Bale of lyocell tow, filter for smoking article, smoking article, and manufacturing methods therefor

Abstract

The present application relates to a bale of lyocell tow, a smoking article filter comprising the lyocell tow, and a smoking article. The bale of lyocell tow and the smoking article filter, according to the present application, can replace a conventional bale and filter of cellulose acetate tow.

Description

Lyocell tow bales, filters for smoking articles, smoking articles and methods for manufacturing them

[0001] The present application relates to a bale of lyocell tow, a filter comprising the same, a smoking article and a method for producing the same.

[0002] Until now, cellulose acetate tow has been primarily used for cigarette filters. While cellulose acetate is known to be biodegradable, cellulose acetate-based smoking filter materials retain their original shape for one to two years after being buried in the soil, and complete biodegradation takes considerable time. Considering the amount of tobacco products collected and landfilled as waste after smoking, as well as the amount and toxicity of tobacco products discarded in the environment, there is a need to further improve the biodegradability of smoking filter materials. Accordingly, lyocell, a more environmentally friendly material, has recently been chosen as a replacement for cellulose acetate.

[0003] One object of the present application is to provide a bale of lyocell tow that can replace commercially available cellulose acetate tow for use as a filter for smoking articles.

[0004] Another object of the present application is to provide a bale of lyocell tow, the manufacturing process of which is environmentally friendly and has excellent biodegradability when disposed of.

[0005] Another object of the present application is to provide a veil of lyocell tow capable of implementing a filter with excellent physical properties by having a low moisture content.

[0006] Another object of the present application is to provide a lyocell filter for smoking articles.

[0007] Another object of the present application is to provide a smoking article (e.g., a cigarette) comprising a lyocell filter.

[0008] Another object of the present application is to provide a method for producing a bale comprising low moisture content lyocell tow.

[0009] According to specific examples of the present application, a bale of lyocell tow, a filter including the same, and a smoking article are provided.

[0010] Specifically, a bale of lyocell tow is provided, comprising compressed lyocell tow; and a packaging wrapper for wrapping the compressed lyocell tow, wherein the moisture content of the lyocell tow is 8% or less.

[0011] Additionally, a filter for a smoking article is provided, comprising lyocell tow provided from the above veil.

[0012] According to another specific example of the present application, a smoking article comprising the lyocell material or filter is provided.

[0013] According to another specific example of the present application, a method for manufacturing the lyocell tow, a bale of lyocell tow, a filter comprising the same, and a smoking article is provided.

[0014] In this specification, "smoking article" may refer to an article capable of generating an aerosol, such as a cigarette or cigar. In this regard, the smoking article may include an aerosol-generating material or an aerosol-forming substrate. Furthermore, the smoking article may include a solid material based on tobacco raw materials, such as tobacco leaf, tobacco ash, or reconstituted tobacco. Additionally, the smoking material may include volatile compounds.

[0015] Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, if the properties of lyocell material, lyocell tow, or filters for smoking articles, and their related components or compositions, are affected by temperature, the temperature at which the properties are determined or measured may be room temperature. In this case, room temperature refers to a temperature in a non-thermally or non-heated state, and may be, for example, a temperature of 10 to 35°C, specifically 15 to 35°C, 20 to 30°C, or about 25°C.

[0016] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0017] The present application relates to a bale of lyocell tow. The lyocell tow can be used in smoking articles, and, without particular limitation, the lyocell tow can be used in a filter for smoking articles.

[0018] According to an example, a bale of lyocell tow is provided, comprising compressed lyocell tow; and a packaging wrapper for wrapping the compressed lyocell tow, wherein the moisture content of the lyocell tow is 8% or less.

[0019] In a bale of exemplary lyocell tow, the moisture content can be measured according to the following mathematical formula:

[0020] <Mathematical Formula 1>

[0021] Moisture content (%) = [(WD) / D]×100

[0022] In the above equation, W represents the weight of the sample measured before drying, and D represents the weight of the sample measured after drying.

[0023] In an exemplary bale of lyocell tow, the moisture content of the lyocell tow may be from 1% to 7.2%.

[0024] In an exemplary bale of lyocell tow, the moisture content of the lyocell tow may be a value measured from the lyocell tow after opening the bale.

[0025] In an exemplary bale of lyocell tow, the moisture content of the lyocell tow may be a value measured within 10 minutes after opening the bale.

[0026] In an exemplary lyocell tow bale, the lyocell tow may comprise crimped lyocell multifilaments.

[0027] In an exemplary lyocell tow bale, the number of crimps of the lyocell multifilament may be from 3.94 ea / cm (10 ea / inch) to 19.71 ea / cm (50 ea / inch).

[0028] In an exemplary lyocell tow bale, the single denier of the lyocell multifilament may be 1.67 to 8.91 dtex (1.5 to 8.0 denier).

[0029] In an exemplary lyocell tow bale, the total fineness of the lyocell multifilament may be 16700 to 61.233 dtex (15,000 to 55,000 denier).

[0030] In the exemplary bale of lyocell tow, the packaging wrapper can seal the lyocell tow.

[0031] In an exemplary bale of lyocell tow, the packaging wrapper may comprise a resilient polymer film.

[0032] In an exemplary bale of lyocell tow, the packaging wrapper may comprise low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).

[0033] In an exemplary lyocell tow bale, the packaging wrapper may comprise a laminated film having one or more polyamide layers and one or more polyethylene layers.

[0034] In the exemplary bale of lyocell tow, the packaging wrapper may be impermeable to moisture.

[0035] In a bale of exemplary lyocell tow, the packaging wrapper is 5 g / (m 2 *d) It may include a polymer film having a water vapor permeability of the following.

[0036] For example, in a bale of lyocell tow, the water vapor permeability of the packaging wrapper can be measured according to DIN 53122 at 23°C and 85% relative humidity.

[0037] In the exemplary bale of lyocell tow, the packaging wrapper is 10,000 cm 3 / (m 2 It may include a polymer film having a gas permeability of less than or equal to *d*bar.

[0038] For example, in a bale of lyocell tow, the gas permeability of the packaging wrapper can be measured according to DIN 53380-V at 23°C and 85% relative humidity.

[0039] In an exemplary bale of lyocell tow, the packaging wrapper may comprise a polymer film having a tear strength of at least 10 N / 15 mm.

[0040] For example, in a bale of lyocell tow, the packaging wrapper can be measured according to DIN EN ISO 527-3.

[0041] In an exemplary bale of lyocell tow, the packaging wrapper may include one or more air-tight connections.

[0042] In an exemplary bale of lyocell tow, the internal pressure of the bale may have a negative pressure that is at least 0.01 bar lower than the ambient pressure.

[0043] In an exemplary lyocell tow bale, the lyocell tow may be for a smoking article filter.

[0044] According to another example, a filter for a smoking article is provided comprising lyocell tow provided from any one of the bales of exemplary lyocell tow.

[0045] In an exemplary filter for a smoking article, the hardness of the filter may be 80% or greater.

[0046] In an exemplary filter for smoking articles, the hardness of the filter may be a value measured according to the following mathematical formula 2:

[0047] <Mathematical Formula 2>

[0048] Hardness of the filter (%) = [(DA - a) / DA]×100

[0049] In the above equation, DA is the diameter of the original filter, and a is the distance reduced by a weight of 300 g from the diameter of the original filter.

[0050] In an exemplary filter for a smoking article, the hardness reduction of the filter may be less than 7%.

[0051] In an exemplary filter for smoking articles, the hardness reduction of the filter may be a value measured according to the following mathematical formula 3:

[0052] <Mathematical Formula 3>

[0053] Hardness reduction due to moisture addition to the filter (%) = H1 - H2

[0054] In the above formula, H1 is the filter hardness before injecting water, and H2 is the filter hardness measured after injecting 20 μl of water into the filter and leaving the device for 5 minutes.

[0055] According to another example, a smoking article is provided comprising any one of the exemplary smoking article filters.

[0056] According to another example, a method for producing a bale of lyocell tow is provided, comprising a lyocell dope spinning step; a coagulation and lyocell multifilament obtaining step; a washing step; a first emulsion treatment step; a crimping step; a second emulsion treatment step; a drying step; a plating step and a wrapping step of the lyocell tow.

[0057] In addition, in the exemplary method for manufacturing a bale of lyocell tow, while the lyocell tow is transferred from the drying step to the plating step, a moisture content of 30 mg / m is maintained around the lyocell tow. 3 The following dry gases are provided.

[0058] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the moisture content in the drying gas is 0.1 to 25 mg / m 3 It could be.

[0059] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the drying gas may include air or an inert gas.

[0060] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the inert gas may include nitrogen, argon, helium, or a combination thereof.

[0061] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the drying gas may be provided by a dehumidifying device.

[0062] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the relative humidity inside the dehumidifying device may be lower than the relative humidity outside the dehumidifying device.

[0063] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the lyocell tow can be transferred through the dehumidifying device from the drying step to the plating step.

[0064] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the dehumidifying device may include a housing; an inlet disposed on one surface of the housing; and an outlet disposed on the other surface of the housing.

[0065] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the dehumidifying device includes one or more through-holes arranged on the surface of the housing, through which drying gas can be supplied into the housing.

[0066] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the lyocell tow is supplied into the housing through the inlet of the dehumidifying device, is conveyed along the longitudinal direction of the housing, and can be discharged outside the housing through the outlet of the dehumidifying device.

[0067] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the housing of the dehumidifying device may be impermeable to moisture.

[0068] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the lyocell tow can be conveyed by a conveyor belt within the housing of the dehumidifying device.

[0069] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the inlet of the dehumidifying device may be positioned adjacent to the drying device used in the drying step, and the outlet of the dehumidifying device may be positioned adjacent to the plating device used in the plating step.

[0070] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the second emulsion treatment step may include a step of spraying an emulsion-containing composition onto lyocell multifilament.

[0071] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the oil-containing composition may be an aqueous solution, and the water content may be 50 to 80 wt% based on the total weight of the oil-containing composition.

[0072] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the moisture content of the lyocell tow contained in the bale may be less than twice the moisture content of the lyocell tow dried in the drying step.

[0073] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the moisture content of the lyocell tow contained in the bale may be 1.5 times or less than the moisture content of the lyocell tow dried in the drying step.

[0074] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the moisture content of the dried lyocell tow in the drying step may be 4% or less.

[0075] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the moisture content of the compressed lyocell tow in the plating step may be 8% or less.

[0076] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the moisture content of the lyocell tow contained in the bale may be 8% or less.

[0077] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, the moisture content of the lyocell tow contained in the bale may be 1% to 7.2%.

[0078] In an exemplary method for manufacturing lyocell tow, a packaging wrapper can seal the lyocell tow in the packaging step.

[0079] A bale of lyocell tow according to an exemplary embodiment comprises compressed lyocell tow; and a packaging wrapper for wrapping the compressed lyocell tow, wherein the moisture content of the lyocell tow is 8% or less. A filter comprising low moisture content lyocell tow provided from such a bale of lyocell tow exhibits improved filter hardness and reduced filter hardness degradation, and is therefore suitable for use in smoking articles.

[0080] Specifically, a filter for a smoking article comprising lyocell tow provided from the bale of the above-described lyocell tow can have a high hardness of 80% or more. The high hardness of the filter for a smoking article can enhance the satisfaction of consumers using the smoking article comprising the filter.

[0081] A filter for a smoking article comprising lyocell tow provided from the bale of lyocell tow described above can have a hardness reduction of less than 7%. By having such a low hardness reduction, the filter for a smoking article can suppress defects such as rapid disintegration of the filter due to the user's saliva when using the smoking article comprising the filter.

[0082] [Lyocell Tow Veil]

[0083] The bale of lyocell tow of the present application comprises compressed lyocell tow. A bale is a large package in which lyocell tow or the like is wrapped using a packaging wrapper. Before packaging the lyocell tow, the lyocell tow is compressed by a press, and the compressed lyocell tow is wrapped using a packaging wrapper.

[0084] The above moisture content can be measured according to the following mathematical formula 1:

[0085] <Mathematical Formula 1>

[0086] Moisture content (%) = [(WD) / D]×100

[0087] In the above formula, W represents the weight of the sample measured before drying, and D represents the weight of the sample measured after drying. The sample is lyocell tow. For a more specific moisture content measurement method, refer to Evaluation Example 1.

[0088] The upper limit of the moisture content of lyocell tow is, for example, 8% or less, 7.2% or less, 7% or less, 6.5% or less, 6% or less, 5.5% or less, 5% or less, 4.5% or less, or 4% or less. The lower limit of the moisture content of lyocell tow is, for example, more than 0%, 0.1% or more, 0.5% or more, 1% or more, 1.5% or more, or 2.0% or more. Since lyocell tow has such a low moisture content, the hardness of a filter manufactured from lyocell tow can be improved and a decrease in the hardness of the filter can be suppressed. The moisture content of lyocell tow can be, for example, 1% to 7.2%.

