Aerosol-generating element with a wrapper

Abstract

An aerosol-generating element (10) for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating element comprising a plug of aerosol-generating substrate (52) and a wrapper (54) circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate (52), wherein a ratio of the width (152) of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate (52) to the width of the aerosol-generating element (10) is less than or equal to 0.8.

Description

[0001] P / 90900.W001

[0002] - 1 - AEROSOL-GENERATING ELEMENT WITH A WRAPPER

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating element for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating element. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device.

[0004] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate comprising aerosolgenerating material, such as a tobacco-containing material, is heated rather than combusted are known in the art. An aim of such ‘heated’ aerosol-generating articles is to reduce certain smoke constituents of the type produced by the combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco in conventional cigarettes.

[0005] Typically, in heated aerosol-generating articles an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-generating substrate. In use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate by heat transfer from the heat source to the aerosol-generating substrate and are entrained in air drawn through the aerosolgenerating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

[0006] A number of handheld aerosol-generating devices configured to heat aerosol-generating substrates of heated aerosol-generating articles are known in the art. These include electrically-operated aerosol-generating devices in which an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from one or more electrical heating elements of the aerosol-generating device to the aerosolgenerating substrate of the heated aerosol-generating article. Known handheld electrically operated aerosol-generating devices typically comprise a battery, control electronics and one or more electrical heating elements for heating the aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosolgenerating article designed specifically for use with the aerosol-generating device.

[0007] Some known electrically-operated aerosol-generating devices comprise one or more external heating elements. For example, WO 2020 / 115151 A1 discloses an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article and an electrically-operated aerosol-generating device comprising an external heating element that circumscribes the outer periphery of the aerosol-generating article. Other known electrically-operated aerosol-generating devices comprise an internal heating element that is configured to be inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article. Electrically-operated aerosol-generating devices comprising an inductor configured to inductively heat aerosol-generating substrates of heated aerosol-generating articles are also known.

[0008] In general, it can be difficult to provide efficient heating of an aerosol-generating substrate throughout the whole rod of aerosol-generating substrate. The portions of the substrate closest to the heating element will inevitably be heated most effectively whilst imperfect transfer of heatP / 90900.W001

[0009] - 2 -through the substrate will mean that portions of the substrate furthest from the heating element may not be effectively heated. The generation of aerosol from these portions of the substrate that are not effectively heated is therefore not optimal and in some cases, parts of the substrate may not reach a sufficiently high temperature during use for an aerosol to be generated at all. For example, where an internal heating element is used to heat a rod of aerosol-generating substrate, as described above, the outer portions of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is unlikely to generate as much aerosol as the inner portions of the rod and in some cases, may not generate any aerosol. While increasing the temperature of the internal heating element may help to heat the outer portions of aerosol-generating substrate, this may lead to burning of the inner portions of aerosol-generating substrate, which could generate unwanted chemicals and a negative taste profile. The generation of aerosol from the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is therefore likely to be inefficient, with potential waste of a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0010] It would therefore be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating element comprising an aerosol-generating substrate that is adapted to provide more efficient aerosolisation of the aerosol-generating substrate and that reduces waste of the substrate materials. It would also be desirable to provide such an aerosol-generating article with a relatively simple design that can be manufactured in a cost effective way and incorporated into existing design products. It would be further desirable to provide such an article that can be readily adapted so that it can be heated in a variety of types of heating device, including inductive and resistive heating devices.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating element for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating. The aerosol-generating element may comprise a plug of aerosolgenerating substrate and a wrapper circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. A ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosol-generating element may be less than or equal to 0.8.

[0012] The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating element as described herein.

[0013] The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article as described herein and an aerosol-generating device configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article. As an example, the aerosol-generating system may comprise an internal heater, wherein the internal heater may be a component of the aerosol-generating article or a component of the aerosol-generating device.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating element comprising an plug of aerosol-generating substrate and a wrapper circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate, wherein a ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosol-generating element is less than or equal to 0.8.P / 90900.W001

[0015] - 3 - According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating element according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating article according to the second aspect of the present invention and an aerosol-generating device configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0017] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” is used to describe an article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate that is heated to generate an inhalable aerosol for delivery to a user.

[0018] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating substrate” is used to describe a substrate comprising aerosol-generating material that is capable of releasing upon heating volatile compounds that can generate an aerosol.

[0019] As used herein, the term “aerosol” is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets, in a gas. The aerosol may be visible or invisible. The aerosol may include vapours of substances that are ordinarily liquid or solid at room temperature as well as solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets.

[0020] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating device” is used to describe a device that interacts with the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.

[0021] The aerosol-generating article has a proximal end through which, in use, an aerosol exits the aerosol-generating article for delivery to a user. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the downstream end or mouth end of the aerosol-generating article. In use, a user draws directly or indirectly on the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article in order to inhale an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating article.

[0022] The aerosol-generating article has a distal end. The distal end is opposite the proximal end. The distal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0023] Components of the aerosol-generating article may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative positions between the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0024] As used herein, the term “rod” is used to denote a generally elongate element, preferably a cylindrical element of substantially circular, oval or elliptical cross-section.

[0025] As used herein, the term “elongate” is used to describe a component or element having a length that is greater than the width and the thickness thereof. For example, the length of an elongate component or element may be at least twice the width thereof. An elongate component or element may have a width that is greater than the thickness thereof. For example, an elongateP / 90900.W001

[0026] - 4 -element may have a substantially rectangular cross-section or a substantially elliptical or oval circular cross-section. An elongate component or element may have a width that is substantially the same as the thickness thereof. For example, an elongate element may have a substantially square cross-section or a substantially circular cross-section.

[0027] As used herein, the term “plug” is used to describe a non-tubular element. A plug describe herein may also be referred to as a solid plug or a plain element. A plug may be porous. The plug of aerosol-generating substrate may be referred to as an aerosol-generating substrate plug.

[0028] As used herein, the term “longitudinal” is used to describe the direction between the proximal end and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0029] As used herein, the term “length” is used to describe the maximum dimension of the aerosol-generating article or a component of the aerosol-generating article or the aerosolgenerating device or a component of the aerosol-generating device in the longitudinal direction.

[0030] As used herein, the term “transverse” is used to describe the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Unless otherwise stated, references to the “cross-section” of the aerosol-generating article or a component of the aerosol-generating article or the aerosolgenerating device or a component of the aerosol-generating device refer to the transverse crosssection.

[0031] As used herein, the term “width” denotes the maximum dimension of the aerosolgenerating article or a component of the aerosol-generating article or the aerosol-generating device or a component of the aerosol-generating device in a transverse direction. Where the aerosol-generating element has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the aerosolgenerating element corresponds to the external diameter of the aerosol-generating element. Where a component of the aerosol-generating element has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the component of the aerosol-generating element corresponds to the external diameter of the component of the aerosol-generating element. Where the aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the aerosol-generating article corresponds to the external diameter of the aerosol-generating article. Where a component of the aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the component of the aerosol-generating article corresponds to the external diameter of the component of the aerosol-generating article.

[0032] As described above, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating element. The aerosol-generating element may comprise a plug of aerosol-generating substrate and a wrapper circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate, wherein a ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosol-generating element is less than or equal to 0.8. The provision of such an aerosol-generating element may advantageously optimise the proportion of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating element that may be efficiently heated by a heater, and in particular by an internal heater. Overall, the amount ofP / 90900.W001

[0033] - 5 -aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating element and thus in an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating element may therefore be significantly reduced compared to in existing aerosol-generating elements and aerosol-generating articles. For example, it has been found that the amount of aerosol-generating material in the aerosolgenerating element and in an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating element may be reduced by up to 30 percent compared to the amount of aerosol-generating material used in existing aerosol-generating elements and aerosol-generating articles, whilst retaining a similar delivery of aerosol to the consumer.

[0034] A ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosolgenerating element may be less than or equal to 0.8, less than or equal to 0.75, or less than or equal to 0.7. Reducing the ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosol-generating element may increase the proportion of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating element that is efficiently heated by a heater. This may advantageously reduce waste of aerosol-generating material.

[0035] A ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosolgenerating element may be at least 0.5, at least 0.55, or at least 0.6.

[0036] A ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosolgenerating element may be between 0.5 and 0.8, between 0.5 and 0.75, or between 0.5 and 0.7. A ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosolgenerating element may be between 0.55 and 0.8, between 0.55 and 0.75, or between 0.55 and 0.7. A ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosolgenerating element may be between 0.6 and 0.8, between 0.6 and 0.75, or between 0.6 and 0.7.

[0037] The ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosol-generating element discussed above may provide a desired balance between maximising the proportion of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating element that is efficiently heated to generate an inhalable aerosol and the overall amount of aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating element to provide a user with a desired experience.

[0038] The plug of aerosol-generating substrate may have a width of at least 3 millimetres, at least 3.5 millimetres, or at least 4 millimetres.

[0039] The plug of aerosol-generating substrate may have a width of less than or equal to 6.5 millimetres, less than or equal to 6 millimetres, or less than or equal to 5.5 millimetres.

[0040] The plug of aerosol-generating substrate may have a width of between 3 millimetres and 6.5 millimetres, between 3 millimetres and 6 millimetres, or between 3 millimetres and 5.5 millimetres. The plug of aerosol-generating substrate may have a width of between 3.5 millimetres and 6.5 millimetres, between 3.5 millimetres and 6 millimetres, or between 3.5 millimetres and 5.5 millimetres. The plug of aerosol-generating substrate may have a width of between 4P / 90900.W001

[0041] - 6 -millimetres and 6.5 millimetres, between 4 millimetres and 6 millimetres, or between 4 millimetres and 5.5 millimetres.

[0042] The width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate discussed above may provide a desired balance between maximising the proportion of aerosol-generating material in the aerosolgenerating element that is efficiently heated to generate an inhalable aerosol and the overall amount of aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating element.

[0043] The plug of aerosol-generating substrate may have a substantially circular cross-section. The plug of aerosol-generating substrate may be substantially cylindrical. The plug of aerosolgenerating substrate may be a cylindrical plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0044] The widths of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate discussed herein are also applicable to the external diameter of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0045] The plug of aerosol-generating substrate may be arranged centrally in the aerosolgenerating element. The plug of aerosol-generating substrate may be located in a radially central position in the aerosol-generating element. The plug of aerosol-generating substrate may extend along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating element.

[0046] The plug of aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of at least 8 millimetres, at least 9 millimetres, or at least 10 millimetres.

[0047] The plug of aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of less than or equal to 16 millimetres, less than or equal to 15 millimetres, or less than or equal to 14 millimetres.

[0048] The plug of aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of between 8 millimetres and 16 millimetres, between 8 millimetres and 15 millimetres, or between 8 millimetres and 14 millimetres. The plug of aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of between 9 millimetres and 16 millimetres, between 9 millimetres and 15 millimetres, or between 9 millimetres and 14 millimetres. The plug of aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of between 10 millimetres and 16 millimetres, between 10 millimetres and 15 millimetres, or between 10 millimetres and 14 millimetres.

