A material for use in a component for an aerosol provision article

Abstract

The present application relates to a material for use in a component for an aerosol provision article. The material comprises a tow formed from a plurality of regenerated 5 cellulose fibres. Each of the regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow is crimped in the range of about 7 to about 15 crimps per inch. The present invention also relates to a component for use in an aerosol provision article comprising the tow, and an aerosol provision article comprising a component comprising the material.

Description

[0001] A Material for Use in a Component for an Aerosol Provision Article

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a material for use in a component for an aerosol provision article. The present invention also relates to a component comprising the material for use in an aerosol provision article and to an aerosol provision article comprising the component.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Popular aerosol generating articles can have a substantially cylindrical rod-shaped structure and can include a charge, roll, or column of smokable material, such as shredded tobacco, e.g. in cut filler form, surrounded by a paper wrapper, thereby forming a rods of aerosolisable material. Usually, an aerosol generating article has a filter element aligned in an end-to-end relationship with the rod of aerosolisable material. Typically, a filter element comprises a rod of plasticised cellulose acetate tow circumscribed by a paper material known as a plug wrap and the filter is attached to one end of the rod of aerosolisable material using a circumscribing wrapping material known as tipping material.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a material for use in a component for an aerosol provision article, the material comprising a tow formed from a plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres, wherein each of the regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow is crimped in the range of about 7 to about 15 crimps per inch.

[0008] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow may have a denier per filament in the range of about 1 dpf to about 8 dpf. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow may have a denier per filament in the range of about 2 dpf to about 5 dpf.

[0009] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow has a denier per filament of about 3 dpf.

[0010] In some embodiments, the tow of regenerated cellulose fibres may have a total denier in the range of about 10,000 to about 80,000.In some embodiments, the tow of regenerated cellulose fibres may have a total denier in the range of about 10,000 to about 50,000. In some embodiments, the tow of regenerated cellulose fibres may have a total denier of at least about 12,000. In some embodiments, the tow of regenerated cellulose may have a total denier of at least about 20,000. In some embodiments, the tow of regenerated cellulose may have a total denier of at least about 25,000.

[0011] In some embodiments, the tow of regenerated cellulose may have a total denier of at least about 30,000. In some embodiments, the tow of regenerated cellulose may have a total denier of at least about 35,000. In some embodiments, the tow of regenerated cellulose may have a total denier of at least about 45,000.

[0012] In some embodiments, the tow of regenerated cellulose may have a total denier in the range of about 35,000 to about 45,000.

[0013] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow may have a substantially 'Y'-shaped cross-section.

[0014] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0015] In some embodiments, each of the regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow may be crimped.

[0016] In some embodiments, each of the regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow may comprise in the range of about 8 to about 12 crimps per inch. In some embodiments, each of the regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow may comprise in the range of about 8 to about 11 crimps per inch. In some embodiments, each of the regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow may comprise in the range of about 9 to about 10 crimps per inch.

[0017] In some embodiments, each of the regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow may comprise about 10 crimps per inch.

[0018] In some embodiments, the crimp amplitude may be in the range of about 0.35 mm to about 0.52 mm.In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a component for use in an aerosol provision article, the component comprising a material according to any one of claims 1 to 20, and a wrapper circumscribing the material.

[0019] In some embodiments, the component may have a circumference in the range of about 23.8 mm to about 24.3 mm.

[0020] In some embodiments, the component may have a weight in the range of about 0.69 to about 0.75 mg per 108 mm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the component may have a pressure drop in the range of about 335 mmWG to about 410 mmWG over a component length of 108 mm.

[0022] In some embodiments, the component may have a pressure drop in the range of about 360 mmWG to about 400 mmWG over a component length of 108 mm. In some embodiments, the component may have a pressure drop in the range of about 370 mmWG to about 390 mmWG over a component length of 108 mm.

[0023] In some embodiments, the component may have a hardness in the range of about 70 to about 80.

[0024] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol provision article comprising a component according to any one of claim 21 to claim 27.

[0025] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a material formed from a plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres;

[0028] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged schematic perspective view of a regenerated cellulose fibre; Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a component comprising the material; Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of an article comprising the component; Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a component with a section cut away; and

[0029] Fig. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a component.Detailed Description

[0030] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes:

[0031] combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); and

[0032] non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.

[0033] According to the present disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0034] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.

[0035] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper.