[0089] The moisture content of the lyocell tow contained in the bale may be a value measured from the lyocell tow after opening the bale. After opening the bale of lyocell tow, the lyocell tow within the bale may be collected and the moisture content of the collected lyocell tow may be measured to measure the moisture content of the lyocell tow contained in the bale. The moisture content of the lyocell tow may be a value measured within, for example, 10 minutes, 5 minutes, or 3 minutes after opening the bale. The moisture content may be measured by an automated moisture content measuring device. If the elapsed time between opening the bale of lyocell tow and measuring the moisture content increases excessively, the measured moisture content of the lyocell tow may differ from the moisture content of the lyocell tow within the bale.

[0090] The packaging wrapper can seal, for example, the lyocell tow. By sealing the lyocell tow with the packaging wrapper, the lyocell tow can maintain a low moisture content within the bale.

[0091] The packaging wrapper may include, for example, a resilient polymer film. By including the resilient polymer film in the packaging wrapper, cracking, breakage, etc. of the packaging wrapper can be prevented during the transportation of the bale.

[0092] The packaging wrapper may be a polymer film, for example, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).

[0093] The packaging wrapper may comprise, for example, a laminated film having one or more polyamide layers and one or more polyethylene layers. A packaging wrapper in the form of a laminated film can simultaneously provide enhanced flexibility and durability.

[0094] The packaging wrapper may be, for example, impermeable to moisture. The packaging wrapper may be, for example, a moisture-impermeable polymer film. The packaging wrapper may be, for example, a moisture-impermeable polymer laminate film.

[0095] Packaging wrappers are for example 5 g / (m 2 *d) or less, 1 g / (m 2 *d) or less, 0.5 g / (m 2 *d) or less or 0.15 g / (m 2 *d) It may include a polymer film having a water vapor permeability of the following. The water vapor permeability of the packaging wrapper may be measured, for example, at 23°C and 85% relative humidity according to DIN 53122.

[0096] Packaging wrappers are for example 10,000 cm 3 / (m 2 *d*bar) or less, 1,000 cm 3 / (m2 *d*bar) or less, 100 cm 3 / (m 2 *d*bar) or less, 10 cm 3 / (m 2 *d*bar) or less or 1 cm 3 / (m 2 The packaging wrapper may include a polymer film having a gas permeability of less than or equal to *d*bar. The gas permeability of the packaging wrapper may be measured, for example, at 23°C and 85% relative humidity according to DIN 53380-V.

[0097] The packaging wrapper may comprise a polymer film having a tear strength of, for example, 10 N / 15 mm or more, 50 N / 15 mm or more, 100 N / 15 mm or more or 500 N / 15 mm or more. The tear strength of the packaging wrapper may be measured, for example, in accordance with DIN EN ISO 527-3.

[0098] The packaging wrapper may, for example, include one or more air-tight connections. Since the packaging wrapper encloses the compressed lyocell tow by the air-tight connections, it can effectively prevent contact between the lyocell tow and air and / or moisture.

[0099] The internal pressure of the bale can have a negative pressure, for example, compared to the ambient pressure, i.e. the pressure outside the bale. The internal pressure of the bale can have a negative pressure, for example, of 1000 Pa (0.01 bar) or more, 2000 Pa (0.02 bar) or more, 5000 Pa (0.05 bar) or more, 10000 Pa (0.1 bar) or more, 50000 Pa (0.5 bar) or more or 100000 Pa (1 bar) or more compared to the ambient pressure. The negative pressure can be created naturally by the expansion of the compressed lyocell filter or artificially by exhausting air, such as with a vacuum pump.

[0100] Since the internal pressure of the bale is lower than the ambient pressure, cracking or breakage of the packaging wrapper due to expansion of the compressed lyocell filter can be prevented. In addition, since the internal pressure of the bale is lower than the ambient pressure, the bale can easily maintain a reduced volume.

[0101] [Irregular cross-section]

[0102] One or more of the lyocell monofilaments included in the lyocell tow of the present application may have an irregular cross-section. "Irregular" means that the shape of the outer line of the cross-section is not circular, and the "cross-section" may be a cross-section obtained by cutting the lyocell monofilament virtually or actually perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the filament.

[0103] The outline of the heteromorphic cross-section can be tangent to the imaginary first circle and the imaginary second circle, respectively. Furthermore, the imaginary second circle can be depicted within the imaginary first circle.

[0104] The virtual first circle may be the circle with the smallest area value among circles drawn to encompass one cross-section of the monofilament. The virtual second circle may be the circle with the largest area value among circles drawn within the cross-section of the monofilament.

[0105] If a circumscribed circle including the cross-section of the monofilament can be drawn, the virtual first circle can be said circumscribed circle. If an inscribed circle can be drawn inside the cross-section of the monofilament, the virtual second circle can be said inscribed circle.

[0106] The heterogeneous cross-section may be a shape including multiple protrusions, for example, a Y-shaped cross-section including three protrusions. It can be understood that the multiple protrusions are formed integrally with the virtual second circle as the center, and their ends are in contact with the virtual first circle.

[0107] The heteromorphism of a monofilament can be defined by the following mathematical formula A.

[0108] <Mathematical Formula A>

[0109] Lee Hyung-do = r1 / r2

[0110] Here, r1 is the radius of the virtual first circle, and r2 is the radius of the virtual second circle.

[0111] For example, the radius of the virtual first circle may be 4 to 40 μm, and the radius of the virtual second circle may be 2 to 14 μm. The degree of heterogeneity may be 1.01 to 10, 1.1 to 5, or 1.2 to 2.

[0112] Additionally, the space occupancy of the monofilament can be defined by mathematical formula B2.

[0113] <Mathematical Formula B>

[0114] Space occupancy = (S1 / S2) × 100(%)

[0115] Here, S1 is the area of ​​the imaginary first circle, and S2 is the cross-sectional area of ​​the monofilament contained in the lyocell fiber.

[0116] For example, the space occupancy of a monofilament having a heterogeneous cross-section can be 120 to 600%, 150 to 450% or 150 to 300%.

[0117] [Island]

[0118] Lyocell tow includes lyocell multifilament, and the lyocell multifilament can have a fineness suitable for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article and ensuring its function.

[0119] In one example, the single denier of the filaments forming the lyocell multifilament may be 1.5 to 8.0 denier. In this case, the single denier of the filament refers to the fineness of one single monofilament separated from the multifilament.

[0120] Specifically, the upper limit of the single fiber fineness of the filament may be, for example, 8.33 dtex (7.5 denier) or less, 7.78 dtex (7.0 denier) or less, 7.22 dtex (6.5 denier) or less, 6.67 dtex (6.0 denier) or less, 6.11 dtex (5.5 denier) or less, 5.56 dtex (5.0 denier) or less, 5.00 dtex (4.5 denier) or less, 3.89 dtex (3.5 denier) or less, 3.33 dtex (3.0 denier) or less, or 2.78 dtex (2.5 denier) or less. The lower limit of the filament single fiber fineness may be, for example, 2.22 dtex (2.0 denier) or more, 2.78 dtex (2.5 denier) or more, 3.33 dtex (3.0 denier) or more, 3.89 dtex (3.5 denier) or more, 4.44 dtex (4.0 denier) or more, 5.00 dtex (4.5 denier) or more, 5.56 dtex (5.0 denier) or more, 6.11 dtex (5.5 denier) or more, 6.67 dtex (6.0 denier) or more, 7.22 dtex (6.5 denier) or more, or 7.78 dtex (7.0 denier) or more. Satisfying the above range may be more advantageous in securing properties such as hardness or suction resistance implementation of a filter for smoking articles and processability.

[0121] In one example, the total fineness of the lyocell material may be 1,667 to 6,111 tex (15,000 to 55,000 denier). For example, the lower limit of the total fineness is, for example, 1,778 tex (16,000 denier) or more, 1,833 tex (16,500 denier) or more, 1,889 tex (17,000 denier) or more, 1,944 tex (17,500 denier) or more, 2,000 tex (18,000 denier) or more, 2,056 tex (18,500 denier) or more, 2,111 tex (19,000 denier) or more, 2,167 tex (19,500 denier) or more, 2,222 tex (20,000 denier) or more, 2,278 tex (20,500 denier) or more, 2,333 tex (21,000 denier) or more, 2,389 21,500 denier (tex) or more, 2,444 tex (22,000 denier) or more, 2,500 tex (22,500 denier) or more, 2,556 tex (23,000 denier) or more, 2,611 tex (23,500 denier) or more, 2,667 tex (24,000 denier) or more, 2,722 tex (24,500 denier) or more, 2,778 tex (25,000 denier) or more, 2,833 tex (25,500 denier) or more, 2,889 tex (26,000 denier) or more, 2,944 tex (26,500 denier) or more, 3,000 tex (27,000 denier) or more, 3,056 tex (27,500 denier) or more, 3,111 tex (28,000 denier) or more, 3,167 tex (28,500 denier) or more, 3,222 tex (29,000 denier) or more, 3,287 tex (29,500 denier) or more, 3,333 tex (30,000 denier) or more, 3,389 tex (30,500 denier) or more, 3,444 tex (31,000 denier) or more, 3,500 tex (31,500 denier) or more, 3,556 tex (32,000 denier) or more, 3,611 tex (32,500 denier) or more, 3,667 tex (33,000 denier) or more, 3,722 tex (33,500 denier) or more, 3,778 tex (34,000 denier) or more, 3,833 tex (34,500 denier) or more, 3,889 tex (35,000 denier) or more, 3,944 tex (35,500 denier) or more, 4,000 tex (36,000 denier) or more, 4,056 tex (36,500 denier) or more, 4,111 tex (37,000 denier) or more, 4,167 tex (37,500 denier) or more, 4,222 tex (38,000 denier) or more, 4,278 tex (38,500 denier) or more, 4,333 tex (39,000 denier) or more, 4,389 tex (39,500 denier) or more, 4,444 tex (40,000 denier) or more, 4,500 tex (40,500 denier) or more, 4,556 tex (41,000 denier) or more, 4,611 tex (41,500 denier) or more, 4,667 tex (42,000 denier) or more, 4,722 tex (42,500 denier) or more, 4,778 tex (43,000 denier) or more, 4,833 tex (43,500 denier) or more, 4,889 tex (44,000 denier) or more, 4,944 tex (44,500 denier) or more, 5,000 tex (45,000 denier) or more, 5,056 tex (45,500 denier) or more, 5,111 tex (46,000 denier) or more, 5,167 tex (46,500 denier) or more, 5,222 tex (47,000 denier) or more, 5,278 tex (47,500 denier) or more, 5,333 tex (48,000 denier) or more, 5,389 tex (48,500 denier) or more, 5,444 tex (49,000 denier) or more, 5,500 tex (49,500 denier) or more, 5,556 tex (50,000 denier) or more, 5,611 tex (50,500 denier) or more, 5,667 tex (51,000 denier) or more, 5,722 tex (51,500 denier) or more, 5,778 tex (52,000 denier) or more, 5,833 tex (52,500 denier) or more, 5,889 tex (53,000 denier) or more, 5,944 tex (53,500 denier) or more, 6,000 tex (54,000 denier) or more, or 6,056 tex (54,500 denier) or more. The upper limit of the above total fineness is, for example, 6,056 tex (54,500 denier) or less, 6,000 tex (54,000 denier) or less, 5,944 tex (53,500 denier) or less, 5,889 tex (53,000 denier) or less, 5,833 tex (52,500 denier) or less, 5,778 tex (52,000 denier) or less, 5,722 tex (51,500 denier) or less, 5,667 tex (51,000 denier) or less, 5,611 tex (50,500 denier) or less, 5,556 tex (50,000 denier) or less, 5,500 tex (49,500 denier) or less, 5,444 tex (49,000 denier) or less, 5,389 tex (48,500 denier) or less, 5,333 tex (48,000 denier) or less, 5,278 tex (47,500 denier) or less, 5,222 tex (47,000 denier) or less, 5,167 tex (46,500 denier) or less, 5,111 tex (46,000 denier) or less, 5,056 tex (45,500 denier) or less, 5,000 tex (45,000 denier) or less, 4,944 tex (44,500 denier) or less, 4,889 tex (44,000 denier) or less, 4,833 tex (43,500 denier) or less, 4,778 tex (43,000 denier) or less, 4,722 tex (42,500 denier) or less, 4,667 tex (42,000 denier) or less, 4,611 tex (41,500 denier) or less, 4,556 tex (41,000 denier) or less, 4,500 tex (40,500 denier) or less, 4,444 tex (40,000 denier) or less, 4,389 tex (39,500 denier) or less, 4,333 tex (39,000 denier) or less, 4,278 tex (38,500 denier) or less, 4,222 tex (38,000 denier) or less, 4,167 tex (37,500 denier) or less, 4,111 tex (37,000 denier) or less, 4,056 tex (36,500 denier) or less, 4,000 tex (36,000 denier) or less, 3,944 tex (35,500 denier) or less, 3,889 tex (35,000 denier) or less, 3,833 tex (34,500 denier) or less, 3,778 tex (34,000 denier) or less, 3,722 tex (33,500 denier) or less, 3,667 tex (33,000 denier) or less, 3,611 tex (32,500 denier) or less, 3,556 tex (32,000 denier) or less, 3,500 tex (31,500 denier) or less, 3,444 tex (31,000 denier) or less, 3,389 tex (30,500 denier) or less, 3,333 tex (30,000 denier) or less, 3,278 tex (29,500 denier) or less, 3,222 tex (29,000 denier) or less, 3,167 tex (28,500 denier) or less, 3,111 tex (28,000 denier) or less, 3,056 tex (27,500 denier) or less, 3,000 tex (27,000 denier) or less, 2,944 tex (26,500 denier) or less, 2,889 tex (26,000 denier) or less, 2,833 tex (25,500 denier) or less, 2,778 tex (25,000 denier) or less, 2,722 tex (24,500 denier) or less, 2,667 tex (24,000 denier) or less, 2,611 tex (23,500 denier) or less, 2,556 tex (23,000 denier) or less, 2,500 tex (22,500 denier) or less, 2,444 tex (22,000 denier) or less, 2,389 tex (21,500 denier) or less, 2,333 tex (21,000 denier) or less, 2,278 tex (20,500 denier) or less, 2,222 tex (20,000 denier) or less,It may be 2,167 tex (19,500 denier) or less, 2,111 tex (19,000 denier) or less, 2,056 tex (18,500 denier) or less, 2,000 tex (18,000 denier) or less, 1,944 tex (17,500 denier) or less, 1,889 tex (17,000 denier) or less, 1,833 tex (16,500 denier) or less, 1,778 tex (16,000 denier) or less, or 1,722 tex (15,500 denier) or less. If the total fineness is outside the above range, continuous processing by cutting is impossible, so the processability of manufacturing a filter for smoking articles may be deteriorated. And, if the total fineness is outside the above range, the amount of tow filled in the filter paper may be too small or too large when manufacturing a filter for smoking articles, making it difficult to secure the filter's physical properties, such as hardness or suction resistance.

