CN116249457A

CN116249457A - Aerosol forming matrix

Info

Publication number: CN116249457A
Application number: CN202180067167.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: C·冈布斯; J-Y·沃尔默
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2020-10-07
Filing date: 2021-10-07
Publication date: 2023-06-09
Also published as: CA3195031A1; EP4225055A1; IL301819A; JP2023544038A; KR20230080444A; MX2023003823A; AU2021357355A1; BR112023006128A2; US20230404132A1; WO2022074157A1

Abstract

An aerosol-forming substrate (1020) for use in an aerosol-generating system (2000) is provided. The aerosol-forming substrate (1020) comprises: one or more aerosol formers; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and one or more cellulose-based reinforcing agents. The aerosol-forming substrate (1020) has an aerosol former content of greater than 30% by weight. The one or more cellulose-based reinforcing agents include cellulose powder. The aerosol-forming substrate (1020) has a cellulose powder content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 50 wt%.

Description

Aerosol forming matrix

The present invention relates to an aerosol-forming substrate comprising hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and one or more cellulose-based strengthening agents.

An aerosol-generating system for delivering an aerosol to a user typically comprises a nebulizer configured to generate an inhalable aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. Some known aerosol-generating systems include a thermal atomizer, such as an electric heater or an induction heating device. The thermal atomizer is configured to heat and vaporize an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. A typical aerosol-forming substrate for an aerosol-generating system is a nicotine formulation, which may be a liquid nicotine formulation comprising an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerol and/or propylene glycol.

It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article having an aerosol-forming substrate exhibiting increased tensile strength.

It is also desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article having an aerosol-forming substrate that exhibits a reduced tendency to melt and form encrustations on a portion of the aerosol-generating article or a portion of the aerosol-generating system.

An aerosol-forming substrate for use in an aerosol-generating system is provided. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more aerosol-formers. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more cellulose-based reinforcing agents.

There is also provided an aerosol-forming substrate for use in an aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-forming substrate comprising: one or more aerosol formers; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and one or more cellulose-based reinforcing agents.

An aerosol-generating article for use in an aerosol-generating system is also provided. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more aerosol-formers. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more cellulose-based reinforcing agents.

There is also provided an aerosol-generating article comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate comprising: one or more aerosol formers; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and one or more cellulose-based reinforcing agents.

There is also provided an aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating device; and aerosol-generating articles. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more aerosol-formers. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more cellulose-based reinforcing agents.

There is also provided an aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating device; an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate comprising: one or more aerosol formers; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and one or more cellulose-based reinforcing agents.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article for generating an aerosol. Aerosol-generating articles generally comprise an aerosol-forming substrate adapted and intended to be heated or combusted to release volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Conventional smoking is lit when a user applies a flame to one end of the cigarette and draws air through the other end. The localized heat provided by the flame and the oxygen in the air drawn through the cigarette causes the ends of the cigarette to be lit and the resulting combustion generates inhalable smoke. In contrast, in a "heated aerosol-generating article", the aerosol is generated by heating the aerosol-forming substrate rather than by burning the aerosol-forming substrate. Known heated aerosol-generating articles include, for example, electrically heated aerosol-generating articles.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of generating volatile compounds upon heating that can form an aerosol. The aerosols generated by the aerosol-forming substrate may be visible or invisible to the human eye and may comprise droplets of vapor (e.g., fine particulate matter in the gaseous state, which is typically a liquid or solid at room temperature) as well as gases and condensed vapors.

Aerosol-forming substrates comprising a combination of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and cellulose-based reinforcement agents can have a number of advantages.

The inclusion of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in the aerosol-forming substrate may help improve the manufacturing process of the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose can reduce the overall viscosity of the slurry that is mixed in preparing an aerosol-forming substrate. Lower viscosity slurries may flow more readily than conventional slurries, and lower viscosity slurries are easier to mix, transfer, and handle during the manufacturing process.

The inclusion of cellulose-based reinforcing agents in the aerosol-forming substrate may increase the tensile strength of the aerosol-forming substrate. Aerosol-forming substrates having higher tensile strength may be less likely to deteriorate or fracture, for example, during shipping or during the manufacturing process.

