Lyocell material, smoking article filter, smoking article, and methods for manufacturing the same

Abstract

The present application relates to a lyocell material, a filter for smoking articles containing the lyocell material, and a method for manufacturing the same. The lyocell material and the filter for smoking articles containing the same manufactured by the present application replace conventional cellulose acetate materials and filters, and provide not only excellent biodegradability, but also excellent filter manufacturing processability and excellent tobacco physical properties (e.g., hardness).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0190180, filed December 28, 2021, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0190181, filed December 28, 2021, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a lyocell material, a filter and a smoking article containing the same, and methods for producing the same. [Background technology]

[0003] To date, cellulose acetate fiber has been the primary material used for cigarette filters. While cellulose acetate is known to be biodegradable, smoking article filters made of cellulose acetate retain their original shape for one to two years after being buried in soil, and it takes a considerable amount of time for them to fully biodegrade. Considering the volume and toxicity of tobacco products discarded and left in the living environment, as well as those collected and buried as waste after use, further improvements in the biodegradability of smoking article filters are necessary. As a result, environmentally friendly lyocell has recently been selected as an alternative to cellulose acetate.

[0004] In addition, oil treatment can be used to manufacture tow for smoking article filters. Typical oil-treated lyocell tow has a moisture absorption rate of approximately 10% (measured using a moisture analyzer and drying oven combined with a scale capable of measuring moisture loss on drying. The moisture absorption rate is calculated by placing a pre-weighed tow at approximately 105°C, measuring the weight at which no further weight loss occurs, and comparing the weights). This is higher than the 5% for cellulose acetate tow. As a result, filters containing lyocell tow have a lower hardness than filters containing cellulose acetate tow, and in actual use, filters containing lyocell tow exhibit a faster breakdown in hardness due to saliva. For example, when smoking (although this varies depending on the user and the situation), the user holds a cigarette in their mouth. In this case, if saliva flows into the tobacco tip or filter, the original hardness (hardness) of the smoking article filter is weakened, and smokers perceive this change as an undesirable quality. Therefore, tobacco manufacturers are trying to create products that do not disintegrate or disintegrate only slightly when exposed to saliva, and that maintain the original shape of the filter formed during production.

[0005] Considering these points, there is a need to develop a filter material that can replace the conventional cellulose acetate material while providing excellent hardness, quality, and user satisfaction. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] One object of the present application is to provide a lyocell material that can replace commercially available cellulose acetate for use in smoking article filters.

[0007] Another object of the present application is to provide a lyocell material for smoking article filters that is environmentally friendly in its manufacturing process and highly biodegradable upon disposal.

[0008] It is yet another object of the present application to provide a lyocell material for smoking article filters that undergoes little change in hardness upon moisture penetration.

[0009] It is yet another object of the present application to provide a lyocell filter for a smoking article.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present application to provide a smoking article (e.g., a cigarette) that includes a lyocell filter.

[0011] A further object of the present application is to improve the processability involved in manufacturing said lyocell material, filters and smoking articles.

[0012] The above and other objects of the present application can all be achieved by the present invention, which will be described in detail below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present application, a lyocell material, a filter including the same, a smoking article, and the like may be provided.

[0014] Substituting lyocell tow for conventionally used cellulose acetate tow presents the aforementioned challenges. Lyocell tow generally has a higher water absorption rate (or moisture content) than cellulose acetate tow, resulting in a rapid deterioration in hardness due to saliva. To address this issue, attempts have been made to treat the tow with a hydrophobic binder. However, compatibility issues limit the improvement in filter hardness achieved by treating highly hydrophilic lyocell with a hydrophobic binder. Furthermore, these undesirable compatibility issues adversely affect the manufacturing process of filters or smoking articles (e.g., cigarettes).

[0015] Taking these points into consideration, the inventors of the present application have completed the present invention, which treats lyocell material with a specific oil agent to overcome the hydrophilicity of the lyocell surface, improve compatibility with binders, and improve the degree of reduction in hardness caused by saliva (e.g., provide a similar or equivalent level of hardness when compared to conventional cellulose acetate filters).

[0016] Specifically, according to one example of the present application, a lyocell material may be provided, which includes a crimped lyocell multifilament and an oil agent coated on the lyocell multifilament, the oil agent including (a) an ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms with an aliphatic monohydric alcohol, and (b) an ester of sorbitan with a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms.

[0017] According to another example of the present application, a lyocell material can be provided that includes crimped lyocell multifilaments and an oil agent coated on the lyocell multifilaments, and has a settling time in water of 6.0 seconds or more.

[0018] According to yet another specific example of the present application, there can be provided a filter for a smoking article comprising a lyocell material, the lyocell material comprising a crimped lyocell multifilament and an oily agent coated on the lyocell multifilament, the oily agent comprising (a) an ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms with an aliphatic monohydric alcohol, and (b) an ester of sorbitan with a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms.

[0019] According to yet another specific example of the present application, a smoking article filter can be provided that satisfies a filter diameter maintenance rate of 85% or more before water injection, as calculated by the following formula 1-1, which expresses the degree of hardness change of the smoking article filter, and a filter diameter maintenance rate of 80% or more after water injection, as expressed by the following formula 1-2.

[0020] According to yet another embodiment of the present application, there may be provided a smoking article including the lyocell material or the filter.

[0021] According to still other embodiments of the present application, there may be provided methods for producing the lyocell material, filters containing the same, and smoking articles.

[0022] According to yet another embodiment of the present application, an oil can be provided that can modify the hydrophilicity of the surface of the lyocell material to hydrophobicity, thereby improving the degree of reduction in hardness of a smoking article filter due to moisture.

[0023] As used herein, "smoking article" refers to an article capable of generating an aerosol, such as a cigarette or cigar. In this context, the smoking article may also include an aerosol-generating substance or an aerosol-forming substrate. The smoking article may also include a solid substance based on tobacco, such as flat tobacco, shredded tobacco, or reconstituted tobacco. Additionally, the smoking substance may also include a volatile compound.

[0024] Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, when the properties of a lyocell material, a smoking article filter, or related components or structures are affected by temperature, the temperature at which the properties are confirmed or measured is also room temperature, which is a temperature that is not specifically cooled or heated, for example, 10°C to 35°C, specifically 15°C to 35°C, 20°C to 30°C, or about 25°C.

[0025] The present invention will be described in further detail below.

[0026] In one embodiment, the present application relates to a lyocell material that may be used in, but is not limited to, a filter for a smoking article.

[0027] Specifically, the lyocell material includes a crimped lyocell multifilament and an oil coating on the lyocell multifilament. The oil includes (a) an ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms with an aliphatic monohydric alcohol, and (b) an ester of sorbitan with a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms. Such an oil can be applied to some or all of the monofilaments or multifilaments that make up the lyocell material. The oil can also penetrate between the filaments.

[0028] The oil agent containing at least the components (a) and (b) can be hydrophobic, thereby solving the problems of the hydrophilicity of the lyocell surface, vulnerability to moisture, and the resulting decrease in filter hardness. Furthermore, the oil agent is highly compatible with the binder component described below.

[0029] In a specific example of the present application, the lyocell material may contain a predetermined amount of the oil. In this case, the oil content may refer to the OPU (oil pick up ratio) (wt%) described below. For example, the lyocell material may contain an oil content of 2.0 wt% or more, based on 100 wt% of the total lyocell material. Specifically, the oil content may be 2.5 wt% or more, 3.0 wt% or more, 3.5 wt% or more, 4.0 wt% or more, 4.5 wt% or more, 5.0 wt% or more, 5.5 wt% or more, 6.0 wt% or more, 6.5 wt% or more, 7.0 wt% or more, 7.5 wt% or more, 8.0 wt% or more, 8.5 wt% or more, 9.0 wt% or more, or 9.5 wt% or more. The upper limit is, for example, 15.0 wt % or less, 14.5 wt % or less, 14.0 wt % or less, 13.5 wt % or less, 13.0 wt % or less, 12.5 wt % or less, 12.0 wt % or less, 11.5 wt % or less, 11.0 wt % or less, 10.5 wt % or less, 10 wt % or less, 9.5 wt % or less, 9.0 wt % or less, 8.5 wt % or less, 8.0 wt % or less, 7.5 wt % or less, 7.0 wt % or less, 6.5 wt % or less, 6.0 wt % or less, 5.5 wt % or less, 5.0 wt % or less, 4.5 wt % or less, 4.0 wt % or less, or 3.5 wt % or less.

[0030] The oil content (OPU) may be measured, for example, by an extrusion method. For example, a sample (e.g., 2 to 5 g, specifically, approximately 2.5 g) is collected (the weight of the collected sample is referred to as the sample weight) and placed in a syringe-shaped container. The material of the container is not particularly limited, but it can be stainless steel (SUS). Next, a solvent (e.g., methanol) is added to the container containing the sample (the amount of solvent added can be 10 ml or less, e.g., approximately 8 ml). The solvent is added to the sample using a drop method, and the drop speed is controlled uniformly. Then, as described above, the solvent added to the container is allowed to fall from one end of the syringe-shaped container onto a plate. At this time, the weight of the plate is measured in advance (the measured weight is referred to as plate weight A), and the plate is provided so that the solvent dropped into the plume can jump out (i.e., be evaporated) at a temperature of 120 to 130°C (e.g., 125°C). The above-mentioned solvent injection and solvent drop are carried out three times, and a pressure (e.g., 10 kgf / cm) is applied to the sample using a syringe-shaped container. 2 Below, 5kgf / cm 2 Less than or equal to 2-4kgf / cm 2 ) and press the sample once. This will fully push out the solvent and oil present in the sample. Apply pressure until no more solvent comes out and squeeze out the sample. Then, store the plate in a desiccator for 5 to 10 minutes and measure the weight of the plate containing the sample (plate weight B). Then, calculate the oil content using the following formula:

[0031] Formula Extrusion oil content (OPU (% or wt%)) = {(Plate weight B - Plate weight A) / (Sample weight)} x 100

[0032] The lyocell material used as the basis for the oil content is also a lyocell multifilament that has been at least oil-treated. For example, the lyocell material may be a lyocell multifilament to which a primary oil treatment (described below) has been applied, a lyocell multifilament to which a primary oil treatment and a secondary oil treatment (described below) have been applied, or a lyocell multifilament to which a binder (described below) has been applied in addition to the oil treatment described above. As described above, a lyocell multifilament that has been treated with an oil and / or a binder may also be crimped.

[0033] In the present invention, component (a) is a compound that functions as a lubricant or oil and is harmless enough to be used in food products. Component (a) provides lubricity to fibers fed into the crimper. If the lubricity is insufficient, the lyocell will clump and be unable to escape the crimper. If the lubricity is too high, the crimp will not be good. The content of component (a) can be controlled as described below, taking these functions into consideration.

[0034] The type of fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms forming component (a) is not particularly limited. Fatty acids having 16 or more carbon atoms that can provide esterified products that are harmless to the human body and suitable for use in foods can be used.

[0035] For example, as the fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms, saturated fatty acids and / or unsaturated fatty acids can be used.

[0036] Examples of saturated fatty acids include palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid (CH3(CH2) 14 COOH)), margaric acid (heptadecanoic acid (CH3(CH2) 15 COOH)), stearic acid (octadecanoic acid (CH3(CH2) 16 COOH)), nonadecylic acid (nonadecanoic acid (CH3(CH2) 17COOH)) or arachidic acid (eicosanoic acid (CH3(CH2) 18 However, the types of saturated fatty acids that can be used are not limited to these.

[0037] Examples of unsaturated fatty acids include palmitoleic acid (CH3(CH2)5CH=CH(CH2)7COOH), oleic acid (CH3(CH2)7CH=CH(CH2)7COOH), linoleic acid (C 18 H 32 O2) or arachidonic acid (C 20 H 32 However, the types of saturated fatty acids that can be used are not limited to these.