[0122] There are no specific restrictions on the method for measuring fineness. For example, first, a 2 m long lyocell tow sample to be measured is collected. The sample is stabilized by leaving it in a room maintained at a temperature of 20℃ and a humidity of 65% for 24 hours. One end of the stabilized lyocell tow sample is fixed, and a 2 kg weight is attached to the other end. The lyocell tow, which is stretched by the load, is maintained for 5 seconds and stabilized. Next, the stretched lyocell tow is cut into 90 cm long samples, and the weight of the sample is measured to calculate the total fineness. The total fineness is converted to denier by multiplying the measured weight by 10000. The single fineness of the monofilaments in the sample is calculated by dividing the total fineness of the sample by the number of monofilaments in the sample.

[0123] The total fineness of the lyocell multifilament as described above can be determined by the single fineness and crimp count of the filament. In the present application, the single fineness and crimp count can be controlled, and a total fineness of the tow suitable for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article and ensuring its function can be secured.

[0124] [Number of crimps]

[0125] Lyocell tow may comprise, for example, crimped lyocell multifilament.

[0126] In one example, the lyocell multifilament can have crimps from 3.94 to 19.7 per centimeter (10 to 50 per inch). For example, the number of crimps can be at least 5.91 ea / cm (15 ea / inch), at least 7.87 ea / cm (20 ea / inch), at least 9.84 ea / cm (25 ea / inch), at least 11.81 ea / cm (30 ea / inch), at least 13.78 ea / cm (35 ea / inch), at least 15.75 ea / cm (40 ea / inch), or at least 17.72 ea / cm (45 ea / inch). The upper limit of the number of crimps can be, for example, 21.69 ea / cm (55 ea / inch) or less, 19.69 ea / cm (50 ea / inch) or less, 17.72 ea / cm (45 ea / inch) or less, 15.75 ea / cm (40 ea / inch) or less, 13.78 ea / cm (35 ea / inch) or less, 11.81 ea / cm (30 ea / inch) or less, or 9.84 ea / cm (25 ea / inch) or less. The lyocell multifilament can have, for example, 19 to 32 crimps per 2.54 centimeters (19 to 32 per inch). The number of crimps and their uniformity can be controlled through pressure and temperature conditions, etc., for the crimping step described below.

[0127] Although not particularly limited, the crimp count can be measured using, for example, a monofilament property evaluation device (e.g., Favimat). Specifically, the manufactured lyocell tow sample can be left and stabilized for 24 hours under conditions of a temperature of 20±2℃ and a humidity of 65±4%. A sample can be collected from the stabilized sample so that the crimp is not damaged. The collected sample can be mounted on a dedicated jig with a length (gauge length) of 10 to 30 mm. The initial load during measurement can be 0.45 g / tex (0.05 g / denier), and the crimp sensitivity can be 0.01 mm. The crimp count can be measured under the conditions described above (i.e., a temperature of 20±2℃ and a humidity of 65±4%).

[0128] Although not specifically limited, lyocell tow manufactured to meet the single fiber count, total fiber count, and / or crimp count specifications described above may be used in smoking articles.

[0129] [bookbinder]

[0130] In one non-limiting example, the lyocell tow may further comprise a binder. The binder may be present, for example, on the surface of the lyocell multifilaments or between the lyocell multifilaments (or monofilaments). The binder may increase the hardness of the filter for a smoking article, thereby preventing problems such as filter jamming during the filter manufacturing process or the manufacturing process of a smoking article (e.g., cigarette).

[0131] The type of binder available is not particularly limited, and any known binder may be used as long as it does not impede the purpose of the present invention. For example, a binder that provides sufficient compatibility with the emulsion used in the present application, improves the hardness of the filter, and provides excellent bonding strength may be used.

[0132] In one non-limiting example, the binder may include a polyester-based binder, a cellulosic-based binder, and / or a vinyl-based binder.

[0133] Although not particularly limited, a polyester binder including at least one selected from the group consisting of alkylene, arylene, and heteroarylene having 5 to 12 carbon atoms may be used as the polyester binder.

[0134] Examples of cellulose-based binders that can be used include, but are not limited to, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), ethylcellulose (EC), and / or methylcellulose (MC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), etc.

[0135] Examples of vinyl binders that can be used include, but are not limited to, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and / or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVAc).

[0136] The method of applying (coating) the above binder to the lyocell material is described below.

[0137] [emulsion]

[0138] The above lyocell tow may comprise lyocell multifilaments; and an emulsion coated on the lyocell multifilaments. The emulsion comprises (a) an ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol; and (b) an ester of sorbitan and a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms. The emulsion may be applied to part or all of the monofilaments or multifilaments forming the lyocell material. In addition, the emulsion may penetrate between the filaments.

[0139] The emulsion comprising at least the above components (a) and (b) may have hydrophobic properties. As a result, the lyocell tow treated with the emulsion has excellent spreading properties.

[0140] In a specific example of the present application, the lyocell tow may contain a predetermined amount of the oil. In this case, the amount of the oil may refer to OPU (wt%), which will be described later. "OPU" may refer to "oil pick-up ratio." For example, the lyocell tow may contain the oil in an amount of 0.1 wt% or more, based on 100 wt% of the total lyocell tow. The lower limit of the milk content may be, for example, 0.5 wt% or more, 1.0 wt% or more, 1.5 wt% or more, 2.0 wt% or more, 2.5 wt% or more, 3.0 wt% or more, specifically 3.5 wt% or more, 4.0 wt% or more, 4.2 wt% or more, 4.5 wt% or more, 5.0 wt% or more, 5.5 wt% or more, 6.0 wt% or more, 6.5 wt% or more, 7.0 wt% or more, 7.5 wt% or more, 8.0 wt% or more, 8.5 wt% or more, 9.0 wt% or more, or 9.5 wt% or more. The upper limit of the milk content can be, for example, 20.0 wt% or less, 18.0 wt% or less, 17.0 wt% or less, 16.0 wt% or less, 15.0 wt% or less, 14.5 wt% or less, 14.0 wt% or less, 13.5 wt% or less, 13.0 wt% or less, 12.5 wt% or less, 12.0 wt% or less, 11.5 wt% or less, 11.0 wt% or less, 10.5 wt% or less, 10 wt% or less, 9.5 wt% or less, 9.0 wt% or less, 8.5 wt% or less, 8.0 wt% or less, 7.8 wt% or less, or 7.6 wt% or less.

[0141] As a method for measuring the amount of oil (OPU), an extrusion method can be used, for example. For example, a sample (e.g., 2 to 5 g, specifically, about 2.5 g) is collected (the weight of the collected sample is referred to as the sample weight) and the sample is placed in a syringe-shaped container. The material of the container is not particularly limited, but may be SUS (stainless steel). Next, a solvent (e.g., methanol) is placed in the container into which the sample has been placed (the amount of the solvent placed may be 10 ml or less (e.g., about 8 ml)). The solvent may be placed in a dropping manner when the sample is placed, and the dropping speed is controlled uniformly. Then, the solvent placed in the container as described above is allowed to fall from one end of the syringe-shaped container onto a plate. At this time, the plate is pre-weighed (the weighed weight is referred to as plate weight X), and the plate is installed so that the solvent dropped on the plate can fly away (i.e., evaporate) at a temperature of 120 to 130°C (e.g., 125°C). The above-described solvent injection and solvent dropping are performed three times, and a pressure (e.g., 98 N / cm) is applied to the sample using a syringe-shaped container. 2 (10 kgf / cm 2 ) or less, 49 N / cm 2 (5 kgf / cm 2 ) or less or 20-39 N / cm 2 (2-4 kgf / cm 2 ) and press the sample once. This sufficiently extrudes the solvent and emulsion present in the sample. Squeeze the sample by applying pressure until no solvent comes out. Afterwards, store the plate in a desiccator for 5 to 10 minutes, and measure the weight of the plate containing the sample (plate weight Y). Calculate the content of the emulsion using the following mathematical formula C.

[0142] <Mathematical Formula C>

[0143] The content of the emulsion by extrusion (OPU, % or wt%) = {(plate weight Y - plate weight X) / (sample weight)} x 100

[0144] In addition, the lyocell tow that serves as the basis for the above-described emulsion content may be at least emulsion-treated lyocell multifilament. For example, the lyocell tow may be lyocell multifilament to which a primary emulsion treatment (described below) has been applied, lyocell multifilament to which a primary emulsion treatment and a secondary emulsion treatment (described below) have been applied, or lyocell multifilament to which both the above-described emulsion treatment and a binder, as described below, have been applied. In addition, the lyocell multifilament to which an emulsion and / or binder treatment has been applied may be crimped.

[0145] In relation to the emulsion of the present application, component (a) is a compound that can function as a type of lubricant or oil, and is harmless to the human body enough to be used in food. Component (a) provides lubrication to the fibers fed into the crimper. If the lubrication is insufficient, the lyocell may clump together and fail to exit the crimper. If the lubrication is excessively high, crimping may not occur properly. The content of component (a) can be controlled, as described below, taking these functions into account.

[0146] With respect to the above (a) component, the type of fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms forming it is not particularly limited. Any fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms that can provide an ester compound that is harmless to the human body and can be used in food may be used.

[0147] For example, fatty acids having 16 or more carbon atoms may be saturated fatty acids and / or unsaturated fatty acids.

[0148] Saturated fatty acids include, for example, palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid, CH3(CH2) 14 COOH), margaric acid (heptadecanoic acid, CH3(CH2)15 COOH), stearic acid (octadecanoic acid, CH3(CH2) 16 COOH), nonadecylic acid (nonadecanoic acid, CH3(CH2) 17 COOH) or arachidic acid (eicosanoic acid, CH3(CH2) 18 COOH) etc. However, the types of saturated fatty acids that can be used are not limited to these. In some embodiments, the fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of palmitic acid, margaric acid, stearic acid, nonadecylic acid, arachidic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid.

[0149] Unsaturated fatty acids include, for example, palmitoleic acid (CH3(CH2)5CH=CH(CH2)7COOH), oleic acid (CH3(CH2)7CH=CH(CH2)7COOH), and linoleic acid (C 18 H 32 O2) or arachidonic acid (C 20 H 32 O2) etc. However, the types of saturated fatty acids available are not limited to these.

[0150] The upper limit of the carbon number of the fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 40 or less, 36 or less, 32 or less, 28 or less, 24 or less, or 20 or less.

[0151] With respect to the above component (a), the type of aliphatic monohydric alcohol forming it is not particularly limited. Any aliphatic monohydric alcohol capable of providing an ester compound that is harmless to the human body and suitable for use in food may be used.

[0152] For example, it can be a saturated fatty alcohol or an unsaturated fatty alcohol, and they can have a linear or branched form.

[0153] In one example, the carbon number of the aliphatic monohydric alcohol may be 1 to 40. Specifically, the carbon number of the aliphatic monohydric alcohol may be, for example, 4 or more, 8 or more, 12 or more, 16 or more, or 20 or more.

[0154] Examples of the above-described aliphatic monohydric alcohols include, but are not limited to, methanol, ethanol, butanol, lauryl alcohol, isotridecanol, and stearyl alcohol. In some embodiments, the aliphatic monohydric alcohol is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, butanol, lauryl alcohol, isotridecanol, and stearyl alcohol.

[0155] In a specific example of the present application, an ester of isotridecanol and stearic acid (e.g., isotridecyl stearate) may be used as the component (a). However, the type of component (a) that can be used is not limited thereto.

