. In some embodiments, the tobacco has a pH of from about 8 to about 9.5, or from about 8.5 to about 9.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tobacco granule comprising a tobacco material and an expansion agent, the expansion agent expanding on contact with moisture to cause the tobacco granule to burst and / or split.

[0014] In some embodiments, the tobacco granules comprise from about 5% to about 50% swelling agent by weight, based on the weight of the tobacco granule.

[0015] In some embodiments, the tobacco granules are formed by co-extrusion of the tobacco material and the expansion agent.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a consumable product comprising an aerosol-forming material according to the first aspect or comprising one or more tobacco granules according to the second aspect.

[0017] In some embodiments, the consumable comprises a first chamber containing an aerosol-generating material or one or more tobacco granules and a second chamber containing an aerosolizable material.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a non-burning aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol-forming material according to the first aspect or comprising one or more tobacco granules according to the second aspect.

[0019] In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery system further comprises an aerosolizable material, and the system is configured to heat the aerosolizable material to form a vapor and / or an aerosol, which vapor / aerosol contacts the aerosol-generating material or one or more tobacco granules to entrain one or more components thereof, thus forming an inhalable medium.

[0020] In some embodiments, the vapor / aerosol contains moisture that causes the swelling agent to expand.

[0021] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided the use of an expansion agent in an aerosol-forming material comprising tobacco granules to cause movement of the tobacco granules within the aerosol-forming material on exposure to moisture to expose further tobacco material.

[0022] In some embodiments, an expansion agent is included in at least one tobacco granule, and the expansion agent expands upon contact with moisture to burst and / or split the tobacco granule.

[0023] In some embodiments, the swelling agent is exposed to moisture as a result of the aerosol-forming material being exposed to moisture-containing vapor.

[0024] In some embodiments, the vapor is generated by a non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hybrid system for heating an aerosol-forming material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-forming material. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one example of a cartridge that may be used to hold aerosol-generating material and / or tobacco granules according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0027] The present invention relates to an aerosol-forming material that includes a tobacco material and an expansion agent. The expansion agent expands upon contact with moisture, rupturing the aerosol-forming material and exposing more of the tobacco material for release of more tobacco components upon heating. The expansion agent also traps moisture as it expands, thereby reducing wetting of the tobacco material.

[0028] The present invention also relates to tobacco granules comprising a tobacco material and an expansion agent. The expansion agent expands upon contact with moisture, causing the tobacco granules to burst and / or split, exposing more of the tobacco material for release of more tobacco components upon heating. The expansion agent also traps moisture and reduces wetting of the tobacco granules.

[0029] Such aerosol-generating materials and tobacco granules can be used in non-combustible aerosol delivery systems, such as hybrid devices, in which an aerosolizable material, such as e-liquid, is heated to generate vapor and / or aerosol that is passed through or over tobacco-containing aerosol-generating material or granules, entraining components including nicotine and (tobacco-derived) flavors and aromas.

[0030] It is known in the art that hybrid devices may contain tobacco that is used to provide the user with an aerosol that has the taste and texture of real tobacco. One problem that occurs with such devices is that the nicotine delivery decreases with the use of the aerosol-generating material, especially toward the end of the material's life. This is because the more volatile components, including nicotine and many flavors and aromas, are easily released from the surface of the tobacco material. A further problem is that the vapor or aerosol passing over or through the tobacco material introduces moisture to the tobacco material. As the tobacco becomes gradually moistened with this moisture, the release of nicotine is adversely affected.

[0031] Leavening agent The present invention seeks to address these problems by including a swelling agent. A swelling agent is a material that expands in volume when it comes into contact with water, moisture, or humidity. In some embodiments, the swelling agent is one or more of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), croscarmellose sodium (CCS), and other materials known in the art that expand when they come into contact with water.

[0032] The expansion agent may be located anywhere within the aerosol-forming material, hi some embodiments, the expansion agent is dispersed within the tobacco material of the aerosol-forming material.

[0033] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises tobacco granules. In some embodiments, the expansion agent is located within the tobacco granules. For example, the tobacco granules may comprise a core of the expansion agent. Alternatively, the expansion agent may be distributed within the tobacco granules, for example, uniformly distributed within the tobacco granules. In other embodiments, the expansion agent is distributed on the outside of the tobacco granules, for example as a complete or incomplete coating, or distributed uniformly or non-uniformly.