[0049] The plug of aerosol-generating substrate may extend from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating element towards the downstream end of the aerosol-generating element, he plug of aerosol-generating substrate may extend from the downstream end of the aerosolgenerating element towards the upstream end of the aerosol-generating element. Preferably, the plug of aerosol-generating substrate extends from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating element to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating element. In other words, the plug of aerosol-generating substrate preferably extends the entire length of the aerosol-generating element.

[0050] Preferably, the plug of aerosol-generating substrate has the same length as the aerosolgenerating element.P / 90900.W001

[0051] - 7 - A ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the length of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate may be less than or equal to 0.55, less than or equal to 0.5, or less than or equal to 0.45.

[0052] A ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the length of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate may be at least 0.3.

[0053] A ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the length of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate may be between 0.3 and 0.55, between 0.3 and 0.5, or between 0.3 and 0.45.

[0054] The ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the length of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate described herein may provide a desired balance the proportion of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating element that is efficiently heated to generate an inhalable aerosol, the overall amount of aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating element, and the resistance to draw of the aerosol-generating element.

[0055] The aerosol-generating element may have a width of at least 4 millimetres, at least 5 millimetres, or at least 6 millimetres.

[0056] The aerosol-generating element may have a width of less than or equal to 12 millimetres, less than or equal to 10 millimetres, less than or equal to 8 millimetres.

[0057] The aerosol-generating element may have a width of between 4 millimetres and 12 millimetres, between 4 millimetres and 10 millimetres, between 4 millimetres and 8 millimetres. The aerosol-generating element may have a width of between 5 millimetres and 12 millimetres, between 5 millimetres and 10 millimetres, between 5 millimetres and 8 millimetres. The aerosolgenerating element may have a width of between 6 millimetres and 12 millimetres, between 6 millimetres and 10 millimetres, between 6 millimetres and 8 millimetres.

[0058] The aerosol-generating element may have a substantially circular cross-section. The aerosol-generating element may be substantially cylindrical. The aerosol-generating element may be a cylindrical aerosol-generating element.

[0059] The widths of the aerosol-generating element discussed herein are also applicable to the external diameter of the aerosol-generating element.

[0060] The aerosol-generating element may be in the form of a rod. The aerosol-generating element may be an aerosol-generating rod.

[0061] The aerosol-generating element may have a length of at least 8 millimetres, at least 9 millimetres, or at least 10 millimetres.

[0062] The aerosol-generating element may have a length of less than or equal to 16 millimetres, less than or equal to 15 millimetres, or less than or equal to 14 millimetres.

[0063] The aerosol-generating element may have a length of between 8 millimetres and 16 millimetres, between 8 millimetres and 15 millimetres, or between 8 millimetres and 14 millimetres. The aerosol-generating element e may have a length of between 9 millimetres andP / 90900.W001

[0064] - 8 - 16 millimetres, between 9 millimetres and 15 millimetres, or between 9 millimetres and 14 millimetres. The aerosol-generating element may have a length of between 10 millimetres and 16 millimetres, between 10 millimetres and 15 millimetres, or between 10 millimetres and 14 millimetres.

[0065] The resistance to draw of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate may be less than the resistance to draw of the wrapper. The resistance to draw in the longitudinal direction of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate may be less than the resistance to draw in the longitudinal direction of the wrapper.

[0066] When a user draws on the downstream end of an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating element, at least a majority of air drawn through the aerosol-generating element from the upstream end to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating element is preferably drawn through the plug of aerosol-generating substrate rather than the through wrapper.

[0067] Unless otherwise stated, the resistance to draw (RTD) of the aerosol-generating article or a component of the aerosol-generating article, such as the aerosol-generating element or a component of the aerosol-generating element, is measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015 at a volumetric flow rate of about 17.5 millilitres per second at the proximal end or downstream end of the aerosol-generating article or the component thereof at a temperature of about 22 degrees Celsius, a pressure of about 101 kPa (about 760 Torr) and a relative humidity of about 60%.

[0068] The wrapper may have an overall thickness of at least 0.5 millimetres, at least 1 millimetre, or at least 1.5 millimetres.

[0069] The wrapper may have an overall thickness of less than or equal to 4 millimetres, less than or equal to 3.5 millimetres, or less than or equal to 3 millimetres.

[0070] The wrapper may have an overall thickness of between 0.5 millimetres and 4 millimetres, between 0.5 millimetres and 3.5 millimetres, or between 0.5 millimetres and 3 millimetres. The wrapper may have an overall thickness of between 1 millimetre and 4 millimetres, between 1 millimetre and 3.5 millimetres, or between 1 millimetre and 3 millimetres. The wrapper may have an overall thickness of between 1.5 millimetres and 4 millimetres, between 1.5 millimetres and 3.5 millimetres, or between 1.5 millimetres and 3 millimetres.

[0071] The plug of aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating element with a wrapper having an overall thickness as described herein may advantageously have a desired width such that a significant proportion of the aerosol-generating material is efficiently heated to provide a user with a desired experience while avoiding waste of aerosol-generating material. The aerosolgenerating element with a wrapper having an overall thickness as described herein may have a desired external diameter such that it can be easily incorporated into existing aerosol-generating articles. For example, the aerosol-generating element with a wrapper having an overall thicknessP / 90900.W001

[0072] - 9 -as described herein may have an external diameter substantially the same as an external diameter of existing aerosol-generating elements. The wrapper having an overall thickness as described herein may help to insulate the aerosol-generating element to avoid the outside of an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating element from reaching an undesirable temperature at least for handling by a user.

[0073] The overall thickness of the wrapper described herein may refer to the overall thickness of the wrapper that is substantially constant around a majority of the wrapper. In other words, a majority (at least 50%) of the wrapper may have a substantially constant overall thickness, and the overall thickness of the wrapper described herein may refer to the overall thickness of the wrapper at locations along and around the wrapper having this substantially constant overall thickness.

[0074] The overall thickness of the wrapper may be substantially constant around at least 75 percent of the circumference of the wrapper, at least 80 percent of the circumference of the wrapper, or at least 85% of the circumference of the wrapper. The overall thickness of the wrapper described herein may refer to the overall thickness of the wrapper that is substantially constant around at least 75 percent of the circumference of the wrapper, at least 80 percent of the circumference of the wrapper, or at least 85% of the circumference of the wrapper.

[0075] The wrapper may comprise a uniform thickness section having a substantially constant overall thickness, the uniform thickness section may extend around at least 75 percent of the circumference of the wrapper, or at least 80 percent of the circumference of the wrapper, or at least 85 percent of the circumference of the wrapper. The uniform thickness section may be a uniform thickness longitudinal section. The uniform thickness section may extend from the upstream end of the wrapper to the downstream end of the wrapper. The overall thickness of the wrapper described herein may be measured at the uniform thickness section of the wrapper.

[0076] The wrapper may have a tensile strength in the machine direction of at least 50 N / 5cm, at least 60 N / 5cm, at least 70 N / 5cm, or at least 80 N / 5cm.

[0077] The wrapper may have a tensile strength in the machine direction of less than or equal to 150 N / 5cm.

[0078] The wrapper may have a tensile strength in the machine direction of between 50 N / 5cm and 150 N / 5cm, between 60 N / 5cm and 150 N / 5cm, between 70 N / 5cm and 150 N / 5cm, or between 80 N / 5cm and 150 N / 5cm.

[0079] A wrapper having a tensile strength as described herein may advantageously avoid breakage during high-speed rod-making processes.

[0080] The tensile strengths of the wrapper described above are also applicable to the tensile strength of the material forming the wrapper.P / 90900.W001

[0081] - 10 - The tensile strength in the machine direction may be measured in accordance with the standard procedure NWSP 110.4.R1 (22). It will be appreciated that the unit“N / 5cm” may be used herein to refer to breaking force per 5 cm width of a material.

[0082] The wrapper may have a grammage of less than or equal to 110 grams per square metre, less than or equal to 100 grams per square metre, or less than or equal to 90 grams per square metre.

[0083] The wrapper may have a grammage of at least 60 grams per square metre, at least 70 grams per square metre, or at least 80 grams per square metre.

[0084] The wrapper may have a grammage of between 60 grams per square metre and 110 grams per square metre, between 60 grams per square metre and 100 grams per square metre, or between 60 grams per square metre and 90 grams per square metre. The wrapper may have a grammage of between 70 grams per square metre and 110 grams per square metre, between 70 grams per square metre and 100 grams per square metre, or between 70 grams per square metre and 90 grams per square metre. The wrapper may have a grammage of between 80 grams per square metre and 110 grams per square metre, between 80 grams per square metre and 100 grams per square metre, or between 80 grams per square metre and 90 grams per square metre.

[0085] The grammages of the wrapper described herein may be such that the wrapper may have a desired thickness. The grammages of the wrapper described herein may have a desired level of flexibility to avoid unravelling of the wrapper when the wrapper is wrapped around the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. This may particularly be the case where the wrapper is formed from a non-woven material. Flexibility in the wrapper may make it easier to form the aerosol-generating article, since it may be easier to overlap and adhere opposing ends of the wrapper to one another to form a lap seam. As such, the grammages of the wrapper described herein may allow for reliable wrapping and gluing of the wrapper using standard high-speed rod-making processes.

[0086] The grammages of the wrapper described above are also applicable to a sheet of material forming the wrapper.

[0087] As used herein, the term “sheet” is used to describe a laminar element having a width and a length substantially greater than a thickness thereof.

[0088] A ratio of the grammage of the wrapper (in grams per square metre) to the tensile strength in the machine direction of the wrapper (in N / 5cm) may be less than or equal to 1.8, less than or equal to 1.6, or less than or equal to 1.4.

[0089] A ratio of the grammage of the wrapper (in grams per square metre) to the tensile strength in the machine direction of the wrapper (in N / 5cm) may be at least 0.8, at least 0.9, or at least 1. The grammage of the wrapper (in grams per square metre) may be greater than the tensile strength in the machine direction of the wrapper (in N / 5cm).

[0090] A ratio of the grammage of the wrapper (in grams per square metre) to the tensile strength in the machine direction of the wrapper (in N / 5cm) may be between 0.8 and 1.8, between 0.8 andP / 90900.W001

[0091] - 11 - 1.6, or between 0.8 and 1.4. A ratio of the grammage of the wrapper (in grams per square metre) to the tensile strength in the machine direction of the wrapper (in N / 5cm) may be between 0.9 and 1.8, between 0.9 and 1.6, or between 0.9 and 1.4. A ratio of the grammage of the wrapper (in grams per square metre) to the tensile strength in the machine direction of the wrapper (in N / 5cm) may be between 1 and 1.8, between 1 and 1.6, or between 1 and 1.4. For example, the wrapper may have a grammage of 90 grams per square metre and a tensile strength in the machine direction of 70 N / 5cm; accordingly the ratio of the grammage of the wrapper (in grams per square metre) to the tensile strength in the machine direction of the wrapper (in N / 5cm) is about 1.3.

[0092] The wrapper having a ratio of the grammage of the wrapper to the tensile strength in the machine direction as described herein may be such that the wrapper can be relatively thick while still allow for easy and reliable wrapping of the wrapper using standard high-speed rod-making processes.