[0156] As described below, the content of the above-mentioned (a) component included in the emulsion can be adjusted in consideration of the function of the emulsion or the function of the (a) component.

[0157] The above (b) component, i.e., sorbitan and an ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms, is a compound that can function as a type of emulsifier and is a component that is harmless to the human body enough to be used in food.

[0158] Since this component (b) has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties due to the polyhydric alcohol (i.e., sorbitan), it enables the component (a), which provides lubrication to the fiber, to be well dispersed in water as described below. In addition, components (a) and (b) used together not only increase the dispersibility of the emulsion as described above, but also lower the melting point, thereby ensuring the usability, handling, and stability of the emulsion. The content of the component (b) can be controlled as described below, taking these functions into consideration.

[0159] With respect to the above component (b), the type of fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms forming it is not particularly limited. Any fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms that can provide an ester compound that is harmless to the human body and can be used in food may be used.

[0160] For example, fatty acids having 16 or more carbon atoms may be saturated fatty acids and / or unsaturated fatty acids.

[0161] Saturated fatty acids include, for example, palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid, CH3(CH2) 14 COOH), margaric acid (heptadecanoic acid, CH3(CH2) 15 COOH), stearic acid (octadecanoic acid, CH3(CH2) 16 COOH), nonadecylic acid (nonadecanoic acid, CH3(CH2) 17 COOH) or arachidic acid (eicosanoic acid, CH3(CH2) 18 Examples include COOH). However, the types of saturated fatty acids available are not limited to these.

[0162] Unsaturated fatty acids include, for example, palmitoleic acid (CH3(CH2)5CH=CH(CH2)7COOH), oleic acid (CH3(CH2)7CH=CH(CH2)7COOH), and linoleic acid (C 18 H 32 O2) or arachidonic acid (C 20 H 32 O2) etc. However, the types of saturated fatty acids that can be used are not limited to these. In some embodiments, the fatty acids are selected from the group consisting of palmitic acid, margaric acid, stearic acid, nonadecylic acid, arachidic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid.

[0163] The upper limit of the carbon number of the fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 40 or less, 36 or less, 32 or less, 28 or less, 24 or less, or 20 or less.

[0164] In a specific example of the present application, the component (b) may be an ester of sorbitan and oleic acid (e.g., sorbitan monooleate). However, the types of usable component (b) are not limited thereto.

[0165] (b) The content of the component can be adjusted in consideration of the function of the component (b) and the function of the emulsion as described above.

[0166] In one example, the emulsion may comprise 100 parts by weight of the esterified product of (a) a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol, and (b) 20 to 60 parts by weight of the esterified product of (sorbitan) and a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms.

[0167] Specifically, the emulsion of the present application may contain the component (b) in an amount of 25 parts by weight or more, 30 parts by weight or more, 35 parts by weight or more, 40 parts by weight or more, 45 parts by weight or more, or 50 parts by weight or more, relative to 100 parts by weight of the component (a). In addition, the upper limit of the content of the component (b) relative to 100 parts by weight of the component (a) may be, for example, 55 parts by weight or less, 50 parts by weight or less, 45 parts by weight or less, 40 parts by weight or less, 35 parts by weight or less, 30 parts by weight or less, or 25 parts by weight or less. When the above content range is satisfied, the surface of the emulsion-treated lyocell multifilament or lyocell tow may have hydrophobicity.

[0168] In one example, the emulsion may include 40 to 80 wt% of (a) an esterified product of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol, based on 100 wt% of the total weight of the emulsion. Specifically, the content of the (a) component may be 45 wt% or more, 50 wt% or more, 55 wt% or more, 60 wt% or more, 65 wt% or more, 70 wt% or more, or 75 wt% or more, based on 100 wt% of the total weight of the emulsion. And, the upper limit of the content may be, for example, 75 wt% or less, 70 wt% or less, 65 wt% or less, 60 wt% or less, 55 wt% or less, 50 wt% or less, or 45 wt% or less.

[0169] In one example, the emulsion may contain an excess of component (a).

[0170] In one example, the emulsion may comprise 15 to 55 wt% of (b) an esterified product of sorbitan and a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms, based on 100 wt% of the total weight of the emulsion. Specifically, the content of the (b) component may be 20 wt% or more, 25 wt% or more, 30 wt% or more, 35 wt% or more, 40 wt% or more, 45 wt% or more, or 50 wt% or more, based on 100 wt% of the total weight of the emulsion. And the upper limit of the content may be, for example, 50 wt% or less, 45 wt% or less, 40 wt% or less, 35 wt% or less, 30 wt% or less, or 25 wt% or less.

[0171] In one example, the emulsion may further contain water. A small amount of water may aid in emulsification.

[0172] The content of water is not particularly limited, but may be included as the remaining amount after excluding the sum of the contents of components (a) and (b) from 100 wt% of the entire emulsion. The content of water included in the emulsion (i.e., the remaining amount after excluding the sum of the contents of the remaining components excluding water) may be, for example, 10 wt% or less, 9 wt% or less, 8 wt% or less, 7 wt% or less, 6 wt% or less, 5 wt% or less, 4 wt% or less, 3 wt% or less, 2 wt% or less, or 1 wt% or less. And, the lower limit may be, for example, 0 wt% or more, 0.1 wt% or more, 0.5 wt% or more, or 1 wt% or more.

[0173] [Method for manufacturing lyocell tow bales]

[0174] The present application relates to a method for manufacturing a lyocell tow bale. A lyocell tow bale can be manufactured using the following method. The lyocell tow contained in the bale can be used in smoking articles.

[0175] Specifically, the method for manufacturing a bale of lyocell tow includes a lyocell dope spinning step; a coagulation and lyocell multifilament obtaining step; a washing step; a primary emulsion treatment step; a crimping step; a secondary emulsion treatment step; a plating step and a lyocell tow wrapping step. The method for manufacturing a bale of lyocell tow may further include a binder treatment step; and other steps.

[0176] While the lyocell tow is being transferred from the drying step to the plating step, a drying gas having a moisture content of 30 mg / m3 or less is provided around the lyocell tow. The drying gas creates a dry atmosphere around the lyocell tow.

[0177] The emulsion treatment step may be performed before the crimping step, after the crimping step, or before and after the crimping step as described above.

[0178] The emulsion treatment can be performed independently, for example, by spraying the emulsion of the above-described composition onto the lyocell multifilament or immersing the lyocell multifilament in the emulsion. The emulsion treatment can be performed so that the content of the emulsion in the lyocell material (e.g., OPU (wt%)) satisfies a predetermined range.

[0179] The crimping step may be performed, for example, by applying steam and / or pressure to the lyocell multifilament.

[0180] A method for manufacturing a lyocell tow bale according to a specific embodiment of the present application, including a milk treatment step and a crimping step, is described in more detail below. The method of the present application may be performed by including one or more of the steps described below.

[0181] <Lyocell dope radiation stage>

[0182] The lyocell dope spinning step is a step of spinning a lyocell spinning dope containing pulp and N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO).

[0183] Cellulose acetate filters are pointed out as a source of microplastics, a pollutant. In contrast, the amine oxide solvents used in the production of lyocell multifilament are recyclable and biodegradable upon disposal. Lyocell tow does not produce any pollutants during the manufacturing process. It biodegrades and can be removed within a relatively short period of time. Lyocell tow is more environmentally friendly than cellulose acetate tow.

[0184] In one example, the content of cellulose in the spinning dope may be 5 to 15 wt% based on 100 wt% of the total weight of the dope. If the content of cellulose is too low, it is difficult to implement the characteristics of the lyocell fiber, and if the content exceeds the above range, it is difficult to dissolve in the solvent. The lower limit of the cellulose content may be, for example, 6 wt% or more, 7 wt% or more, 8 wt% or more, 9 wt% or more, or 10 wt% or more. The upper limit of the cellulose content may be, for example, 14 wt% or less, 13 wt% or less, 12 wt% or less, 11 wt% or less, 10 wt% or less, or 9 wt% or less. The term "cellulose" may refer to "lyocell cellulose".

[0185] In one example, the spinning dope may include an N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) aqueous solution. The NMMO aqueous solution may include, for example, 80 to 95 parts by weight of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide and 5 to 20 parts by weight of water per 100 parts by weight of the NMMO aqueous solution, taking into account the degree of dissolution of cellulose and the process temperature.

[0186] The shape of the detention device for discharging the radiation dope is not particularly limited. For example, a donut-shaped detention device may be used.

[0187] The nozzle temperature of the spinneret, specifically the spin temperature, can be appropriately selected by those skilled in the art. Considering that the viscosity of the spinneret may vary depending on the spin temperature, which may impede ejection, the spin temperature may be, for example, between 100°C and 120°C or lower, or between 100°C and 110°C or lower.

[0188] In one example, the step of spinning the above-described spinning dope can be performed under controlled spinning conditions so that the single filament fineness can be 1.67 dtex to 8.89 dtex (1.5 denier to 8.0 denier). For example, one or more spinning conditions among the discharge amount and spinning speed of the above-described spinning dope can be appropriately controlled so that the single filament fineness included in the lyocell material can satisfy 1.67 dtex to 8.89 dtex (1.5 to 8.0 denier). In this case, the single filament fineness means the fineness of one monofilament separated from the multifilament.

[0189] Specifically, the upper limit of the single fiber fineness of the filament may be, for example, 8.33 dtex (7.5 denier) or less, 7.78 dtex (7.0 denier) or less, 7.22 dtex (6.5 denier) or less, 6.67 dtex (6.0 denier) or less, 6.11 dtex (5.5 denier) or less, 5.56 dtex (5.0 denier) or less, 5.00 dtex (4.5 denier) or less, 3.89 dtex (3.5 denier) or less, 3.33 dtex (3.0 denier) or less, or 2.78 dtex (2.5 denier) or less. The lower limit of the filament single fineness may be 2.22 dtex (2.0 denier) or more, 2.78 dtex (2.5 denier) or more, 3.33 dtex (3.0 denier) or more, 3.89 dtex (3.5 denier) or more, 4.44 dtex (4.0 denier) or more, 5.00 dtex (4.5 denier) or more, 5.56 dtex (5.0 denier) or more, 6.11 dtex (5.5 denier) or more, 6.67 dtex (6.0 denier) or more, 7.22 dtex (6.5 denier) or more, or 7.78 dtex (7.0 denier) or more. A filament satisfying these single fineness ranges may be more advantageous in implementing stable suction resistance and ensuring fairness of a filter for a smoking article.

[0190] The radiation dope discharged through the radiation detention can go through the coagulation step described below.

[0191] <Coagulation and multifilament production steps>

[0192] The coagulation and multifilament obtaining step is a step in which the spun lyocell spun dope is coagulated and lyocell multifilament is obtained.

[0193] Coagulation may involve contact of the radiant dope with air and / or a coagulating liquid.

[0194] In one example, the coagulation may include a first coagulation step of supplying cooling air to the radiated lyocell dope; and a second coagulation step of introducing the first coagulated radiated dope into a coagulation solution to coagulate it.

[0195] According to the above-described solidification method, the lyocell dope discharged from the spinneret can be primarily solidified in the space between the spinneret and the solidification tank, i.e., the air gap region. For example, cooling air can be supplied from the inside of the spinneret to the outside from an air-cooling unit located inside the spinneret. Alternatively, primary solidification can be achieved by an air-quenching method or means.

[0196] In one example, the upper temperature limit of the cooling air used for primary solidification may be, for example, 15°C or lower. The cooling air may be, for example, air having a temperature of 14°C or lower, 13°C or lower, 12°C or lower, 11°C or lower, or 10°C or lower. If the temperature exceeds the above, the solidification of the radiation dope by the air may not be sufficient, and the radiation-related processability may deteriorate.

[0197] The lower limit of the cooling air temperature may be determined in consideration of the spinning processability and / or the cross-sectional uniformity of the filament. If the temperature of the cooling air is lower than 4°C, the surface of the spinneret may cool, the surface of the filament may become uneven, and the spinning processability may also deteriorate. The temperature of the cooling air may be, for example, 5°C or higher, 6°C or higher, 7°C or higher, 8°C or higher, or 9°C or higher.

[0198] The degree to which the cooling air is supplied can be controlled in consideration of sufficient coagulation, spinning processability, and the influence on the physical properties of the filament. The cooling air may be supplied at, for example, 70 to 400 Nm 3 / h can be supplied to the radiation dope derived from the air flow rate. The lower limit of the air flow rate of the cooling air is, for example, 100 Nm 3 / h or more, 150 Nm 3 / h or more, 200 Nm 3 / h or more or 250 Nm 3 / h or more. The upper limit of the cooling air flow rate is, for example, 350 Nm 3 / h or less, 300 Nm 3 / h or less, 250 Nm 3 / h or less, 200 Nm 3 / h or less or 150 Nm 3 / h can be less than or equal to.

[0199] After the primary coagulation as described above, the cooled spinning dope can be supplied to a coagulation tank or bath containing a coagulating solution to undergo secondary coagulation. For proper coagulation, the upper temperature limit of the coagulating solution can be, for example, 30°C or lower or 25°C or lower. The lower temperature limit of the coagulating solution can be, for example, 10°C or higher, 15°C or higher, or 20°C or higher. While maintaining the temperature within these ranges, the coagulation rate can be appropriately maintained.