[0038] The upper limit of the carbon number of the fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 40 or less, 36 or less, 32 or less, 28 or less, 24 or less, or 20 or less.

[0039] The type of aliphatic monohydric alcohol forming component (a) is not particularly limited. Any aliphatic monohydric alcohol that can provide an esterified product that is harmless to the human body and suitable for use in food products may be used.

[0040] For example, they may be saturated or unsaturated fatty alcohols, and they may have a linear or branched structure.

[0041] As one example, the carbon number of the aliphatic monohydric alcohol is 1 to 40. Specifically, the carbon number of the aliphatic monohydric alcohol is, for example, 4 or more, 8 or more, 12 or more, 16 or more, or 20 or more.

[0042] Examples of the aliphatic monohydric alcohol include, but are not limited to, methanol, ethanol, butanol, lauryl alcohol, isotridecanol, and stearyl alcohol.

[0043] In a specific example of the present application, the component (a) may be an ester of isotridecanol and stearic acid (e.g., isotridecyl stearate), but the type of component (a) that can be used is not limited thereto.

[0044] As will be described later, the content of the component (a) contained in the oil agent can be adjusted in consideration of the function of the oil agent or the function of the component (a).

[0045] The component (b), i.e., an ester of sorbitan with a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms, is a compound that can function as a type of oil-forming agent, and is a component that is harmless to the human body and can be used in food.

[0046] Component (b) possesses both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties due to its alcohol (i.e., sorbitan), allowing component (a), which provides lubrication to fibers, to disperse well in water. Furthermore, components (a) and (b) used together not only enhance the dispersibility of the oil agent, but also lower its melting point, ensuring ease of handling and safety in use. The content of component (b) can be controlled, taking these functions into consideration, as described below.

[0047] The type of fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms forming component (b) is not particularly limited. Fatty acids having 16 or more carbon atoms that can provide esterified products that are harmless to the human body and suitable for use in food can be used.

[0048] For example, as the fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms, saturated fatty acids and / or unsaturated fatty acids can be used.

[0049] Examples of saturated fatty acids include palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid (CH3(CH2) 14 COOH)), margaric acid (heptadecanoic acid (CH3(CH2) 15COOH)), stearic acid (octadecanoic acid (CH3(CH2) 16 COOH)), nonadecylic acid (nonadecanoic acid (CH3(CH2) 17 COOH)) or arachidic acid (eicosanoic acid (CH3(CH2) 18 However, the types of saturated fatty acids that can be used are not limited to these.

[0050] Examples of unsaturated fatty acids include palmitoleic acid (CH3(CH2)5CH=CH(CH2)7COOH), oleic acid (CH3(CH2)7CH=CH(CH2)7COOH), and linoleic acid (C 18 H 32 O2) or arachidonic acid (C 20 H 32 However, the types of saturated fatty acids that can be used are not limited to these.

[0051] The upper limit of the carbon number of the fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 40 or less, 36 or less, 32 or less, 28 or less, 24 or less, or 20 or less.

[0052] In a specific example of the present application, the component (b) may be an ester of sorbitan and oleic acid (e.g., sorbitan monooleate), but the type of component (b) that can be used is not limited thereto.

[0053] The content of component (b) can be adjusted taking into consideration the above-mentioned functions of component (b) and the functions of the oil agent.

[0054] In one example, the oil agent contains 20 to 60 parts by weight of (b) an ester of sorbitan and a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms, relative to 100 parts by weight of (a) an ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol.

[0055] Specifically, the oil agent of the present application may contain 25 parts by weight or more, 30 parts by weight or more, 35 parts by weight or more, 40 parts by weight or more, 45 parts by weight or more, or 50 parts by weight or more of the component (b) per 100 parts by weight of the component (a). The upper limit of the content of the component (b) per 100 parts by weight of the component (a) may be, for example, 55 parts by weight or less, 50 parts by weight or less, 45 parts by weight or less, 40 parts by weight or less, 35 parts by weight or less, 30 parts by weight or less, or 25 parts by weight or less. When the content range is satisfied, the surface of the oil agent-treated lyocell multifilament or lyocell tow becomes hydrophobic, thereby solving the problem of excessive reduction in filter hardness due to penetration of moisture (e.g., saliva).

[0056] In one example, the oil agent further includes, as component (c), an alkylene oxide adduct of component (b). Such component (c) can function as a type of oil-forming agent. This compound can also be selected from those that are harmless to the human body and can be used in food.

[0057] The type of alkylene oxide in component (c) is not particularly limited, but for example, the number of carbon atoms in the alkylene oxide is 2 to 4. Specifically, in component (c), ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and / or butylene oxide may be used, but is not limited thereto.

[0058] The number of moles of alkylene oxide added is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 1 to 100, 5 to 80, 10 to 60, or 15 to 40.

[0059] In a specific example of the present application, the component (c) may be an ester of a polyethylene oxide (PEO) adduct of sorbitan with oleic acid (e.g., polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate). However, the type of component (c) that can be used is not limited thereto.

[0060] Component (c) improves processability by suppressing static electricity generation in lyocell staples during the manufacturing process of smoking article filters, thereby preventing thread breakage due to static electricity generation. Specifically, the alkylene oxide-derived units allow moisture to be adsorbed onto the fiber surface, suppressing static electricity generation. Component (c) also helps to effectively disperse oils in water.

[0061] The content of component (c) can be adjusted taking into consideration the above-mentioned functions of component (c) and the functions of the oil agent.

[0062] In one example, the oil agent contains 10 to 50 parts by weight of the (c) alkylene oxide adduct of the ester (b) relative to 100 parts by weight of the (a) ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms with an aliphatic monohydric alcohol.

[0063] Specifically, the oil agent of the present application contains 15 parts by weight or more, 20 parts by weight or more, 25 parts by weight or more, 30 parts by weight or more, 35 parts by weight or more, 40 parts by weight or more, or 45 parts by weight or more of the component (c) per 100 parts by weight of the component (a).The upper limit of the content of the component (c) per 100 parts by weight of the component (a) is, for example, 45 parts by weight or less, 40 parts by weight or less, 35 parts by weight or less, 30 parts by weight or less, 25 parts by weight or less, 20 parts by weight or less, or 15 parts by weight or less.

[0064] In one example, the oil agent contains (b) an ester of sorbitan with a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms in an excess amount relative to (c) an alkylene oxide adduct of the ester (b).

[0065] In one example, the oil contains 40 to 80 wt% of (a) an ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms with an aliphatic monohydric alcohol, based on 100 wt% of the total oil. Specifically, the content of component (a) is 45 wt% or more, 50 wt% or more, 55 wt% or more, 60 wt% or more, 65 wt% or more, 70 wt% or more, or 75 wt% or more, based on 100 wt% of the total oil. The upper limit of the content is, for example, 75 wt% or less, 70 wt% or less, 65 wt% or less, 60 wt% or less, 55 wt% or less, 50 wt% or less, or 45 wt% or less.

[0066] In one example, the oil agent contains the component (a) in the largest excess amount among the components (a) to (c).

[0067] In one example, the oil contains 15 to 55 wt % of (b) an ester of sorbitan with a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms, based on 100 wt % of the total weight of the oil. Specifically, the content of component (b) is 20 wt % or more, 25 wt % or more, 30 wt % or more, 35 wt % or more, 40 wt % or more, 45 wt % or more, or 50 wt % or more, based on 100 wt % of the total weight of the oil. The upper limit of the content is, for example, 50 wt % or less, 45 wt % or less, 40 wt % or less, 35 wt % or less, 30 wt % or less, or 25 wt % or less.

[0068] In one example, the oil contains 10 to 30 wt % of component (c), i.e., an alkylene oxide adduct of (b), based on 100 wt % of the total weight of the oil. Specifically, the content of component (c), based on 100 wt % of the total weight of the oil, is 15 wt % or more, 20 wt % or more, or 25 wt % or more. The upper limit of the content is, for example, 25 wt % or less, 20 wt % or less, or 15 wt % or less.

[0069] In one example, the oil contains at least 15 wt% or more of (b) an ester of sorbitan and a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms, and (c) an alkylene oxide adduct of (b), based on 100 wt% of the total weight of the oil. Specifically, based on 100 wt% of the total weight of the oil, the total content of components (b) and (c) is 20 wt% or more, 25 wt% or more, 30 wt% or more, 35 wt% or more, 40 wt% or more, 45 wt% or more, or 50 wt% or more. The upper limit of the content is, for example, 55 wt% or less, 50 wt% or less, 45 wt% or less, 40 wt% or less, 35 wt% or less, 30 wt% or less, or 25 wt% or less.

[0070] In one example, the oil agent further contains (d) water. As will be described later, the use of a small amount of water helps in oil formation.

[0071] The water content is not particularly limited, but may be the amount remaining after subtracting the total content of components (a) to (c) from 100% by weight of the entire oil. The water content in the oil (i.e., the amount remaining after subtracting the total content of the remaining components excluding water) is, for example, 10% by weight or less, 9% by weight or less, 8% by weight or less, 7% by weight or less, 6% by weight or less, 5% by weight or less, 4% by weight or less, 3% by weight or less, 2% by weight or less, or 1% by weight or less. The lower limit is, for example, 0% by weight or more, 0.1% by weight or more, 0.5% by weight or more, or 1% by weight or more.

[0072] The lyocell material of the present application is also a crimped tow having a fineness appropriate for producing a smoking article filter and ensuring its functionality. For example, the total fineness of the tow is a factor related to the amount of filaments that can be inserted into the filter paper. If the total fineness is too low, a sufficient amount of filaments cannot be loaded into the filter paper, resulting in poor draw resistance. If the total fineness is too high, the amount loaded into the filter paper will be too high, causing the filter paper to tear or making it difficult to adjust the tow loading amount to achieve the required draw resistance.

[0073] In one example, the single filament fineness of the lyocell multifilament is 1.5 to 8.0 denier, where the single filament fineness refers to the fineness of one monofilament separated from the multifilament.

[0074] Specifically, the filament single-filament fineness is, for example, 7.5 denier or less, 7.0 denier or less, 6.5 denier or less, 6.0 denier or less, 5.5 denier or less, 5.0 denier or less, 4.5 denier or less, 3.5 denier or less, or 3.0 denier or less. The lower limit is, for example, 2.0 denier or more, 2.5 denier or more, 3.0 denier or more, 3.5 denier or more, 4.0 denier or more, 4.5 denier or more, 5.0 denier or more, 5.5 denier or more, or 6.0 denier or more. Satisfying these ranges is advantageous for ensuring stable physical properties (e.g., hardness or draw resistance) and processability of the smoking article filter.

