Lyocell Smoking Filter Composition for Hardness and Marine Biodegradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cigarette filters made from cellulose acetate tow face challenges in meeting marine biodegradation criteria and require plasticizers that compromise eco-friendliness, while lyocell tow filters lack sufficient hardness and binding force.
Innovation Solution
A smoking article filter comprising lyocell tow, a polyester-based binder, and filter wrapping paper, achieving 90% biodegradation within 6 months under marine conditions, with improved hardness and binding force through the use of an eco-friendly binder solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cellulose acetate tow with plasticizer is used to manufacture filter, then hardness and binding force are improved, but biodegradability under marine conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameters by using lyocell tow instead of cellulose acetate tow, and selects specific polyester-based binders with appropriate molecular weights and functional groups. This parameter change allows achieving both sufficient hardness (through binder selection) and biodegradability (through lyocell material properties), resolving the contradiction between strength and environmental compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite filter structure combining lyocell fibers with polyester-based binder and optional natural resin additives. This composite approach allows the lyocell to provide biodegradability while the polyester binder provides hardness and binding force, simultaneously satisfying both requirements that were contradictory in single-material systems
2Reliability
If lyocell tow is used to manufacture filter, then biodegradability is improved, but hardness and binding force deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The polyester-based binder acts as an intermediary substance between lyocell fibers, providing the necessary binding force and hardness without compromising the biodegradability of the lyocell material. The binder creates a bridge that allows soft lyocell fibers to form a structurally sound filter rod, resolving the contradiction between material softness and required filter hardness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes binder parameters including selecting polyester with specific molecular weights (5,000-50,000), controlling binder content (5-20% of filter weight), and adjusting solution concentration. These parameter changes enable the binder to provide sufficient structural support while maintaining the overall biodegradability of the filter
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The filter provides enhanced hardness and biodegradability, maintaining structural integrity under marine conditions and reducing moisture-induced collapse, while using eco-friendly materials.
Implementation Method 1
a binder used to improve hardness of a filter manufactured using the L-tow and a binding force between fibers of the L-tow also corresponds to an eco-friendly material
Implementation Method 2
having 90% or higher biodegradation within 6 months according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6691 under marine conditions
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a smoking article filter, including lyocell tow including lyocell fibers, a binder solution, and filter wrapping paper and having 90% or higher biodegradation within 6 months according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6691 under marine conditions at 30 °C, and a smoking article including the smoking article filter.