Supported flavour material for an aerosol-generating article or nicotine containing product

Abstract

There is provided a flavour material for use in an aerosol-generating article, wherein the flavourant is releasable from the flavour material upon heating the flavour material. The flavour material comprises a polysaccharide matrix structure comprising gellan gum and emulsifier; a flavourant formulation dispersed within the polysaccharide matrix structure, wherein the flavourant formulation is at least partly trapped within the polysaccharide matrix structure and releasable from the polysaccharide matrix structure upon heating of the flavour material; and a carrier thread material, wherein the polysaccharide matrix structure and the flavourant formulation are supported by the carrier thread material. Also provided is an aerosol-generating article comprising one such flavour material.

Description

[0001]SUPPORTED^FLAVOUR^MATERIAL FOR^AN^AEROSOL-GENERATING^ARTICLE^OR^NICOTINE^CONTAINING^PRODUCT The^present^disclosure relates^to a^flavour^material for^use^in^an^aerosol-generating^article.^^Further,^the^present^disclosure^relates^to^aerosol-generating^articles^comprising^one^such^flavour^ material.^^ Aerosol-generating^articles^in^which^an^aerosol-generating^substrate,^such^as^for^example^a^tobacco-containing^substrate or^a^non-tobacco,^nicotine-containing^substrate,^is^heated^rather^than^combusted,^are^known^in^the^art.^^Typically,^in^such^heated^smoking^articles^an^aerosol^is^ generated^by^the^transfer^of^heat^from^a^heat^source^to^a^physically^separate^aerosol-generating^ substrate^or^material,^which^may^be^located^in^contact^with,^within,^around,^or^downstream^of^the^ heat^source.^^During^use^of^the^aerosol-generating^article,^volatile^compounds^are^released^from^ the^aerosol-generating^substrate^by^heat^transfer^from^the^heat^source^and^are^entrained^in^air^ drawn^through^the^aerosol-generating^article.^^As^the^released^compounds^cool,^they^condense^ to^form^an^aerosol.^^ Several^aerosol-generating^devices^for^consuming^aerosol-generating^articles have^been^disclosed^in^the^art.^^Such^devices^include,^for^example,^electrically^heated^aerosol-generating^ devices^in^which^an^aerosol^is^generated^by^the^transfer^of^heat^from^one^or^more^electrical^heater^elements^of^ the^aerosol-generating^device^ to^ the^ aerosol-generating^ substrate^of^ an aerosol-generating^ article.^ ^ For^ example,^ electrically^ heated^ aerosol-generating^ devices^ have^ been^proposed^that^comprise^an^internal^heater^blade^which^is^adapted^to^be^inserted^into^the^aerosol-generating^ substrate.^ ^ As^ an^ alternative,^ inductively^ heatable^ aerosol-generating^ articles^comprising^ an^ aerosol-generating^ substrate^ and^ a^ susceptor^ arranged^ within^ the^ aerosol-generating^substrate^have^been^proposed^by^WO^2015 / 176898.^^ It^ has^ been^ proposed^ to^ include^ in^ aerosol-generating^ articles^ a^ source^ of^ flavour^ in^addition^to^the^aerosol-generating^substrate.^^In^effect,^this^practice^was^relatively^common^with^conventional^ filter^ cigarettes,^ and^ a^ number^ of^ solutions^ have^ been^ described^ in^ the^ art^ for^providing^a^flavourant^at^a^location^in^a^mouthpiece^filter^or^in^the^rod^of^tobacco^cut^filler.^^ However,^given^how^the^aerosol^is^generated^and^delivered^to^the^consumer in^aerosol-generating^articles,^ensuring a^consistent^flavour^delivery^during^use may^be^difficult,^and^so^a^consumer may^perceive^fluctuations^or^a^decrease^in^flavour^ intensity^over^time.^^Additionally,^even^prior^to^the^aerosol-generating^articles^being^used,^some^flavour^species^may^be^lost^during^certain^production^steps or^during^transportation^and^storage^of^the^aerosol-generating^articles.^^It^has^previously^been^proposed^to^reduce^the^loss^of^volatile^flavourants^from^smoking^conventional^ filter^ cigarettes during^ storage^ through^ the^ encapsulation^ of^ the^ flavourant,^ for^example^ in^ the^ form^ of^ a^ capsule^ or^ microcapsule containing^ a^ flavour^ formulation.^ The^encapsulated^flavour species can^be^released^prior^to^or^during^smoking^of^the^filter^cigarette^by^breaking^ open^ the^ encapsulating^ structure,^ for^ example^ by^ manually^ crushing^ the^ structure.^^However,^the^encapsulated^flavourant^is^typically^released^from^the^encapsulating^structure^in^a^ single^burst,^and^so^one^such^solution^might^fail^to^provide^a^consistently^intense^flavour^delivery^during^use of^the^article.^^Therefore,^a^need^is^felt^to^provide^flavour^materials,^as^well^as aerosol-generating^articles^containing^ flavour^materials, that^ are^ associated^with^ an^ enhanced^ flavour^perception^ for^ the^consumer,^particularly^towards^the^end^of^the^use^cycle^of^the^aerosol-generating^article.^^ The^present^disclosure^relates^to^a^flavour^material for^use^in^an^aerosol-generating^article,^wherein^a^flavourant^formulation^is^releasable^from^the^flavour^material upon^heating^the^flavour^material.^ ^ The^ flavour^material may^ comprise^a^matrix^ structure^ and^ a^ flavourant^ formulation^dispersed^within^the^matrix^structure.^^The^flavourant formulation^is^at^least^partly^trapped^within^the^matrix^ structure^ and^ is^ releasable^ from^ the^ matrix^ structure^ upon^ heating^ of^ the^ flavour^material.^^The^matrix^structure^may^be^a^polysaccharide^matrix^structure.^^The^flavour^materialmay^comprise^a^carrier^thread^material,^ the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^and^the^flavourant^formulation^being supported^by^the^carrier^thread material.^^According^to^an^aspect^of^the^present^invention,^there^is^provided^a^flavour^material^^for^use^ in^an^aerosol-generating^ article;^ the^ flavour^material comprising:^ a^polysaccharide^matrix^structure;^and^a^flavourant^formulation^dispersed^within^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure.^^The^ flavourant^formulation^is^at^least^partly^trapped^within^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^and^is^releasable^ from^ the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^upon^heating^of^ the^ flavour^material.^ ^The^flavour^material comprises^a^carrier^thread material,^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^and^the^flavourant^formulation^being supported^by^the^carrier^thread material.^^As^ used^ herein,^ the^ term^ “thread material” denotes^ an elongate^ filamentous^material^having^a^length^substantially^greater^than^an^equivalent diameter^thereof.^^The^term^“equivalent^diameter^of^a thread”^is^used^herein^to^denote^the^diameter^of^the^circle^ which^ has^ the^ same^ transverse^ cross-sectional^ area^ as^ the^ thread.^ ^ In^ general,^ the^transverse^cross-section^of^the^thread^may^have^any^shape,^although^a^circular^or^quasi-circularshape,^ such^as^an^oval shape^or^elliptical shape^ is^preferred.^ ^For^a^ thread^having^a^ circular^transverse^ cross-section,^ the^ equivalent^ diameter^ is^ the^ diameter^ of^ the^ cross-section^ of^ the^thread.^^ For^example,^the^carrier^thread^material^may^be^a yarn^comprising^cellulosic^fibres.^In^the^manufacture^of^a^thread^material,^typically,^natural^plant^fibres^are^cleaned,^carded^to^disentangle^and^align^the^fibres,^and^optionally^combed,^before^being^spun^into^yarn.^The^cellulosic^fibres of^the^carrier^thread^material^may^include^fibres^derived^from^one^or^more^plants,^such^as^cottonfibres,^flax fibres,^hemp fibres,^bamboo fibres,^sisal fibres,^ramie fibres,^coir fibres,^kenaf fibres,^abaca fibres and^ jute fibres.^Alternatively,^ the^carrier^ thread^material^may^ include^ regenerated^cellulose^ fibres.^Regenerated^cellulose^ fibres^are^ formed^ from^cellulose^ that^ is^extracted^ from^wood^ pulp,^ which^ is^ then^ chemically^ dissolved^ and^ extruded^ as^ a^ filament.^ The^ regenerated^cellulose^may^be^formed^from^cellulose^from^any^suitable^wood^pulp^feedstock,^for^instance^but^not^limited^to^wood^pulp^derived^from^bamboo,^eucalyptus,^beech,^birch, spruce,^pine,^maple^and^aspen.^Preferably,^the^cellulosic^fibres^are^cotton^fibres,^such^that^the^carrier^thread^material^is^a^ cotton^yarn.^^Alternatively,^the^cellulosic^fibres^may^be^regenerated^cellulose^fibres. As^used^herein^with^ reference^ to^ the^ invention,^ the^ term^ “aerosol-generating^article”^ is^used^to^describe^an^article^comprising^an^aerosol-generating^substrate^that^is^heated^to^generate^ an^inhalable^aerosol^for^delivery^to^a^user. As^used^herein^with^reference^to^the^invention,^the^term^“aerosol-generating^substrate”^is^ used^to^describe^a^substrate^comprising^aerosol-generating^material^that^is^capable^of^releasing^ upon^heating^volatile^compounds^that^can^generate^an^aerosol. As^used^herein^with^reference^to^the^invention,^the^term^“aerosol”^is^used^to^describe^a^dispersion^ of^ solid^ particles,^ or^ liquid^ droplets,^ or^ a^ combination^ of^ solid^ particles^ and^ liquid^droplets,^in^a^gas.^^The^aerosol^may^be^visible^or^invisible.^^The^aerosol^may^include^vapours^of^substances^ that^are^ordinarily^ liquid^or^solid^at^ room^ temperature^as^well^as^solid^particles,^or^liquid^droplets,^or^a^combination^of^solid^particles^and^liquid^droplets. As^used^herein^with^ reference^ to^ the^ invention,^ the^term^“aerosol-generating^device”^ is^used^ to^describe^a^device^ that^ interacts^with^ the^aerosol-generating^ substrate^of^ the^aerosol-generating^article^to^generate^an^aerosol.^^ Aerosol-generating^articles^according^to^the^invention^have^a^proximal^end^through^which,^ in^use,^an^aerosol^exits^the^aerosol-generating^article^for^delivery^to^a^user.^^The^proximal^end^of^ the^aerosol-generating^article^may^also^be^referred^to^as^the^downstream^end^or^mouth^end^of^the^aerosol-generating^article.^^In^use,^a^user^draws^directly or^indirectly^on^the^proximal^end^of^the^aerosol-generating^article^in^order^to^inhale^an^aerosol^generated^by^the^aerosol-generating^ article. Aerosol-generating^articles^according^to^the^invention^have^a^distal^end.^^The^distal^end^is^ opposite^the^proximal^end.^^The^distal^end^of^the^aerosol-generating^article^may^also^be^referred^ to^as^the^upstream^end^of^the^aerosol-generating^article. Components^of^aerosol-generating^articles^according^to^the^invention^may^be^described^ as^being^upstream^or^downstream^of^one^another^based^on^their^relative^positions^between^the^ proximal^end^of^the^aerosol-generating^article^and^the^distal^end^of^the^aerosol-generating^article. As^used^herein^with^reference^to^the^invention,^the^term^“longitudinal”^is^used^to^describe^the^ direction^ between^ the^ upstream^ end^ and^ the^ downstream^ end^ of^ the^ aerosol-generating^article.^^During^use,^air^is^drawn^through^the^aerosol-generating^article^in the^longitudinal^direction.As^used^herein^with^reference^to^the^invention,^the^term^“length”^is^used^to^describe^the^ maximum^dimension^of^the^aerosol-generating^article^or^a^component^of^the^aerosol-generating^ article^in^the^longitudinal^direction. As^used^herein^with^reference^to^the^invention,^the^term^“transverse”^is^used^to^describe^ the^direction^perpendicular^to^the^longitudinal^direction.^^Unless^otherwise^stated,^references^to^the^ “cross-section”^of^ the^aerosol-generating^article^or^a^ component^of^ the^aerosol-generating^article^refer^to^the^transverse^cross-section. As^used^herein^with^reference^to^the^invention,^the^term^"hollow^tubular^element"^is^used^ to^denote^a^generally^cylindrical^element^having^a^lumen^along^a^longitudinal^axis^thereof.^^The^ tubular^portion^may^have^a^substantially^circular,^oval^or^elliptical^cross-section.^^The^lumen^may^ have^a^substantially^circular,^oval^or^elliptical^cross-section.^^In^particular,^the^term^"hollow^tubular^element"^ is^ used^ to^ denote^ an^ element defining^ at^ least^ one^ airflow^ conduit^ establishing^ an^uninterrupted^fluid^communication^between^an^upstream^end^of^the^hollow^tubular^element^and^a^ downstream^end^of^the^tubular^element.^^ The^ inclusion^ of^ a^ carrier^ thread^material^ in^ flavour^materials^ in^ accordance^ with^ the^present^invention^has^been^found^to^enhance the^structural^strength^of^the^flavour^materials^by^virtue^of^ the^carrier^ thread^material^supporting^and^holding^ in^place^ the^polysaccharide^matrix^trapping^the^flavour^formulation.^^By^selecting^and^adjusting^certain^properties^of^the^carrier^thread^ material^(for^example,^its^thickness)^one^may^obtain^a^flavour^material^that^is^especially^resistant^ to^wear^and^tear^and^that^has^particularly^good^mechanical^properties.^^ Compared^with^flavour^materials^having^a^comparable^composition^and^matrix^structure,^but^ lacking^the^support^of^ the^carrier^ thread material,^ flavour^materials^ in^accordance^with^the^present^invention^have^thus^been^found^to^be^easier^to^handle^and^may^more^conveniently^stored,^ for^example,^in^bobbin^form.^^This^advantageously^facilitates^their^incorporation^into^an^aerosol-generating^article,^ particularly^within^ the^ framework^of^ a^high-speed^automated^manufacturing^process.^^ Flavour^materials^in^accordance^with^the^present^invention^also^have^the^advantage^that^the^ polysaccharide^ matrix^ structure^ and^ the^ flavourant^ formulation^ trapped^ therein^ may^ be^deposited^onto^the^carrier^thread material to^form^a^flavour^material^ that^ is,^ in^effect,^ in^threadform^and^that^can,^as^such,^be^cut^into^pieces^having^a^predetermined^average^size^(for^example,^ a^predetermined^cut^length).^^This^makes^it^easy^to^combine^a^flavour^material^in^accordance^with^ the^present^invention^with^an^aerosol-generating^substrate^in^certain^aerosol-generating^articles,^ as^will^be^described^in^more^detail^below.^^ In^some^embodiments,^the^carrier^thread material^may^alternatively^comprise^a^plurality^of^pieces^cut^from^a^thread material,^the^pieces^having^a^predetermined^average^size^(for^example,^a^predetermined cut^length).^^In^flavour^materials^in^accordance^with^the^present^invention,^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^trapping^the^flavourant^formulation^may^be^formed in^situ on^the^carrier^thread material.^^If^this^in^situ formation^step^follows^a^manufacturing^process^from^which^the^carrier^threadmaterial^is^obtained,^ the^ in^situ formation^step^may^even^be^performed^at^a^ later^date^or^at^a^different^location.