Filter for an aerosol generation article

Abstract

Filter for an aerosol generation article The present disclosure relates to a filter for an aerosol generation article, the filter comprising: a segment made from biodegradable material; and a plug wrapper surrounding the segment, wherein the segment comprises a liquid having the ability to filter out phenols, and wherein the plug wrapper is made from a material that has a density less than or equal to the density of the biodegradable material.

Description

[0001] Filter for an aerosol generation article

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a filter for an aerosol generation article and an aerosol generation article comprising the filter.

[0003] Background

[0004] Aerosol generation articles, such as conventional cigarettes and consumable articles designed for non-combustion heating type devices, typically comprise filters. The most common filters are made of acetate tow and are normally wrapped in a plug wrapper. However, acetate tow is not biodegradable.

[0005] To reduce the load on the environment, it may be desirable to use biodegradable materials in the filters of aerosol generation articles. However, the filtration efficiency of biodegradable filters against stimulus components such as phenols is lower than that of filters using acetate tow.

[0006] The filtration efficiency of biodegradable filters against stimulus components such as phenols can be improved by including a liquid having the ability to filter out phenols, however the liquid has a tendency to leak during storage. In particular, the liquid may migrate into the plug wrapper and / or be lost to the environment. Leakage of the liquid may reduce effectiveness of the filter over time and / or affect the user experience, for example, by negatively impacting taste in use.

[0007] It is the object of the invention to overcome at least some of the above referenced problems.

[0008] Summary

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a filter for an aerosol generation article, the filter comprising:

[0010] a segment made from biodegradable material; and

[0011] a plug wrapper surrounding the segment,

[0012] wherein the segment comprises a liquid having the ability to filter out phenols, and wherein the plug wrapper is made from a material that has a density less than or equal to the density of the biodegradable material.

[0013] The inventors have unexpectedly found that the use of a plug wrapper made from a material that has a density of less than or equal to the density of the biodegradable material can reduce loss of liquid from the filter.

[0014] Any liquid having the ability to filter out phenols may be used. The viscosity of the liquid may be from 0.5 cps to 500 cps, measured at 25 °C and atmospheric pressure. Advantageously, aviscosity of 0.5 cps or above may reduce loss of the liquid during storage, while a viscosity of 500 cps or below may improve the even distribution of the liquid throughout the filter.

[0015] The liquid having the ability to filter out phenols may comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of polypropylene glycols, polypropylene glycol glyceryl ethers, polybutylene glycols, diglycerin, sorbitan fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, glycerin fatty acid esters, polyglycerin fatty acid esters, propylene glycol fatty acid esters, polyethylene glycols, caprylyl glycol, and triethyl citrate. Preferably, the liquid is triethyl citrate. Advantageously, these compounds are highly effective in the filtration of phenols.

[0016] The biodegradable material may have a base weight of from 15 to 35 g / m2. Advantageously, a base weight of less than 35 g / m2improves impregnation of the biodegradable material with the liquid. A base weight of at least 15 g / m2provides improved ability to hold liquid.

[0017] The biodegradable material may comprise cellulose fibres. Suitably, the biodegradable material comprises paper and / or non-woven fabric. Preferably, the biodegradable material is paper. Such biodegradable materials are abundant, low cost and have good biodegradability.

[0018] The biodegradable material may have a density of from 300 to 500 mg / m3.

[0019] The plug wrapper may be made from any suitable material. The plug wrapper may be made from cellulose fibres, such as pulp and / or non-woven fibres. Suitably, the plug wrapper is made from paper. Advantageously, paper provides good biodegradability.

[0020] The density of the material used to make the plug wrapper may be from 300 to 500 mg / m3(provided the density is equal to or less than the density of the biodegradable material as set out in the first aspect).

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol generation article comprising:

[0022] an aerosol substrate portion comprising an aerosol precursor material wrapped with a wrapping paper;

[0023] the filter according to the first aspect; and

[0024] a tipping paper that connects the aerosol substrate portion and the filter together.

