Binder composition, and smoking article filter and smoking article comprising same

Abstract

Provided are a binder composition used in a smoking article filter comprising regenerated cellulose tow containing regenerated cellulose fibers, and a smoking article filter and a smoking article comprising same. The binder composition is used in a smoking article filter comprising regenerated cellulose tow containing regenerated cellulose fibers, wherein the binder composition comprises a binder, a solvent, a viscosity modifier, and an additive, and the binder comprises at least one of a cellulose-based binder, a starch-based binder, and a dextrin-based binder.

Description

Binder composition, and a filter for a smoking article and a smoking article comprising the same.

[0001] The present invention relates to a binder composition applied to a filter for a smoking article comprising regenerated cellulose tow, a filter for a smoking article comprising the same, and a smoking article comprising said filter for a smoking article.

[0002]

[0003] Conventionally, cellulose acetate (CA) fibers have been primarily used in the manufacture of filters for smoking products. Various effects can be achieved in such CA fiber-based filters by adding plasticizers such as triethyl citrate (TEC) and triacetin (TA). For example, the hardness and elasticity of the filter can be secured through the plasticization process, which serves as an important sensory factor given the nature of smoking products, where consumers hold the filter in their mouths. Additionally, uniform vapor transfer can be ensured by preventing the filter from becoming distorted. Furthermore, even in cases where a specific shape must be maintained without the aid of an external winding, such as in tube filters, it is possible to maintain the filter shape through the plasticization reaction.

[0004] However, when using lyocell fibers, viscose fibers, or other regenerated cellulose fibers, the plasticization reaction described above does not occur. Consequently, it is difficult to maintain the hardness and shape of the filter, and there is a problem that it is difficult to manufacture filters that must maintain a specific shape, such as tube filters.

[0005] To solve these problems, a method has been proposed to add a binder composition containing a cellulose-based binder or a starch-based binder with adhesive properties during the filter manufacturing process. However, since such cellulose-based or starch-based binders have adhesive properties, there are limitations on the content required to provide appropriate viscosity in the binder composition. That is, when the content of the binder in the binder composition increases, the viscosity of the binder composition increases excessively or the adhesive force becomes excessively large, causing adhesive force to occur in the filter manufacturing process equipment, resulting in entanglement with regenerated cellulose fibers, which makes the continuous manufacturing process of the filter difficult.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to develop a new binder composition and a filter to which the same can be applied, which can impart sufficient hardness and shape retention characteristics to filters for smoking products containing regenerated cellulose fibers while suppressing manufacturing process problems caused by excessive adhesiveness.

[0007]

[0008] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a binder composition suitable for application to a regenerated cellulose tow containing regenerated cellulose fibers. Specifically, the invention aims to provide a binder composition that enables continuous operation for a long time by minimizing the adhesive layer that may be formed on the roll surface of a filter manufacturing device as the manufacturing process progresses, thereby suppressing entanglement and line stoppage of regenerated cellulose fibers such as lyocell.

[0009] The invention provides a binder composition that can stably maintain an appropriate viscosity range required in the process input, spraying, coating, and stirring stages, and can suppress excessive viscosity increase and improve process workability through the optimization of the formulation of PG (auxiliary solvent) and TEC (viscosity modifier) ​​even if the content of the binder (e.g., dextrin) increases relatively, and a filter for smoking articles and smoking articles containing the same.

[0010] The invention provides a filter for smoking articles and a smoking article containing the same, which can impart self-shape retention and excellent hardness by improving the bonding strength between fibers by applying a binder composition to regenerated cellulose tow.

[0011] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0012]

[0013] In a binder composition according to one embodiment for solving the above problem, the binder composition is applied to a filter for a smoking article comprising a regenerated cellulose tow comprising regenerated cellulose fibers, and the binder composition comprises a binder, a solvent, a viscosity modifier, and an additive, wherein the binder comprises at least one of a cellulose-based binder, a starch-based binder, and a dextrin-based binder.

[0014] In some embodiments, the additive may be characterized as being an auxiliary solvent.

[0015] In some embodiments, the additive may include at least one of propylene glycol (PG), glycerin, ethylene glycol oligomers, ethylene glycol oligomer ether derivatives which are ether derivatives of the ethylene glycol oligomers, propylene glycol oligomers, or propylene glycol oligomer ether derivatives which are ether derivatives of the propylene glycol oligomers.

[0016] In some embodiments, the ethylene glycol oligomer comprises at least one of diethylene glycol (DEG), triethylene glycol (TEG), tetraethylene glycol (TetraEG), and pentaethylene glycol (PentaEG), and the propylene glycol oligomer may comprise at least one of dipropylene glycol (DPG), tripropylene glycol (TPG), tetrapropylene glycol (TetraPG), and pentapropylene glycol (PentaPG).

[0017] In some embodiments, the additive may include at least one of propylene glycol (PG), tripropylene glycol (TPG), and triethylene glycol (TEG).

[0018] In some embodiments, the additive may include propylene glycol (PG).

[0019] In some embodiments, the viscosity modifier may be characterized as being at least one selected from the group consisting of citrate esters and glycerol esters.

[0020] In some embodiments, the citrate esters may comprise at least one of triethyl citrate (TEC), tributyl citrate (TBC), and acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC), and the glycerol esters may comprise at least one of monoacetin, diacetin, and triacetin.

[0021] In some embodiments, the viscosity modifier may include triethyl citrate (TEC).

[0022] In some embodiments, the cellulose-based binder may include hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), ethylcellulose (EC), methylcellulose (MC), and / or carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), etc., the starch-based binder may include starch (e.g., tapioca, corn, wheat, potato, and / or sweet potato, etc.), cationic starch, and / or esterified starch, etc., and the dextrin-based binder may include dextrin, etc. Preferably, the binder may include dextrin.

[0023] In some embodiments, the additive and the binder may be included in a weight ratio of 1:0.5 to 1:8.

[0024] In some embodiments, the additive and the binder may be included in a weight ratio of 1:0.8 to 1:6.

[0025] In some embodiments, the viscosity modifier may be included in an amount of 0.1% to 40% by weight based on the total weight of the binder composition.

[0026] In some embodiments, the viscosity of the binder composition may be characterized as being 30 CPS or less.

[0027] In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the binder composition, the binder may comprise 20% to 50% by weight, the additive 5% to 35% by weight, the viscosity modifier 0.5% to 35% by weight, and the remainder being the solvent.

[0028] A filter for a smoking article according to one embodiment for solving the above other problems comprises: a regenerated cellulose tow comprising a regenerated cellulose-based fiber; and a binder composition dispersed in the regenerated cellulose tow, wherein the binder composition comprises a binder, an additive, and a viscosity modifier, wherein the binder comprises at least one of a cellulose-based binder, a starch-based binder, and a dextrin-based binder, and the additive is an auxiliary solvent.

[0029] In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose-based fiber may include at least one of viscose fiber and lyocell fiber.

[0030] In some embodiments, the additive comprises at least one of propylene glycol (PG), tripropylene glycol (TPG), and triethylene glycol (TEG), and the viscosity modifier may comprise triethyl citrate (TEC).

[0031] In some embodiments, the additive and the binder may be included in a weight ratio of 1:0.5 to 1:8.

[0032] A smoking article according to one embodiment for solving the above-mentioned other problem comprises: a smoking material portion; and a filter for the smoking article disposed downstream of the smoking material portion, wherein the filter for the smoking article comprises a regenerated cellulose tow comprising a regenerated cellulose-based fiber; and a binder composition dispersed in the regenerated cellulose tow, wherein the binder composition comprises a binder, an additive, and a viscosity modifier, wherein the binder comprises at least one of a cellulose-based binder, a starch-based binder, and a dextrin-based binder, and the additive is an auxiliary solvent.

[0033]

[0034] The present invention relates to a binder composition applied to a filter for smoking articles comprising a regenerated cellulose tow comprising regenerated cellulose fibers. By adding PG (auxiliary solvent) and TEC (viscosity modifier) ​​together with the binder to the binder composition, the formation of an adhesive layer that may be formed on the roll surface of a filter manufacturing device as the manufacturing process proceeds can be minimized, and an appropriate viscosity can be maintained. Accordingly, continuous processing of the filter for smoking articles can be carried out for a long time.

[0035] In addition, depending on the optimal content of the binder, PG (auxiliary solvent), and TEC (viscosity modifier) ​​in the binder composition, excessive viscosity increase can be suppressed even when the content of the binder in the binder composition increases relatively, thereby securing a viscosity range that can be introduced into the process and improving the workability of the spraying, coating, and stirring processes.