[0036] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0037] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0038] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END),although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0039] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0040] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosolgenerating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosolgenerating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0041] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

[0042] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0043] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0044] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0045] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generatingmaterial storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0046] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.

[0047] The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0048] In one embodiment the active substance is a legally permissible recreational drug

[0049] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0050] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes. The active substance may be CBD or a derivative thereof

[0051] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood,cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens

[0052] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.

[0053] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

[0054] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0055] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.

[0056] As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass,rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

[0057] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

[0058] In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not alimited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

[0059] Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants.

[0060] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former material. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

[0061] The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be in the form of an aerosolgenerating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former material. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or filler may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

[0062] The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm. For example, the thickness may be in the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.

[0063] The aerosol-generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may comprise or be a continuous sheet of material. The sheet may be in the form of a wrapper, it may be gathered to form a gathered sheet or it may be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The shredded sheet may comprise one or more strands or strips of aerosolgenerating material.

[0064] The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosolgenerating film may comprise one or more discrete portions or regions of aerosolgenerating material, such as dots, stripes or lines, which may be supported on a support. In such embodiments, the support may be planar or non-planar.

[0065] The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-former material and one or more other components, such as one or more substances to be delivered, to form a slurry and then heating the slurry to volatilise at least some of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film.

[0066] The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt% or 90 wt% of the solvent.The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an "amorphous solid". In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating materiel comprises an aerosol-generating film that is an amorphous solid. The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid". The amorphous solid may be substantially non-fibrous. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

[0067] The amorphous solid may be substantially free from botanical material. The amorphous solid may be substantially tobacco free.

[0068] The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0069] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of a pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0070] The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0071] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosolmodifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as aheater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0072] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0073] An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent

[0074] The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

[0075] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.Referring to Fig. 1, a material 1 for use in a component 2, shown in Fig. 3, for an aerosol provision article 3, shown in Fig. 4, is shown. The material 1 comprises a tow 5. The tow 5 is formed from a plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6.

[0076] In some embodiments, the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 may be the only types of fibre present in the material 1. That is, the plurality of fibres 6 in the material may consist of regenerated cellulose fibres. As used herein, the term 'fibre' may be defined as a basic element of textiles. In some embodiments, the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 may include any of the disclosed fibres 6 individually, i.e. solely, or in combination with one or more other regenerated cellulose fibres. The fibres may be in the form of a rope-like or string-like element. The term 'fibre' is intended to include fibres, filaments, and the like.

[0077] Regenerated cellulose may be considered to be a class of materials that is manufactured by the conversion of natural cellulose to a soluble cellulosic derivative or direct dissolution of cellulosic pulp and subsequent regeneration.

[0078] Therefore, regenerated cellulose fibres may be considered to be a class of materials that is manufactured by the conversion of natural cellulose to a soluble cellulosic derivative or direct dissolution of cellulosic pulp and subsequent regeneration in fibre form. The main distinction between regenerated cellulose fibres and known materials for use in components, such as cellulose acetate in filter components, is that the regenerated cellulose fibres are a pure form of cellulose whilst the cellulose acetate fibres are a modified form of cellulose that is modified by the addition of acetyl groups to the cellulose polymer. The plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 may beneficially provide increased biodegradability when compared to the types of fibres normally used in, for example, the filter segments of conventional cigarettes, e.g. cellulose acetate, without compromising functional characteristics such as filtration efficiency.

[0079] Viscose fibres are typically prepared by reacting high purity cellulose with caustic soda, followed by carbon disulfide and then by sodium hydroxide, giving a viscous solution of a cellulose derivative (cellulose xanthate). This solution is then spun into fibres via a wet spinning process into a coagulating bath, where the cellulose derivative is reformed as cellulose... The plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 may be, for example, but not limited to, viscose, rayon, viscose rayon, cupro, and modal. In the present invention, the regenerated cellulose used may be viscose.Cellulose may be converted into cellulose xanthate to form a spinning solution. Once the fibres are spun, cellulose xanthate may be converted back into cellulose.

[0080] The threads of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 may be considered to be continuous due to the long nature of the regenerated cellulose fibres produced. Thus, a plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 can be gathered to form a regenerated cellulose tow 5.

[0081] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 that form the tow 5 may have a denier per filament in the range of about 1 dpf to about 8 dpf. Denier per filament, also referred to as denier per fibre, is a measurement of the weight per unit length of the individual fibre, or filament, of the plurality of fibres 6. The denier per filament of the regenerated cellulose fibres 6 given herein is expressed in units of grams / 9000 metres. The denier per filament may be manipulated or chosen to achieve a desired pressure drop across the material 1 or across a component 2 formed from the material 1, such as a filter elements, formed from the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6.