[0025] The aerosol precursor material may be tobacco.

[0026] The article may be a cigarette or a heated tobacco stick (HTS).According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol generation device comprising the article according to the second aspect.

[0027] Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and from the description which follows.

[0028] Features described in relation to the second aspect may have any of the suitable features and advantages described in relation to the first aspect.

[0029] Detailed Description

[0030] Unless otherwise stated, the following terms used in the specification and claims have the meanings set out below.

[0031] As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapour. Aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material. As is common in the technical field, the terms “vapour” and “aerosol”, and related terms such as “vaporize”, “volatilize” and “aerosolise”, may generally be used interchangeably.

[0032] As used herein, the term “aerosol precursor material”, “vapour precursor material” or “vaporizable material” are used synonymously and may refer to a material and / or composition, which may for example comprise nicotine, cellulose-based sheet material, paper, tobacco, rye, or one or more herbs or botanicals in addition to a vaporising agent. The aerosol precursor material is configured to release an aerosol when heated or otherwise mechanically stimulated (such as by vibrations). Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and / or reconstituted tobacco in any one of shredded, crimped or gathered reconstituted tobacco sheet form. Nicotine may be in the form of nicotine salts. Rye may be in the form of various materials such as shredded rye, granulated rye, rye leaf and / or reconstituted rye. Suitable vaporising agents include: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material may comprise a liquid or a gel, which may comprise nicotine and / or one or more solid particles. For example, the aerosol precursor material comprises tobacco particles suspended in a solution or gel.An aerosol generation device is configured to aerosolise an aerosol precursor material without combustion in order to facilitate delivery of an aerosol to a user. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms “vapour” and “aerosol”, and related terms such as “vaporize”, “volatilize” and “aerosolise”, may generally be used interchangeably.

[0033] As used herein, the term “aerosol generation article” or “article” is used to refer to an article comprising aerosol precursor material. Such an article may be configured to produce an aerosol when combusted and / or heated, for example when heated without combustion. Aerosol generation articles may include conventional cigarettes and articles suitable for use in aerosol generation devices, such as heated tobacco sticks.

[0034] As used herein, the term “aerosol generation device” is synonymous with “aerosol generating device” or “device” and may include a device configured to heat an aerosol precursor material and deliver an aerosol to a user, typically without combusting the aerosol precursor material. The aerosol generation device may comprise a heat provision system, e.g. a resistive or induction or photonic heating element, intended to heat the aerosol precursor material that can be at least in part inserted into the aerosol generation device. The aerosol generation device may also comprise a chamber for housing at least a part of the aerosol precursor material for example in aerosol generation article, such as a stick or a capsule or a rod. The device may be portable. “Portable” may refer to the device being for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, which can be controlled by a user input.

[0035] The terms “upstream” and “downstream” as used herein refer to the direction of flow of aerosol though an aerosol generation article / system / device. The downstream end is therefore the end from which aerosol exits the article / system / device and is the end closer to the mouth of the consumer while in use. The downstream end can equally refer to the proximal end of the aerosol generation article / system / device. The upstream end is the end from which aerosol enters the article / system / device and is used interchangeably with the term “inlet end” herein. The upstream end can equally refer to the distal end of an aerosol generation article / system / device and is used interchangeably with the term “outlet end” herein.

[0036] As used herein, “g / m2” means grams per metre squared and may be used interchangeably with “grams per square metre (gsm)”.

[0037] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a filter for an aerosol generation article, the filter comprising:

[0038] a segment made from biodegradable material; and

[0039] a plug wrapper surrounding the segment,wherein the segment comprises a liquid having the ability to filter out phenols, and wherein the plug wrapper is made from a material that has a density less than or equal to the density of the biodegradable material.

[0040] The filter may be suitable for use in any aerosol generation article, such as a conventional cigarette or an article suitable for use in an aerosol generation device, such as a heat-not-burn device. For example, the article may be a cigarette or heated tobacco stick.

