Composition for preparing aerosol-generating substrate, and aerosol-generating substrate

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a composition for preparing an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate being prepared by means of an integral molding process; the composition comprises: a plant component; an aerosol-forming agent component; a binder component; a fat-soluble flavor component; and ethyl cellulose. The present disclosure further provides an aerosol-generating substrate prepared by using the composition of the present disclosure. The aerosol-generating substrate prepared by using the composition of the present disclosure has improved molding performance and flavor retention.

Description

Compositions for preparing aerosol generation matrices and aerosol generation matrices

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This disclosure is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411544996.2, filed on October 31, 2024, entitled “Composition for preparing aerosol generating matrix and aerosol generating matrix”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of tobacco technology, and in particular to a composition for preparing an aerosol generating matrix and the aerosol generating matrix. Background Technology

[0004] Aerosol generating matrix can form aerosols by ignition or by heating without combustion. In the heated but non-combustible aerosol generating matrix, the matrix is ​​heated by an external heat source to a temperature sufficient to release aerosols. The matrix does not burn; instead, it is loaded with a smoke-generating agent. During use, the aerosol generating matrix is ​​heated to release the smoke-generating agent and form aerosols.

[0005] Existing aerosol generating matrix forms mainly include granular, tobacco-shredded, and sheet-like types. However, these can lead to issues such as shedding and difficulty in cleaning after heating. Aerosol generating matrices prepared using a one-piece molding process can solve these problems. To enrich the flavor of the aerosol generating matrix, various flavoring components are usually added to the raw material composition used for its preparation. However, the added flavoring components are typically hydrophobic small molecules, which can make the aerosol generating matrix difficult to mold. Furthermore, existing one-piece molding processes usually employ high-temperature (above 90°C) molding and hot air drying. The added flavoring components typically have low boiling points or volatilize quickly, resulting in significant loss of flavoring components during the molding process.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved composition for preparing aerosol-generating matrices that can solve or mitigate at least one of the problems existing in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a composition for preparing an aerosol generating matrix and an aerosol generating matrix, wherein the aerosol generating matrix prepared using the composition has improved molding properties and fragrance retention.

[0008] The first aspect of this disclosure provides a composition for preparing an aerosol generating matrix, the aerosol generating matrix being prepared by an integral molding process, the composition comprising: a plant component; a smoke-generating component; a binder component; a fat-soluble fragrance component; and ethyl cellulose.

[0009] In some embodiments, the content of ethyl cellulose is 0.1%-8.0% based on the total mass of the composition.

[0010] In some embodiments, the fat-soluble flavoring component is selected from tobacco extracts, flavor plant extracts, extracts, essential oils, and absolutes. 、 One or more of menthol, megastigmatrienone, neophytadiene, geraniol, nerol, and cream flavoring.

[0011] In some embodiments, the content of the fat-soluble flavoring component is 0.5%-5.0% based on the total mass of the composition.

[0012] In some embodiments, the plant component is selected from one or more of tobacco raw materials, tobacco fragments, tobacco stems, tobacco dust, and aromatic plants.

[0013] In some embodiments, the content of the plant component is 20%-90% based on the total mass of the composition.

[0014] In some embodiments, the smoke-generating agent component is selected from one or more of the following: monohydric alcohol; dihydric alcohol; polyhydric alcohol; monocarboxylic acid, dicarboxylic acid, or esters formed from polycarboxylic acid and fatty alcohol.

[0015] In some preferred embodiments, the smoke-generating agent component is selected from one or more of propylene glycol, glycerol, 1,3-butanediol, tetraethylene glycol, triacetin, triethyl citrate, a mixture of diacetins, triethyl citrate, methyl benzoate, and triglyceride.

[0016] In some embodiments, the content of the smoke-generating component is 5%-30% based on the total mass of the composition.