[0036] In addition, by increasing the content of the binder in the binder composition, the bonding strength between the regenerated cellulose fibers to which the binder composition is applied is improved, so that the regenerated cellulose filter containing regenerated cellulose tow can have excellent self-shape retention and hardness.

[0037] In addition, biodegradability can be improved by providing a filter for smoking articles and a smoking article comprising regenerated cellulose tow containing regenerated cellulose fibers.

[0038] The effects according to the technical concept of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below.

[0039]

[0040] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2 is a photograph of a binder composition prepared according to Examples 1 to 4.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a photograph of filters with the filter wrapper removed after manufacturing filters for smoking articles according to Comparative Example A, Example A, and Example B, and a filter for smoking articles of Comparative Example A with the filter wrapper not removed.

[0043]

[0044] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the attached drawings. However, the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments but can be implemented in various different forms. The following embodiments are provided merely to complete the technical concept of the present disclosure and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present disclosure, and the technical concept of the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0045] It should be noted that when assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions could obscure the essence of the present disclosure, such detailed description is omitted.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. The terms used herein are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit this disclosure. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text.

[0047] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used to describe the components of the present disclosure. These terms are intended only to distinguish the components from other components and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components. Where it is stated that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "joined" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or joined to the other component, but that another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "joined" between each component.

[0048] The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “contain,” “containing,” “include,” “including,” “have,” and / or “having” as used in this disclosure do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, actions, and / or elements other than those mentioned.

[0049] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, "or" means "or" in an inclusive sense, not an exclusive sense. For example, condition A or B is satisfied in any one of the following cases: if A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist); if A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists); or if both A and B are true (or exist).

[0050] The use of the terms "at least one" or "one or more" is understood to include not only one but any quantity exceeding one. Furthermore, the use of the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z" is understood to include not only cases involving only X, only Y, or only Z, but also any combination of X, Y, and Z.

[0051] References to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" as used herein mean that a specific element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to such embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Furthermore, the expression "in one embodiment" as used in various parts of the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0052] First, we will clarify some terms used in this specification.

[0053] In this specification, the term "smoking article" may mean any product capable of smoking or any product capable of providing a smoking experience, regardless of whether it is based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. For example, a smoking article may include products capable of smoking, such as cigarettes, cigars, and cigarillos.

[0054] In this specification, "smoking material" may mean any type of material that can be used in a smoking article.

[0055] In this specification, "upstream" or "upstream direction" means a direction away from the smoker's bulb, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" may mean a direction closer to the smoker's bulb.

[0056] In this specification, "longitudinal direction" may mean a direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article.

[0057] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0058] In this specification, "smoking material" may mean any type of material that can be used in a smoking article.

[0059] In this specification, the term “user” may be used interchangeably with “consumer” or “smoker.”

[0060] In this specification, "upstream" or "upstream direction" means a direction away from the smoker's bulb, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" may mean a direction toward the smoker's bulb.

[0061] In this specification, "longitudinal direction" may mean a direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article. The “longitudinal axis” of the smoking article may mean an imaginary line extending along the main longitudinal direction of the smoking article. This axis generally extends from one end of the smoking article (e.g., the end of the mouthpiece or filter) to the opposite end (e.g., the end of the combustion or heat source).

[0062] In this specification, “lyocell filter” refers to a filter comprising or composed of lyocell tow.

[0063] In this specification, “lyocell tow” comprises a plurality of lyocell fibers or is composed of a plurality of lyocell fibers. In some embodiments, a lyocell tow may refer to a bundle formed by cross-connecting adjacent lyocell fibers.

[0064] In this specification, “lyocell fiber” may mean a fiber made of lyocell cellulose. In particular, lyocell fiber may be a fiber made of cellulose derived from or mainly derived from wood pulp, in particular a regenerated cellulose fiber.

[0065] In this specification, “irregular cross-section” is defined as a cross-section whose shape is not circular but includes a plurality of protrusions. For example, a cross-section in which a plurality of protrusions branch and / or extend from a center and / or the center of the cross-section may be called an irregular cross-section. Here, “protrusion” may refer to a distinct and extended segment or arm extending outward from the central core or bonding point of the lyocell fiber cross-section.

[0066] In some embodiments, the lyocell fiber may have a Y-shaped cross section with three protrusions branching and / or extending from the center and / or the center of the cross section, a cross-shaped cross section with four protrusions, and / or a star-shaped cross section with five or more protrusions, and may have an O-shaped cross section, but is not limited thereto.

[0067] In some embodiments, the lyocell fiber may include three or more protrusions branching and / or extending from the center and / or the center of the cross section.

[0068] In some embodiments, the lyocell fibers included in the lyocell tow may have a Y-shaped cross-section for use in cigarette filters.

[0069] In this specification, "hollow" may mean a channel extended along the longitudinal direction.

[0070] In this specification, "composed of" an element may mean being composed of said element.

[0071] In this specification, as a filter rod, a "tube-type rod" may refer to a filter rod containing a hollow interior, whereas a filter rod not containing a hollow interior may refer to a "cylindrical-type rod."

[0072] In this specification, “wrapping” for a smoking article by a wrapper may refer to the wrapper surrounding at least a portion of the surface surrounding a longitudinal axis of each part (part), segment and / or structure of the smoking article.

[0073] In this specification, “basis weight” refers to the mass per unit area of ​​a roll and / or wrapper. The basis weight of a roll and / or wrapper may be determined by measuring the mass and area of ​​the roll and / or wrapper and dividing the mass of the roll and / or wrapper by the area. The unit of basis weight may be gsm (gram per square meter), i.e., g / m².

[0074] In this specification, “hard paper” refers to paper having a basis weight greater than a certain value.

[0075] In some embodiments, “general paper” may refer to paper that has not been treated with oil resistance on its surface, and “general hard paper” may refer to hard paper that has not been treated with oil resistance on its surface.

[0076] In this specification, the “mono-denier” of a lyocell tow refers to the fineness of a single monofilament strand separated from the multifilaments of the lyocell fibers constituting the lyocell tow.

[0077] In this specification, the “total denier” of a lyocell tow refers to the fineness of the multifilaments of the lyocell fibers constituting the lyocell tow.

[0078] Filters for smoking products can capture at least some of the smoke components generated when smoking the smoking product.

[0079] In this specification, “suction resistance” refers to the static pressure difference between the two ends of a sample when an airflow crosses the sample. For example, suction resistance can be measured using the method specified in ISO standard 6565:2015. According to ISO standard 6565:2015, suction resistance may refer to the static pressure difference between the two ends of a sample when crossed by an airflow under normal conditions (22±2 °C, relative humidity 60±5%) where the volumetric flow rate at the discharge end is 17.5 mm per second.

[0080] In this specification, unless a separate physical quantity is indicated, component % and component ratio refer to the weight % of the component and the weight ratio of the component, respectively.

[0081] In this specification, the unit "mmWG" means "mmH2O" as a unit of pressure.

[0082] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0083] A binder composition according to some embodiments of the present invention may be a binder composition applied to a filter for smoking articles comprising or composed of regenerated cellulose fibers or regenerated cellulose tow. In some embodiments, the binder composition may be sprayed onto the regenerated cellulose tow during the manufacturing process of the filter for smoking articles to bind the regenerated cellulose fibers together and disperse so that the filter for smoking articles maintains its shape with excellent hardness. Furthermore, the binder composition according to the present invention may improve the processability of manufacturing the filter for smoking articles by having a suitable viscosity during the manufacturing process.

[0084] A binder composition according to some embodiments may include a binder, a solvent, a viscosity modifier, and an additive, or may consist of these. In some embodiments, the binder composition may further include ethanol. In some embodiments, the binder composition may consist of a binder, a solvent, a viscosity modifier, and ethanol.

[0085] In some embodiments, the binder can perform the function of binding between regenerated cellulose fibers, preferably lyocell fibers.

[0086] In some embodiments, the binder may include at least one of a cellulose-based binder, a starch-based binder, and a dextrin-based binder.

[0087] In some embodiments, the cellulose-based binder may include hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), ethylcellulose (EC), methylcellulose (MC), and / or carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), etc., the starch-based binder may include starch (e.g., tapioca, corn, wheat, potato, and / or sweet potato, etc.), cationic starch, and / or esterified starch, etc., and the dextrin-based binder may include dextrin, etc. Preferably, the binder may include dextrin.