[0082] It has been found that by using fibres with a lower dpf, the tow of regenerated cellulose fibres is able to provide a better filtration efficiency. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that the lower dpf fibres provide a greater surface area for filtration. Careful control of the dpf and total denier values of the tow enable a component 2 to be provided that provides a suitable pressure drop for improved user experience whilst also meeting targets for species delivery for an article.

[0083] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 that form the tow 5 may have a denier per filament in the range of about 1 dpf to about 7 dpf, or about 1 dpf to about 6 dpf, or about 1 dpf to about 5 dpf, or about 1 dpf to about 4 dpf, or about 1 dpf to about 3 dpf, or about 1 dpf to about 2 dpf.

[0084] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 that form the tow 5 may have a denier per filament in the range of about 2 dpf to about 5 dpf. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 that form the tow 5 may have a denier per filament in the range of about 2 dpf to about 4 dpf, or about 2 dpf to about 3 dpf. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 that form the tow 5 may have a denier per filament of about 3 dpf.The tow 5 formed from a plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 may have a length of at least 1.5 km. In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose tow 5 may be free from titanium dioxide. In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose tow material 1 may comprise a spin finish oil. The spin finish oil may reduce friction during production of a component. Thus, fibre breakage and dust generation may be reduced. In some embodiments, the spin finish oil may be halogen free.

[0085] In some embodiments, the tow 5 of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 may have a total denier in the range of about 10,000 to about 80,000. That is, the mass of the regenerated cellulose tow material 1 may be in the ranged of 10,000 grams per 9,000 metres of regenerated cellulose tow 5 to 80,000 grams per 9,000 metres of regenerated cellulose tow 5. In some embodiments, the tow 5 of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 may have a total denier in the range of about 10,000 to about 50,000.

[0086] Advantageously, the tow 5 having a total denier within this range enables a component 2 to be produced that has parameters and properties, such as pressure drop and hardness, that are equivalent to known cellulose acetate filters. Therefore, a consumer's experience may remain unchanged with a new material component that is more environmentally friendly.

[0087] In some embodiments, the tow 5 of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 may have a total denier of at least about 12,000. In some embodiments, the tow 5 of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 may have a total denier of at least about 20,000. In some embodiments, the tow 5 of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 may have a total denier of at least about 25,000. In some embodiments, the tow 5 of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 may have a total denier of at least about 30,000.

[0088] In some embodiments, the tow 5 of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 may have a total denier of at least about 35,000. In some embodiments, the tow 5 of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 may have a total denier of at least about 45,000.

[0089] In some embodiments, the tow 5 of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 may have a total denier in the range of about 35,000 to about 45,000. The tow 5 having a total denier in the range of about 35,000 to about 45,000 has been found to provide the optimal combination of filtration efficiency, tow tensile strength, and pressure drop through a component 2 formed from the material.

[0090] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 forming the tow 5 may have a substantially 'Y'-shaped cross-section. The cross-section of eachof the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 that form the tow 5 may be defined in a direction perpendicular to their length, i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of a fibre 6. The 'Y'-shaped cross-section has an advantage of being an irregular shape and so has a larger surface area. The large surface area of the 'Y'-shaped crosssection, when compared to a regular cross-section such as a circular cross-section, is able to provide better filtration efficiency and a higher pressure drop. Such characteristics in a tow 5 formed from the 'Y'-shaped cross-section fibres 6 may be particularly suited to aerosol provision articles that fall into the combustible category.

[0091] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 forming the tow 5 may have a substantially circular cross-section. Fibres 6 with a substantially circular cross-section have a smaller surface area than 'Y'-shaped cross-section (of the same denier per filament). Therefore, the pressure drop across a tow 5 formed from the circular cross-section fibres 6 may be lower than the tow 5 formed from the 'Y'-shaped cross-section fibres 6. Therefore, a tow 5 formed from circular cross-section fibres 6 may be particularly suited to aerosol provision articles that fall into the noncombustible category.

[0092] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 may be crimped. A crimp 8 can be considered to be a parameter referencing the texture or waviness of the regenerated cellulose fibres 6. The amplitude or depth of a single crimp may be measured in micros. The amplitude or depth of a single crimp 8 is an indirect measure of the degree of crimp applied to the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres.