^^ In^general,^it^has^been^recognised^that^use^of^a^flavour^material^in^an^aerosol-generating^ article,^wherein^an^aerosol-generating^substrate^is^meant^to^be^heated^to^generate^the^aerosol,^presents^ different^ challenges^ and^ poses^ different^ constraints,^ compared^ with^ conditions^encountered^ in^ the^ past^ with^ conventional^ cigarettes,^ wherein^ a^ substrate^ is^ combusted^ to^generate^a^smoke.^ ^The^ inventors^have^ found^ that^by^adjusting^ the^ relative^proportions^of^ the^various^ingredients^in^the^formulation^or by^altering^the^composition^of^the^matrix^– for^example,^by^selecting^certain^combinations^of^polysaccharides to^form^the^matrix^– or^by^doing^both,^it^may^advantageously^be^possible^to^finely^tailor^certain^characteristics^of^the^flavour^material^to^specific^needs^associated^with^use^ in^an^aerosol-generating^article.^ ^For^example,^ the^ flavour^ release^profile may^be^adjusted,^such^as^to^have^the^flavour^released^in^more^successive^“waves”^during^use.^^As^a^result,^the^consumer^may^perceive^flavour^notes^as^more^intense^or^lingering^for^longer^ during^use.^^Thus,^flavour^materials^in^accordance^with^the^present^invention^may^offer^a^wider^ breadth^of^flavour^profiles^that^were^not^accessible^with^the^known^flavour^materials.^^ When^a^flavour^material^ in^accordance^with^the^ invention^is^ incorporated^in^an^aerosol-generating^article,^such^as^for^example^a^heat-not-burn^article^configured^to^generate^an^aerosol^ upon^heating^a^tobacco-containing^aerosol-generating^substrate,^puff-by-puff^flavour^release^has^ been^found^to^be^generally^more^efficient.^^ Because^ the^ flavourant^ formulation^ is^at^ least^partly^ trapped^within^the^matrix^until^ it^ is^released^upon^heating,^ flavour^materials^ in^accordance^with^ the^present^ invention^have^been^found^ to^ exhibit^ increased^ stability.^ ^ For^ example,^ a^ significant^ reduction^ in^ losses^ of^ flavour^species^ during^ storage,^ transportation,^ and^ so^ forth,^ has^ been^ observed,^ even^ under^ stress^conditions.^^Coupled^with^the^enhancement^in^flavour^release,^this^makes^for^a^particularly^efficient^ use^of^flavourants^and^other^ingredients^of^the^flavour^formulation.^^ Preferably,^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^comprises^gellan^gum^and^an^emulsifier.^^The^ term^ “gellan^ gum”^ is^ used^ to^ identify^ a^ water-soluble^ anionic^ polysaccharide,^ which^ isproduced^ by^ the^ bacterium^ Sphingomonas^ elodea.^ ^ The^ repeating^ unit^ of^ the^ polymer^ is^ a^tetrasaccharide,^which^ consists^of^ two^ residues^of^D-glucose^ and^one^of^ each^ residues^ of^ L-rhamnose^and^D-glucuronic^acid.^^Gellan^gum^has^been^approved^for^food,^non-food,^cosmetic^and^ pharmaceutical^ uses^ by^authorities^ in^many^ jurisdictions,^ such^ as^ Japan,^USA,^Canada,^China,^South^Korea^and^the^EU.^ Two^forms^of^gellan^gum^are^known^– namely,^high^acyl^gellan^gum^and^low^acyl^gellan^gum^– which^differ^by^way^of^the^degree / percent^of^substitution^by^O-acyl^groups.^^In^flavour^materials^in^accordance^with^the^present^invention,^the^gellan^gum^is^preferably^low^acyl^gellan^gum.^^This^is^a^gellan^gum^that^is^partly^deacylated^or^fully^deacylated.^^ Its^most^common^ form^ is^ the^ fully^deacylated^one,^with^no^detectable^acyl^groups,^which^ is^also^called^deacetylated^gellan^gum.^^ Use^ of^ low^ acyl^ gellan^gum^ to^ form^ the^polysaccharide^matrix^ of^ a^ flavour^material^ in^accordance^with^ the^present^ invention^ is^preferred^because^ low^acyl^gellan^gum^ is^capable^of^forming^gels^at^very^low^concentrations.^^Additionally,^the^texture^of^gellan gum^based^gels^varies^with^the^acyl^content,^ low^acyl^gellan^gum^typically^forming^firmer,^ less^elastic^and^more^brittle^gels^compared^with^high^acyl^gellan^gum.^^ In^embodiments^wherein^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^comprises^gellan^gum^and^ an^emulsifier,^a^flavour^material^may^advantageously^be^provided^wherein^a^substantial^fraction^ of^the^flavourant^formulation^is^effectively^trapped^within^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure.^^This^ is^beneficial^in^that^it^improves^the^stability^of^the^flavour^material.^^Further,^as^it^will^be^discussed^in^more^detail^ below,^ it^ has^an^ impact^on^how^ flavour^ species^are^ released^upon^heating^ the^flavour^material,^and^so^it^may^help^tune^a^flavourant^release^profile^during^use.^^ Additionally,^ from^ a^manufacturing^ viewpoint,^ a^ stable^ polysaccharide^matrix^ structure^comprising gellan^gum^and^an^emulsifier can^be^formed^by^supplying^heat^to^the^starting^reagents^without^requiring^the^use^of^cross-linking^agents.^^In^fact,^by^kneading^and^emulsifying^the^flavour^ formulation^and^gellan^gum^in^a^heated^aqueous^bath,^the^polysaccharide-coated^flavourant^can^be^brought^to^an^emulsified^state^which^is^then^substantially preserved^after^drying^and^cooling.^^Advantageously,^this^allows^for^a^significant^amount^of^flavourant^to^be^provided^in^an^immobilised^ state^within^the^polysaccharide^matrix,^and^so^a^flavour^material^with^a^high^flavourant^content^ may^be^provided.^^ Preferably,^the^emulsifier^is^lecithin.^^Use^of^lecithin^as^the^emulsifier^is^advantageous^in^that^ it^ is^ commonly^ available^ and^ generally^ recognised^ as^ being^non-toxic.^ ^ Like^gellan^gum,^lecithin^is^commonly^used^in^the^food^industry^as^an^additive,^and^has^been^approved^for^such^ use^by^both^the^USA^Food^and^Drug^Administration^and^the^EU^authorities.^^As^such,^the^pairing^ of^gellan^gum^and^lecithin^is^especially^adapted^to^be^included^in^a^flavour^material^destined^for^ human^use.^^ Preferably,^where^the^polysaccharide^matrix^comprises^gellan^gum^and^an^emulsifier,^the^ gellan^gum^makes^up^from^5^percent^by^weight^to^99.9^percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^ More^preferably,^ the^gellan^gum^makes^up^at^ least^7 percent^by^weight^of^ the^ flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis,^even^more^preferably^at^least^10 percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^The^gellan^gum^preferably^makes^up^for^up^to^80 percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^materialon^a^dry^weight^basis,^more^preferably^up^to^60 percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis,^even^more^preferably^up^to^40 percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis,^particularly^preferably^up^to^30 percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^ In^some^embodiments,^the^gellan^gum^makes^up^from^5 percent^by^weight^to^80 percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis,^preferably^from^5 percent^by^weight^to^60percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis,^more^preferably^from^5 percent^by^ weight^ to^ 40 percent^ by^ weight^ of^ the^ flavour^material on^ a^ dry^ weight^ basis,^ even^more^preferably^from^5 percent^by^weight^to^30 percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^ In^other^embodiments,^the^gellan^gum^makes^up^from^10 percent^by^weight^to^80 percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis,^preferably^from^10 percent^by^weight^to^60 percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis,^more^preferably^from^10 percent^by^ weight^ to^ 40 percent^ by^ weight^ of^ the^ flavour^material on^ a^ dry^ weight^ basis,^ even^more^preferably^from^10 percent^by^weight^ to^30 percent^by^weight^of^ the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^ The^emulsifier^may^make^up^from^0.01^percent^by^weight^to 2^percent^by^weight^of^ the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^Preferably,^the^emulsifier^makes^up^from^0.02^percent^by^weight^to 2^percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^More^preferably,^the^emulsifier^makes^up^from^0.05^percent^by^weight^to 2^percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^Even^more^preferably,^the^emulsifier^makes^up^from^0.1^percent^by^weight^to2^percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^In^preferred^embodiments,^emulsifier^is^lecithin^and^makes^up^from^0.01^percent^by^weight^to^2^percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^Preferably,^lecithin^makes^up^ from^0.02^percent^by^weight^ to^2^percent^by^weight^of^ the^ flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^More^preferably,^lecithin^makes^up^from^0.05^percent^by^weight^to^2^percent^by^weight^of^the^ flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis.^ ^Even^more^preferably,^ lecithin^makes^up^ from^0.1^percent^by^weight^to^2^percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^In^certain^embodiments,^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^comprises^gellan^gum^as^the^ sole^polysaccharide.^^ In^ other^ embodiments,^ the^ polysaccharide^ matrix^ structure comprises^ gellan^ gum^ in^combination^with^at^ least^a^ further^polysaccharide^selected^ from^ the^group^consisting^of^guar,^tamarind^ gum,^ sodium^ alginate,^ xanthan^ gum,^ sodium^ carboxymethyl^ cellulose,^ and^hydroxypropyl^methyl^cellulose.^^ Flavour^materials^according^to^the^invention^wherein^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure comprises^gellan^gum^in^combination^with^one^or^more^of^the^polysaccharides^listed^above^have^been^ found^ to^ provide^ different^ flavourant^ release^ profiles^ upon^ heating.^ ^ For^ example,^ in^embodiments^wherein^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure comprises^gellan^gum^in^combination^with^another^one^of^the^polysaccharides^listed^above,^a^flavourant^release^profile^characterised^by^two^distinct^peaks^at^ two^different^temperatures^has^been^observed.^^Without^wishing^to^be^bound^by^theory,^it^is^hypothesised^that^this^is^due^to^a^different^strength^of^interaction^between^ the^flavourant^and^each^polysaccharide^in^the^matrix^structure,^and^may^also^have^to^do^with^each^ polysaccharide^undergoing^thermal^decomposition^at^slightly^different^temperatures.^^ Because^different^combinations^of^polysaccharides^in^the^matrix^structure^will^generally^lead^ to^ slightly^ different^ flavourant^ release^ profiles^ when^ the^ flavour^ material^ is^ heated,^embodiments^wherein^gellan^gum^ is^combined^with^one^or^more^of^ the^other^polysaccharides^listed^above^may^advantageously^be^used^to^fine-tune^the^flavourant^release during^use^of^an^aerosol-generating^article^containing^the^flavour^material.^^Additionally,^different^flavour^materials,^each^ containing^ a^ polysaccharide^ matrix^ structure^ comprising^ a^ different^ combination^ of^polysaccharides,^may^ be^used^ in^ combination^ in^ a^ single^ aerosol-generating^article^ to^ further^adjust^and^control^flavourant^delivery^during^a^whole^use^cycle^of^the^aerosol-generating^article.^^For^ example,^ incorporating^ in^ a^ single^ aerosol-generating^ article^ different^ flavour^ materials^according^to^the^invention,^wherein^the^different^flavour^materials^are^adapted^to^release^most^of^ the^flavourant^at^different^temperature^or^at^different^times^during^the^use^cycle^may^help^maintain^ an^overall^flavour^delivery^substantially^consistent^throughout.^^ In^embodiments^of^the^flavour^material^wherein^the^matrix^structure^comprises^gellan^gum^in^combination^with^at^least^one of^the^additional^polysaccharides^listed^above,^the^at^least^one^additional^polysaccharide^may^make^up^at^least^0.01^percent^by^weight^of^the^flavourant^delivery^ material^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^Preferably,^the^at^least^one^additional^polysaccharide^makes^up^at^ least^0.1^percent^by^weight^of^ the^ flavourant^delivery^material^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^ ^More^preferably,^the^at^least^one^additional^polysaccharide^makes^up^at^least^1.0^percent^by^weight^of^the^flavourant^delivery^material^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^ ^Even^more^preferably,^ the^at^ least^one^additional^ polysaccharide^makes^ up^ at^ least^ 2.0^ percent^ by^ weight^ of^ the^ flavourant^ delivery^material^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^In^particularly^preferred^embodiments,^the^at^least^one^additional^ polysaccharide^makes^up^at^least^5^percent^by^weight^of^the^flavourant^delivery^material^on^a^dry^ weight^basis.^^ In^embodiments^of^the^flavour^material^wherein^the^matrix^structure^comprises^gellan^gum^in^combination^with^at^least^one of^the^additional^polysaccharides^listed^above,^the^at^least^one^additional^polysaccharide^may^make^up^80^percent^by^weight^or^ less^of^the^flavourant^delivery^material^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^Preferably,^the^at^least^one^additional^polysaccharide^makes^up^35^percent^by^weight^ or^ less^of^ the^ flavourant^delivery^material^ on^a^dry^weight^ basis.^ ^More^preferably,^the^at^least^one^additional^polysaccharide^makes^up^25^percent^by^weight^or^less^of^the^flavourant^delivery^material^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^ ^Even^more^preferably,^ the^at^ least^one^additional^ polysaccharide^ makes^ up^ 15^ percent^ by^ weight^ or^ less^ of^ the^ flavourant^ delivery^material^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^In^ some^ embodiments,^ the^ at^ least^ one^ additional^ polysaccharide^makes^up^ from^1.0^percent^to^35^percent^by^weight^or^less^of^the^flavourant^delivery^material^on^a^dry^weight^basis,^ preferably^from^2.0^percent^to^35^percent^by^weight^or^less^of^the^flavourant^delivery^material^on^a^ dry^weight^ basis,^more^preferably^ from^ 5.0^ percent^ to^ 35^ percent^ by^weight^ or^ less^of^ the^flavourant^delivery^material^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^ In^ other^ embodiments,^ the^ at^ least^ one^ additional^ polysaccharide^makes^ up^ from^ 1.0^percent^to^25^percent^by^weight^or^less^of^the^flavourant^delivery^material^on^a^dry^weight^basis,^ preferably^from^2.0^percent^to^25^percent^by^weight^or^less^of^the^flavourant^delivery^material^on^a^ dry^weight^ basis,^more^preferably^ from^ 5.0^ percent^ to^ 25^ percent^ by^weight^ or^ less^of^ the^flavourant^delivery^material^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^ In^ further^embodiments,^ the^at^ least^ one^additional^ polysaccharide^makes^up^ from^1.0^percent^to^15^percent^by^weight^or^less^of^the^flavourant^delivery^material^on^a^dry^weight^basis,^ preferably^from^2.0^percent^to^15^percent^by^weight^or^less^of^the^flavourant^delivery^material^on^a^ dry^weight^ basis,^more^preferably^ from^ 5.0^ percent^ to^ 15^ percent^ by^weight^ or^ less^of^ the^flavourant^delivery^material^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^ The^flavour^material^may^comprise^at^least^0.01^percent^by^weight^of^a^flavourant^on^a^dry^weight^ basis.