Aerosol-generating article with improved induction heating arrangement

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article may comprise a rod of aerosol-generating substrate and an elongate susceptor arranged longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol- generating substrate may comprise a sheet of homogenised tobacco material. A ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate may be at least 0.22. A peripheral surface area of the susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate may be at least 10 square millimetres / millimetre. Where the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be less than or equal to 0.4, and a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be less than or equal to 0.075.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL-GENERATING ARTICLE WITH IMPROVED INDUCTION HEATING ARRANGEMENT

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosolgenerating substrate and adapted to produce an inhalable aerosol upon induction heating.

[0003] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobaccocontaining 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.

[0004] A number of prior art documents disclose aerosol-generating devices for consuming aerosol-generating articles. Such devices include, for example, electrically heated aerosolgenerating 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 a heated 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 element arranged within the aerosol-generating substrate have been described in WO 2015 / 176898 A1.

[0005] Aerosol-generating articles in which a tobacco-containing substrate is heated rather than combusted present a number of challenges that were not encountered with conventional smoking articles.

[0006] First of all, tobacco-containing substrates are typically heated to significantly lower temperatures compared with the temperatures reached by the combustion front in a conventional cigarette. This may have an impact on nicotine release from the tobacco-containing substrate and nicotine delivery to the consumer. In particular, in aerosol-generating systems wherein an aerosol-generating substrate is heated inductively, it may be challenging to adjust and control the supply of heat to the aerosol-generating substrate so that, at any moment throughout use of the aerosol-generating article, generation and delivery of aerosol are fully satisfactory.

[0007] At the same time, if the heating temperature is increased in an attempt to boost nicotine delivery, then the generated aerosol typically needs to be cooled to a greater extent and more rapidly before it reaches the consumer. However, technical solutions that were commonly used for cooling the mainstream smoke in conventional smoking articles, such as the provision of a high filtration efficiency segment at the mouth end of a cigarette, may have undesirable effects in an aerosol-generating article wherein a tobacco-containing substrate is heated rather than combusted, as they may reduce nicotine delivery.

[0008] Therefore, a need is generally felt for a novel aerosol-generating article that has improved, consistent aerosol delivery during use. Further, it would be desirable to provide one such aerosolgenerating article that can be manufactured efficiently and at high speed, preferably with low variability in terms of aerosol delivery and resistance to draw from one article to another.

[0009] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a new and improved aerosol-generating article adapted to achieve at least one of the desirable results described above.

[0010] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol upon heating.

[0011] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a rod of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0012] The aerosol-generating article may comprise an elongate susceptor arranged longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0013] The aerosol-generating article may further comprise a downstream section at a location downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0014] Where present, the downstream section may comprise a first hollow tubular segment in longitudinal alignment with the rod of aerosol-generating substrate. The first hollow tubular segment may define an internal cavity extending all the way from an upstream end of the first hollow tubular segment to a downstream end of the first hollow tubular segment. A volume of the internal cavity may be at least 50 cubic millimetres.

[0015] A ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate may be at least 0.22 millimetres'1.

[0016] A peripheral surface area of the susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate may be at least 10 square millimetres / millimetre.

[0017] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a sheet of homogenised tobacco material.

[0018] Where the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be less than or equal to 0.4 square millimetres / milligrams.

[0019] Where the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be less than or equal to 0.075.

[0020] In a first example, an aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol upon heating comprises a rod of aerosol-generating substrate and an elongate susceptor arranged longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate comprising a sheet of homogenised tobacco material; wherein a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.22 millimetres'1, and wherein a ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.075.

[0021] In a second example, an aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol upon heating comprises a rod of aerosol-generating substrate and an elongate susceptor arranged longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate comprising a sheet of homogenised tobacco material; wherein a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.22 millimetres'1, and wherein a ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.4 square millimetres / milligrams.

[0022] In a third example, an aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol upon heating comprises a rod of aerosol-generating substrate and an elongate susceptor arranged longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate comprising a sheet of homogenised tobacco material; wherein a peripheral surface area of the susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 10 square millimetres / millimetre, and wherein a ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.075.

[0023] In a fourth example, an aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol upon heating comprises a rod of aerosol-generating substrate and an elongate susceptor arranged longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate comprising a sheet of homogenised tobacco material; wherein a peripheral surface area of the susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 10 square millimetres / millimetre, and wherein a ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.4 square millimetres / milligrams.

[0024] In a fifth example, an aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol upon heating comprises a rod of aerosol-generating substrate; an elongate susceptor arranged longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate, and a downstream section at a location downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the downstream section comprises a first hollow tubular segment in longitudinal alignment with the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate, the first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity extending all the way from an upstream end of the first hollow tubular segment to a downstream end of the first hollow tubular segment; wherein a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.22 millimetres'1, and wherein a volume of the internal cavity is at least 50 cubic millimetres.

[0025] In a sixth example, an aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol upon heating comprises a rod of aerosol-generating substrate; an elongate susceptor arranged longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate, and a downstream section at a location downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the downstream section comprises a first hollow tubular segment in longitudinal alignment with the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate, the first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity extending all the way from an upstream end of the first hollow tubular segment to a downstream end of the first hollow tubular segment; wherein a peripheral surface area of the susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 10 square millimetres / millimetre, and wherein a volume of the internal cavity is at least 50 cubic millimetres.

[0026] In a seventh example, an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure comprises a rod of aerosol-generating substrate and an elongate susceptor arranged longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material. A ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.22 millimetres'1. A ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.075. A ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.4 square millimetres / milligrams.

[0027] In an eighth example, an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure comprises a rod of aerosol-generating substrate and an elongate susceptor arranged longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material. The article further comprises a downstream section at a location downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the downstream section comprises a first hollow tubular segment in longitudinal alignment with the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, the first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity extending all the way from an upstream end of the first hollow tubular segment to a downstream end of the first hollow tubular segment. A ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.22 millimetres'1. A ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.075. A volume of the internal cavity is at least 50 cubic millimetres.

[0028] In a nineth example, an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure comprises a rod of aerosol-generating substrate and an elongate susceptor arranged longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material. The article further comprises a downstream section at a location downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the downstream section comprises a first hollow tubular segment in longitudinal alignment with the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, the first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity extending all the way from an upstream end of the first hollow tubular segment to a downstream end of the first hollow tubular segment. A ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.22 millimetres'1. A ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.4 square millimetres / milligrams. A volume of the internal cavity is at least 50 cubic millimetres.

[0029] In a tenth example, an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure comprises a rod of aerosol-generating substrate and an elongate susceptor arranged longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material. The article further comprises a downstream section at a location downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the downstream section comprises a first hollow tubular segment in longitudinal alignment with the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, the first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity extending all the way from an upstream end of the first hollow tubular segment to a downstream end of the first hollow tubular segment. A ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.22 millimetres'1. A ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.075. A ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.4 square millimetres / milligrams. A volume of the internal cavity is at least 50 cubic millimetres.

[0030] In an eleventh example, an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure comprises a rod of aerosol-generating substrate and an elongate susceptor arranged longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material. A peripheral surface area of susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 10 millimetres. A ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.075. A ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.4 square millimetres / milligrams.

[0031] In a twelfth example, an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure comprises a rod of aerosol-generating substrate and an elongate susceptor arranged longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate. The article further comprises a downstream section at a location downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the downstream section comprises a first hollow tubular segment in longitudinal alignment with the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, the first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity extending all the way from an upstream end of the first hollow tubular segment to a downstream end of the first hollow tubular segment. A ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.075. A volume of the internal cavity is at least 50 cubic millimetres.

[0032] In a thirteenth example, an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure comprises a rod of aerosol-generating substrate and an elongate susceptor arranged longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate. The article further comprises a downstream section at a location downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the downstream section comprises a first hollow tubular segment in longitudinal alignment with the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, the first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity extending all the way from an upstream end of the first hollow tubular segment to a downstream end of the first hollow tubular segment. A ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.075. A ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.4 square millimetres / milligrams. A volume of the internal cavity is at least 50 cubic millimetres.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article comprises a rod of aerosolgenerating substrate and an elongate susceptor arranged longitudinally within the aerosolgenerating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material. A ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.22 millimetres'1. A ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.075.

[0034] Aerosol-generating articles in line with any one of the foregoing examples find use, in particular, in an aerosol-generating system for producing an inhalable aerosol. The system comprises an aerosol-generating article according to any one of the foregoing examples, and an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating arrangement configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0035] The term “aerosol generating article” is used herein to denote an article wherein an aerosol generating substrate is heated to produce an deliver inhalable aerosol to a consumer. As used herein, the term “aerosol generating substrate” denotes a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating to generate an aerosol.

[0036] A conventional cigarette is lit when a user applies a flame to one end of the cigarette and draws air through the other end. The localised heat provided by the flame and the oxygen in the air drawn through the cigarette causes the end of the cigarette to ignite, and the resulting combustion generates an inhalable smoke. By contrast, in heated aerosol generating articles, an aerosol is generated by heating a flavour generating substrate, such as tobacco. Known heated aerosol generating articles include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating articles in which an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a combustible fuel element or heat source to a physically separate aerosol forming material.

[0037] As used herein, the term “aerosol generating device” refers to a device comprising a heater element that interacts with the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol. For example, aerosol-generating devices are known wherein heating of the aerosol-generating substrate is achieved inductively by means of a susceptor element provided within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0038] Upon heating, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate and entrained in air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the consumer. The aerosol generated upon heating the aerosol-generating substrate is 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 and 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.

[0039] As used herein with reference to the present disclosure, the term “rod” is used to denote a generally cylindrical element of substantially circular, oval or elliptical cross-section.

[0040] As used herein, the term “longitudinal” refers to the direction corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, which extends between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating article.

[0041] As used herein, the terms ‘“distal”, “upstream” “proximal” and “downstream” describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of an aerosol-generating article or aerosol generating device. Aerosol generating articles and devices according to the present disclosure have a proximal end through which, in use, an aerosol exits the article or device for delivery to a user, and have an opposing distal end. The proximal end of the aerosol generating article and device may also be referred to as the mouth end. In use, a user draws on the proximal end of the aerosol generating article in order to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article or device. The terms upstream and downstream are relative to the direction of aerosol movement through the aerosol generating article or aerosol-generating device when a user draws on the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The proximal end of the aerosolgenerating article is downstream of the distal end of the aerosol-generating article. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0042] During use, air is drawn through the aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction. The term “transverse” refers to the direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Any reference to the “cross-section” of the aerosol-generating article or a component of the aerosolgenerating article refers to the transverse cross-section unless stated otherwise. The term “length” denotes the dimension of a component of the aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction. For example, it may be used to denote the dimension of the rod or of the elongate tubular elements in the longitudinal direction.

[0043] 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 aerosol-generating device or a component of the aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating device refer to the transverse crosssection. As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “width” denotes the maximum dimension of the aerosol-generating article or device or of a component of the aerosol-generating article or device in a transverse direction. For example, where the aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the aerosol-generating article corresponds to the diameter of the aerosol-generating article. Where a component of the aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the component of the aerosolgenerating article substantially corresponds to the diameter of the component of the aerosolgenerating article.