[0088] In some embodiments, the content of the binder based on the total weight of the binder composition may be 20% to 60% by weight, 21% to 59% by weight, 22% to 58% by weight, 23% to 57% by weight, 24% to 56% by weight, 40% to 55% by weight, 41% to 54% by weight, or 42% to 53% by weight, preferably 43% to 52% by weight, but is not limited thereto. By including the binder within the above range in the binder composition, the binder composition provides a viscosity suitable for manufacturing a regenerated cellulose filter, and at the same time, the bonding strength between the regenerated cellulose fibers in the regenerated cellulose filter manufactured using the binder composition is improved, thereby enabling appropriate hardness and shape retention.

[0089] In some embodiments, the solvent may include at least one of water and ethanol. The solvent may include water.

[0090] In some embodiments, an additive may be added to the binder composition to perform the function of controlling viscosity and adhesiveness suitable for the manufacturing processability of the filter for smoking articles described below. The additive may be a supplementary solvent that is blended together with the binder in the binder composition to assist the solvent, and at the same time, as described below, may be a supplementary solvent that prevents problems that may occur due to the adhesiveness of the binder composition on the roll surface of the filter device during the manufacturing of the filter for smoking articles.

[0091] In some embodiments, the additive may include at least one of propylene glycol (PG), glycerin, ethylene glycol oligomers, ethylene glycol oligomer ether derivatives which are ether derivatives of the ethylene glycol oligomers, propylene glycol oligomers, or propylene glycol oligomer ether derivatives which are ether derivatives of the propylene glycol oligomers.

[0092] In some embodiments, ethylene glycol oligomers may be compounds with a short-chain structure formed by the bonding of a small number of monomer units of the same structure, namely ethylene glycol, and specifically, may be low-molecular-weight polymers in which two or more ethylene glycols are bonded repeatedly. For example, ethylene glycol oligomers may be polymers in which 2 or more and 10 or fewer ethylene glycols are bonded repeatedly. Ethylene glycol oligomer ether derivatives, which are ether derivatives of ethylene glycol oligomers, may be polymers in which at least one hydroxyl group of the ethylene glycol oligomer is substituted in an ether form.

[0093] In some embodiments, propylene glycol oligomers may be compounds with a short-chain structure formed by bonding a small number of monomer units of the same structure, namely propylene glycol, and specifically, may be low molecular weight polymers in which two or more propylene glycols are bonded repeatedly. For example, propylene glycol oligomers may be polymers in which 2 or more and 10 or fewer propylene glycols are bonded repeatedly. Propylene glycol oligomer ether derivatives, which are ether derivatives of propylene glycol oligomers, may be polymers in which at least one hydroxyl group of the propylene glycol oligomer is substituted in an ether form.

[0094] In some embodiments, the ethylene glycol oligomer may include at least one of diethylene glycol (DEG), triethylene glycol (TEG), tetraethylene glycol (TetraEG), and pentaethylene glycol (PentaEG).

[0095] In some embodiments, the propylene glycol oligomer may include at least one of dipropylene glycol (DPG), tripropylene glycol (TPG), tetrapropylene glycol (TetraPG), and pentapropylene glycol (PentaPG).

[0096] In some embodiments, the additive may include at least one of propylene glycol (PG), tripropylene glycol (TPG), and triethylene glycol (TEG), but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the additive may include propylene glycol (PG).

[0097] In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the binder composition, the content of the additive is 5 wt% to 35 wt%, 5 wt% to 34 wt%, 5 wt% to 33 wt%, 5 wt% to 32 wt%, 5 wt% to 31 wt%, 5 wt% to 30 wt%, 5 wt% to 29 wt%, 5 wt% to 28 wt%, 5 wt% to 27 wt%, 5 wt% to 26 wt%, 5 wt% to 25 wt%, 5 wt% to 24 wt%, 5 wt% to 23 wt%, 5 wt% to 22 wt%, 5 wt% to 21 wt%, 5 wt% to 20 wt%, 5 wt% to 19 wt%, 5 wt% to 18 wt%, 5 wt% to 17 wt%, or 5 wt% to 16 wt%, preferably 5 wt% to It may be included in an amount of 15 weight%. As it is included within the above range, the additive is blended together with the binder in the binder composition to function as an auxiliary solvent that assists the solvent, and at the same time, when manufacturing a filter for smoking articles, it can minimize the formation of adhesive residue of the binder composition on the roll surface of the filter device.

[0098] In some embodiments, the mixing ratio between the additive and the binder in the binder composition may be 1:0.5 to 1:8, 1:0.55 to 1:7.5, 1:0.6 to 1:7, 1:0.65 to 1:6.5, 1:0.7 to 1:6.3, 1:0.75 to 1:6.2, 1:0.8 to 1:6, 1:0.81 to 1:5.8, 1:0.82 to 1:5.7, or 1:0.83 to 1:5.5, preferably 1:4 to 1:5, or 1:4.1 to 1:4.9, more preferably 1:4.2 to 1:4.8, 1:4.3 to 1:4.7, or 1:4.4 to 1:4.6, and even more preferably 1:4.5. However, it is not limited thereto. Here, the above mixing ratio refers to a weight ratio. By mixing the binder and the additive within the above range, the bonding strength between the fibers constituting the filter tow is improved, while the manufactured binder composition has a suitable viscosity when applied to filter manufacturing and can minimize the problem of entanglement occurring in the manufacturing device.

[0099] In some embodiments, a viscosity modifier may be incorporated into the binder composition to perform the function of controlling the viscosity of the binder composition.

[0100] In some embodiments, the viscosity modifier may be characterized as being at least one selected from the group consisting of citrate esters and glycerol esters.

[0101] In some embodiments, the citrate esters may include at least one of triethyl citrate (TEC), tributyl citrate (TBC), and acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC).

[0102] In some embodiments, the glycerol esters may include at least one of monoacetin, diacetin, and triacetin.

[0103] In some embodiments, the viscosity modifier may include triethyl citrate (hereinafter referred to as 'TEC').

[0104] In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the binder composition, the content of the viscosity modifier is 0.5 wt% to 35 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 34 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 33 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 32 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 31 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 30 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 29 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 28 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 27 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 26 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 25 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 24 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 23 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 22 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 21 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 20 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 19 wt%, 0.5 wt% to The composition may be 18 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 17 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 16 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 15 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 14 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 13 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 12 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 11 wt%, preferably 0.5 wt% to 10 wt%. When a viscosity modifier within the above range is included in the binder composition, it has an appropriate viscosity, and the mixing of the binder, solvent, additive, and viscosity modifier is easy during the preparation of the binder composition, thereby making the preparation of the binder composition easy. Furthermore, even when the binder content in the binder composition increases, the binder composition maintains a suitable viscosity, does not become turbid, and does not undergo phase separation between the binder and other additives (solvent, additives, and viscosity modifiers), so the filter manufacturing processability can be improved even when the manufacturing process time for filters for smoking articles using the binder composition increases.

[0105] In some embodiments, the binder composition may further include ethanol.

[0106] In some embodiments, ethanol can assist in mixing the binder into the solvent and perform the function of preventing contamination by microorganisms, etc.

[0107] In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the binder composition, the ethanol content may be included in an amount of 3% to 10% by weight, 3.5% to 9% by weight, 4% to 8.5% by weight, or 4.5% to 8% by weight.

[0108] In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the binder composition, the binder may comprise 20% to 60% by weight, the additive 5% to 35% by weight, the viscosity modifier 0.5% to 35% by weight, and the remainder being the solvent. In some embodiments, the binder composition may further comprise ethanol, said ethanol may be included in an amount of 3% to 10% by weight, and the remainder may be the solvent.

[0109] In some embodiments, the viscosity of the binder composition may be 50 CPS, 49 CPS, 48 CPS, 47 CPS, 46 CPS, 45 CPS, 44 CPS, 43 CPS, 42 CPS, 41 CPS, 40 CPS, 39 CPS, 38 CPS, 37 CPS, 36 CPS, 35 CPS, 34 CPS, 33 CPS, 32 CPS, 31 CPS, preferably 30 CPS or less. When the binder composition has a viscosity within the above range, it is possible to prevent the binder composition from adhering to the spray surface of the filter manufacturing device during the manufacture of a filter for smoking articles, thereby preventing the generation of adhesive residues or entanglement with regenerated cellulose fibers. The viscosity used in this specification, particularly for binder compositions, can be measured according to DIN EN ISO 3219-2 (2021-08) using a rotational viscometer, for example, Brookfield's DV-E Viscometer.