[0093] Each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 forming the tow 5 may comprise in the range of about 7 crimps to about 15 crimps per inch. The crimps per inch may be measured in the longitudinal direction of the regenerated cellulose fibres 6. In some embodiments, the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 forming the tow 5 may comprise in the range of about 8 crimps to about 12 crimps per inch. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 forming the tow 5 may comprise in the range of about 8 crimps to about 11 crimps per inch. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 forming the tow 5 may comprise in the range of about 9 crimps to about 10 crimps per inch.

[0094] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 forming the tow 5 may comprise 10 crimps per inch. Regenerated cellulose fibres 6 formingthe tow 5 that have about 10 crimps per inch have been found to be optimum for providing the required pressure drop and tensile strength of the tow 5.

[0095] In some embodiments, the crimp amplitude of each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres may be in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.8 mm. In some embodiment, the crimp amplitude of the crimps in each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres may be in the range of about 350 mm to about 520 mm.

[0096] In some embodiments, the crimp may have a stability in the range of about 65 % to about 90 %. In some embodiments, the crimp may have a stability in the range of about 67% to about 87%. In some embodiments, the crimp may have a stability in the range of about 72% to about 82%.

[0097] The crimp stability may be considered to be the relationship between the crimp of the fibre before and after mechanical treatment expressed as a percentage. That is, the crimp stability may be considered to be the relationship between the difference between the crimped fibre length under a specified tension and the crimped fibre length under pretension after treatment with the specified tension divided by the difference between the crimped fibre length under the specified tension and the crimped fibre length under the pretension. Thus, the crimp stability may be considered to be the ratio of the length of a crimped fibre after a mechanical treatment to the length of a crimped fibre before a mechanical treatment

[0098] Higher levels of crimp stability have been found to be advantageous because it allows the fibres 6 of the tow 5 to be bloomed when running on a machine at high speeds whilst still maintaining the crimp in the fibres 6 of the tow 5 and thus in the final component 2. As a result, the components 2 can be manufactured with a consistent pressure drop and filtration efficiency. This also improves the hardness of the component 2.

[0099] In some embodiments, crimping the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 may involve passing the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres through one or more crimping and / or embossing rollers configured to cause the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibred 6 to buckle, this providing crimped fibres 6. The plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 may be passed through crimping and / or embossing rollers having a specific depth in order to achieve the desired crimp amplitude or depth in the fibres 6. That is, the crimping and / or embossing rollers may comprise afeature having a specific amplitude or depth configured to achieve the desired crimp amplitude or depth in the fibres 6.

[0100] The crimping of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 may encourage the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 to 'bloom'. When a regenerated cellulose fibre 6 'blooms', the surface of the fibre is opened up, and thus the surface area of the fibre is further increased. This increase in surface area of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6 provides enhanced filtration performance and may help to increase the pressure drop across a component 2 formed from the material 1.

[0101] Referring briefly to Fig. 3, a component 2 formed from the material 1 of the present invention is shown. The component 2 is formed from the material 1 comprising a tow 5 comprising a plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6. In some embodiments, the component 2 may be a filter segment. In this sense, the material 1 may be considered to be a filtration material. In some embodiments, the component 2 may be an aerosol generating segment comprising an aerosolisable material that may be configured to be heated to release aerosol.

[0102] The component 2 may be rod-shaped. That is, the component 2 may have a circular cross-section in a plane extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the component 2. The component 2 comprises a wrapper 7. The wrapper 7 circumscribes the material 1. Thus, the wrapper 7 maintains the material 1 in its tubular shape.

[0103] The dimensions of the component 2 may vary depending on the type of aerosol provision article 4 the component 2 is to be used in. For example, the component 2 may have a diameter in the range of about 3.1 mm to about 11.2 mm and a circumference of about 10 mm to about 35 mm. In some embodiments, the component 2 may have a diameter in the range of about 5 mm to about 7.7 mm and a circumference in the range of about 16 mm to about 25 mm. Preferably, the component 2 may have a circumference in the range of about 23.8 mm to about 24.3 mm.

[0104] In some embodiments, the component 2 may have a weight in the range of about 0.5 mg to about 1 mg. In some embodiments, the component 2 may have a weight in the range of about 0.6 mg to about 0.8 mg per 108 mm component length. Preferably, the component 2 may have a weight in the range of about 0.69 mg to about 0.75 mg per 108 mm component length.In some embodiments, the weight range of the component 2 disclosed above may be a preferred range for a component 2 formed without a binder and with a wrapper 7 formed from a paper based material having a weight of 27 gsm.