[0044] As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “peripheral surface area of the susceptor” is used to denote the cumulative surface area of all the portions of outer surface of the elongate susceptor. For example, with reference to a blade susceptor, which can be regarded as being substantially parallelepiped-shaped, the “peripheral surface area of the susceptor” can be calculated as the sum of the surface areas of a top end surface of the susceptor, a bottom end surface of the susceptor, and of the four side surfaces of the susceptor extending between the top end surface and the bottom end surface of the susceptor.

[0045] As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “surface area of a sheet of homogenised tobacco material” is used to denote the area of a rectangle having the same width and length as the sheet of homogenised tobacco material. As such, the “surface area of a sheet of homogenised tobacco material” can be calculated by multiplying the width of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material by the length of the homogenised tobacco material.

[0046] As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “volume of the rod of aerosolgenerating article” is used to denote the volume of a cylinder having the same outer diameter and length as the rod of aerosol-generating material.

[0047] In an aerosol-generating article, the generation and delivery of aerosol to the consumer will generally be impacted by how much heat is supplied, during use, to the aerosol-generating substrate. However, increasing the amount of heat supplied is not enough to achieve a reliable, consistently improved aerosol delivery to the consumer.

[0048] The inventors have found that a number of other factors come into play, and controlling and fine tuning how heat is exchanged and transferred to the aerosol-generating substrate, as well as how aerosol species are released from the aerosol-generating substrate during use, are of paramount importance for consistently ensuring a more satisfactory aerosol delivery to the consumer.

[0049] In particular, the inventors have found that, compared to certain existing aerosolgenerating articles, the delivery of aerosol species to the consumer is advantageously improved for aerosol-generating articles having the configurations set out in the first, second, third and fourth examples described above. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors have hypothesised that in these articles a particularly good balance is struck between how much heat can be generated inductively by the susceptor- which is understood to be, to an extent, a function of the surface area of the susceptor - and how much of that generated heat is efficiently transferred to the aerosol-generating substrate in such a way that it promotes the release of aerosol species. The release of volatile species from the aerosol-generating substrate will vary with the amount of heat supplied to the aerosol-generating substrate, but it will also generally be impacted by how much aerosol-generating substrate is there to be heated, what surface area the aerosol-generating substrate makes available for heat-exchange, how densely the aerosolgenerating substrate fills the rod, and so forth.

[0050] Further, the inventors have found that, compared to certain existing aerosol-generating articles, the volume of aerosol delivered to the consumer during use is improved for aerosolgenerating articles having the configurations set out in the fifth and sixth examples described above. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors have hypothesised that in these articles the release of aerosol species from the aerosol-generating substrate is advantageously boosted by adjusting the surface area of the susceptor and, at the same time, particularly favourable conditions are provided for enhancing aerosol nucleation.

[0051] It is understood that formation of an aerosol from a gaseous mixture containing various chemical species depends on a delicate interplay between nucleation, evaporation, and condensation, as well as coalescence, all the while accounting for variations in vapour concentration, temperature, and velocity fields. The so-called classical nucleation theory is based on the assumption that a fraction of the molecules in the gas phase are large enough to stay coherent for long times with sufficient probability (for example, a probability of one half). These molecules represent some kind of a critical, threshold molecule clusters among transient molecular aggregates, meaning that, on average, smaller molecule clusters are likely to disintegrate rather quickly into the gas phase, while larger clusters are, on average, likely to grow. Such critical cluster is identified as the key nucleation core from which droplets are expected to grow due to condensation of molecules from the vapour. It is assumed that virgin droplets that just nucleated emerge with a certain original diameter, and then may grow by several orders of magnitude. This is facilitated and may be enhanced by cooling of the surrounding vapour, which induces condensation. In this connection, it helps to bear in mind that evaporation and condensation are two sides of one same mechanism, namely gas-liquid mass transfer. While evaporation relates to net mass transfer from the liquid droplets to the gas phase, condensation is net mass transfer from the gas phase to the droplet phase. Evaporation (or condensation) will make the droplets shrink (or grow), but it will not change the number of droplets.

[0052] In such context, the inventors have hypothesised that the comparatively large volume of the tubular cavity provided downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate in aerosolgenerating articles in accordance with the fifth and sixth example advantageously favours the formation of a particularly satisfactory amount of aerosol during use, such that a greater fraction of the generated aerosol particles to begin to condense prior to reaching the mouth end of the article.

[0053] As will become apparent from the following description, by further adjusting the parameters discussed above, as well as the overall structure of the aerosol-generating article, it may be possible to especially fine-tune the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles, and so the delivery of aerosol components to the consumer may be made particularly consistent and satisfactory.

[0054] Thus, the aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present disclosure all provide a range of alternative solutions for advantageously increasing and improving the consistency of aerosol delivery to the consumer during use.

[0055] These aerosol-generating articles can all be manufactured at high speed on existing equipment, and so their production can conveniently be implemented on existing production lines without requiring extensive modifications of apparatus already available.

[0056] As described briefly above, according to the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate, such as for example in the form of a rod of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0057] The aerosol-generating substrate may be a solid aerosol-generating substrate.

[0058] The aerosol-generating substrate may be circumscribed by a wrapper.

[0059] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a plant material, such as tobacco plant material.

[0060] Particularly suitable types of materials for use in the aerosol-generating substrate are described below and include, for example, tobacco cut filler, homogenised tobacco material such as cast leaf, aerosol-generating films and gel compositions.

[0061] The aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises an aerosol former. Suitable aerosol formers are for example: polyhydric alcohols such as, for example, triethylene glycol, 1,3- butanediol, propylene glycol and glycerine; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as, for example, glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids such as, for example, dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate; and combinations thereof. Preferably, the aerosol former comprises one or more of glycerine and propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of glycerine or propylene glycol or of a combination of glycerine and propylene glycol.

[0062] In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises at least 5 percent by weight of aerosol former on a dry weight basis of the aerosol-generating substrate, more preferably at least 10 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least 15 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. In such embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises no more than 30 percent by weight of aerosol former on a dry weight basis of the aerosol-generating substrate, more preferably no more than 25 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, more preferably no more than 20 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. For example, the aerosol former content of the aerosol-generating substrate may be between 5 percent and 30 percent by weight, or between 10 percent and 25 percent by weight, or between about 15 percent and about 20 percent by weight, on a dry weight basis. In such embodiments, the aerosol former content is therefore relatively low.

[0063] In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises at least 40 percent by weight of aerosol former on a dry weight basis of the aerosol-generating substrate, more preferably at least 45 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least 50 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. In such embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises no more than 80 percent by weight of aerosol former on a dry weight basis of the aerosol-generating substrate, more preferably no more than 75 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, more preferably no more than 70 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. For example, the aerosol former content of the aerosol-generating substrate may be between 40 percent and 80 percent by weight, or between 45 percent and 75 percent by weight, or between about 50 percent and about 70 percent by weight, on a dry weight basis. In such embodiments, the aerosol former content is therefore relatively high.

[0064] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises tobacco material. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise shredded tobacco material. For example, the shredded tobacco material may be in the form of cut filler, as described in more detail below. Alternatively, the shredded tobacco material may be in the form of a shredded sheet of homogenised tobacco material. Suitable homogenised tobacco materials for use in the present disclosure are described below.

[0065] Within the context of the present specification, the term “cut filler” is used to describe to a blend of shredded plant material, such as tobacco plant material, including, in particular, one or more of leaf lamina, processed stems and ribs, homogenised plant material.

[0066] The cut filler suitable to be used with the present disclosure generally may resemble cut filler used for conventional smoking articles. The cut width of the cut filler preferably may be between 0.3 millimetres and 2.0 millimetres, or between 0.5 millimetres and 1.2 millimetres, or between 0.6 millimetres and 0.9 millimetres.

[0067] Preferably, the strands have a length of between about 10 millimetres and about 40 millimetres before the strands are collated to form the rod of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0068] Preferably, the cut filler is soaked with the aerosol former. Soaking the cut filler can be done by spraying or by other suitable application methods. Preferably, the aerosol former in the cut filler comprises one or more of glycerol and propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of glycerol or propylene glycol or of a combination of glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0069] In other preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises homogenised plant material, preferably a homogenised tobacco material.

[0070] As used herein, the term “homogenised plant material” encompasses any plant material formed by the agglomeration of particles of plant. For example, sheets or webs of homogenised tobacco material for the aerosol-generating substrates of the present disclosure may be formed by agglomerating particles of tobacco material obtained by pulverising, grinding or comminuting plant material and optionally one or more of tobacco leaf lamina and tobacco leaf stems. The homogenised plant material may be produced by casting, extrusion, paper making processes or other any other suitable processes known in the art.

[0071] The homogenised plant material can be provided in any suitable form.

[0072] In some embodiments, the homogenised plant material may be in the form of one or more sheets. As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “sheet” describes a laminar element having a width and length substantially greater than the thickness thereof.

[0073] The homogenised plant material may be in the form of a plurality of pellets or granules.

[0074] The homogenised plant material may be in the form of a plurality of strands, strips or shreds. As used herein, the term “strand” describes an elongate element of material having a length that is substantially greater than the width and thickness thereof.

[0075] The aerosol former content of the homogenised tobacco material is preferably within the ranges defined above for aerosol-generating substrate having a relatively low aerosol former content.

[0076] In other preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate is in the form of an aerosol-generating film comprising a cellulosic based film-forming agent, nicotine and the aerosol former. The aerosol-generating film may further comprise a cellulose based strengthening agent. The aerosol-generating film may further comprise water, preferably 30 percent by weight of less of water.

[0077] As used herein, the term “film” is used to describe a solid laminar element having a thickness that is less than the width or length thereof. The film may be self-supporting.

[0078] In the context of the present disclosure the term “cellulose based film-forming agent” is used to describe a cellulosic polymer capable, by itself or in the presence of an auxiliary thickening agent, of forming a continuous film. Preferably, the cellulose based film-forming agent is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), ethyl cellulose (EC), hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), and combinations thereof. In particularly preferred embodiments, the cellulose based film-forming agent is HPMC.

[0079] The aerosol former content of the aerosol-generating film is within the ranges defined above for aerosol-generating substrates having a relatively high aerosol former content.

[0080] Suitable aerosol-generating films for use as the aerosol-generating substrate of aerosolgenerating articles according to the invention are described in WO-A-2020 / 207733 and WO-A- 2022 / 074157.

[0081] Preferably, the aerosol-generating film comprises between 0.5 percent and 10 percent by weight of nicotine, or between 1 percent and 8 percent by weight of nicotine, or between 2 percent and 6 percent by weight of nicotine, on a dry weight basis.

[0082] The aerosol-generating film may be a substantially tobacco-free aerosol-generating film.

[0083] In alternative embodiments of the invention, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a gel composition that includes nicotine, at least one gelling agent and the aerosol former. The gel composition is preferably substantially tobacco free.