[0017] In some embodiments, the adhesive is selected from one or more of tamarind polysaccharide, guar gum, and hydrophilic modified cellulose, wherein the hydrophilic modified cellulose is selected from one or more of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl cellulose.

[0018] In some embodiments, the content of the adhesive component is 1%-10% based on the total mass of the composition.

[0019] This disclosure also provides an aerosol generating matrix prepared using the compositions of this disclosure.

[0020] The composition disclosed herein incorporates flavoring components to provide a rich variety of flavor options for the aerosol generation matrix. By adding ethyl cellulose, hydrophobic interactions are formed with the added fat-soluble flavoring components, reducing the interaction forces between fat-soluble flavoring molecules and other components in the composition, thereby reducing issues related to non-formation during the one-piece molding process. Furthermore, ethyl cellulose can immobilize the fat-soluble flavoring components, for example, through encapsulation, achieving immobilization and sustained release of the flavoring components, thereby reducing flavoring component loss during the one-piece molding process and improving the retention rate of flavoring components in the aerosol generation matrix. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 is a thermogravimetric curve of the aerosol generation matrix prepared in Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1-2 of this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 shows the X-ray diffraction patterns of the aerosol generation matrices prepared in Examples 1-2 and Comparative Example 2 of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this disclosure, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0024] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specified, the terminology used herein should be understood as having the meaning commonly used in the art. Therefore, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the event of any conflict, this specification shall prevail.

[0025] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only the elements expressly described, but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to implementing the method or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other related elements in the method or apparatus that includes that element.

[0026] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," and "third" used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of objects. It is understood that "first," "second," and "third" can be interchanged in a specific order or sequence where permitted. It should be understood that the objects distinguished by "first," "second," and "third" can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this disclosure described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0027] In existing technologies, compositions used to prepare aerosol generating matrices include plant components, smoke generators, and binders. The preparation of aerosol generating matrices via a one-piece molding process typically requires binder-assisted molding, which generally involves non-covalent bonds such as hydrogen bonds. To offer multiple flavor options for the aerosol generating matrix, flavoring components are usually added to the raw material composition. However, flavoring components are typically fat-soluble small molecules. The hydrophobic groups on these fat-soluble small molecules can affect the formation of hydrogen bonds between the raw materials, and the hydrophobic structure of these fat-soluble small molecules causes them to exist in crystalline form within the raw materials, affecting the interaction forces between the raw materials and leading to problems such as incomplete molding during the one-piece molding process. Furthermore, the one-piece molding process for preparing aerosol generating matrices typically employs high-temperature extrusion and hot air drying to improve the production efficiency of the aerosol generating matrix and to give it rich aroma and a higher quality taste. However, the added flavoring components are prone to volatilization or aroma release at high temperatures, resulting in the loss of flavoring components during the one-piece molding process.

[0028] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a composition for preparing an aerosol generating matrix, the aerosol generating matrix being prepared by an integral molding process, the composition comprising: a plant component; a smoke-generating agent component; a binder component; a fat-soluble fragrance component; and ethyl cellulose.

[0029] In this disclosure, "integrated molding process" includes injection molding, compression molding, or extrusion molding. Extrusion molding refers to a processing method in which a raw material mixture is added to an extruder, and the material is simultaneously heated and plasticized by the action between the extruder barrel and screw, and continuously pushed forward by the screw through the die head to form products or semi-finished products of various cross-sections. The aerosol matrix formed by extrusion molding is in the form of strips. Because the aerosol generating matrix has an integrated structure, it remains a unified medium after being heated and absorbed or after heating ceases, preventing disintegration and shedding. This helps reduce problems such as fiber shedding and difficulty in cleaning the aerosol generating matrix.