[0034] In embodiments where the swelling agent is located inside the tobacco granules, the swelling agent expands on contact with moisture, causing the granules to burst or split, exposing new surface area of ​​the tobacco granules and allowing additional release of nicotine and other tobacco components. This embodiment has the advantage of providing greater consistency in nicotine delivery over the life of the granules.

[0035] In other embodiments in which the expansion agent is included with and separately from the tobacco material, the tobacco material is optionally in the form of tobacco granules. The mixture of tobacco material and expansion agent constitutes the aerosol-generating material. The expansion agent expands when the aerosol-generating material is exposed to moisture. This expansion creates a shift within the aerosol-generating material, exposing new surface areas of the tobacco material. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the expansion of the expansion agent upon contact with moisture causes the tobacco material to move within the aerosol-generating material, thereby exposing new surface areas of the tobacco material, thereby causing an increase in nicotine release. This also has the advantage of improving the consistency of nicotine release. An additional advantage is the increased release of other flavorants that may be included in the aerosol-generating material.

[0036] The aerosol-forming material includes sufficient expansion agent to provide sufficient expansion to expose more surface area of ​​the tobacco material during use in an aerosol delivery system. In some embodiments, the expansion agent is present in the aerosol-forming material in an amount of about 5% to about 50% by weight, based on the weight of the aerosol-forming material. In some embodiments, the expansion agent is present in an amount of at least about 5%, 10%, 2%, 30%, or at least about 40% by weight of the aerosol-forming material.

[0037] At least some of the suitable swelling agents used herein are known to be useful as binders and may be included in the aerosol-generating material for their binding properties. However, these agents have not previously been incorporated into the aerosol-generating material in an amount or manner that allows for sufficient swelling to break the aerosol-generating material. The swelling agents also have not previously been included in an amount or manner sufficient to allow for sufficient moisture absorption to improve the emission properties of the aerosol-generating material. How the swelling agent is included in the aerosol-generating material also affects its effectiveness.

[0038] Tobacco Materials In some embodiments, the tobacco may be formed into an aggregate structure, such as a granule or a single monolithic component, or may be in the form of free-flowing particles.

[0039] The aggregate structure has the advantage of being convenient and effective for the release of nicotine and the incorporation of expansion agents. Furthermore, aerosol-forming materials, including tobacco, in granular form can be easily incorporated into consumables and / or aerosol delivery systems, such as hybrid devices.

[0040] Tobacco particles of a desired size can be formed by grinding, shredding, cutting or crushing the tobacco material. Machinery suitable for producing such tobacco particles includes, for example, shredders, cutters, or mills, such as hammer mills, roller mills, or other types of commercially available grinding machinery.

[0041] The size of the tobacco particles is selected to provide particles that can be readily formed into an aggregated structure using the methods described herein, have the properties described herein, and provide a source of tobacco components that are readily released upon heating in a non-burning aerosol delivery system. In some embodiments, the tobacco can be aggregated using a suitable binder. In some embodiments, the tobacco can be aggregated using an expansion agent. The tobacco material may be pretreated or preprocessed.

[0042] In some embodiments, one or more binders are included in the tobacco-containing aggregate structure. The binder may be added to the swelling agent when present in the aggregate structure. In some embodiments, the one or more binders are selected from the group consisting of thermoreversible gelling agents, such as gelatin; starch; polysaccharides; pectin; cellulose; cellulose derivatives; and alginates. The binder additives may be selected to aid in the formation of the aggregate structure by helping to adhere the tobacco particles to each other and to other components in the composition.

[0043] Formation of aggregate structures In some embodiments, the agglomerated structure is formed by the following steps: Tobacco starting material, which may be pretreated or preprocessed, is ground to a desired particle size. An expansion agent is added to the tobacco particles to form a precursor material. Optional additional ingredients may be added to the precursor material. These additional ingredients may be in liquid or solid form, such as in particulate or powder form. An agglomerated structure is then formed from the resulting precursor composition by adhering the tobacco particles and optional other ingredients to form a multiparticulate body.