[0075] In one example, the crimped lyocell multifilament is also a crimped tow having a total fineness of 15,000 to 45,000 denier. For example, the lower limit of the total fineness is, for example, 16,000 or more, 16,500 or more, 17,000 or more, 17,500 or more, 18,000 or more, 18,500 or more, 19,000 or more, 19,500 or more, 20,000 or more, 20,500 or more, 21,000 or more, 21,500 or more, 22,000 or more, 22,500 or more, 23,000 or more, 23,500 or more, 24,000 or more, 24,500 or more, 25,000 or more, 25,500 or more, 26,000 or more, 26,500 or more, 27,000 or more, 27,500 or more, 28,000 or more, 28,500 or more, 29,000 or more, 29,500 or more, 30,000 or more, 30,500 or more, 31,000 or more, 31,500 or more, 32,000 or more, 32,500 or more, 33,000 or more, 33,500 or more, 34,000 or more, 34,500 or more, 35,000 or more, 35,500 or more, 36,000 or more, 36,500 or more, 37,000 or more, 37,500 or more, 38,000 or more, 38,500 or more, 39,000 or more, 39,500 or more, 40,000 or more, 40,500 or more, 41,000 or more, 41,500 or more, 42,000 or more, 42,500 or more, 43,000 or more, 43,500 or more, or 44,000 or more.And the upper limit is, for example, 44,500 or less, 44,000 or less, 43,500 or less, 43,000 or less, 42,500 or less, 42,000 or less, 41,500 or less, 41,000 or less, 40,500 or less, 40,000 or less, 39,500 or less, 39,000 or less, 38,500 or less, 38,000 or less, 37,500 or less, 37,000 or less, 36,500 or less, 36,000 or less, 35,500 or less, 35,000 or less, 34,500 or less, 34,000 or less, 33,500 or less, 33,000 or less, 32,500 or less, 32,000 or less, 31,500 or less, 31,000 or less, 30,500 or less, It is also 30,000 or less, 29,500 or less, 29,000 or less, 28,500 or less, 28,000 or less, 27,500 or less, 27,000 or less, 26,500 or less, 26,000 or less, 25,500 or less, 25,000 or less, 24,500 or less, 24,000 or less, 23,500 or less, 23,000 or less, 22,500 or less, 22,000 or less, 21,500 or less, 21,000 or less, 20,500 or less, 20,000 or less, 19,500 or less, 19,000 or less, 18,500 or less, 18,000 or less, 17,500 or less, 17,000 or less, 16,500 or less, 16,000 or less or 15,500 or less. If the total fineness of the tow is outside the above range, the processability of producing a smoking article filter will be poor (continuous processing will be impossible due to thread breakage), and the amount of tow inserted into the filter wrapper during production of a smoking article filter will be excessively small or large, making it difficult to ensure sufficient filter properties (e.g., hardness or drawing resistance).

[0076] The method for measuring the fineness is not particularly limited. For example, a 2-meter sample of the tow to be measured is taken and left to stabilize for 24 hours in a constant temperature and humidity room at a temperature of 20°C and a humidity of 65%. One end of the stabilized tow is fixed, and a 2-kg weight is attached to the other end. The tow is stretched by the load and maintained in this state for 5 seconds (stabilization), after which it is cut to a length of 90 cm to obtain a sample, and the weight of the sample is measured (total fineness). The fineness is converted by multiplying the weight measured using the denier conversion method by 10,000. The single yarn fineness is calculated by dividing the total fineness by the number of filaments.

[0077] The total fineness of the tow as described above can be determined by the filament single-filament fineness and the number of crimps. In the method of the present application, the single-filament fineness and the number of crimps are controlled as described above, so that the total fineness of the tow as described above can be ensured to be suitable for producing a smoking article filter and ensuring its functionality.

[0078] In one example, the crimped lyocell multifilament may have 20 to 50 crimps per inch. For example, the number of crimps may be 25 ea / inch or more, 30 ea / inch or more, 35 ea / inch or more, 40 ea / inch or more, or 45 ea / inch or more, with the upper limit being, for example, 45 ea / inch or less, 40 ea / inch or less, 35 ea / inch or less, 30 ea / inch or less, or 25 ea / inch or less. The number and uniformity of the crimps may be controlled via the pressure and temperature conditions involved in the crimping step, which will be described later.

[0079] The number of crimps can be measured, for example, according to the KS K 0326 standard, although it is not particularly limited thereto. Specifically, 20 tow samples with undamaged crimps are taken, and each single fiber is attached to a piece of glossy paper (25 mm clearance) prepared in advance with 4-5% celluloid amyl acetate adhesive so that it elongates 25±5% of the attached length, and then left to dry. Then, using a crimp tester, the sample is subjected to an initial load equivalent to 1.96 / 1,000 cN (= 2 mgf) per Degree, and the number of crimps within 25 mm is counted. The number of crimps can be expressed as the upper and lower limits of the number of crimps measured for the 20 samples. Alternatively, the number of crimps can be expressed as the arithmetic mean value of the number of crimps measured for the 20 samples.

[0080] Although not particularly limited, the lyocell material produced as described above can be used in a filter for a smoking article.

[0081] In one example, the lyocell material further includes a binder. The binder may be present, for example, on the surface of the crimped lyocell multifilament or between the crimped lyocell multifilaments (or monofilaments). The binder may further increase the hardness of a smoking article filter made from the tow and prevent problems such as filter tightness during the filter manufacturing process or the smoking article (e.g., cigarette) manufacturing process.

[0082] The type of binder that can be used is not particularly limited, and any known binder may be used as long as it does not impair the object of the present invention. For example, a binder that provides sufficient compatibility with the oil used in the present application, can improve the hardness of the filter, and can provide excellent binding strength may be used.

[0083] In one example, the binder includes a polyester-based binder, a cellulose-based binder, and / or a vinyl-based binder.

[0084] Although not particularly limited, the polyester binder may be a polyester binder containing at least one selected from the group consisting of alkylene, arylene, and heteroarylene having 5 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0085] Examples of the cellulose-based binder that can be used include, but are not limited to, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), ethylcellulose (EC) and / or methylcellulose (MC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and the like.

[0086] Examples of the vinyl binder include, but are not limited to, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and / or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVAc).

[0087] The method for applying (coating) the binder to the lyocell material will be described later.

[0088] In one example, the lyocell material is a lyocell material (crimped tow) having a settling time in water of 6.0 seconds or more, where the settling time refers to the time it takes for the lyocell material to fall to the bottom of a container (e.g., a beaker) filled with water after being poured therein (see the examples below for specific measurement methods).

[0089] In a specific example of the present application, the tow length (e.g., the length of the longest dimension of the tow shape) used in measuring the settling time may be, for example, 10 cm or less, 9 cm or less, 8 cm or less, 7 cm or less, 6 cm or less, or 5 cm or less, and the lower limit may be 1 cm or more, 2 cm or more, 3 cm or more, 4 cm or more, or 5 cm or more. In this case, the cutting size (length) may have an error of ±1 cm, ±0.5 cm, or ±0.1 cm.

[0090] In a specific example of the present application, the height of the water filled in the container for measuring the settling time is 12 to 13 cm, or about 12.5 cm, and the height may have an error of ±1 cm, ±0.5 cm, or ±0.1 cm.

[0091] A shorter sinking time in water indicates a more hydrophilic material, while a longer sinking time in water indicates a more hydrophobic material. As shown in the experiments described below, in the present application, a relatively long sinking time can be imparted to a lyocell material by using a predetermined amount of oil containing a predetermined component. In other words, the lyocell material of the present application can have a hydrophobic surface through the oil coating.

[0092] The settling time can be adjusted depending on the oil content (wt%) in the material, and may be, for example, 6.5 seconds or more, 7.0 seconds or more, 7.5 seconds or more, 8.0 seconds or more, 8.5 seconds or more, 9.0 seconds or more, 9.5 seconds or more, or 10 seconds or more, and may be 15 seconds or less, 14 seconds or less, 13 seconds or less, 12 seconds or less, 11 seconds or less, or 10 seconds or less.

[0093] Such settling time characteristics can also be expressed as settling velocity (cm / sec) using the aforementioned time and water height, as described below.

[0094] In another aspect of the present application, the present application relates to a lyocell material having hydrophobic properties, for example, the lyocell material may exhibit certain sinking properties in water.

[0095] Specifically, the lyocell material is a lyocell material (crimped tow) having a settling time in water of 6.0 seconds or more, where the settling time refers to the time it takes for the lyocell material to fall to the bottom of a container (e.g., a beaker) filled with water after being poured therein (see the examples below for a specific measurement method).

[0096] In a specific example of the present application, the tow length (e.g., the length of the longest dimension of the tow shape) used in measuring the settling time may be, for example, 10 cm or less, 9 cm or less, 8 cm or less, 7 cm or less, 6 cm or less, or 5 cm or less, and the lower limit may be 1 cm or more, 2 cm or more, 3 cm or more, 4 cm or more, or 5 cm or more. In this case, the cutting size (length) may have an error of ±1 cm, ±0.5 cm, or ±0.1 cm.

[0097] In a specific example of the present application, the height of the water filled in the container for measuring the settling time is 12 to 13 cm, or about 12.5 cm, and the height may have an error of ±1 cm, ±0.5 cm, or ±0.1 cm.

[0098] A shorter sinking time in water indicates a more hydrophilic material, whereas a longer sinking time in water indicates a more hydrophobic material. As shown in the experiments described below, in the present application, a relatively long sinking time can be imparted to the lyocell material in order to apply the aforementioned oil agent. In other words, the lyocell material of the present application can have a hydrophobic surface through the oil agent coating.

[0099] The settling time can be adjusted depending on the oil content (wt%) in the material, and may be, for example, 6.5 seconds or more, 7.0 seconds or more, 7.5 seconds or more, 8.0 seconds or more, 8.5 seconds or more, 9.0 seconds or more, 9.5 seconds or more, or 10 seconds or more, and may be 15 seconds or less, 14 seconds or less, 13 seconds or less, 12 seconds or less, 11 seconds or less, or 10 seconds or less.

[0100] In one example, the settling characteristics can be expressed as a settling velocity. For example, the lyocell material of the present application has a settling velocity in water of 2.1 cm / sec or less. A specific example of such a velocity can be calculated using the time and water height mentioned above.

[0101] In one example, the lyocell material includes a crimped lyocell multifilament and an oil coating on the lyocell multifilament. The description of the lyocell filament, the oil, and the material containing the same is the same as above, so it will be omitted.

[0102] Although not particularly limited, Lyocell materials exhibiting the aforementioned sedimentation properties can be used in smoking article filters.

[0103] In yet another embodiment of the present application, the present application relates to a method for producing a lyocell material, by which the aforementioned lyocell material for smoking article filters can be produced.

[0104] When a Lyocell material with the hydrophobic oil applied is manufactured into a smoking article filter, it can delay the instantaneous absorption of moisture. In addition, the oil of the present application is highly compatible with binders, so it can achieve the physical properties (e.g., hardness or draw resistance) required for various smoking articles (e.g., cigarettes).

[0105] Specifically, the method for producing the lyocell material includes treating a lyocell multifilament with an oil agent and crimping the lyocell multifilament, and the oil agent includes at least (a) an ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms with an aliphatic monohydric alcohol, and (b) an ester of sorbitan with a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms.

[0106] The oil treatment can be carried out, for example, by spraying the oil having the above-mentioned composition onto the lyocell filaments or by immersing the lyocell filaments in the oil. The method of the present application including the oil treatment can be carried out so that the oil content (e.g., OPU (wt%)) in the lyocell material satisfies the predetermined range described below.

[0107] The crimping step may also be performed by applying steam and / or pressure to the lyocell multifilament.

[0108] The explanation regarding the oil component is the same as that described above, so it will be omitted here.

[0109] The method for manufacturing a lyocell material according to an embodiment of the present application, including the oil treatment step and the crimping step, is described in more detail below. The method of the present application may be carried out by including one or more of the following steps.

[0110] Lyocell-doped radiation stage (a) This step involves irradiating a lyocell radiation dope containing lyocell cellulose (or cellulose pulp) and N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO).

[0111] Commercially available cellulose acetate filters have been identified as a major source of microplastic emissions. However, the amine oxide solvent used in the production of lyocell fibers is recyclable and biodegradable upon disposal, meaning that lyocell materials do not generate any pollutants during their production process. Furthermore, lyocell tow is biodegraded and removed within a relatively short period of time, making lyocell a more environmentally friendly material than cellulose acetate.