^ ^ Preferably,^ the^ flavour^ material^ comprises^ at^ least^ 1^ percent^ by^ weight^ of^ a^flavourant^ on^ a^dry^weight^ basis.^ ^More^ preferably,^ the^ flavour^material^ comprises^ at^ least^ 5percent^by^weight^of^a^flavourant^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^Even^more^preferably,^the^flavour^material^comprises^at^least^10 percent^by^weight^of^a^flavourant^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^In^certain^embodiments,^the^flavour^material^comprises^at^least^20 percent^by^weight^of^a^flavourant^on^a^dry^weight^basis,^preferably^at^least^25 percent^by^weight^of^a^flavourant^on^a^dry^weight^basis,^more^preferably^at^least^30 percent^by^weight^of^a^flavourant^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^The^flavour^material^may^up^to^90 percent^by^weight^of^a^flavourant^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^Preferably,^the^flavour^material^may^up^to^85 percent^by^weight^of^a^flavourant^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^More^preferably,^the^flavour^material^may^up^to^80 percent^by^weight^of^a^flavourant^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^Even^more^preferably,^the^flavour^material^may^up^to^75 percent^by^weight^of^a^flavourant^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^ In^ certain^ preferred^ embodiments,^ the^ flavour^material^ comprises^ from^ 20 percent^ by^weight^to^80^percent^by^weight^of^a^flavourant^on^a^dry^weight^basis,^preferably^from^25 percent^by^weight^to^80^percent^by^weight^of^a^flavourant^on^a^dry^weight^basis,^more^preferably^from^30 percent^by^weight^to^80^percent^by^weight^of^a^flavourant^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^ In^other^preferred^embodiments,^the^flavour^material^comprises^from^20 percent^by^weight^to^75^percent^by^weight^of^a^flavourant^on^a^dry^weight^basis,^preferably^from^25 percent^by^weight^to^75^percent^by^weight^of^a^flavourant^on^a^dry^weight^basis,^more^preferably^from^30 percent^by^weight^to^75^percent^by^weight^of^a^flavourant^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^Suitable^ flavourants^ for^ inclusion^ in^ the^ flavour^ formulation^ of^ a^ flavour^ material^ in^accordance^with^the^present^invention^include,^but^are^not^limited^to:^^ Suitable^ flavourants^ for^ inclusion^ in^ the^ flavour^ formulation^ of^ a^ flavour^ material^ in^accordance^with^ the^present^ invention^ include,^ but^are^not^ limited^ to,^menthol,^ limonene,^and^eugenol.^^ Menthol^is^a^monoterpenoid,^which^may^be^made^synthetically^or^obtained^from^the^oils^of^ peppermint^or^other^mints.^^It^imparts^minty,^cool^flavour^notes.^^ Limonene^is^a^cyclic^monoterpene,^and^is^typically^found^in^the^oil^of^citrus^fruit^peels.^^It^is^also^a^component^of^ the^aromatic^resins^of^numerous^coniferous^and^broadleaved^trees.^^ It^imparts^citrusy^flavour^notes.^^ Eugenol^is^an^allyl^chain-substituted^guaiacol,^and^is^commonly^found^in^the^essential^oils^ of^clove,^nutmeg,^cinnamon,^basil^and^bay^leaf.^^It^imparts^spicy,^clove-like^flavour^notes.^^ The^ inventors^have^ found^ that^menthol^ and^ limonene^can^be^ fairly^ easily^ trapped^and^immobilised^ within^ the^ polysaccharide^ matrix,^ and^ so^ flavour^ materials^ containing^ a^ flavour^formulation^containing^menthol,^limonene^or^mixtures^thereof^exhibit^very^good^stability.^^^ In^preferred^embodiments,^the^flavourant^formulation^comprises^menthol.^^ The^flavour^material^may^comprise^at^least^0.01^percent^by^weight^of^a^menthol^on^a^dry^ weight^basis.^^Preferably,^the^flavour^material^comprises^at^least^1^percent^by^weight^of^a^menthol^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^More^preferably,^the^flavour^material^comprises^at^least^5 percent^by^weight^of^a^menthol^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^Even^more^preferably,^the^flavour^material^comprises^at^least^10 percent^by^weight^of^a^menthol^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^In^certain^embodiments,^the^flavour^material^comprises^at^least^20 percent^by^weight^of^a^menthol^on^a^dry^weight^basis,^preferably^at^ least^25 percent^by^weight^of^a^menthol^on^a^dry^weight^basis,^more^preferably^at^least^30 percent^by^weight^of^a^menthol^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^The^flavour^material^may^up^to^90 percent^by^weight^of^a^menthol^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^Preferably,^ the^ flavour^material^may^up^ to^85 percent^by^weight^of^a^menthol^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^More^preferably,^the^flavour^material^may^up^to^80 percent^by^weight^of^a^menthol^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^ ^Even^more^preferably,^ the^flavour^material^may^up^to^75 percent^by^weight^of^a^menthol^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^ In^ certain^ preferred^ embodiments,^ the^ flavour^material^ comprises^ from^ 20 percent^ by^weight^to^80^percent^by^weight^of^a^menthol^on^a^dry^weight^basis,^preferably^from^25 percent^by^weight^ to^80^percent^by^weight^ of^a^menthol^ on^a^dry^weight^basis,^more^preferably^ from^30percent^by^weight^to^80^percent^by^weight^of^a^menthol^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^ In^other^preferred^embodiments,^the^flavour^material^comprises^from^20 percent^by^weight^to^75^percent^by^weight^of^a^menthol^on^a^dry^weight^basis,^preferably^from^25 percent^by^weight^to^75^percent^by^weight^of^a^menthol^on^a^dry^weight^basis,^more^preferably^from^30 percent^by^weight^to^75^percent^by^weight^of^a^menthol^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^ In^some^embodiments,^the^flavour^material^further^comprises^a^polyol^having^the^formula^ CnH2n+2On.^^ The^term^“polyol”^is^used^herein^to^describe^an^organic^compound^comprising^two^or^more^ hydroxyl^groups.^^Polyols^containing^two,^three,^and^four^hydroxyl^groups^may^also^be^referred^to^ as^diols,^triols,^and^tetrols,^respectively.^^ Preferred^ polyols^ for^ inclusion^ in^ a^ flavour^ material^ in^ accordance^ with^ the^ present^invention^include^glycerol,^sorbitol,^xylitol,^mannitol,^and^erythritol.^^ The^incorporation^of^a^polyol^in^the^flavour^material^has^a^beneficial^effect^on^its^pliability.^^ This^may^make^the^flavour^material^easier^to^handle^and^given^a^predetermined^form,^which^may^ facilitate^its^incorporation^into^an^aerosol-generating^article.^^ Preferably,^in^embodiments^where^the^flavour^material^comprises^a^polyol^as^described^ above,^the^polyol^makes^up^from^0.01^percent^by^weight^to^20^percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^More^preferably,^the^polyol^makes^up^from^0.01^percent^by^weight^to^15 percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^Even^more^preferably,^the^polyol^makes^up^from^0.01^percent^by^weight^to^10 percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^ In^some^embodiments,^the^polysaccharide^matrix^may^comprise^a^salt^of^calcium^or^a^salt^of^magnesium^ or^ both,^ such^ as^ one^or^more^ of^ calcium^ lactate,^magnesium^ lactate,^ calcium^carbonate,^magnesium^ carbonate,^ calcium^ acetate^ and^magnesium^ acetate.^ ^ Preferably,^ the^polysaccharide^matrix^may^ comprise^ one^ or^more^ of^ calcium^ lactate,^ calcium^ carbonate^ andcalcium^acetate.^Most^preferably,^the^polysaccharide^matrix^may^comprise^calcium^lactate. The^ inclusion^ of^ a^ calcium^ or^ magnesium^ salt,^ especially^ calcium^ lactate,^ calcium^carbonate^or^calcium^lactate^within^the^polysaccharide^matrix^has^been^found^to^improve^adhesion^ of^the^polysaccharide^matrix^to^the^carrier^thread^material. In^ embodiments^ where^ the^ flavour^ material^ comprises^ a^ salt^ of^ calcium^ or^ a^ salt^ of^magnesium^or^both,^the^salt^or^salts^make^up^from^0.01^percent^by^weight^to^10^percent^by^weight^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^ ^Preferably,^ the^salt^or^salts^make^up^from^0.01^percent^by^weight^to^5^percent^by^weight^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^ A^flavour^material^in^accordance^with^the^present^invention^may^generally^comprise^water.^^This^ is^because^ the^ flavour^material^will^generally^ be^manufactured^by^ combining^ the^ various^compounds^described^above^in^an^aqueous^bath.^^After^drying,^the^water^content^will^be^reduced,^ but^may^generally^be^non-null.^^ Thus,^a^flavour^material^in^accordance^with^the^present^invention^may^comprise^from^0.01^ percent^by^weight^to^10^percent^by^weight^of^water,^preferably^from^0.01^percent^by^weight^to^8^percent^by^weight^of^water,^more^preferably^from^0.01^percent^by^weight to^6^percent^by^weight^of^water,^even^more^preferably^from^0.01^percent^by^weight^to^4^percent^by^weight^of^water.^^ In^some^embodiments,^the^flavour^material^comprises^from^0.5^percent^by^weight^to^10^ percent^by^weight^of^water,^preferably^from^0.01^percent^by^weight^to^8^percent^by^weight^of^water,^ more^preferably^from^0.5^percent^by^weight^to^6^percent^by^weight^of^water,^even^more^preferably^ from^0.5^percent^by^weight^to^4^percent^by^weight^of^water.^^ In^other^embodiments,^ the^flavour^material^comprises^from^1.0^percent^by^weight^to^10^percent^by^weight^of^water,^preferably^from^1.0^percent^by^weight^to^8^percent^by^weight^of^water,^ more^preferably^from^1.0^percent^by^weight^to^6^percent^by^weight^of^water,^even^more^preferably^ from^1.0^percent^by^weight^to^4^percent^by^weight^of^water.^ In^further^embodiments,^the^flavour^material^comprises^from^1.5^percent^by^weight^to^10^ percent^by^weight^of^water,^preferably^from^1.5^percent^by^weight^to^8^percent^by^weight^of^water,^ more^preferably^from^1.5^percent^by^weight^to^6^percent^by^weight^of^water,^even^more^preferably^ from^1.5^percent^by^weight^to^4^percent^by^weight^of^water.^^ The^ carrier^ thread^ material^ may^ have^ an^ equivalent diameter^ of^ at^ least^ about^ 0.05^millimetre^and^less^than^or^equal^to^about^1^millimetre,^such^as^at^least^about^0.1^millimetre^and^ less^than^or^equal^to^about^0.8^millimetre,^such^as^at^least^about^0.12^millimetre^and^less^than^or^ equal^to^about^0.4^millimetre. The^carrier^thread^material^may^have^any^suitable^length^for^inclusion^in a^flavour^material^for^ use^ in^an^aerosol-generating^article. For^example,^ the^carrier^ thread^material^may^have^a^length^of^at^least^about^0.5^millimetres,^such^as^at^least^about^1^millimetre.^ The^term^“breaking^force”^ is^used^throughout^the^specification^to^ indicate^a^measure^of^the^force^required^to^stretch^a^thread^material^until^it^breaks.^It^is^expressed^in^Newtons (N).^The^term^“elongation^at^break”^is^used^throughout^the^specification^to^refer^to^the^percentage^increase^ in^the^length^of^the^thread^at^the^point^at^which^it^breaks.^ISO^2062^may^be^used^to^determine^the^breaking^ force^and^elongation^at^break^of a thread^material.^ In^ this^ test,^ the^ test^ specimen^ is^clamped^on^either^end^ in^ stationary^ jaws^and^ is^pulled^at^a^ constant^ rate^of^extension^until^ it^breaks.^ The^carrier^thread^material^may^have^a^breaking^force^of^about^1^N^to^about^20^N,^such^as^about 2^N^to^about^15^N,^such^as^about^3^N^to^about^10^N,^such^as^about^4^N^to^about^8^N.The^carrier^thread^material^may^have^an^elongation^at^break^of^between^about^2%^and^ about^20%,^such^as^between^about^3%^and^about^15%,^such^as^between^about^4%^and^about^ 8%.^ As^mentioned^previously,^in^some^preferred^embodiments,^the^carrier^thread^material^may^ be^a^cotton^yarn. In^ certain^ embodiments,^ carbon^ particles may^be^ dispersed^within^ the^ polysaccharide^matrix^structure.^^The^carbon^particles^may^be^at^least^partly^trapped^within^the^polysaccharide^matrix^ structure.^ ^ Preferably,^ the^ flavour^material^ comprises^ greater^ than^ 0.1^ weight^ percent^carbon^particles,^ the^ carbon^particles^ having^a^ volume^mean^particle^ size^ of^ greater^ than^10^micrometres.^^ The^inclusion^of^carbon^based^material^– such^as^graphite,^expanded^graphite,^graphene,^etc.^ – in^ the^ flavour^material has^been^ found^ to^enhance^ flavour^ release,^ particularly^ at^ lower^temperatures,^with^respect^to^flavour^materials^having^comparable^composition^and^structure,^but^lacking^ the^carbon^enriched polysaccharide^matrix^structure.^ ^Without^wishing^ to^be^bound^by^theory,^ this^ is^ hypothesised^ to^ relate^ to^ an^ enhancement^ of^ the^ thermal^ conductivity^ of^ thepolysaccharide^matrix^structure,^which^may^cause^the^flavourant^formulation^to^be^more^promptly^released^ from^ the^polysaccharide^matrix^ structure^as^a^ certain^ threshold^ temperature^may^be^reached^more^quickly.^^ The^improvement^in^flavour^release^is^thought^to^be^linked^to^a^more^even^temperature^ distribution^throughout^the^flavour^material^during^use.^^With^a^greater^proportion^of^the^flavour^material^ reaching^ a^ sufficiently^ high^ temperature^ to^ release^ flavour^ species^ from^ the^ matrix^structure,^a^higher^usage^efficiency^of^the^flavourant^formulation^is^made^possible.^^^ The^improved^release^of^flavour^species^afforded^by^embodiments^of^the^flavour^material^ in^accordance^with^the^present^invention^including^carbon^particles^as^described^above^may^also^ allow^a^heater^configured^to^supply^heat^to^an^aerosol-generating^article^incorporating^the^flavour^ delivery^material^to^operate^at^a^lower^temperature^and^thus^require^less^power.^^ By^adjusting^the^amount^and^size^of^the^carbon^particles,^it^may^be^possible^to^control^and^fine-tune^ the^ flavour^ release^ enhancement.^ ^ For^ example,^ a^ relatively^ narrow^ particle^ size^distribution^ may^ provide^ a^ flavour^ material^ that^ is^ more^ homogenous^ in^ terms^ of^ thermal^conductivity.^ ^ This^may^mean^ that,^ during^ use,^ temperature^ gradients^ in^ the^ flavour^ delivery^material^provided^ in^different^portions^of^an^aerosol-generating^article^that^are^exposed^to^ the^same^heating^profile^are^minimised.^^ Preferably,^ the^carbon^particles^consist^of^one^or^more^of:^graphite^particles,^expanded^graphite^particles^and^graphene^particles.^^In^a^preferred^embodiment,^the^carbon^particles^consist^ of^one^or^both^of^expanded^graphite^particles^and^graphene^particles.^^ Advantageously,^particles^such^as^those^listed^above,^particularly^graphite^and^expanded^graphite,^may^have^a^high^thermal^conductivity^and^a^ low^density,^and^so^they^may^be^able^to^substantially^ improve^ the^ thermal^ conductivity^ of^ the^ flavour^ material^ without^ significantly^increasing^the^density^of^the^flavour^material.