[0110] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Throughout the specification, "smoking article" may refer to an article capable of generating an aerosol, such as a cigarette, a cigar, etc. In some embodiments, the smoking article may include an aerosol-generating substance and / or an aerosol-forming substrate. Additionally, in some embodiments, the smoking article may include a solid material based on tobacco raw materials, such as sheet tobacco, cut tobacco, or reconstituted tobacco. In some embodiments, the smoking substance may include a volatile compound.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 1, a smoking article (100) comprises a smoking material portion (10) and a filter portion (20), a smoking material portion wrapper (30a), a filter portion wrapper (30b), and a tip paper (40). A filter for a smoking article according to the present invention may comprise a filter portion (20) and a filter portion wrapper (30b) surrounding the filter portion (20). In some embodiments, the smoking material portion (10) in the smoking article (100) is located upstream of the filter portion (20).

[0113] The binder composition according to the present invention may be included in the smoking article of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the binder composition according to the present invention may be applied to a filter for a smoking article comprising a filter portion (20) and a filter portion wrapper (30b) included in the smoking article of FIG. 1.

[0114] In some embodiments, the smoking material part (10) may be filled with a smoking material such as raw tobacco leaves, leaf tobacco, or a mixture of tobacco leaves and leaf tobacco. In some embodiments, the processed smoking material may be filled into the smoking material part (10) in the form of a sheet or a stick. In some embodiments, the smoking material part (10) may have a long, extended rod shape, and its length, circumference, and diameter are not specifically limited but may be adjusted to sizes generally used in the relevant technical field, taking into account the amount of smoking material filled, the user (consumer)'s preference, etc.

[0115] In some embodiments, the smoking material part (10) may include at least one aerosol generating material selected from glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In some embodiments, the smoking material part (10) may contain other additive materials such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or acetate compounds. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material and / or additive materials may be contained in the smoking material.

[0116] In some embodiments, the smoking material part (10) may be wrapped by a smoking material part wrapper (30a).

[0117] In some embodiments, the filter for the smoking item may be positioned downstream of the smoking material section (10). In some embodiments, the filter section (20) of the filter for the smoking item is positioned downstream of the smoking material section (10) and serves as a filter through which the aerosol material generated from the smoking material section (10) passes just before being inhaled by the user (consumer or smoker). In some embodiments, the filter section (20) may be manufactured in various materials or shapes.

[0118] A filter for a smoking article according to some embodiments of the present invention may include a filter portion (20) and a filter portion wrapper (30b) surrounding the filter portion (20).

[0119] A filter portion (20) according to some embodiments of the present invention may include a plurality of regenerated cellulose-based fibers or may include or be composed of regenerated cellulose tow composed of said fibers, and may include a binder composition dispersed in said regenerated cellulose tow.

[0120] In this specification, regenerated cellulose-based fibers may refer to cellulose-based fibers formed by processing naturally occurring cellulose-based materials.

[0121] In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose-based fiber may include or be composed of at least one of viscose fiber and lyocell fiber, and preferably, the regenerated cellulose-based fiber may be a lyocell fiber.

[0122] In some embodiments, a regenerated cellulose tow comprising or composed of a plurality of regenerated cellulose-based fibers may be a lyocell tow comprising or composed of a plurality of lyocell fibers.

[0123] In some embodiments, the lyocell tow may comprise only a plurality of lyocell fibers and may not include additional fibers other than said lyocell fibers. That is, the lyocell tow may be composed of a plurality of lyocell fibers. Since the lyocell tow is composed solely of lyocell fibers, the biodegradability of a filter for a smoking article comprising a filter portion containing the lyocell tow may be excellent.

[0124] In some embodiments, the filter portion (20) may include or be composed of a plurality of lyocell fibers, a lyocell tow, and a binder composition dispersed in the lyocell tow.

[0125] In the following description, regenerated cellulose-based fibers are lyocell fibers and regenerated cellulose tow is lyocell tow. However, this is not limited thereto, and regenerated cellulose-based fibers are not limited to any cellulose-based fibers that have not been chemically modified.

[0126] In some embodiments, the filter for a smoking article containing the lyocell tow may replace all or part of the filter portion (20) of the existing smoking article, and if it replaces part, the filter material previously used may also be used. The existing filter material may be, for example, a cellulose acetate filter, a hollow tube filter, etc. In some embodiments, the filter portion (20) may be composed of regenerated cellulose tow.

[0127] In FIG. 1, the filter unit (20) is shown as a mono filter consisting of a single filter, but is not limited thereto. For example, the filter unit (20) may be provided as a dual filter or a triple filter equipped with two or more filters to increase filter efficiency.

[0128] In some embodiments, when the filter section (20) is provided as a dual filter or a triple filter, one of the filters may be a filter (hereinafter referred to as a lyocell filter) comprising a lyocell tow containing the lyocell fiber of the present invention and a binder composition dispersed in the lyocell tow, and another of the filters may be a cellulose acetate filter and / or a paper filter. In this case, the length of the lyocell filter of the present invention may be 25% to 50% of the total length of the filter section (20). Additionally, although not illustrated, the interior of the filter section (20) may further include a crushable capsule (not illustrated) having a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped in a film.

[0129] In some embodiments, the filter wrapper (30b) surrounds the filter (20) and can wrap the filter (20).

[0130] In some embodiments, the filter wrapper (30b) may include a roll of paper. The filter wrapper (30b) may include a regular roll of paper or a hard roll of paper.

[0131] In some embodiments, the filter wrapper (30b) may comprise a porous ordinary roll. In some embodiments, the filter wrapper (30b) may comprise a porous ordinary roll having a porosity of 20K to 50K, 22K to 46K, preferably 23K to 25K, or 34K to 36K, or 44K to 46K, more preferably 24K, 35K, or 45K. In some embodiments, the filter wrapper (30b) may comprise a porous ordinary roll having a porosity of 24K. A filter for a smoking article according to some embodiments of the present invention may have improved biodegradability by the filter wrapper (30b) comprising a porous ordinary roll rather than an oil-resistant ordinary roll or a hard roll.

[0132] However, the filter wrapper (30b) may include hard paper, but is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, in this specification, hard paper may refer to paper having a basis weight greater than or equal to a predetermined numerical range. In particular, hard paper may refer to paper having a basis weight of 40 gsm or more, preferably 50 gsm or more, more preferably 60 gsm or more, even more preferably 70 gsm or more, and even more preferably 75 gsm or more. General paper may refer to paper having a basis weight of less than 40 gsm, preferably 38 gsm or less, and more preferably 36 gsm or less.

[0133] Additionally, the filter wrapper (30b) may include a standard roll or a hard roll that has been treated with oil resistance, but is not limited thereto.

[0134] In some embodiments, the smoking material part (10) wrapped by the smoking material part wrapper (30a) and the filter part (20) wrapped by the filter part wrapper (30b) may be combined and wrapped by tip paper (40). The tip paper (40) may be wrapped around at least a portion of the smoking material part wrapper (30a) (e.g., a downstream portion) and the outer edge of the filter part wrapper (30b), as shown in FIG. 1. In other words, at least a portion of the smoking material part (10) and the filter part (20) may be further wrapped by tip paper (40) and physically combined.

[0135] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the tip paper (40) may be made of non-porous rolled paper that is not oil-resistant, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the tip paper (40) may include a non-combustible material to prevent the filter portion (20) from burning, but is not limited thereto.

[0136] Hereinafter, the filter portion (20) of a filter for a smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0137] Embodiments according to the present invention relate to a filter for a smoking article (100) included therein. A filter for a smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a lyocell tow containing lyocell fibers and a binder composition dispersed in the lyocell tow. The filter for a smoking article may further include a filter portion wrapper (30b) surrounding the filter portion (20).

[0138] In some embodiments, the lyocell fiber may be an eco-friendly fiber made of cellulose extracted from wood pulp. In some embodiments, the lyocell tow refers to a bundle formed by cross-linking adjacent lyocell fibers.

[0139] In some embodiments, the lyocell fiber may have an irregular cross-section. An irregular cross-section is defined as a cross-sectional shape that is not circular but includes multiple protrusions. For example, a cross-section with multiple protrusions extending from a center may be referred to as an irregular cross-section.

[0140] In some embodiments, the lyocell fiber may have a Y-shaped cross section with three protrusions branching from the center, a cross-shaped cross section with four protrusions, a star-shaped cross section with five or more protrusions, or an O-shaped cross section, but is not limited thereto. The terms mentioned herein have the same meanings as described above.

[0141] In some embodiments, the binder composition dispersed in the lyocell tow may include a binder, a viscosity modifier, and an additive, or these may also be composed of.