[0030] In this disclosure, the plant-based components are the core source of aroma in the aerosol-generating matrix. Endogenous substances in the plant-based components, such as nicotine, enter the bloodstream and promote the pituitary gland to produce dopamine, thereby generating a sense of physiological satisfaction. The smoke-generating component produces a large amount of smoke upon heating, thus increasing the amount of smoke in the tobacco product. The binder component achieves close contact with the interfaces of the various components in the composition through wetting, generating intermolecular attraction, thereby binding the powders, liquids, etc., of the various components together.

[0031] In this disclosure, the fat-soluble fragrance component provides characteristic aromas to the aerosol generating matrix, such as hay or roasted sweetness. The fat-soluble fragrance component possesses hydrophobic groups, which cause it to exist in crystalline form within the aerosol generating matrix. This leads to problems such as the aerosol generating matrix obtained through the one-piece molding process being too soft and lacking shape.

[0032] To address the issues arising from the addition of fat-soluble fragrances, ethyl cellulose is incorporated as an extrusion aid in the composition disclosed herein. Ethyl cellulose molecules include hydrophobic groups, which interact with these groups during extrusion, reducing interactions between the fat-soluble fragrance molecules and other raw materials. This minimizes the impact on hydrogen bond formation and promotes the integral molding of the raw material composition. In the high-temperature integral molding process, the higher temperature enhances the interactions between the hydrophobic groups, allowing ethyl cellulose to encapsulate the fat-soluble fragrance molecules, achieving fragrance component loading and reducing fragrance component loss during the high-temperature extrusion process. Furthermore, the strong interaction between ethyl cellulose and fat-soluble fragrance molecules facilitates the sustained release of aroma and helps reduce leakage problems in the prepared aerosol-forming matrix during the suction process.

[0033] In some embodiments, the content of ethyl cellulose is 0.1%-8.0% based on the total mass of the composition. Maintaining the ethyl cellulose content within this range improves the hardness of the integrally molded aerosol-generating matrix, reducing problems such as matrix breakage and misshapenness during molding; furthermore, it increases the retention rate of flavor components, reducing their loss during molding. This also increases the content of fat-soluble flavor components in the aerosol-generating matrix, enhancing its aroma and flavor. Exemplarily, the ethyl cellulose content, based on the total mass of the composition, can be 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 3.0%, 4.0%, 5.0%, 6.0%, 7.0%, 8.0%, or any two of these values ​​within a range. In some embodiments, the ethyl cellulose content, based on the total mass of the composition, can be 0.1%-6.0%, preferably 0.1%-4.0%, and more preferably 0.5%-4.0%. Because ethyl cellulose has a strong fixing effect on fat-soluble fragrances, excessively high ethyl cellulose content affects the release of fragrance components during inhalation. By setting the ethyl cellulose content to 0.1%-6.0%, preferably 0.1%-4.0%, and more preferably 0.5%-4.0%, it is beneficial to improve the formation of the aerosol generating matrix and the fragrance retention rate during the formation process. On the other hand, it is beneficial to have a lower residual rate of fragrance components in the aerosol generating matrix after inhalation, thereby enhancing the aroma of the aerosol generating matrix during inhalation and improving the inhalation experience.

[0034] The "retention rate of flavoring components" is quantitatively calculated by comparing the content of flavoring components before and after molding. The retention rate (%) of flavoring components = (content of flavoring components after molding / content of flavoring components before molding) × 100%. The content of flavoring components can be measured using methods known to those skilled in the art, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In this disclosure, the terms "retention rate of flavoring components" and "flavor retention rate" are used interchangeably.

[0035] "The residual rate of fragrance components in the aerosol-generating matrix after inhalation" refers to the quantitative calculation based on the ratio of the content of fragrance components in the aerosol-generating matrix before and after inhalation, using a smoke extractor to simulate inhalation. The residual rate (%) of fragrance components in the aerosol-generating matrix after inhalation = (content of fragrance components after inhalation / content of fragrance components before inhalation) × 100%. In this disclosure, the terms "residual rate of fragrance components" and "fragrance residual rate" are used interchangeably.