[0044] In some embodiments, water may be added to the precursor composition as a processing aid. For example, the presence of water can help dissolve the components of the precursor composition and / or aid in improving binding or cohesion.

[0045] In some embodiments, the agglomerated structure may be formed from the precursor composition by a process comprising one or more steps selected from the group comprising granulation, extrusion, and spheronization.

[0046] Extrusion of the precursor composition involves feeding the precursor composition through an orifice to produce an extruded mass, which applies pressure and shear to the precursor composition to result in a cohesive structure.

[0047] Extrusion can be carried out using one of the major classes of extruders: screw, screen and basket, roll, ram, and pin barrel extruders. Shaping the cohesive structure by extrusion has the advantage that this process combines mixing, conditioning, homogenization, and shaping of the precursor composition.

[0048] In some embodiments, the expansion agent is added to the precursor composition and co-extruded. This has the advantage that the expansion agent is uniformly distributed throughout the aggregate structure that is formed. Other materials can also be added to the extrusion process, such as bases, diluents, solid aerosol formers, solid flavor modifiers, and other additives known in the art. In some embodiments, the expansion agent is added after the extrusion of the tobacco material.

[0049] Types of cigarettes The tobacco material may be fermented, cured, uncured, toasted, or otherwise pretreated. The tobacco may be, for example, stems, flakes, powder, or mixtures thereof. Suitable tobacco materials include the following tobacco types: Virginia or flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, oriental tobacco, or blends of tobacco materials. The tobacco may be expanded, such as dry ice expanded tobacco (DIET), or processed by any other means, such as extrusion.

[0050] Tobacco pH Treatment In some embodiments, the tobacco contained in the aerosol-generating material is pH-treated. The tobacco material can be treated with a base to promote the release of nicotine. For example, nicotine is released from the nicotine salt in the tobacco by reaction with the base. The pH-adjusted nicotine is then volatilized at low temperature during use.

[0051] In some embodiments, the pH is adjusted by the addition of one or more bases or a basic buffer system. In some embodiments, the pH of the tobacco material is at least about 7.5. In some embodiments, the tobacco material has a pH of from about 8 to about 9.5, or from about 8.5 to about 9.

[0052] Additional Ingredients Optional additional components may be added to the aerosol-generating material and / or the aggregate structure. These additional components may be in liquid or solid form. Additional solid components are preferably in granular or powder form. Examples of additional components include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0053] In some embodiments, the aggregate structures formed from the tobacco material can have an increased surface area by including particles of an inert filler material in the precursor composition. Suitable inert fillers can be porous or non-porous.

[0054] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material and / or the aggregate structure further comprises at least one aerosol-forming material. The aerosol-forming material may comprise one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may comprise 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. Combinations of aerosol-forming agents may be used in combination in equal or different proportions.

[0055] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material and / or the aggregate structure further comprises a preservative. Suitable preservatives will be familiar to those skilled in the art and will include, for example, those that are safe for use in products that generate inhalable aerosols. Examples of preservatives that may be used include propylene glycol, carvacrol, thymol, L-menthol, 1,8-cineole, phenoxyethanol, herbicides, sorbic acid and its salts, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, ethylhexylglycerin, parabens, and vitamins, such as vitamin E or vitamin C.

[0056] fragrance In some embodiments, one or more flavorings are included in the aerosol-generating material and / or the aggregate structure. As used herein, the terms "flavor" and "flavoring agent" refer to materials that may be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatic sensation in products intended for adult consumers, as permitted by local regulations. Flavoring agents and flavoring agents may include naturally occurring flavor materials, botanical substances, extracts of botanical substances, synthetically derived materials, or combinations thereof, such as, for example, tobacco, cannabis, liquorice (licorice), hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berries, red berries, crab, and other flavorings. berry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruit, drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, hazel nectar, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, wine scented with spices and honey, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil of any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea, e.g. green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, perilla, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, allspice, nutmeg flower, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancer, bitter taste receptor site blocker, organoleptic site activator or stimulant,Sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol) may be included, as well as other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. These may be either imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. Fragrances and flavorings may be in any suitable form, e.g., liquids such as oils, solids such as powders, or gases.