[0112] In one example, the cellulose content in the radiation dope is 5 to 15 wt% based on the total weight of the dope (100 wt%). If the cellulose content is too low, it is difficult to realize the properties of lyocell fiber, and if the cellulose content exceeds this range, it is difficult to dissolve in a solvent. In consideration of this, the cellulose content in the radiation dope is 6 wt% or more, 7 wt% or more, 8 wt% or more, 9 wt% or more, or 10 wt% or more, and its upper limit is, for example, 14 wt% or less, 13 wt% or less, 12 wt% or less, 11 wt% or less, 10 wt% or less, or 9 wt% or less.

[0113] In one example, the radiation dope may include an aqueous solution of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO), which may contain, for example, 80 to 95 weight parts of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide and 5 to 20 weight parts of water, taking into consideration the solvent strength of cellulose and the process temperature.

[0114] In one example, the cellulose or cellulose pulp has an α-cellulose content of 85 to 97% by weight relative to 100% by weight of the total cellulose.

[0115] In a specific example of the present application, the degree of polymerization (DPw) of the cellulose is also 600 to 1,700.

[0116] In the emitting step, the shape of the nozzle for discharging the emitting dope is not particularly limited, and for example, a doughnut-shaped nozzle may be used.

[0117] The nozzle temperature of the nozzle die, specifically the radiation temperature, can be appropriately selected by those skilled in the art. Considering that the viscosity of the radiation dope varies depending on the radiation temperature and the discharge may not be good, the radiation temperature may be, for example, 100°C to 120°C or less, or 100°C to 110°C or less.

[0118] In one example, the step of irradiating the irradiating dope may be performed under controlled irradiation conditions so that the filament single fiber fineness is 1.5 to 8.0 denier or less. For example, by appropriately controlling one or more irradiation conditions of the discharge amount of the irradiating dope and the irradiation speed, the filament single fiber fineness forming the lyocell material may satisfy 1.5 to 8.0 denier. In this case, the filament single fiber fineness refers to the fineness of a single monofilament separated from a multifilament.

[0119] Specifically, the filament single fiber fineness is, for example, 7.5 denier or less, 7.0 denier or less, 6.5 denier or less, 6.0 denier or less, 5.5 denier or less, 5.0 denier or less, or 4.5 denier or less. The lower limit is, for example, 2.0 denier or more, 2.5 denier or more, 3.0 denier or more, 3.5 denier or more, 4.0 denier or more, 4.5 denier or more, 5.0 denier or more, 5.5 denier or more, or 6.0 denier or more. Satisfying these ranges is advantageous for achieving stable draw resistance in the smoking article filter and ensuring processability.

[0120] The radiation dope discharged through the nozzle undergoes a solidification stage, which will be described later.

[0121] Step (b) of coagulating and obtaining a multifilament In this step, the irradiated lyocell dope is solidified to obtain lyocell multifilaments.

[0122] The solidification may be carried out by contacting the radiation dope with air and / or a solidification liquid.

[0123] In one example, the solidification also includes a primary solidification stage in which cooling air is supplied to the irradiated lyocell dope, and a secondary solidification stage in which the primarily solidified irradiated dope is introduced into a coagulation liquid to solidify it.

[0124] According to the solidification method described above, the lyocell dope discharged from the nozzle can be primarily solidified in the space (air gap section) between the nozzle and the solidification bath. For example, cooling air can be supplied to the air gap section from the inside to the outside of the nozzle from an air cooling section located inside the nozzle. Alternatively, primary solidification can be performed by a so-called air quenching method or means well known in the related field.

[0125] In one example, the upper limit of the temperature of the cooling air used for the primary solidification is, for example, 15° C. or less. Specifically, the cooling air may have a temperature of 14° C. or less, 13° C. or less, 12° C. or less, 11° C. or less, or 10° C. or less. If the temperature exceeds this range, the radiation-doped solidification by air is not sufficient, and the radiation-related processability is poor.

[0126] The lower limit of the cooling air temperature can be determined in consideration of the ejection processability and / or the cross-sectional uniformity of the filament. For example, if the temperature of the cooling air is less than 4°C, the surface of the spinneret will become cold, the surface of the filament will become uneven, and the ejection processability will also be reduced. Taking this into consideration, the cooling air temperature can be 5°C or more, 6°C or more, 7°C or more, 8°C or more, or 9°C or more.

[0127] The amount of cooling air supplied can be adjusted in consideration of sufficient solidification, radiation processability, and effects on the physical properties of the filament. For example, 70 to 300 Nm 3 The radiation dope can be supplied by an air flow rate of 100 Nm / h. 3 / h or more or 150Nm 3 / h or more, and the upper limit of the air volume is, for example, 250Nm 3 / h or less or 200Nm 3 / h or less.

[0128] The radiation dope cooled after the primary solidification as described above can be supplied to a solidification bath or bath containing a solidification liquid (secondary solidification). For proper solidification, the temperature of the solidification liquid can be, for example, 30°C or less or 25°C or less. The temperature of the solidification liquid can be 10°C or more, 15°C or more, or 20°C or more. When the temperature is maintained, the solidification rate can be maintained appropriately.

[0129] The type of coagulation liquid for the secondary coagulation is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, one or more of water and N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO).

[0130] Although not particularly limited, when the coagulation liquid contains water and N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO), the water content in the coagulation liquid is 60 to 90 wt % and the N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) content is 10 to 40 wt %. Alternatively, the coagulation liquid may contain 70 to 80 wt % water and 20 to 30 wt % N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO). The concentration of such a coagulation liquid can be controlled to be maintained throughout the manufacturing process using a sensor or the like.

[0131] Water washing stage (c) If necessary, after the coagulation step and the multifilament step, the multifilament may be washed with water to remove N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) and / or other impurities remaining in the filaments.

[0132] The method of washing with water is not particularly limited. For example, washing with water may be performed by using a pulling roller to introduce the solidified lyocell multifilament into a washing tank. Alternatively, washing with water may be performed by spraying a washing solution during the process of moving to the next stage by the pulling roller.

[0133] The components of the washing solution are not particularly limited. For example, the washing solution may contain water, and may further contain known additives.

[0134] In consideration of reuse after washing, the washing water may be adjusted to a temperature of 100° C. or less.

[0135] Oil treatment stage (d) This step applies the oil agent of the aforementioned components to the surface of the filament. The oil agent treatment reduces friction applied to the filament, and allows for good crimp formation in the crimping step described below. As described below, when the oil agent treatment is performed two or more times, it can be referred to as a first oil agent treatment and a second oil agent treatment depending on the order.

[0136] Although not particularly limited, the oil treatment may be performed by immersing the multifilament in a bath filled with oil so that the multifilament is completely immersed in the oil, or by spraying an oil solution onto the multifilament during the process of moving to the next stage by a pulling roller.

[0137] As described above, in order to make the amount of oil applied to the multifilament constant after the oil treatment, an additional process may be performed before and / or after the oil treatment step, in which a roll or the like is positioned to squeeze out the oil from the surface of the multifilament.

[0138] In one example, the oil treatment may be performed so that the oil content (OPU: oil pick up ratio) (wt%) is 2.0 wt% or more based on 100 wt% of the multifilament treated with at least an oil. In this case, the multifilament treated with at least an oil may be, for example, a lyocell multifilament to which a primary oil treatment has been applied, a lyocell multifilament to which a primary oil treatment and a secondary oil treatment (see the following description) have been applied, or a lyocell multifilament to which a binder, which will be described later, has been applied in addition to the above-mentioned oil treatment. As described above, the lyocell multifilament to which an oil treatment and / or binder treatment has been applied may also be crimped.

[0139] Specifically, in at least the oil-treated multifilament, the content of the oil is 2.5% by weight or more, 3.0% by weight or more, 3.5% by weight or more, 4.0% by weight or more, 4.5% by weight or more, 5.0% by weight or more, 5.5% by weight or more, 6.0% by weight or more, 6.5% by weight or more, 7.0% by weight or more, 7.5% by weight or more, 8.0% by weight or more, 8.5% by weight or more, 9.0% by weight or more, or 9.5% by weight or more. The upper limit may be, for example, 15.0 wt % or less, 14.5 wt % or less, 14.0 wt % or less, 13.5 wt % or less, 13.0 wt % or less, 12.5 wt % or less, 12.0 wt % or less, 11.5 wt % or less, 11.0 wt % or less, 10.5 wt % or less, 10 wt % or less, 9.5 wt % or less, 9.0 wt % or less, 8.5 wt % or less, 8.0 wt % or less, 7.5 wt % or less, 7.0 wt % or less, 6.5 wt % or less, 6.0 wt % or less, 5.5 wt % or less, 5.0 wt % or less, 4.5 wt % or less, 4.0 wt % or less, or 3.5 wt % or less. In this case, the content may refer to the dry weight after evaporation of solvents (e.g., water) or liquid components contained in the oil.

[0140] When the oil agent having the above-mentioned composition is used within the above-mentioned content range, it can complement the hydrophilic properties of the lyocell material and, as described below, can prevent excessive decrease in hardness of the lyocell filter due to penetration of moisture or saliva.

[0141] Optionally, after the oil treatment as described above, the oil may be dried.

[0142] In an embodiment of the present application, one or more of the above steps may be controlled so that the single filament fineness of the filament constituting the lyocell multifilament is 1.5 to 8.0 denier, where the single filament fineness refers to the fineness of a single monofilament separated from the multifilament.

[0143] Specifically, the filament single fiber fineness is, for example, 7.5 denier or less, 7.0 denier or less, 6.5 denier or less, 6.0 denier or less, 5.5 denier or less, 5.0 denier or less, or 4.5 denier or less. The lower limit is, for example, 2.0 denier or more, 2.5 denier or more, 3.0 denier or more, 3.5 denier or more, 4.0 denier or more, 4.5 denier or more, 5.0 denier or more, 5.5 denier or more, or 6.0 denier or more. Satisfying these ranges is advantageous for achieving stable draw resistance in the smoking article filter and ensuring processability.

[0144] Although not particularly limited, the step controlled to ensure the above-mentioned single filament fineness range may be the above-mentioned spinning step, or all of the above-mentioned spinning, coagulation, water washing, and oil treatment steps may be controlled to ensure the above-mentioned single filament fineness range.

[0145] Crimping step (e) The crimping step is a step in which pressure is applied by steam and / or rollers to the oil-treated lyocell multifilament to obtain a crimped tow, and may be referred to as a crimping step.

[0146] Through crimping, waves are imparted to the multifilament, and the fibers can have bulky properties. The crimping is performed using a known crimping device, such as a stuffer box and / or a steam box. The crimping device that can be used is not particularly limited, as long as it is capable of applying steam pressure and roll pressure, as described below.

[0147] In one example, the crimping step may be performed by first supplying steam to the lyocell multifilament to preheat and swell the multifilament, and then pressing the multifilament with a press roller to form wrinkles in the multifilament. In this case, a steam box may be used to supply steam, and the steam box may be located at the front end of the crimping device.

[0148] In one example, the crimping step may be performed by simultaneously pressing the multifilaments with a press roller and applying steam.

[0149] In one example, the crimping step may be performed by first supplying steam to the lyocell multifilament to preheat and swell the multifilament, and then simultaneously pressing the multifilament with a press roller and applying steam.

[0150] In one example, the crimping step applies a pressure of 0.1 to 2.0 kgf / cm to the multifilament before feeding it into a crimping device (specifically, a press roller). 2 In the specific example of the present application, the steam is added at 0.2 kgf / cm 2 More than 0.3kgf / cm 2 Over 0.4kgf / cm 2 More than 0.5kgf / cm 2 or more than 0.6kgf / cm 2 Steam of 1.5 kgf / cm or more can be provided by the steam box. 2 Below, 1.4kgf / cm 2 Below, 1.3kgf / cm 2 Below, 1.2kgf / cm 2 Below, 1.1kgf / cm 2 or less than 1.0kgf / cm 2The following steam may be provided: If the steam supply amount or pressure is below the above range, the crimp will not be formed smoothly; if it exceeds the above range, the filament will be too flexible, and the filament will be excessively crimped in the crimping device, making it impossible to pass through the crimping device.