^ This may^be^advantageous^in^that^an^increase^in^density^may^ increase^ the^weight,^and^ therefore^ the^ transport^costs,^ for^a^given^volume^of^ the^flavour^material^itself.^^Equally,^an^increase^in^density^may^potentially^have^a^proportional^impact^ on^transport^costs^when^the^flavour^material^is^incorporated^into^an^aerosol-generating^article.^^ Additionally,^ particles^ such^ as^ those^ listed^ above^ have^ the^ benefit^ that^ they^ may^ be^inductively^heated,^and^so^heat^may^be^supplied^directly^within^a^flavour^material^in^accordance^with^ the^ present^ invention^ when^ the^ flavour^ material^ is^ exposed^ to^ an^ electromagnetic^ field^generated^by^an^induction^coil.^^^^ Preferably,^the^carbon^particles^have^a^volume^mean^particle^size^from^30^micrometres^to^ 150^micrometres.^^ As^used^herein,^the^term^“volume^mean^particle^size”^may^refer^to^a^mean^calculated^using^ the^equation^below,^where^d[4,3]^is^the^volume^mean^particle^size^and^d^is^the^particle^size. ^^ ^^^^ ^ ^^ ^^ ^^In^other^words,^the^volume^mean^particle^size^may^refer^to^a^mean^calculated^by^dividing^ the^sum^of^the^particle^sizes^to^the^fourth^power^by^the^sum^of^the^particle^sizes^to^the^third^power. Surprisingly,^ the^ inventors^have^ found^ these^ relatively^ small^particle^ size^ ranges^ to^be^particularly^effective^at^ increasing^ the^ thermal^conductivity^of the flavour^material.^ ^ In^addition,^these^ relatively^ small^ particle^ sizes^ may^ advantageously^ result^ in^ a^ more^ homogeneous^distribution^of^thermal^conductivity.^^ The^carbon^particles^may^have^a^particle^size^distribution^having^a^D10^particle^size,^a^D50^particle^size,^and^a^D90^particle^size.^^In^such^a particle^size^distribution,^10%^of^the^particles^have^a^particle^size^which^is^less^than^or^equal^to^the^D10^particle^size^and^90%^of^the^particles^ have^a^particle^size^which^is^less^than^or^equal^to^the^D90^particle^size.^^The^D50^particle^size^is^ the^median^particle^size^so^50%^of^the^particles^have^a^particle^size^which^is^less^than^or^equal^to^ the^D50^particle^size.^^ The^D90^particle^size^may^be^less^than^or^equal^to^50,^40,^30,^25,^20,^15,^10,^8,^5,^or^3^ times^the^D10^particle^size.^The^D90^particle^size^may^be^greater^than^or^equal^to^2,^3,^5^or^8^ times^the^D10^particle^size.^ The^D90^particle^size^may^be^between^3^and^50,^3^and^40,^3^and^30,^3^and^25,^3^and^20,^ 3^and^15,^3^and^10,^3^and^8,^3^and^5,^5^and^50,^5^and^40,^5^and^30,^5^and^25,^5^and^20,^5^and^ 15,^5^and^10,^5^and^8,^8^and^50,^8^and^40,^8^and^30,^8^and^25,^8^and^20,^8^and^15,^8^and^10,^10^ and^50,^10^and^40,^10^and^30,^10^and^25,^10^and^20,^10^and^15,^15^and^50,^15^and^40,^15^and^ 30,^15^and^25,^15^and^20^times^the^D10^particle^size. Preferred^particle^size^distributions^may^have^a^D90^particle^size^between^3^and^25,^or^3^and^15,^times^the^D10^particle^size. Particularly^preferred^particle^size^distributions^may^have^a^D90^particle^size^between^5^and^20,^or^5^and^10,^times^the^D10^particle^size. In^certain^preferred^embodiments,^in^a^flavour^material according^to^the^present^invention^the^carbon^particles^have^a^particle^size^distribution^with^a^D90^particle^size^and^a^D10^particles^ size,^and^the^D90^particle^size^is^no^more^than^25^or^15^times^the^D10^particle^size.^^ A^compromise^must^be^made^in^relation^to^the^particle^size^distribution.^^A^tighter^particle^ size^distribution^may^advantageously^provide^a^more^uniform^thermal^conductivity^throughout^the^ flavour^material.^^This^is^because^there^will^be^less^variation^in^particle^size^in^different^locations^ in^the^flavour^material.^^This^may^advantageously^allow^for^more^efficient^usage^of^the^flavourant^formulation^ throughout^ the^ flavour^material.^ ^ However,^ a^ tighter^ particle^ size^distribution^may^disadvantageously^be^more^difficult^and^expensive^to^achieve.^^The^inventors^have^found^that^the^ particle^size^distributions^described^above^may^provide^an^optimal^compromise^between^these^ two^factors.^^ Desired^D10^and^D90^particle^sizes^may^be^obtained^by^sieving.^^Sieving^may^therefore^ be^used^to^obtain^a^narrow^particle^size^distribution^where^desired.^^ The^D10^particle^size^of^the^carbon^particles^may^be^greater^than^or^equal^to^1,^2,^3,^5,^10,^20,^30,^35,^50,^75,^100,^150,^200,^250,^500,^or^900^microns. Each^of^the^carbon^particles^may^have^a^particle^size^of^greater^than^or^equal^to^1,^2,^3,^5,^10,^20,^30,^35,^50,^75,^100,^150,^200,^ 250,^500,^or^900^microns. The^D10^particle^size^of^the^carbon^particles^may^be^less^than^or^equal^to^1000,^900,^500,^200,^100,^150,^100,^75,^50,^35,^30,^20,^10,^5,^3^or^2^microns. Each^of^the^carbon^particles^may^have^a^particle^size^of^less^than^or^equal^to^1000,^900,^500,^200,^100,^150,^100,^75,^50,^35,^30,^ 20,^10,^5,^3^or^2^microns. The^D90^particle^size^of^the^carbon^particles^may^be^less^than^or^equal^to^1000,^900,^500,^200,^100,^150,^100,^75,^50,^35,^30,^20,^10,^5,^3^or^2^microns. Each^of^the^carbon^particles^may^have^a^particle^size^of^less^than^or^equal^to^1000,^900,^500,^200,^100,^150,^100,^75,^50,^35,^30,^ 20,^10,^5,^3^or^2^microns. The^D90^particle^size^of^the^carbon^particles^may^be^greater^than^or^equal^to^1,^2,^3,^5,^10,^20,^30,^35,^50,^75,^100,^150,^200,^250,^500,^or^900^microns. Each^of^the^carbon^particles^may^have^a^particle^size^of^greater^than^or^equal^to^1,^2,^3,^5,^10,^20,^30,^35,^50,^75,^100,^150,^200,^ 250,^500,^or^900^microns. One^or^both^of^a^D50^particle^size^and^a^volume^mean^particle^size^of^the^carbon^particles^may^be greater^than^or^equal^to^1,^2,^3,^5,^10,^20,^30,^35,^50,^75,^100,^150,^200,^250,^500,^or^900^microns. One^or^both^of^a^D50^particle^size^and^a^volume^mean^particle^size^of^the^carbon^particles^may^be less^than^or^equal^to^1000,^900,^500,^200,^100,^150,^100,^75,^50,^35,^30,^20,^10,^5,^3^or^2^microns. One^or^both^of^a^D50^particle^size^and^a^volume^mean^particle^size^of^the^carbon^particles^ may^be^between^1^and^1000,^preferably^between^10^and^200,^more^preferably^between^30^and^150,^or^even^more^preferably^between^50^and^75^microns. Alternatively,^or^in^addition,^each^of^the^carbon^particles^may^have^a^particle^size^of^between^1^and^1000,^preferably^between^10^and^ 200,^more^preferably^between^30^and^150,^or^even^more^preferably^between^50^and^75^microns. Surprisingly,^ the^ inventors^have^ found^ these^ relatively^ small^particle^ size^ ranges^ to^be^particularly^effective^at^increasing^the^thermal^conductivity^of^a^flavour^material^in^accordance^with^ the^present^invention.^^In^addition,^these^relatively^small^particle^sizes^may^advantageously^result^ in^a^more^homogeneous^flavour^material^in^terms^of^thermal^conductivity The^carbon^particles^may^have^a^volume^mean^particle^size^of^greater^than^or^equal^to^1,^ 2,^3,^5,^10,^20,^30,^35,^50,^75,^100,^150,^200,^250,^500,^or^900^microns.^ It^may^be^particularly^preferable^that^the^volume^mean^particle^size^of^the^carbon^particles^ is^greater^than^10^microns. The^carbon^particles^may^have^a^volume^mean^particle^size^of^less^than^or^equal^to^1000,^ 900,^500,^200,^100,^150,^100,^75,^50,^35,^30,^20,^10,^5,^3^or^2^microns.^ The^carbon^particles^may^have^a^volume^mean^particle^size^of^between^1^and^1000,^10^and^200,^30^and^150,^or^50^and^75^microns. These^volume^mean^particle^size^ranges^may^be^particularly^preferable^where^the flavour^material^comprises,^or^is^in^the^form^of,^a^sheet.The^carbon^particles^may^have^a^volume^mean^particle^size^at^least^2,^3,^5,^8,^10,^15,^or^ 20^times^the^number^mean^particle^size. It^may^be^particularly^preferable^that^the^thermally^conductive^particles^are,^or^comprise,^ graphite^particles.^ The^graphite^particles^may^have^a^particle^ size^distribution^with^a^D10^particle^ size^of^between^5^and^20,^for^example^10^and^14,^microns,^for^example^around^12^microns.^^The^graphite^particles^may^have^a^particle^ size^distribution^with^a^D50^particle^ size of^between^25^and^45^microns,^ for^ example^ around^ 35^ microns. The^ graphite^ particles^ may^ have^ a^ particle^ size^distribution^ with^ a^ D90^ particle^ size^ of^ between^ 45^ and^ 75^microns,^ for^ example^ around^ 55^microns.^^Advantageously,^such^particles^are^commercially^available^and^have^been^found^by^the^ inventors^to^provide^a^significant^increase^in^the^thermal^conductivity^of^flavour^materials. It^may^be^particularly^preferable^that^the^thermally^conductive^particles^are,^or^comprise,^ expanded^graphite^particles.^ The^expanded^graphite^particles^may^have^a^particle^size^distribution^with^a^D10^particle^ size^of^between^5^and^20,^for^example^9^and^12,^microns,^for^example^around^10.5^microns.^^The^expanded^ graphite^ particles^may^ have^ a^ particle^ size^ distribution^ with^ a^ D50^ particle^ size^ of^between^15^and^25^microns,^for^example^around^20^microns. The^expanded^graphite^particles^may^have^a^particle^size^distribution^with^a^D90^particle^size^of^between^46^and^66^microns,^for^example^around^56^microns.^ ^Advantageously,^ such^particles^are^ commercially^ available^and^have^been^found^by^the^inventors^to^provide^a^significant^increase^in^the^thermal^conductivity^of^ flavour^materials.^^The^expanded^graphite^particles^may^also^advantageously^reduce^the^overall^ density^of^the^flavour^material. Each^of^the^carbon^particles^may^have^three^mutually^perpendicular^dimensions.^^A^largest^ dimension^of^these^three^dimensions^may^be^no^more^than^10,^8,^5,^3,^or^2^times^larger^than^a^ smallest^dimension^of^these^three^dimensions.^^A^largest^dimension^of^these^three^dimensions^ being^no^more^than^10,^8,^5,^3,^or^2^times^larger^than^a^second^largest^dimension^of^these^three^dimensions.^^Each^of^ these^three^dimensions^may^be^substantially^equal.^ ^Each^of^ the^carbon^particles^may^be^substantially^spherical. The^carbon^particles^may^comprise^at^least^10,^20,^50,^100,^200,^500,^or^1000^particles.^^ In^a^flavour^material^in^accordance^with^the^present^invention,^the^carbon^particles^make^up from^0.01^percent^by^weight^to^10^percent^by^weight^of^the^flavour^material on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^^ In^a^flavour^material^in^accordance^with^the^present^invention,^the^polysaccharide^matrix^ structure^and^the^flavourant^formulation^form^a^layer^on^the^carrier^thread^material.^^The^layer^may^have^a^thickness^of^at^least^5 micrometres.^^In^a^flavour^material^in^accordance^with^the^present^invention^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^and^ the^ flavourant^ formulation^ form^a^ layer^on^ the^ carrier^ thread^material,^ the^ layer^preferably^ having^a^ thickness^ of^ at^ least^ 10^micrometres,^ the^ layer^more^preferably^having^ a^thickness^of^at^least^15^micrometres,^the^layer^even^more^preferably^having^a^thickness^of^at^least^ 20^micrometres.^^ In^a^flavour^material^in^accordance^with^the^present^invention^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^and^ the^ flavourant^ formulation^ form^a^ layer^on^ the^ carrier^ thread^material,^ the^ layer^preferably^having^a^thickness^of^less^than^or^equal^to^150^micrometres,^the^layer^more^preferably^having^a^ thickness^of^ less^ than^or^ equal^ to^125^micrometres,^ the^ layer^even^more^preferably^having^a^thickness^of^less^than^or^equal^to^100^micrometres.^^ In^some^embodiments,^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^and^the^flavourant^formulation^form^ a^ layer^ on^ the^ carrier^ thread material,^ the^ layer^ preferably^ having^ a^ thickness^ from^ 10^micrometres^ to^ 150^ micrometres,^ the^ layer^ more^ preferably^ having^ a^ thickness^ from^ 10^micrometres^ to^ 125^micrometres,^ the^ layer^even^more^ preferably^ having^a^ thickness^ form^ 10^micrometres^to^100^micrometres.^^ In^other^embodiments,^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^and^the^flavourant^formulation^form^ a^ layer^ on^ the^ carrier^ thread^material,^ the^ layer^ preferably^ having^ a^ thickness^ from^ 15^micrometres^ to^ 150^ micrometres,^ the^ layer^ more^ preferably^ having^ a^ thickness^ from^ 15^micrometres^ to^ 125^micrometres,^ the^ layer^even^more^ preferably^ having^a^ thickness^ form^ 15^micrometres^to^100^micrometres.^^ In^further^embodiments,^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^and^the^flavourant^formulation^form^ a^ layer^ on^ the^ carrier^ thread^material,^ the^ layer^ preferably^ having^ a^ thickness^ from^ 20^micrometres^ to^ 150^ micrometres,^ the^ layer^ more^ preferably^ having^ a^ thickness^ from^ 20^micrometres^ to^ 125^micrometres,^ the^ layer^even^more^ preferably^ having^a^ thickness^ form^ 20^micrometres^to^100^micrometres.^^ Flavour^materials^in^accordance^with^the^present^invention^can^be^prepared^by^different^ routes.^^The^present^disclosure^also^relates^to^a^method^of^manufacturing^a^flavour^material^in^accordance^with^ the^present^ invention,^which^may^comprise^a^ first^ step^of^heating^water^ to^a^temperature^ of^ at^ least^ 50^ degrees^ Celsius.^ ^ The^ method^ may^ comprise^ a^ second^ step^ of^dispersing^gellan^gum^ into^ the^ heated^water^ to^ form^a^gellan^gum^aqueous^ dispersion.^ ^ The^method^may^comprise^a^third^step^of^heating^the^gellan^gum^aqueous^dispersion^to^a^temperature^ of^at^least^80^degrees^Celsius^to^dissolve^the^gellan^gum^and^form^a^gellan^gum^aqueous^solution.^^The^ method^ may^ comprise^ a^ fourth^ step^ of^ cooling^ the^ gellan^ gum^ aqueous^ solution^ to^ a^temperature^from^65^degrees^Celsius^to^75^degrees^Celsius.^^The^method^may^comprise^a^fifth^step^ of^ adding^ to^ the^ cooled^ gellan^ gum^ aqueous^ solution^ a^ flavourant^ formulation^ and^ an^emulsifier^to^form^a^precursor^composition.^^The^method^may^comprise^a^sixth^step^of^applying^ the^precursor^composition^onto^a^carrier^thread^material.^^The^method^may^comprise^a^seventh^ step^of^drying^the^carrier^threadmaterial^with^the^applied^precursor^composition^to^obtain^a^flavour^ delivery^material.^^ According^ to^ another^ aspect^ of^ the^ present^ invention^ there^ is^ provided^ a^ method^ of^manufacturing^a^flavour^material^in^accordance^with^the^present^invention,^the^method^comprising^a^first^step^of^heating^water^to^a^temperature^of^at^ least^50^degrees^Celsius;^a^second^step^of^dispersing^gellan^gum^into^the^heated^water^to^form^a^gellan^gum^aqueous^dispersion;^a^third^step^ of^heating^the^gellan^gum^aqueous^dispersion^to^a^temperature^of^at^least^80^degrees^Celsius^to^dissolve^ the^gellan^gum^and^form^a^gellan^gum^aqueous^solution;^a^ fourth^step^of^cooling^the^gellan^gum^aqueous^solution^to^a^temperature^from^65^degrees^Celsius^to^75^degrees^Celsius;^a^ fifth^step^of^adding^to^the^cooled^gellan^gum^aqueous^solution^a^flavourant^formulation^and^an^emulsifier^ to^form^a^precursor^composition;^a^sixth^step^of^applying^the^precursor^composition^onto^a^carrier^thread material;^and^a^seventh^step^of^drying^the^carrier^thread^material^with^the^applied^precursor^composition^to^obtain^a^flavour^delivery^material.