[0093] The wrapper may comprise a non-woven material. The wrapper may comprise a sheet of non-woven material. The wrapper may be formed from a non-woven material. The wrapper may be formed from a sheet of non-woven material.

[0094] Where the wrapper comprises or is formed from a non-woven material, the wrapper may be referred to as a non-woven wrapper.

[0095] As used herein, the term “non-woven” refers to a manufactured sheet, web or batt of directionally or randomly orientated fibres, bonded by friction, and / or cohesion and / or adhesion, excluding products which are woven, knitted, tufted, stitch-bonded incorporating binding yarns or filaments, or felted by wet-milling, whether or not additionally needled. The fibres may be of natural or man-made origin.

[0096] The non-woven material may be a non-woven material as defined by ISO standard 9092. The non-woven material may be a non-woven material as defined by CEN EN 29092.

[0097] A wrapper comprising or being formed from a non-woven material may be sufficiently flexible such that it is unlikely to unravel when wrapped around the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. This may make it easier to form the aerosol-generating article, since it may be easier to overlap and adhere opposing ends of the wrapper to one another to form a lap seam. This may still be the case for relatively thick wrappers comprising or being formed from a non-woven material. Furthermore, a non-woven material may advantageously provide the wrapper with a desired tensile strength in the machine direction to avoid breakage of the wrapper during highspeed rod-making processes. Accordingly, use of a non-woven material may help to reduce the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate while still allowing the aerosol-generating element to be formed using standard high-speed rod-making processes and standard adhesives. In addition, a non-woven material may advantageously act as a lightweight insulator for the aerosol-generating element.P / 90900.W001

[0098] - 12 - Wrapping the plug of aerosol-generating substrate in a wrapper comprising or being formed from a non-woven material and having a thickness as described herein may increase compression on and the density of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. This may improve aerosol yield due to more aerosol-generating material being contained in the plug of aerosolgenerating substrate, improved contact and thus heat transfer with a heating element with the aerosol-generating material, and improved heat transfer through the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. In addition, increased compression on and the density of the plug of aerosolgenerating substrate may restrict movement of an internal heater located within the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. This may be such that the internal heater remains in an optimum position to heat the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0099] The non-woven material is preferably a non-woven cellulosic material. A non-woven cellulosic material may be cheap and biodegradable improving the sustainability of the aerosolgenerating article.

[0100] The non-woven material may comprise at least 80 percent by weight of cellulose fibres, or at least 85 percent by weight of cellulose fibres, 90 percent by weight of cellulose fibres. In some examples, the non-woven material may comprise at least 95 percent by weight of cellulose fibres. For example, the non-woven material may comprise 100 percent by weight of cellulose fibres.

[0101] The non-woven material may comprise regenerated cellulose. The non-woven material may comprise regenerated cellulose fibres.

[0102] The non-woven material may be formed by drylaying, wetlaying, airlaying, spunlaying, hydroentanglement (spunlacing), chemical bonding, or needle-punching.

[0103] The non-woven material may be a non-woven drylaid material, a non-woven wetlaid material, a non-woven spunlayed material, a non-woven hydroentangled material (a non-woven spunlace material), a non-woven chemical bonded material, or a non-woven needle-punched material.

[0104] Preferably, the non-woven material is formed by hydroentanglement (spunlacing). Preferably, the non-woven material is a non-woven hydroentangled material (a non-woven spunlace material), such as a non-woven hydroentangled cellulosic material. The hydroentanglement process creates entangled fibres, providing the non-woven material with a high tensile strength and flexibility. A wrapper comprising or formed from a non-woven hydroentangled material may have a desired tensile strength in the machine direction to avoid breakage during high-speed rod-making processes and a desired flexibility to avoid unravelling during high-speed rod making processes for reliable wrapping and gluing of the wrapper.

[0105] The wrapper may comprise an aerosol former. The aerosol former of the wrapper may help to avoid drying out of and reduce the likelihood of burning of the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol former may contribute to the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generatingP / 90900.W001

[0106] - 13 -element. The wrapper comprising aerosol former may be particularly advantageous where the wrapper comprises a non-woven material. This may be because the non-woven material may be one or both of porous and absorbent.

[0107] The wrapper may be formed from a sheet comprising one or more layers. The wrapper may be formed from a sheet comprising a single layer of material. The wrapper may be formed from a sheet comprising a plurality of layers of material. The wrapper may be formed from a laminate sheet.

[0108] The wrapper may be formed from a sheet comprising one or more layers of a non-woven material, such as a non-woven cellulosic material. In particular, the wrapper may be formed from a sheet comprising one or more layers of a non-woven hydroentangled (spunlace) material.

[0109] For example, the wrapper may be formed from a non-woven spunlace cellulose material consisting of three layers: two layers of carded cellulosic fibres and a wood pulp layer located between the two layers of carded cellulosic fibres. An example of such a material is marketed by Suominen under the name BIOLACE®.

[0110] The wrapper may form one or more layers circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. The wrapper may form two layers circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0111] The wrapper may comprise a seam. The wrapper may be adhered at the seam. The wrapper may comprise a lap seam formed from overlapped layers of a sheet forming the wrapper. The lap seam extends only partially around the circumference of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0112] For example, the majority of the wrapper may be formed from a single layer of a sheet, and a lap seam of the wrapper may be formed from two overlapped layers of the sheet.

[0113] As another example, a sheet forming the wrapper may circumscribe the plug of aerosolgenerating substrate twice. The majority of the wrapper may be formed from two overlapped layers of the sheet, and a lap seam of the wrapper may be formed from three overlapped layers of the sheet.

[0114] The overall thickness of the wrapper described herein may not be measured at a lap seam. Where the majority of the wrapper is formed from a single layer of sheet, the overall thickness of the wrapper substantially corresponds to the thickness of the sheet. This may be the case where the wrapper is formed from a sheet circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate less than twice.

[0115] The wrapper may be formed from a sheet circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate less than twice.

[0116] Where the wrapper is formed from a sheet circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate less than twice, the sheet may have a thickness of at least 0.5 millimetres, at least 1 millimetre, or at least 1.5 millimetres.P / 90900.W001

[0117] - 14 - Where the wrapper is formed from a sheet circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate less than twice, the sheet may have a thickness of less than or equal to 4 millimetres, less than or equal to 3.5 millimetres, or less than or equal to 3 millimetres.

[0118] Where the wrapper is formed from a sheet circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate less than twice, the sheet may have a thickness of between 0.5 millimetres and 4 millimetres, between 0.5 millimetres and 3.5 millimetres, or between 0.5 millimetres and 3 millimetres. Where the wrapper is formed from a sheet circumscribing the plug of aerosolgenerating substrate less than twice, the sheet may have a thickness of between 1 millimetre and 4 millimetres, between 1 millimetre and 3.5 millimetres, or between 1 millimetre and 3 millimetres. Where the wrapper is formed from a sheet circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate less than twice, the sheet may have a thickness of between 1.5 millimetres and 4 millimetres, between 1.5 millimetres and 3.5 millimetres, or between 1.5 millimetres and 3 millimetres.

[0119] The sheet forming the wrapper and circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate less than two times having a thickness as described herein may advantageously result in the wrapper having a desired overall thickness.

[0120] Where the majority the wrapper is formed from two layers of the sheet, the overall thickness of the wrapper substantially corresponds to double the thickness of the sheet.

[0121] The wrapper may be formed from a sheet circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate a plurality of times. The wrapper may be formed from a sheet circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate at least two times and less than three times.

[0122] The wrapper being formed from a sheet circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate a plurality of times may be tightly wrapped around the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to increase the bulk density of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. This may improve the transfer of heat through the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to increase the proportion of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating element that is efficiently heated. Tightly wrapping the wrapper around the plug of aerosol-generating substrate may also reduce or prevent aerosol-generating material from being dislodged from the plug of aerosolgenerating substrate. Where the aerosol-generating element comprises an internal heater located within the plug of aerosol-generating substrate, tightly wrapping the wrapper around the plug of aerosol-generating substrate may help to keep the internal heater in a desired position to effectively heat the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0123] Where the wrapper is formed from a sheet circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate at least two times and less than three times, the sheet may have a thickness of at least 0.25 millimetres, at least 0.5 millimetres, or at least 0.75 millimetres.

[0124] Where the wrapper is formed from a sheet circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate at least two times and less than three times, the sheet may have a thickness of lessP / 90900.W001

[0125] - 15 -than or equal to 2 millimetres, less than or equal to 1.75 millimetres, or less than or equal to 1.5 millimetres.

[0126] Where the wrapper is formed from a sheet circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate at least two times and less than three times, the sheet may have a thickness of between 0.25 millimetres and 2 millimetres, between 0.25 millimetres and 1.75 millimetres, or between 0.25 millimetres and 1.5 millimetres. Where the wrapper is formed from a sheet circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate at least two times and less than three times, the sheet may have a thickness of between 0.5 millimetres and 2 millimetres, between 0.5 millimetres and 1.75 millimetres, or between 0.5 millimetres and 1.5 millimetres. Where the wrapper is formed from a sheet circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate at least two times and less than three times, the sheet may have a thickness of between 0.75 millimetres and 2 millimetres, between 0.75 millimetres and 1.75 millimetres, or between 0.75 millimetres and 1.5 millimetres.

[0127] The sheet forming the wrapper and circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate at least two times and less than three times having a thickness as described herein may advantageously result in the wrapper having a desired overall thickness.

[0128] The wrapper may circumscribe the entire length of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. The wrapper may have the same length as the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0129] The wrapper may extend from the downstream end of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate towards the upstream end of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. The wrapper may extend from the upstream end of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate towards the downstream end of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. The wrapper may extend from the upstream end of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0130] The wrapper may extend the entire length of the aerosol-generating element. The wrapper may have the same length as the aerosol-generating element.

[0131] The wrapper may extend from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating element towards the upstream end of the aerosol-generating element. The wrapper may extend from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating element towards the downstream end of the aerosolgenerating element. The wrapper may extend from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating element to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating element.

[0132] Where the aerosol-generating element comprises a plurality of wrappers, the wrapper described herein may refer to the wrapper having the largest thickness.

[0133] The wrapper may be the innermost wrapper of the aerosol-generating element. The wrapper may be in direct contact with the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. The wrapper may be in direct contact with aerosol-generating material of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0134] The wrapper described herein may be referred to as an inner substrate wrapper.P / 90900.W001

[0135] - 16 - The aerosol-generating element may comprise an outer substrate wrapper circumscribing the inner substrate wrapper. The outer substrate wrapper may circumscribe both the inner substrate wrapper and the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0136] The outer substrate wrapper may not be in direct contact with the plug of aerosolgenerating substrate. The outer substrate wrapper may not be in direct contact with aerosolgenerating material of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0137] The provision of an outer substrate wrapper may help to prevent the inner substrate wrapper from unravelling and keep the inner substrate wrapper and aerosol-generating material in place. Where an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating element comprises an article wrapper (such as a porous cigarette paper) circumscribing the aerosolgenerating element and at least one other component of the aerosol-generating article located upstream or downstream of the aerosol-generating element, the outer substrate wrapper may help to prevent the article wrapper from staining.