Despite the above advantages, the inventors have found that aerosol-forming substrates comprising hydroxypropyl methylcellulose may have insufficient tensile strength. However, the use of cellulose-based reinforcing agents to increase the tensile strength of aerosol-forming substrates can overcome the decrease in tensile strength caused by the inclusion of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose while still providing the processing advantages described above in connection with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of greater than about 0.5% by weight. Advantageously, the inventors have found that hydroxypropyl methylcellulose can be an effective binder for aerosol-forming substrates.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of greater than about 1% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of greater than about 5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of greater than about 10% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of greater than about 15% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of greater than about 20% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of less than about 50% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of less than about 45% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of less than about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of less than about 35% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of less than about 30% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of less than about 25% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of less than about 20% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 50% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 45% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 35% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 30% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 25% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 20% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 1% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 5% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 10% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 15 wt% and about 40 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 20% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 25% to about 40% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 45% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 1% to about 45% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 1% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 5% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 5% to about 35% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 10% to about 35% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 10% to about 30% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 15% to about 30% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 15% to about 25% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 20% to about 25% by weight.

The hydroxypropyl methylcellulose may be low viscosity hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. For example, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose may have a viscosity of 0.05 Pa/s. In some examples, the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose may have a viscosity of 0.015 Pa/s. In some examples, the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose may have a viscosity of between 0.015Pa/s and 0.05 Pa/s.

Advantageously, the inventors have found that the use of low viscosity hydroxypropyl methylcellulose can provide benefits during the manufacturing process. The use of low viscosity hydroxypropyl methylcellulose can result in the formation of a low viscosity slurry that is easier to mix and transfer during manufacture and processing.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of greater than about 0.5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of greater than about 1% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of greater than about 5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of greater than about 10% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of greater than about 15 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of greater than about 20% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of less than about 50% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of less than about 45% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of less than about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of less than about 35% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of less than about 30% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of less than about 25% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of less than about 20% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of less than about 15% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 50 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 45 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 40 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 35 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 30 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 25 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 20 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 15 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 10 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 5 wt%.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 1% and about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 5 wt% and about 40 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 10 wt% and about 40 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 15 wt% and about 40 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 20 wt% and about 40 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 25 wt% and about 40 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 30 wt% and about 40 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 35 wt% and about 40 wt%.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 1% and about 35% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 5 wt% and about 35 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 5 wt% and about 30 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 10 wt% and about 30 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 10 wt% and about 25 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 15 wt% and about 25 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 15 wt% and about 20 wt%.

The one or more cellulose-based reinforcing agents may include cellulose fibers. Advantageously, the inventors have found that cellulose fibers can be particularly effective cellulose-based reinforcement in increasing the tensile strength of an aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of greater than about 0.5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of greater than about 1% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of greater than about 5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of greater than about 10% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of greater than about 15% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of greater than about 20% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of less than about 50% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of less than about 45% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of less than about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of less than about 35% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of less than about 30% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of less than about 25% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of less than about 20% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of less than about 15% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 0.5% to about 50% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 0.5% to about 45% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 0.5% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 0.5% to about 35% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 0.5% to about 30% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 0.5% to about 25% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 0.5% to about 20% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 0.5% to about 15% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 0.5% to about 10% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 0.5% to about 5% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 1% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 5% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 10% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 15 wt% and about 40 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 20% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 25 wt% and about 40 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 30% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 35 wt% and about 40 wt%.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 1% to about 35% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 5% to about 35% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 5% to about 30% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 10% to about 30% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 10% to about 25% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 15 wt% and about 25 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose fiber content of between about 15 wt% and about 20 wt%.

The one or more cellulose-based reinforcing agents may include microcrystalline cellulose. Advantageously, the inventors have found that microcrystalline cellulose can be a particularly effective cellulose-based reinforcement in increasing the tensile strength of an aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of greater than about 0.5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of greater than about 1% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of greater than about 5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of greater than about 10% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of greater than about 15% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of greater than about 20% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of less than about 50% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of less than about 45% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of less than about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of less than about 35% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of less than about 30% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of less than about 25% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of less than about 20% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of less than about 15% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 50% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 45% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 35% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 30% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 25% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 20% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 15% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 10% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 5% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 1% and about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 5% and about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 10% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 15 wt% and about 40 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 20% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 25% and about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 30% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 35 wt% and about 40 wt%.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 1% and about 35% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 5% and about 35% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 5% and about 30% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 10% to about 30% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 10% to about 25% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 15 wt% and about 25 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 15 wt% and about 20 wt%.