[0151] In one example, the crimping step uses a roller to apply a pressure of 1.5 to 4.0 kgf / cm to the multifilament fed into the crimping device. 2 In the specific example of the present application, the pressure is 1.6 kgf / cm. 2 More than 1.7kgf / cm 2 More than 1.8kgf / cm 2 Over 1.9kgf / cm 2 Over 2.0kgf / cm 2 Above, 2.1kgf / cm 2 Above, 2.2kgf / cm 2 Above, 2.3kgf / cm 2 Over 2.4kgf / cm 2 or more than 2.5kgf / cm 2 The pressure of 3.9 kgf / cm or more can be applied to the multifilament via the press roller. 2 Below, 3.8kgf / cm 2 Below, 3.7kgf / cm 2 Below, 3.6kgf / cm 2 Below, 3.5kgf / cm 2 Below, 3.4kgf / cm 2 Below, 3.3kgf / cm 2 Below, 3.2kgf / cm 2 Below, 3.1kgf / cm 2 Below, 3.0kgf / cm 2 Below, 2.9kgf / cm 2 Below, 2.8kgf / cm 2 Below, 2.7kgf / cm 2 Below, 2.6kgf / cm 2 or less than 2.5kgf / cm 2The following pressures can be applied. If the roller pressure is below this range, the desired number of crimps will not be formed sufficiently. If the roller pressure exceeds this range, the pressing force will be too strong, and the filament will not be smoothly fed into the crimping device or will not pass through the stuffer box. The press rollers that apply this pressure may cause wrinkles to form in the multifilament.

[0152] In one example, a doctor blade that applies a predetermined pressure to the multifilament may be used in the crimping step. The doctor blade adjusts the residence time of the filaments introduced into the crimper box and contributes to the number of crimps (which affects the quality and filter performance of the tow). For example, such a doctor blade may be located in the path of the multifilament that is discharged at the roller pressure point after being pressed by the roller.

[0153] In a specific example of the present application, the crimping step uses a doctor blade to apply a pressure of 0.1 to 2.0 kgf / cm to the multifilament that has passed through the rollers of the crimping device. 2 More specifically, the pressure applied by the doctor blade is 0.2 kgf / cm. 2 More than 0.3kgf / cm 2 Over 0.4kgf / cm 2 or more than 0.5kgf / cm 2 The upper limit of the pressure is, for example, 1.5 kgf / cm. 2 Below, 1.4kgf / cm 2 Below, 1.3kgf / cm 2 Below, 1.2kgf / cm 2 Below, 1.1kgf / cm 2 or less than 1.0kgf / cm 2 Also the following:

[0154] In one example, the crimping step may be performed at a temperature ranging from 120 to 250°C. If the temperature is too low, the shape stability of the crimp may be poor, and if the temperature is too high, the concentration of sinters in the stuffer box may increase, making crimping difficult. Therefore, taking into consideration the steam pressure, the temperature may be appropriately controlled within the range of 130°C or higher, 140°C or higher, or 150°C or higher, and 200°C or lower, 180°C or lower, or 160°C or lower.

[0155] Binder processing stage (f) In one example, the method further includes a step of coating the oil-treated lyocell multifilament or the lyocell multifilament obtained by the crimping step (i.e., crimped tow) with a binder.

[0156] When a smoking article filter is manufactured using tow, a binder is used to increase the hardness of the smoking article filter manufactured using tow, thereby preventing problems such as the filter becoming too tight during the filter manufacturing process or cigarette manufacturing process.

[0157] The method for coating the lyocell crimped tow with the binder is not particularly limited. For example, the crimped tow may be oiled by immersing the crimped tow in a bath filled with the binder (or binder solution) so that the multifilament is completely immersed in the binder. Alternatively, the binder may be coated by spraying (or atomizing) the binder (or binder solution) using a nozzle.

[0158] The types and components of binders that can be used are as described above, and so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0159] In one example, the binder (or binder solution) may further contain a solvent in addition to the above-mentioned components. The solvent may include, but is not limited to, water, ethanol, propylene glycol, and / or glycerin. When the binder (or binder solution) contains a solvent, the content of the solvent may be, for example, about 20 to 80 wt % or 40 to 60 wt % based on 100 wt % of the total binder (or binder solution).

[0160] The binder treatment may be performed at a level that can achieve the above-mentioned purpose of the binder treatment. For example, the binder treatment may be performed so that the binder content is 20 wt% or less, for example, in the range of 8 to 15 wt%, based on 100 wt% of the oil-treated and binder-treated multifilament. Here, the content may refer to the dry weight after evaporation of solvents or liquid components contained in the binder.

[0161] After the binder is coated on the crimped tow, the binder may be dried. The drying temperature is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, room temperature (about 10° C. to 35° C.).

[0162] Other stages (g) After crimping, any appropriate post-processing may be performed.

[0163] In one example, a secondary oil treatment (g1) may be additionally performed. This secondary oil treatment may prevent static electricity from being generated in the tow and may impart flexibility to the tow. This secondary oil treatment may be the same as or similar to the above-mentioned oil treatment step (d).

[0164] Specifically, the secondary oil treatment can be performed by applying an oil to lyocell tow that has been subjected to a crimping process. This can be advantageous in various processes performed during the manufacture of smoking article filters. For example, the secondary oil treatment not only ensures that the fibers and filter are easily spread in the air during the spreading process, but also prevents the oil chains from holding the lyocell in place during the drawing process, thereby preventing fiber breakage. To achieve these advantages, it is necessary to use a fatty acid-derived component with a certain number of carbon atoms or more, as described above.

[0165] The secondary oil treatment as described above can be performed before or after the binder treatment, or the secondary oil treatment can be performed with or without the binder treatment.

[0166] Even when the secondary oil treatment as described above is carried out, the secondary oil treatment step can be carried out so that the oil content or OPU content in the material satisfies the range as described above.

[0167] In one example, a drying treatment (g2) may be additionally performed. The drying may be performed, for example, at a temperature ranging from 100°C to 130°C. The type or method of the drying treatment is not particularly limited, and known techniques may be used. For example, the drying treatment may be performed by applying hot air to the tow, passing the tow in a temperature-controlled room for a certain period of time, or leaving the tow in the room.

[0168] According to a specific example of the present application, a tow having 20 to 50 crimps per inch can be provided by a method including the crimping step described above. For example, the number of crimps can be 25 ea / inch or more, 30 ea / inch or more, 35 ea / inch or more, 40 ea / inch or more, or 45 ea / inch or more, with the upper limit being, for example, 45 ea / inch or less, 40 ea / inch or less, 35 ea / inch or less, 30 ea / inch or less, or 25 ea / inch or less. The number and uniformity of the crimps can be controlled by the pressure and temperature conditions involved in the crimping step.

[0169] The manufacturing method of the present application can provide a tow with a fineness appropriate for producing a smoking article filter and ensuring its functionality. The total fineness of the tow is a factor related to the amount of filaments that can be inserted into the filter paper. If the total fineness is too low, a sufficient amount of filaments cannot be loaded into the filter paper, resulting in poor draw resistance. If the total fineness is too high, the amount loaded into the filter paper will be too high, causing the filter paper to tear or making it difficult to adjust the tow loading amount to achieve the required draw resistance. In this regard, according to a specific example of the present application, a crimped tow with a total fineness of 15,000 to 45,000 denier can be provided. For example, the lower limit of the total fineness may be, for example, 16,000 or more, 17,000 or more, 18,000 or more, 19,000 or more, or 20,000 or more, and the upper limit may be, for example, 40,000 or less, 35,000 or less, 30,000 or less, or 25,000 or less. More specific values ​​are as described above. If the total fineness of the tow falls outside the above range, the processability of producing a smoking article filter will be poor (continuous processing will be impossible due to thread breakage), and the amount of tow inserted into the filter paper during production of a smoking article filter will be too small or too large, making it difficult to ensure sufficient filter properties (e.g., drawing resistance).

[0170] The total fineness of the tow as described above can be determined by the filament single-filament fineness and the number of crimps. In the method of the present application, the single-filament fineness and the number of crimps are controlled as described above, so that the total fineness of the tow as described above can be ensured to be suitable for producing a smoking article filter and ensuring its functionality.

[0171] Although not particularly limited, the lyocell material produced by the above method can be used in a filter for a smoking article.

[0172] In yet another embodiment of the present application, the present application relates to a filter for a smoking article, the filter for a smoking article including a lyocell material, the lyocell material also being the same as that described above.

[0173] Specifically, the smoking article filter of the present application is a smoking article filter containing a lyocell material, the lyocell material including crimped lyocell multifilaments and an oil coating on the lyocell multifilaments, and the oil includes at least (a) an ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms with an aliphatic monohydric alcohol, and (b) an ester of sorbitan with a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms.

[0174] In addition, the lyocell material contains the oil in an amount of 2.0 wt% or more based on 100 wt% of the total lyocell material. Otherwise, the oil components and their contents according to the specific examples of the present application are the same as those described above.

[0175] In one embodiment, the single filament fineness of the lyocell multifilament is 1.5 to 8.0 denier, the specific values ​​being the same as those mentioned above.

[0176] In one example, the crimped lyocell multifilament is also a crimped tow having a total fineness of 15,000 to 45,000 denier, the specific values ​​being the same as those described above.

[0177] In one example, the crimped lyocell multifilament may have 20 to 50 crimps per inch, the specific values ​​being the same as those described above.

[0178] In one embodiment, the smoking article filter further includes a binder on the surface of the crimped lyocell multifilament or between the crimped lyocell multifilaments. The binder increases the hardness of the smoking article filter made from the tow and prevents the filter from becoming too tight during the filter manufacturing process or cigarette manufacturing process. The types, components, and amounts of binders that can be used are the same as those described above.

[0179] In one example, the smoking article filter further includes a wrapper (which may be called a wrapper, filter paper, or filter wrapper). For example, the wrapper may be a porous or non-porous paper that covers and wraps the lyocell tow (i.e., tow that has been at least oil-treated and crimped) and can maintain the filter shape (e.g., a columnar or cylindrical shape).

[0180] In one example, when a porous wrapper paper is used, the wrapper paper may have a porosity of 10 to 50,000 CU (coresta units). Specifically, the lower limit of the porosity of the wrapper paper is, for example, 1,000 CU or more, 5,000 CU or more, 10,000 CU or more, 15,000 CU or more, 20,000 CU or more, 25,000 CU or more, 30,000 CU or more, 35,000 CU or more, 40,000 CU or more, or 45,000 CU or more, and the upper limit is, for example, 45,000 CU or less, 40,000 CU or less, 35,000 CU or less, 30,000 CU or less, 25,000 CU or less, or 20,000 CU or less. In an embodiment of the present application, the wrapper may have a porosity in the range of 22,000 to 26,000 CU, or 23,000 to 25,000 CU.

[0181] In one example, the basis weight of the wrapper paper is 15 to 60 g / cm 2 Specifically, the lower limit of the basis weight of the cigarette paper is, for example, 20 g / cm 2 More than 25g / cm 2 More than 30g / cm 2 Above, 35g / cm 2 More than 40g / cm 2 More than 45g / cm 2 More than 50g / cm 2 or more than 55g / cm 2 The upper limit is, for example, 55 g / cm 2 Below, 50g / cm 2 Below, 45g / cm 2 Below 40g / cm 2 Below 35g / cm 2 Below 30g / cm 2 Below, 25g / cm 2 or less than 20g / cm 2 In a specific example of the present application, the wrapper paper has a density of 16 g / cm 2 More than 17g / cm 2 More than 18g / cm 2 More than 19g / cm 2 More than 20g / cm 2 or more than 21g / cm 2 Above, and 25g / cm 2 Below, 24g / cm 2 Below, 23g / cm 2 Below, 22g / cm 2 or less than 21g / cm 2 It may have the following basis weights:

[0182] In an embodiment of the present application, the smoking article filter may have a predetermined shape and size.