[0138] The outer substrate wrapper may be formed from paper.

[0139] The outer substrate wrapper may be non-porous. As used herein, a non-porous wrapper has a permeability of less than or equal to 10 CORESTA units.

[0140] The permeability of a wrapper may be determined according to the International Standard test method ISO 2965:2019 and the result may be presents as cubic centimetres per minute per square centimetre and referred to as “CORESTA units”.

[0141] The thickness of the outer substrate wrapper may be less than the thickness of the inner substrate wrapper. A ratio of the thickness of the outer substrate wrapper to the thickness of the inner substrate wrapper may be less than or equal to 0.5, less than or equal to 0.3, or less than or equal to 0.1. A ratio of the thickness of the outer substrate wrapper to the thickness of the inner substrate wrapper may be at least 0.01. A thicker wrapper may be less flexible and more likely to unravel than a thinner wrapper. The thickness of the outer substrate wrapper as described herein may be such that the outer substrate wrapper can be securely attached to the aerosol-generating element and therefore can securely hold the inner substrate wrapper and the aerosol-generating substrate in place.

[0142] The grammage of the outer substrate wrapper may be less than the grammage of the inner substrate wrapper.

[0143] The outer substrate wrapper may have a grammage of less than or equal to 60 grams per square metre, less than or equal to 50 grams per square metre, or less than or equal to 45 grams per square metre. The outer substrate wrapper may have a grammage of at least 20 grams per square metre, at least 30 grams per square metre or at least 35 grams per square metre.

[0144] The grammage of the outer substrate wrapper may be selected to facilitate assembly of the aerosol-generating element in an aerosol-generating article, such as when existing highP / 90900.W001

[0145] - 17 -speed machinery is used to assemble the components of the aerosol-generating article to form the aerosol-generating article.

[0146] The outer substrate wrapper may comprise a lap seam. The outer substrate wrapper may comprise an adhesive located in the lap seam. The adhesive may advantageously secure the outer substrate wrapper in position, and thus also secure the inner substrate wrapper in position.

[0147] The outer substrate wrapper may circumscribe the entire length of the inner substrate wrapper. The outer substrate wrapper may have the same length as the inner substrate wrapper. The outer substrate wrapper may extend from the upstream end of the inner substrate wrapper to the downstream end of the inner substrate wrapper.

[0148] The outer substrate wrapper may circumscribe the entire length of the plug of aerosolgenerating substrate. The outer substrate wrapper may have the same length as the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. The outer substrate wrapper may extend from the upstream end of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0149] The outer substrate wrapper may extend the entire length of the aerosol-generating element. The outer substrate wrapper may have the same length as the aerosol-generating element. The outer substrate wrapper may extend from the upstream end of the aerosolgenerating element to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating element.

[0150] The aerosol-generating element may comprise an internal heater. The internal heater is arranged inside the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. The internal heater is in thermal contact with aerosol-generating material of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. In use, heat form the heater may be conveyed to the aerosol-generating material of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. The internal heater may be in direct contact with aerosol-generating material of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0151] The internal heater may be a susceptor.

[0152] The aerosol-generating element may comprise a susceptor. The aerosol-generating element may comprise a susceptor arranged within the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. As used herein with reference to the present disclosure, the term “susceptor” refers to an element comprising a material that can convert electromagnetic energy into heat. When located within a fluctuating electromagnetic field, eddy currents induced in the susceptor cause heating of the susceptor. As the susceptor is located in thermal contact with the aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate is heated by the susceptor. Suitable susceptors for use in the aerosol-generating element according to the present disclosure are described in WO-A-2021 / 170673.

[0153] The susceptor may be an elongate susceptor. The susceptor may be in the form of a pin, rod, strip or blade.P / 90900.W001

[0154] - 18 - The susceptor may be arranged substantially longitudinally within the plug of aerosolgenerating substrate. That is, a longitudinal axis of the susceptor may be approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. For example, a longitudinal axis of the susceptor may be within plus or minus 10 degrees of parallel to a longitudinal axis of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0155] The susceptor may be arranged centrally within the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. The susceptor may be located in a radially central position within the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. The susceptor may extend along a longitudinal axis of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0156] The susceptor may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate. Preferred susceptors comprise a metal or carbon.

[0157] A preferred susceptor may comprise or consist of a ferromagnetic material, for example a ferromagnetic alloy, ferritic iron, or a ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. A suitable susceptor may be, or comprise, aluminium. Preferred susceptors may be formed from 400 series stainless steels, for example grade 410, or grade 420, or grade 430 stainless steel. Different materials will dissipate different amounts of energy when positioned within electromagnetic fields having similar values of frequency and field strength. Thus, parameters of the susceptor such as material type, length, width, and thickness may all be altered to provide a desired power dissipation within a known electromagnetic field. Preferred susceptors may be heated to a temperature in excess of 250 degrees Celsius.

[0158] Suitable susceptors may comprise a non-metallic core with a metal layer disposed on the non-metallic core, for example metallic tracks formed on a surface of a ceramic core. A susceptor may have a protective external layer, for example a protective ceramic layer or protective glass layer encapsulating the susceptor. The susceptor may comprise a protective coating formed by a glass, a ceramic, or an inert metal, formed over a core of susceptor material.

[0159] The susceptor may be in the form of a strip or blade.

[0160] The susceptor may have a width of at least 2.5 millimetres, at least 3 millimetres, or at least 3.5 millimetres.

[0161] The susceptor may have a width of less than or equal to 5.5 millimetres, less than or equal to 5 millimetres, or less than or equal to 4.5 millimetres.

[0162] The susceptor may have a width between 2.5 millimetres and 5.5 millimetres, between 2.5 and 5 millimetres, or between 2.5 millimetres and 4.5 millimetres. The susceptor may have a width between 3 millimetres and 5.5 millimetres, between 3 and 5 millimetres, or between 3 millimetres and 4.5 millimetres. The susceptor may have a width between 3.5 millimetres and 5.5 millimetres, between 3.5 and 5 millimetres, or between 3.5 millimetres and 4.5 millimetres.P / 90900.W001

[0163] - 19 - The width of the susceptor as described herein may advantageously efficiently heat the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating element.

[0164] A ratio of the width of the susceptor to the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate may be at least 0.6, at least 0.7, or at least 0.8. Increasing the width of the susceptor may increase the proportion of aerosol-generating substrate that is efficiently heated by the susceptor.

[0165] The susceptor may have a width smaller than the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. A ratio of the width of the susceptor to the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate may be less than or equal to 0.95, less than or equal to 0.9 or less than or equal to 0.85. The susceptor having a width smaller than the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate may avoid contact between the susceptor and the wrapper (inner substrate wrapper). This may avoid burning or charring of the wrapper.

[0166] A ratio of the width of the susceptor to the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate may be between 0.6 and 0.95, between 0.6 and 0.9, or between 0.6 and 0.85. A ratio of the width of the susceptor to the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate may be between 0.7 and 0.95, between 0.7 and 0.9, or between 0.7 and 0.85. A ratio of the width of the susceptor to the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate may be between 0.8 and 0.95, between 0.8 and 0.9, or between 0.8 and 0.85.

[0167] The aerosol-generating element is for incorporation in an aerosol-generating article, which is generally not re-used and is disposed of after use. The ratio of the width of the susceptor to the plug of aerosol-generating substrate described herein may provide a desired balance between the proportion of aerosol-generating substrate that is efficiently heated to generate an aerosol, avoiding contact between the susceptor and the wrapper, and material of the susceptor that is wasted after use of an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating element.

[0168] The thickness of the susceptor may be less than or equal to the width of the susceptor. The susceptor may have a thickness of at least 0.03 millimetres, at least 0.05 millimetres, or at least 0.07 millimetres.

[0169] The susceptor may have a thickness of less than or equal to 1 millimetre, less than or equal to 0.5 millimetres, or less than or equal to 0.15 millimetres.

[0170] The susceptor may have a thickness of between 0.03 millimetres and 1 millimetre, between 0.03 millimetres and 0.5 millimetres, or between 0.03 millimetres and 0.15 millimetres. The susceptor may have a thickness of between 0.05 millimetres and 1 millimetre, between 0.05 millimetres and 0.5 millimetres, or between 0.05 millimetres and 0.15 millimetres. The susceptor may have a thickness of between 0.07 millimetres and 1 millimetre, between 0.07 millimetres and 0.5 millimetres, or between 0.07 millimetres and 0.15 millimetres.

[0171] The susceptor may extend from the downstream end of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate towards the upstream end of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. The susceptor may extend from the upstream end of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate towards theP / 90900.W001

[0172] - 20 -downstream end of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate. The susceptor may extend from the upstream end of the plug aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the plug aerosolgenerating substrate. That is, the susceptor may extend along the entire length of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0173] A length of the susceptor may be at least 50 percent of a length of the plug of aerosolgenerating substrate, at least 75 percent of a length of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate, or at least 95 percent of a length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate. A length of the susceptor may be substantially equal to a length of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0174] The aerosol-generating substrate may be a solid aerosol-generating substrate.

[0175] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise an aerosol former.

[0176] The aerosol former may be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates formation of a dense and stable aerosol. The aerosol former may be substantially resistant to thermal degradation at temperatures typically reached during use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0177] Examples of suitable aerosol formers include: polyhydric alcohols such as, for example, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, propylene glycol and glycerine; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as, for example, glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids such as, for example, dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate; and combinations thereof.

[0178] The aerosol former may comprise one or more of glycerine and propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of glycerine. The aerosol former may consist of propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of a combination of glycerine and propylene glycol.

[0179] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least 5 percent by weight of aerosol former, at least 10 percent by weight of aerosol former, or at least 15 percent by weight of aerosol former. That is, the aerosol-generating material may have an aerosol former content of at least 5 percent by weight, at least 10 percent by weight, or at least 15 percent by weight.

[0180] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise less than or equal to 30 percent by weight of aerosol former, less than or equal to 25 percent by weight of aerosol former, or less than or equal to 20 percent by weight of aerosol former. That is, the aerosol-generating material may have an aerosol former content of less than or equal to 30 percent by weight, less than or equal to 25 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 20 percent by weight.

[0181] For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise between 5 percent and 30 percent by weight of aerosol former, or between 10 percent and 25 percent by weight of aerosol former, or between about 15 percent and about 20 percent by weight of aerosol former. Aerosol former contents within these ranges are subsequently referred to as relatively low aerosol former contents.P / 90900.W001

[0182] - 21 - The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least 40 percent by weight of aerosol former, at least 50 percent by weight of aerosol former, or at least 60 percent by weight of aerosol former.

[0183] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise less than or equal to 80 percent by weight of aerosol former, less than or equal to 75 percent by weight of aerosol former, or less than or equal to 70 percent by weight of aerosol former.