[0200] The type of coagulant for the secondary coagulation described above is not particularly limited. For example, the coagulant may include one or more of water and N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO).

[0201] In a coagulant containing water and NMMO, for example, the water content may be 60 to 90 wt% and the NMMO content may be 10 to 40 wt% based on the total weight of the coagulant. The coagulant may contain, for example, 70 to 80 wt% of water and 20 to 30 wt% of NMMO based on the total weight of the coagulant. The concentration of the coagulant may be controlled to be maintained during the manufacturing process using a sensor or the like.

[0202] <Water level>

[0203] The washing step is a step in which the lyocell multifilament is washed after the coagulation and multifilament steps described above. This washing removes any remaining NMMO and / or other impurities within the filament.

[0204] There are no specific restrictions on the method of washing. For example, washing can be accomplished by introducing the coagulated lyocell multifilament into a washing tank using a traction roller. Alternatively, washing can be accomplished by spraying the washing solution as the traction roller moves the lyocell multifilament to the next stage.

[0205] The composition of the cleaning solution is not particularly limited. The cleaning solution may contain, for example, water, and may also contain known additives.

[0206] Considering reuse after washing, etc., the washing liquid can be used at a temperature below 100℃.

[0207] For example, the step of obtaining lyocell multifilament may further include a step of pulling the lyocell multifilament by a first roller, and the washing step may further include a step of pulling the lyocell multifilament by a second roller. In this case, the moisture content of the lyocell multifilament may be controlled by a ratio of the rotational speeds of the second roller to the first roller. The pulling of the lyocell multifilament in the washing step may be performed by one or more rollers. When the pulling of the lyocell multifilament in the washing step is performed by two or more rollers, the second roller may be the last roller among the two or more rollers.

[0208] By controlling the ratio of the rotation speed of the second roller to the first roller, the washing time and dehydration according to tension of the lyocell multifilament can be controlled. The ratio of the rotation speed of the second roller to the first roller can be, for example, 1.00 to 1.15. If the ratio of the rotation speed of the second roller to the first roller is less than 1.00, transportation of the lyocell multifilament and production of the lyocell tow may not proceed. If the ratio of the rotation speed of the second roller to the first roller exceeds 1.15, the strength of the lyocell monofilament may be reduced, and the dimensional stability of the lyocell multifilament may be reduced.

[0209] In the exemplary method for manufacturing a bale of lyocell tow, a step of pressing the lyocell multifilament may be further included. The step of pressing the lyocell multifilament may be included between the washing step and the crimping step. The pressing of the lyocell multifilament may be, for example, 3.0 kgf / cm. 2 3.5 kgf / cm 2 By performing the step of pressurizing the lyocell multifilament, the moisture content of the lyocell multifilament can be controlled.

[0210] <Emulsion treatment stage>

[0211] The emulsion treatment step involves applying an emulsion to the lyocell multifilament. This step involves applying an emulsion containing the aforementioned ingredients to the surface of the filament. This emulsion treatment reduces friction on the filament and facilitates crimp formation during the crimping step. If two or more emulsion treatments are performed, they can be categorized as primary and secondary emulsion treatments, depending on the order in which they occur.

[0212] Emulsion treatment can be performed, for example, by immersing the lyocell multifilaments in a bath filled with emulsion so that the lyocell multifilaments are completely submerged in the emulsion. Alternatively, the emulsion can be applied by spraying the emulsion liquid as it moves to the next stage by a traction roller. For example, the first emulsion treatment step can be immersed, and the second emulsion treatment step can be sprayed. For example, a crimping step can be performed between the first and second emulsion treatments.

[0213] An additional step of controlling the amount of emulsion applied to the lyocell multifilament after the emulsion treatment may be included. For example, a step of removing the emulsion from the surface of the lyocell multifilament by pressing it with a roll or the like may be further included before and / or after the emulsion treatment step.

[0214] In one example, the emulsion treatment may be performed such that the oil content (OPU: oil pick up ratio (wt%)) is 1.0 wt% or more, based on at least 100 wt% of the emulsion-treated lyocell multifilament. The emulsion-treated lyocell multifilament may be, for example, a lyocell multifilament to which a primary emulsion treatment has been applied, a lyocell multifilament to which a primary emulsion treatment and a secondary emulsion treatment have been applied, or a lyocell multifilament to which the above-described emulsion treatment and a binder treatment have been applied. The lyocell multifilament to which the emulsion treatment and / or the binder treatment has been applied may be a crimped lyocell multifilament.

[0215] The lower limit of the oil content in the lyocell multifilament to which the oil treatment has been applied may be, for example, 0.5 wt% or more, 1.0 wt% or more, 1.5 wt% or more, 2.0 wt% or more, 2.5 wt% or more, 3.0 wt% or more, 3.5 wt% or more, 4.0 wt% or more, 4.2 wt% or more, 4.5 wt% or more, 5.0 wt% or more, 5.5 wt% or more, 6.0 wt% or more, 6.5 wt% or more, 7.0 wt% or more, 7.5 wt% or more, 8.0 wt% or more, 8.5 wt% or more, 9.0 wt% or more, or 9.5 wt% or more, based on the total weight of the lyocell multifilament to which the oil treatment has been applied. The upper limit of the oil content in the lyocell multifilament to which the oil treatment has been applied may be, for example, 20.0 wt% or less, 18.0 wt% or less, 17.0 wt% or less, 16.0 wt% or less, 15.0 wt% or less, 14.5 wt% or less, 14.0 wt% or less, 13.5 wt% or less, 13.0 wt% or less, 12.5 wt% or less, 12.0 wt% or less, 11.5 wt% or less, 11.0 wt% or less, 10.5 wt% or less, 10 wt% or less, 9.5 wt% or less, 9.0 wt% or less, 8.5 wt% or less, 8.0 wt% or less, 7.8 wt% or less, or 7.6 wt% or less, based on the total weight of the lyocell multifilament to which the oil treatment has been applied. Among lyocell multifilaments, the emulsion content may refer to the dry weight after volatile components such as solvents contained in the emulsion have evaporated.

[0216] When the above-described emulsion is treated within this content range, the hydrophilic properties of lyocell tow can be alleviated. After the emulsion treatment, the emulsion can be dried.

[0217] In one or more of the steps described above, the single filament fineness of the filament forming the lyocell multifilament can be controlled to a range of 1.67 dtex to 8.89 dtex (1.5 to 8.0 denier). The single filament fineness refers to the fineness of one single monofilament separated from the multifilament. The upper limit of the single filament fineness may be, for example, 8.33 dtex (7.5 denier) or less, 7.78 dtex (7.0 denier) or less, 7.22 dtex (6.5 denier) or less, 6.67 dtex (6.0 denier) or less, 6.11 dtex (5.5 denier) or less, 5.56 dtex (5.0 denier) or less, 5.00 dtex (4.5 denier) or less, 3.89 dtex (3.5 denier) or less, 3.33 dtex (3.0 denier) or less, or 2.78 dtex (2.5 denier) or less. The lower limit of the filament single fineness may be 2.22 dtex (2.0 denier) or more, 2.78 dtex (2.5 denier) or more, 3.33 dtex (3.0 denier) or more, 3.89 dtex (3.5 denier) or more, 4.44 dtex (4.0 denier) or more, 5.00 dtex (4.5 denier) or more, 5.56 dtex (5.0 denier) or more, 6.11 dtex (5.5 denier) or more, 6.67 dtex (6.0 denier) or more, 7.22 dtex (6.5 denier) or more, or 7.78 dtex (7.0 denier) or more. By satisfying the single fineness of the filament within this range, it is easy to implement stable suction resistance and ensure fairness of the filter for smoking articles.

[0218] To secure the above-described single-fiber range, the spinning conditions of the above-described spinning step may be controlled. Alternatively, to secure the above-described single-fiber range, the processing conditions of one or more of the above-described spinning, coagulation, washing, and emulsion treatment steps may be controlled.

[0219] <Crimping step>

[0220] The crimping step is a step of preparing crimped lyocell multifilament, preferably crimped lyocell tow, by applying pressure to the emulsion-treated lyocell multifilament through steam and / or a press roller. The crimping step may be referred to as a crimping step.

[0221] Crimping imparts waves to the lyocell multifilament, thereby imparting bulky properties to the lyocell multifilament. Crimping can be performed using a known crimping device, such as one comprising a stuffer box and / or a steam box. The crimping device is not particularly limited, as long as it can apply one or more of the pressures described below.

[0222] A crimping step can be performed on lyocell multifilaments whose moisture content has been controlled through a washing step or an emulsion treatment step.

[0223] The crimping step can be performed in such a way that the lyocell multifilament pressurization and steam application are performed simultaneously, for example, by a press roller.

[0224] The crimping step involves applying a pressure of 0.98 to 19.61 N / cm to the lyocell multifilament before feeding it into the crimping device (specifically, the press roller). 2 (0.1 to 2.0 kgf / cm 2 ) can be performed while applying steam.

[0225] The crimping step can be performed, for example, by pressing the lyocell multifilament with a press roller to form crimps in the lyocell multifilament.

[0226] The crimping step is performed by applying a pressure of 14.7 to 39.2 N / cm to the lyocell multifilaments fed into the crimping device, for example, using a press roller. 2(1.5 to 4.0 kgf / cm 2 ) can be performed while applying pressure.

[0227] The lower limit of the pressure applied to lyocell multifilament is, for example, 15.69 N / cm 2 (1.6 kgf / cm 2 ) above, 16.67 N / cm 2 (1.7 kgf / cm 2 ) or more, 17.65 N / cm 2 (1.8 kgf / cm 2 ) above, 18.63 N / cm 2 (1.9 kgf / cm 2 ) above, 19.61 N / cm 2 (2.0 kgf / cm 2 ) or more, 20.60 N / cm 2 (2.1 kgf / cm 2 ) above, 21.58 N / cm 2 (2.2 kgf / cm 2 ) above, 22.56 N / cm 2 (2.3 kgf / cm 2 ) above, 23.54 N / cm 2 (2.4 kgf / cm 2 ) or more or 24.52 N / cm 2 (2.5 kgf / cm 2 ) may be higher. The upper limit of the pressure applied to lyocell multifilament is, for example, 38.25 N / cm 2 (3.9 kgf / cm 2 ) below, 37.27 N / cm 2 (3.8 kgf / cm 2 ) below, 36.29 N / cm 2 (3.7 kgf / cm 2 ) below, 35.31 N / cm 2 (3.6 kgf / cm 2 ) below, 34.33 N / cm 2 (3.5 kgf / cm 2 ) below, 33.35 N / cm 2 (3.4 kgf / cm 2) below, 32.37 N / cm 2 (3.3 kgf / cm 2 ) below, 31.39 N / cm 2 (3.2 kgf / cm 2 ) below, 30.41 N / cm 2 (3.1 kgf / cm 2 ) below, 29.42 N / cm 2 (3.0 kgf / cm 2 ) below, 28.44 N / cm 2 (2.9 kgf / cm 2 ) below, 27.46 N / cm 2 (2.8 kgf / cm 2 ) below, 26.48 N / cm 2 (2.7 kgf / cm 2 ) or less, 25.50 N / cm 2 (2.6 kgf / cm 2 ) or less or 24.52 N / cm 2 (2.5 kgf / cm 2 ) may be less than or equal to the pressure of the press roller within the above range. If this pressure is less than 100 psi, the number of crimps formed may be insufficient. If the press roller pressure exceeds the above range, the filament may not be smoothly fed into the crimping device or pass through the stuffer box. Wrinkles may form in the lyocell multifilament due to the press roller providing this pressure range.

[0228] In one example, using the top plate, lyocell multifilaments were subjected to a stress of 0.98 to 19.61 N / cm 2 (0.1 to 2 kgf / cm 2 ) can be applied to the lyocell multifilament. The upper plate can apply pressure to the lyocell multifilament, for example, as the lyocell multifilament passes through or is passing through the press roller.

[0229] The pressure exerted by the upper plate is, for example, 1.96 N / cm 2 (0.2 kgf / cm 2) or more, 2.94 N / cm 2 (0.3 kgf / cm 2 ) or more, 3.92 N / cm 2 (0.4 kgf / cm 2 ) or more, or 4.90 N / cm 2 (0.5 kgf / cm 2 ) may be greater than or equal to 14.71 N / cm. The pressure exerted by the upper plate may be, for example, 14.71 N / cm. 2 (1.5 kgf / cm 2 ) below, 13.73 N / cm 2 (1.4 kgf / cm 2 ) or less, 12.75 N / cm 2 (1.3 kgf / cm 2 ) below, 11.77 N / cm 2 (1.2 kgf / cm 2 ) below, 10.79 N / cm 2 (1.1 kgf / cm 2 ) or less or 9.81 N / cm 2 (1.0 kgf / cm 2 ) may be less than or equal to:

[0230] The upper plate moves up and down to ensure uniform crimping after passing through the press roller. If the pressure of the upper plate is less than 0.1 kgf / ㎠, the pressure inside the stopper box may prevent the upper plate from being fixed, resulting in a longer residence time of the lyocell tow within the stopper box and a disruption in process continuity. If the content of the upper plate exceeds 3 kgf / ㎠, steam may not be discharged smoothly within the stopper box, resulting in an irregular crimp shape.