[0041] The filter is configured to filter certain components from the aerosol, in use. The filter may also act as a mouthpiece through which a user draws generated aerosol.

[0042] The liquid having the ability to filter out phenols is liquid at 25 °C and atmospheric pressure. The liquid may selectively remove components such as phenols and any other suitable compounds contained in an aerosol, such as tobacco smoke. For example, the liquid may selectively remove pyridine and / or pyrazines.

[0043] The viscosity of the liquid having the ability to filter out phenols may be at least 0.5 cps, for example at least 5 cps, suitably at least 10 cps. The viscosity of the liquid having the ability to filter out phenols may be up to 500 cps, for example up to 250 cps, suitably up to 100 cps. Viscosity is preferably measured at 25 °C and atmospheric pressure. Viscosity may be measured using any suitable method, for example using a rotational viscometer, such as a TVB10 viscometer available from Toki Sangyo.

[0044] The viscosity of the liquid having the ability to filter out phenols may be from 0.5 cps to 500 cps, for example from 5 to 250 cps, suitably from 10 to 100 cps. Advantageously, the present invention may allow use of a liquid having the ability to filter out phenols having a low viscosity, which may improve the ease of handling and / or application of the liquid.

[0045] The liquid may be any liquid having the ability to filter out phenols. Suitably, the liquid may be an organic liquid having at least one ester and / or hydroxy functional group. For example, the liquid having the ability to filter out phenols may comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of polypropylene glycols, polypropylene glycol glyceryl ethers, polybutylene glycols, diglycerin, sorbitan fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, glycerin fatty acid esters, polyglycerin fatty acid esters, propylene glycol fatty acid esters, polyethylene glycols, caprylyl glycol, and triethyl citrate. Suitably, the liquid comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of triethyl citrate, polypropylene glycol, glycerin fatty acid esters and sucrose fatty acid esters. Preferably the liquid is triethyl citrate.When the liquid having the ability to filter out phenols comprises a polymeric liquid (e.g. polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, polybutylene glycols, polyethylene glycol sorbitan fatty acid esters, polypropylene glycol glyceryl ethers, or polyglycerine fatty acid esters), the molecular weight of the polymeric liquid may be at least 1000, suitably at least 2000, preferably at least 3000. Suitably, the molecular weight of the polymeric liquid is up to 10000, suitably up to 7000, preferably up to 4000.

[0046] When the liquid having the ability to filter out phenols comprises a fatty acid ester, the fatty acid may be straight chain fatty acids or branched fatty acids and may be saturated fatty acids or unsaturated fatty acids, suitably having from 2 to 30 carbon atoms, such as from 8 to 26 carbon atoms, preferably from 12 to 22 carbon atoms. Preferably, the fatty acid may be a saturated fatty acid such as behenic acid.

[0047] The liquid having the ability to filter out phenols may be added to the segment in any suitable form. For example, the liquid may be added neat or as an aqueous solution. Suitably, the liquid is added neat.

[0048] The liquid having the ability to filter out phenols may be added to the segment in any suitable manner. For example, the liquid having the ability to filter out phenols may be fed using a pressure pump or may be sprayed. The liquid having the ability to filter out phenols may be applied to a particular part of the segment or may be applied uniformly.

[0049] The liquid having the ability to filter out phenols may be present in the filter of the first aspect in an amount of at least 1 mg, suitably at least 5 mg, preferably at least 10 mg. The liquid may be present in the filter in an amount of up to 250 mg, suitably up to 50 mg, preferably up to 30 mg. The liquid having the ability to filter out phenols may be present in the filter in an amount of from 1 to 250 mg, suitably from 5 to 50 mg, preferably from 10 to 30 mg.

[0050] Suitably, the liquid having the ability to filter out phenols is present in the segment in an amount of at least 1 mg, suitably at least 5 mg, preferably at least 10 mg. The liquid having the ability to filter out phenols may be present in the segment in an amount of up to 250 mg, suitably up to 50 mg, preferably up to 30 mg. The liquid may be present in the segment in an amount of from 1 to 250 mg, suitably from 5 to 50 mg, preferably from 10 to 30 mg.