[0084] The preferred weight ranges for nicotine in the gel composition are the same as those defined above in relation to aerosol-generating films.

[0085] Suitable gel compositions for use as the aerosol-generating substrate of aerosol-generating articles according to the invention are described in WO-A-2021 / 170642.

[0086] The gel composition preferably comprises at least 50 percent by weight of aerosol former, more preferably at least 60 percent by weight, more preferably at least 70 percent by weight of aerosol former, on a dry weight basis. The gel composition may comprise up to 80 percent by weight of aerosol former. The aerosol former in the gel composition is preferably glycerol.

[0087] As will become apparent from the following description of several examples of aerosolgenerating articles according to the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating substrate is preferably in the form of a sheet, such as for example a sheet of homogenised plant material. In particular, the aerosol-generating substrate is preferably in the form of a sheet of homogenised tobacco material.

[0088] As described briefly above, in an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate may be at least 0.22 millimetres'1.

[0089] Preferably, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.225 millimetres'1. More preferably, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.23 millimetres'1. Even more preferably, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.24 millimetres'1.

[0090] In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate may be up to 0.45 millimetres'1. Preferably, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 0.35 millimetres'1. More preferably, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 0.3 millimetres'1. Even more preferably, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 0.285 millimetres'1.

[0091] In some aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate may be from 0.22 millimetres'1to 0.45 millimetres'1, preferably from 0.22 millimetres'1to 0.35 millimetres'1, more preferably from 0.22 millimetres'1to 0.3 millimetres'1, even more preferably from 0.22 millimetres'1to 0.285 millimetres'1.

[0092] In other aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate may be from 0.225 millimetres'1to 0.45 millimetres'1, preferably from 0.225 millimetres'1to 0.35 millimetres'1, more preferably from 0.225 millimetres'1to 0.3 millimetres'1, even more preferably from 0.225 millimetres'1to 0.285 millimetres'1.

[0093] In further aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate may be from 0.23 millimetres'1to 0.45 millimetres'1, preferably from 0.23 millimetres'1to 0.35 millimetres'1, more preferably from 0.23 millimetres'1to 0.3 millimetres'1, even more preferably from 0.23 millimetres'1to 0.0285 millimetres'1.

[0094] In yet further aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate may be from 0.24 millimetres'1to 0.45 millimetres'1, preferably from 0.24 millimetres'1to 0.35 millimetres'1, more preferably from 0.24 millimetres'1to 0.3 millimetres'1, even more preferably from 0.24 millimetres'1to 0.285 millimetres'1.

[0095] Aerosol-generating articles wherein a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate falls withing the ranges described above may advantageously are configured to generate and transfer heat to the aerosolgenerating substrate particularly efficiently.

[0096] As described briefly above, in an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure a peripheral surface area of the susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate may be at least 10 square millimetres / millimetre. Preferably, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 11 square millimetres / millimetre. More preferably, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 12 square millimetres / millimetre. Even more preferably, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 13 square millimetres / millimetre.

[0097] In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure a peripheral surface area of the susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate may be up to 30 square millimetres / millimetre. Preferably, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 25 square millimetres / millimetre. More preferably, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 20 square millimetres / millimetre. Even more preferably, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 15 square millimetres / millimetre.

[0098] In some aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is from 10 square millimetres / millimetre to 30 square millimetres / millimetre, preferably from 11 square millimetres / millimetre to 30 square millimetres / millimetre, more preferably from 12 square millimetres / millimetre to 30 square millimetres / millimetre, even more preferably from 13 square millimetres / millimetre to 30 square millimetres / millimetre.

[0099] In other aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is from 10 square millimetres / millimetre to 25 square millimetres / millimetre, preferably from 11 square millimetres / millimetre to 25 square millimetres / millimetre, more preferably from 12 square millimetres / millimetre to 25 square millimetres / millimetre, even more preferably from 13 square millimetres / millimetre to 25 square millimetres / millimetre.

[0100] In further aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is from 10 square millimetres / millimetre to 20 square millimetres / millimetre, preferably from 11 square millimetres / millimetre to 20 square millimetres / millimetre, more preferably from 12 square millimetres / millimetre to 20 square millimetres / millimetre, even more preferably from 13 square millimetres / millimetre to 20 square millimetres / millimetre.

[0101] In yet other aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is from 10 square millimetres / millimetre to 15 square millimetres / millimetre, preferably from 11 square millimetres / millimetre to 15 square millimetres / millimetre, more preferably from 12 square millimetres / millimetre to 15 square millimetres / millimetre, even more preferably from 13 square millimetres / millimetre to 15 square millimetres / millimetre. Aerosol-generating articles wherein a peripheral surface area of the susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate falls withing the ranges described above may advantageously display improved efficiency of heat transfer.

[0102] As described briefly above, in an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a sheet of homogenised tobacco material.

[0103] In aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be less than or equal to 0.075.

[0104] Preferably, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.074. More preferably, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.0725. Even more preferably, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.07.

[0105] In aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be at least 0.028. Preferably, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 0.030. More preferably, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 0.032. Even more preferably, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 0.035.

[0106] In some aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 0.028 to 0.075, preferably from 0.028 to 0.074, more preferably from 0.028 to 0.0725, even more preferably from 0.028 to 0.07.

[0107] In other aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 0.030 to 0.075, preferably from 0.030 to 0.074, more preferably from 0.030 to 0.0725, even more preferably from 0.030 to 0.07.

[0108] In certain aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 0.030 to 0.065, preferably from 0.030 to 0.055, more preferably from 0.030 to 0.045, even more preferably from 0.030 to 0.035.

[0109] In further aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 0.032 to 0.075, preferably from 0.032 to 0.074, more preferably from 0.032 to 0.0725, even more preferably from 0.032 to 0.07.

[0110] In yet further aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 0.035 to 0.075, preferably from 0.035 to 0.074, more preferably from 0.035 to 0.0725, even more preferably from 0.035 to 0.07.

[0111] In aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be less than or equal to 0.4 square millimetres / milligrams. .

[0112] Preferably, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.39 square millimetres / milligrams. More preferably, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.38 square millimetres / milligrams. Even more preferably, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.37 square millimetres / milligrams.

[0113] In aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be at least 0.32 square millimetres / milligrams.

[0114] Preferably, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 0.33 square millimetres / milligrams. More preferably, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 0.34 square millimetres / milligrams. Even more preferably, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 0.35 square millimetres / milligrams.

[0115] In some articles in accordance with the present disclosure, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 0.33 square millimetres / milligrams to 0.4 square millimetres / milligrams, preferably from 0.33 square millimetres / milligrams to 0.39 square millimetres / milligrams, more preferably from 0.33 square millimetres / milligrams to 0.38 square millimetres / milligrams, even more preferably from 0.33 square millimetres / milligrams to 0.37 square millimetres / milligrams. In other articles in accordance with the present disclosure, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 0.34 square millimetres / milligrams to 0.4 square millimetres / milligrams, preferably from 0.34 square millimetres / milligrams to 0.39 square millimetres / milligrams, more preferably from 0.34 square millimetres / milligrams to 0.38 square millimetres / milligrams, even more preferably from 0.34 square millimetres / milligrams to 0.37 square millimetres / milligrams.

[0116] In further articles in accordance with the present disclosure, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 0.35 square millimetres / milligrams to 0.4 square millimetres / milligrams, preferably from 0.35 square millimetres / milligrams to 0.39 square millimetres / milligrams, more preferably from 0.35 square millimetres / milligrams to 0.38 square millimetres / milligrams, even more preferably from 0.35 square millimetres / milligrams to 0.37 square millimetres / milligrams.

[0117] In yet further articles in accordance with the present disclosure, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 0.36 square millimetres / milligrams to 0.4 square millimetres / milligrams, preferably from 0.36 square millimetres / milligrams to 0.39 square millimetres / milligrams, more preferably from 0.36 square millimetres / milligrams to 0.38 square millimetres / milligrams, even more preferably from 0.36 square millimetres / milligrams to 0.37 square millimetres / milligrams.

[0118] As described briefly above, an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure may further comprise a downstream section at a location downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate. Where present, the downstream section may comprise a first hollow tubular segment in longitudinal alignment with the rod of aerosol-generating substrate. The first hollow tubular segment may define an internal cavity extending all the way from an upstream end of the first hollow tubular segment to a downstream end of the first hollow tubular segment.

[0119] The downstream section may comprise a wrapper circumscribing the hollow tubular segment. Additionally, as an alternative, a combining wrapper may be used to attach the hollow tubular segment to the rod of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0120] In aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure wherein the downstream section comprises such a first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity, a volume of the internal cavity may be at least 50 cubic millimetres.

[0121] Preferably, a volume of the internal cavity is at least 75 cubic millimetres. More preferably, a volume of the internal cavity is at least 100 cubic millimetres. Even more preferably, a volume of the internal cavity is at least 150 cubic millimetres.

[0122] In aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure wherein the downstream section comprises such a first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity, a volume of the internal cavity may be up to 800 cubic millimetres. Preferably, a volume of the internal cavity is less than or equal to 700 cubic millimetres. More preferably, a volume of the internal cavity is less than or equal to 600 cubic millimetres. Even more preferably, a volume of the internal cavity is less than or equal to 500 cubic millimetres.

[0123] In some aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure wherein the downstream section comprises such a first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity, a volume of the internal cavity is from 50 cubic millimetres to 800 cubic millimetres, preferably from 50 cubic millimetres to 700 cubic millimetres, more preferably from 50 cubic millimetres to 600 cubic millimetres, even more preferably from 50 cubic millimetres to 500 cubic millimetres.

[0124] In other aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure wherein the downstream section comprises such a first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity, a volume of the internal cavity is from 75 cubic millimetres to 800 cubic millimetres, preferably from 75 cubic millimetres to 700 cubic millimetres, more preferably from 75 cubic millimetres to 600 cubic millimetres, even more preferably from 75 cubic millimetres to 500 cubic millimetres.

[0125] In further aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure wherein the downstream section comprises such a first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity, a volume of the internal cavity is from 100 cubic millimetres to 800 cubic millimetres, preferably from 100 cubic millimetres to 700 cubic millimetres, more preferably from 100 cubic millimetres to 600 cubic millimetres, even more preferably from 100 cubic millimetres to 500 cubic millimetres.

[0126] In yet further aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure wherein the downstream section comprises such a first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity, a volume of the internal cavity is from 150 cubic millimetres to 800 cubic millimetres, preferably from 150 cubic millimetres to 700 cubic millimetres, more preferably from 150 cubic millimetres to 600 cubic millimetres, even more preferably from 150 cubic millimetres to 500 cubic millimetres.

[0127] In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a width of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be at least 120 millimetres.

[0128] Preferably, a width of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 125 millimetres. More preferably, a width of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 130 millimetres. Even more preferably, a width of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 135 millimetres.

[0129] In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a width of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be up to 200 millimetres.