[0183] For example, the filter may have a rod shape. More specifically, the smoking article filter may have a cylindrical shape.

[0184] The filter may have a length of, for example, 10 to 50 mm. Specifically, the length of the filter may have a lower limit of 15 mm or more, 20 mm or more, 25 mm or more, 30 mm or more, 35 mm or more, 40 mm or more, or 45 mm or more, and an upper limit of 45 mm or less, 40 mm or less, 35 mm or less, 30 mm or less, 25 mm or less, 20 mm or less, or 15 mm or less.

[0185] In a specific example of the present application, the filter having the above length has a circular cross section, and the circumference of the circular cross section is 10 to 40 mm. For example, the circumference of the filter may have a lower limit of 15 mm or more, 20 mm or more, 25 mm or more, 30 mm or more, or 35 mm or more, and an upper limit of 35 mm or less, 30 mm or less, 25 mm or less, 20 mm or less, or 15 mm or less.

[0186] In one example, the smoking article filter may satisfy a filter diameter retention rate (or hardness retention rate) of 85% or more before water is poured in, calculated by the following formula 1-1.

[0187] [Formula 1-1] Filter diameter (or filter hardness) retention rate (%) before water injection = {(initial filter diameter (mm) - length of filter pushed when pressed with a weight of specific weight (300g) (mm)) / (initial filter diameter (mm))} x 100

[0188] Although not particularly limited, the initial filter diameter or the length of the filter pressed can be determined through the cross sections of both ends of the filter in relation to Equation 1-1.

[0189] For example, the filter diameter (or filter hardness) retention rate before water injection calculated by the above-mentioned Equation 1-1 may be 86% or more, 87% or more, 88% or more, 89% or more, 90% or more, 91% or more, 92% or more, 93% or more, 94% or more, or 95% or more. If the filter diameter (or filter hardness) retention rate (%) before water injection calculated by the above-mentioned Equation 1-1 is below the above-mentioned range, it means that the filter hardness is insufficient.

[0190] In one example, the smoking article filter may satisfy a filter diameter retention rate (or hardness retention rate) of 80% or more after water is poured into the filter, as expressed by the following formula 1-2.

[0191] [Formula 1-2] Filter diameter (or filter hardness) retention rate (%) after water injection = {(initial filter diameter (mm) - length of filter pushed (mm) when pressed with a weight of a specific weight (300g) after water is poured) / (initial filter diameter (mm))} x 100

[0192] Although not particularly limited, the initial filter diameter or the length of the filter pressed can be determined through the cross sections of both ends of the filter in relation to Equation 1-2.

[0193] In relation to the above formula 1-2, the type of water to be injected is not particularly limited. For example, the water may be distilled water or tap water.

[0194] In a specific example of the present application, the amount of water injected according to Equation 1-2 is 20 μl, and the amount of water injected may have an error within ±5 μl, ±4 μl, ±3 μl, ±1 μl, ±0.5 μl, or ±0.1 μl.

[0195] In a specific example of the present application, the diameter maintenance ratio in Equation 1-2 is measured 5 minutes after pouring water into the filter, and the measurement time for the diameter maintenance ratio may have an error of ±3 minutes, ±2 minutes, ±1 minute, or ±30 seconds.

[0196] Furthermore, water may be injected into the filter by dividing the water into equal portions along the filter's length (the direction of the longest dimension of the filter's shape, or the direction of the axis of symmetry if the filter is symmetrical). For example, when 20 μl of water is to be injected, the filter may be divided into thirds along the filter's length (the direction of the longest dimension of the filter's shape), and 6 to 7 μl of water may be injected into any point (e.g., the center) or region of each of the three divided regions.

[0197] For example, the filter diameter (or filter hardness) retention rate after water injection calculated by the above-mentioned Equation 1-2 can be 81% or more, 82% or more, 83% or more, 84% or more, 85% or more, 86% or more, 87% or more, 88% or more, 89% or more, 90% or more, 91% or more, or 92% or more. If the filter diameter (or filter hardness) retention rate after water injection calculated by the above-mentioned Equation 1-2 is below the above-mentioned range, it means that the change in hardness of the filter due to water penetration is large. As will be described in the experiments below, the smoking article filter of the present application can suppress the change in hardness even after water injection due to the application of the oil agent as described above, and therefore can exhibit a high level of diameter (or filter hardness) retention rate.

[0198] In one example, the smoking article filter has a moisture disintegration rate calculated by the following Equation 2 of 8.0% or less.

[0199] [Formula 2] Water disintegration rate (%) = {(filter diameter maintenance rate before water injection - filter diameter maintenance rate after water injection) / (filter diameter maintenance rate before water injection)} × 100

[0200] In Equation 2, the filter diameter maintenance rate before water injection can be calculated by Equation 1-1, and the filter diameter maintenance rate after water injection can be calculated by Equation 1-2.

[0201] For example, the moisture disintegration rate calculated by Equation 2 is 7.5% or less or 7.0% or less, specifically 6.5% or less, 6.0% or less, 5.5% or less, 5.0% or less, 4.5% or less, 4.0% or less, 3.5% or less, 3.0% or less, 2.5% or less, or 2.0% or less. Satisfying the moisture disintegration rate means that even if a predetermined amount of moisture penetrates into the filter, the degree of filter disintegration due to changes in hardness is not significant. As shown in the experiments described below, the smoking article filter of the present application can exhibit a low moisture disintegration rate due to the application of an oil agent as described above.

[0202] Although not particularly limited, the diameter change (hardness change) and water disintegration degree measured by the above-mentioned Formula 1-1, Formula 1-2, and Formula 2 are also measured for a rod-shaped filter weighing 50 mg or more. Specifically, the weight of the filter may have a lower limit of 100 mg or more, 150 mg or more, or 200 mg or more, and an upper limit of 500 mg or less, 450 mg or less, 400 mg or less, 350 mg or less, 300 mg or less, 250 mg or less, or 200 mg or less.

[0203] In yet another example of the present application, the present application relates to a filter for a smoking article that exhibits the property of not significantly decreasing in hardness even when moisture penetrates, i.e., that can effectively prevent the filter's hardness from decreasing due to the smoker's saliva, etc. The above-mentioned property can be calculated using the following Equations 1-1, 1-2, and 2.

[0204] In a specific example of the present application, the smoking article filter may satisfy a filter diameter retention rate (or hardness retention rate) of 85% or more before water is poured in, calculated by the following mathematical formula 1-1.

[0205] [Formula 1-1] Filter diameter (or filter hardness) retention rate (%) before water injection = {(initial filter diameter (mm) - length of filter pushed when pressed with a weight of specific weight (300g) (mm)) / (initial filter diameter (mm))} x 100

[0206] Although not particularly limited, the initial filter diameter or the length of the filter pressed can be determined through the cross sections of both ends of the filter in relation to Equation 1-1.

[0207] For example, the filter diameter (or filter hardness) retention rate before water injection calculated by the above-mentioned Equation 1-1 may be 85% or more, 86% or more, 87% or more, 88% or more, 89% or more, 90% or more, 91% or more, 92% or more, 93% or more, 94% or more, or 95% or more. If the filter diameter (or filter hardness) retention rate (%) before water injection calculated by the above-mentioned Equation 1-1 is below the above-mentioned range, it means that the filter hardness is insufficient.

[0208] In a specific example of the present application, the smoking article filter may satisfy a filter diameter retention rate (or hardness retention rate) of 80% or more after water is poured into the filter, as expressed by the following formula 1-2.

[0209] [Formula 1-2] Filter diameter (or filter hardness) retention rate (%) after water injection = {(initial filter diameter (mm) - length of filter pushed (mm) when pressed with a weight of a specific weight (300g) after water is poured) / (initial filter diameter (mm))} x 100

[0210] Although not particularly limited, the initial filter diameter or the length of the filter pressed can be determined through the cross sections of both ends of the filter in relation to Equation 1-2.

[0211] In relation to the above formula 1-2, the type of water to be injected is not particularly limited. For example, the water may be distilled water or tap water.

[0212] In a specific example of the present application, the amount of water injected according to Equation 1-2 is 20 μl, and the amount of water injected may have an error within ±5 μl, ±4 μl, ±3 μl, ±1 μl, ±0.5 μl, or ±0.1 μl.

[0213] In a specific example of the present application, the diameter maintenance ratio in Equation 1-2 is measured 5 minutes after pouring water into the filter, and the measurement time for the diameter maintenance ratio may have an error of ±3 minutes, ±2 minutes, ±1 minute, or ±30 seconds.

[0214] Furthermore, water may be injected into the filter by dividing the water into equal portions along the filter's length (the direction of the longest dimension of the filter's shape, or the direction of the axis of symmetry if the filter is symmetrical). For example, when 20 μl of water is to be injected, the filter may be divided into thirds along the filter's length (the direction of the longest dimension of the filter's shape), and 6 to 7 μl of water may be injected into any point (e.g., the center) or region of each of the three divided regions.

[0215] For example, the filter diameter (or filter hardness) retention rate after water injection calculated by the above-mentioned Equation 1-2 can be 81% or more, 82% or more, 83% or more, 84% or more, 85% or more, 86% or more, 87% or more, 88% or more, 89% or more, 90% or more, 91% or more, or 92% or more. If the filter diameter (or filter hardness) retention rate after water injection calculated by the above-mentioned Equation 1-2 is below the above-mentioned range, it means that the change in hardness of the filter due to water penetration is large. As will be described in the experiments below, the smoking article filter of the present application can suppress the change in hardness even after water injection due to the application of the oil agent as described above, and therefore can exhibit a high level of diameter (or filter hardness) retention rate.

[0216] In one example, the smoking article filter also has a moisture disintegration rate calculated by Equation 2 of 8.0% or less.

[0217] [Formula 2] Water disintegration rate (%) = {(filter diameter maintenance rate before water injection - filter diameter maintenance rate after water injection) / (filter diameter maintenance rate before water injection)} × 100

[0218] In Equation 2, the filter diameter maintenance rate before water injection can be calculated by Equation 1-1, and the filter diameter maintenance rate after water injection can be calculated by Equation 1-2.

[0219] For example, the moisture disintegration rate calculated by Equation 2 is 7.5% or less or 7.0% or less, specifically 6.5% or less, 6.0% or less, 5.5% or less, 5.0% or less, 4.5% or less, 4.0% or less, 3.5% or less, 3.0% or less, 2.5% or less, or 2.0% or less. Satisfying the moisture disintegration rate means that even if a predetermined amount of moisture penetrates into the filter, the degree of filter disintegration due to changes in hardness is not significant. As shown in the experiments described below, the smoking article filter of the present application can exhibit a low moisture disintegration rate due to the application of an oil agent as described above.

[0220] In one example, a filter for a smoking article for which measurements related to the above-mentioned Equations 1-1, 1-2, and 2 are taken may have a predetermined shape and size.

[0221] For example, the filter may have a rod shape. More specifically, the smoking article filter may have a cylindrical shape.

[0222] The filter may have a length of, for example, 10 to 50 mm. Specifically, the length of the filter may have a lower limit of 15 mm or more, 20 mm or more, 25 mm or more, 30 mm or more, 35 mm or more, 40 mm or more, or 45 mm or more, and an upper limit of 45 mm or less, 40 mm or less, 35 mm or less, 30 mm or less, 25 mm or less, 20 mm or less, or 15 mm or less.