[0051] Suitably, most of the liquid having the ability to filter out phenols is retained in the segment over time. For example, the liquid having the ability to filter out phenols may be present in the segment in an amount of at least 50%, suitably at least 65%, preferably at least 80%, of the amount initially added, after storage for at least 1 week, preferably at least 1 month, at 35 °C and 40% relative humidity.Suitably, the filter of the first aspect of the present invention reduces migration (or leakage) of the liquid having the ability to filter out phenols from the segment to the plug wrapper without the use of a water resistant or water impermeable layer. For example, at least 80 %, preferably at least 85 % of the total liquid having the ability to filter out phenols present in the filter may be present in the segment after storage for 1 month at 35 °C and 40% relative humidity. The amount of liquid having the ability to filter out phenols present in the filter as a whole, or in any particular part of the filter, may be measured by any suitable method. For example, the amount of liquid having the ability to filter out phenols present may be measured using gas chromatography (GC) techniques known to the skilled person. The GC technique used to measure the amount of liquid present in the filter may be carried out using an Agilent 8890 manufactured by Agilent Technologies Inc.

[0052] One or more additives may be added to the liquid having the ability to filter out phenols prior to addition to the segment. Suitable additives may include a flavouring agent and / or a colouring agent. Suitably, a thickener is not added to the liquid.

[0053] As used herein, the term “biodegradable material” may refer to a material which may be degraded by microorganisms. The biodegradable material may comprise any suitable fibres. For example, the biodegradable material may comprise fibres selected from wood pulp fibres such as soft-wood kraft pulp, hard-wood kraft pulp or dissolving pulp, and non-wood plant fibres such as kenaf pulp, flax pulp or linter pulp. In one example, the biodegradable material is formed from cellulose fibres. For example, the biodegradable material may comprise cellulose fibres such as paper and / or non-woven fabric. Preferably, the biodegradable material may be paper. In some examples, the biodegradable material only comprises pulp fibres. That is that it does not contain chemical cellulose fibres and / or plastic fibres.

[0054] The biodegradable material may include cellulose, polylactic acid, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate), polylactic acid / polycaprolactone copolymers, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid / polyether copolymers, butanediol / long-chain dicarboxylic acid copolymers, polybutylene adipate / terephthalate, polytetramethylene adipate-co-terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate succinate, polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate adipate, and polyvinyl alcohol. The biodegradable material may be cellulose. Preferably, the biodegradable material is paper.

[0055] The density of the biodegradable material may be from 100 to 600 mg / m3. Suitably, the density of the biodegradable material may be from 150 to 550 mg / m3, such as from 200 to 500 mg / m3, such as from 250 to 500 mg / m3, such as from 300 to 500mg / m3. As the skilled person would appreciate, the density of the biodegradable material may be calculated by dividing the base weight of the material by its thickness.The density of the biodegradable material may be up to 600 mg / m3. Suitably, the density of the biodegradable material may be up to 550 mg / m3, such as up to 500 mg / m3.

[0056] The density of the biodegradable material may be at least 100 mg / m3. Suitably, the density of the biodegradable material may be at least 150 mg / m3, such as at least 200 mg / m3, such as at least 250 mg / m3, such as at least 300 mg / m3.

[0057] The biodegradable material may also comprise a binding agent. The binding agent may be selected from any suitable water-soluble binding agent.

[0058] Preferably, the biodegradable material does not comprise a binding agent. Suitably, the biodegradable material may be substantially, essentially or completely free of binding agent. By “substantially free” we mean to refer to the biodegradable material containing less than 1 wt% binding agent, based on the total solid weight of the biodegradable material. By “essentially free” we mean to refer to the biodegradable material containing less than 0.5 wt% binding agent, based on the total solid weight of the biodegradable material. By “completely free” we mean to refer to the biodegradable material containing less than 0.1 wt% binding agent, based on the total solid weight of the biodegradable material. Including a binding agent may reduce leakage of liquid from the biodegradable material, however, binding agents detract from the biodegradability of the filter and increase environmental impact of the filter. Advantageously, the present invention may reduce this leakage without use of a binding agent.