[0184] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least 40 percent by weight of aerosol former, at least 45 percent by weight of aerosol former, or at least 50 percent by weight of aerosol former.

[0185] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise less than or equal to 80 percent by weight of aerosol former, or less than or equal to 75 percent by weight of aerosol former, or less than or equal to 70 percent by weight of aerosol former.

[0186] For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise between 40 percent and 80 percent by weight of aerosol former, or between 45 percent and 75 percent by weight of aerosol former, or between about 50 percent and about 70 percent by weight of aerosol former. Aerosol former contents within these ranges are subsequently referred to as relatively high aerosol former contents.

[0187] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise nicotine. As used herein, the term “nicotine” is used to describe nicotine, a nicotine base or a nicotine salt. In embodiments in which the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a nicotine base or a nicotine salt, amounts of nicotine recited herein are the amount of free base nicotine or amount of protonated nicotine, respectively.

[0188] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise natural nicotine, or synthetic nicotine, or a combination of natural nicotine and synthetic nicotine.

[0189] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise plant material.

[0190] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plurality of strands of plant material. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise homogenised plant material. As used herein, the term “homogenised plant material” is used to describe a material formed by agglomerating particulate plant material. Homogenised plant material may be formed by agglomerating particles of plant material obtained by pulverising, grinding or comminuting plant material. Homogenised plant material may be produced by casting, extrusion, paper making processes or other suitable processes known in the art.

[0191] The aerosol former content of the homogenised plant material may be within the ranges set out above for relatively low aerosol former contents.

[0192] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plurality of pellets or granules of homogenised plant material.

[0193] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more sheets of homogenised plant material.P / 90900.W001

[0194] - 22 - The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plurality of strands of homogenised plant material. Strands of homogenised plant material may be formed by cutting or shredding a sheet of homogenised plant material. Strands of homogenised plant material may be formed by other methods. For example, strands of homogenised plant material may be formed by extrusion.

[0195] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise non-tobacco plant material. Examples of suitable non-tobacco plant materials include cannabis material, ginger material, eucalyptus material, clove material, and star anise material.

[0196] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise homogenised non-tobacco plant material.

[0197] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plurality of pellets or granules of homogenised non-tobacco plant material.

[0198] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more sheets of homogenised non-tobacco plant material.

[0199] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plurality of strands of non-tobacco homogenised plant material.

[0200] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise tobacco material.

[0201] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plurality of strands of tobacco material. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise homogenised tobacco material. As used herein, the term “homogenised tobacco material” is used to describe a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco material.

[0202] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plurality of pellets or granules of homogenised tobacco material.

[0203] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more sheets of homogenised tobacco material.

[0204] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plurality of strands of homogenised tobacco material.

[0205] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-generating film comprising a cellulose based film-forming agent, nicotine, and an aerosol former. As used herein, the term “cellulose based film-forming agent” is used to describe a cellulosic polymer capable, by itself or in the presence of an auxiliary thickening agent, of forming a continuous film.

[0206] The cellulose based film-forming agent may be selected from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), ethylcellulose (EC), hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), and combinations thereof. For example, the cellulose based film-forming agent may be HPMC.

[0207] The aerosol-generating film may comprise between 0.5 percent and 10 percent by weight of nicotine, or between 1 percent and 8 percent by weight of nicotine, or between 2 percent and 6 percent by weight of nicotine.P / 90900.W001

[0208] - 23 - The aerosol-generating film may be substantially tobacco-free.

[0209] The aerosol former content of the aerosol-generating film may be within the ranges set out above for relatively high aerosol former contents.

[0210] The aerosol-generating film may further comprise a cellulose based strengthening agent. The aerosol-generating film may further comprise water. The aerosol-generating film may comprise less than or equal to 30 percent by weight of water.

[0211] The film may be self-supporting.

[0212] Suitable aerosol-generating films for use as the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article are described in WO 2020 / 207733 A1 and WO 2022 / 074157 A1.

[0213] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a gel composition comprising nicotine, at least one gelling agent, and an aerosol former.

[0214] The gel composition may comprise between 0.5 percent and 10 percent by weight of nicotine, or between 1 percent and 8 percent by weight of nicotine, or between 2 percent and 6 percent by weight of nicotine.

[0215] The gel composition may be substantially tobacco-free.

[0216] The aerosol former content of the aerosol-generating film may be within the ranges set out above for relatively high aerosol former contents.

[0217] The aerosol former content of the gel composition may be within the ranges set out above for relatively high aerosol former contents. The gel composition may comprise at least 60 percent by weight of aerosol former, or at least 70 percent by weight of aerosol former.

[0218] The aerosol former in the gel composition may be glycerine.

[0219] Suitable gel compositions for use as the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosolgenerating article are described in WO 2021 / 170642 A1.

[0220] Where the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a plurality of strands of aerosolgenerating material, the strands of aerosol-generating material may an average width of at least 0.1 millimetres, at least 0.3 millimetres, at least 0.4 millimetres, at least 0.5 millimetres, or at least 0.6 millimetres.

[0221] The strands of aerosol-generating material may an average width of less than or equal to 3 millimetres, less than or equal to 2 millimetres, less than or equal to 1.5 millimetres, less than or equal to 1.2 millimetres, or less than or equal to 0.9 millimetres.

[0222] For example, the strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average width of between 0.1 millimetres and 5 millimetres, or between 0.2 millimetres and 3 millimetres, or between 0.4 millimetres and 1.5 millimetres, or between 0.5 millimetres and 1.2 millimetres or between 0.6 millimetres and 0.9 millimetres.

[0223] For example, the strands of aerosol-generating material may an average width of 0.7 millimetres or 0.8 millimetres.P / 90900.W001

[0224] - 24 - The average width of the strands of aerosol-generating material is equal to the sum of the individual widths of each of the strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate divided by the number of strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosolgenerating substrate.

[0225] The aerosol-generating substrate may be tobacco cut filler. As used herein, the term “tobacco cut filler” is used to describe an aerosol-generating substrate comprising a plurality of strands of tobacco lamina.

[0226] Where the aerosol-generating substrate is tobacco cut filler, the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is the mean cut width of the tobacco cut filler. The mean cut width of the tobacco cut filler is equal to the sum of the individual cut widths of each of the strands of tobacco lamina in the aerosol-generating substrate divided by the number of strands of tobacco lamina in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0227] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average thickness substantially the same as the average width thereof.

[0228] Where the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a plurality of strands of aerosolgenerating material, the average thickness of the strands of aerosol-generating material is equal to the sum of the individual thicknesses of each of the strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate divided by the number of strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0229] Where the aerosol-generating substrate is tobacco cut filler, the thickness of the plurality of strands of tobacco lamina is equal to the thickness of the tobacco lamina.

[0230] Where the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a plurality of strands of aerosolgenerating material, the strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average length of at least 0.5 millimetres, at least 1 millimetre, at least 2 millimetres, or at least 5 millimetres.

[0231] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average length of less than or equal to 40 millimetres, less than or equal to 30 millimetres, less than or equal to 20 millimetres, or less than or equal to 15 millimetres.

[0232] For examples, the strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average length of between 0.5 millimetres and 40 millimetres, or between 1 millimetre and 30 millimetres, or between 2 millimetres and 20 millimetres, or between 5 millimetres and 15 millimetres.

[0233] For example, the strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average length of 11 millimetres or an average length of 12 millimetres.

[0234] The average length of the strands of aerosol-generating material is equal to the sum of the individual lengths of each of the strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosolgenerating substrate divided by the number of strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate.P / 90900.W001

[0235] - 25 - Where the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a plurality of strands of aerosolgenerating material, the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material may have substantially the same length.

[0236] The length of the strands of aerosol-generating material may be substantially the same as the length of the aerosol-generating section.

[0237] The length of the strands of aerosol-generating material may be determined by a manufacturing process of the aerosol-generating section in which a longer section is severed to form a plurality of shorter sections.

[0238] Where the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a plurality of strands of aerosolgenerating material, the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material may be randomly oriented within the aerosol-generating section. In use, this may help to retain generated aerosol within the aerosol-generating section between puffs.

[0239] Where the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a plurality of strands of aerosolgenerating material, the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material may be arranged substantially parallel to each other within the aerosol-generating section.

[0240] The strands of aerosol-generating material may be arranged substantially longitudinally within the aerosol-generating section. That is, a longitudinal axis of the strands of aerosolgenerating material may be approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating section. For example, a longitudinal axis of the strands of aerosol-generating material may be within plus or minus 10 degrees of parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating section.

[0241] The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating element as described herein. As discussed further below, the aerosol-generating article may comprise at least one of a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol-generating element and an upstream section located upstream of the aerosol-generating element.

[0242] The aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating element may comprise an article wrapper (such as a porous cigarette paper) circumscribing the aerosol-generating element. The article wrapper may circumscribe at least one other component of the aerosolgenerating article located upstream ordownstream of the aerosol-generating element. The article wrapper may circumscribe at least one other component of the aerosol-generating article located upstream of the aerosol-generating element and at least one other component of the aerosolgenerating article located downstream of the aerosol-generating element.

[0243] A ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosolgenerating article may be less than or equal to 0.8, less than or equal to 0.75, or less than or equal to 0.7. Reducing the ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosol-generating article may increase the proportion of aerosol-generating materialP / 90900.W001

[0244] - 26 -in the aerosol-generating element that is efficiently heated by a heater. This may advantageously reduce waste of aerosol-generating material.

[0245] A ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosolgenerating article may be at least 0.5, at least 0.55, or at least 0.6.

[0246] A ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosolgenerating article may be between 0.5 and 0.8, between 0.5 and 0.75, or between 0.5 and 0.7. A ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.55 and 0.8, between 0.55 and 0.75, or between 0.55 and 0.7. A ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.6 and 0.8, between 0.6 and 0.75, or between 0.6 and 0.7.

[0247] The ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosol-generating article discussed above may provide a desired balance between maximising the proportion of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating element that is efficiently heated to generate an inhalable aerosol and the overall amount of aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating element to provide a user with a desired experience.

[0248] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol-generating element. The downstream section may be located immediately downstream of the aerosol-generating element.

[0249] The downstream section may extend from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating element towards the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream section may extend from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article towards the downstream end of the aerosol-generating element. Preferably, the downstream section extends from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating element to the downstream end of the aerosolgenerating article.

[0250] The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more elements provided downstream of the aerosol-generating element. Where present, the one or more elements located downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate form the downstream section of the aerosolgenerating article.

[0251] The one or more elements may be in an abutting end to end relationship with each other. A length of the downstream section may be at least 20 millimetres, or at least 25 millimetres, or at least 30 millimetres. A length of the downstream section may be less than 70 millimetres, or less than 60 millimetres, or less than 50 millimetres.

[0252] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouthpiece element located downstream of the aerosol-generating element. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a downstream section comprising a mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece element may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.P / 90900.W001

[0253] - 27 - The mouthpiece element may be a mouthpiece filter element. The mouthpiece element may comprises at least one filter segment for filtering aerosol generated upon heating the aerosolgenerating substrate. For example, the mouthpiece element may comprise one or more segments of a fibrous filtration material. Suitable fibrous filtration materials are known in the art. For example, the at least one mouthpiece filter segment may comprise a cellulose acetate filter segment formed of cellulose acetate tow.