[0223] In a specific example of the present application, the filter having the above length has a circular cross section, and the circumference of the circular cross section is 10 to 40 mm. For example, the circumference of the filter may have a lower limit of 15 mm or more, 20 mm or more, 25 mm or more, 30 mm or more, or 35 mm or more, and an upper limit of 35 mm or less, 30 mm or less, 25 mm or less, 20 mm or less, or 15 mm or less.

[0224] In one example, the smoking article filter includes lyocell tow (i.e., crimped lyocell multifilaments), an oil agent coated on the lyocell multifilaments, and a filter wrapper. The description of the lyocell tow and the oil agent is the same as that described above, so they will be omitted.

[0225] The wrapper paper is a porous or non-porous paper that can cover and wrap the lyocell tow (i.e., tow that has been at least oil-treated and crimped) and maintain the filter shape (e.g., columnar or cylindrical).

[0226] In one example, when a porous wrapper paper is used, the wrapper paper may have a porosity of 10 to 50,000 CU (coresta units). Specifically, the lower limit of the porosity of the wrapper paper is, for example, 1,000 CU or more, 5,000 CU or more, 10,000 CU or more, 15,000 CU or more, 20,000 CU or more, 25,000 CU or more, 30,000 CU or more, 35,000 CU or more, 40,000 CU or more, or 45,000 CU or more, and the upper limit is, for example, 45,000 CU or less, 40,000 CU or less, 35,000 CU or less, 30,000 CU or less, 25,000 CU or less, or 20,000 CU or less. In an embodiment of the present application, the wrapper may have a porosity in the range of 22,000 to 26,000 CU or 23,000 to 25,000 CU.

[0227] In one example, the basis weight of the wrapper paper is 15 to 60 g / cm 2Specifically, the lower limit of the basis weight of the cigarette paper is, for example, 20 g / cm 2 More than 25g / cm 2 More than 30g / cm 2 Above, 35g / cm 2 More than 40g / cm 2 More than 45g / cm 2 More than 50g / cm 2 or more than 55g / cm 2 The upper limit is, for example, 55 g / cm 2 Below, 50g / cm 2 Below, 45g / cm 2 Below 40g / cm 2 Below 35g / cm 2 Below 30g / cm 2 Below, 25g / cm 2 or less than 20g / cm 2 In a specific example of the present application, the wrapper paper has a density of 16 g / cm 2 More than 17g / cm 2 More than 18g / cm 2 More than 19g / cm 2 More than 20g / cm 2 or more than 21g / cm 2 Above, and 25g / cm 2 Below, 24g / cm 2 Below, 23g / cm 2 Below, 22g / cm 2 or less than 21g / cm 2 It may have the following basis weights:

[0228] Although not particularly limited, the diameter change (hardness change) and water disintegration degree measured by the above-mentioned Equations 1-1, 1-2, and 2 are also measured for a rod-shaped filter weighing 50 mg or more. Specifically, the weight of the filter may have a lower limit of 100 mg or more, 150 mg or more, or 200 mg or more, and an upper limit of 500 mg or less, 450 mg or less, 400 mg or less, 350 mg or less, 300 mg or less, 250 mg or less, or 200 mg or less.

[0229] Other than that, the description of the smoking article filter and the materials contained therein is the same as that described above, and therefore will be omitted.

[0230] In yet another embodiment of the present application, the present application relates to a method for manufacturing a smoking article filter, which is a method for manufacturing the above-described lyocell smoking article filter, and which also includes the above-described method for manufacturing the lyocell material.

[0231] Specifically, the method for manufacturing a smoking article filter according to the present application also includes the steps of treating a lyocell multifilament with an oil agent, crimping the lyocell multifilament, and manufacturing a filter using the crimped lyocell multifilament.

[0232] In the above method, the oil applied to the multifilament includes (a) an ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol, and (b) an ester of sorbitan and a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms.

[0233] According to a specific example of the present application, the lyocell multifilament included in the smoking article filter contains the oil in an amount of 2.0% by weight or more, based on 100% by weight of the entire lyocell multifilament. In this case, the lyocell multifilament included in the smoking article filter is a multifilament that has been at least treated with an oil. For example, the lyocell material may be a lyocell multifilament that has been subjected to a primary oil treatment, a lyocell multifilament that has been subjected to a primary and secondary oil treatment, or a lyocell multifilament that has been treated with the above-mentioned oil and also a binder (described below). Furthermore, as described above, a lyocell multifilament that has been treated with an oil and / or binder may also be crimped. Specific values ​​related to the oil content are as described above.

[0234] Regarding the method for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article, the remaining steps except for the step of manufacturing the filter are the same as those described above for the lyocell material, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0235] The step of manufacturing a filter can be appropriately performed by those skilled in the art using known methods. For example, a filter can be manufactured by forming a tow-filled wrapper paper into a rod shape. Alternatively, a filter can be manufactured by cutting a rod-shaped tow-filled filter paper to an appropriate length. The description of the wrapper paper is as described above.

[0236] Although not particularly limited, before filling the tow into the filter paper, the tow may be additionally subjected to fiber opening treatment and plasticizer treatment.

[0237] In yet another embodiment of the present application, the present application relates to a smoking article comprising a lyocell material having the structure and / or properties described above, and further description thereof is omitted.

[0238] In yet another embodiment of the present application, the present application relates to a smoking article including a smoking article filter, the smoking article filter having the configuration and / or characteristics as described above, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0239] In yet another example of the present application, the present application relates to an oil that can be applied (e.g., coated) to lyocell tow. The oil of the present application can overcome the hydrophilicity of the surface of a lyocell material for a smoking article filter and improve the degree of reduction in hardness of the lyocell material due to moisture.

[0240] In a specific example of the present application, the oil agent includes (a) an esterification product of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms with an aliphatic monohydric alcohol, and (b) an esterification product of sorbitan with a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms. In another example, the oil agent further includes, as component (c), an alkylene oxide adduct of component (b).

[0241] The specific explanation of each component contained in the oil agent is the same as that described above, and therefore will be omitted here. [Effects of the Invention]

[0242] This application provides a lyocell material for smoking article filters that can replace commercially available cellulose acetate (CA), and a smoking article filter containing the same. Specifically, this application not only provides a lyocell material that is easy to manufacture and biodegradable, but also has the inventive effect of improving the filter hardness and the physical properties of smoking articles (e.g., cigarettes). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0243] The functions and effects of the present invention will be described in more detail below through specific examples of the present invention, which are presented as examples of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0244] <Experiment 1: Evaluation of settling time of lyocell tow> Lyocell materials were produced through the process described in the following production examples, and conditions not specifically mentioned were within the scope of the above description.

[0245] Manufacturing example Cellulose pulp with a degree of polymerization (DPw) of 820 and an α-cellulose content of 93.9% was mixed with an N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) / HO solvent with a propyl gallate content of 0.01 wt% to prepare a radiation dope for tow production with a concentration of 11 wt%. The radiation dope was then irradiated using an irradiation nozzle by appropriately adjusting the discharge amount and radiation speed while maintaining the radiation temperature at 110°C.

[0246] The dope in the form of a filament discharged from the nozzle was supplied to a coagulation liquid (containing 75 wt% of water and 25 wt% of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) and having a temperature of about 25°C) in a coagulation bath through an air gap. At this time, the cooling air in the air gap was at a temperature of 8°C and a flow rate of 200 Nm 3 The radiation dope was solidified by the primary coagulation at a flow rate of 1 / h. The concentration of the coagulated solution was continuously monitored using a sensor and a refractometer.

[0247] The solidified lyocell filaments were then washed with water. Specifically, the filaments were introduced into a pulling roll, and N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) remaining in the filaments was removed with water sprayed from a water washing device. The washed filaments were then immersed in a bath designed to have a predetermined oil concentration.

[0248] The filament was fed at 2 kgf / cm by a nip roll installed at the bath discharge section. 2 The fabric was then subjected to pressure treatment and placed in a crimping machine to create wrinkles. Specifically, a steam pressure of 0.5 kgf / cm was applied to a steam box. 2 The pressure of the crimping device roller is 2.5 kgf / cm 2 and the pressure of the doctor blade is 0.5 kgf / cm 2 The temperature was set to 100°C, and a tow was produced.

[0249] The produced tow was subjected to a secondary oil treatment to prevent static electricity and to impart flexibility, and immediately after the treatment, it was passed through a continuous drying device set at 120°C to obtain a dried tow product.

[0250] The tow produced has a single yarn fineness of 3.0 to 3.5 denier, a total fineness of 36,000 to 40,000 denier, and a crimp count of 25 to 35 ea / inch.

[0251] For reference, the types (components) of oils used in the treatment and / or the oil treatment degree (OPU) in each of the examples and comparative examples are different from each other as follows:

[0252] Example 1 Lyocell tow was treated with an oil agent as in the previous preparation example, except that the oil agent used in the preparation of the tow contained about 60 wt% isotridecyl stearate, about 22 wt% sorbitan monooleate, about 16 wt% polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, and the balance water, with an OPU of 5.6 wt%.

[0253] Example 2 Lyocell tow was treated with an oil solution as in the previous Example. The oil solution used in the production of the tow contained about 50% by weight of isotridecyl stearate, about 27% by weight of sorbitan monooleate, about 21% by weight of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, and the balance of water, with an OPU of 5.1% by weight.

[0254] Example 3 The same lyocell tow as in Example 1 was used, except that the OPU was 3.16 wt %.

[0255] Example 4 The same lyocell tow as in Example 1 was used, except that the OPU was 2.15 wt %.

[0256] Comparative Example 1 Lyocell tow was used in the same manner as in the above-mentioned production example, except that no oil treatment was carried out.

[0257] Comparative Example 2 Lyocell tow treated with an oil was used as in the above manufacturing example. The oil used in manufacturing the tow was JKP-107C, which can be classified as a hydrophilic oil, and the OPU was 2.1 wt%. JKP-107C is known to contain approximately 40 wt% or more of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, approximately 10 wt% or more of polyethylene glycol, approximately 20 wt% or more of polyethylene glycol alkyl ester, approximately 13 wt% or more of polyoxyethylene alkyl phosphate, approximately 9 wt% or more of dialkyl sulfosuccinate and / or its salt, approximately 3 wt% or more of aliphatic alcohol amine, and approximately 5 wt% or more of water.

[0258] Comparative Example 3 The same lyocell tow as in Example 1 was used, except that the OPU was 0.23 wt %.

[0259] The settling time of each of the tows of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 produced as described above was evaluated by the following method.

[0260] Sinking time (seconds) evaluation method The tow (oil-treated tow) of the Examples and Comparative Examples was cut into 8 cm pieces. The sample tow prepared from the Examples and Comparative Examples was placed in a beaker filled with 1,000 ml of water (the outer diameter of the beaker was 108 mm, the height was 158 mm, and the height of the water filled was approximately 12.5 cm), and the time (seconds) for the tow to fall to the bottom of the sample was measured. The settling times listed in Table 1 below are arithmetic average values ​​obtained after repeating the above experiment three times for the sample tow collected from each Example or Comparative Example.

[0261] [Table 1] *OPU (oil pick-up ratio): Measured by the method described above.

[0262] It can be seen from Table 1 that the tow settling time of the Examples is longer than that of the Comparative Examples. This means that the tow surface of the Examples has stronger hydrophobicity. When used as a filter material for smoking articles, the tow with stronger hydrophobicity can more effectively inhibit the hardness from being destroyed by saliva. This is also confirmed by the following experiment.

[0263] <Experiment 2: Evaluation of hardness change of filters containing lyocell tow> Example 4 The lyocell tow of Example 1 was used as a wrapping paper (24,000 CU porous paper, basis weight approximately 21 g / cm 2 ) to prepare a cylindrical filter rod (weight 150-200 mg) with an axial length of 27 mm and a circumference of 24.22 mm.