[0105] In some embodiments, the wrapper 7 may be formed from paper. In some embodiments, the wrapper 7 may have a weight in the range of about 24 gsm to about 110 gsm. For components 2 formed with a higher gsm paper, the weight of the component 2 may be proportionally higher, for example, in the range of about 0.9 mg to about 1.1 mg per 108 mm component length for a 110 gsm wrapper 7.

[0106] The component 2 formed from the material 1 comprising a tow 5 formed from a plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6, shown in Fig. 3, may exhibit a desirable resistance to draw. That is, the component 2 may exhibit a desirable pressure drop across its length when gas is drawn from one side to the other. The pressure drop may be considered to be the resistance to draw when air is passed through a component 2 at a constant flow rate, for example 17.5 ml / s. The pressure drop may be measured in accordance with ISO 6565:2015.

[0107] In some embodiments, the component 2 may have a pressure drop in the range of between about 360 mmWG to about 400 mmWG over a component length of 108 mm. That is, the component 2 may have a pressure drop in the range of between about 3.33 mmWG / mm to about 3.71 mmWG / mm. In some embodiments, the component 2 may have a pressure drop in the range of about 370 mmWG to about 390 mmWG over a component length of 108 mm. That is, in some embodiments, the component 2 may have a pressure drop in the range of between about 3.42 mmWG / mm and about 3.61 mmWG / mm. Such pressure drop ranges have been found to be particularly useful in components 2 that form part of a combustible aerosol provision article.

[0108] In some embodiments, the component 2 may have a pressure drop in the range of about 150 mmWG to about 250 mmWG per 80 mm component length. That is, the component 2 may have a pressure drop in the range of about 1.87 mmWG / mm to about 3.13 mmWG / mm. Such a component 2 may have the circumference of a demislim rod.

[0109] Furthermore, the component 2 formed from the material 1 may exhibit a desirable hardness. The hardness of a component 2 may be considered to be the degree of deformation the rod undergoes when subjected to a standard force over a standardarea, expressed as a percentage. In some embodiments, the component 2 may have a hardness in the range of about 70% to about 99%. In some embodiments, the component 2 may exhibit a hardness in the range of about 75% to about 85%.

[0110] Any suitable device may be used for performing the measurement of the hardness of the component 2, such as a Borgwaldt Hardness Tester H10.

[0111] Hardness may be defined as the ratio between the height hO of a body and height hl of the body under a defined load, stated as a percentage of hO. Hardness may be expressed as: Hardness = (hl / h0)xl00.

[0112] For an individual body, or a body contained in a multi-section rod, the hardness measurement is performed at the longitudinal centre point of the body or multisection rod. A load bar is used to apply the defined load to the body. The length of the load bar should be significantly higher than that of the specimen to be measured. Prior to the hardness measurement, the body to be measured is conditioned according to ISO 3402:2023 for a minimum of 48 hours, and is maintained in environmental conditions according to ISO 3402:203 during the measurement.

[0113] To perform the hardness measurement, a body is place into the Hardness Tester H10, a pre-load of 2g is applied to the body, and after 1 second the initial heigh hO of the body under the 2g pre-load is recorded. The pre-load is then removed and a load bar bearing a load of 150 g may be lowered onto the sample at a rate of 0.6 mm / s, after 5 second the height hl of the body under the 150 g load may be measured.

[0114] The hardness of the component may be determined as an average hardness of at least 20 components measured according to this protocol.

[0115] In some embodiments, the component 2 may comprise a binder. In some embodiments, the component 2 may comprise in the range of 1 %wt to 10 %wt. Thus, a component 2 comprising the material 1, a 27 gsm wrapper 7, and a binder may have a weight in the range of about 0.6 mg to about 0.9 mg. A component 2 comprising the material 1, a 110 gsm wrapper 7, and a binder may have a weight in the range of about 0.9 mg to about 1.2 mg. In some embodiments, the binder may comprise at least one of starch, pectin, or dextrin.

[0116] Referring now to Fig. 5, in some embodiments, the component 2 may comprise an aerosol-modifying agent release component 21. The aerosol-modifying agent releasecomponent 21 may be in the form of an additive release component in the form of a capsule 22. In embodiments where a capsule 22 is provided, the wrapper 7 may comprise an oil-resistant plug wrap. However, in other embodiments, the aerosolmodifying agent release component 21 may be provided in other forms, such as material injected into the body of the material 1 of the component 2 or provided on a thread, for instance a thread carrying a flavourant or other aerosol modifying agent, which may also be disposed within the body of the material 1 of the component 2.