[0254] The mouthpiece element may be mouthpiece plug element. That is, the mouthpiece element may be non-tubular.

[0255] Each of the at least one filter segment may be a solid plug. That is, each of the at least one filter segment may be non-tubular.

[0256] The mouthpiece element may consist of a single filter segment. The mouthpiece element may include two or more filter segments axially aligned in an abutting end to end relationship with each other.

[0257] The mouthpiece element may comprise a flavourant, which may be provided in any suitable form. For example, the mouthpiece element may comprise one or more capsules, beads or granules of a flavourant, or one or more flavour loaded threads or filaments.

[0258] Parameters or characteristics described herein in relation to the mouthpiece element as a whole may equally be applied to a filter segment of the mouthpiece element.

[0259] The mouthpiece element may have an RTD of at least about 10 millimetres H2O. The mouthpiece element may have an RTD of less than or equal to about 25 millimetres H2O, less than or equal to about 20 millimetres H2O, or less than or equal to about 15 millimetres H2O.

[0260] The mouthpiece element may have a length of at least about 3 millimetres, or at least about 5 millimetres. The length of the mouthpiece element may be less than or equal to about 15 millimetres.

[0261] The mouthpiece element may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

[0262] The mouthpiece element may have a width substantially the same as a width of the aerosol-generating element. The mouthpiece element may have an external diameter substantially the same as an external diameter of the aerosol-generating element.

[0263] The mouthpiece element may have a width substantially the same as a width of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece element may have an external diameter substantially the same as an external diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0264] The mouthpiece element may be circumscribed by a plug wrap. The plug wrap may extend from the downstream end of the mouthpiece element to the upstream end of the mouthpiece element.

[0265] The mouthpiece element may be unventilated such that air does not enter the aerosolgenerating article along the mouthpiece element.P / 90900.W001

[0266] - 28 - The mouthpiece element may be connected to one or more adjacent components of the aerosol-generating article by means of a tipping wrapper.

[0267] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouth end cavity at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a downstream section comprising a mouth end cavity.

[0268] The mouth end cavity may be downstream of the mouthpiece element, where present. The mouth end cavity may be defined by a hollow tubular element provided at the downstream end of the mouthpiece element. Alternatively, the mouth end cavity may be defined by an outer wrapper of the mouthpiece element, wherein the outer wrapper extends in a downstream direction from the mouthpiece element.

[0269] The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more intermediate elements between the aerosol-generating element and the mouthpiece element. The one or more intermediate elements may be in an abutting end to end relationship with each other.

[0270] One of the one or more intermediate elements may abut the downstream end of the aerosol-generating element. One of the one or more intermediate elements may abut the upstream end of the mouthpiece element. For example, where there is a single intermediate element, the single intermediate element may abut both the downstream end of the aerosolgenerating element and the upstream end of the mouthpiece element. For example, where there are a plurality of intermediate elements, one intermediate element may abut the downstream end of the aerosol-generating element and another intermediate element may abut the upstream end of the mouthpiece element.

[0271] At least one of the one or more intermediate elements may be a hollow tubular element. The one or more intermediate elements may be one or more hollow tubular elements.

[0272] As used herein with reference to the invention, the term "hollow tubular element" is used to denote a generally cylindrical element having a lumen along a longitudinal axis thereof. The hollow tubular element may have a substantially circular, oval or elliptical cross-section. The lumen may have a substantially circular, oval or elliptical cross-section. In particular, the term "hollow tubular element" is used to denote an element defining at least one airflow conduit establishing an uninterrupted fluid communication between an upstream end of the hollow tubular element and a downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0273] In the context of the present invention, a hollow tubular element provides an unrestricted flow channel. This means that the hollow tubular element provides a negligible level of resistance to draw (RTD). As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “negligible level of RTD” is used to describe an RTD of less than 1 mm H2O per 10 millimetres of length of the hollow tubular element, less than 0.4 mm H2O per 10 millimetres of length of the hollow tubular element, or less than 0.1 mm H2O per 10 millimetres of length of the hollow tubular element. The flowP / 90900.W001

[0274] - 29 -channel should therefore be free from any components that would obstruct the flow of air in a longitudinal direction. Preferably, the flow channel is substantially empty.

[0275] The one or more intermediate elements may have a total length of at least about 10 millimetres, at least about 12 millimetres, or at least about 15 millimetres. The one or more intermediate elements may have a total length of less than or equal to about 30 millimetres, less than or equal to about 25 millimetres, or less than or equal to about 23 millimetres.

[0276] Where the aerosol-generating article comprises a single intermediate element, the total length of the one or more intermediate elements is the length of the single intermediate element. Where the aerosol-generating article comprises a plurality of intermediate elements, the total length of the one or more intermediate elements is the sum of the lengths of each of the plurality of intermediate elements.

[0277] Where the aerosol-generating article comprises a plurality of intermediate elements, the length of each of the plurality of intermediate elements may be substantially the same.

[0278] Each of the one or more intermediate elements may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

[0279] Each of the one or more intermediate elements may have a width substantially the same as a width of the aerosol-generating element. Each of the one or more intermediate elements may have an external diameter substantially the same as an external diameter of the aerosolgenerating element.

[0280] Each of the one or more intermediate elements may have a width substantially the same as a width of the aerosol-generating article. Each of the one or more intermediate elements may have an external diameter substantially the same as an external diameter of the aerosolgenerating article.

[0281] The one or more intermediate elements may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, at least one of the one or more intermediate elements may be formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: cellulose acetate; a paper based material such as paper or cardboard; and polymeric materials, such as low density polyethylene (LDPE). Other suitable materials include polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) fibres.

[0282] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a ventilation zone. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a downstream section and a ventilation zone at a location along the downstream section. A satisfactory cooling of the stream of aerosol generated upon heating the aerosol-generating substrate and drawn through the one or more intermediate elements may be achieved by providing a ventilation zone at a location along the downstream section. A ventilation zone may provide particularly efficient cooling of the generated aerosol prior to delivery to a user. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the temperature drop caused by the admission of cooler,P / 90900.W001

[0283] - 30 -external air into the downstream section via the ventilation zone may have an advantageous effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles.

[0284] The ventilation zone may be provided at a location along the one of the one or more intermediate elements.

[0285] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a hollow tubular element at a location downstream of the aerosol-generating article, and a ventilation zone provided at a location along the hollow tubular element. The ventilation zone may comprise a plurality of openings or perforations through a tubular wall of the hollow tubular element.

[0286] The ventilation zone may comprise at least one circumferential row of openings or perforations. The ventilation zone may comprise two circumferential rows of openings or perforations. Each circumferential row of openings or perforations may comprise from 8 to 30 perforations. For example, the openings or perforations may be formed online during manufacturing of the aerosol-generating article.

[0287] The openings or perforations may each have a width or a length of at least 0.05 millimetres.

[0288] The aerosol-generating article may comprise an upstream section located upstream of the aerosol-generating element. The upstream section is preferably located immediately upstream of the aerosol-generating element.

[0289] The upstream section may extend from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article towards the upstream end of the aerosol-generating element. The upstream section may extend from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating element towards the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the upstream section extends from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating element.

[0290] The upstream section may comprise an upstream element. The upstream element may abut the upstream end of the aerosol-generating element. The upstream element may extend from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating element to the upstream end of the aerosolgenerating article. The upstream element may extend the entire length of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article.

[0291] The upstream element may advantageously prevent direct physical contact with an upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article.

[0292] Where the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article comprises the internal heating element, the upstream element may prevent direct physical contact with an upstream end of the internal heating element. This may advantageously help to prevent displacement or deformation of the internal heating element during storage, transportation, handling, and use of the aerosol-generating article.P / 90900.W001

[0293] - 31 - The upstream element may advantageously help to prevent or reduce loss of strands of tobacco material from the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article during storage, transportation, handling, and use of the aerosolgenerating article.

[0294] The upstream element may facilitate insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The upstream element may protect the aerosolgenerating section of the aerosol-generating article during the insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the chamber such that the risk of damage to the aerosol-generating section is minimised.

[0295] The upstream element may be an upstream plug element. The upstream element may be a porous plug element. For example, the upstream element may be a plug of cellulose acetate tow.

[0296] The upstream element may have a length of at least about 2 millimetres, or at least about 3 millimetres, or at least about 5 millimetres. The upstream element may have a length of up to about 15 millimetres, or up to about 12 millimetres, or up to about 10 millimetres.

[0297] The upstream element may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

[0298] The upstream element may have a width substantially the same as a width of the aerosolgenerating element. The upstream element may have an external diameter substantially the same as an external diameter of the aerosol-generating element.

[0299] The upstream element may have a width substantially the same as a width of the aerosolgenerating article. The upstream element may have an external diameter substantially the same as an external diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0300] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a wrapper circumscribing at least a portion of the aerosol-generating element and another element longitudinally aligned with the aerosolgenerating element. This wrapper adjoins the aerosol-generating element to the another element and is therefore not a component of the aerosol-generating element. Accordingly, the width of the aerosol-generating element does not take into account the thickness of this wrapper.

[0301] The aerosol-generating article may have a width of at least 4 millimetres, at least 5 millimetres, or at least 6 millimetres.

[0302] The aerosol-generating article may have a width of less than or equal to 12 millimetres, less than or equal to 10 millimetres, less than or equal to 8 millimetres.

[0303] The aerosol-generating article may have a width of between 4 millimetres and 12 millimetres, between 4 millimetres and 10 millimetres, between 4 millimetres and 8 millimetres. The aerosol-generating article may have a width of between 5 millimetres and 12 millimetres, between 5 millimetres and 10 millimetres, between 5 millimetres and 8 millimetres. The aerosolgenerating article may have a width of between 6 millimetres and 12 millimetres, between 6 millimetres and 10 millimetres, between 6 millimetres and 8 millimetres.P / 90900.W001

[0304] - 32 - The aerosol-generating article may have a substantially circular cross-section. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical. The aerosol-generating article may be a cylindrical aerosol-generating article.

[0305] The widths of the aerosol-generating article discussed herein are also applicable to the external diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0306] The aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of at least 30 millimetres, at least 35 millimetres, or at least 40 millimetres.

[0307] The aerosol-generating article may have a length of less than 100 millimetres, less than 70 millimetres, or less than or equal to 50 millimetres.

[0308] The aerosol-generating article may have a length of between 30 millimetres and 100 millimetres, between 30 millimetres and 70 millimetres, or between 30 millimetres and 50 millimetres. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of between 35 millimetres and 100 millimetres, between 35 millimetres and 70 millimetres, or between 35 millimetres and 50 millimetres. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of between 40 millimetres and 100 millimetres, between 40 millimetres and 70 millimetres, or between 40 millimetres and 50 millimetres.

[0309] The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article as described above and an aerosol-generating device configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosolgenerating device comprises a chamber for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0310] The chamber may be for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-generating element of the aerosol-generating article.

[0311] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing defining the chamber.