^^ In^some^embodiments,^the^method^further^comprises^a^step^of^adding^to^the^cooled^gellan^gum^aqueous^solution^a^polysaccharide^ selected^ from^ the^group^consisting^of^guar,^ tamarind^gum,^sodium^alginate,^xanthan^gum,^sodium^carboxymethyl^cellulose,^and^hydroxypropyl^methyl^ cellulose.^^This^additional^step^may^be^carried^out^before^the^sixth^step^of^applying^the^precursor^ composition^onto^a^carrier^thread^material.^^ In^some^embodiments,^the^method^further^comprises^a^step^of^adding^to^the^cooled^gellan^gum^aqueous^solution^a^salt^selected^from^the^group^consisting^of calcium^lactate,^magnesium^lactate,^ calcium^ carbonate,^ magnesium^ carbonate,^ calcium^ acetate^ and^magnesium^ acetate.^Preferably,^the^salt^may^comprise^one^or^more^of^calcium^lactate,^calcium^carbonate^and^calcium^ acetate.^Most^preferably,^the^salt^may^be^calcium^lactate.^This^additional^step^may^be^carried^out^ before^the^sixth^step^of^applying^the^precursor^composition^onto^a^carrier^thread^material.^^ Preferably,^in^methods^in^accordance^with^the^present^invention,^the^emulsifier^is^lecithin.^^ In^ certain^embodiments,^ the^ sixth^ step^of^applying^ the^precursor^ composition^onto^ the^carrier^ sheet^ material^ comprises^ dipping^ the^ carrier^ thread^ material^ into^ the^ precursor^composition.^^Preferably,^ the^sixth^step^of^applying^the^precursor^composition^onto^the^carrier^ thread^material^comprises^forming^a^layer^of^the^precursor^composition^over^the^carrier^thread^material^ having^a^thickness^of^at^least^10^micrometres.^^ The^present^disclosure^also^relates^to^an^aerosol-generating^article^comprising^a^flavour^material,^wherein^a^flavourant^formulation^is^releasable^from^the^flavour^material upon^heating^the^flavour^ material.^ ^ The^ flavour^ material may^ comprise^ a^ matrix^ structure^ and^ a^ flavourant^formulation^dispersed^within^ the^matrix^ structure.^ ^The^ flavourant formulation^ is^ at^ least^ partly^trapped^within^the^matrix^structure^and^is^releasable^from^the^matrix^structure^upon^heating^of^the^flavour^material.^ ^The^matrix^structure^may^be^a^polysaccharide^matrix^structure.^ ^The^ flavour^material may^comprise^a^carrier^thread material,^wherein^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^and^the^flavourant^formulation^are^supported^by^the^carrier^thread^material According^ to^ a further^ aspect^ of^ the^ present^ invention,^ there^ is^ provided^ an^ aerosol-generating^article^ comprising^a^ flavour^material,^wherein^ the^ flavourant^ is^ releasable^ from^ the^flavour^material upon^ heating^ the^ flavour-delivery^material.^ ^ The flavour^material comprises^ a^polysaccharide^matrix^structure;^and^a^flavourant^formulation^dispersed^within^the^polysaccharide^ matrix^structure.^^The^flavourant^formulation^is^trapped^within^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^ and^releasable^from^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^upon^heating^of^the^flavour^material.^^The^flavour^material further^comprises^a^carrier^thread^material,^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^and^the^flavourant^formulation^being^supported^by^the^carrier^thread^material.^^ As^will^be^apparent^from^the^foregoing^description^of^flavour^materials^in^accordance^with^the^present^invention,^by^incorporating^one^such^flavour^material in^an^aerosol-generating^article^it^ is^advantageously^possible^to^provide^a^new^range^of^aerosol-generating^articles^capable^of^delivering^ flavour^ to^ a^ consumer^ in^ a^ more^ consistent^ and^ controlled^manner.^ ^ Additionally,^because^the^flavourant^formulation^is^at^least^partly^trapped^within^the^matrix^until^it^is^released^ when^heat^is^supplied^to^the^aerosol-generating^article^during^use,^losses^of^flavour^species^during^storage and transportation of^the^aerosol-generating^articles^can^be^greatly^reduced.^^Because^ the^ carrier^ thread material^ provides^ an^ enhanced^ structural support^ for^ the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^trapping^the^flavourant^formulation,^by^adjusting^the^composition^and^geometry^of^the^carrier^thread^material^manufacturing^of^the^aerosol-generating^article may^be^facilitated.^^ In^ certain^ embodiments,^ the^ aerosol-generating^ article^ comprises^ a^ rod^ of^ aerosol-generating^ substrate;^ a^ downstream^ section^ provided^ downstream^ of^ the^ rod^ of^ aerosol-generating^substrate^and^extending^to^a^mouth^end^of^the^aerosol-generating^article;^optionally^ an^upstream^section^provided^upstream^of^the^rod^of^aerosol-generating^substrate^and^extending^to^a^distal^end^of^the^aerosol-generating^article.^^The^flavour^material is^provided^in^at^least^one^of^the^rod^of^aerosol-generating^substrate;^the^downstream^section;^and^the^optional^upstream^ section.^^As^ described^above,^ the^ carrier^ thread material^may^ in^particular^ be^a yarn^ comprising^cellulosic^fibres,^such^as^a^cotton^yarn.^^In^embodiments wherein^the^flavour^material^comprises^one^such^carrier^thread^material,^the^aerosol-generating^article^may^comprise^a^rod^of^aerosol-generating^ substrate;^ a^ downstream^ section^ provided^ downstream^ of^ the^ rod^ of^ aerosol-generating^substrate^and^extending^to^a^mouth^end^of^the^aerosol-generating^article;^optionally^ an^upstream^section^provided^upstream^of^the^rod^of^aerosol-generating^substrate^and^extending^to^a^distal^end^of^the^aerosol-generating^article;^and^the^flavour^material may^be^provided^in^the^rod^of^aerosol-generating^substrate.^^ Incorporation^of^a^flavour^material in^accordance^with^the^present^invention^in^an^aerosol-generating^article^may^be^carried^out^according^to^one^of^several^routes.^^ For^example,^pieces^of^the^flavour^material may^be^mixed^with^solid^particles^of^an^aerosol-generating^material,^such^as^cut^tobacco,^to^form^the^rod^of^aerosol-generating^substrate^of^an^ aerosol-generating^article.^^ As^an^alternative,^or^additionally,^pieces^of^ the^flavour^material may^be^provided^at^other^locations^within^the^aerosol-generating^article,^such^as^locations^along^the^downstream^section^ of^the^aerosol-generating^article.^^The^downstream^section^of^the^aerosol-generating^article^may^comprise^multiple^components,^and^so^the^flavour^material may^be^incorporated^into^any^one^of^such^components.^^For^example,^the^flavour^material^may^be^incorporated^into^the^aerosol-cooling^ element.^ As^an^alternative,^or^additionally,^pieces^of^the^flavour^material^may^be^provided^at^locations^ along^the^upstream^section^of^the^aerosol-generating^article.^The^upstream^section^of^the^aerosol^ generating^article^may^comprise^a^filter^segment^formed^of^a^fibrous^filtration^material^and^abutting^the^ rod^ of^ aerosol-generating^ substrate^ at^ an^ upstream^ end.^ The^ flavour^ material^ may^ be^incorporated^into^the^filter^segment. Preferably,^ the^ flavour^material^ is^ positioned^ in^ a^ component^ of^ the^ aerosol-generating^article^that^is^proximate^or^adjacent^to^the^heat^source, such that heat is received by the flavourmaterial to^activate^flavour^release.This^list^of^possible^arrangements^is^not^meant^to^be^exhaustive,^and^it^will^be^apparent^that^different^ placements^ of^ a^ flavour^ material in^ an^ aerosol-generating^ article^ may^ be^ possible,^provided^ that^during^use^of^ the^aerosol-generating^article^ the^ flavour^material is^ supplied^with^enough^heat^to^release^the^flavour^formulation^from^the^polysaccharide^matrix.^^ An^aerosol-generating^article^containing^a^flavour^material in^accordance^with^the^present^invention^may^be^used^in^combination^with^an^aerosol-generating^device,^such^as^a^hand-held^ electrical^heater^configured^to^supply^heat^in^a^controlled^manner^to^the^aerosol-generating^article.^^ This^is^so,^by^heating^the^aerosol-generating^substrate^and^the^flavour^material,^a^flavour-enriched aerosol^can^be^delivered^to^a^consumer.^^ As^such,^aerosol-generating^articles^according^to^the^invention^find^particular^application^in^ aerosol-generating^ systems^ comprising^ an^ aerosol-generating^ device^ having^ a heating^chamber^into^which^the^aerosol-generating^article^is^received^such^that^heat^can^be^supplied^to^the^ aerosol-generating^ substrate.^ ^ This^ may^ be^ achieved^ by^ providing^ one^ or^ more^ heating^elements^arranged^about^the^periphery^of^the^heating^chamber,^the^one^or^more^heating^elements^being^heated^ resistively^or^ inductively.^ ^ Alternatively,^ this^may^ also^be^achieved^by^way^of^ a^resistively^heated^blade-shaped^component^of^the^aerosol-generating^device,^which^is^inserted^into^ the^ aerosol-generating^ substrate^ when^ the^ aerosol-generating^ article^ is^ inserted^ into^ the^heating^chamber.^^ According^ to^ yet^ another^alternative,^ a^ susceptor^ element^may^ be^provided^within^ the^aerosol-generating^ substrate,^ and^ the^ aerosol-generating^ device^ may^ have^ an^ inductor^ for^producing^an^alternating^or^fluctuating^electromagnetic^field.^ When^the^aerosol-generating^article^engages^with^the^aerosol-generating^device,^the^fluctuating^electromagnetic^field^produced^by^the^inductor^induces^a^current^in^the^susceptor element,^causing^the^susceptor^element^to^heat^up.^The^electrically-operated^aerosol-generating^device^may^be^capable^of^generating^a^fluctuating^ electromagnetic^field^having^a^magnetic^field^strength^(H-field^strength)^of^between^1^and^5^kilo^ amperes^per^metre^(kA^m),^preferably^between^2^and^3^kA / m,^for^example^about^2.5^kA / m.^ The^invention^is^defined^in^the^claims.^ However,^below^there^is^provided^a^non-exhaustive^list^ of^ non-limiting examples.^ Any^ one^ or^ more^ of^ the^ features^ of^ these^ examples^ may^ be^combined^with^any^one^or^more features of^another example,^embodiment,^or^aspect^described^herein. Example^ Ex1:^ A^ flavour^ material for^ use^ in^ an^ aerosol-generating^ article, wherein^ the^flavourant^ is^releasable^from^the^flavour^material^upon^heating^the^flavour^material;^ the^flavour^material comprising:^a^polysaccharide^matrix^structure comprising^gellan^gum^and^emulsifier;^a^flavourant^ formulation^ dispersed^ within^ the^ polysaccharide^ matrix^ structure,^ wherein^ the^flavourant^ formulation^ is^at^ least^ partly^ trapped^within^ the^polysaccharide^matrix^ structure^and^releasable^from^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^upon^heating^of^the^flavour^material;^and a^carrier^thread^material,^wherein^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^and^the^flavourant^formulation^are^supported^by^the^carrier^thread material.^^Example^Ex2:^A^ flavour^material^according^ to^Example^Ex1,^wherein^ the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^comprises^gellan^gum^as^the^sole^polysaccharide^or^gellan^gum^in^combination^ with^at^least^a^further^polysaccharide^selected^from^the^group^consisting^of^guar,^tamarind^gum,^sodium^ alginate,^ xanthan^ gum,^ sodium carboxymethyl^ cellulose,^ and^ hydroxypropyl^ methyl^cellulose.^^ Example^Ex3:^A^flavour^material^according^to^Example^Ex1^or^Ex2,^wherein^the^gellan^gum^makes^up from^5^percent^by^weight^to^99.9^percent^by^weight^of^ the^flavour^material^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^Example^Ex4:^A^ flavour^material^according^ to^any^one^of^Examples^Ex^1^ to^Ex3,^ further^comprising^a^polyol^having^the^formula^CnH2n+2On.^^ Example^Ex5:^A^flavour^material^according^to^Example^Ex4,^wherein^the^polyol^is^selected^ from^the^group^consisting^of^glycerol,^sorbitol,^xylitol,^mannitol,^and^erythritol.^^ Example^Ex6:^A^ flavour^material^ according^ to^ Example^Ex4^ or^ Ex5,^wherein^ the^polyol^accounts^from^0.01^percent^by^weight^to^20^percent^by^weight^of^ the^flavour^material^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^ Example^Ex7:^A^flavour^material^according^to any^one^of^the^preceding^Examples,^wherein^the^carrier^thread^material^comprises^cellulosic^fibres. Example^Ex8: A^flavour^material^according^to^Example^Ex7,^wherein^the^cellulosic^fibres^comprise^fibres^derived^from^one^or^more^plants,^such^as^cotton^fibres,^flax^fibres,^hemp^fibres,^bamboo^fibres,^sisal^fibres,^ramie^fibres,^coir^fibres,^kenaf^fibres,^abaca^fibres^and^jute^fibres, or^regenerated^cellulose^fibres. Example^Ex9:^A^flavour^material^according^to^any^one^of^the^preceding^Examples,^wherein^ the^carrier^thread^material^is^a^cotton^yarn.^^ Example^ Ex10:^ A^ flavour^ material^ according^ to^ any^ one^ of^ the^ preceding^ Examples^comprising^from^0.01^percent^by^weight^to^80^percent^by^weight^of^menthol.^^ Example^Ex11:^A^flavour^material^according^to^any^one^of^the^preceding^Examples,^wherein^the^polysaccharide^matrix^ structure^and^ the^ flavourant^ formulation^ form^a^ layer^on^ the^ carrier^thread^material,^the^layer^having^a^thickness^of^at^least^10^micrometres.^^ Example^Ex12:^A^ flavour^material^ according^ to^Example^Ex11,^wherein^ the^ layer^has^a^thickness^of^less^than^150^micrometres.^^ Example^Ex^13:^A^flavour^material^according^to^any^one^of^the^preceding^Examples,^wherein^ the^polysaccharide^matrix^may^comprise^a^salt^of^calcium^or^a^salt^of^magnesium^or^both,^such^ as^one^or^more^of^calcium^lactate,^magnesium^lactate,^calcium^carbonate,^magnesium^carbonate,^ calcium^acetate^and^magnesium^acetate.^^ Example^Ex14:^A^flavour^material^according^to^Example^Ex13,^wherein^the^polysaccharide^ matrix^comprises^calcium^lactate. Example^Ex15:^A^flavour^material^according^to^Example^Ex13,^or^Example^Ex14^wherein^ the^flavour^material^comprises^from^0.01^percent^by^weight^to^10^percent^by^weight^of^the^salt^or^ salts,^on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^ Example^Ex16:^A^flavour^material^according^to^any^one^of^Examples^Ex13^to^Ex15,^wherein^ flavour^material^comprises^from^0.01^percent^by^weight^to^5^percent^by^weight^of^the^salt^or^salts,^ on^a^dry^weight^basis.