[0117] The aerosol-modifying agent release component 21 may be a capsule 22. The capsule 22 may be a breakable capsule. For instance, the breakable capsule 22 may have a solid, frangible shell 23 surrounding a liquid payload 24. The component 2 may comprise a single capsule 22. However, in some embodiments, the component 2 may comprise a plurality of capsules 22.

[0118] The capsule 22 may be entirely embedded within the body of the material 1 of the component 2. In other words, the capsule 22 may be completely surrounded by the material 1 forming the component 2. The body of material 1 of the component 2 may be sufficiently uniform such that the capsule 22 cannot be seen from an end of the component 2. In embodiments comprising a plurality of capsules 22, the length of the component 2, and therefore the body of material 1, may be increased to accommodate the number of capsules 22 included.

[0119] In embodiments where a plurality of capsules 22 is used, the individual capsules 22 may be the same as each other, or may differ from one another in terms of size and / or capsule payload 24.

[0120] The capsule 22 may have a core-shell structure. In other words, the capsule 22 may comprise the shell 23 encapsulating a liquid payload 24. The liquid payload 24 may be a liquid agent, for instance a flavourant or other agent, which can be any one of the flavourants or aerosol-modifying agents described herein. The shell 23 of the capsule 22 can be ruptured by a user to release the flavourant or other agent into the material 1 forming the body of the component 2.

[0121] In the present embodiment, the capsule 22 may be substantially spherical. The spherical capsule 22 may have a diameter of about 3 mm. In alternative embodiments, different shapes and sizes of capsules 22 may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent release component 21 may be substantially cylindrical in shape. In some embodiments, the capsule 22 may have adiameter less than 4 mm, or less than 3.5 mm, or less than 3.25 mm. In alternative embodiments, the capsule 22 may have a diameter greater than about 3.25 mm, for example greater than 3.5 mm, or greater than 4 mm. The total weight of the capsule 22 may be in the range of about 10 mg to about 50 mg.

[0122] In the present embodiment, the capsule 22 may be located at a longitudinally central position within the material 1 of the component 2. However, in some embodiments, the capsule 22 may be located at a non-longitudinally central position within the material 1 of the component 2. That is, the capsule 22 may located closer to the upstream end of the component 2 than to the downstream end of the component 2.

[0123] In some embodiments, the shell 23 may be formed from a barrier material. The barrier material may be frangible. The capsule 22 may be crushed or otherwise fractured or broken by the user to release the encapsulated aerosol-modifying agent payload 24. Typically, the capsule 22 is broken immediately prior to use but the user can select when to release the aerosol-modifying agent. The term "breakable capsule" refers to a capsule 22, wherein the shell 23 can be broken by means of pressure to release the liquid payload 24 in the core. More specifically, the shell 23 can be ruptured under the pressure imposed by the user's fingers when the user wants to release the liquid payload 24 in the core of the capsule 22.

[0124] In some embodiments, the barrier material forming the shell 23 may be heat resistant. That is to say, in some embodiments, the shell 23 will not rupture, melt, or otherwise fail at the temperature reached at the capsule 22 site during operation of the aerosol provision article 3.

[0125] In an alternative embodiment, the capsule 22 may be a degradable capsule. That is, the capsule 22 may be configured to degrade to release the aerosol-modifying agent upon application of temperature over a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the capsule 22 may be configured to degrade to release the aerosolmodifying agent upon the application of moisture over a predetermined threshold.

[0126] Referring now to Fig. 6, in some embodiments, component 2 may comprises a body of material 1 having an annular cross-section. The annular body of material 1 may be formed from a tow 5 formed from a plurality of fibres 6 formed from regenerated cellulose, as described above.The annular body of material 1 may form an outer section 31 of the component 2. The annular body of material 1 may extend longitudinally through the component 2. The component 2 may further comprise a core section 32 extending longitudinally. The outer section 31 may extend longitudinally and around the core section 32. The outer section 31 is formed from the material 1.