[0264] Example 5 A filter rod was prepared in the same manner as in Example 4, except that the lyocell tow of Example 2 was used.

[0265] Example 6 A filter rod was prepared in the same manner as in Example 4, except that the lyocell tow of Example 3 was used.

[0266] Comparative Example 5 A filter rod was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 4, except that the lyocell tow of Comparative Example 1 was used.

[0267] Comparative Example 6 A filter rod was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 4, except that the lyocell tow of Comparative Example 2 was used.

[0268] Comparative Example 7 A filter rod was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 4, except that the lyocell tow of Comparative Example 3 was used.

[0269] Comparative Example 8 A filter rod was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 4, except that the lyocell tow of Comparative Example 4 was used.

[0270] The example filters and comparative example filters manufactured as described above were evaluated for hardness change (or diameter change) by the following method.

[0271] Filter hardness change (%) or diameter change (%) 20 μl of water (e.g., distilled water or tap water) was injected into the filters manufactured in Examples 5 to 8 and Comparative Examples 4 to 7, and the change in hardness (diameter change) was measured before and after 5 minutes of water injection. The water was injected into one end of a 27 mm long filter rod at three positions: 4.5 mm, 13.5 mm, and 22.5 mm. The water injection amounts were determined after a group of smokers voluntarily measured the amount of moisture remaining in the filter after smoking tobacco products.

[0272] The change in filter hardness due to water penetration into the filter and the degree of filter collapse due to water can be calculated from the change in filter diameter as follows. For such measurements, Filtrona DHT 200 TM Equipment was used.

[0273] [Formula 1-1] Filter diameter (or filter hardness) retention rate (%) before water injection = {(initial filter diameter (mm) - length of filter pushed when pressed with a weight of specific weight (300g) (mm)) / (initial filter diameter (mm))} x 100

[0274] [Formula 1-2] Filter diameter (or filter hardness) retention rate (%) after water injection = {(initial filter diameter (mm) - length of filter pushed (mm) when pressed with a weight of a specific weight (300g) after water is poured) / (initial filter diameter (mm))} x 100

[0275] [Formula 2] Water disintegration rate (%) = {(filter diameter maintenance rate before water injection - filter diameter maintenance rate after water injection) / (filter diameter maintenance rate before water injection)} × 100

[0276] [Table 2] *OPU (oil pick-up ratio): Measured by the method described above. Defective filter production: This refers to the case where the tow does not spread evenly during the spreading process in filter production, resulting in clumps, or where the filter rod is not hardened enough to be cut smoothly when it is cut.

[0277] It can be seen from Table 2 that the hardness change (especially the hardness change after water injection) of the Examples is greater than that of the Comparative Examples. This means that the tow surface of the Examples has stronger hydrophobicity. When used as a filter material for smoking articles, the tow with stronger hydrophobicity can more effectively inhibit the hardness from being destroyed by saliva.

Claims

1. A lyocell material for a smoking article filter, comprising: a crimped lyocell multifilament; and an oil agent coated on the lyocell multifilament; The oil agent comprises (a) an esterification product of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol, and (b) an esterification product of sorbitan and a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms, The lyocell material for smoking article filters contains the oil in an amount of 2.0% by weight or more relative to 100% by weight of the entire lyocell material.

2. 2. The lyocell material for smoking article filters according to claim 1, wherein the oil comprises 20 to 60 parts by weight of (b) an ester of sorbitan and a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms, relative to 100 parts by weight of (a) an ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol.

3. The lyocell material for smoking article filters according to claim 1 , wherein the oil further comprises an alkylene oxide adduct (c) of the esterified product (b).

4. 2. The lyocell material for smoking article filters according to claim 1, wherein the oil contains 10 to 50 parts by weight of (c) an alkylene oxide adduct to the ester (b) relative to 100 parts by weight of the (a) ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms with an aliphatic monohydric alcohol.

5. The crimped lyocell multifilament is 10. The lyocell material for smoking article filters according to claim 1, having a total denier of 15,000 to 45,000 and 20 to 50 crimps per inch.

6. A smoking article comprising the lyocell material of claim 1.

7. A lyocell material for a smoking article filter, comprising: A crimped lyocell multifilament and an oil agent coated on the lyocell multifilament, A settling time in water of 6.0 seconds or more, The lyocell material for smoking article filters contains the oil in an amount of 2.0% by weight or more based on 100% by weight of the entire lyocell material; The oil agent includes (a) an esterification product of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol, and (b) an esterification product of sorbitan and a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms. Lyocell material for smoking article filters (wherein the settling time refers to the time it takes for the lyocell material, cut to a length of 10 cm or less, to fall to the bottom of a container filled with water to a height of 12 to 13 cm).

8. 8. The lyocell material for smoking article filters according to claim 7, wherein the oil comprises 20 to 60 parts by weight of (b) an ester of sorbitan and a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms, relative to 100 parts by weight of (a) an ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol.

9. The lyocell material for smoking article filters according to claim 7, wherein the oil further comprises (c) an alkylene oxide adduct of the ester (b).

10. 8. The lyocell material for smoking article filters according to claim 7, wherein the oil contains 10 to 50 parts by weight of (c) an alkylene oxide adduct to the ester (b) relative to 100 parts by weight of the (a) ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms with an aliphatic monohydric alcohol.

11. 8. The lyocell material for smoking article filters according to claim 7, wherein the lyocell multifilaments have a total fineness of 15,000 to 45,000 denier and 20 to 50 crimps per inch.

12. A smoking article comprising the lyocell material of claim 7.

13. A method for manufacturing a lyocell material for a smoking article filter, comprising the steps of treating a lyocell multifilament with an oil agent and crimping the lyocell multifilament, The oil agent comprises (a) an esterification product of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol, and (b) an esterification product of sorbitan and a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms, The lyocell material for smoking article filters comprises the oil in an amount of 2.0 wt % or more relative to 100 wt % of the entire lyocell material.

14. 14. The method for producing a lyocell material for a smoking article filter according to claim 13, wherein the oil comprises 20 to 60 parts by weight of (b) an ester of sorbitan and a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms, relative to 100 parts by weight of (a) an ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol.

15. The method for producing a lyocell material for a smoking article filter according to claim 13, wherein the oil further comprises (c) an alkylene oxide adduct of the ester (b).

16. The method for producing a lyocell material for smoking article filters according to claim 13, wherein the oil contains 10 to 50 parts by weight of (c) an alkylene oxide adduct to the ester (b) relative to 100 parts by weight of the (a) ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms with an aliphatic monohydric alcohol.

17. 14. The method for producing a lyocell material for a smoking article filter according to claim 13, wherein the lyocell multifilament has a total fineness of 15,000 to 45,000 denier and 20 to 50 crimps per inch.

18. A filter for a smoking article comprising a lyocell material, The lyocell material includes a crimped lyocell multifilament and an oil agent coated on the lyocell multifilament, The oil agent comprises (a) an esterification product of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol, and (b) an esterification product of sorbitan and a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms, The lyocell material contains the oil in an amount of 2.0% by weight or more relative to 100% by weight of the entire lyocell material.

19. 19. The filter for smoking articles according to claim 18, wherein the oil comprises 20 to 60 parts by weight of (b) an ester of sorbitan and a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms, relative to 100 parts by weight of (a) an ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol.

20. The filter for a smoking article according to claim 18, wherein the oil further comprises (c) an alkylene oxide adduct of the ester (b).

21. 19. The filter for smoking articles according to claim 18, wherein the oil comprises 10 to 50 parts by weight of (c) an alkylene oxide adduct to the ester (b) relative to 100 parts by weight of the (a) ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms with an aliphatic monohydric alcohol.

22. The crimped lyocell multifilament is 20. A filter for a smoking article according to claim 18, having a total denier of 15,000 to 45,000 and 20 to 50 crimps per inch.

23. A smoking article comprising the smoking article filter of claim 18.

24. A smoking article filter comprising a lyocell material and a wrapping paper that encases the lyocell material, The lyocell material includes a crimped lyocell multifilament and an oil agent coated on the lyocell multifilament, The filter diameter maintenance rate before water injection calculated by the following formula 1-1 is 85% or more, The filter diameter maintenance rate after water injection expressed by the following formula 1-2 is 80% or more, The lyocell material contains the oil in an amount of 2.0% by weight or more based on 100% by weight of the entire lyocell material, The oil agent includes (a) an esterification product of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol, and (b) an esterification product of sorbitan and a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms. Smoking article filters: [Formula 1-1] Filter diameter maintenance rate before water injection (%) = {(initial filter diameter (mm) - length (mm) of filter pushed when the filter is pushed with a weight of a specific weight (300 g)) / (initial filter diameter (mm))} x 100 [Formula 1-2] Filter diameter maintenance rate after water injection (%) = {(initial filter diameter (mm) - length (mm) of the filter pushed when the filter is pushed with a weight of a specific weight (300 g) after water is poured) / (initial filter diameter (mm))} x 100 In the above formula 1-2, however, the amount of water injected into the filter is 20 μl, and the diameter maintenance rate in formula 1-2 is also measured 5 minutes after the water was injected into the filter.

25. The filter for smoking articles according to claim 24, wherein the moisture disintegration degree calculated by the following formula 2 is 8.0% or less: [Formula 2] Water disintegration rate (%) = {(filter diameter maintenance rate before water injection - filter diameter maintenance rate after water injection) / (filter diameter maintenance rate before water injection)} × 100 In Equation 2, the filter diameter maintenance rate before water injection is calculated by Equation 1-1, and the filter diameter maintenance rate after water injection is calculated by Equation 1-2.

26. 25. The filter for smoking articles according to claim 24, wherein the oil comprises 20 to 60 parts by weight of (b) an ester of sorbitan and a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms, relative to 100 parts by weight of (a) an ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol.

27. The filter for smoking articles according to claim 24, wherein the oil further comprises (c) an alkylene oxide adduct of an ester of sorbitan with a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms.

28. 25. The filter for smoking articles according to claim 24, wherein the oil comprises 10 to 50 parts by weight of (c) an alkylene oxide adduct to an ester of sorbitan and a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms, relative to 100 parts by weight of (a) an ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol.

29. 25. A filter for a smoking article according to claim 24, wherein the lyocell multifilament has a total fineness of 15,000 to 45,000 denier and 20 to 50 crimps per inch.

30. A smoking article comprising the smoking article filter of claim 24.

31. A method for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article, comprising the steps of treating a lyocell multifilament with an oil agent, crimping the lyocell multifilament, and manufacturing a filter using the crimped lyocell multifilament, The oil agent comprises (a) an esterification product of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol, and (b) an esterification product of sorbitan and a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms, The lyocell multifilament contained in the filter for smoking articles contains the oil in an amount of 2.0% by weight or more relative to 100% by weight of the entire lyocell multifilament after oil treatment.

32. The method for producing a filter for smoking articles according to claim 31, wherein the oil comprises 20 to 60 parts by weight of (b) an ester of sorbitan and a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms, relative to 100 parts by weight of (a) an ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol.

33. The method for producing a filter for a smoking article according to claim 31, wherein the oil further comprises (c) an alkylene oxide adduct of the ester (b).

34. The method for producing a filter for smoking articles according to claim 31, wherein the oil contains 10 to 50 parts by weight of (c) an alkylene oxide adduct to the ester (b) relative to 100 parts by weight of the (a) ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms with an aliphatic monohydric alcohol.

35. 32. The method for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article according to claim 31, wherein the lyocell multifilament has a total fineness of 15,000 to 45,000 denier and 20 to 50 crimps per inch.

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