[0312] The aerosol-generating device may comprise an air inlet. The air inlet may be defined by the housing.

[0313] The aerosol-generating system may comprise a heating arrangement configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article. The heating arrangement may be a resistive heating arrangement or an inductive heating arrangement.

[0314] The aerosol-generating system may comprise an internal heater. The aerosol-generating system may comprise a heating arrangement comprising an internal heater.

[0315] The internal heater may be arranged inside the plug of aerosol-generating substrate during use of the aerosol-generating system. The internal heater may be arranged inside the plug of aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article is received within the chamber.

[0316] The internal heater may be configured to be inserted into the plug of aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article. The internal heater may be configured to penetrateP / 90900.W001

[0317] - 33 -the plug of aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the chamber.

[0318] The internal heater may be a component of the aerosol-generating article or of the aerosolgenerating device. In other words, the aerosol-generating article may comprise the internal heater or the aerosol-generating device may comprise the internal heater.

[0319] The internal heater may be a resistive heating element or a susceptor. The aerosolgenerating system may comprise a resistive heating element or a susceptor arranged within the plug of aerosol-generating substrate during use of the aerosol-generating system. The aerosolgenerating system may comprise a resistive heating element or a susceptor arranged within the plug of aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article is received within the chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

[0320] Where the aerosol-generating system comprises a susceptor, the susceptor may be a component of the aerosol-generating article or of the aerosol-generating device.

[0321] Where the aerosol-generating system comprises a susceptor, the properties of a susceptor of the aerosol-generating element described above are also applicable to the susceptor of the aerosol-generating system. In particular, the location, the material, the shape, and the size of a susceptor of the aerosol-generating element described above are also applicable to a susceptor of the aerosol-generating system. The susceptor of the aerosol-generating system may be in the locations described above in respect of the susceptor of the aerosol-generating element when the aerosol-generating article is received within the chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

[0322] Where the aerosol-generating device comprises a susceptor, the properties of a susceptor of the aerosol-generating element described above are also applicable to the susceptor of the aerosol-generating device. In particular, the location, the material, the shape, and the size of a susceptor of the aerosol-generating element described above are also applicable to a susceptor of the aerosol-generating device. The susceptor of the aerosol-generating device may be in the locations described above in respect of the susceptor of the aerosol-generating element when the aerosol-generating article is received within the chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

[0323] Where the susceptor is a component of the aerosol-generating device, the susceptor may protrude into the chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

[0324] Where the aerosol-generating system comprises a susceptor, the aerosol-generating device may comprise an inductor. The inductor is a component of the heating arrangement.

[0325] The inductor may be in the form of an inductor coil.

[0326] The inductor may be located about a perimeter of the chamber.

[0327] The inductor may be longitudinally aligned with the susceptor.

[0328] Where the aerosol-generating device comprises a susceptor and an inductor, the inductor may circumscribe the susceptor.P / 90900.W001

[0329] - 34 - Where the aerosol-generating article comprises a susceptor, and the aerosol-generating device comprises an inductor, the aerosol-generating device may be configured such that the inductor circumscribes the susceptor when the aerosol-generating article is received within the chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

[0330] The aerosol-generating device may be an electrically-operated aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply, such as a battery.

[0331] The aerosol-generating device may comprise control electronics. The control electronics may be configured to supply power to the heating arrangement of the aerosol-generating system. The control electronics may be configured to supply power to a resistive heating element of the aerosol-generating system. The control electronics may be configured to supply power to an inductor coil of the aerosol-generating system.

[0332] Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, or embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0333] EX1 : An aerosol-generating element for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating element comprising a plug of aerosol-generating substrate and a wrapper circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0334] EX2: An aerosol-generating element according to EX1 , wherein a ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosol-generating element is less than or equal to 0.8.

[0335] EX3: An aerosol-generating element according to EX1 or EX2, wherein a ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosol-generating element is at least 0.5.

[0336] EX4: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX3, wherein the plug of aerosol-generating substrate has a width of at least 3 millimetres.

[0337] EX5: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX4, wherein the plug of aerosol-generating substrate has a width of less than or equal to 6.5 millimetres.

[0338] EX6: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX5, wherein the plug of aerosol-generating substrate has a length of at least 8 millimetres.

[0339] EX7: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX6, wherein the plug of aerosol-generating substrate has a length of less than or equal to 16 millimetres.

[0340] EX8: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX7, wherein the plug of aerosol-generating substrate extends the entire length of the aerosol-generating element.

[0341] EX9: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX8, wherein a ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to a length of the plug of aerosolgenerating substrate is less than or equal to 0.55.P / 90900.W001

[0342] - 35 - EX10: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX9, wherein a ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the length of the plug of aerosolgenerating substrate is at least 0.3.

[0343] EX11: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX10, wherein the resistance to draw of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate may be less than the resistance to draw of the wrapper.

[0344] EX12: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX11, wherein the wrapper has an overall thickness of at least 0.5 millimetres.

[0345] EX13: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX12, wherein the wrapper has an overall thickness of less than or equal to 4 millimetres.

[0346] EX14: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX13, wherein the wrapper has a tensile strength in the machine direction of at least 50 N / 5cm.

[0347] EX15: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX14, wherein the wrapper has a tensile strength in the machine direction of less than or equal to 150 N / 5cm.

[0348] EX16: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX15, wherein the wrapper has a grammage of less than or equal to 110 grams per square metre.

[0349] EX17: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX16, wherein the wrapper has a grammage of at least 60 grams per square metre.

[0350] EX18: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX17, wherein a ratio of the grammage of the wrapper (in grams per square metre) to the tensile strength in the machine direction of the wrapper (in N / 5cm) is less than or equal to 1.8.

[0351] EX19: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX18, wherein a ratio of the grammage of the wrapper (in grams per square metre) to the tensile strength in the machine direction of the wrapper (in N / 5cm) is at least 0.8.

[0352] EX20: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX19, wherein the wrapper comprises a non-woven material, such as a non-woven cellulosic material.

[0353] EX21: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX20, wherein the wrapper comprises a non-woven hydroentangled material.

[0354] EX22: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX21, wherein the wrapper is formed from a sheet comprising one or more layers.

[0355] EX23: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX22, wherein the wrapper forms one or more layers circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0356] EX24: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX23, wherein the wrapper comprises a seam and wherein the wrapper is adhered at the seam.

[0357] EX25: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX24, wherein the wrapper is formed from a sheet circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate less than twice, and wherein the sheet has a thickness of at least 0.5 millimetres.P / 90900.W001

[0358] - 36 - EX26: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX25, wherein the wrapper is formed from a sheet circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate less than twice, and wherein the sheet has a thickness of less than or equal to 4 millimetres.

[0359] EX27: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX24, wherein the wrapper is formed from a sheet circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate at least two times and less than three times, and wherein the sheet has a thickness of at least 0.25 millimetres.

[0360] EX28: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX24 and EX27, wherein the wrapper is formed from a sheet circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate at least two times and less than three times, and wherein the sheet has a thickness of less than or equal to 2 millimetres.

[0361] EX29: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX28, wherein the wrapper extends from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating element to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating element.

[0362] EX30: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX29, wherein the wrapper of any one of EX1 to EX29 is an inner substrate wrapper and the aerosol-generating element further comprises an outer substrate wrapper circumscribing the inner substrate wrapper.

[0363] EX31: An aerosol-generating element according to EX30, wherein the thickness of the outer substrate wrapper is less than the thickness of the inner substrate wrapper.

[0364] EX32: An aerosol-generating element according to EX30 or EX31 , wherein the grammage of the outer substrate wrapper is less than the grammage of the inner substrate wrapper.

[0365] EX33: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX32 further comprising an internal heater arranged inside the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0366] EX34: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX33 comprising a susceptor arranged inside the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0367] EX35: An aerosol-generating element according to EX34, wherein the susceptor has a width of at least 2.5 millimetres.

[0368] EX36: An aerosol-generating element according to EX34 or EX35, wherein the susceptor has a width of less than or equal to 5.5 millimetres.

[0369] EX37: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX34 to EX36, wherein a ratio of the width of the susceptor to the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate may be at least 0.6.

[0370] EX38: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX34 to EX37, wherein the susceptor has a width smaller than the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0371] EX39: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX38, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises at least 5 percent by weight of aerosol former.P / 90900.W001

[0372] - 37 - EX40: An aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX39, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises tobacco material, such as homogenised tobacco material.

[0373] EX41 : An aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating element according to any one of EX1 to EX40.

[0374] EX42: An aerosol-generating article according to EX41 , wherein a ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosol-generating article is less than or equal to 0.8.

[0375] EX43: An aerosol-generating article according to EX 41 or EX42, wherein a ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.5.

[0376] EX44: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX41 tor EX43 further comprising a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol-generating element.

[0377] EX45: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX41 to EX8, further comprising an upstream section located upstream of the aerosol-generating element.

[0378] EX46: An aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX41 to E45 and an aerosol-generating device configured to heat the aerosolgenerating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0379] EX47: An aerosol-generating system according to EX46, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a chamber for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0380] EX48: An aerosol-generating system according to EX45 or EX46, further comprising an internal heater configured to be located inside the plug of aerosol-generating substrate during use of the aerosol-generating system or when the aerosol-generating article is received within the chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

[0381] EX49: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of EX45 to EX47, wherein the internal heater is a component of the aerosol-generating article or of the aerosol-generating device.

[0382] EX50: An aerosol-generating system according to EX48 or EX49, wherein the internal heater is a susceptor.

[0383] EX51: An aerosol-generating system according to EX50, wherein the susceptor has a width of at least 2.5 millimetres.

[0384] EX52: An aerosol-generating system according to EX50 or EX51, wherein the susceptor has a width of less than or equal to 5.5 millimetres.

[0385] EX53: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of EX50 to EX52, wherein a ratio of the width of the susceptor to the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.6.P / 90900.W001

[0386] - 38 - EX54: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of EX1 to EX8, wherein the susceptor has a width smaller than the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0387] The present disclosure will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0388] Figure 1 shows a schematic side-sectional view aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating element;

[0389] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating article of Figure 1 at the aerosol-generating element;

[0390] Figure 3 shows a schematic side-sectional view of a part of an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating article of Figure 1;

[0391] Figure 4 shows a schematic side-sectional view of another aerosol-generating article; and Figure 5 shows a schematic side-sectional view of another aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating article of Figure 4.

[0392] Figure 1 shows an aerosol-generating article 100 comprising an aerosol-generating element 10 for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating. The aerosol-generating article extends from an upstream or distal end 12 to a downstream or proximal end 14.

[0393] The aerosol-generating article 100 comprises an upstream section 20 located upstream of the aerosol-generating element 10 and a downstream section 30 located downstream of the aerosol-generating element 10.

[0394] The aerosol-generating article 100 has an overall length of about 45 millimetres and an external diameter of about 7.2 millimetres.