[0127] The core section 32 of the component 2 may extend longitudinally along the length of the longitudinal axis X of the component 2. In the present embodiment, the core section 32 may extend the length of the component 2. The outer section 31 may extend longitudinally along the length of the longitudinal axis X of the component 2. In the present embodiment, the outer section 31 may extend the length of the component 2. In some embodiments, the component 2 may have a length in the range of about 4 mm to about 12 mm. In some embodiments, the component 2 may have a length in the range of about 6 mm to about 8 mm.

[0128] The outer section 31 may comprise a first end surface 33 and an opposing second end surface 34. In the present embodiment, the first end surface 33 may extend in the same plane as the proximal end of the component 2, and the second end surface 34 may extend in the same plane as the distal end of the component 2. In the present embodiment, the first and second end surfaces 33,34 may be congruent.

[0129] The outer section 31 may surround the core section 32. Thus, the core section 32 may be located radially inward of the outer section 31. The outer section 31 is formed from the material 1 comprising a tow 5 comprising a plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres 6. That is, the material 1, as previously described, may be processed to form the outer section 31 of the component 2.

[0130] In some embodiments, the core section 32 may comprise a first material 35. The first material 35 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to, paper, or a regenerated cellulose material, such as lyocell, viscose, rayon, viscose rayon, cupro, and modal. The core section 32 may take the form of a hollow tubular element 36. That is, the material 1 that forms the core section 32 may be formed into a hollow tubular element such as a tube 36. The hollow tubular element 36 may comprise a cavity 37. The cavity 37 may be located centrally in the core section 32.

[0131] In some embodiments, the hollow tubular element 36 may have a wall thickness in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm. In some embodiments, the hollow tubular element 36 may have a wall thickness in the range of about 1 mm to about 2.5 mm.In some embodiments, the hollow tubular element 36 may have a wall thickness in the range of about 1.2 mm to about 1.82 mm. In some embodiments, the hollow tubular element 36 may have a wall thickness in the range of about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm In some embodiments, the cavity 36 may have a diameter in the range of about 2.5 mm to about 5 mm. In some embodiments, the cavity 36 may have a diameter in the range of about 3 mm to about 4.5 mm.

[0132] In the present embodiment, the core section 32 and the outer section 31 of the component 2 may be formed coaxially. That is, the longitudinal axis extending through the centre of the core section 32 of the component 2 may be coincident with the longitudinal axis extending through the centre of the outer section 31 of the component 2.

[0133] In some embodiments, the outer section 31 may have a cross-section that is annular in shape in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. Thus, the first and second end surfaces 33, 34 may have an annular cross-section. The hollow tube 36 may also have a cross-section that is annular in shape in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. The cavity 37 may have a generally circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional shapes of the outer section 31, hollow tubular element 36, and cavity 37 may be other than annular and circular.

[0134] In some embodiments, the core section 32 may be formed by the cavity 37 only. That is, the core section 32 may be formed by the cavity 37 defined by an inner surface of the annular shaped outer section 31 and the hollow tubular element 36 may be omitted. More specifically, the core section 32 may be not be formed by a first material and instead may be formed by the absence of material within the outer section 31.

[0135] Referring briefly to Fig. 4, an aerosol provision article 3 comprising the component 2 formed from the material 1 of the present invention is shown. The dimensions of a representative aerosol provision article 3 according to the present invention may vary. The aerosol provision article 3 may be rod shaped and may have a diameter and circumference in the ranges previously described in relation to the component 2.

[0136] In some embodiments, the aerosol provision article 3 may have a total length in the range of about 60 mm to about 150 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol provision article 3 may have a length in the range of about 80 mm to about 140 mm.The aerosol provision article 3 may comprise a filter segment 11 and an aerosol generating segment 12. The aerosol provision article 3 may comprise a plurality of filter segments 11 or aerosol generating segments 12 or further segments. In some embodiments, the component 2 may formed the filter segment 11. In such an embodiment, the component may have a total length in the range of about 15 mm to about 40 mm, often in the range of about 20 mm to about 30 mm.

[0137] The aerosol generating segment 12 may be a generally cylindrical rod. The aerosol generating segment 12 may comprise an aerosol generating material 13. The aerosol generating material 13 may be provided as a charge or roll of aerosol generating material 13. The aerosol generating material 13 may be, for example, but not limited to tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smokable material, non-tobacco material or amorphous solid material.

[0138] The aerosol generating segment 12 may comprise a wrapper 14 configured to circumscribe the aerosol generating material 13. The ends of the aerosol generating segment 12 may be open to expose the aerosol generating material 13.