^^ Example^Ex17:^A^method^of^preparing^a^flavour^material^for^use^in^an^aerosol-generating^article, the^method^comprising:^heating^water^to^a^temperature^of^at^ least^50^degrees^Celsius;^dispersing^gellan^gum^into^the^heated^water^to^form^a^gellan^gum^aqueous^dispersion;^heating^ the^gellan^gum^aqueous^dispersion^to^a^temperature^of^at^least^80^degrees^Celsius^to^dissolve^ the^gellan^gum^and^form^a^gellan^gum^aqueous^solution;^cooling^the^gellan^gum^aqueous^solution^ to^a^temperature^from^65^degrees^Celsius^to^75^degrees^Celsius;^adding^to^the^cooled^gellan^gum^aqueous^ solution^ a^ flavourant^ formulation^and^ an^emulsifier^ to^ form^a^ precursor^ composition;^applying^ the^ precursor^ composition^ onto^ a^ carrier^ thread^ material;^ drying^ the^ carrier^ thread^material^with^the^applied^precursor^composition^to^obtain^a^flavour^material.^^ Example^Ex18:^A^method^according^to^Example^Ex17,^further^comprising^a^step^of^adding^ to^the^cooled^gellan^gum^aqueous^solution^a^polysaccharide^selected^from^the^group^consisting^of^ guar,^ tamarind^ gum,^ sodium^ alginate,^ xanthan^ gum,^ sodium^ carboxymethyl^ cellulose,^ and^hydroxypropyl^methyl^cellulose.^^ Example^Ex19:^A^method^according^to^Example^Ex17^or^Example^Ex18,^further^comprising^a^ step^ of^ adding^ to^ the^ cooled^ gellan^ gum^ aqueous^ solution^ a^ salt^ selected^ from^ the^ group^consisting^ of calcium^ lactate,^ magnesium^ lactate,^ calcium^ carbonate,^ magnesium^ carbonate,^calcium^acetate^and^magnesium^acetate. Example^Ex20:^A^method^according^to^any^one^of^Examples^Ex17^to^Ex19,^wherein^the^salt^ comprises^one^or^more^of^calcium^lactate,^calcium^carbonate^and^calcium^acetate.^ Example^Ex21:^A^method^according^to^any^one^of^Examples^Ex17^to^Ex20,^wherein^the^salt^ may^is^calcium^lactate. Example^Ex22:^A^method^according^to^any^one^of^Examples Ex17 to^ Ex21,^wherein^the^emulsifier^is^lecithin.^^ Example^Ex23:^A^method^according^to^any^one^of^Examples^Ex17 to^Ex22,^wherein^the^step^of^applying^the^precursor^composition^onto^the^carrier^thread^material^comprises^dipping^the^ carrier^thread^material^into^the^precursor^composition.^^ Example^Ex24:^A^method^according^to^any^one^of^Examples^Ex17 to^Ex23,^wherein^the^step^of^applying^the^precursor^composition^onto^the^carrier^thread material^comprises^forming^a^layer^of^the^precursor^composition^over^the^carrier^sheet^material^having^a^thickness^of^at^least^ 10^micrometres.^^ Example^Ex25:^An^aerosol-generating^article^ comprising^a^ flavour^material,^wherein^ the^flavourant^is^releasable^from^the^flavour^material upon^heating the^aerosol-generating^article;^the^flavour^material^being^according^to^any^one^of^Examples^Ex^1^to^Ex^16.^^ Example^Ex26:^An^aerosol-generating^article^ comprising^a^ flavour^material,^wherein^ the^flavourant^is^releasable^from^the^flavour^material upon^heating the^aerosol-generating^article;^the^flavour^ material^ comprising:^ a^ polysaccharide^ matrix^ structure comprising^ gellan^ gum^ and^emulsifier;^a^flavourant^formulation^dispersed^within^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure,^wherein^the^flavourant formulation^is^at^least^partly^trapped^within^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^and^releasable^from^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^upon^heating^of^the^flavour^material;^and a^ carrier^threadmaterial,^wherein^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^and^the^flavourant^formulation^ are^supported^by^the^carrier^thread^material.^^ Example^ Ex27:^ An^ aerosol-generating^ article^ according^ to^ Example^ Ex26,^ the^ article^comprising:^a^rod^of^aerosol-generating^substrate;^a^downstream^section^provided^downstream^ of^the^rod^of^aerosol-generating^substrate^and^extending^to^a^mouth^end^of^the^aerosol-generating^article;^ optionally^ an^ upstream^ section^ provided^ upstream^ of^ the^ rod^ of^ aerosol-generating^substrate^ and^ extending^ to^a^ distal^ end^ of^ the^aerosol-generating^ article;^ wherein^ the^ flavour^material^is^provided^in^at^least^one^of^the^rod^of^aerosol-generating^substrate;^the^downstream^section;^and^the^optional upstream^section.^^Example^Ex28:^An^aerosol-generating^article^according^to^Example^Ex26 or^Ex27,^wherein^the^carrier^thread^material^ is^a cotton^yarn;^wherein^the^aerosol-generating^article^comprises^a^rod^of^aerosol-generating^substrate;^a^downstream^section^provided^downstream^of^ the^ rod^of^aerosol-generating^ substrate^and^ extending^ to^ a^mouth^end^of^ the^aerosol-generating^article;^optionally^an^upstream^section^provided^upstream^of^the^rod^of^aerosol-generating^substrate^and^ extending^to^a^distal^end^of^the^aerosol-generating^article;^wherein^the^flavour^material^is^provided^ in^the^rod^of^aerosol-generating^substrate.^^^ Examples will^now^be^further^described^with^reference^to^the^figures^in^which:Figures 1a^and^1b show^a^schematic^side^cross-sectional^view^of^an^aerosol-generating^article^in^accordance^with^the^present^invention^comprising^a^flavour^material in^the^rod^of^aerosol-generating^substrate;^and Figure^2^shows^a^scanning^electron^microscope^image^of a^flavour^material^similar^to^that^of^the^present^invention,^except^that^the^carrier^material^is in^the^form^of a^sheet^and^not^a^thread.^^An^ aerosol-generating^ article^ 10^ in^ accordance^ with^ the^ present^ invention^ is^ shown^ in^Figures 1a^and^1b.^^The^aerosol-generating^article^10^shown^in^Figure^1a comprises^a^rod^12^of^aerosol-generating^substrate^and^a^downstream^section^14^at^a^location^downstream^of^the^rod^12^ of^ aerosol-generating^ substrate.^ ^ Further,^ the^ aerosol-generating^ article^ 10^ comprises^ an^upstream^section^16^at^a^location^upstream^of^the^rod^12^of^aerosol-generating^substrate.^^ A^ ventilation^ zone^ 60^ is^ provided^ at^ a^ location^ downstream^ of^ the^ rod^ 12^ of^ aerosol-generating^substrate.^^ In^more^detail,^ in^the^embodiment^of^Figure^1a,^the^downstream^section^14^comprises^a^mouthpiece^element^18^and^a^hollow^section^20.^^The^hollow^section^20^comprises^an^aerosol-cooling^ element^ 22^ comprising^ a^ hollow^ tubular^ element^ and^ the^ ventilation^ zone^ 60,^ which^comprises^a^ plurality^ of^ openings^ formed^ through^ a^wall^ of^ the^hollow^ tubular^ element.^ ^ The^aerosol-cooling^ element^ 22^ is^ positioned^ immediately^ downstream^ of^ the^ rod^ 12^ of^ aerosol-generating^ substrate.^ ^As^ shown^ in^ the^drawing^of^Figure^1,^ an^upstream^end^of^ the^aerosol-cooling^element^22^abuts^a^downstream^end^of^the^rod^12^of^aerosol-generating^substrate.^^The^ mouthpiece^element^18^is^positioned^immediately^downstream^of^the^aerosol-cooling^element^22.^^ As^shown^in^the^drawing^of^Figure^1a,^an^upstream^end^of^the^mouthpiece^element^18^abuts^a^ downstream^end^of^the^aerosol-cooling^element^22.^^The^mouthpiece^element^18^comprises^a^ plug^24^of^low-density^filtration^material.^^ The^rod^12^comprises^an^aerosol-generating^substrate^in^the^form^of^a^gathered^sheet^of^ homogenised^tobacco^material.^^However,^other^types^of^tobacco-containing^substrate,^such^as^ a^tobacco^cut^filler,^can^replace^the^gathered^sheet^of^homogenised^tobacco^material.^^^ The^upstream^section^16^comprises^a^cylindrical^plug^26^of^compressed^and^plasticised^ cellulose^acetate^circumscribed^by^a^wrapper^28.^^The^plug^26^of^the^upstream^section^16^has^a^ length^of^about^5^millimetres.^^^^ Further,^ the^aerosol-generating^article comprises^a flavour^material 50.^^In^more^detail,^a^flavour^material in^thread^form^is^disposed^within^the^rod^12.^^ In^Figure^1a,^the^flavour^material^50^comprises^a single^thread^52^extending^along^a^longitudinal^axis of^the^rod^12.^Figure^1b^is^otherwise^ identical^to^Figure^1a,^with^the^exception^that^flavour^material^50^comprises^multiple^threads^52a,^52b,^52c^extending^along^a^longitudinal^axis^of^the^rod^12.^The^flavour^material 50^is^of^the^type^described^in^detail^above.^^ Examples of^suitable^formulations for^the^flavour^material 50^and^processes for^forming^the^flavour^material 50^are set^out^below.^^Preparation^A - Flavour^material comprising^a^menthol^formulation^trapped^in^a^gellan^gum^polysaccharide^matrix^supported^on^a^carrier^thread^material (cotton^yarn)^^100^g^of^water^are^heated^to^about^60 degrees^Celsius^and^3.0 g of^gellan^gum^are^added^to^the^water^bath.^ The^resulting^mixture^is^homogenized^and^heated^to^a^temperature^in^the^range^from^ 80 to^ 85 degrees^ Celsius and^ kept^ at^ this^ temperature^ for^ 5^minutes.^ The^mixture^ is^subsequently^cooled^down^to^a^temperature^in^the^range^from^70 to^75 degrees^Celsius and^0.1^g^of^ lecithin^and^8.0^g^of^menthol^are^added^to^the^mixture.^ ^The^flavour-containing^mixture^ is^homogenized^for^3^minutes.^ Subsequently,^a^carrier^ thread^material^ is^dipped^in^the^resulting^aqueous^composition,^and^the^aqueous^composition^is^left^to^jellify^on^the^dipped^carrier^thread^material,^which^is dried^in a^still^oven^at^75 degrees^Celsius to^form^the^impregnated^carrier^thread^material.^ A^layer^comprising^a^gellan^gum^matrix^trapping^the^menthol^formulation^immobilised^on^the^cotton^yarn^is^obtained.^^ Preparation^B - Flavour^material comprising^a^menthol^formulation^trapped^in^a^gellan^gum^– guar polysaccharide^matrix^supported^on^a^carrier^thread^material (cotton^yarn)100^g^of^water^are^heated^to^about^60 degrees^Celsius^and^1.0 g of^gellan^gum^are^added^to^the^water^bath.^ The^resulting^mixture^is^homogenized^and^heated^to^a^temperature^in^the^range^from^ 80 to^ 85 degrees^ Celsius and^ kept^ at^ this^ temperature^ for^ 5^minutes.^ The^mixture^ is^subsequently^cooled^down^to^a^temperature^in^the^range^from^70 to^75 degrees^Celsius and^0.1^g^of^ lecithin^and^8.0^g^of^menthol^are^added^to^the^mixture.^ ^The^flavour-containing^mixture^ is^homogenized^for^3^minutes.^ Subsequently,^2.0^g^of^guar^are^added^to^the^mixture,^which^is^then^ homogenised^again^for^another^3^minutes.^^Subsequently,^a^carrier^thread^material^is^dipped^in^the^resulting^aqueous^composition,^and^the^aqueous^composition^ is^ left^to^ jellify on^the^dipped^carrier^thread^material,^which^is dried^in a^still^oven^at^75 degrees^Celsius to^form^the^impregnated^carrier^ thread^material.^ A^ layer^ comprising^ a^ gellan^ gum^ / ^ guar^matrix^ trapping^ the^menthol^formulation^immobilised^on^the^cotton^yarn is^obtained.^^Preparation^C^- Flavour^material^comprising^a^menthol^formulation^trapped^in^a^gellan^gum^– alginate polysaccharide^matrix^supported^on^a^carrier^thread^material^(cotton^yarn)100^g^of^water^are^heated^to^about^60 degrees^Celsius^and^2.0 g of^gellan^gum^and^0.5^g^of^alginate^are^added^to^the^water^bath.^ The^resulting^mixture^is^homogenized^and^heated^to^a^temperature^in^the^range^from^90 to^95 degrees^Celsius and^kept^at^this^temperature^for^5^minutes.^The^mixture^is^subsequently^cooled^down^to^a^temperature^in^the^range^from^70 to^75 degrees^Celsius and^0.1^g^of^lecithin^and^8.0^g^of^menthol^are^added^to^the^mixture.^^The^flavour-containing^mixture^is^homogenized^for^3^minutes.^ Subsequently,^a^carrier^thread^material^is^dipped^in^the^resulting^aqueous^composition,^and^the^aqueous^composition^is^left^to^jellify on^the^dipped^carrier^thread^material,^which^is dried^in a^still^oven^at^75 degrees^Celsius.^ A^layer^comprising^a gellan^gum^ / ^alginate^matrix^trapping^the^menthol^formulation^immobilised^on^the cotton^yarn is^obtained.^^Preparation^ D1 – Aerosol-generating^ article^ comprising^ a^ flavour^ material produced^according^to^Preparation^A An^amount^of^flavour^material produced^according^to^Preparation^A^making^up^for^an^overall^content^of^menthol^of^5^mg^was^added^to^the^rod^of^a^commercially^available^aerosol-generating^article (HEET®^by^Philip^Morris^Products^S.A.).^^Preparation^ D2 – Aerosol-generating^ article^ comprising^ a^ flavour^ material produced^according^to^Preparation^A An^amount^of^flavour^material^produced^according^to^Preparation^A^making^up^for^an^overall^ content^of^menthol^of^35^mg^was^added^to^the^rod^of^a^commercially^available^aerosol-generating^ article^(HEET®^by^Philip^Morris^Products^S.A.).^^ Preparation^ D3 – Aerosol-generating^ article^ comprising^ a^ flavour^ material produced^according^to^Preparation^A An^amount^of^flavour^material^produced^according^to^Preparation^A^making^up^for^an^overall^ content^of^menthol^of^37^mg^was^added^to^the^rod^of^a^commercially^available^aerosol-generating^ article^(HEET®^by^Philip^Morris^Products^S.A.).^ Similar^ flavour^materials^ to^ those^ in^ accordance^ with^ the^ present^ invention^ have^ been^prepared and^tested^as^proof^of^concept,^with^the^exception^that^in^these^materials,^the^carrier^material^is^in^the^form^of^a^sheet^^and^not^a^thread.^In^these^flavour^materials,^similar^to^the^flavour^materials^ of^ the^ present^ invention,^ the^ flavour^ material^ comprises^ a^ polysaccharide^ matrix^structure^comprising^a^gellan^gum^and^emulsifier,^a^flavourant^formulation^dispersed^within^the^ polysaccharide^matrix^structure,^wherein^the^flavourant^formulation^is^at^least^partly^trapped^within^ the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^and^releasable^from^the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure;^and^ the^polysaccharide^matrix^structure^and^the^flavourant^formulation^are^supported^by^the^carrier^ material,^in^this^case,^a^sheet.^ Preparation^A’ - Flavour^material^comprising^a^menthol^formulation^trapped^in^a^gellan^gum^polysaccharide^matrix^supported^on^a^carrier^sheet^material^(paper^wrapper) 100^g^of^water^are^heated^to^about^60^degrees^Celsius^and^3.0^g^of^gellan^gum^are^added^ to^the^water^bath.^^The^resulting^mixture^is^homogenized^and^heated^to^a^temperature^in^the^range^from^ 80^ to^ 85^ degrees^ Celsius^ and^ kept^ at^ this^ temperature^ for^ 5^minutes.^ ^ The^mixture^ is^subsequently^cooled^down^to^a^temperature^in^the^range^from^70^to^75^degrees^Celsius^and^0.1^g^of^ lecithin^and^8.0^g^of^menthol^are^added^to^the^mixture.^ ^The^flavour-containing^mixture^ is^homogenized^for^3^minutes.^^Subsequently,^the^resulting^aqueous^composition^is^cast^on^a^sheet^ of^homogenised^tobacco^material^located^on^a^metallic^tray,^left^to^jellify^and^dried^in^a^still^oven^ at^75^degrees^Celsius.^^A^layer^comprising^a^gellan^gum^matrix^trapping^the^menthol^formulation^ immobilised^on^the^paper^wrapper^is^obtained.^^ Preparation^B1 - Flavour^material^comprising^a^menthol^formulation^trapped^in^a^gellan^gum^– guar polysaccharide^ matrix^ supported^ on^ a^ carrier^ sheet^ material^ (homogenised^ tobacco^material) 100^g^of^water^are^heated^to^about^60 degrees^Celsius^and^1.0 g of^gellan^gum^are^added^to^the^water^bath.