[0057] In some embodiments, the flavoring comprises menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring comprises cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruit, and / or red berry flavor ingredients. In some embodiments, the flavoring comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring comprises flavor ingredients extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavoring comprises flavor ingredients extracted from cannabis.

[0058] In some embodiments, the flavoring may include sensates that are intended to achieve somatic sensations, usually chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or instead of the scent or taste nerves, and may include agents that produce a heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effect. A suitable warming agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable cooling agent may be, but is not limited to, eucolyptol, WS-3.

[0059] consumables A consumable is an article that includes or consists of an aerosol-generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transport component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that generates heat upon use to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may comprise, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0060] Playout System As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, including non-combustion aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from an aerosol-forming material without combusting the aerosol-forming material, such as tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-forming materials.

[0061] According to this disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials of the aerosol delivery system (or its components) are not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0062] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, such as an electrical non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

[0063] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0064] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, where one or more of the aerosol-generating materials may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include tobacco.

[0065] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system may include a non-flammable aerosol delivery device and a consumable for use with the non-flammable aerosol delivery device.

[0066] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include aerosol generating materials and are configured for use with non-flammable aerosol delivery devices. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

[0067] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, such as the non-flammable aerosol delivery device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat generating power source comprises a carbon substrate that may be energized to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol generating material or a heat transfer material in proximity to the heat generating power source.

[0068] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0069] In some embodiments, consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol delivery device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a packaging material, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0070] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a non-combustible aerosol delivery system that is a hybrid system for heating an aerosol-forming material and an aerosolizable material, such as a liquid. The device 1 has a housing 2 that contains a chamber 4 that contains an aerosol-forming material 3 that is heated and vaporized in use. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material includes a plurality of tobacco granules that contain an expansion agent, as described below, where the tobacco granules are held in the chamber or contained within a cartridge such as that illustrated in FIG. 2. Alternatively or additionally, the expansion agent is in the form of separate particles located between the tobacco granules. The housing 2 also contains a liquid reservoir 5 that contains a liquid 6 that is heated to form a vapor.

[0071] The device 1 further includes an electronics / power compartment 7, which may house, for example, electrical control circuitry and / or a power source (not shown). The electrical control circuitry may include a controller, such as a microprocessor arrangement, constructed and arranged to control the heating of the aerosol generating material and liquid 6 via one or more heating elements (not shown). The electrical control circuitry may puff-activate the device 21 to cause heating of the aerosol generating material "on demand." Alternatively, the device 2 may include a manually operable switch for a user to initiate a puff.

[0072] The housing 2 also includes an inlet 8 through which air is drawn into the device. The housing 2 also includes an outlet 9 at a mouthpiece 10 of the device 1. Air is drawn into the device 1 through the inlet 8 and travels through the device picking up vapour produced by heating the liquid 6 in the liquid reservoir 5, as well as the active substance(s) and volatile components released by the aerosol-generating material 3, and the aerosol produced by the device leaves the device through outlet 9 and is inhaled by the user.

[0073] The hybrid device 1 shown diagrammatically in Figure 1 represents just one possible configuration of such an apparatus. The relative positions of the liquid reservoir 5 and the aerosol-generating material chamber 4 can be varied, as can the path of air flow through the apparatus.

[0074] In one embodiment, the liquid reservoir is located upstream of the aerosol-generating material to be volatilized. Alternatively, the liquid reservoir may be located downstream of the aerosol-generating material to be volatilized. In yet another arrangement, two aerosol sources within the device may be located, for example, side-by-side.

[0075] In some embodiments, the vapor generated by heating the liquid in the liquid reservoir flows over or through the aerosol-forming material. In some embodiments, the increase in temperature of the vapor causes volatile components to be released. The vapor also carries moisture, which is absorbed by the expansion agent, causing it to expand.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming material may be heated separately by a heating means.

[0077] In some embodiments, a hybrid device is provided in which the vapor generated by heating the liquid heats the aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material. The vapor also carries moisture that expands the expansion agent. In some embodiments, the liquid is a liquid that does not contain nicotine. In other embodiments, the liquid contains nicotine. When the aerosol-generating material is heated by the vapor to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material, in certain embodiments, the device does not include a separate means for heating the aerosol-generating material.