[0142] In some embodiments, the binder composition dispersed in the lyocell tow may be applied to the lyocell tow in the form of a binder solution, further comprising a solvent that dissolves the binder. In some embodiments, the solvent may include at least one of water and ethanol. In some embodiments, the solvent may be dried or volatilized within the lyocell filter prepared by dispersing the binder solution in the lyocell tow so that no final product remains within the lyocell filter. However, the solvent may remain within the lyocell tow, though not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the binder composition dispersed in the lyocell tow may consist of a binder, a viscosity modifier, an additive, and optionally a solvent.

[0143] In some embodiments, the binder composition may be dispersed on the lyocell tow. In some embodiments, the binder composition may be added in a range of 5 mg / rod to 300 mg / rod, 10 mg / rod to 290 mg / rod, 15 mg / rod to 280 mg / rod, 20 mg / rod to 270 mg / rod, 25 mg / rod to 260 mg / rod, 30 mg / rod to 250 mg / rod, 35 mg / rod to 240 mg / rod, 40 mg / rod to 230 mg / rod, 45 mg / rod to 220 mg / rod, 50 mg / rod to 210 mg / rod, preferably 80 mg / rod to 150 mg / rod, more preferably 90 mg / rod to 120 mg / rod, based on a lyocell filter having a length of 108 mm and a circumference of about 24.2 mm, but is not limited thereto. By adding a binder composition to the lyocell tow in the above numerical range, a lyocell filter containing lyocell tow can have excellent hardness and excellent shape retention.

[0144] In some embodiments, the binder can perform the function of bonding the lyocell fibers constituting the lyocell tow to maintain the shape of the lyocell filter and imparting a certain level of hardness to the lyocell filter.

[0145] In some embodiments, the binder may include at least one of a cellulose-based binder, a starch-based binder, and a dextrin-based binder. By including at least one eco-friendly binder among the cellulose-based binder, the starch-based binder, and the dextrin-based binder, the filter for a smoking article containing the binder may have excellent biodegradability.

[0146] In some embodiments, the cellulose-based binder may include hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), ethylcellulose (EC), methylcellulose (MC), and / or carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), etc., the starch-based binder may include starch (e.g., tapioca, corn, wheat, potato, and / or sweet potato, etc.), cationic starch, and / or esterified starch, etc., and the dextrin-based binder may include dextrin, etc. Preferably, the binder may include dextrin.

[0147] In some embodiments, the content of the binder based on the total weight of the binder composition may be 20% to 60% by weight, 21% to 59% by weight, 22% to 58% by weight, 23% to 57% by weight, 24% to 56% by weight, 40% to 55% by weight, 41% to 54% by weight, or 42% to 53% by weight, preferably 43% to 52% by weight, but is not limited thereto. By including the binder within the above range in the binder composition, the binder composition provides a viscosity suitable for manufacturing a regenerated cellulose filter, and at the same time, the bonding strength between the regenerated cellulose fibers in the regenerated cellulose filter manufactured using the binder composition is improved, thereby enabling appropriate hardness and shape retention.

[0148] In some embodiments, an additive is added to the binder composition and blended with the binder, thereby serving to improve viscosity and agglomeration problems that may occur when the binder is mixed with the solvent alone. Specifically, when the binder is dextrin and the solvent is water, the dextrin exhibits a sticky texture when mixed with water; in this case, the viscosity of the binder composition increases rapidly, and problems may arise where uniform mixing is difficult. To solve this, if the amount of solvent, i.e., water, added to the binder composition is increased, the viscosity of the binder composition may gradually increase or stickiness may occur over time. Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present invention, when an additive is blended and added together with the binder in the binder composition, the additive has excellent compatibility with the solvent, thereby mitigating the stickiness and viscosity increase phenomena that may occur when the binder is blended with the solvent (water), and thus the viscosity and adhesiveness of the binder composition can be controlled to an appropriate level. Accordingly, the additive is combined with the binder to perform the functions of a viscosity modifier and a release agent, thereby preventing entanglement with lyocell fibers on the roll surface of the filter manufacturing device caused by the binder composition when manufacturing filters for smoking products.

[0149] In some embodiments, the additive may include at least one of propylene glycol (PG), glycerin, ethylene glycol oligomers, ethylene glycol oligomer ether derivatives which are ether derivatives of the ethylene glycol oligomers, propylene glycol oligomers, or propylene glycol oligomer ether derivatives which are ether derivatives of the propylene glycol oligomers.

[0150] In some embodiments, ethylene glycol oligomers may be compounds with a short-chain structure formed by the bonding of a small number of monomer units of the same structure, namely ethylene glycol, and specifically, may be low-molecular-weight polymers in which two or more ethylene glycols are bonded repeatedly. For example, ethylene glycol oligomers may be polymers in which 2 or more and 10 or fewer ethylene glycols are bonded repeatedly. Ethylene glycol oligomer ether derivatives, which are ether derivatives of ethylene glycol oligomers, may be polymers in which at least one hydroxyl group of the ethylene glycol oligomer is substituted in an ether form.

[0151] In some embodiments, propylene glycol oligomers may be compounds with a short-chain structure formed by the bonding of a few monomer units of the same structure, namely propylene glycol, and specifically, may be low molecular weight polymers in which two or more propylene glycols are bonded repeatedly. For example, propylene glycol oligomers may be polymers in which 2 or more and 10 or fewer propylene glycols are bonded repeatedly. Propylene glycol oligomer ether derivatives, which are ether derivatives of propylene glycol oligomers, may be polymers in which at least one hydroxyl group of the propylene glycol oligomer is substituted in an ether form.

[0152] In some embodiments, the ethylene glycol oligomer may include at least one of diethylene glycol (DEG), triethylene glycol (TEG), tetraethylene glycol (TetraEG), and pentaethylene glycol (PentaEG).

[0153] In some embodiments, the propylene glycol oligomer may include at least one of dipropylene glycol (DPG), tripropylene glycol (TPG), tetrapropylene glycol (TetraPG), and pentapropylene glycol (PentaPG).

[0154] In some embodiments, the additive may include at least one of propylene glycol (PG), tripropylene glycol (TPG), and triethylene glycol (TEG), but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the additive may include propylene glycol (PG).

[0155] In some embodiments, when the additive includes propylene glycol, propylene glycol has excellent compatibility with water, and the binder (dextrin) can easily control the viscosity, adhesiveness, and mixing uniformity of the binder composition to an appropriate level by mitigating the problem of stickiness and viscosity improvement caused by the solvent (water).

[0156] In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the binder composition, the content of the additive is 5 wt% to 35 wt%, 5 wt% to 34 wt%, 5 wt% to 33 wt%, 5 wt% to 32 wt%, 5 wt% to 31 wt%, 5 wt% to 30 wt%, 5 wt% to 29 wt%, 5 wt% to 28 wt%, 5 wt% to 27 wt%, 5 wt% to 26 wt%, 5 wt% to 25 wt%, 5 wt% to 24 wt%, 5 wt% to 23 wt%, 5 wt% to 22 wt%, 5 wt% to 21 wt%, 5 wt% to 20 wt%, 5 wt% to 19 wt%, 5 wt% to 18 wt%, 5 wt% to 17 wt%, or 5 wt% to 16 wt%, preferably 5 wt% to It may be included in an amount of 15 weight%. As it is included within the above range, the additive is blended together with the binder in the binder composition to function as an auxiliary solvent that assists the solvent, and at the same time, when manufacturing a filter for smoking articles, it can minimize the formation of adhesive residue of the binder composition on the roll surface of the filter device.

[0157] In some embodiments, the mixing ratio between the additive and the binder in the binder composition may be 1:0.5 to 1:8, 1:0.55 to 1:7.5, 1:0.6 to 1:7, 1:0.65 to 1:6.5, 1:0.7 to 1:6.3, 1:0.75 to 1:6.2, 1:0.8 to 1:6, 1:0.81 to 1:5.8, 1:0.82 to 1:5.7, or 1:0.83 to 1:5.5, preferably 1:4 to 1:5, or 1:4.1 to 1:4.9, more preferably 1:4.2 to 1:4.8, 1:4.3 to 1:4.7, or 1:4.4 to 1:4.6, and even more preferably 1:4.5, but The above is not limited thereto. Here, the above mixing ratio refers to a weight ratio. By mixing the binder and the additive at a mixing ratio within the above range, the bonding strength between the fibers constituting the filter tow is improved, while the manufactured binder composition has a suitable viscosity when applied to filter manufacturing and can minimize the problem of entanglement occurring in the manufacturing device.

[0158] In some embodiments, a viscosity modifier may be incorporated into the binder composition to perform the function of controlling the viscosity of the binder composition.

[0159] In some embodiments, the viscosity modifier may be characterized as being at least one selected from the group consisting of citrate esters and glycerol esters.