[0130] Preferably, a width of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 180 millimetres. More preferably, a width of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 170 millimetres. Even more preferably, a width of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 160 millimetres. In some aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a width of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be from 120 millimetres to 200 millimetres, preferably from 120 millimetres to 180 millimetres, more preferably from 120 millimetres to 170 millimetres, even more preferably from 120 millimetres to 160 millimetres.

[0131] In other aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a width of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be from 125 millimetres to 200 millimetres, preferably from 125 millimetres to 180 millimetres, more preferably from 125 millimetres to 170 millimetres, even more preferably from 125 millimetres to 160 millimetres.

[0132] In further aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a width of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be from 130 millimetres to 200 millimetres, preferably from 130 millimetres to 180 millimetres, more preferably from 130 millimetres to 170 millimetres, even more preferably from 130 millimetres to 160 millimetres.

[0133] In yet further aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a width of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be from 135 millimetres to 200 millimetres, preferably from 135 millimetres to 180 millimetres, more preferably from 135 millimetres to 170 millimetres, even more preferably from 135 millimetres to 160 millimetres.

[0134] Adjusting the value of the width of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may advantageously provide a way of controlling the amount of aerosol-generating material that can be accommodated within the rod and the surface area of the sheet that is available for heat transfer during use. In particular, in aerosol-generating articles wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material having a width falling within the ranges described above may be associated with desirable levels of aerosol delivery.

[0135] In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a thickness of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be at least 160 micrometres.

[0136] Preferably, a thickness of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 170 micrometres. More preferably, a thickness of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 180 micrometres. Even more preferably, a thickness of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 190 micrometres.

[0137] In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a thickness of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be up to 250 micrometres. Preferably, a thickness of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 230 micrometres. More preferably, a thickness of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 210 micrometres. Even more preferably, a thickness of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 200 micrometres.

[0138] In some aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a thickness of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 160 micrometres to 250 micrometres, preferably from 160 micrometres to 230 micrometres, more preferably from 160 micrometres to 240 micrometres, even more preferably from 160 micrometres to 200 micrometres.

[0139] In other aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a thickness of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 170 micrometres to 250 micrometres, preferably from 170 micrometres to 230 micrometres, more preferably from 170 micrometres to 240 micrometres, even more preferably from 170 micrometres to 200 micrometres.

[0140] In further aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a thickness of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 180 micrometres to 250 micrometres, preferably from 180 micrometres to 230 micrometres, more preferably from 180 micrometres to 240 micrometres, even more preferably from 180 micrometres to 200 micrometres.

[0141] In yet further aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a thickness of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 190 micrometres to 250 micrometres, preferably from 190 micrometres to 230 micrometres, more preferably from 190 micrometres to 240 micrometres, even more preferably from 190 micrometres to 200 micrometres.

[0142] In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a grammage of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be at least 160 gsm.

[0143] Preferably, a grammage of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 165 gsm. More preferably, a grammage of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 170 gsm. Even more preferably, a grammage of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 175 gsm.

[0144] In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a grammage of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be up to 240 gsm. Preferably, a grammage of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 225 gsm. More preferably, a grammage of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 215 gsm. Even more preferably, a grammage of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 205 gsm.

[0145] In some aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a grammage of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 160 gsm to 240 gsm, preferably from 160 gsm to 225 gsm, more preferably from 160 gsm to 215 gsm, even more preferably from 160 gsm to 205 gsm.

[0146] In other aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a grammage of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 165 gsm to 240 gsm, preferably from 165 gsm to 225 gsm, more preferably from 165 gsm to 215 gsm, even more preferably from 165 gsm to 205 gsm.

[0147] In further aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a grammage of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 170 gsm to 240 gsm, preferably from 170 gsm to 225 gsm, more preferably from 170 gsm to 215 gsm, even more preferably from 170 gsm to 205 gsm.

[0148] In yet further aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a grammage of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 175 gsm to 240 gsm, preferably from 175 gsm to 225 gsm, more preferably from 175 gsm to 215 gsm, even more preferably from 175 gsm to 205 gsm.

[0149] In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be at least 1350 square millimetres.

[0150] Preferably, a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 1500 square millimetres. More preferably, a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 1600 millimetres. Even more preferably, a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 1700 millimetres.

[0151] In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be up to 2200 millimetres.

[0152] Preferably, a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 2100 millimetres. More preferably, a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 2000 millimetres. Even more preferably, a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 1900 millimetres.

[0153] In some aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 1350 square millimetres to 2200 square millimetres, preferably from 1350 square millimetres to 2100 square millimetres, more preferably from 1350 square millimetres to 2000 square millimetres, even more preferably from 1350 square millimetres to 1900 square millimetres.

[0154] In other aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 1500 square millimetres to 2200 square millimetres, preferably from 1500 square millimetres to 2100 square millimetres, more preferably from 1500 square millimetres to 2000 square millimetres, even more preferably from 1500 square millimetres to 1900 square millimetres.

[0155] In further aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 1600 square millimetres to 2200 square millimetres, preferably from 1600 square millimetres to 2100 square millimetres, more preferably from 1600 square millimetres to 2000 square millimetres, even more preferably from 1600 square millimetres to 1900 square millimetres.

[0156] In yet further aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 1700 square millimetres to 2200 square millimetres, preferably from 1700 square millimetres to 2100 square millimetres, more preferably from 1700 square millimetres to 2000 square millimetres, even more preferably from 1700 square millimetres to 1900 square millimetres.

[0157] Adjusting the value of the surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material within the ranges described above may advantageously provide a way of favouring heat transfer to the sheet and, as a result, the release of volatile species from the sheet and the generation of aerosol particles to be delivered to a consumer during use.

[0158] In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a ratio between a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate may be at least 3 millimetres'1.

[0159] Preferably, a ratio between a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 3.1 millimetres'1. More preferably, a ratio between a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 3.3 millimetres'1. Even more preferably, a ratio between a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 3.6 millimetres'1.

[0160] In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a ratio between a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate may be up to 4.8 millimetres'1.

[0161] Preferably, a ratio between a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 4.7 millimetres'1. More preferably, a ratio between a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 4.5 millimetres'1. Even more preferably, a ratio between a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 4.2 millimetres'1.

[0162] In some aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a ratio between a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is from 3 millimetres'1to 4.8 millimetres'1, preferably from 3 millimetres'1to 4.7 millimetres'1, more preferably from 3 millimetres'1to 4.5 millimetres'1, even more preferably from 3 millimetres'1to 4.2 millimetres'1.

[0163] In other aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a ratio between a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is from 3.1 millimetres'1to 4.8 millimetres'1, preferably from 3.1 millimetres'1to 4.7 millimetres'1, more preferably from 3.1 millimetres'1to 4.5 millimetres'1, even more preferably from 3.1 millimetres'1to 4.2 millimetres'1.

[0164] In further aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a ratio between a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is from 3.3 millimetres'1to 4.8 millimetres'1, preferably from 3.3 millimetres'1to 4.7 millimetres'1, more preferably from 3.3 millimetres'1to 4.5 millimetres'1, even more preferably from 3.3 millimetres'1to 4.2 millimetres'1.

[0165] In yet further aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a ratio between a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is from 3.6 millimetres'1to 4.8 millimetres'1, preferably from 3.6 millimetres'1to 4.7 millimetres'1, more preferably from 3.6 millimetres'1to 4.5 millimetres'1, even more preferably from 3.6 millimetres'1to 4.2 millimetres'1.

[0166] Aerosol-generating articles wherein a ratio between surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate falls withing the ranges described above may advantageously help control the release of volatile species from the sheet of homogenised tobacco material during use.

[0167] In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be at least 260 milligrams.

[0168] Preferably, a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 280 milligrams. More preferably, a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 300 milligrams. Even more preferably, a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 320 milligrams.

[0169] In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material may be up to 400 milligrams.

[0170] Preferably, a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 380 milligrams. More preferably, a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 360 milligrams. Even more preferably, a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 350 milligrams.

[0171] In some aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 260 milligrams to 400 milligrams, preferably from 260 milligrams to 380 milligrams, more preferably from 260 milligrams to 370 milligrams, even more preferably from 260 milligrams to 360 milligrams.

[0172] In other aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 280 milligrams to 400 milligrams, preferably from 280 milligrams to 380 milligrams, more preferably from 280 milligrams to 370 milligrams, even more preferably from 280 milligrams to 360 milligrams.

[0173] In further aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 300 milligrams to 400 milligrams, preferably from 300 milligrams to 380 milligrams, more preferably from 300 milligrams to 370 milligrams, even more preferably from 300 milligrams to 360 milligrams.

[0174] In yet further aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is from 320 milligrams to 400 milligrams, preferably from 320 milligrams to 380 milligrams, more preferably from 320 milligrams to 370 milligrams, even more preferably from 320 milligrams to 360 milligrams. In aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a ratio between a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate may be at least 0.6 milligrams / cubic millimetres.

[0175] Preferably, a ratio between a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.625 milligrams / cubic millimetres. More preferably, a ratio between a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.65 milligrams / cubic millimetres. Even more preferably, a ratio between a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.7 milligrams / cubic millimetres.

[0176] In aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a ratio between a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate may be less than or equal to 1 milligram / cubic millimetres.

[0177] Preferably, a ratio between a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 0.95 milligrams / cubic millimetres. More preferably, a ratio between a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 0.9 milligrams / cubic millimetres. Even more preferably, a ratio between a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 0.85 milligrams / cubic millimetres.

[0178] In some articles according to the present disclosure wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a ratio between a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is from 0.6 milligrams / cubic millimetres to 1 milligram / cubic millimetres, preferably from 0.6 milligrams / cubic millimetres to 0.95 milligrams / cubic millimetres, more preferably from 0.6 milligrams / cubic millimetres to 0.9 milligrams / cubic millimetres, even more preferably from 0.6 milligrams / cubic millimetres to 0.9 milligrams / cubic millimetres.

[0179] In other articles according to the present disclosure wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a ratio between a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is from 0.625 milligrams / cubic millimetres to 1 milligram / cubic millimetres, preferably from 0.625 milligrams / cubic millimetres to 0.95 milligrams / cubic millimetres, more preferably from 0.625 milligrams / cubic millimetres to 0.9 milligrams / cubic millimetres, even more preferably from 0.625 milligrams / cubic millimetres to 0.9 milligrams / cubic millimetres. In further articles according to the present disclosure wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a ratio between a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is from 0.65 milligrams / cubic millimetres to 1 milligram / cubic millimetres, preferably from 0.65 milligrams / cubic millimetres to 0.95 milligrams / cubic millimetres, more preferably from 0.65 milligrams / cubic millimetres to 0.9 milligrams / cubic millimetres, even more preferably from 0.65 milligrams / cubic millimetres to 0.9 milligrams / cubic millimetres.

[0180] In yet further articles according to the present disclosure wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, a ratio between a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is from 0.7 milligrams / cubic millimetres to 1 milligram / cubic millimetres, preferably from 0.7 milligrams / cubic millimetres to 0.95 milligrams / cubic millimetres, more preferably from 0.7 milligrams / cubic millimetres to 0.9 milligrams / cubic millimetres, even more preferably from 0.7 milligrams / cubic millimetres to 0.9 milligrams / cubic millimetres.