^ The^resulting^mixture^is^homogenized^and^heated^to^a^temperature^in^the^range^from^ 80 to^ 85 degrees^ Celsius and^ kept^ at^ this^ temperature^ for^ 5^minutes.^ The^mixture^ is^subsequently^cooled^down^to^a^temperature^in^the^range^from^70 to^75 degrees^Celsius and^0.1^g^of^ lecithin^and^8.0^g^of^menthol^are^added^to^the^mixture.^ ^The^flavour-containing^mixture^ is^homogenized^for^3^minutes.^ Subsequently,^2.0^g^of^guar^are^added^to^the^mixture,^which^is^then^homogenised^again^for^another^3^minutes.^^Subsequently,^the^resulting^aqueous^composition^is^ cast^on^a^sheet^of^homogenised^tobacco^material^and^located^on^a^metallic^tray,^left^to^jellify^and^dried^in a^still^oven^at^75 degrees^Celsius.^ A^layer^comprising^a^gellan^gum^ / ^guar^matrix^trapping^the^menthol^formulation^immobilised^on^the^homogenised^tobacco^material^is^obtained.^^ Preparation^B2 - Flavour^material^comprising^a^menthol^formulation^trapped^in^a^gellan^gum^– guar polysaccharide^matrix^supported^on^a^carrier^sheet^material^(paper^wrapper)100^g^of^water^are^heated^to^about^60 degrees^Celsius^and^1.0 g of^gellan^gum^are^added^to^the^water^bath.^ The^resulting^mixture^is^homogenized^and^heated^to^a^temperature^in^the^range^from^ 80 to^ 85 degrees^ Celsius and^ kept^ at^ this^ temperature^ for^ 5^minutes.^ The^mixture^ is^subsequently^cooled^down^to^a^temperature^in^the^range^from^70 to^75 degrees^Celsius and^0.1^g^of^ lecithin^and^8.0^g^of^menthol^are^added^to^the^mixture.^ ^The^flavour-containing^mixture^ is^homogenized^for^3^minutes.^ Subsequently,^2.0^g^of^guar^are^added^to^the^mixture,^which^is^then^homogenised^again^for^another^3^minutes.^^Subsequently,^the^resulting^aqueous^composition^is^ cast^on^a^sheet^of^paper^wrapper^material^and^located^on^a^metallic^tray,^left^to^jellify^and^dried^ina^still^oven^at^75 degrees^Celsius.^ A^ layer^comprising^a^gellan^gum^ / ^guar^matrix^trapping^the^menthol^formulation^immobilised^on^the^paper^wrapper^material^is^obtained.^^ Preparation^C’ - Flavour^material^comprising^a^menthol^formulation^trapped^in^a^gellan^gum^– alginate polysaccharide^matrix^supported^on^a^carrier^sheet^material^ (homogenised^tobacco^material) 100^g^of^water^are^heated^to^about^60 degrees^Celsius^and^2.0 g of^gellan^gum^and^0.5^g^of^alginate^are^added^to^the^water^bath.^ The^resulting^mixture^is^homogenized^and^heated^to^a^temperature^in^the^range^from^90^to^95 degrees^Celsius and^kept^at^this^temperature^for^5^minutes.^The^mixture^is^subsequently^cooled^down^to^a^temperature^in^the^range^from^70 to^75 degrees^Celsius and^0.1^g^of^lecithin^and^8.0^g^of^menthol^are^added^to^the^mixture.^^The^flavour-containing^mixture^is^homogenized^for^3^minutes.^ Subsequently,^the^resulting^aqueous^composition^is^cast^on^a^sheet^of^homogenised^tobacco^material^and^located^on^a^metallic^tray,^left^to^jellify^and^dried^in a^still^oven^at^75 degrees^Celsius.^ A^layer^comprising^a^gellan^gum^ / ^alginate^matrix^trapping^the^menthol^formulation^immobilised^on^the^homogenised^tobacco^material^is^obtained.^^ Preparation^ D1’ – Aerosol-generating^ article^ comprising^ a^ flavour^ material produced^according^to^Preparation^A’ An^amount^of^flavour^material^produced^according^to^Preparation^A’^making^up^for^an^overall^ content^of^menthol^of^5^mg^was^added^to^the^rod^of^a^commercially^available^aerosol-generating^ article^(HEET®^by^Philip^Morris^Products^S.A.).^^ Preparation^ D2’ – Aerosol-generating^ article^ comprising^ a^ flavour^ material produced^according^to^Preparation^A’ An^amount^of^flavour^material^produced^according^to^Preparation^A’^making^up^for^an^overall^ content^of^menthol^of^35^mg^was^added^to^the^rod^of^a^commercially^available^aerosol-generating^ article^(HEET®^by^Philip^Morris^Products^S.A.).^^ Preparation^ D3’ – Aerosol-generating^ article^ comprising^ a^ flavour^ material produced^according^to^Preparation^A’ An^amount^of^flavour^material^produced^according^to^Preparation^A’^making^up^for^an^overall^ content^of^menthol^of^37^mg^was^added^to^the^rod^of^a^commercially^available^aerosol-generating^ article^(HEET®^by^Philip^Morris^Products^S.A.).^^ Morphologic^characterisation Figure^2^shows^a^scanning^electron^microscope^(SEM)^ image^of^ the flavour^material 50^produced^in^accordance^with^Preparation^B1 embedded^in^a^wax.^^It^can^be^seen^from^the^image^that^ the^ internal^ structure^of^ the^ flavour^material includes a^matrix^ 52^with^a^plurality^of^ small^pockets 54 adapted^to^trap^the^flavour^composition,^the^pockets^54 being^dispersed^through^the^matrix 52.^^The^pockets are^relatively^uniformly^distributed^through^the^material^and^are^relatively^consistent^in^size.^^The^flavour^material 50^further^comprises^a^carrier^sheet^material^56^ in^the^form^of^a^sheet^of^homogenised^tobacco^material,^ the^carrier^sheet^material^56^supporting^the^matrix^52.^^ Preparation^B^in^accordance^with^the^present^ invention,^ in^which^the^carrier^sheet^material^56^is^replaced^by^a^carrier^thread^material,^is^expected^to^exhibit^a^similar^morphology^to^Preparation^B1,^with^a^matrix^52^with^a^plurality^of^small^pockets 54 adapted^to^trap^the^flavour^composition,^the^pockets^54 being^dispersed^through^the^matrix 52.^Thermogravimetric^analysis The^flavour^release^profile^of^the^flavour^material produced^according^to^the^Preparations^above^may^be^analysed^in^a^thermogravimetric^analysis^(TGA).^^The^TGA^test^is^carried^out^using^ a^thermogravimetric^machine^coupled^to^a^mass^spectrometer,^or^similar^TGA^equipment.^^In^the^analysis^the^flavour^material is^heated^from^25 degrees^Celsius to^400 degrees^Celsius in^an^inert^nitrogen^atmosphere^with^the^temperature^being^increased^at^a^rate^of^15 degrees^Celsius per^minute^and^with^an^air^flow^of^60^ml^per^minute.^^As^the^temperature^is^increased,^the^release^of^ menthol^is^assessed^by^detecting^the^menthol^molecules^by^way^of^a^specific^ion^representative^ of^menthol.^^ Data^collected^carrying^out^TGA^tests^on^flavour^materials^in^accordance^with^the^invention^can^ be^ compared^ with^ data^ collected^ carrying^ out^ an^ equivalent^ TGA^ test^ on^ the^ flavourant^formulation^alone^(e.g.^pure^menthol).^^One^such^comparison^may^provide^some^information^about^release^mechanisms^and dynamics,^which^may^be^help^fine^tune^a^flavourant^release^profile^when^the^flavour^material is^incorporated^in^an^aerosol-generating^article.^^^^When^heated^ in^ the^ thermogravimetric^analysis^described,^ pure^menthol^was^ released^unimodally^between^50^degrees^Celsius^and^166^degrees^Celsius,^with^a^maximum^around^138^ degrees^Celsius.^^ By^contrast,^when^heated^in^the^thermogravimetric^analysis^described,^the^flavour^materialproduced^according^to^Preparation^B2 was^found^to^provide^a^multi^modal^release^of^menthol.^^A^first,^smaller fraction^of^the^menthol^was^released^between^about^57 degrees^Celsius^and^about^137 degrees^Celsius,^with^a^local^maximum^at^about^116 degrees^Celsius.^^A^second,^much^more^consistent fraction^of^ the^menthol^was^ released^between^about^229^degrees^Celsius^and^264degrees^Celsius^with^a^local^maximum^at^about^243 degrees^Celsius.^^A^third,^smaller fraction^of^the^menthol^was^released^between^about^265^degrees^Celsius^and^302 degrees^Celsius^with^a^local^maximum^at^about^279 degrees^Celsius.^^Release^of^the^first^ fraction^of^menthol^with^a^maximum^just^above^115 degrees^Celsius^may^suggest^that^some^of^the^menthol^formulation^is^solubilised^or^relatively^weakly^immobilised^within^the^ flavour^material.^ ^On^ the^other^hand,^ release^of^ the^second,^much^ larger fraction^of^menthol^with^a^maximum^above^240^degrees^Celsius^– a^temperature^which^may^be^associated^with^the^thermal^degradation of^gellan^gum – may support^the^hypothesis^that^a^significant^portion^of^the^menthol^formulation^is^in^effect^trapped^within^the^matrix^structure,^and^has^some^stronger^ interaction^with^the^gellan^gum^in^the^matrix^structure.^^Release^of^the^remainder^of^the^menthol^at^even^higher^ temperatures^may^suggest^ that^ the^menthol^ formulation^ interacts^ in^a^different^manner^with,^and^is^even^more^stably^held^by, the^guar^in^the^matrix^structure.^^^The^ same^TGA^ test^was^carried^out^ on^ a^ flavour^material prepared^ in^accordance^with^Preparation^A’.^^This^flavour^material was^also^found^to^provide^a^multimodal^release^of^menthol.^^A^first,^smaller fraction^of^the^menthol^was^released^between^about^57 degrees^Celsius^and^about^239 degrees^ Celsius,^ with^ a^ local^ maximum^ around^ 200 degrees^ Celsius.^ ^ A^ second,^ more^significant^fraction^of^the^menthol^was^released^between^240 degrees^Celsius^and^306 degrees^Celsius,^with^a^local^maximum^at^around^249 degrees^Celsius.^^One^further^fraction^of^the^menthol^was^released^between^about^307^degrees^Celsius^and^about^384^degrees^Celsius,^with^a^local^ maximum^at^around^351^degrees^Celsius.^^ Release^of^ the^ first^ fraction^of^menthol^around^200 degrees^Celsius^may^suggest^that^a^small^ portion^ of^ the^ menthol^ formulation^ contained^ in^ the^ flavour^ material is^ less^ strongly^immobilised,^whereas^the^greater^part^of^the^menthol^formulation^contained^in^the^flavour^material being^released^at^higher^temperatures^appears^to^suggest^a^stronger^interaction^with^the^gellan^ gum,^which^results^in^an^effective^immobilisation.^^ A^comparison^between^the^menthol^release^profiles of^flavour^materials^prepared^according^to^Preparations^B2 and^A’^demonstrates^ that^adjusting^ the^ composition^of^ the^polysaccharide^matrix^– for^example,^using^gellan^gum^alone^or^in^combination^with^another^polysaccharide^–may^ help^ fine^ tune^ flavour^ delivery^ when^ the^ flavour^material is^ incorporated^ in^ an^ aerosol-generating^article.^^In^particular,^it^may^be^possible^to^control^at^what^temperature^flavour^release^is^ initiated^ and^ around^ what^ temperature^ flavour^ release^ is^ maximised.^ ^ Additionally,^ flavour^materials^ which,^ like^ the^ ones^ prepared^ according^ to^ Preparations^ B2 and^ A’,^ have^ different^flavour^release^profiles^with^local^maxima^at^different^temperatures, may^be^combined^in^a^single^aerosol-generating^articles^to^provide^an^even^broader^range^of^ flavour^delivery^options^to^the^consumer.^^ Preparations^A^and^B^in^accordance^with^the^present^invention,^in^which^the^carrier^material^is^a^thread^and^not^a^sheet,^are^expected^to^exhibit^similar^thermogravimetric^analysis^profiles to^Preparations^A’^and^B2^described^above. Thermal^stability The^ thermal^ stability^ under^ stress^ conditions^of^ a flavour^material may^ be^ assessed^ by^ageing^the^flavour^material at^a^constant^temperature^and^monitoring^its^weight^loss^over^time.^^To^this^purpose^samples^of^the^flavour^material,^in^which^the^carrier^material^is^in^the^form^of^a^sheet,^and^not^a^thread^as^in^the^present^invention, are^cut^into^regular^and^homogenously^sized^pieces^are^weighed^and^distributed^in^a^series^of^Schott^glass^open^bottles.^ ^The^samples^are^aged^in^a^laboratory^oven^set^at^50^degrees^Celsius^for^a^period^of^two^weeks.^^For^the^flavour^material produced^ in^ accordance^with^ Preparation^A’,^ a^weight^ loss^of^ about^ 35 percent^was^measured^at^the^end^of^the^test.^^It^is^hypothesised^that^such^weight^loss^value^accounts^not^only^for^some^migration^of^flavour^species,^but^also^for^ losses^of^humidity^and^glycerol,^and^so^it^ is^considered^to^be^satisfactory.^^ Preparation^A^in^accordance^with^the^present^invention,^in^which^the^carrier^material^is^in^ the^form^of^a^thread^and^not^a^sheet,^is^expected^to^exhibit^similar^thermal^stability^behaviour^to^ that^described^above^for^Preparation^A’. Puff-by-puff^flavour^delivery^assessment Flavour^ delivery^ of^ an^ aerosol-generating^ article^ incorporating^ a^ flavour^ material in^accordance^with^the^present^invention^may^be^assessed^by^heating^the^aerosol-generating^article^ in^a^commercially^available,^compatible^heating^device^and^measuring^the^menthol^delivered^at^ the^mouth^end^of^the^article^with^every^puff.^^ In^more^ detail,^ the^ products^ released^with^each^puff^ from^ the^ aerosol-generating^article^heated^by^the^heating^device^may^be^analysed^using^Proton^Transfer^Mass^Spectrometry^(PTR- MS).^^ The^puff-by-puff^menthol^delivery^of^an^aerosol-generating^article^produced^in^accordance^with^ Preparations D1’,^ D2’ and^D3’ was^measured.^ ^ Their^ behaviour^was^ compared^with^ the^behaviour^ of^ a^ commercially^ available^ aerosol-generating^ article^ (HEET®^ by^ Philip^ Morris^Products^S.A.)^loaded with^5^mg^of^pure^menthol.It^was^observed^that^the^commercially^available^aerosol-generating^article^loaded^with^pure^ menthol^reached^its^maximum^menthol^delivery^around^at^the^third^puff,^which^was^followed^by^a^ gradual^decrease^in^the^menthol^level.^^By^contrast,^with^aerosol-generating^articles^produced^in^accordance^with^Preparations^D1’,^D2’ and^D3’,^the^menthol^delivery^appeared^to^increase^until^the^third^puff^and^was^subsequently^substantially^maintained^around^the^same^levels^throughout^ the^use^cycle^of^the^article^and^until^the^twelfth^puff. Preparations^D1,^D2^and^D3^in^accordance^with^the^present^invention,^in^which^the^carrier^material^ is^ in^the^form^of^a^thread^and^not^a^sheet,^are^expected^to^exhibit^similar^puff-by-puff^flavour^delivery^behaviour^to^Preparations^D1’,^D2’^and^D3’^described^above.^^^^ For^ the^ purpose^ of^ the^ present^ description^ and^ of^ the^ appended^ claims,^ except^ where^otherwise^indicated,^all^numbers^expressing^amounts,^quantities,^percentages,^and^so^forth,^are^ to^be^understood^as^being^modified^in^all^instances^by^the^term^"about".^Also,^all^ranges^include^ the^maximum^and^minimum^points^disclosed^and^include^any^intermediate^ranges^therein,^which^may^or^may^ not^ be^ specifically^ enumerated^ herein.^ In^ this^ context,^ therefore,^ a^number^ A^ is^understood^ as^ A^ ±^ 5% of^ A.^Within^ this^ context,^ a^ number^ A^may^ be^ considered^ to^ include^numerical^values^that^are^within^general^standard^error^for^the^measurement^of^the^property^that^ the^number^A^modifies.^^The^number^A,^in^some^instances^as^used^in^the^appended^claims,^may^deviate^by^the^percentages^enumerated^above^provided^ that^ the^amount^by^which^A^deviates^does^not^materially^affect^the^basic^and^novel^characteristic(s)^of^the^claimed^invention.^Also,^all^ ranges^include^the^maximum^and^minimum^points^disclosed^and^include^any^intermediate^ranges^ therein,^which^may^or^may^not^be^specifically^enumerated^herein.