[0059] The base weight of the biodegradable material may be less than 60 g / m2, such as less than 45 g / m2, such as less than 35 g / m2. Suitably, the base weight of the biodegradable material is measured as the base weight of the material prior to forming into the segment, i.e. that of the raw rolled material. The base weight may be measured by any suitable method. Methods of measuring the base weight of the material will be known to the skilled person. Advantageously, a base weight of less than 35 g / m2improves impregnation of the biodegradable material with the liquid having the ability to filter out phenols.

[0060] The base weight of the biodegradable material may be at least 5 g / m2, such as at least 10 g / m2, such as at least 15 g / m2. The base weight of the biodegradable material may be from 5 to 60 g / m2, such as from 10 to 45 g / m2, or from 15 to 35 g / m2.

[0061] The biodegradable material may have a creped structure. For example, the biodegradable material may be in the form of a sheet which may be formed into a continuous rod by rolling, crimping, corrugating or folding. Preferably, the biodegradable material is paper, more preferably, paper which has been corrugated to form a creped structure.The liquid having the ability to filter out phenols may be added to the segment made from biodegradable material in any step. For example, the liquid having the ability to filter out phenols may be added to the segment after creping but before the segment is shaped into a rod. The liquid having the ability to filter out phenols may be added to the rod-shaped segment using a microsyringe.

[0062] The filter of the first aspect comprises a plug wrapper surrounding the segment. The plug wrapper at least partially surrounds the segment. For example, the plug wrapper may fully surround the segment.

[0063] The plug wrapper is suitably a sheet-like material which is wrapped around the segment comprising biodegradable material. The plug wrapper may be secured around the segment using a suitable adhesive, such as a hot-melt adhesive, for example an adhesive comprising polyvinyl alcohol.

[0064] The plug wrapper may comprise any suitable fibres. For example, the plug wrapper may comprise fibres selected from wood pulp fibres such as soft-wood kraft pulp, hard-wood kraft pulp or dissolving pulp, and non-wood plant fibres such as kenaf pulp, flax pulp or linter pulp. The plug wrapper may be formed from cellulose fibres, such as pulp and / or non-woven fibres. Suitably, the plug wrapper only comprises pulp fibres. That is that it does not contain chemical cellulose fibres and / or plastic fibres.

[0065] Suitably, the plug wrapper is biodegradable. Suitably, the plug wrapper is made from a material which is biodegradable. When referring to a “material” which the plug wrapper is “made from” herein, is meant to refer to the raw material of the plug wrapper.

[0066] Preferably, the plug wrapper is made from paper.

[0067] Suitably, the plug wrapper does not comprise a water repellent or impermeable layer. The use of a liquid repellent or impermeable layer in the plug wrapper may reduce leakage of liquid from the segment made from biodegradable material, but adds cost and complexity to manufacture of the filter. Such layers may also reduce biodegradability of the filter. Advantageously, the present invention may reduce leakage of liquid without such a layer.

[0068] The plug wrapper is made from a material that has a density less than or equal to the density of the biodegradable material. Suitably, the plug wrapper is made from a material that has a density less than the density of the biodegradable material.The density of the material that the plug wrapper is made from may be from 100 to 600 mg / m3. Suitably, the density of the material that the plug wrapper is made from may be from 150 to 550 mg / m3, such as from 200 to 500 mg / m3, such as from 250 to 500 mg / m3, such as from 300 to 500 mg / m3.

[0069] The density of the material that the plug wrapper is made from may be up to 600 mg / m3. Suitably, the density of the material that the plug wrapper is made from may be up to 550 mg / m3, such as up to 500 mg / m3.

[0070] The density of the material that the plug wrapper is made from may be at least 100 mg / m3. Suitably, the density of the material that the plug wrapper is made from may be at least 150 mg / m3, such as at least 200 mg / m3, such as at least 250 mg / m3, such as at least 300 mg / m3.