The one or more cellulose-based reinforcing agents may include cellulose powder. Advantageously, the inventors have found that cellulose powder can be a particularly effective cellulose-based reinforcement in increasing the tensile strength of an aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of greater than about 0.5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of greater than about 1% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of greater than about 5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of greater than about 10% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of greater than about 15% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of greater than about 20% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of less than about 50% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of less than about 45% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of less than about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of less than about 35% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of less than about 30% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of less than about 25% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of less than about 20% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of less than about 15% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 0.5% to about 50% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 0.5% to about 45% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 0.5% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 0.5% to about 35% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 0.5% to about 30% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 0.5% to about 25% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 0.5% to about 20% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 0.5% to about 15% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 0.5% to about 10% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 0.5% to about 5% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 1% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 5% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 10 wt% and about 40 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 15 wt% and about 40 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 20% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 25 wt% and about 40 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 30 wt% and about 40 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 35 wt% and about 40 wt%.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 1% to about 35% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 5% to about 35% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 5% to about 30% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 10% to about 30% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 10% to about 25% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 15 wt% and about 25 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a cellulose powder content of between about 15 wt% and about 20 wt%.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise carboxymethyl cellulose. Advantageously, the use of carboxymethyl cellulose may help reduce encrustation of the aerosol-forming substrate when used in an aerosol-generating article. In some examples, the use of carboxymethyl cellulose will eliminate encrustations. As explained below, crusting is the formation of a solid layer on a component of an aerosol-generating article. The inventors have found that encrustation may occur because the components of the aerosol-forming substrate may melt and then resolidify around the components of the aerosol-generating article. Encrustation can be a particular problem when using aerosol-forming substrates in aerosol-generating articles comprising susceptors. If a crust is formed on the susceptor, the crust-forming susceptor will become less effective at heating the aerosol-forming substrate, which may result in reduced delivery of nicotine to the user and/or reduced formation of aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate.

The carboxymethyl cellulose may include sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Advantageously, the inventors have found that sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a carboxymethyl cellulose that may be particularly effective in preventing the crusting problems described above.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of greater than about 0.5 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of greater than about 1 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of greater than about 5 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of greater than about 10 wt%.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of less than about 20 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of less than about 15 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of less than about 10 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of less than about 8 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of less than about 5 wt%.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 20 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 15 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 10 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 8 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 5 wt%.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of between about 1 wt% and about 20 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of between about 5 wt% and about 20 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of between about 8 wt% and about 20 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of between about 10 wt% and about 20 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of between about 15 wt% and about 20 wt%.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of between about 1 wt% and about 15 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of between about 1 wt% and about 10 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of between about 5 wt% and about 10 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxymethyl cellulose content of between about 5 wt% and about 8 wt%.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine.

The nicotine may comprise one or more nicotine salts. The one or more nicotine salts may be selected from the list of: nicotine lactate, nicotine citrate, nicotine pyruvate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine benzoate, nicotine pectate, nicotine alginate and nicotine salicylate.

The nicotine may comprise tobacco extract.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of greater than about 0.5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of greater than about 1% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of greater than about 2% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of greater than about 3% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of greater than about 5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of greater than about 8% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of less than about 10% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of less than about 8% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of less than about 5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of less than about 3% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of less than about 2% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of less than about 1% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of between about 0.5% to about 10% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of between about 0.5% to about 8% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of between about 0.5% to about 5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of between about 0.5% to about 3% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of between about 0.5% to about 2% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of between about 0.5% to about 1% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of between about 1% to about 5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of between about 2% to about 5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of between about 3% to about 5% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of between about 0.5% to about 4% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of between about 1% and about 4% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of between about 1% and about 3% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine content of between about 1% and about 2% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more carboxylic acids. Advantageously, inclusion of one or more carboxylic acids in the aerosol-forming substrate may result in a nicotine salt.