[0181] As used herein with reference to the present disclosure, the term “susceptor” refers to an element comprising a material that can convert electromagnetic energy into heat. When located within a fluctuating electromagnetic field, eddy currents induced in the susceptor cause heating of the susceptor. As the susceptor is located in thermal contact with the aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate is heated by the susceptor.

[0182] Suitable susceptors for use in the aerosol-generating substrate of aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure are described in WO-A-2021 / 170673.

[0183] The susceptor may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate. Preferred susceptors comprise a metal or carbon.

[0184] A preferred susceptor may comprise or consist of a ferromagnetic material, for example a ferromagnetic alloy, ferritic iron, or a ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. A suitable susceptor may be, or comprise, aluminium. Preferred susceptors may be formed from 400 series stainless steels, for example grade 410, or grade 420, or grade 430 stainless steel. Different materials will dissipate different amounts of energy when positioned within electromagnetic fields having similar values of frequency and field strength. Thus, parameters of the susceptor such as material type, length, width, and thickness may all be altered to provide a desired power dissipation within a known electromagnetic field. Preferred susceptors may be heated to a temperature in excess of 250 degrees Celsius.

[0185] Suitable susceptors may comprise a non-metallic core with a metal layer disposed on the non-metallic core, for example metallic tracks formed on a surface of a ceramic core. A susceptor may have a protective external layer, for example a protective ceramic layer or protective glass layer encapsulating the susceptor. The susceptor may comprise a protective coating formed by a glass, a ceramic, or an inert metal, formed over a core of susceptor material.

[0186] In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, the susceptor may be in the form of a strip or blade.

[0187] In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor may be at least 100 square millimetres.

[0188] Preferably, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor is at least 110 square millimetres. More preferably, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor is at least 120 square millimetres. Even more preferably, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor is at least 130 square millimetres.

[0189] In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor may be up to 300 square millimetres.

[0190] Preferably, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor is less than or equal to 275 square millimetres. More preferably, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor is less than or equal to 250 square millimetres. Even more preferably, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor is less than or equal to 200 square millimetres.

[0191] In some aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor is from 100 square millimetres to 300 square millimetres, preferably from 100 square millimetres to 275 square millimetres, more preferably from 100 square millimetres to 250 square millimetres, even more preferably from 100 square millimetres to 200 square millimetres.

[0192] In other aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor is from 110 square millimetres to 300 square millimetres, preferably from 110 square millimetres to 275 square millimetres, more preferably from 110 square millimetres to 250 square millimetres, even more preferably from 110 square millimetres to 200 square millimetres.

[0193] In further aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor is from 120 square millimetres to 300 square millimetres, preferably from 120 square millimetres to 275 square millimetres, more preferably from 120 square millimetres to 250 square millimetres, even more preferably from 120 square millimetres to 200 square millimetres.

[0194] In yet further aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor is from 130 square millimetres to 300 square millimetres, preferably from 130 square millimetres to 275 square millimetres, more preferably from 130 square millimetres to 250 square millimetres, even more preferably from 130 square millimetres to 200 square millimetres. In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, a thickness of the susceptor may be at least 50 micrometres.

[0195] Preferably, a thickness of the susceptor is at least 55 micrometres. More preferably, a thickness of the susceptor is at least 60 micrometres.

[0196] In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, a thickness of the susceptor may be up to 80 micrometres.

[0197] Preferably, a thickness of the susceptor is less than or equal to 75 micrometres. More preferably, a thickness of the susceptor is less than or equal to 70 micrometres.

[0198] In some aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a thickness of the susceptor is from 50 micrometres to 80 micrometres, preferably from 50 micrometres to 75 micrometres, more preferably from 50 micrometres to 70 micrometres.

[0199] In other aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a thickness of the susceptor is from 55 micrometres to 80 micrometres, preferably from 55 micrometres to 75 micrometres, more preferably from 55 micrometres to 70 micrometres.

[0200] In further aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a thickness of the susceptor is from 60 micrometres to 80 micrometres, preferably from 60 micrometres to 75 micrometres, more preferably from 60 micrometres to 70 micrometres.

[0201] In an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure, a length of the susceptor may be at least 50 percent of a length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0202] Preferably, a length of the susceptor is at least 75 percent of a length of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate. More preferably, a length of the susceptor is at least 95 percent of a length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate. Even more preferably, a length of the susceptor is substantially equal to a length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0203] As described briefly above, an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure may comprise a downstream section at a location downstream of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate. Where present, the downstream section may comprise a first hollow tubular segment in longitudinal alignment with the rod of aerosol-generating substrate. The first hollow tubular segment may define an internal cavity extending all the way from an upstream end of the first hollow tubular segment to a downstream end of the first hollow tubular segment.

[0204] Suitable materials for forming the hollow tubular segment include filter materials, ceramic, polymer materials, cellulose acetate, cardboard, and aerosol-generating substrate.

[0205] In aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure wherein the downstream section comprises such a first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity, an internal surface area of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment may be at least 70 square millimetres.

[0206] Preferably, an internal surface area of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is at least 80 square millimetres. More preferably, an internal surface area of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is at least 90 square millimetres. Even more preferably, an internal surface area of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is at least 100 square millimetres.

[0207] In aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure wherein the downstream section comprises such a first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity, an internal surface area of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment may be up to 250 square millimetres.

[0208] Preferably, an internal surface area of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is less than or equal to 200 square millimetres. More preferably, an internal surface area of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is less than or equal to 180 square millimetres. Even more preferably, an internal surface area of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is less than or equal to 160 square millimetres.

[0209] In some aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, an internal surface area of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is from 70 square millimetres to 250 square millimetres, preferably from 70 square millimetres to 200 square millimetres, more preferably from 70 square millimetres to 180 square millimetres, even more preferably from 70 square millimetres to 160 square millimetres.

[0210] In other aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, an internal surface area of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is from 80 square millimetres to 250 square millimetres, preferably from 80 square millimetres to 200 square millimetres, more preferably from 80 square millimetres to 180 square millimetres, even more preferably from 80 square millimetres to 160 square millimetres.

[0211] In further aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, an internal surface area of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is from 90 square millimetres to 250 square millimetres, preferably from 90 square millimetres to 200 square millimetres, more preferably from 90 square millimetres to 180 square millimetres, even more preferably from 90 square millimetres to 160 square millimetres.

[0212] In yet further aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, an internal surface area of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is from 100 square millimetres to 250 square millimetres, preferably from 100 square millimetres to 200 square millimetres, more preferably from 100 square millimetres to 180 square millimetres, even more preferably from 100 square millimetres to 160 square millimetres.

[0213] In aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure wherein the downstream section comprises such a first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity, a thickness of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment may be up to 2.25 millimetres.

[0214] Preferably, a thickness of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is less than or equal to 2 millimetres. More preferably, a thickness of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is less than or equal to 1.5 millimetres. Even more preferably, a thickness of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is less than or equal to 1 millimetres.

[0215] In aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure wherein the downstream section comprises such a first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity, a thickness of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment may be at least 0.1 millimetres.

[0216] Preferably, a thickness of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is at least 0.25 millimetres. More preferably, a thickness of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is at least 0.5 millimetres. Even more preferably, a thickness of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is at least 0.75 millimetre.

[0217] In other embodiments, a thickness of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is from 0.1 millimetres to 2.25 millimetres, preferably from 0.1 millimetres to 2 millimetres, more preferably from 0.1 millimetres to 1.5 millimetres, even more preferably from 0.1 millimetres to 1 millimetre.

[0218] In other embodiments, a thickness of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is from 0.25 millimetres to 2.25 millimetres, preferably from 0.25 millimetres to 2 millimetres, more preferably from 0.25 millimetres to 1.5 millimetres, even more preferably from 0.25 millimetres to 1 millimetre.

[0219] In further embodiments, a thickness of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is from 0. 5 millimetres to 2.25 millimetres, preferably from 0.5 millimetres to 2 millimetres, more preferably from 0.5 millimetres to 1.5 millimetres, even more preferably from 0.5 millimetres to 1 millimetre.

[0220] In yet further embodiments, a thickness of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is from 0.75 millimetres to 2.25 millimetres, preferably from 0.75 millimetres to 2 millimetres, more preferably from 0.75 millimetres to 1.5 millimetres, even more preferably from 0.75 millimetres to 1 millimetre.

[0221] In some aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure wherein the downstream section comprises such a first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity, the first hollow tubular element may comprise an upstream end wall defining a first opening for allowing fluid communication between an interior of the hollow tubular element and an exterior of the hollow tubular element. For example, the upstream end wall may be formed by a first folded end portion. The folded end portion may be a flanged end portion. The first opening may have an equivalent diameter equal to, or greater than, 10 percent of a diameter of the upstream end wall.

[0222] In aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure wherein the downstream section comprises such a first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity, the cavity is preferably empty. In some aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure wherein the downstream section comprises such a first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity, the aerosol-generating article may further comprise a ventilation zone along the first hollow tubular segment. This enables ingress of air from an exterior of the aerosol-generating article into the internal cavity when the consumer draws upon a mouth end of the aerosol-generating article, which is associated with a number of benefits.

[0223] An aerosol-generating article in accordance with the present disclosure may have a ventilation level of at least about 5 percent.

[0224] The term “ventilation level” is used throughout the present specification to denote a volume ratio between of the airflow admitted into the aerosol-generating article via the ventilation zone (ventilation airflow) and the sum of the aerosol airflow and the ventilation airflow. The greater the ventilation level, the higher the dilution of the aerosol flow delivered to the consumer.

[0225] Preferably, an aerosol-generating article in accordance with the present disclosure may have a ventilation level of at least about 10 percent, more preferably at least about 15 percent, even more preferably at least about 20 percent. In particularly preferred embodiments, an aerosol-generating article in accordance with the present disclosure has a ventilation level of at least about 25 percent.

[0226] The aerosol-generating article preferably has a ventilation level of less than about 60 percent.

[0227] An aerosol-generating article in accordance with the present disclosure preferably has a ventilation level of less than or equal to about 45 percent. More preferably, an aerosol-generating article in accordance with the present disclosure has a ventilation level of less than or equal to about 40 percent , even more preferably less than or equal to about 35 percent.

[0228] In some examples, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level from about 20 percent to about 60 percent, preferably from about 20 percent to about 45 percent, more preferably from about 20 percent to about 40 percent. In other examples, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level from about 25 percent to about 60 percent, preferably from about 25 percent to about 45 percent, more preferably from about 25 percent to about 40 percent. In further examples, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level from about 30 percent to about 60 percent, preferably from about 30 percent to about 45 percent, more preferably from about 30 percent to about 40 percent.

[0229] In particularly preferred examples, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level from about 28 percent to about 42 percent. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level of about 30 percent.