[0071] Suitably, the material used to make the plug wrapper is a raw roll of material which may be formed into the plug wrapper and the density is measured in this state. The density is not expected to change significantly when formed into the plug wrapper.

[0072] The base weight of the plug wrapper may be at least 15 g / m2, such as at least 20 g / m2, such as at least 25 g / m2. The base weight of the plug wrapper may be up to 55 g / m2, such as up to 50 g / m2, such as up to 45 g / m2. The base weight of the plug wrapper may be from 15 to 55 g / m2, such as from 20 to 50 g / m2, or from 25 to 45 g / m2.

[0073] The filter may comprise one or more further segments made from biodegradable material. The one or more further segments each may or may not comprise a liquid having the ability to filter out phenols. Where the filter comprises one or more further segments, the plug wrapper may surround all of the segments together.

[0074] The filter of the first aspect may be biodegradable.

[0075] The filter may be produced by any well-known method. For example, when the filter is a paper filter, the filter may be produced by using paper obtained by subjecting wood pulp to papermaking and shaping the paper into a filter rod. Specifically, for example, the paper obtained by papermaking is subjected to, for example, creping to corrugate the paper, and the paper having the corrugated structure is gathered in a bundle and wrapped with a plug wrap paper to form a rod-shaped filter. The rod-shaped filter is cut to a desired length, and a paper filter can thereby be produced.

[0076] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol generation article comprising:an aerosol substrate portion which comprises an aerosol precursor material wrapped with a wrapping paper;

[0077] the filter according to the first aspect; and

[0078] a tipping paper that connects the aerosol substrate portion and the filter together.

[0079] The aerosol generation article may generate an aerosol in use. An aerosol may be generated by combustion of the aerosol generation article, for example wherein the article is a conventional cigarette, or by heating of the aerosol generation article without combustion, for example wherein the article is suitable for use in an aerosol generation device, such as a heat-not-burn device. Suitably, the aerosol generation article may be a conventional cigarette.

[0080] The aerosol substrate portion may have an inlet end (or distal end) through which air may be drawn into the aerosol substrate portion. The aerosol substrate portion may have an outlet end (or proximal end) through which generated aerosol may exit the aerosol substrate portion.

[0081] The aerosol substrate portion comprises an aerosol precursor material, and the aerosol precursor material may be configured to generate aerosol / vapour when heated and / or combusted. Suitably, the aerosol precursor material may be tobacco.

[0082] The aerosol precursor material suitably comprises tobacco. The tobacco may be any suitable tobacco, such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and / or reconstituted tobacco sheet.

[0083] The tobacco may have a moisture content of from 10 to 15% by weight, such as from 11 to 13% by weight, based on the weight of the tobacco. Such a moisture content may reduce staining of the wrapping paper and / or improve machinability of the tobacco.

[0084] When the aerosol generation article is suitable to be used in an aerosol generation device, such as a heat-not-burn device, the tobacco may comprise a vaporising agent capable of releasing an aerosol on heating. Examples of suitable vaporising agents include, but are not limited to, glycerol, propylene glycol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol and derivatives thereof (such as isomers of butanol), sebacate esters (such as di-2-ethylhexyl sebacate) and / or mixtures thereof. Suitably, the tobacco filler may comprise a vaporising agent selected from glycerol, propylene glycol, ethanol and / or mixtures thereof. Suitably, the tobacco filler may comprise a vaporising agent selected from glycerol or propylene glycol and / or mixtures thereof.

[0085] In use, the filter may act as a mouthpiece through which a user draws on the aerosol generation article to inhale generated aerosol and may be configured to filter certain components in the aerosol before inhalation thereof by the user.The wrapping paper may be air permeable. The wrapping paper may further comprise at least one ventilation zone to improve the air permeability of the wrapping paper if necessary. Suitably, the wrapping paper is a paper wrapper. By “wrapped” we mean that the wrapping paper at least partially surrounds the aerosol precursor material. The wrapping paper may extend at least from the inlet end to the outlet end of the aerosol precursor material. The wrapping paper may, for example, be formed of cigarette paper, as is well known in the art.