[0160] In some embodiments, the citrate esters may include at least one of triethyl citrate (TEC), tributyl citrate (TBC), and acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC).

[0161] In some embodiments, the glycerol esters may include at least one of monoacetin, diacetin, and triacetin.

[0162] In some embodiments, the viscosity modifier may include triethyl citrate (hereinafter referred to as 'TEC').

[0163] In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the binder composition, the content of the viscosity modifier is 0.5 wt% to 35 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 34 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 33 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 32 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 31 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 30 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 29 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 28 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 27 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 26 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 25 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 24 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 23 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 22 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 21 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 20 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 19 wt%, 0.5 wt% to The composition may be 18 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 17 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 16 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 15 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 14 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 13 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 12 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 11 wt%, preferably 0.5 wt% to 10 wt%. When a viscosity modifier within the above range is included in the binder composition, it has an appropriate viscosity, and the mixing of the binder, solvent, additive, and viscosity modifier is easy during the preparation of the binder composition, thereby making the preparation of the binder composition easy. Furthermore, even when the binder content in the binder composition increases, the binder composition maintains a suitable viscosity, does not become turbid, and does not undergo phase separation between the binder and other additives (solvent, additives, and viscosity modifiers), so the filter manufacturing processability can be improved even when the manufacturing process time for filters for smoking articles using the binder composition increases.

[0164] In some embodiments, the binder composition may further comprise ethanol. In some embodiments, the binder composition dispersed in the lyocell tow may be composed of a binder, a viscosity modifier, an additive, optionally a solvent, and optionally ethanol.

[0165] In some embodiments, ethanol can assist in mixing the binder into the solvent and perform the function of preventing contamination by microorganisms, etc.

[0166] In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the binder composition, the ethanol content may be included in an amount of 3% to 10% by weight, 3.5% to 9% by weight, 4% to 8.5% by weight, and 4.5% to 8% by weight.

[0167] In some embodiments, based on the total weight of the binder composition, the binder may comprise 20% to 60% by weight, the additive 5% to 35% by weight, the viscosity modifier 0.5% to 35% by weight, and the remainder being the solvent. The binder composition may further comprise ethanol, wherein the ethanol is included in an amount of 3% to 10% by weight, and the remainder being the solvent.

[0168] In some embodiments, the hardness of a filter for a smoking article comprising lyocell tow dispersed with a binder composition may be 60% to 99%, preferably 70% to 98.5%, more preferably 75% to 98%, even more preferably 80% to 97.5%, and even more preferably 85% to 97%, but is not limited thereto. The hardness of the filter for a smoking article is a numerical value representing the degree to which the diameter of the filter for a smoking article is maintained when the filter for a smoking article is pressed with a certain level of force in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the filter for a smoking article, and may be a percentage value representing the ratio between the diameter of the filter for a smoking article before the force is applied and the diameter of the filter for a smoking article after the force is applied. The force may be a load applied by a weight of 300g. By having a hardness within the above range, the filter for the smoking item can have the effect of stably maintaining the shape of the filter even after removing the filter roll, even though the filter for the smoking item is composed of highly swollen lyocell fibers, and due to the stable shape maintenance of the filter for the smoking item, it is possible to prevent the filter for the smoking item from deforming during storage and / or smoking of the smoking item (100), thereby preventing the quality of the smoking experience from deteriorating.

[0169]

[0170] The composition of the present invention and the resulting effects are to be explained in more detail below through examples and comparative examples. However, these examples are intended to explain the present invention more specifically, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0171]

[0172] FIG. 2 is a photograph of a binder composition prepared according to Examples 1 to 4, and FIG. 3 is a photograph of filters prepared according to Comparative Example A, Example A, and Example B, with the filter wrapper removed, and a photograph of a filter for a smoking article of Comparative Example A with the filter wrapper not removed.

[0173]

[0174] Comparative Examples 1 to 13 Preparation

[0175]

[0176] Water, ethanol, dextrin, and propylene glycol (PG) were added in the order of water, ethanol, dextrin, and propylene glycol (PG) to a stirring vessel and stirred using a homogenizer at a rotational speed of 4000 rpm for 2 to 3 minutes. When the viscosity of the binder composition rose above a certain level, the rotational speed was increased to 5500 rpm and stirred to prepare binder compositions (binder solutions) according to Comparative Examples 1 to 12, containing water, ethanol, dextrin, and PG in the amounts (weight%) shown in Table 1 below, based on the total weight of the binder composition. Additionally, water, ethanol, and dextrin were added in the order of water, ethanol, and dextrin to a stirring vessel, and a binder composition (binder solution) according to Comparative Example 13 was prepared using the same manufacturing method as Comparative Examples 1 to 12, except that PG was not added, containing water, ethanol, and dextrin in the amounts (weight%) shown in Table 1 below, based on the total weight of the binder composition.

[0177]

[0178] Classification Component Content Dextrin (W / L%) PG (W / L%) Ethanol (W / L%) Water (W / L%) Comparative Example 1 25 30 540 Comparative Example 2 30 25 540 Comparative Example 3 35 20 540 Comparative Example 4 40 15 540 Comparative Example 5 45 10 540 Comparative Example 6 30 36 529 Comparative Example 7 42 24 529 Comparative Example 8 48 18 529 Comparative Example 9 54 12 529 Comparative Example 10 35 42 518 Comparative Example 11 49 28 518 Comparative Example 12 56 21 518 Comparative Example 13 45 0 550

[0179]

[0180] Experimental Example 1: Examination of the feasibility of a continuous manufacturing process for filters for smoking products depending on the presence or absence of PG in the binder composition

[0181]

[0182] When manufacturing a filter for a smoking article containing a lyocell tow containing lyocell fibers, the binder composition according to Comparative Example 1 and the binder composition according to Comparative Example 13 were each fed into a filter manufacturing device to manufacture the filter, and as the process time increased, the entanglement between the roll surface of the manufacturing device and the lyocell fibers was checked.

[0183] When using the binder composition according to Comparative Example 13 (i.e., a binder composition not containing PG), as the process time increased, a sticky adhesive layer was formed on the roll surface by the binder composition, causing the lyocell fibers to stick to the adhesive layer on the roll surface and become entangled, and it was confirmed that continuous processing was impossible.

[0184] On the other hand, when using the binder composition according to Comparative Example 1, which additionally includes PG in the binder composition, it was confirmed that a continuous process is possible without the above-mentioned problems occurring despite the increased process time.

[0185] Therefore, it can be confirmed that a binder composition containing PG in addition to the combination of dextrin and water enables stable manufacturing even in the case of long-term storage or continuous processes where the processing time increases.

[0186]

[0187] Experimental Example 2: Analysis of Viscosity of Binder Composition (Binder Solution) According to Binder (Dextrin) Content in Binder Composition (Binder Solution)

[0188]

[0189] The viscosity of the binder compositions according to Comparative Examples 1 to 12 was measured using a Brookfield DV-E viscometer, and the measurement results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0190]

[0191] Group Classification Component Content Viscosity (CPS) Dextrin (W / L%) PG (W / L%) Ethanol (W / L%) Water (W / L%) Group 1 Comparative Example 1 25 30 540 21.1 Comparative Example 2 30 255 40 22.4 Comparative Example 3 35 20 540 28.3 Comparative Example 4 40 155 40 39.3 Comparative Example 5 45 10 540 47.0 Group 2 Comparative Example 6 30 365 29 37.6 Comparative Example 7 42 245 29 84.0 Comparative Example 8 48 185 29 130.0 Comparative Example 9 54 125 29 19 3.0 Group 3 Comparative Example 10 35 425 18 133.0 Comparative Example 11 49 285 18 46 2.0 Comparative Example 12 56 215 18 77 1.0

[0192]

[0193] Referring to Comparative Examples 1 to 5 of Group 1 in Table 1 above, where the content of alcohol and water is fixed at 5 wt% and 40 wt%, respectively (i.e., the total content of dextrin and PG in the binder composition (dextrin+PG) is fixed at 55 wt%), it can be seen that as the content of binder (dextrin) in the binder composition increases to 25 wt%, 30 wt%, 35 wt%, 40 wt%, and 45 wt% (i.e., the weight ratio of PG to binder is 6:5, 5:6, 4:7, 3:8, and 2:9), the viscosity of the binder composition increases to 21.1 CPS, 22.4 CPS, 28.3 CPS, 39.3 CPS, and 47.0 CPS.