The one or more carboxylic acids include one or more of lactic acid and levulinic acid. Advantageously, the inventors have found that lactic acid and levulinic acid are particularly good carboxylic acids for producing nicotine salts.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of greater than about 0.5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of greater than about 1% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of greater than about 2% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of greater than about 3% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of greater than about 5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of greater than about 8% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of greater than about 10% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of greater than about 15% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of less than about 20% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of less than about 15% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of less than about 10% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of less than about 8% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of less than about 5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of less than about 3% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of less than about 2% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of less than about 1% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of between about 0.5% and about 20% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of between about 0.5% to about 15% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of between about 0.5% to about 10% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 8 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of between about 0.5% to about 5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of between about 0.5% to about 3% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of between about 0.5% to about 2% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of between about 0.5% to about 1% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of between about 1% and about 10% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of between about 2% to about 10% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of between about 3 wt% and about 10 wt%. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of between about 5% and about 10% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of between about 8 wt% and about 10 wt%.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of between about 1% and about 20% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of between about 1% and about 15% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of between about 1% and about 10% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of between about 1% and about 8% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of between about 2% to about 5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a carboxylic acid content of between about 3 wt% and about 5 wt%.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more aerosol-formers. Advantageously, the inclusion of one or more aerosol-forming agents in the aerosol-forming substrate will improve aerosol formation.

The one or more aerosol formers may include glycerin. The one or more aerosol formers may include propylene glycol. The one or more aerosol formers may include a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of greater than about 0.5% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of greater than about 10% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of greater than about 20% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of greater than about 30% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of greater than about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of greater than about 50% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of greater than about 60% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of less than about 80% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of less than about 70% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of less than about 60% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 0.5% to about 80% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 0.5% to about 70% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 0.5% to about 60% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 0.5% to about 50% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 0.5% to about 40% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 0.5% to about 30% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 0.5% to about 20% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 0.5% to about 10% by weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 1% to about 80% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 10% to about 80% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 20% to about 80% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 30% to about 80% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 40% to about 80% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 50% to about 80% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 60% to about 80% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 70 wt% and about 80 wt%.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 20% to about 80% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 30% to about 80% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 30% to about 70% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 40% to about 70% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 40% to about 60% by weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 50% to about 60% by weight.

The ratio of the weight percent hydroxypropyl methylcellulose of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight percent cellulose-based enhancer may be greater than or equal to about 1. The ratio of the weight percent hydroxypropyl methylcellulose of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight percent cellulose-based enhancer may be greater than or equal to about 1.25. The ratio of the weight percent hydroxypropyl methylcellulose of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight percent cellulose-based enhancer may be greater than or equal to about 1.5.

The ratio of the weight percent hydroxypropyl methylcellulose of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight percent cellulose-based enhancer may be less than or equal to about 1. The ratio of the weight percent hydroxypropyl methylcellulose of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight percent cellulose-based enhancer may be less than or equal to about 0.75. The ratio of the weight percent hydroxypropyl methylcellulose of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight percent cellulose-based enhancer may be less than or equal to about 0.5.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a hollow cellulose acetate tube.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a spacing element.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouthpiece filter.

The aerosol-forming substrate, hollow cellulose acetate tube, spacer element and mouthpiece filter may be arranged in sequence. The aerosol-forming substrate, hollow cellulose acetate tube, spacer element and mouthpiece filter may be arranged in coaxial alignment.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise cigarette paper.

The aerosol-forming substrate, hollow cellulose acetate tube, spacer element and mouthpiece filter may be assembled from cigarette paper.

The aerosol-generating article may have a mouth end and a distal end 1013. In use, a user may insert the mouth end into his or her mouth.

The aerosol-generating article may be suitable for use with an electrically operated aerosol-generating device comprising a heater for heating an aerosol-generating substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in the form of a rod.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a susceptor.

The susceptor may be a plurality of susceptor particles, which may be deposited on or embedded within the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor particles may be fixed and held in an initial position by the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor particles may be uniformly distributed in the aerosol-forming substrate. Due to the particulate nature of the susceptor, heat may be generated according to the distribution of particles in the aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the susceptor may be in the form of one or more sheets, strips, chips or strips, which may be placed beside or embedded in the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more susceptor strips.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing defining a device cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a nebulizer configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate.

The atomizer may be a thermal atomizer.

As used herein, the term "thermal atomizer" describes an atomizer configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise any suitable type of thermal atomizer. For example, the thermal atomizer may include a heater. The thermal atomizer may include an electric heater. In one example, the thermal atomizer may include an electric heater that includes a heating element. The heating element may be a resistive heating element. In one example, the heating element may comprise a heater blade or pin adapted to be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate such that the aerosol-forming substrate is heated from within. In another example, the heating element may partially or completely surround the aerosol-forming substrate and circumferentially heat the aerosol-forming substrate from an exterior thereof.