[0139] The filter segment 11 and aerosol generating segment 12 may be axially aligned in an end-to-end relationship. In some embodiments, the filter segment 11 and aerosol generating segment 12 may be axially aligned in an end-to-end abutting relationship. The ends of the filter segment 11 may permit the passage of air and aerosol therethrough.

[0140] The aerosol provision article 3 may further comprise a tipping wrapper 15. The tipping wrapper 15 may circumscribe at least a portion of the outer circumference of the wrapper 7 the filter segment 11 and at least a portion of the wrapper 14 of the aerosol generating segment 12. Thus, the tipping wrapper 15 may be configured to attach the filter segment 11 to the aerosol generating segment 12.

[0141] The tipping wrapper 15 may be air impermeable. In some embodiments, the tipping wrapper 15 may circumscribe both the entire length of the filter segment 11 and an adjacent region of the aerosol generating segment 12. The inner surface of the tipping wrapper 15 may be fixedly secured to the outer surface of the wrapper 7 and the outer surface of the wrapper 14 of the aerosol generating segment 12. The tipping wrapper 15 may be fixedly secured using a suitable adhesive. Thus, the filter segment 11 and aerosol generating segment 12 may be connected to one another to form the aerosol provision article 3.In some embodiments, such as the one shown in Fig. 4, the aerosol provision article 3 may be a ventilated or air diluted smoking article 3.

[0142] It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitable comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claims in future.

Claims

Claims1. A material for use in a component for an aerosol provision article, the material comprising:a tow formed from a plurality of regenerated cellulose fibreswherein each of the regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow is crimped in the range of about 7 to about 15 crimps per inch.

2. The material according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow has a denier per filament in the range of about 1 dpf to about 8 dpf.

3. The material according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow has a denier per filament in the range of about 2 dpf to about 5 dpf.

4. The material according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow has a denier per filament of about 3 dpf.

5. The material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tow of regenerated cellulose fibres has a total denier in the range of about 10,000 to about 80,000.

6. The material according to claim 5, wherein the tow of regenerated cellulose fibres has a total denier in the range of about 10,000 to about 50,000.

7. The material according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the tow of regenerated cellulose fibres has a total denier of at least about 12,000.

8. The material according to any one of claim 5 to claim 7, wherein the tow of regenerated cellulose has a total denier of at least about 20,000.

9. The material according to any one of claim 5 to claim 8, wherein the tow of regenerated cellulose has a total denier of at least about 25,000.

10. The material according to any one of claim 5 to claim 9, wherein the tow of regenerated cellulose has a total denier of at least about 30,000.

11. The material according to any one of claim 5 to claim 10, wherein the tow of regenerated cellulose has a total denier of at least about 35,000.

12. The material according to any one of claim 5 to claim 11, wherein the tow of regenerated cellulose has a total denier of at least about 45,000.

13. The material according to any one of claim 5 to claim 11, wherein the tow of regenerated cellulose has a total denier in the range of about 35,000 to about 45,000.

14. The material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow has a substantially V-shaped cross-section.

15. The material according to any one of claim 1 to claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow has a substantially circular cross-section.

16. The material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow comprise in the range of about 8 to about 12 crimps per inch.

17. The material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow comprise in the range of about 8 to about 11 crimps per inch.

18. The material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow comprise in the range of about 9 to about 10 crimps per inch.

19. The material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the regenerated cellulose fibres forming the tow comprise about 10 crimps per inch.

20. The material according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crimp amplitude is in the range of about 0.35 mm to about 0.52 mm.

21. A component for use in an aerosol provision article, the component comprising:a material according to any one of the preceding claims, anda wrapper circumscribing the material.

22. The component according to claim 21, wherein the component has a circumference in the range of about 23.8 mm to about 24.3 mm.

23. The component according to claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the component has a weight in the range of about 0.69 to about 0.75 mg per 108 mm.

24. The component according to any one of claim 21 to claim 23, wherein the component has a pressure drop in the range of about 335 mmWG to about 410 mmWG over a component length of 108 mm.

25. The component according claim 24, wherein the component has a pressure drop in the range of about 360 mmWG to about 400 mmWG over a component length of 108 mm.

26. The component according claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the component has a pressure drop in the range of about 370 mmWG to about 390 mmWG over a component length of 108 mm.

27. The component according to any one of claim 21 to claim 26, wherein the component has a hardness in the range of about 70% to about 80%.

28. An aerosol provision article comprising a component according to any one of claim 21 to claim 27.

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