[0230] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors have found that the temperature drop caused by the admission of cooler, external air into the hollow tubular segment via the ventilation zone may have an advantageous effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles. Formation of an aerosol from a gaseous mixture containing various chemical species depends on a delicate interplay between nucleation, evaporation, and condensation, as well as coalescence, all the while accounting for variations in vapour concentration, temperature, and velocity fields. The so-called classical nucleation theory is based on the assumption that a fraction of the molecules in the gas phase are large enough to stay coherent for long times with sufficient probability (for example, a probability of one half). These molecules represent some kind of a critical, threshold molecule clusters among transient molecular aggregates, meaning that, on average, smaller molecule clusters are likely to disintegrate rather quickly into the gas phase, while larger clusters are, on average, likely to grow. Such critical cluster is identified as the key nucleation core from which droplets are expected to grow due to condensation of molecules from the vapour. It is assumed that virgin droplets that just nucleated emerge with a certain original diameter, and then may grow by several orders of magnitude. This is facilitated and may be enhanced by rapid cooling of the surrounding vapour, which induces condensation. In this connection, it helps to bear in mind that evaporation and condensation are two sides of one same mechanism, namely gas-liquid mass transfer. While evaporation relates to net mass transfer from the liquid droplets to the gas phase, condensation is net mass transfer from the gas phase to the droplet phase. Evaporation (or condensation) will make the droplets shrink (or grow), but it will not change the number of droplets.

[0231] In this scenario, which may be further complicated by coalescence phenomena, the temperature and rate of cooling can play a critical role in determining how the system responds. In general, different cooling rates may lead to significantly different temporal behaviours as concerns the formation of the liquid phase (droplets), because the nucleation process is typically nonlinear. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesised that cooling can cause a rapid increase in the number concentration of droplets, which is followed by a strong, short-lived increase in this growth (nucleation burst). This nucleation burst would appear to be more significant at lower temperatures. Further, it would appear that higher cooling rates may favour an earlier onset of nucleation. By contrast, a reduction of the cooling rate would appear to have a favourable effect on the final size that the aerosol droplets ultimately reach.

[0232] Therefore, the rapid cooling induced by the admission of external air into the hollow tubular segment via the ventilation zone can be favourably used to favour nucleation and growth of aerosol droplets. However, at the same time, the admission of external air into the hollow tubular segment has the immediate drawback of diluting the aerosol stream delivered to the consumer.

[0233] The inventors have surprisingly found how the favourable effect of enhanced nucleation promoted by the rapid cooling induced by the introduction of ventilation air into the article is capable of significantly countering the less desirable effects of dilution. As such, satisfactory values of aerosol delivery are consistently achieved with aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the invention. This is particularly advantageous with “short” aerosol-generating articles, such as ones wherein a length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is less than about 40 millimetres, preferably less than 25 millimetres, even more preferably less than 20 millimetres, or wherein an overall length of the aerosol-generating article is less than about 70 millimetres, preferably less than about 60 millimetres, even more preferably less than 50 millimetres. As will be appreciated, in such aerosol-generating articles, there is little time and space for the aerosol to form and for the particulate phase of the aerosol to become available for delivery to the consumer.

[0234] In some aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure wherein the downstream section comprises such a first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity, the downstream section may comprise a further hollow tubular segment downstream of the first hollow tubular segment, the further hollow tubular element comprising a further cavity extending from an upstream end of the further hollow tubular element to the downstream end of the further tubular element. Preferably, the further hollow tubular segment is positioned adjacent the first hollow tubular segment and the further cavity is in fluid communication with the first cavity.

[0235] A combined volume of the first cavity and the further cavity may be at least 185 cubic millimetres. Preferably, a combined volume of the first cavity and the further cavity is at least 200 cubic millimetres. More preferably, a combined volume of the first cavity and the further cavity is at least 230 cubic millimetres.. Even more preferably, a combined volume of the first cavity and the further cavity is at least 260 cubic millimetres.

[0236] A combined volume of the first cavity and the further cavity may be up to 1000 cubic millimetres. Preferably, a combined volume of the first cavity and the further cavity is less than or equal to 800 cubic millimetres. More preferably, a combined volume of the first cavity and the further cavity is less than or equal to 600 cubic millimetres. Even more preferably, a combined volume of the first cavity and the further cavity is less than or equal to 400 cubic millimetres.

[0237] In some aerosol-generating articles, a combined volume of the first cavity and the further cavity may be from 185 cubic millimetres to 1000 cubic millimetres, preferably from 185 cubic millimetres to 800 cubic millimetres, more preferably from 185 cubic millimetres to 600 cubic millimetres, even more preferably from 185 cubic millimetres to 400 cubic millimetres.

[0238] In other embodiments, a combined volume of the first cavity and the further cavity may be from 200 cubic millimetres to 1000 cubic millimetres, preferably from 200 cubic millimetres to 800 cubic millimetres, more preferably from 200 cubic millimetres to 600 cubic millimetres, even more preferably from 200 cubic millimetres to 400 cubic millimetres.

[0239] In further embodiments, a combined volume of the first cavity and the further cavity may be from 230 cubic millimetres to 1000 cubic millimetres, preferably from 230 cubic millimetres to 800 cubic millimetres, more preferably from 230 cubic millimetres to 600 cubic millimetres, even more preferably from 230 cubic millimetres to 400 cubic millimetres. In yet further embodiments, a combined volume of the first cavity and the further cavity may be from 230 cubic millimetres to 1000 cubic millimetres, preferably from 230 cubic millimetres to 800 cubic millimetres, more preferably from 230 cubic millimetres to 600 cubic millimetres, even more preferably from 230 cubic millimetres to 400 cubic millimetres.

[0240] In some aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure, a mouth end of the aerosol-generating article is defined by a downstream end of the first hollow tubular segment or by a downstream end of the second hollow tubular segment, where a second hollow tubular segment is present. Thus, such examples of aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure do not include a mouthpiece element and, during use, the consumer draws directly upon the first hollow tubular segment or the second hollow tubular segment, where a second hollow tubular segment is present.

[0241] In some aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure wherein the downstream section comprises such a first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity, the downstream section may further comprise a mouthpiece element at a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0242] The mouthpiece may comprise a wrapper circumscribing the hollow tubular segment. Additionally, as an alternative, tipping paper may be used to attach the mouthpiece to the remainder of the aerosol-generating article, such as for example by establishing a direct connection between the mouthpiece and the remainder of the downstream section.

[0243] A content of cellulose acetate in the downstream section may be less than or equal to 15 percent by weight. Preferably, a content of cellulose acetate in the downstream section is less than or equal to 10 percent by weight. More preferably, a content of cellulose acetate in the downstream section may be less than or equal to 5 percent by weight. Even more preferably, the downstream section is substantially free of cellulose acetate.

[0244] Some aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure may further comprise an upstream section at a location upstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0245] The upstream section may comprise one or more upstream elements. In some embodiments, the upstream section may comprise an upstream element arranged immediately upstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0246] The aerosol-generating article of the present disclosure preferably comprise an upstream element located upstream of and adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the upstream section comprises at least one upstream element. The upstream element advantageously prevents direct physical contact with the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. In particular, where the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a susceptor element, the upstream element may prevent direct physical contact with the upstream end of the susceptor element. This helps to prevent the displacement or deformation of the susceptor element during handling or transport of the aerosol-generating article. This in turn helps to secure the form and position of the susceptor element. Furthermore, the presence of an upstream element helps to prevent any loss of the substrate, which may be advantageous, for example, if the substrate contains particulate plant material.

[0247] The upstream element may also provide an improved appearance to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, if desired, the upstream element may be used to provide information on the aerosol-generating article, such as information on brand, flavour, content, or details of the aerosol-generating device that the article is intended to be used with.

[0248] The upstream element may be a porous plug element. Preferably, a porous plug element does not alter the resistance to draw of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the upstream element has a porosity of at least about 50 percent in the longitudinal direction of the aerosolgenerating article. More preferably, the upstream element has a porosity of between about 50 percent and about 90 percent in the longitudinal direction. The porosity of the upstream element in the longitudinal direction is defined by the ratio of the cross-sectional area of material forming the upstream element and the internal cross-sectional area of the aerosol-generating article at the position of the upstream element.

[0249] The upstream element may be made of a porous material or may comprise a plurality of openings. This may, for example, be achieved through laser perforation. Preferably, the plurality of openings is distributed homogeneously over the cross-section of the upstream element.

[0250] The porosity or permeability of the upstream element may advantageously be varied in order to provide a desirable overall resistance to draw of the aerosol-generating article.

[0251] The aerosol-generating article may have a length from about 35 millimetres to about 100 millimetres.

[0252] Preferably, an overall length of an aerosol-generating article in accordance with the invention is at least about 38 millimetres. More preferably, an overall length of an aerosolgenerating article in accordance with the invention is at least about 40 millimetres. Even more preferably, an overall length of an aerosol-generating article in accordance with the invention is at least about 42 millimetres.

[0253] An overall length of an aerosol-generating article in accordance with the invention is preferably less than or equal to 70 millimetres. More preferably, an overall length of an aerosolgenerating article in accordance with the invention is preferably less than or equal to 60 millimetres. Even more preferably, an overall length of an aerosol-generating article in accordance with the invention is preferably less than or equal to 50 millimetres.

[0254] In some embodiments, an overall length of the aerosol-generating article is preferably from about 38 millimetres to about 70 millimetres, more preferably from about 40 millimetres to about 70 millimetres, even more preferably from about 42 millimetres to about 70 millimetres. In other embodiments, an overall length of the aerosol-generating article is preferably from about 38 millimetres to about 60 millimetres, more preferably from about 40 millimetres to about 60 millimetres, even more preferably from about 42 millimetres to about 60 millimetres. In further embodiments, an overall length of the aerosol-generating article is preferably from about 38 millimetres to about 50 millimetres, more preferably from about 40 millimetres to about 50 millimetres, even more preferably from about 42 millimetres to about 50 millimetres. In an exemplary embodiment, an overall length of the aerosol-generating article is about 45 millimetres.

[0255] The aerosol-generating article has an external diameter of at least 4 millimetres. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an external diameter of at least 5 millimetres. More preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an external diameter of at least 6 millimetres. Even more preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an external diameter of at least 7 millimetres.

[0256] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an external diameter of less than or equal to about 12 millimetres. More preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an external diameter of less than or equal to about 10 millimetres. Even more preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an external diameter of less than or equal to about 8 millimetres.

[0257] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has an external diameter from about 5 millimetres to about 12 millimetres, preferably from about 6 millimetres to about 12 millimetres, more preferably from about 7 millimetres to about 12 millimetres. In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has an external diameter from about 5 millimetres to about 10 millimetres, preferably from about 6 millimetres to about 10 millimetres, more preferably from about 7 millimetres to about 10 millimetres. In further embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has an external diameter from about 5 millimetres to about 8 millimetres, preferably from about 6 millimetres to about 8 millimetres, more preferably from about 7 millimetres to about 8 millimetres.