[0036] "Hardness" can be determined using methods known to those skilled in the art, such as GB / T22838.6-2009.

[0037] In some embodiments, the fat-soluble flavoring component is selected from one or more of tobacco extracts, aromatic plant extracts, extracts, essential oils, absolutes, menthol, megastigmatrienone, neophytadiene, geraniol, nerol, and cream flavoring. Using the above-mentioned fat-soluble flavoring components can provide a richer aroma composition for the aerosol-generating matrix, thereby enhancing the inhalation experience. Optionally, the fat-soluble flavoring component is selected from one or more of menthol or cream flavoring.

[0038] In some embodiments, the content of the fat-soluble fragrance component is 0.5%-5.0% based on the total mass of the composition. By placing the fat-soluble fragrance component within the above range, it is beneficial to enhance the aroma richness of the aerosol-forming matrix, thereby improving the inhalation experience. Exemplarily, the content of the fat-soluble fragrance component, based on the total mass of the composition, can be 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, or a value between any two of these values. In some embodiments, the content of the fat-soluble fragrance component, based on the total mass of the composition, is 1.5%-5.0%, optionally 1.5%-3.0%.

[0039] In some embodiments, the plant component is selected from one or more of tobacco raw materials, tobacco leaf fragments, tobacco stems, tobacco dust, and aromatic plants; wherein the aromatic plants are selected from one or more of tea leaves, thyme, osmanthus, lemon, lavender, and benzoin. Optionally, the plant component is selected from tobacco raw materials.

[0040] In some embodiments, the plant component content is 20%-90% by weight of the total composition. By keeping the plant component content within the above range, a core aroma is provided to the aerosol-generating matrix, offering the user a better inhalation experience. Exemplarily, the plant component content, by weight of the total composition, can be 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or a value between any two of these values. In some embodiments, the plant component content is 69%-90% by weight of the total composition, optionally 69%-80%.

[0041] In some embodiments, the smoke-generating component is selected from one or more of the following: monohydric alcohols; dihydric alcohols; polyhydric alcohols; esters formed from monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, or polycarboxylic acids and fatty alcohols. Using the above-mentioned smoke-generating components is beneficial for providing a large amount of smoke, thereby increasing the amount of smoke generated by the aerosol-generating matrix. In some embodiments, the smoke-generating component is selected from one or more of propylene glycol, glycerol, 1,3-butanediol, tetraethylene glycol, triacetin, triethyl citrate, a mixture of diacetins, triethyl citrate, methyl benzoate, and triglycerides. Optionally, the smoke-generating component is selected from one or more of propylene glycol, glycerol, 1,3-butanediol, and tetraethylene glycol. Optionally, the smoke-generating component is selected from one or more of propylene glycol and glycerol.

[0042] In some embodiments, the content of the smoke-generating component is 5%-30% based on the total mass of the composition. Maintaining the content of the smoke-generating component within this range is beneficial for increasing the amount of smoke generated by the aerosol-generating matrix. Exemplarily, the content of the smoke-generating component, based on the total mass of the composition, can be 5%, 8%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, or a value between any two of these values. In some embodiments, the content of the smoke-generating component, based on the total mass of the composition, can be 15%-30%, optionally 15%-20%.

[0043] In some embodiments, the adhesive is selected from one or more of tamarind polysaccharide, guar gum, and hydrophilic modified cellulose, wherein the hydrophilic modified cellulose is selected from one or more of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl cellulose. The adhesive achieves close contact with the interfaces of the various component materials in the composition by wetting them, generating intermolecular attraction, thereby serving to bind the powders, liquids, etc., of the component materials. Optionally, the adhesive is selected from one or more of guar gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl cellulose. Optionally, the adhesive is selected from one or more of guar gum and hydroxyethyl cellulose.