In another example, the thermal atomizer may include an induction heating device. The induction heating device generally comprises an induction source configured to be coupled with a susceptor, which may be arranged outside the aerosol-forming substrate or inside the aerosol-forming substrate. The induction source generates an alternating electromagnetic field that induces magnetization or eddy currents in the susceptor. Susceptors may be heated due to hysteresis losses or induced eddy currents that heat the susceptor by ohmic or resistive heating.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a susceptor. The susceptor may be as described above in relation to the aerosol-generating article.

An aerosol-generating device comprising an induction heating device may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article having an aerosol-forming substrate and a susceptor in thermal proximity to the aerosol-forming substrate. Typically, the susceptor is in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate and heat is transferred from the susceptor to the aerosol-forming substrate primarily by conduction.

Examples of electrically operated aerosol-generating systems with induction heating means and aerosol-generating articles with susceptors are described in WO-A1-95/27411 and WO-A1-2015/177255.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a battery and control electronics.

There is also provided an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-forming substrate according to the invention and a nebulizer configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate.

The atomizer may be a thermal atomizer.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise any suitable type of thermal atomizer. For example, the thermal atomizer may include a heater. The thermal atomizer may include an electric heater. In one example, the thermal atomizer may include an electric heater that includes a heating element. The heating element may be a resistive heating element. In one example, the heating element may comprise a heater blade or pin adapted to be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate such that the aerosol-forming substrate is heated from within. In another example, the heating element may partially or completely surround the aerosol-forming substrate and circumferentially heat the aerosol-forming substrate from an exterior thereof.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise a susceptor. The susceptor may be as described above in relation to the aerosol-generating article.

An aerosol-generating system comprising an induction heating device may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article having an aerosol-forming substrate and a susceptor in thermal proximity to the aerosol-forming substrate. Typically, the susceptor is in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate and heat is transferred from the susceptor to the aerosol-forming substrate primarily by conduction.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise a battery and control electronics.

For the avoidance of doubt, the features described above in relation to the aerosol-forming substrate may also relate to an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating system, where appropriate. Similarly, the features described above in relation to the aerosol-generating article may also relate to an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating system, and vice versa, as appropriate.

It should be understood that any features described herein with respect to one embodiment of an aerosol-forming substrate, an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol-generating device or an aerosol-generating system may also be applicable to other embodiments of an aerosol-forming substrate, an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol-generating device or an aerosol-generating system according to the present disclosure. Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to another embodiment according to the present disclosure. It will also be appreciated that an aerosol generator according to the present disclosure may be provided in an aerosol-generating device without a cartridge. Thus, any of the features described herein with respect to the cartridge may be equally applicable to an aerosol-generating device.

The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Ex1 an aerosol-forming substrate for use in an aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-forming substrate comprising:

one or more aerosol formers;

hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and

one or more cellulose-based reinforcing agents.

Ex2 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX1, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of greater than about 0.5 wt%.

Ex3. the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX2, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 0.5 wt% to about 50 wt%.

Ex4 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX3, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 10 wt% to about 40 wt%.

Ex5 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX4, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 15 wt% to about 30 wt%.

Ex6 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX5, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 20 wt% to about 25 wt%.

The aerosol-forming substrate according to any one of examples EX1 to EX6, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose-based reinforcement content of greater than about 0.5 wt%.

Ex8 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX7, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 0.5 wt% to about 50 wt%.

Ex9 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX8, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 0.5 wt% to about 40 wt%.

Ex10 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX9, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 5 wt% to about 30 wt%.

Ex11 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX10, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 10 wt% to about 20 wt%.

Ex12 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX11, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 15 wt% to about 20 wt%.

Ex13 the aerosol-forming substrate according to one of examples EX1 to EX12, wherein the one or more cellulose-based reinforcing agents comprise cellulose fibers.

Ex14 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX13, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose fiber content of greater than about 0.5 wt%.

Ex15 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX14, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose fiber content of between about 0.5 wt% to about 50 wt%.

EX16 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX15, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose fiber content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 40 wt%.

Ex17 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX16, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose fiber content of between about 5 wt% and about 30 wt%.

Ex18 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX17, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose fiber content of between about 10 wt% to about 20 wt%.

Ex19 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX18, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose fiber content of between about 15 wt% to about 20 wt%.

The aerosol-forming substrate according to any one of examples EX1 to EX19, wherein the one or more cellulose-based strengthening agents comprise microcrystalline cellulose.

Ex21 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX20, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a microcrystalline cellulose content of greater than about 0.5 wt%.