[0258] In a particularly preferred example, an aerosol-generating article in accordance with the present disclosure comprises, in linear sequential arrangement, an upstream element, a rod of aerosol-generating substrate located immediately downstream of the upstream element, a first hollow tubular segment located immediately downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, a mouthpiece element located immediately downstream of the aerosol-cooling element, and one or more wrappers circumscribing one or more of the upstream element, the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, the first hollow tubular segment and the mouthpiece element so as to assemble them into the aerosol-generating article.

[0259] In another particularly preferred example, an aerosol-generating article in accordance with the present disclosure comprises, in linear sequential arrangement, an upstream element, a rod of aerosol-generating substrate located immediately downstream of the upstream element, a first hollow tubular segment located immediately downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, a second hollow tubular segment located immediately downstream of the first hollow tubular segment, a mouthpiece element located immediately downstream of the second hollow tubular segment, and one or more wrappers circumscribing one or more of the upstream element, the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, the first hollow tubular segment, the second hollow tubular segment and the mouthpiece element so as to assemble them into the aerosol-generating article.

[0260] The expression “one or more wrappers” is used herein to encompass different possible arrangements wherein one or more of the components forming the aerosol-generating article may be individually wrapped, and some combination of wrappers and tipping paper are used to attach the various individually wrapped or unwrapped components so as to form the aerosol-generating article.

[0261] 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.

[0262] Example Ex1 : An aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating article comprising: a rod of aerosol-generating substrate and an elongate susceptor arranged longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0263] Example Ex2: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex1 , wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material.

[0264] Example Ex3: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex1 , further comprising a downstream section at a location downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the downstream section comprises a first hollow tubular segment in longitudinal alignment with the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, the first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity extending all the way from an upstream end of the first hollow tubular segment to a downstream end of the first hollow tubular segment.

[0265] Example Ex4: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex2, further comprising a downstream section at a location downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the downstream section comprises a first hollow tubular segment in longitudinal alignment with the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, the first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity extending all the way from an upstream end of the first hollow tubular segment to a downstream end of the first hollow tubular segment.

[0266] Example Ex5: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex 2 or Example Ex4, wherein a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.22 millimetres'1.

[0267] Example Ex6: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex 2 or Example Ex4, wherein a peripheral surface area of the susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate is at least 10 square millimetres / millimetre.

[0268] Example Ex7: An aerosol-generating article according to Example 5, wherein a ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.075. Example Ex8: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex7, wherein a ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.4 square millimetres / milligrams.

[0269] Example Ex9: An aerosol-generating article according to Example 6, wherein a ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.075.

[0270] Example Ex10: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex9, wherein a ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.4 square millimetres / milligrams.

[0271] Example Ex11 : An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex5, wherein a ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.4 square millimetres / milligrams.

[0272] Example Ex12: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex6, wherein a ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.4 square millimetres / milligrams.

[0273] Example Ex13: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex 3, wherein a volume of the internal cavity is at least 50 cubic millimetres.

[0274] Example Ex14: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex13, wherein a peripheral surface area of susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 10 millimetres.

[0275] Example Ex15: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex13 or Example Ex14, wherein a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.22 millimetres'1.

[0276] Example Ex16: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex4, wherein a volume of the internal cavity is at least 50 cubic millimetres.

[0277] Example Ex17: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex16, wherein a peripheral surface area of susceptor per unit of length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 10 millimetres.

[0278] Example Ex18: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex16 or Example Ex17, wherein a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.22 millimetres'1.

[0279] Example Ex19: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex16 to Ex18, wherein a ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.45.

[0280] Example Ex20: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex16 to Ex19, wherein a ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.4 square millimetres / milligrams. Example Ex21 : An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex1 , Ex2, Ex4 to Ex12, Ex19 and Ex20, wherein a width of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 120 millimetres.

[0281] Example Ex22: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex1 , Ex2, Ex4 to Ex12, Ex19, Ex20 and Ex21 , wherein a width of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 200 millimetres.

[0282] Example Ex23: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex1 , Ex2, Ex4 to Ex12, and Ex19 to Ex22, wherein a thickness of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 160 micrometres.

[0283] Example Ex24: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex1 , Ex2, Ex4 to Ex12, and Ex19 to Ex23, wherein a thickness of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 250 micrometres.

[0284] Example Ex25: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex1 , Ex2, Ex4 to Ex12, and Ex19 to Ex24, wherein a grammage of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 160 gsm.

[0285] Example Ex26: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex1 , Ex2, Ex4 to Ex12, and Ex19 to Ex25, wherein a grammage of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 240 gsm.

[0286] Example Ex27: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex1 , Ex2, Ex4 to Ex12, and Ex19 to Ex26, wherein a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 1350 square millimetres.

[0287] Example Ex28: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex1 , Ex2, Ex4 to Ex12, and Ex19 to Ex27, wherein a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 2200 square millimetres.

[0288] Example Ex29: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex1 , Ex2, Ex4 to Ex12, and Ex19 to Ex28, wherein a ratio between a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 3 millimetres'1.

[0289] Example Ex30: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex1 , Ex2, Ex4 to Ex12, and Ex19 to Ex29, wherein a ratio between a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 4.8 millimetres'1.

[0290] Example Ex31 : An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein a weight of the aerosol-generating substrate is at least 260 milligrams.

[0291] Example Ex32: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein a weight of the aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 400 milligrams. Example Ex33: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein the susceptor is in the form of a strip or blade.

[0292] Example Ex34: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein a peripheral surface area of the susceptor is at least 100 square millimetres.

[0293] Examples Ex35: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein a peripheral surface area of the susceptor is less than or equal to 300 square millimetres

[0294] Example Ex36: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex33 to Ex35, wherein a thickness of the susceptor is at least 50 micrometres.

[0295] Example Ex37: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex33 to Ex36, wherein a thickness of the susceptor is at least 55 micrometres.

[0296] Example Ex38: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex33 to Ex37, wherein a thickness of the susceptor is less than or equal to 75 micrometres.

[0297] Example Ex39: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex33 to Ex38, wherein a thickness of the susceptor is less than or equal to 70 micrometres.

[0298] Example Ex40: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein a length of the susceptor is at least 75 percent of a length of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate.

[0299] Example Ex41 : An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein a length of the susceptor is at least 95 percent of a length of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate.

[0300] Example Ex42: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein a length of the susceptor is equal to a length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0301] Example Ex43: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex 3 or Ex4, wherein an internal surface area of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is at least 70 square millimetres.

[0302] Example Ex44: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex 3 or Ex4, wherein a thickness of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is less than 2.25 millimetres.

[0303] Example Ex45: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex3 or Ex4, wherein the first hollow tubular element comprises an upstream end wall defining a first opening for allowing fluid communication between an interior of the hollow tubular element and an exterior of the hollow tubular element.

[0304] Example Ex46: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex45, wherein the upstream end wall is formed by a first folded end portion.

[0305] Example Ex47: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex46, wherein the folded end portion is a flanged end portion. Example Ex48: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex45 to Ex47, wherein the first opening has an equivalent diameter equal to, or greater than, 10 percent of a diameter of the upstream end wall.

[0306] Example Ex49: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex3 or Ex4, wherein the cavity is empty.

[0307] Example Ex50: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex3 or Ex4, wherein a volume of the cavity is at least 50 cubic millimetres.

[0308] Example Ex51 : An aerosol-generating article according to Examples Ex3 or Ex4, further comprising a ventilation zone at a location along the first hollow tubular segment.

[0309] Example Ex52: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex3 or Ex4, wherein the downstream section comprises a further hollow tubular segment downstream of the first hollow tubular segment, the further hollow tubular element comprising a further cavity extending from an upstream end of the further hollow tubular element to the downstream end of the further tubular element.

[0310] Example Ex53: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex52, wherein the further hollow tubular segment is positioned adjacent the first hollow tubular segment and the further cavity is in fluid communication with the first cavity.

[0311] Example Ex54: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex52 or Ex53, wherein a combined volume of the first cavity and the further cavity is at least 185 cubic millimetres.

[0312] Example Ex55: An aerosol-generating article according to Examples Ex3 or Ex4, wherein the downstream section comprises a mouthpiece element at a downstream end of the aerosolgenerating article.

[0313] Example Ex56: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex3 or Ex4, wherein a content of cellulose acetate in the downstream section is less than 10 percent by weight.

[0314] Example Ex57: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex56, wherein a content of cellulose acetate in the downstream section is less than 5 percent by weight.

[0315] Example Ex58: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex56 or Ex57, wherein the downstream section is substantially free of cellulose acetate.

[0316] Example Ex59: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding Examples, further comprising an upstream section at a location upstream of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate.

[0317] Example Ex60: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises at least 10 percent by weight of an aerosol former.

[0318] Example Ex61 : An aerosol-generating system for producing an inhalable aerosol, the system comprising: an aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex60, and an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating arrangement configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0319] Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures in which:

[0320] Figure 1 shows a schematic side sectional view of an aerosol-generating article in accordance with the invention; and

[0321] Figure 2 shows a schematic side sectional view of an aerosol-generating system including the aerosol-generating article of Figure 1 .

[0322] The aerosol-generating article 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises a rod 12 of aerosolgenerating substrate 12 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. Thus, the aerosolgenerating article 10 extends from an upstream or distal end 18 to a downstream or mouth end 20.

[0323] The aerosol-generating article has an overall length of about 45 millimetres.

[0324] The downstream section 14 comprises a support element 22 located immediately downstream of the rod 12 of aerosol-generating substrate, the support element 22 being in longitudinal alignment with the rod 12. In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the upstream end of the support element 18 abuts the downstream end of the rod 12 of aerosol-generating substrate. In addition, the downstream section 14 comprises an aerosol-cooling element 24 located immediately downstream of the support element 22, the aerosol-cooling element 24 being in longitudinal alignment with the rod 12 and the support element 22. In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the upstream end of the aerosol-cooling element 24 abuts the downstream end of the support element 22.

[0325] As will become apparent from the following description, the support element 22 and the aerosol-cooling element 24 together define an intermediate hollow section 50 of the aerosolgenerating article 10. As a whole, the intermediate hollow section 50 does not substantially contribute to the overall resistance to draw of the aerosol-generating article. A resistance to draw of the intermediate hollow section 26 as a whole is substantially null.

[0326] The support element 22 comprises a first hollow tubular segment 26. The first hollow tubular segment 26 is, for example, provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cellulose acetate. The first hollow tubular segment 26 defines an internal cavity 28 that extends all the way from an upstream end 30 of the first hollow tubular segment to an downstream end 32 of the first hollow tubular segment 20. The internal cavity 28 is substantially empty, and so substantially unrestricted airflow is enabled along the internal cavity 28. The first hollow tubular segment 26 - and, as a consequence, the support element 22 - does not substantially contribute to the overall resistance to draw of the aerosol-generating article 10. The first hollow tubular segment 26 has a length of about 8 millimetres, an external diameter of about 7.25 millimetres, and an internal diameter of about 3.3 millimetres. Thus, a thickness of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment 26 is about 1.975 millimetres.