[0231] The crimping step may employ, for example, a doctor blade that applies a predetermined pressure to the lyocell multifilament. The doctor blade may control the residence time of the filaments fed into the crimper stuffer box, thereby contributing to the control of the number of crimps. The doctor blade may be positioned, for example, in the path of the lyocell multifilaments as they are pressed by the aforementioned press roller and then discharged from the press roller pressure point.

[0232] The crimping step involves applying a pressure of 0.98 to 19.61 N / cm to the lyocell multifilaments passed through the press roller of the crimping device, for example, using a doctor blade. 2 (0.1 to 2 kgf / cm 2 ) can be performed while applying pressure.

[0233] The lower limit of the pressure applied by the doctor blade is, for example, 1.96 N / cm 2 (0.2 kgf / cm 2 ) or more, 2.94 N / cm 2 (0.3 kgf / cm 2 ) or more, 3.92 N / cm 2 (0.4 kgf / cm 2 ) or more, or 4.90 N / cm 2 (0.5 kgf / cm 2 ) may be higher. The upper limit of the pressure applied by the doctor blade is, for example, 14.71 N / cm 2 (1.5 kgf / cm 2 ) below, 13.73 N / cm 2 (1.4 kgf / cm 2 ) or less, 12.75 N / cm 2 (1.3 kgf / cm 2 ) below, 11.77 N / cm 2 (1.2 kgf / cm 2 ) below, 10.79 N / cm 2 (1.1 kgf / cm 2 ) or less or 9.81 N / cm2 (1.0 kgf / cm 2 ) may be less than or equal to:

[0234] The crimping step may be performed at a temperature ranging from, for example, 120 to 250°C. If the temperature is too low, the shape stability of the crimp may deteriorate. If the temperature is too high, crimp formation may be difficult. Taking into account steam pressure, etc., the crimping step may be performed at a temperature ranging from, for example, 130°C or higher, 140°C or higher, or 150°C or higher, and from 200°C or lower, 180°C or lower, or 160°C or lower.

[0235] <Binder processing stage>

[0236] The binder treatment step is a step of treating a binder to lyocell multifilaments obtained by the emulsion treatment step or the crimping step. The binder treatment step may be omitted.

[0237] When manufacturing smoking article filters using lyocell tow, a binder may be additionally used during the lyocell tow manufacturing process. The binder increases the hardness of the lyocell-containing smoking article filter, thereby preventing filter defects during the filter manufacturing process or cigarette manufacturing.

[0238] The method for coating the lyocell tow with a binder is not particularly limited. For example, the binder treatment may be performed by immersing the lyocell multifilaments in a bath filled with binder or a binder solution so that the lyocell multifilaments are completely immersed in the binder. Alternatively, the binder coating may be performed by spraying the binder or binder solution onto the lyocell multifilaments using a nozzle.

[0239] The type and composition of the binder are as described above, so they are omitted.

[0240] The binder or binder solution may further include a solvent in addition to the above-described components. The solvent may include, but is not limited to, water, ethanol, propylene glycol, and / or glycerin. In the binder or binder solution containing the solvent, the content of the solvent may be, for example, about 20 to 80 wt% or 40 to 60 wt% relative to 100 wt% of the total binder or binder solution.

[0241] Binder treatment may be performed at a level that can achieve the purpose of the binder treatment described above. In the binder treatment step, the binder content may be, for example, 20 wt% or less, or 8 to 15 wt%, based on 100 wt% of the total weight of the emulsion and binder-treated lyocell multifilament. The binder content may refer to the dry weight after volatile components that may be included in the binder have evaporated.

[0242] After the binder is coated on the lyocell multifilament, drying of the binder may be performed. The drying temperature is not particularly limited, but drying may be performed at room temperature, for example, at about 10 to 35°C.

[0243] <Secondary milk processing stage>

[0244] The secondary emulsion treatment step is a step in which an emulsion is additionally applied to the crimped lyocell tow. The secondary emulsion treatment step may be a part of the emulsion treatment step described above.

[0245] For example, a secondary emulsion treatment step may be additionally performed after the crimping step described above. This secondary emulsion treatment may further impart flexibility to the tow. The secondary emulsion treatment may be performed in the same manner as or in accordance with the aforementioned emulsion treatment step.

[0246] Secondary emulsion treatment can be performed, for example, by emulsifying lyocell tow that has undergone a crimper process. This can be beneficial in several processes involved in the manufacture of filters for smoking articles. Secondary emulsion treatment can, for example, ensure that the fibers and filter are air-repellent during the spreading process, and can also limit fiber breakage during the drawing process.

[0247] Secondary emulsion treatment may be performed, for example, before or after binder treatment. Alternatively, secondary emulsion treatment may be performed with or without binder treatment.

[0248] Even when secondary emulsion treatment is performed, the secondary emulsion treatment can be performed so that the content of emulsion or OPU content in the material satisfies the same range as the emulsion treatment step described above.

[0249] The secondary emulsion treatment step may comprise spraying the emulsion-containing composition onto the lyocell multifilament. Spraying may be performed, for example, via a sprayer.

[0250] The emulsion-containing composition may be, for example, an aqueous solution. The water content may be, for example, 50 to 80 wt% based on the total weight of the emulsion-containing composition. If the water content in the emulsion-containing composition is too low, the dispersibility of the emulsion may be reduced. If the water content in the emulsion-containing composition is too high, the moisture content of the lyocell tow may increase, thereby increasing the moisture content of the lyocell tow contained within the bale.

[0251] <Drying stage>

[0252] The drying step is the step of removing moisture from the secondary emulsion-treated lyocell tow.

[0253] For example, a drying step may be additionally performed after the crimping step or the secondary emulsion treatment step. The drying step may be performed, for example, at a temperature in the range of 100 to 130°C. The drying treatment method or method is not particularly limited, and known techniques may be utilized. The drying step may be performed, for example, by applying hot air to the lyocell tow, or by passing the lyocell tow through or leaving it in a temperature-controlled room for a certain period of time. The drying step may be performed, for example, while the lyocell tow passes through a drying device.

[0254] The moisture content of the dried lyocell tow in the drying step may be, for example, 4% or less, 3.8% or less, 3.6% or less, 3.4% or less, 3.2% or less or 3.0% or less.

[0255] Plating Step

[0256] The plating step is a step of stacking and compressing the lyocell tow dried in the drying step into a space such as a can, box, or container of a plating device.

[0257] The plating step can be performed in a plating device. This step involves sequentially storing the lyocell tow delivered from the drying step in a plating device within a space such as a can, box, or container, thereby preparing laminated and / or compressed lyocell tow. The interior of the plating device can be maintained in a drying atmosphere.

[0258] The upper limit of the moisture content of the compressed lyocell tow in the plating step may be, for example, 8% or less, 7.5% or less, 7% or less, 6.5% or less, 6% or less, 5.5% or less, 5% or less, or 4.5% or less. The lower limit of the moisture content of the compressed lyocell tow in the plating step may be, for example, 0.1% or more, 0.5% or more, 1% or more, 1.5% or more, or 2% or more. The moisture content of the compressed lyocell tow in the plating step may be, for example, 1% to 7.2%. The moisture content of the compressed lyocell tow in the plating step can be kept low by maintaining a dry atmosphere between the drying step and the plating step as described below. The lower the moisture content of the compressed lyocell tow in the plating step, the lower the moisture content of the lyocell tow contained in the bale of lyocell tow.

[0259] <Steps for packaging lyocell tow>

[0260] The step of packaging lyocell tow is a step of packaging lyocell tow that has been laminated and / or compressed into a certain shape using a packaging wrapper.

[0261] The step of packaging lyocell tow includes, for example, providing lyocell tow in a compressed form using a press device having a load; releasing the load of the press device applied to the compressed lyocell tow; packaging the upper and lower portions of the compressed lyocell tow using at least one of a packaging paper box and a packaging wrapper, respectively; sealing the side surfaces of the compressed lyocell tow with the packaging wrapper; and obtaining a bale of lyocell tow.

[0262] The volume of the lyocell tow can be reduced by compressing the lyocell tow using a press device.

[0263] The compressed lyocell tow can be prepared by releasing the load of the press device applied to the compressed lyocell tow.

[0264] The upper and lower portions of the compressed lyocell tow may be individually packaged using at least one of a packaging paper box and a packaging wrapper. For example, the upper portion of the compressed lyocell tow may be packaged using a packaging paper box, and the lower portion may be packaged using a packaging wrapper. For example, the upper portion of the compressed lyocell tow may be packaged using a packaging wrapper, and the lower portion may be packaged using a packaging paper box. For example, both the upper and lower portions of the compressed lyocell tow may be packaged using a packaging paper box. For example, both the upper and lower portions of the compressed lyocell tow may be packaged using a packaging wrapper.

[0265] In the step of packaging the upper and / or lower portion of the compressed lyocell tow using a packaging wrapper, the packaging wrapper may surround the compressed lyocell tow. The packaging wrapper may be, for example, a moisture-impermeable polymer film.

[0266] In the step of sealing the sides of the compressed lyocell tow with a packaging wrapper, the joints of the packaging wrapper can be sealed by an air-tight connection. By sealing the packaging wrapper, a bale of lyocell tow is obtained, and the bale of lyocell tow can block moisture penetration.

[0267] The pressure within the packaging wrapper, i.e., the internal pressure of the lyocell tow bale, may have a negative pressure that is lower than the external pressure, for example. By having a negative pressure within the lyocell tow bale, the volume increase of the lyocell tow bale due to natural expansion of the lyocell tow can be suppressed.

[0268] The moisture content of the lyocell tow contained in the bale may be 2 times or less, 1.8 times or less, 1.5 times or less, or 1.3 times or less than the moisture content of the lyocell tow dried in the drying step described above.

[0269] By maintaining a drying atmosphere from the drying step to the plating step, an increase in the moisture content of the lyocell tow can be suppressed while manufacturing a bale of the lyocell tow.

[0270] <Drying atmosphere between the drying stage and the plating stage>

[0271] While the lyocell tow is transferred from the above-described drying step to the plating step, a drying atmosphere is formed by supplying drying gas around the lyocell tow, thereby suppressing an increase in the moisture content of the lyocell tow.

[0272] Moisture content 30 mg / m around lyocell tow 3 Provide the following dry gas: moisture content of 30 mg / m around the lyocell tow. 3 By providing the drying gas described below, a dry atmosphere is maintained around the lyocell tow. Consequently, the moisture content of the lyocell tow within the bale can be maintained at a low level. A filter manufactured from the lyocell tow contained in the bale can provide improved strength and suppressed strength degradation.

[0273] The upper limit of moisture content in dry gas is, for example, 30 mg / m 3 Below 25 mg / m 3 Below 20 mg / m 3 Below 15 mg / m 3 Below 10 mg / m 3 Less than or equal to 5 mg / m 3 The lower limit of moisture content in dry gas may be, for example, 0.1 mg / m 3 Above, 0.5 mg / m 3 or more than 1 mg / m 3The moisture content in the dry gas may be, for example, 0.1 to 25 mg / m 3 It is possible to suppress an increase in the moisture content of the lyocell tow due to the external environment by providing a drying gas having a moisture content in this range around the lyocell tow being transferred from the drying step to the plating step.

[0274] The drying gas may include, for example, air or an inert gas. The inert gas may include, for example, nitrogen, argon, helium, or a combination thereof.

[0275] The dry gas can be provided, for example, by a dehumidifying device. The relative humidity inside the dehumidifying device can be lower than the relative humidity outside the dehumidifying device, for example. The relative humidity inside the dehumidifying device can be, for example, 90% or less, 80% or less, 70% or less, 60% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less, or 10% or less of the relative humidity outside the dehumidifying device. By having such a low relative humidity inside the dehumidifying device, a dry atmosphere can be maintained.

[0276] From the drying step to the plating step, the lyocell tow may be conveyed through a dehumidifying device. For example, in the drying step, dried lyocell tow discharged from the drying device may be supplied into a dehumidifying device, the lyocell tow may be conveyed through the dehumidifying device, and the lyocell tow may be discharged from the dehumidifying device and supplied to the plating device. The dehumidifying device may maintain a dry atmosphere by supplying drying gas therein. The dehumidifying device may be, for example, a moisture content maintenance device.

[0277] A dehumidifying device may include, for example, a housing; an inlet disposed on one surface of the housing; and an outlet disposed on the other surface of the housing. The housing may extend from the inlet to the outlet and may have a shape that encloses an interior space.

[0278] The dehumidifying device may include one or more through-holes arranged, for example, on a surface of the housing, for example on a side surface, through which a drying gas may be supplied into the housing.

[0279] The lyocell tow can be supplied into the housing, for example, through the inlet of the dehumidifying device. The lyocell tow can be conveyed, for example, along the longitudinal axis of the housing. The lyocell tow can be conveyed, for example, from the inlet of the housing toward the outlet of the housing, along the longitudinal axis of the housing. The lyocell tow can be discharged outside the housing, for example, through the outlet of the dehumidifying device.