Ex22 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX21, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 0.5 wt% to about 50 wt%.

Ex23 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX22, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 0.5 wt% to about 40 wt%.

Ex24 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX23, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 5 wt% to about 30 wt%.

Ex25 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX18, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 10 wt% to about 20 wt%.

EX26 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX24, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 15 wt% and about 20 wt%.

The aerosol-forming substrate according to any one of examples EX1 to EX26, wherein the one or more cellulose-based reinforcing agents comprise cellulose powder.

Ex28 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX27, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose powder content of greater than about 0.5 wt%.

Ex29 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX28, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose powder content of between about 0.5 wt% to about 50 wt%.

Ex30 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX29, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose powder content of between about 0.5 wt% to about 40 wt%.

Ex31 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX30, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose powder content of between about 5 wt% to about 30 wt%.

Ex32 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX31, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose powder content of between about 10 wt% to about 20 wt%.

Ex33 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX32, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose powder content of between about 15 wt% to about 20 wt%.

Ex34 the aerosol-forming substrate according to any one of examples EX1 to EX33, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises carboxymethyl cellulose.

Ex35 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX34, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a carboxymethyl cellulose content of greater than about 0.5 wt%.

Ex36 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX35, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a carboxymethyl cellulose content between about 0.5 wt% and about 20 wt%.

Ex37 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX36, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a carboxymethyl cellulose content of between about 0.5 wt% to about 15 wt%.

Ex38 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX37, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a carboxymethyl cellulose content of between about 5 wt% to about 10 wt%.

Ex39 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX38, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a carboxymethyl cellulose content of between about 5 wt% to about 7 wt%.

Ex40 the aerosol-forming substrate according to any of examples EX28 to EX39, wherein the carboxymethyl cellulose comprises sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

Ex41 the aerosol-forming substrate according to any of examples EX1 to EX40, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises nicotine.

Ex42 an aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX41, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a nicotine content of greater than about 0.5% by weight.

Ex43 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX42, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a nicotine content of between about 0.5% to about 5% by weight.

Ex44 the aerosol-forming substrate according to any one of examples EX1 to EX43, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises one or more carboxylic acids.

Ex45 the aerosol-forming substrate according to example EX44, wherein the one or more carboxylic acids comprise one or more of lactic acid and levulinic acid.

Ex46 an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate of any of examples EX1 to EX45.

Ex42 an aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating system comprising:

an aerosol-generating device; and

including an aerosol-generating article according to example EX46.

Specific embodiments will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 illustrates one example of an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate as described herein; and

fig. 2 illustrates an example of an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-generating article shown in fig. 1.

Some aerosol-forming substrates have low tensile strength. This means that such aerosol-forming substrates may break or be damaged before the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, which is undesirable. Some aerosol-forming substrates have a tendency to melt, which may lead to the formation of a crust on a portion of the aerosol-generating article. The crusting formed on a portion of the aerosol-generating article may reduce the level of nicotine delivered to the user. The formation of a crust over a portion of the aerosol-generating article may reduce the volume of aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating system.

For example, as discussed above, in an aerosol-generating system comprising an induction heating device, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a susceptor that is heatable by an induction source. The heat from the susceptor is then transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate. The components of the aerosol-forming substrate may then be gasified to produce an aerosol. However, if the susceptor is encapsulated in an aerosol-forming substrate crust, the crust may reduce heat transfer from the heated susceptor to the aerosol-forming substrate. A reduction in heat transfer from the heated susceptor to the aerosol-forming substrate may reduce the level of nicotine delivered to the user. A reduction in heat transfer from the heated susceptor to the aerosol-forming substrate may reduce the volume of aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating system.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide aerosol-forming substrates having increased tensile strength. It is also desirable to provide an aerosol-forming substrate with a reduced tendency to melt, which may reduce the crusting effect of the aerosol-forming substrate on components of the aerosol-generating article.

Fig. 1 illustrates one example of an aerosol-generating article 1000 containing an aerosol-forming substrate as described herein.

In the example of fig. 1, the aerosol-generating article 1000 comprises four elements: aerosol-forming substrate 1020, hollow cellulose acetate tube 1030, spacer element 1040, and mouthpiece filter 1050. The four

elements

1020, 1030, 1040, 1050 are arranged in sequential and coaxial alignment. The four

elements

1020, 1030, 1040, 1050 are assembled from cigarette paper 1060 to form the aerosol-generating article 1000.