[0327] A volume of the internal cavity 28 is about 68 cubic millimetres. An internal surface area of the peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment 26 is about 83 square millimetres.

[0328] The aerosol-cooling element 24 comprises a second hollow tubular segment 34. The second hollow tubular segment 34 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cellulose acetate. The second hollow tubular segment 34 defines an internal cavity 36 that extends all the way from an upstream end 38 of the second hollow tubular segment to a downstream end 40 of the second hollow tubular segment 34. The internal cavity 36 is substantially empty, and so substantially unrestricted airflow is enabled along the internal cavity 36. The second hollow tubular segment 28 - and, as a consequence, the aerosol-cooling element 24 - does not substantially contribute to the overall resistance to draw of the aerosol-generating article 10.

[0329] The second hollow tubular segment 34 has a length of about 8 millimetres, an external diameter of about 7.25 millimetres, and an internal diameter of about 5 millimetres. Thus, a thickness of a peripheral wall of the second hollow tubular segment 34 is about 1.125 millimetres.

[0330] A volume of the internal cavity 36 is about 157 cubic millimetres. An internal surface area of the peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment 34 is about 126 square millimetres.

[0331] A combined volume of the internal cavities 28 and 36 - which are in fluid communication and therefore may also be regarded as a single, continuous cavity with a change in internal diameter - is about 209 cubic millimetres.

[0332] The aerosol-generating article 10 comprises a ventilation zone 60 provided at a location along the second hollow tubular segment 34. In more detail, the ventilation zone is provided at about 2 millimetres from the upstream end of the second hollow tubular segment 34. A ventilation level of the aerosol-generating article 10 is about 25 percent.

[0333] In the aerosol-generating article 10 of Figure 1 , the downstream section 14 further comprises a mouthpiece element 42 at a location downstream of the intermediate hollow section 50. In more detail, the mouthpiece element 42 is positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol-cooling element 24. As shown in the drawing of Figure 1 , an upstream end of the mouthpiece element 42 abuts the downstream end 40 of the aerosol-cooling element 18.

[0334] The mouthpiece element 42 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of low-density cellulose acetate.

[0335] The mouthpiece element 42 has a length of about 12 millimetres and an external diameter of about 7.25 millimetres. The resistance to draw of the mouthpiece element 42 is about 12 millimetres H2O as measured across the mouthpiece element 42 by the CORESTA recommended method No. 41 (June 2007). The aerosol-generating substrate in the rod 12 is in the form of a gathered sheet of homogenised tobacco material including 12 percent by weight of glycerine (as an aerosol former) on a dry weight basis. The sheet of homogenised tobacco material has a length of 12 millimetres and a width of 150 millimetres. Therefore, a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is 1800 square millimetres. A thickness of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is 196 micrometres. A weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is 338 milligrams.

[0336] The rod 12 of aerosol-generating substrate has an external diameter of about 7.25 millimetres and a length of about 12 millimetres. Therefore, a volume of the rod 12 of aerosolgenerating substrate is about 495 cubic millimetres.

[0337] The aerosol-generating article 10 further comprises an elongate susceptor 44 within the rod 12 of aerosol-generating substrate. In more detail, the susceptor 44 is arranged substantially longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate, such as to be approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rod 12. As shown in the drawing of Figure 1 , the susceptor 44 is positioned in a radially central position within the rod and extends effectively along the longitudinal axis of the rod 12.

[0338] The susceptor 44 extends all the way from an upstream end to a downstream end of the rod 12. In effect, the susceptor 44 has substantially the same length as the rod 12 of aerosolgenerating substrate.

[0339] In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the susceptor 44 is provided in the form of a strip and has a length of about 12 millimetres, a thickness of about 60 micrometres, and a width of about 5 millimetres. Therefore, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor is about 122 square millimetres.

[0340] Thus, a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor 44 and a volume of the rod 12 of aerosol-generating substrate is about 0.25. Further, a ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor 44 and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is about 0.068.

[0341] The upstream section 16 comprises an upstream element 46 located immediately upstream of the rod 12 of aerosol-generating substrate, the upstream element 46 being in longitudinal alignment with the rod 12. In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the downstream end of the upstream element 46 abuts the upstream end of the rod 12 of aerosol-generating substrate. This advantageously prevents the susceptor 44 from being dislodged. Further, this ensures that the consumer cannot accidentally contact the heated susceptor 44 after use.

[0342] The upstream element 46 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate circumscribed by a stiff wrapper. The upstream element 46 has a length of about 5 millimetres. The resistance to draw of the upstream element 46 is about 30 millimetres H2O as measured across the upstream element 46 by the COREST A recommended method No. 41 (June 2007).

[0343] Figure 2 illustrates an aerosol-generating system 200 according to the present invention. The first aerosol-generating system 200 comprises the aerosol-generating article 10 of Figure 1, and a first aerosol-generating device 250. The aerosol-generating device 250 comprises a housing (or body) 201 , extending between a downstream end and an upstream end. The housing 201 defines a heating chamber 202 for receiving an aerosol-generating article 10. The heating chamber 202 is defined by a closed, upstream end and an open, downstream end. The downstream end of the heating chamber 202 is located at the downstream end of the aerosolgenerating device 250. The aerosol-generating article 10 is configured to be received through the open, downstream end of the heating chamber 202 and is configured to abut a closed, upstream end of the heating chamber 202, when the aerosol-generating article 10 is fully received in the heating chamber 202.

[0344] The aerosol-generating device 250 further comprises a heater arrangement 203 and a power source 204 for supplying power to the heater arrangement 203. A controller (not shown) is also provided to control such supply of power to the heater arrangement 203. The heater arrangement 203 is configured to controllably heat the aerosol-generating article 100 during use, when the aerosol-generating article 10 is fully received within the heating chamber 202.

[0345] The heater arrangement 203 extends from an upstream end to a downstream end defining a heating zone. The heater arrangement 203 is substantially the same length as the aerosolgenerating element 103 such that when the aerosol-generating article 10 is fully received within the heating chamber 202, the entire length of the rod 12 of aerosol-generating substrate is received within the heating zone to provide optimal heating of the aerosol-generating substrate reservoir 103. The heater arrangement 203 comprises an induction element.

[0346] The ventilation zone 108 is arranged to be exposed when the aerosol-generating article 10 is fully received within the heating chamber 202.

[0347] In use, the aerosol-generating article 10 is fully received within the heating chamber 202 of the aerosol-generating device 250. The heater arrangement 203 is activated by the controller and the induction element cooperates, as described previously, with the susceptor 44 in the aerosol-generating article 10 to generate heat which is transferred directly to the aerosolgenerating substrate which is thermally coupled with the susceptor 44. This causes aerosol species to be released from the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0348] When a pressure drop is applied to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 10, air is drawn into the heating chamber 202 and into the rod 12 of aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol species released upon heating are entrained in the airflow which then passes through the downstream section before leaving through the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 10.

[0349] Another example of an aerosol-generating article in accordance with the invention (not shown) has substantially the same structure as the aerosol-generating article 10 of Figure 1 and differs from the aerosol-generating article 10 only in that the rod of aerosol-generating substrate has a length of 11 millimetres. Accordingly, a length of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is also 11 millimetres. Therefore, a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is 1650 square millimetres. A volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is about 454 cubic millimetres.

[0350] Accordingly, a ratio between the surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and the volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is about 3.63.

[0351] A weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is 309 milligrams. Therefore, a ratio between a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and the volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is about 0.68.

[0352] A length of the susceptor is also 11 millimetres. Therefore, a peripheral surface area of the susceptor is about 112 square millimetres. A ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and the volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is about 0.246.

[0353] A ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is about 0.362. A ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is about 0.068.

[0354] Nicotine delivery and glycerine delivery have been measured for an aerosol-generating article 10 (Invention Article A) having the structure illustrated in Figure 1 and the characteristics described above. Nicotine delivery and glycerine delivery have also been measured for an aerosol-generating article (Invention Article B) having the same structure of aerosol-generating article 10 of Figure 1 , but differing from it in that the sheet of homogenised tobacco material has a width of 165 millimetres (that is, the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is 10 percent wider than the sheet of homogenised tobacco material used in aerosol-generating article 10).

[0355] Nicotine delivery and glycerine delivery have also been measured for an aerosolgenerating article (Comparative Example 1) having the same structure of aerosol-generating articlelO, but differing from it in that the susceptor provided within the rod 12 of aerosol-generating substrate has a width of 4 millimetres.

[0356] Glycerine delivery for Invention Article A was found to be 15 percent greater than glycerine delivery for the aerosol-generating article of Comparative Example 1. Nicotine delivery for Invention Article A was found to be 12 percent greater than nicotine delivery for the aerosolgenerating article of Comparative Example.

[0357] Glycerine delivery for the Invention Article B was found to be 26 percent greater than glycerine delivery for the aerosol-generating article of Comparative Example 1. Nicotine delivery for the aerosol-generating article of the invention was found to be 30 percent greater than nicotine delivery for the aerosol-generating article of Comparative Example.

[0358] 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

CLAIMS1. An aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating article comprising: a rod of aerosol-generating substrate; and an elongate susceptor arranged longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a sheet of homogenised tobacco material; wherein a ratio between a peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.22 millimetres'1; and wherein a ratio between the peripheral surface area of the susceptor and a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 0.075.

2. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 , wherein a width of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 120 millimetres or wherein a width of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 200 millimetres or both.

3. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a thickness of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 160 micrometres or wherein a thickness of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 250 micrometres or both.

4. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a grammage of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 160 gsm or wherein a grammage of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 240 gsm or both.

5. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 1350 square millimetres or wherein a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 2200 square millimetres or both.

6. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio between a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 3 millimetres'1or wherein a ratio between a surface area of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 4.8 millimetres'1or both.

7. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is at least 260 milligrams or wherein a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material is less than or equal to 400 milligrams or both.

8. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio between a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.6 milligrams / cubic millimetres or wherein a ratio between a weight of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material and a volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 1 milligram / cubic millimetres or both.

9. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the susceptor is in the form of a strip or blade.

10. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 9, wherein the susceptor has a thickness of at least 50 micrometres or wherein the susceptor has a thickness of less than or equal to 70 micrometres or both.

11. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 9, wherein a peripheral surface area of the susceptor is at least 100 square millimetres or wherein a peripheral surface area of the susceptor is less than or equal to 275 square millimetres or both.

12. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, the article further comprising a downstream section at a location downstream of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate, wherein the downstream section comprises a first hollow tubular segment in longitudinal alignment with the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, the first hollow tubular segment defining an internal cavity extending all the way from an upstream end of the first hollow tubular segment to a downstream end of the first hollow tubular segment.

13. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 12, wherein a thickness of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is less than 2.25 millimetres or wherein a thickness of a peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular segment is at least 0.1 millimetres or both.

14. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 12 or 13, wherein a volume of the cavity is at least 50 cubic millimetres.

15. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 12 to 14, comprising a ventilation zone at a location along the first hollow tubular segment.

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