[0086] The aerosol generation article may be any suitable shape. For example, the aerosol generation article may be substantially cylindrical, especially when the aerosol generation article is a conventional cigarette. When the aerosol generation article is suitable for use in an aerosol generation device, the aerosol generation article may be shaped so as to be received by the aerosol generation device.

[0087] Description of the Drawings

[0088] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0089] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an aerosol generation article comprising the filter of the first aspect.

[0090] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generation article 200 comprising a filter 100 of the first aspect of the present invention with a portion exposed to show the internal construction and an aerosol substrate portion 106. In this embodiment, the filter 100 comprises a segment made from biodegradable material 102 and a plug wrapper 104. The plug wrapper 104 at least partially surrounds the segment made from biodegradable material 102. In one example, the plug wrapper 104 is fully surrounding the segment made from biodegradable material 102, as shown in Figure 1. The segment made from biodegradable material 102 comprises inlet and outlet ends (110 and 112, respectively) which are not covered by the plug wrapper 104.

[0091] The aerosol generation article 200 comprises a filter 100 as previously described and an aerosol substrate portion 106.

[0092] The aerosol substrate portion 106 may be configured to generate aerosol / vapour when heated or combusted. The aerosol substrate portion 106 comprises an aerosol precursor material 118 wrapped with a wrapping paper 116. The wrapping paper 116 at least partially surrounds the aerosol precursor material 118. In one example, the wrapping paper 116 is fully surrounding the aerosol precursor material 118, as shown in Figure 1. The aerosol substrate portion 106 has aninlet end (or distal end) 108 through which air may be drawn into the aerosol substrate portion 106. The aerosol substrate portion 106 also has an outlet end (or proximal end) 110 through which generated aerosol may exit the aerosol substrate portion 106. Suitably, the inlet and outlet ends (108 and 110, respectively) of the aerosol substrate portion 106 are not covered by the wrapping paper 116.

[0093] The filter 100 may be arranged downstream of the outlet end 110 of the aerosol substrate portion 106. In one example, the filter 100 abuts the outlet end 110 of the aerosol substrate portion 106. Suitably, the outlet end 110 of the aerosol substrate portion 106 is the same as the inlet end 110 of the segment made from biodegradable material 102. In another example, not shown in the drawings, an intermediate cooling segment such a tubular member, such as a paper tube or the like, may be arranged between the filter 100 and the aerosol substrate portion 106 contribute to cool the aerosol without increasing the resistance to draw.

[0094] The aerosol generation article 200 may also comprise a tipping paper 114 which connects the filter 100 and the aerosol substrate portion. The tipping paper 114 surrounds at least a portion of the plug wrapper 104 and extend along the aerosol generation article 200 to surround at least a portion of the aerosol substrate portion 106.

[0095] In use, the filter 100 acts as a mouthpiece through which a user draws on the aerosol generation article 200 to inhale generated aerosol and is configured to filter certain components in the aerosol before inhalation thereof by the user, as known in the art. The filter 100 has an inlet end 110 through which aerosol generated from the aerosol substrate portion in use may be drawn into the filter 100. The filter 100 also has an outlet end 112 through which generated aerosol may exit the filter 100 and through which a user inhales the generated aerosol. The filter 100 and aerosol substrate portion may extend coaxially in a substantially longitudinal direction from the outlet end 112 of the filter 100 to the inlet end 108 of the aerosol substrate portion 106. That is to say that the filter 100 and aerosol precursor material define a longitudinal axis X of the aerosol generation article 200 between the outlet end 112 of filter 100 and the inlet end 108 of the aerosol substrate portion 106 and extend coaxially along the longitudinal axis.

[0096] Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

[0097] Examples

[0098] Preparation of filtersFilters were assembled from a segment made from biodegradable material and a plug wrapper using the materials described in Table 1.