[0044] In some embodiments, the content of the adhesive component is 1%-10% based on the total mass of the composition. By keeping the content of the adhesive component within the above range, it is beneficial to tightly bond the raw material components in the composition, thereby facilitating the molding of the individual components in the composition using a one-piece molding process. Exemplarily, the content of the adhesive component, based on the total mass of the composition, can be 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, or a value between any two of these values. In some embodiments, the content of the adhesive component, based on the total mass of the composition, is 5%-10%, optionally 5%-6.5%.

[0045] In some embodiments, the composition for preparing the aerosol-generating matrix further includes adjuvants. These adjuvants provide skeletal support for the plant components. They not only improve the flowability of the mixture but also give the aerosol-generating matrix a porous structure, facilitating aerosol extraction and flow.

[0046] For example, the additive can be one or more of inorganic fillers, lubricants, and emulsifiers. The inorganic filler may include one or more of heavy calcium carbonate, light calcium carbonate, zeolite, attapulgite, talc, and diatomaceous earth. The inorganic filler can provide skeletal support for the plant components, and its micropores can increase the porosity of the aerosol-generating matrix, thereby improving the aerosol release rate.

[0047] For example, the lubricant may include one or more of candelilla wax, carnauba wax, shellac, sunflower wax, rice bran, beeswax, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. The lubricant can increase the flowability of the plant component powder, reduce the friction between the plant component powders, make the overall density of the plant component powder distribution more uniform, and also reduce the pressure required during the integral molding process.

[0048] Emulsifiers may include one or more of polyglycerol fatty acid esters, Tween-80, and polyvinyl alcohol. Emulsifiers can, to some extent, slow down the loss of flavor compounds during the storage of aerosol-generated products, increase the stability of flavor compounds, and improve the sensory quality of the product.

[0049] This disclosure also provides an aerosol generating matrix prepared using the composition described above. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating matrix is ​​prepared using the composition described above via a one-piece molding process.

[0050] This disclosure also provides an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article includes an aerosol generating matrix prepared using the composition described above, a functional segment, and an encapsulation layer. The functional segment is disposed at one end of the aerosol generating matrix along its length, and the functional segment includes a cooling segment for lowering the aerosol temperature.

[0051] Aerosol generating products are intended for use with aerosol generating devices equipped with heating components. Specifically, the heating component heats and atomizes the aerosol generating matrix to produce aerosols. The user then draws in the cooled aerosol through a cooling section within the functional segment. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generating matrix is ​​transported to the cooling section under suction negative pressure. The cooling section is used to cool the aerosol. This cooling section helps to reduce the "burning" sensation experienced by the user when drawing in the aerosol.

[0052] The cooling materials used in the cooling section include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: polyethylene (PE), polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polypropylene (PP), cellulose acetate, and propylene fiber.

[0053] The coating layer surrounds the functional segment and the aerosol-generating matrix circumferentially. The coating layer protects the aerosol-generating matrix. The coating layer includes, but is not limited to, one or more materials such as fiber paper, metal foil, metal foil composite fiber paper, polyethylene composite fiber paper, polyethylene (PE), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT).

[0054] It should be noted that the aerosol generating matrix included in the aerosol generating article is used to generate aerosols, while the functional section does not generate aerosols.

[0055] In some implementations, the functional section also includes a filtration section. The filtration section is used to filter aerosols.

[0056] The filter materials used in the filtration section include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: polyethylene (PE), polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polypropylene (PP), cellulose acetate, and cellulose acrylic.

[0057] The cooling section and the filtration section can be made of the same material or different materials.

[0058] This disclosure also provides an aerosol generation system. The aerosol generation system includes an aerosol generation apparatus with a heating component and the aerosol generation article described above. Specifically, the heating component heats and atomizes the aerosol generation matrix to generate aerosols.

[0059] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0060] Example

[0061] All non-tobacco raw materials used in the following examples are commercially available.

[0062] In the following examples, a screw extrusion device is used to extrude the composition.