[0280] The housing of the dehumidifier may be, for example, impermeable to moisture. The housing of the dehumidifier may be, for example, made of a metal material. The housing of the dehumidifier may be, for example, made of a metal sheet.

[0281] The lyocell tow can be conveyed, for example, within the housing of the dehumidifying device by a conveyor belt from the inlet of the housing to the outlet of the housing.

[0282] The inlet of the dehumidifying device may be positioned adjacent to, for example, a drying device used in the drying step. The dried lyocell tow discharged from the drying device may be introduced into the inlet of the dehumidifying device while minimizing exposure to the external environment. The outlet of the dehumidifying device may be positioned adjacent to, for example, a plating device used in the plating step. The lyocell tow discharged from the dehumidifying device may be introduced into the inlet of the plating device while minimizing exposure to the external environment.

[0283] [Filter for smoking items]

[0284] Lyocell tow can be used in filters for smoking articles. The lyocell material may be lyocell tow. In one example, the lyocell tow includes crimped lyocell multifilament.

[0285] For example, the present application relates to a filter for a smoking article. The filter for the smoking article comprises a lyocell material, which may be the same as described above. Furthermore, the filter for the smoking article comprises lyocell tow, which may be the same as described above.

[0286] In addition, the lyocell material includes the emulsion in an amount of 0.1 wt% or more relative to 100 wt% of the total lyocell material. In addition, the description of the emulsion components and content according to the specific example of the present application is the same as described above.

[0287] In one example, the single denier of the filaments forming the lyocell multifilament may be 1.5 to 8.0 denier. The specific values ​​are the same as those described above.

[0288] In one example, the crimped lyocell multifilament may be a lyocell material having a total fineness of 15,000 to 55,000 denier, and may preferably be lyocell tow. The specific values ​​are the same as those described above.

[0289] In one example, the crimped lyocell multifilament may have 10 to 50 crimps per inch. The specific figures are the same as those described above.

[0290] In one example, the above-described smoking article filter may further include a binder on the surface of the crimped lyocell multifilament or between the crimped lyocell multifilaments. The binder increases the hardness of the tow-made smoking article filter, thereby preventing problems such as filter jamming during the filter manufacturing process or cigarette manufacturing process. The description of the types, components, and contents of usable binders is the same as described above.

[0291] In one example, the filter for the smoking article may further include a wrapping paper (which may be referred to as a wrapping paper, a filter paper, or a filter wrapping paper). For example, the wrapping paper may be porous paper or non-porous paper that wraps the lyocell tow described above and can maintain the filter shape (e.g., a cylinder or a cylindrical shape).

[0292] In one example, the hardness of the filter for the smoking article may be, for example, 80% or more, 83% or more, 85% or more, 87% or more, or 89% or more. If the hardness of the filter is low, consumer satisfaction may be reduced.

[0293] The hardness of the above filter may be a value measured according to the following mathematical formula 2:

[0294] <Mathematical Formula 2>

[0295] Hardness of the filter (%) = [(DA - a) / DA]×100

[0296] In the above equation, DA is the diameter of the original filter, and a is the distance reduced by a weight of 300 g from the diameter of the original filter.

[0297] In one example, the moisture-induced hardness reduction of the filter for the smoking article may be, for example, less than 7%, 6% or less, 5% or less, 4% or less, or 3% or less. The lower the moisture-induced hardness reduction, the more effectively the filter can be prevented from being softened by saliva or the like during use.

[0298] The hardness reduction due to moisture of the above filter may be measured according to the following mathematical formula 3:

[0299] <Mathematical Formula 3>

[0300] Hardness reduction due to moisture addition to the filter (%) = (H1 - H2)

[0301] In the above formula, H1 is the filter hardness before injecting water, and H2 is the filter hardness measured after injecting 20 μl of water into the filter and leaving the device for 5 minutes.

[0302] In a specific example of the present application, the filter for the smoking article may have a predetermined shape and size.

[0303] For example, the filter may have a rod shape. More specifically, the filter for the smoking article may have a cylindrical shape.

[0304] Additionally, the filter may have a length of, for example, 10 to 50 mm. Specifically, the length of the filter may have a lower limit of 15 mm or more, 20 mm or more, 25 mm or more, 30 mm or more, 35 mm or more, 40 mm or more, or 45 mm or more. The length of the filter may have an upper limit of 45 mm or less, 40 mm or less, 35 mm or less, 30 mm or less, 25 mm or less, 20 mm or less, or 15 mm or less.

[0305] In a specific example of the present application, the filter having the length may have a circular cross-section, and the circumference of the circular cross-section may be 10 to 40 mm. For example, the lower limit of the circumference of the filter may be 15 mm or more, 20 mm or more, 25 mm or more, 30 mm or more, or 35 mm or more. The upper limit of the circumference of the filter may be 35 mm or less, 30 mm or less, 25 mm or less, 20 mm or less, or 15 mm or less.

[0306] In one example, the filter for the smoking article may include lyocell tow and filter paper. The description of the lyocell tow and filter paper is the same as described above, and thus is omitted.

[0307] The above-described paper may be porous paper or non-porous paper that can wrap the above-described lyocell tow and maintain a filter shape (e.g., a cylinder or a cylindrical shape).

[0308] In one example, when a porous paper is used, the paper may have a porosity of 10 to 50,000 CU (Coresta Unit). A Coresta Unit is 1 cm at a pressure difference of 1 kPa. 2 The volume flow rate (cm) of air passing through the substrate sample (i.e., porous paper) 3 min -1 ) can be defined. Specifically, the lower limit of the porosity of the paper may be, for example, 1000 CU or more, 5000 CU or more, 10000 CU or more, 15000 CU or more, 20000 CU or more, 25000 CU or more, 30000 CU or more, 35000 CU or more, 40000 CU or more, or 45000 CU or more. The upper limit of the porosity of the paper may be, for example, 45000 CU or less, 40000 CU or less, 35000 CU or less, 30000 CU or less, 25000 CU or less, or 20000 CU or less. In a specific example of the present application, the paper may have a porosity within a range of 22,000 to 26,000 CU or 23,000 to 25,000 CU.

[0309] In one example, the weight of the above paper is 15 to 60 g / m 2 It can be. Specifically, the lower limit of the basis weight of the above-mentioned paper is, for example, 20 g / m 2 Above, 25 g / m 2 Above, 30 g / m 2 Above, 35 g / m 2 Above, 40 g / m2 Above, 45 g / m 2 Above 50 g / m 2 or more than 55 g / m 2 It may be ideal, and the upper limit of the basis weight of the above-mentioned paper is, for example, 55 g / m 2 Below 50 g / m 2 Below 45 g / m 2 Below 40 g / m 2 Below 35 g / m 2 Below 30 g / m 2 Below 25 g / m 2 Less than or equal to 20 g / m 2 It may be as follows. In a specific example of the present application, the paper has a thickness of 16 g / m 2 Above, 17 g / m 2 Above, 18 g / m 2 Above, 19 g / m 2 Above, 20 g / m 2 or more than 21 g / m 2 Above, and 25 g / m 2 Below 24 g / m 2 Below, 23 g / m 2 Below, 22 g / m 2 Less than or equal to 21 g / m 2 It can have the following weights:

[0310] Although not particularly limited, the weight of the rod-shaped filter may be 50 mg or more. Specifically, the lower limit of the weight of the filter may be, for example, 100 mg or more, 150 mg or more, or 200 mg or more. The upper limit of the weight of the filter may be 500 mg or less, 450 mg or less, 400 mg or less, 350 mg or less, 300 mg or less, 250 mg or less, or 200 mg or less.

[0311] Descriptions of other filters for smoking articles and materials included therein are the same as those described above, so they are omitted.

[0312] [Method for manufacturing filters for smoking articles]

[0313] For example, the present application relates to a method for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article. The method may be a method for manufacturing a lyocell smoking article filter as described above, and may include a method for manufacturing the lyocell material described above.

[0314] Regarding the manufacturing method for a filter for smoking articles, the remaining steps, excluding the filter manufacturing step, are identical to those described for the lyocell material described above, and therefore, their description is omitted. Any descriptions that overlap with those described above are also omitted.

[0315] The steps for manufacturing a filter can be appropriately performed by those skilled in the art according to known methods. For example, a filter can be manufactured by forming a lyocell-filled paper into a rod shape. Alternatively, a filter can be manufactured by cutting a rod-shaped lyocell-filled filter paper into an appropriate length. The description of the paper is as described above.

[0316] Although not specifically limited, prior to filling the filter paper with lyocell material, additional treatment with an opening agent or plasticizer may be performed on the lyocell material. Opening the lyocell material can increase the surface area of ​​the lyocell material. For example, opening the lyocell material can be achieved by applying an external force in the longitudinal, transverse, and / or thickness directions.

[0317] Preferably, the lyocell material used in the manufacture of filters for smoking articles may be lyocell tow.

[0318] Although not particularly limited, the filter for a smoking article may additionally include known cellulose acetate multifilaments, provided that the purpose of the present invention is not impaired. The cellulose acetate multifilaments may be mixed with lyocell multifilaments. The cellulose acetate multifilaments may be included in a segment distinct from the segments containing the lyocell multifilaments.

[0319] [Smoking items]

[0320] Although not particularly limited, the lyocell tow produced by the above method may be incorporated into a smoking article. The smoking article may be an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-generating material or an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0321] For example, lyocell tow may be incorporated into a combustible cigarette. As another example, lyocell tow may be incorporated into a heated cigarette, and the heated cigarette may be used with an aerosol generating device (not shown).

[0322] For example, when used as a heated smoking article, the smoking article may be separately inserted into an aerosol generating device. Here, the aerosol generating device may include a receiving groove in which the aerosol generating article can be received, and in addition, may include a heater for heating the aerosol generating article so as to generate an aerosol, a control unit for controlling the overall operation of the aerosol generating device, a battery for providing power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device, and a detector for recognizing that the aerosol generating article has been inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0323] A smoking article may include a tobacco medium, a filter for the smoking article, and a wrapper. The filter for the smoking article may be positioned at one end of the tobacco medium, for example, at the rear or front end. The tobacco medium and the filter for the smoking article may each comprise a single segment, or may comprise multiple segments independently of each other.

[0324] The above tobacco medium comprises a tobacco substance, and the tobacco substance comprises nicotine. In addition, the tobacco medium may additionally comprise an excipient.

[0325] Excipients may include binders, fillers, and other additives. For example, the tobacco medium included in the tobacco medium portion may be manufactured in the form of granules containing tobacco substances and excipients.

[0326] For example, to maintain the shape, strength, and mass of the tobacco medium, a filler may be additionally included. For example, lyocell material may be included in the tobacco medium. Furthermore, lyocell material may be used as a filler.

[0327] The above wrapper can be subdivided into a cigarette paper wrapping the tobacco medium, a filter paper wrapping the filter, and a tipping wrapper combining the tobacco medium and the filter.

[0328] According to the present application, a lyocell tow bale that can replace commercially available cellulose acetate (CA) tow bales and a filter for a smoking article comprising the same are provided. Specifically, the performance of the filter for a smoking article can be improved by using lyocell tow prepared from a bale comprising lyocell tow having a low moisture content.

[0329] The following specific examples of the invention will further illustrate its functions and effects. However, these examples are presented as illustrative examples and do not limit the scope of the invention in any way.

[0330] Lyocell tow bales were manufactured using the same process as described in the manufacturing example below. Conditions not specifically mentioned were within the scope of the above description.

[0331] Example 1

[0332] A spinning dope for tow production with a concentration of 11 wt% was prepared by mixing cellulose pulp with an alpha-cellulose content of 93.9 wt% and a degree of polymerization (DPw) of 820 with an NMMO / H2O solvent with a propyl gallate content of 0.01 wt%.

[0333] While maintaining the radiation temperature at 110°C in the radiation nozzle, the discharge amount and radiation speed were appropriately controlled, and the radiation dope was radiated.

[0334] The spinning dope on the filament ejected from the spinning nozzle was supplied to the coagulating liquid (a coagulating liquid having a concentration of 75 wt% water and 25 wt% NMMO and a temperature of approximately 25°C) in the coagulating tank through the air gap section.

[0335] In the air gap section, the spinning dope was first coagulated by cooling air at 8°C and 120 N㎥ / h. The first-coagulated spinning dope was immersed in a coagulating solution to undergo a second coagulation, thereby preparing lyocell multifilaments. The lyocell multifilaments in the coagulating solution were transported by a traction roller. The concentration of the coagulating solution was continuously monitored using a sensor and a refractometer.

[0336] The coagulated lyocell multifilament was washed. The lyocell multifilament was introduced into the washing device via a traction roller, and the NMMO remaining in the lyocell multifilament was removed with the washing liquid sprayed from the washing device. The washed lyocell multifilament was immersed in a bath designed to have a predetermined concentration of emulsion to perform the first emulsion treatment.

[0337] Lyocell multifilament is applied at 3.0 kgf / cm by a nip roll installed in the bath discharge section. 2 Lyocell multifilaments were prepared by pressure treatment, with controlled moisture content and no crimping.