[0099] Table 1 :

[0100]

[0101] Liquid Migration Test

[0102] 16 mg of triethyl citrate liquid (having a viscosity of 35.2 cps at 25 °C and atmospheric pressure) was added to each segment and the filters were stored at 40% relative humidity at 35 °C for 1 month. The amount of triethyl citrate in the plug wrapper and the amount of triethyl citrate in the segment were then measured by GC. The GC used was Agilent 8890 manufactured by Agilent Technologies Inc.

[0103] Migration % was calculated as follows:

[0104] (100 x [triethyl citrate in plug wrapper (mg)]) / ([triethyl citrate in plug wrapper (mg) + triethyl citrate in filter segment (mg)])

[0105] The results are shown in Table 2.

[0106] Table 2:

[0107]

[0108] Inventive Examples 1 and 2 show that a density ratio of 1 or less (i.e. when the density of the plug wrapper material is less than or equal to the density of the biodegradable material of the segment), significantly reduces the migration of liquid from the segment to the plug wrapper, when compared to Comparative Examples 1 , 2 and 3. The total triethyl citrate present after 1 month may be less than 16 mg due to loss to the environment (e.g. evaporation).

[0109] Throughout this specification, the term “comprising” or “comprises” means including the component(s) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of other components. The term “consisting essentially of’ or “consists essentially of’ means including the components specified but excluding other components except for materials present as impurities, unavoidable materials present as a result of processes used to provide the components, and components added for a purpose other than achieving the technical effect of the invention.

[0110] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers such as those expressing values, ranges, amounts of percentages may be read as if prefaced by the word “about”, even if the term does not expressly appear.

[0111] The optional features set out herein may be used either individually or in combination with each other where appropriate and particularly in the combinations as set out in the accompanying claims. The optional features for each aspect or exemplary embodiment of the invention as set out herein are also to be read as applicable to any other aspect or exemplary embodiments of the invention, where appropriate. In other words, the skilled person reading this specification should consider the optional features for each exemplary embodiment of the invention as interchangeable and combinable between different exemplary embodiments.Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0112] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0113] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0114] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims1. A filter for an aerosol generation article, the filter comprising:a segment made from biodegradable material; anda plug wrapper surrounding the segment,wherein the segment comprises a liquid having the ability to filter out phenols, and wherein the plug wrapper is made from a material that has a density less than or equal to the density of the biodegradable material.

2. The filter according to claim 1 , wherein the viscosity of the liquid is from 0.5 cps to 500 cps.

3. The filter according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the liquid comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of polypropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol glyceryl ether, polybutylene glycol, diglycerin, sorbitan fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, glycerin fatty acid esters, polyglycerin fatty acid esters, propylene glycol fatty acid esters, polyethylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, and triethyl citrate, preferably wherein the liquid is triethyl citrate.

4. The filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the base weight of the biodegradable material is from 15 to 35 g / m2.

5. The filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the biodegradable material comprises cellulose fibres.

6. The filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the biodegradable material is paper.

7. The filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the biodegradable material has a density of from 300 to 500 mg / m3.

8. The filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the plug wrapper is made from paper.

9. The filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the density of the material of the plug wrapper is up to 500 mg / m3.

10. The filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid having the ability to filter out phenols is present in the segment in an amount of at least 1 mg, suitably at least 5 mg, preferably at least 10 mg.

11. The filter according to any preceding claim, wherein the filter is biodegradable.

12. An aerosol generation article comprising:an aerosol substrate portion comprising an aerosol precursor material wrapped with a wrapping paper;the filter according to any one of claims 1 to 9; anda tipping paper that connects the aerosol substrate portion and the filter together.

13. An aerosol generation article according to claim 12, wherein the aerosol precursor material is tobacco.

14. An aerosol generation article according to claims 12 or 13, wherein the article is a cigarette or a heated tobacco stick (HTS).

15. An aerosol generation device comprising the article according to any of claims 12 to 14.

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