Claims

36AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on the 26th March 2025 (26.03.2025)1. A flavour material for use in an aerosol-generating article, wherein the flavourant is releasable from the flavour material upon heating the flavour material; the flavour material5 comprising: a polysaccharide matrix structure comprising gellan gum and emulsifier; a flavourant formulation dispersed within the polysaccharide matrix structure, wherein the flavourant formulation is at least partly trapped within the polysaccharide matrix structure and releasable from the polysaccharide matrix structure upon heating of the flavour10 material; and a carrier thread material, wherein the polysaccharide matrix structure and the flavourant formulation are supported by the carrier thread material.

2. A flavour material according to claim 1 , wherein the polysaccharide matrix structure15 comprises gellan gum as the sole polysaccharide or gellan gum in combination with at least a further polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of guar, tamarind gum, sodium alginate, xanthan gum, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose.

3. A flavour material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gellan gum makes up from 520 percent by weight to 99.9 percent by weight of the flavour material on a dry weight basis.

4. A flavour material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a polyol having the formula CnH2n+2On, wherein the polyol is preferably selected from the group consisting of glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, and erythritol or wherein the polyol preferably makes up from25 0.01 percent by weight to 20 percent by weight of the flavour material on a dry weight basis or both.

5. A flavour material according to claim 4, wherein the carrier thread material is a yarn comprising cellulosic fibres, and wherein the cellulosic fibres comprise fibres derived from one or30 more plants, such as cotton fibres, flax fibres, hemp fibres, bamboo fibres, sisal fibres, ramie fibres, coir fibres, kenaf fibres, abaca fibres and jute fibres, or regenerated cellulose fibres.

6. A flavour material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier thread material is a cotton yarn.35AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)37"I. A flavour material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polysaccharide matrix structure and the flavourant formulation form a layer on the carrier thread material, the layer having a thickness of at least 10 micrometres and preferably of less than 150 micrometres.

58. A flavour material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polysaccharide matrix may comprise a salt of calcium or a salt of magnesium or both, such as one or more of calcium lactate, magnesium lactate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium acetate and magnesium acetate.

109. A method of preparing a flavour material for use in an aerosol-generating article, the method comprising: heating water to a temperature of at least 50 degrees Celsius; dispersing gellan gum into the heated water to form a gellan gum aqueous dispersion;15 heating the gellan gum aqueous dispersion to a temperature of at least 80 degrees Celsius to dissolve the gellan gum and form a gellan gum aqueous solution; cooling the gellan gum aqueous solution to a temperature from 65 degrees Celsius to 75 degrees Celsius; adding to the cooled gellan gum aqueous solution a flavourant formulation and an20 emulsifier to form a precursor composition; applying the precursor composition onto a carrier thread material; drying the carrier thread material with the applied precursor composition to obtain a flavour material.25 10. A method according to claim 9, further comprising a step of adding to the cooled gellan gum aqueous solution a polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of guar, tamarind gum, sodium alginate, xanthan gum, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose.30 11. A method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the step of applying the precursor composition onto the carrier thread material comprises dipping the carrier thread material into the precursor composition.

12. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the step of applying the35 precursor composition onto the carrier thread material comprises forming a layer of the precursor composition over the carrier thread material having a thickness of at least 10 micrometres.AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)3813. An aerosol-generating article comprising a flavour material, wherein the flavourant is releasable from the flavour material upon heating the aerosol-generating article; the flavour material comprising:5 a polysaccharide matrix structure comprising gellan gum and emulsifier; a flavourant formulation dispersed within the polysaccharide matrix structure, wherein the flavourant formulation is at least partly trapped within the polysaccharide matrix structure and releasable from the polysaccharide matrix structure upon heating of the flavour material; and10 a carrier thread material, wherein the polysaccharide matrix structure and the flavourant formulation are supported by the carrier thread material.

14. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 13 comprising: a rod of aerosolgenerating substrate; a downstream section provided downstream of the rod of aerosol¬15 generating substrate and extending to a mouth end of the aerosol-generating article; optionally an upstream section provided upstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate and extending to a distal end of the aerosol-generating article; wherein the flavour material is provided in at least one of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate; the downstream section; and the optional upstream section.2015. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the carrier thread material is a cotton yarn; wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a rod of aerosolgenerating substrate; a downstream section provided downstream of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate and extending to a mouth end of the aerosol-generating article; optionally25 an upstream section provided upstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate and extending to a distal end of the aerosol-generating article; wherein the flavour material is provided in the rod of aerosol-generating substrate.AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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