[0063] Example 1

[0064] 69 parts by weight of tobacco plant components, 20 parts by weight of the smoke-generating agent glycerol, 6.5 parts by weight of the binder guar gum, 1.5 parts by weight of menthol, and 3 parts by weight of ethyl cellulose were weighed and mixed evenly to obtain a composition. The obtained composition was then prepared into an aerosol generating matrix using an extrusion device.

[0065] Examples 2-4

[0066] According to the formulation shown in Table 1 below, the raw materials were weighed and mixed evenly, and the resulting composition was prepared into an aerosol generating matrix in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0067] Comparative Examples 1-4

[0068] According to the formulation shown in Table 1 below, the raw materials were weighed and mixed evenly, and the resulting composition was prepared into an aerosol generating matrix in the same manner as in Example 1. The compositions of Comparative Examples 1-4 do not contain ethyl cellulose.

[0069] Table 1: Composition formulations for preparing aerosol generation matrices

[0070] In the table, " / " indicates that it has not been added.

[0071] The performance of the aerosol generation matrix was tested according to the following test method, and the results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0072] Hardness test:

[0073] Hardness testing was conducted using a five-function integrated testing bench, PTV R-H502225T. The hardness testing method followed the GB / T 22838.6-2009 standard.

[0074] Flavor retention rate test:

[0075] The content of fragrance components after extrusion of the aerosol matrix was determined using an Agilent 8890GC-5977B MS gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer, and the fragrance retention rate was calculated according to the following formula:

[0076] Fragrance retention rate = (content of fragrance components after extrusion / content of fragrance components before extrusion) × 100%

[0077] Table 2: Performance test results of aerosol generation matrix

[0078] The test results above show that adding ethyl cellulose to the composition used to prepare the aerosol generating matrix can improve the hardness and fragrance retention of the aerosol generating matrix. These results indicate that the addition of ethyl cellulose is beneficial for the extrusion molding of the aerosol generating matrix and helps reduce the loss of fragrance components during the extrusion process.

[0079] To illustrate the advantages of the aerosol generating matrix prepared using the composition disclosed herein, thermogravimetric analysis was performed on the aerosol generating matrices of Example 1, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2 according to the following test methods.

[0080] Thermogravimetric analysis test method: 5 mg of aerosol matrix sample was placed in a METTLER TG / DSC 3+ thermogravimetric analyzer and heated from 30℃ to 320℃ at a heating rate of 20℃ / min, and then held for 5 min to obtain the weight loss curve of each sample. The results are shown in Figure 1.

[0081] As shown in Figure 1, compared to the aerosol generating matrix prepared in Example 1, the volatile temperature of menthol in the aerosol generating matrices prepared in Comparative Examples 1 and 2 occurred between 70℃ and 190℃ (weight loss 20.06%), with the fastest volatile rate occurring at 120℃. As the temperature continued to rise, the volatile rate decreased, correlated with the remaining amount. Within the temperature range of 70℃ to 190℃, compared to the absence of ethyl cellulose (Comparative Examples 1-2), the addition of ethyl cellulose (Example 1) reduced the volatile amount of menthol. These results demonstrate that ethyl cellulose has a menthol-fixing effect and can reduce the loss of fat-soluble flavor components during the high-temperature extrusion process.

[0082] The aerosol generating matrices of Examples 1-2 and Comparative Example 2 were ground and passed through a 120-mesh sieve. The powder obtained by sieving was then subjected to diffraction analysis using a Shimadzu XRD-6100 X-ray diffractometer with a fixed copper target in the range of 2θ of 5-40°. The results are shown in Figure 2.

[0083] As shown in Figure 2, compared to the group without ethyl cellulose (Comparative Example 2), the addition of ethyl cellulose (Examples 1-2) resulted in an enhanced diffraction peak at 2θ = 8°. This indicates that the addition of ethyl cellulose increases the lattice spacing of the material molecules, thereby enhancing the hydrophobic interactions between molecules.