[0338] Lyocell multifilaments were fed into a crimp machine for crimping. Specifically, the pressure of the press roller was 24.52 N / cm 2 (2.5 kgf / cm 2 ), the pressure of the doctor blade is 4.90 N / cm 2(0.5 kgf / cm 2 ) was used to manufacture lyocell tow. The lyocell tow was made of crimped lyocell multifilament.

[0339] The manufactured lyocell tow was subjected to a secondary emulsion treatment to prevent static electricity and provide flexibility. The secondary emulsion treatment was performed by spraying an emulsion-containing composition onto the lyocell tow. The emulsion-containing composition was an aqueous solution containing 25 wt% emulsion and 75 wt% water.

[0340] The emulsion compounds used in the primary and secondary emulsion processes include esters of fatty acids having 16 or more carbon atoms and aliphatic monohydric alcohols, and esters of sorbitan and fatty acids having 16 or more carbon atoms.

[0341] To dry the manufactured lyocell tow, a drying process was performed. Immediately after the secondary emulsion treatment, the lyocell tow was dried by passing it through a continuous drying device set at 120°C. The moisture content of the dried lyocell tow was 3.42%.

[0342] Plating treatment was performed to laminate and compress the dried lyocell tow. Immediately after the drying treatment, the dried lyocell tow was supplied to the plating device through a dehumidifying device, and the lyocell tow was laminated into a full can.

[0343] Bales were manufactured by wrapping laminated lyocell tow. Specifically, the laminated lyocell tow was compressed using a compressor. The lyocell tow was compressed to reduce its volume, and then decompressed. The compressed lyocell tow was wrapped in a packaging wrapper to manufacture bales of lyocell tow.

[0344] A dehumidifying device was placed between the drying device and the plating device to suppress the increase in moisture content of the lyocell tow due to external moisture while the dried lyocell tow was transferred to the plating device through the dehumidifying device. Dry air was supplied around the lyocell tow within the dehumidifying device, so that a dry atmosphere was maintained. Dry air was supplied inside the dehumidifying device, and the moisture content of the dry air was 5.0 mg / m 3 was maintained. The dehumidifying device corresponds to a moisture content maintenance device. Lyocell tow is supplied into the housing of the dehumidifying device through the inlet of the dehumidifying device, conveyed by a conveyor belt within the housing, discharged outside the housing through the outlet of the dehumidifying device, and supplied to the plating device.

[0345] The single fiber count of the lyocell tow contained in the bale of manufactured lyocell tow was 2.22 to 3.885 dtex (2.0 to 3.5 denier), the total fiber count was 33,333 to 61,110 dtex (30,000 to 45,000 denier), and the crimp count was 9.84 to 11.8 ea / cm (25 to 30 ea / inch).

[0346] During the process of manufacturing lyocell tow bales, the external environment temperature was 25 ℃ and the relative humidity was 50%.

[0347] A filter for a smoking article was manufactured using lyocell tow contained in a bale of lyocell tow. The filter for the smoking article was manufactured in the shape of a cylinder.

[0348] Specifically, a binder solution was prepared by mixing 15 g of a polyester binder (a copolymer of phthalic acid, sebacic acid, and ethylene glycol) and 85 g of distilled water. 15 parts by weight of the binder solution was sprayed onto 100 parts by weight of lyocell tow and dried. The dried lyocell tow was wrapped with a roll of paper to prepare a cylindrical filter. The axial length of the filter was approximately 110 mm, and the diameter was approximately 8 mm.

[0349] The bale manufacturing conditions of lyocell tow, moisture content of lyocell tow, and filter properties are shown in Tables 1 and 2, respectively.

[0350] Examples 2 to 7

[0351] Lyocell tow bales and filters were manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the manufacturing conditions of the lyocell tow bales were changed. The manufacturing conditions of the lyocell tow bales, the moisture content of the lyocell tow, and the physical properties of the filters of Examples 2 to 7 are shown in Tables 1 and 2, respectively.

[0352] Comparative Examples 1 and 2

[0353] Lyocell material and filter were manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the manufacturing conditions of the lyocell tow bale were changed. The manufacturing conditions of the lyocell tow bale, the moisture content of the lyocell tow, and the physical properties of the filter of Comparative Examples 1 and 2 are shown in Tables 1 and 2, respectively.

[0354] In Comparative Examples 1 and 2, a dehumidifying device was not placed between the drying device and the plating device. Therefore, the increase in moisture content of the lyocell tow due to external moisture while the dried lyocell tow was being delivered to the plating device was not suppressed.

[0355] Evaluation Example 1: Manufacturing conditions and moisture content measurement of lyocell tow

[0356] The temperature and relative humidity of the surrounding environment during the manufacturing process of the bales of lyocell tow of Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 2 are shown in Table 1.

[0357] The composition of the oil-containing composition used for secondary oil treatment in the process of manufacturing the bales of lyocell tow of Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 2 is shown in Table 1.

[0358] In the process of manufacturing bales of lyocell tow of Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 2, the moisture content of the lyocell tow dried in a drying device was measured and shown in Table 1. The moisture content of the dried lyocell tow was measured within 3 minutes after the lyocell tow was discharged from the drying device.

[0359] The moisture content of the air inside the dehumidifying device used in the process of manufacturing the bales of lyocell tow of Examples 1 to 7 is shown in Table 1. No dehumidifying device was used in the process of manufacturing the bales of lyocell tow of Comparative Examples 1 to 2.

[0360] The moisture content of the lyocell tow manufactured in Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 2 was measured within 3 minutes after opening the bales, and is shown in Table 1.

[0361] Moisture content was measured according to the following mathematical formula 1. The measurement results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0362] <Mathematical Formula 1>

[0363] Moisture content (%) = [(WD) / D]×100

[0364] In the above equation, W represents the weight of the sample measured before drying, and D represents the weight of the sample measured after drying.

[0365] Moisture content was measured using an automated moisture analyzer, the Precisa XM 60 Moisture Analyzer. The automated moisture analyzer includes a scale for measuring the weight of the sample and a drying system. The weight of the sample measured before drying is the initial weight of the sample placed in the moisture analyzer. The weight of the sample measured after drying is the weight of the sample when the weight change is less than 1 mg when the weight of the sample is measured every 30 seconds at 120°C in the drying system.

[0366] PulpExample 1Example 2Example 3Example 4Example 5Example 6Example 7Comparative Example 1Comparative Example 2Temperature (℃)252525353535352525Relative humidity [%]505050808090905090Emulsion:waterWeight ratio25:7525:7535:6525:7525:7535:6545:555:9510:90Dehumidifying deviceMoisture content in air [mg / m 3 ]5.025.01.05.025.05.00.1--Moisture content of dried lyocell tow [%]3.423.483.053.823.772.982.753.383.88Moisture content of lyocell tow separated from bale [%]4.184.853.545.227.155.545.129.5711.52

[0367] As shown in Table 1, the moisture content of the lyocell tow dried in the drying steps of Examples 1 to 7 was similar to that of the lyocell tow dried in the drying steps of Comparative Examples 1 to 2.

[0368] In contrast, as shown in Table 1, the moisture content of the lyocell tow included in the bales manufactured in Examples 1 to 7 was reduced compared to the moisture content of the lyocell tow included in the bales manufactured in Comparative Examples 1 to 2.

[0369] In the case of the lyocell tow included in the bales manufactured in Examples 1 to 7, the increase in moisture content was suppressed by blocking moisture provided to the lyocell tow from the external environment during the delivery of the lyocell tow between the drying step and the plating step by providing a dry atmosphere around the lyocell tow.

[0370] In contrast, in the case of the lyocell tow included in the bales manufactured in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the moisture content did not increase because the moisture provided to the lyocell tow from the external environment was not blocked while the lyocell tow was transferred between the drying step and the plating step.

[0371] Evaluation Example 2: Filter Hardness Measurement

[0372] The hardness and hardness reduction of filters manufactured using the lyocell tow included in the bales manufactured in Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 2 were measured. The measurement results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0373] The hardness of the filter was measured according to the following mathematical formula 2:

[0374] <Mathematical Formula 2>

[0375] Hardness of the filter (%) = [(DA - a) / DA]×100

[0376] In the above equation, DA is the diameter of the original filter, and a is the distance reduced by a weight of 300 g from the diameter of the original filter (i.e., the distance the filter is pressed).

[0377] The hardness reduction of the filter was measured according to the following mathematical formula 3: The hardness reduction of the filter is the difference in hardness before and after injecting distilled water into the filter.

[0378] <Mathematical Formula 3>

[0379] Hardness reduction due to moisture addition to the filter (%) = (H1 - H2)

[0380] In the above formula, H1 is the filter hardness before injecting distilled water, and H2 is the filter hardness measured after injecting 20 ㎕ of distilled water into the filter and leaving the device for 5 minutes.

[0381] The numbers used to measure the hardness of the filter are DHT 200 TM Hardness tester, measured using Filtrona Instuments.

[0382] PulpExample 1Example 2Example 3Example 4Example 5Example 6Example 7Comparative Example 1Comparative Example 2Filter hardness before distilled water injection [%]90.589.192.388.787.489.489.785.483.7Filter hardness after distilled water injection [%]87.785.988.584.882.885.886.276.272.4Reduction in filter hardness [%]2.83.23.83.94.63.63.59.211.3

[0383] As shown in Table 2, the hardness reduction of the filters manufactured in Examples 1 to 7 was less than 7%. In contrast, the hardness reduction of the filters manufactured in Comparative Examples 1 to 2 was 7% or more. The filters manufactured in Examples 1 to 7 showed improved hardness and reduced hardness reduction by using lyocell tow prepared from a bale containing lyocell tow having a moisture content of 8% or less.

[0384] The filters manufactured in Comparative Examples 1 and 2 showed a significant decrease in hardness due to the use of lyocell tow prepared from a bale containing lyocell tow having a moisture content exceeding 8%.

[0385] The filters manufactured in Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were unsuitable for application as products because the filters became brittle during use due to a hardness reduction of 7% or more.

[0386] A bale of lyocell tow according to an exemplary embodiment comprises compressed lyocell tow; and a packaging wrapper for wrapping the compressed lyocell tow, wherein the moisture content of the lyocell tow is 8% or less. A filter comprising low moisture content lyocell tow provided from such a bale of lyocell tow exhibits improved filter hardness and reduced filter hardness degradation, and is therefore suitable for use in smoking articles.

Claims

compressed lyocell tow; and A packaging wrapper for wrapping the compressed lyocell tow is included. A bale of lyocell tow having a moisture content of 8% or less. In the first paragraph, A bale of lyocell tow, wherein the moisture content of the lyocell tow is a value measured from the lyocell tow after opening the bale. In the second paragraph, A bale of lyocell tow, wherein the moisture content of the bale is a value measured within 10 minutes after opening the bale. In the first paragraph, A bale of lyocell tow comprising crimped lyocell multifilaments. In the first paragraph, A bale of lyocell tow, wherein the packaging wrapper seals the lyocell tow. In the first paragraph, A bale of lyocell tow, wherein the packaging wrapper is impermeable to moisture. A filter for a smoking article comprising lyocell tow provided from a bale according to any one of claims 1 to 6. In paragraph 7, A filter for smoking articles, wherein the hardness of the filter is 80% or more. In paragraph 7, A filter for smoking articles, wherein the hardness reduction of the above filter is less than 7%. A smoking article comprising a filter for a smoking article according to Article 7. A method for manufacturing a bale of lyocell tow, comprising: a lyocell dope spinning step; a coagulation and lyocell multifilament obtaining step; a washing step; a first emulsion treatment step; a crimping step; a second emulsion treatment step; a drying step; a plating step and a lyocell tow wrapping step, While the lyocell tow is being transferred from the drying step to the plating step, a moisture content of 30 mg / m is maintained around the lyocell tow. 3 A method for manufacturing a bale of lyocell tow, wherein the drying gas below is provided. In Article 11, A method for manufacturing a bale of lyocell tow, wherein the drying gas comprises air or an inert gas. In Article 11, A method for manufacturing a bale of lyocell tow, wherein the above dry gas is provided by a dehumidifying device. In Article 11, A method for manufacturing a bale of lyocell tow, wherein the relative humidity inside the dehumidifying device is lower than the relative humidity outside the dehumidifying device. In Article 11, A method for manufacturing a bale of lyocell tow, wherein the second emulsion treatment step comprises a step of spraying an emulsion-containing composition onto lyocell multifilament. In Article 15, A method for manufacturing a bale of lyocell tow, wherein the above-mentioned emulsion-containing composition is an aqueous solution and the water content is 50 to 80 wt% based on the total weight of the emulsion-containing composition. In Article 11, A method for manufacturing a bale of lyocell tow, wherein the moisture content of the lyocell tow contained in the bale is at most twice the moisture content of the lyocell tow dried in the drying step. In Article 11, A method for manufacturing a bale of lyocell tow, wherein the moisture content of the lyocell tow dried in the above drying step is 4% or less. In Article 11, A method for manufacturing a bale of lyocell tow, wherein the moisture content of the compressed lyocell tow in the above plating step is 8% or less. In Article 11, A method for manufacturing a lyocell tow bale, wherein the moisture content of the lyocell tow contained in the bale is 8% or less.