NMMO-Spun Lyocell Filters for Biodegradable Smoking Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cellulose acetate filters for smoking articles take a long time to biodegrade, posing environmental concerns due to their persistence in soil, and there is a need for a more environmentally friendly and biodegradable alternative.
Innovation Solution
A lyocell material is developed using a spinning dope comprising cellulose pulp and N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) with specific viscosity ranges, which is spun into multifilaments with crimps and multi-lobal cross sections, suitable for use in filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If cellulose acetate is used as filter material, then the filter has good mechanical properties and filtering performance, but the biodegradation time is long (1-2 years)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using lyocell (regenerated cellulose) instead of cellulose acetate, and controls the viscosity parameters of the spinning dope (10-200 Pa·s) to achieve optimal fiber properties that balance biodegradability with mechanical strength and filtering performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite fiber structure through lyocell multifilaments with specific viscosity control, combining the biodegradability of cellulose with enhanced mechanical properties through controlled fiber morphology including crimps and multi-lobal cross sections
2Duration of action of stationary object
If lyocell material is used to replace cellulose acetate, then biodegradability is improved, but the mechanical properties need to be enhanced to match commercial filters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes physical parameters including viscosity (10-200 Pa·s), temperature, and pressure during spinning to create lyocell fibers with enhanced mechanical strength while maintaining biodegradability, achieving a balance between environmental friendliness and structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces crimps and multi-lobal cross sections in the fiber structure, using curved and non-linear geometries to enhance mechanical properties such as elasticity, bulk, and resilience while maintaining the biodegradable nature of lyocell material
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 lyocell material exhibits enhanced biodegradability and mechanical properties, improving the environmental impact and filtering performance of smoking articles.
Implementation Method 1
a spinning dope including cellulose pulp and N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) and having a complex viscosity of 10 Pa·s to 200 Pa·s
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a lyocell material, a filter for a smoking article including the lyocell material, and a smoking article. The lyocell material and the filter for a smoking article according to the present application may replace a cellulose acetate material and a filter for a smoking article including the same in the art.