[0084] Examples 5-9

[0085] According to the formulation shown in Table 3 below, the raw materials were weighed and mixed evenly, and the resulting composition was prepared into an aerosol generating matrix in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0086] Table 3: Composition formulations for preparing aerosol generation matrices

[0087] Referring to the above-mentioned hardness test and fragrance retention rate test methods, the performance of the aerosol generating matrix in Examples 5-9 was tested, and the test results are shown in Table 4.

[0088] In addition, the fragrance residue rate after aerosol generation matrix extraction in Examples 5-9 was also tested, and the test results are shown in Table 4.

[0089] The aerosol generation matrix was simulated and tested using the following method:

[0090] Simulated smoking was conducted using the X500E-L Puffman fully automatic rotary heated non-combustible cigarette smoking machine. Smoking parameters: smoking capacity of 55ml, 2s of smoking time, 30s interval, 10 puffs, and device parameters set as 3s for triggering and 5s for preheating (total 8s).

[0091] The content of fragrance components in the simulated aerosol matrix after aerosol extraction was determined using an Agilent 8890GC-5977B MS gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system, and the fragrance residue rate was calculated according to the following formula:

[0092] Fragrance residue rate (%) = (Fragrance component content in the aerosol-forming matrix after aspiration / Fragrance component content in the aerosol-forming matrix before aspiration) × 100%

[0093] Table 4: Performance test results of aerosol generation matrix

[0094] The results above show that, based on the total mass of the composition, an ethyl cellulose content of 0.1%-8.0% is beneficial for the aerosol-generating matrix to have improved molding properties and fragrance retention. The fragrance residue test results indicate that when the ethyl cellulose content is in the range of 0.1-4.0% (Examples 5 to 7), the fragrance residue in the aerosol-generating matrix after suction is lower, resulting in a better suction experience.

[0095] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and does not limit the patent scope of this disclosure. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of this specification and drawings under the inventive concept of this disclosure, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A composition for preparing an aerosol-generating matrix, wherein, The aerosol generating matrix is ​​prepared by an integral molding process, and the composition includes: Plant components; Smoke-generating agent components; Adhesive components; Fat-soluble flavor components; and Ethyl cellulose.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein, The content of ethyl cellulose is 0.1%-8.0% based on the total mass of the composition.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fat-soluble flavoring components are selected from tobacco extracts, aromatic plant extracts, extracts, essential oils, and absolutes. 、 One or more of menthol, megastigmatrienone, neophytadiene, geraniol, nerol, and cream flavoring.

4. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The content of the fat-soluble flavoring component is 0.5%-5.0% based on the total mass of the composition.

5. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plant components are selected from one or more of the following: tobacco raw materials, tobacco leaf fragments, tobacco stems, tobacco dust, and aromatic plants.

6. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The content of the plant component is 20%-90% based on the total mass of the composition.

7. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The smoke-generating agent component is selected from one or more of the following: monohydric alcohol; dihydric alcohol; polyhydric alcohol; monocarboxylic acid, dicarboxylic acid, or esters formed by polycarboxylic acid and fatty alcohol; Preferably, the smoke-generating agent component is selected from one or more of propylene glycol, glycerol, 1,3-butanediol, tetraethylene glycol, triacetin, triethyl citrate, a mixture of diacetins, triethyl citrate, methyl benzoate, and triglyceride.

8. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The content of the smoke-generating agent component is 5%-30% based on the total mass of the composition.

9. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The adhesive is selected from one or more of tamarind polysaccharide, guar gum, and hydrophilic modified cellulose, wherein the hydrophilic modified cellulose is selected from one or more of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl cellulose; preferably, the content of the adhesive component is 1%-10% based on the total mass of the composition.

10. An aerosol generation matrix, wherein, The aerosol generating matrix is ​​prepared using the composition of any one of claims 1-9.

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