[0194] Likewise, referring to Comparative Examples 6 to 9 of Group 2, in which the alcohol and water contents in Table 1 above are fixed at 5 wt% and 29 wt%, respectively (i.e., the total content of dextrin and PG in the binder composition (dextrin+PG) is fixed at 66 wt%), it can be seen that as the content of the binder (dextrin) in the binder composition increases to 30 wt%, 42 wt%, 48 wt%, and 54 wt% (i.e., the weight ratio of PG to binder is 6:5, 4:7, 3:8, and 2:9), the viscosity of the binder composition increases to 37.6 CPS, 84.0 CPS, 130.0 CPS, and 193.0 CPS.

[0195] Likewise, referring to Comparative Examples 10 to 12 of Group 3 in Table 1 above, where the alcohol and water content are fixed at 5 wt% and 18 wt% respectively (i.e., the total content of dextrin and PG in the binder composition (dextrin+PG) is fixed at 77 wt%), it can be seen that as the content of the binder (dextrin) in the binder composition increases to 35 wt%, 49 wt%, and 56 wt% (i.e., the weight ratio of PG to binder is 6:5, 4:7, and 3:8), the viscosity of the binder composition increases to 133.0 CPS, 462.0 CPS, and 771.0 CPS.

[0196] Accordingly, it can be confirmed that the viscosity of the binder composition increases when the mixing ratio of dextrin is increased in the blend of dextrin and PG while maintaining the total content of dextrin and PG by keeping the content of water and ethanol in the binder composition the same. In particular, it can be confirmed that as the mixing ratio of PG and dextrin in the binder composition is adjusted from 6:5 to 2:9, the content of the binder in Comparative Example 5 increases to 45 wt%, and the viscosity of Comparative Example 5 increases to 47.0 CPS, which is higher than the viscosity of Comparative Example 1 (21.1 CPS). This can be interpreted as being due to a decrease in the content of PG, which performs the function of an auxiliary solvent in the binder composition. Accordingly, compared to the condition of a binder composition having a viscosity of 30 CPS or less, which facilitates a continuous process when manufacturing filters for smoking products, the higher viscosity of the binder composition in Comparative Example 5 leads to an increase in filter manufacturing time, resulting in the generation of adhesive residue and making a continuous process difficult.

[0197]

[0198] Experimental Example 3: Analysis of Viscosity of Binder Composition (Binder Solution) According to Water (Solvent) Content in Binder Composition

[0199]

[0200] The viscosity of Comparative Examples 1, 6, and 10, in which ethanol was included at 5% by weight based on the total weight of the binder composition and the water (solvent) content was adjusted while maintaining the mixing ratio of dextrin to PG in the binder composition at 5:6, was measured using a Brookfield DV-E viscometer, and the measurement results are shown in Table 3 below.

[0201]

[0202] Group Classification Component Content Viscosity (CPS) Dextrin (W / L%) PG (W / L%) Ethanol (W / L%) Water (W / L%) Group A Comparative Example 1 25 30 540 21.1 Comparative Example 6 30 36 529 37.6 Comparative Example 10 35 42 518 133.0

[0203]

[0204] Referring to Table 3, it can be seen that the viscosity of the binder compositions increases in the order of Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 6, and Comparative Example 10, which were prepared by sequentially decreasing the water (solvent) content to 40 wt%, 29 wt%, and 18 wt% while maintaining the mixing ratio of dextrin to PG in the binder composition at 5:6. In particular, although the mixing ratio of dextrin to PG in the binder composition is the same, the viscosity of Comparative Example 10, with a dextrin content of 35 wt%, increased significantly from 21.1 CPS to 133.0 CPS compared to Comparative Example 1, with a dextrin content of 25 wt%. It can be confirmed that the binder composition of Comparative Example 10 has properties that make it difficult to feed into a filter manufacturing device. In other words, even when the mixing ratio of dextrin to PG is maintained the same, it can be confirmed that the viscosity of the binder composition increases significantly with increasing dextrin content, resulting in a binder composition that is not easy to manufacture.

[0205]

[0206]

[0207] Preparation of Examples 1 to 4

[0208] Water, ethanol, dextrin, propylene glycol (PG), and triethyl citrate (TEC) were added in the order to a stirring vessel and stirred using a homogenizer at a rotation speed of 4000 rpm for 2 to 3 minutes. When the viscosity of the binder composition rose above a certain level, the rotation speed was increased to 5500 rpm and stirred to prepare binder compositions (binder solutions) according to Examples 1 to 4 containing water, ethanol, dextrin, PG, and TEC in the amounts (weight%) shown in Table 4 below, based on the total weight of the binder composition.

[0209]

[0210] Classification Ingredient Content Dextrin (weight%) PG (weight%) Ethanol (weight%) Water (weight%) TEC (weight%) Example 1 45 105 382 Example 2 45 105 3010 Example 3 45 105 2020 Example 4 45 105 1030

[0211]

[0212] Experimental Example 4: Viscosity analysis of binder composition according to the addition of viscosity modifier (TEC) to binder composition (binder solution)

[0213]

[0214] The viscosity of the binder compositions according to Comparative Example 5 and Examples 1 to 4 was measured using a Brookfield DV-E viscometer, and the measurement results are shown in Table 5 below.

[0215]

[0216] Classification Component Content Viscosity (CPS) Dextrin (W / L%) PG (W / L%) Ethanol (W / L%) Water (W / L%) TEC (W / L%) Comparative Example 5 45 10 5 40 0 ​​47.0 Example 1 45 10 5 38 22 9.2 Example 2 45 10 5 30 10 40.5 Example 3 45 10 5 20 20 50.4 Example 4 45 10 5 10 30 Unmeasurable

[0217]

[0218] Referring to Comparative Example 5, Example 1, and Example 2 in Table 5 above, it can be seen that the viscosity of Examples 1 and 2, in which TEC was added at 2 wt% and 10 wt% respectively, is reduced compared to Comparative Example 5, in which dextrin, PG, and ethanol were fixed at 45 wt%, 10 wt%, and 5 wt% respectively (i.e., the mixing ratio of dextrin to PG was fixed at 9:2 and the dextrin content at 45 wt%) and TEC was not added. Accordingly, it was confirmed that even though the content ratio of dextrin (binder) and PG (additive, auxiliary solvent) in the binder composition is 9:2, i.e., the content of dextrin is increased, the viscosity of the binder composition is reduced by adding TEC (viscosity modifier), thereby enabling the production of a binder composition having a viscosity of 30 CPS or less, which is suitable for manufacturing filters for smoking products containing regenerated cellulose tow (lyocell tow). In addition, it was confirmed that fiber entanglement caused by adhesive residue did not occur even when a continuous process for manufacturing a filter for smoking products containing regenerated cellulose tow (lyocell tow) was carried out using the binder composition according to Example 1. Accordingly, by adding TEC to the binder composition, the content of PG is reduced while the content of dextrin is increased, thereby providing excellent hardness for a filter for smoking products using the binder composition, and a binder composition having viscosity values ​​and adhesive properties that are easy to manufacture for filter production can be produced.

[0219]

[0220] Experimental Example 5: Binder composition formulation according to the content of viscosity modifier (TEC) in the binder composition

[0221]

[0222] The ease of stirring during the preparation of the binder compositions (binder solutions) of Examples 1 to 4 was confirmed, and whether phase separation occurred after 24 hours of storage of the prepared binder compositions according to Examples 1 to 4 was confirmed. The viscosity of the prepared Examples 1 to 4 was measured and is shown in Table 6 below, and the degree of turbidity of the binder compositions according to Examples 1 to 4 was photographed and is shown in Figure 2.

[0223]

[0224] Classification Ease of stirring Degree of turbidity Phase separation Occurs Viscosity (CPS) Example 1 Easy XX 29.2 Example 2 Good Slightly turbid Phase separation occurs 40.5 Example 3 Good Moderate turbidity Phase separation occurs 50.4 Example 4 Difficult Not stirred transparently Phase separation occurs Unmeasurable

[0225]

[0226] Referring to Table 6, it can be seen that in Examples 1 to 3, where the TEC content in the binder composition is 2 wt%, 10 wt%, and 20 wt%, stirring is relatively easy when preparing the binder composition, and the viscosity is at a level suitable for filter production when stirring continuously. On the other hand, when the TEC content in the binder composition is 30 wt%, it was confirmed that when stirred with a homogenizer, dextrin, TEC, PG, and water do not mix well and the viscosity is very high, making it difficult to stir into a formulation such as wood glue.

[0227] Meanwhile, FIG. 2 illustrates binder compositions prepared according to Examples 1 to 4 in order from left to right in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that in the case of Example 1, no turbidity occurs in the prepared binder composition, in the case of Examples 2 and 3, some turbidity occurs, and in the case of Example 4, it remains opaque while maintaining a suspension state. That is, it can be seen that as the content of TEC in the binder composition increases, turbidity occurs in the binder composition.