[0395] The aerosol-generating element 10 comprises a plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52 and a wrapper 54 circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52. The wrapper 54 is in direct contact with the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52. The wrapper 54 may also be referred to as an inner substrate wrapper 54. The aerosol-generating element 10 further comprises an outer substrate wrapper 56 circumscribing both the inner substrate wrapper 54 and the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52. The aerosol-generating element 10 also comprises a susceptor 58 located within the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52.

[0396] Each of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52, the inner substrate wrapper 54, the outer substrate wrapper 56 and the susceptor 58 extends from the upstream end of the aerosolgenerating element 10 to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating element 10.

[0397] The aerosol-generating substrate in the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52 is in the form of a gathered sheet of homogenised tobacco material.

[0398] The inner substrate wrapper 54 is formed from a non-woven hydroentangled cellulosic sheet having a grammage of about 90 grams per square metre and a tensile strength in the machine direction of about 70 N / 5cm.P / 90900.W001

[0399] - 39 - The outer substrate wrapper 56 is formed from paper. The outer substrate wrapper 56 has a basis weight less than the basis weight of the inner substrate wrapper 54 of about 40 grams per square metre. The outer substrate wrapper 56 also has a thickness less than the thickness of the inner substrate wrapper 54.

[0400] The susceptor 58 is in the form of a strip and is located along the longitudinal axis of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52. The side-sectional view of Figure 1 shows the thickness of the susceptor 58.

[0401] The upstream section 20 extends from the upstream end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 100 to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating element 10. The upstream section 20 comprises an upstream element 22 in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate tow. The upstream element 22 has a length of about 5 millimetres.

[0402] The downstream section 30 extends from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating element 10 to the downstream end 14 of the aerosol-generating article 100.

[0403] The downstream section 30 comprises, in an abutting end to end relationship from the downstream end to the upstream end: a mouthpiece element 32, a first intermediate element 34 and a second intermediate element 36.

[0404] The mouthpiece element 32 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate. The mouthpiece element 32 has a length of about 12 millimetres.

[0405] The first intermediate element 34 is in the form of a first hollow tubular element and defines an internal cavity that extends the entire length of the first intermediate element 34. The first hollow tubular element is formed from cellulose acetate. The first intermediate element 34 has a length of about 8 millimetres.

[0406] The second intermediate element 36 is in the form of a second hollow tubular element and defines an internal cavity that extends the entire length of the second intermediate element 34. The second hollow tubular element is formed from cellulose acetate. The second intermediate element 36 has a length of about 8 millimetres.

[0407] The aerosol-generating article 100 comprises a ventilation zone 40 provided at a location along the first hollow tubular element 34. The ventilation zone 40 comprises a circumferential row of perforations provided through the wall of the first hollow tubular element 34.

[0408] The aerosol-generating article 100 comprises an article wrapper 60 circumscribing and connecting the first hollow tubular element 34, the second hollow tubular element 36, the aerosolgenerating element 10 and the upstream element 22. The article wrapper 60 of the aerosolgenerating article 100 thus circumscribes the outer substrate wrapper 56 of the aerosolgenerating element 10. The article wrapper 60 may be a conventional cigarette paper.

[0409] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating article 100 shown in Figure 1 at a location along the aerosol-generating element 10 and through a plane showing the width 158 of the susceptor 58. As such, Figure 2 shows the article wrapper 60 of the aerosol-generatingP / 90900.W001

[0410] - 40 -article 10 circumscribing the aerosol-generating element 10. In particular, Figure 2 shows the article wrapper 60 circumscribing the outer substrate wrapper 56 of the aerosol-generating element 10, the outer substrate wrapper 56 circumscribing the inner substrate wrapper 54 of the aerosol-generating element 10, the inner substrate wrapper 54 circumscribing the plug of aerosolgenerating substrate 52 of the aerosol-generating element 10, and the susceptor 58 of the aerosol-generating element 10 located within the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52.

[0411] Since the article wrapper 60 is not a component of the aerosol-generating element 10, the thickness of the article wrapper 60 does not contribute to the width 110 of the aerosol-generating element 10.

[0412] The aerosol-generating element 10 has a width or external diameter 110 of about 7.2 millimetres. The plug of aerosol-generating substate 52 has a width or external diameter 152 of about 5 millimetres. Accordingly, the ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52 to the width of the aerosol-generating element is about 0.69.

[0413] The inner substrate wrapper 54 has an overall thickness 154 of about 1 millimetre. The non-woven hydroentangled cellulosic sheet forming the inner substrate wrapper 54 circumscribes the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52 once. Accordingly, the non-woven hydroentangled cellulosic sheet also has a thickness of about 1 millimetre.

[0414] The width 158 of the susceptor 58 is less than the width 152 of the plug of aerosolgenerating substrate 52. In particular, a ratio of the width 158 of the susceptor 58 to the width 152 of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52 is between 0.6 and 0.95. The susceptor 58 is arranged centrally within the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52. As such, the susceptor is not in contact with the inner substrate wrapper 54.

[0415] Figure 3 shows an aerosol-generating system 300 comprising the aerosol-generating article 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2 and an aerosol-generating device 200. The aerosolgenerating device 200 is configured to heat the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52 to generate an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol-generating device 200 comprises a chamber 210 for receiving the aerosol-generating article 100.

[0416] Figure 3 shows the aerosol-generating article 100 received within the chamber 210 of the aerosol-generating device 200.

[0417] The aerosol-generating device 200 comprises an inductor 212 in the form of an inductor coil circumscribing the chamber 210. As shown in Figure 3, when the aerosol-generating article 100 is received in the heating chamber 210 of the aerosol-generating device 200 during use of the aerosol-generating system 300, the inductor 212 is longitudinally aligned with the susceptor 58 of the aerosol-generating article 100. The inductor 212 of the aerosol-generating device 200 and the susceptor 58 of the aerosol-generating article 100 together form a heating arrangement of the aerosol-generating system 200.P / 90900.W001

[0418] - 41 - The aerosol-generating device 200 further comprises a power supply in the form of a battery (not shown), and control electronics (not shown). The control electronics controls the supply of electrical power from the battery to the inductor 212.

[0419] In use, a fluctuating or alternating electronic magnetic field produced by the inductor 212 induces eddy currents in the susceptor 58 and causes the susceptor 58 to heat up. The susceptor 58 is in thermal contact with aerosol-generating material of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52 and therefore heat is transferred to the aerosol-generating material, which causes aerosol species to be released from the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52.

[0420] When a user draws on the mouthpiece element 32 of the aerosol-generating article 100, air is drawn into chamber 210 via an air inlet 214 of the aerosol-generating device 100 and into the aerosol-generating element 10. The plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52 has a lower resistance to draw than the inner substrate wrapper 54 of the aerosol-generating element 10. As such, a majority of air drawn through the aerosol-generating element 10 from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating element 10 to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating element 10 is along the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52 rather than along the inner substrate wrapper 54. The aerosol species released by the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 54 are entrained in the airflow which then passes through the downstream section 30 of the aerosolgenerating article 100 before leaving the downstream end 14 of the aerosol-generating article 10 to be inhaled by the user.

[0421] Figure 4 shows another aerosol-generating article 400. The aerosol-generating article 400 shown in Figure 4 is substantially similar to the aerosol-generating article 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are used to designate like parts. The aerosol-generating article 400 shown in Figure 4 differs from the aerosol-generating article 100 shown in Figure 1 in that the aerosol-generating article 400 does not comprise an upstream section and the aerosolgenerating element 410 of the aerosol-generating article 400 does not comprise a susceptor.

[0422] Figure 5 shows another aerosol-generating system 600. The aerosol-generating system 600 shown in Figure 5 comprises the aerosol-generating article 400 shown in Figure 4 and another aerosol-generating device 500. The aerosol-generating device 500 is substantially similar to the aerosol-generating device 200 shown in Figure 3 and the same reference numerals are used to designate like parts. The aerosol-generating device 500 shown in Figure 5 differs from the aerosol-generating device 200 shown in Figure 3 in that the chamber 510 is shorter, and in that the aerosol-generating device 500 comprises a susceptor 558 protruding into the chamber 510. As shown in Figure 5, the susceptor 558 is located within the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52 of the aerosol-generating article 400 when the aerosol-generating article 400 is received in the chamber 510 of the aerosol-generating device 500. The inductor 212 of the aerosol-generating device 500 and the susceptor 558 of the aerosol-generating device 500 together form a heating arrangement of the aerosol-generating system.P / 90900.W001

[0423] - 42 - As with the susceptor 58 of the aerosol-generating article 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the susceptor 558 of the aerosol-generating device 500 shown in Figure 5 is in the form of a strip, the width of the susceptor 558 is less than the width 152 of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52; in particular, a ratio of the width of the susceptor 558 to the width 152 of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52 is between 0.6 and 0.95. When the aerosol-generating article 400 is received in the chamber 510 of the aerosol-generating device 500, the susceptor 558 is configured to be located centrally within the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52 of the aerosol-generating article 400 and along the longitudinal axis of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate 52. The susceptor 558 is configured to not be in contact with the inner substrate wrapper 54 of the aerosol-generating article 400 when the aerosol-generating article 400 is received in the chamber 510 of the aerosol-generating device 500.

[0424] The specific embodiments and examples described above illustrate, but do not limit, the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments of the invention may be made and the specific embodiments and examples described herein are not exhaustive.

[0425] For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 10 percent of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

P / 90900.W001- 43 - CLAIMS:

1. An aerosol-generating element for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating element comprising a plug of aerosol-generating substrate and a wrapper circumscribing the plug of aerosol-generating substrate, wherein a ratio of the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate to the width of the aerosol-generating element is less than or equal to 0.8.

2. An aerosol-generating element according to claim 1 further comprising a susceptor located within the plug of aerosol-generating substrate.

3. An aerosol-generating element according to claim 2, wherein a ratio of the width of the susceptor the width of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate is at least 0.6.

4. An aerosol-generating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio of the width of the plug of the aerosol-generating substrate to the length of the plug of aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 0.55.

5. An aerosol-generating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapper has an overall thickness of at least 0.5 millimetres.

6. An aerosol-generating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapper has a tensile strength in the machine direction of at least 50 N / 5cm.

7. An aerosol-generating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapper has a grammage of at least 60 grams per square metre.

8. An aerosol-generating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio of the grammage of the wrapper (in grams per square metre) to the tensile strength in the machine direction of the wrapper (in N / 5cm) is less than or equal to 1.8.

9. An aerosol-generating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio of the grammage of the wrapper (in grams per square metre) to the tensile strength in the machine direction of the wrapper (in N / 5cm) is at least 0.8.

10. An aerosol-generating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapper is formed from a non-woven material.P / 90900.W001- 44 -11. An aerosol-generating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapper is formed from a non-woven hydroentangled material.

12. An aerosol-generating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapper is in direct contact with the plug of aerosol-generating substrate13. An aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating element according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 13 further comprising at least one of an upstream section located upstream of the aerosol-generating element and a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol-generating element.

15. An aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating article according to claim 13 or 14; and an aerosol-generating device configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating device comprising a chamber for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-generating element.

16. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 15 comprising an internal heater arranged inside the plug of aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the chamber, and wherein the internal heater is a component of either the aerosol-generating article or the aerosol-generating device.

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