[0078] The hybrid products described herein, in some embodiments, can accept consumables in the form of containers or cartridges that contain aerosol-generating materials. These containers or cartridges can be removable. These containers or cartridges can replace both the chambers that hold the aerosol-generating materials and the aerosol-generating materials in the devices described above with reference to FIG. 1 and in the alternative embodiments discussed.

[0079] 2, a tobacco section cartridge 11 is shown and includes a housing 12 defining a cavity (not shown) in which one or more particles of aerosol-generating material are retained. The housing 12 may be made, for example, from molded plastic or the like. Ventilation holes 13 are provided in the housing 12 of the cartridge 11 to allow air drawn through the device to enter the cartridge 11, pass over or through the one or more particles of aerosol-generating material, and then exit the cartridge 11. In some embodiments, the cartridge 11 may further include heating means, heatable by suitable means, to heat the one or more particles of aerosol-generating material retained within the cartridge.

[0080] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, features, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention defined by the claims or limitations of equivalents to the claims, and it will be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol-generating material comprising tobacco granules containing tobacco material and an expansion agent, the expansion agent expanding upon contact with moisture to cause movement of the tobacco granules within the aerosol-generating material and expose additional tobacco material.

2. 10. The aerosol-forming material of claim 1, comprising from about 5% to about 50% by weight of the swelling agent, based on the weight of the aerosol-forming material.

3. 3. The aerosol-forming material of claim 1, wherein the swelling agent is selected from the group consisting of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and croscarmellose sodium (CCS).

4. The aerosol-forming material of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a portion of the expansion agent is contained within the tobacco granules.

5. The aerosol forming material of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the expansion agent is distributed throughout the tobacco granules.

6. The aerosol-forming material of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least a portion of the expansion agent is present on the surface of the tobacco granules.

7. The aerosol-forming material of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tobacco granules comprise a core of expansion agent surrounded by tobacco material.

8. The aerosol-forming material of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tobacco granules are formed by extrusion.

9. 9. The aerosol forming material of any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising discrete particles of expansion agent located between tobacco granules.

10. The aerosol-forming material of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the tobacco material has a pH of at least about 7.

11. 11. The aerosol-forming material of claim 10, wherein the tobacco material has a pH of from about 8 to about 9.5, or from about 8.5 to about 9.

12. A tobacco granule comprising a tobacco material and an expansion agent, the expansion agent expanding upon contact with moisture to cause the tobacco granule to burst and / or split.

13. 13. The tobacco granule of claim 12, comprising from about 5% to about 50% by weight of said expansion agent, based on the weight of said tobacco granule.

14. 14. The tobacco granule of claim 12 or 13, wherein the tobacco granule is formed by co-extrusion of the tobacco material and an expansion agent.

15. A consumable product comprising an aerosol-forming material according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or comprising one or more tobacco granules according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. 16. The consumable product of claim 15, comprising a first chamber containing the aerosol-forming material or one or more tobacco granules and a second chamber containing an aerosolizable material.

17. A non-burning aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol-forming material according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or comprising one or more tobacco granules according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

18. 20. The aerosol delivery system of claim 17, further comprising an aerosolizable material, the system being configured to heat the aerosolizable material to form a vapor and / or an aerosol, the vapor / aerosol contacting the aerosol-generating material or one or more tobacco granules to entrain one or more components thereof, thus forming an inhalable medium.

19. 20. The aerosol delivery system of claim 18, wherein the vapor / aerosol contains moisture to expand the expansion agent.

20. 1. Use of an expansion agent in an aerosol-forming material comprising tobacco granules, to cause movement of the tobacco granules within said aerosol-forming material upon exposure to moisture to expose further tobacco material.

21. 21. The use of claim 20, wherein the expansion agent is contained in at least one tobacco granule, the expansion agent expanding on contact with moisture to cause the tobacco granule to burst and / or split.

22. 22. The use of claim 20 or 21, wherein the swelling agent is exposed to moisture as a result of the aerosol-forming material being exposed to moisture-containing vapor.

23. 23. The use according to claim 22, wherein the vapor is generated by a non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

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