[0228] In addition, regarding the binder composition prepared after 24 hours, it can be confirmed that no phase separation occurs in Example 1, whereas phase separation occurs in Examples 2 to 4. Accordingly, it can be confirmed that the binder composition according to Example 1, which does not undergo phase separation when the storage time after preparation of the binder composition increases, is the most advantageous for preparation and storage of the binder composition. In other words, it can be confirmed that as the content of TEC in the binder composition increases, the viscosity actually increases and the tendency for phase separation to occur in the binder composition becomes stronger.

[0229] Overall, in the case of Examples 2-3 with TEC content of 10 wt% and 20 wt%, stirring is relatively good and although some turbidity occurs, it is usable through stirring during filter manufacturing. In the case of Example 1 with TEC content of 2 wt%, stirring is easy during the preparation of the binder composition, no turbidity occurs, and the viscosity is 30 CPS or less, which is easy for filter manufacturing, thus confirming that it is an excellent binder composition with improved workability for filter manufacturing.

[0230]

[0231] Comparative Example A

[0232] A lyocell filter (filter for smoking products) was manufactured by wrapping a lyocell tow, having a monodenier of 0.3778 tex (3.4 Denier) and a total denier of 433.3 tex (3,900 Denier), a length of 108 mm, and a circumference of about 24.2 mm, with a standard paper (filter paper) having a basis weight of 21 gsm.

[0233]

[0234] Comparative Example B

[0235] A lyocell filter (filter for smoking products) was manufactured using the same method as Comparative Example A, except that the binder composition according to Comparative Example 1 was added at a rate of 110 mg / rod based on a lyocell filter with a length of 108 mm and a circumference of approximately 24.2 mm.

[0236]

[0237] Example A

[0238] A lyocell filter (filter for smoking products) was manufactured using the same method as Comparative Example A, except that the binder composition according to Example 1 was added at a rate of 60 mg / rod based on a lyocell filter with a length of 108 mm and a circumference of approximately 24.2 mm.

[0239]

[0240] Example B

[0241] A lyocell filter (filter for smoking products) was manufactured using the same method as Comparative Example A, except that the binder composition according to Example 1 was added at a rate of 110 mg / rod based on a lyocell filter with a length of 108 mm and a circumference of approximately 24.2 mm.

[0242]

[0243] Experimental Example 6: Evaluation of Physical Properties of Filters for Smoking Products According to Binder Composition

[0244]

[0245] Filters for smoking products were manufactured according to Comparative Example A, Comparative Example B, Example A, and Example B, and the physical properties of the filters, such as circumference, suction resistance, weight, and hardness, were measured on 50 samples. The average values ​​of the measurement data were calculated and are shown in Table 7 below.

[0246]

[0247] Classification Circumference (mm) Suction Resistance (mmWG) Weight (mg) Hardness (%) Comparative Example A 24.21 35 1.98 39.48 4.62 Comparative Example B 24.32 36 2.39 15.29 0.61 Example A 24.20 36 0.08 9 1.78 9.49 Example B 24.17 36 4.39 35.29 1.72

[0248]

[0249] Referring to Table 7, it can be confirmed that even when a binder composition is added, a filter for smoking products having a circumference and suction resistance similar to Comparative Example A, which does not have a binder composition, can be manufactured.

[0250] In addition, compared to Comparative Example A, which does not have a binder composition, Comparative Example B, Example A, and Example B, which have a binder composition added, show an increase in hardness and possess excellent hardness with a hardness of 88% or more. Furthermore, compared to Comparative Example B, which has the same amount of binder composition added, Example B shows higher hardness, and in particular, Example A, which has a lower amount of binder composition added compared to Comparative Example B, shows a hardness similar to that of Comparative Example B.

[0251]

[0252] Experimental Example 7: Evaluation of shape retention of a filter for smoking articles according to a binder composition

[0253]

[0254] After manufacturing filters for smoking products according to Comparative Example A, Example A, and Example B, the filter wrappers were removed and are shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, FIG. 3 shows the filters for smoking products with the filter wrappers removed from Comparative Example A, Example A, and Example B in order from left to right, and the filter for smoking product of Comparative Example A with the filter wrappers not removed is shown on the far right.

[0255] Referring to Fig. 3, in the case of the lyocell filter according to Comparative Example A, which does not have a binder composition added, when the outer winding (filter winding) is removed (i.e., shown on the far left in Fig. 3), it can be seen that the lyocell fibers are not bonded (adhered) to each other, resulting in swelling and failure to maintain the shape of the filter.

[0256] Next, in the case of the lyocell filters according to Example A and Example B to which the binder composition according to Example 1 is added, when the outer winding (filter winding) is removed (i.e., the second and third from the left in FIG. 3), it can be confirmed that the lyocell fibers are bonded together by the binder in the binder composition, thereby maintaining the filter shape.

[0257] Accordingly, by adding the binder composition according to Example 1 into the lyocell filter, the lyocell fibers are bonded together to provide adhesion and maintain hardness and shape well, thereby preventing the filter paper surrounding the lyocell tow from bursting due to the swelling of the lyocell fibers, and the filling amount of lyocell fibers constituting the lyocell tow within the filter paper is increased, thereby widening the range of suction resistance of the filter for smoking articles that can be implemented.

[0258] In addition, when manufacturing special filters such as tube filters or filters that implement specific shapes, it is possible to manufacture various types of lyocell filters using lyocell fibers that do not undergo plasticization reactions due to excellent shape retention (or shape retention).

[0259] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure may be practiced in other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential features thereof. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of protection of the present disclosure shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the technical concepts defined by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A binder composition applied to a filter for a smoking article comprising regenerated cellulose tow comprising regenerated cellulose fibers, wherein The above binder composition comprises a binder, a solvent, a viscosity modifier, and an additive, wherein The above binder comprises at least one of a cellulose-based binder, a starch-based binder, and a dextrin-based binder. Binder composition.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above additive is characterized as being an auxiliary solvent, Binder composition.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above additive comprises at least one of propylene glycol (PG), glycerin, ethylene glycol oligomers, an ethylene glycol oligomer ether derivative which is an ether derivative of the ethylene glycol oligomer, propylene glycol oligomers, or a propylene glycol oligomer ether derivative which is an ether derivative of the propylene glycol oligomer. Binder composition.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above ethylene glycol oligomer comprises at least one of diethylene glycol (DEG), triethylene glycol (TEG), tetraethylene glycol (TetraEG), and pentaethylene glycol (PentaEG), and The above propylene glycol oligomer comprises at least one of dipropylene glycol (DPG), tripropylene glycol (TPG), tetrapropylene glycol (TetraPG), and pentapropylene glycol (PentaPG). Binder composition.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above additive comprises propylene glycol (PG), Binder composition.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above viscosity modifier is characterized by being at least one selected from the group consisting of citrate esters and glycerol esters. Binder composition.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above citrate esters comprise at least one of triethyl citrate (TEC), tributyl citrate (TBC), and acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC), and The above glycerol esters comprise at least one of monoacetin, diacetin, and triacetin. Binder composition.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above viscosity modifier comprises triethyl citrate (TEC), Binder composition.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above additive and the above binder are included in a weight ratio of 1:0.5 to 1:8, Binder composition.

10. In Paragraph 1, Based on the total weight of the binder composition, the viscosity modifier is included in an amount of 0.1% to 40% by weight. Binder composition.

11. In Paragraph 1, Characterized by the viscosity of the above binder composition being 30 CPS or less, Binder composition.

12. In Paragraph 1, Based on the total weight of the binder composition, the binder comprises 20% to 50% by weight, the additive comprises 5% to 35% by weight, the viscosity modifier comprises 0.5% to 35% by weight, and the remainder comprises the solvent. Binder composition.

13. Regenerated cellulose tow comprising regenerated cellulose-based fibers; and A binder composition dispersed in the above-mentioned regenerated cellulose tow, comprising: The above binder composition comprises a binder, an additive, and a viscosity modifier, wherein The above binder comprises at least one of a cellulose-based binder, a starch-based binder, and a dextrin-based binder, and The above additive is characterized as being an auxiliary solvent, Filter for smoking products.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above-mentioned regenerated cellulose-based fiber comprises at least one of viscose fiber and lyocell fiber, Filter for smoking products.

15. Smoking substance part; and A portion disposed downstream of the above smoking material portion and comprising a filter for a smoking article according to claim 13, Smoking items.

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