In the example of fig. 1, the aerosol-generating article 1000 has a mouth end 1012 and a distal end 1013. During use, a user may insert the mouth end 1012 into his or her mouth. The distal end 1013 is located at an end of the aerosol-generating article 1000 opposite the oral end 1012. This example of an aerosol-generating article 1000 illustrated in fig. 1 is particularly suitable for use with an electrically operated aerosol-generating device comprising a heater for heating an aerosol-generating substrate.

In one example, when assembled, the aerosol-generating article 1000 is about 45 millimeters in length and has an outer diameter of about 7.2 millimeters and an inner diameter of about 6.9 millimeters.

In the example of fig. 1, aerosol-forming substrate 1020 is provided in the form of a rod made by crimping a sheet of aerosol-forming substrate. Many examples of aerosol-forming substrates 1020 are shown in table 1 below. The sheets are gathered, crimped and wrapped in filter paper (not shown) to form a rod.

The aerosol-generating article 1000 as shown in fig. 1 is designed to be engaged with an aerosol-generating device in order to be consumed. Such an aerosol-generating device comprises a device to heat an aerosol-forming substrate 1020 to a sufficient temperature to form an aerosol. In general, the aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating element surrounding the aerosol-generating article 1000 adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate 1020 or a heating element inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 1020.

After engagement with the aerosol-generating device, the smoker draws on the mouth end 1012 of the smoking article 1000 and the aerosol-forming substrate 1020 is heated to a temperature of about 375 degrees celsius. At this temperature, volatile compounds will escape from the aerosol-forming substrate 1020. These compounds condense to form aerosols. The aerosol is drawn through the filter 1050 and into the user's mouth.

Fig. 2 illustrates a portion of an electrically operated aerosol-generating system 2000. The aerosol-generating system utilizes the heating blade 2100 to heat the aerosol-generating substrate 1020 of the aerosol-generating article 1000. In the example of fig. 2, the heating blade 2100 is mounted within an aerosol-product receiving chamber of an electrically operated aerosol-generating device 2010. The aerosol-generating device 2010 defines a plurality of air holes 2050 for allowing air to flow to the aerosol-generating article 1000. The air flow is indicated by arrows in fig. 2. The aerosol-generating device 2010 comprises a power source and electronics, which are not illustrated in fig. 2. The aerosol-generating article 1000 of fig. 2 is as described with respect to fig. 1.

Examples

Exemplary formulations of aerosol-forming substrates according to the invention (examples A, B, C, D and E) were prepared having the compositions shown in table 1.

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TABLE 1

The aerosol-forming substrates of examples A, B, C, D and E were prepared by:

(1) Mixing the components with water using heat and agitation to form a slurry;

(2) Casting the slurry onto a planar surface to form a film having a thickness of about 210 microns;

(3) Leaving the film on the planar surface to solidify; and

(3) The film was dried by heating the film to about 140 degrees celsius for about 8 minutes.

The aerosol-forming substrate obtained after drying is a solid. In other words, the aerosol-forming substrates each have a stable size and shape and do not flow. The term "stable" is used herein to indicate that the aerosol-forming substrate substantially retains its shape and quality upon exposure to various environmental conditions. Thus, the aerosol-forming substrate does not substantially release or absorb water when exposed to standard temperature and pressure while the relative humidity varies from about 10% to about 60%.

This is particularly advantageous as it will ensure that the aerosol-forming substrate according to the invention does not release a liquid phase during storage or during transport, for example from a manufacturing facility to a point of sale.

When used in an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-forming substrates of examples A, B, C, D and E were heated to a temperature of about 375 degrees celsius, as described above. The nicotine and glycerin contained in the film are evaporated. The nicotine and glycerin condense to form an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol may then be inhaled by the user. The aerosol-forming substrate shrinks slightly and its volume decreases. However, the membrane remains solid and its membrane form is maintained. The aerosol-forming substrate appeared to be slightly stiff and appeared to be darker brown.

The aerosol-forming substrate of example a comprises a combination of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and a cellulose-based enhancer. In example a, the cellulose-based reinforcement is cellulose fiber. The aerosol-forming substrate of example a further comprises sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, nicotine, glycerin, and a carboxylic acid. In example a, the carboxylic acid is lactic acid.

The aerosol-forming substrate of example B comprises a combination of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and a cellulose-based enhancer. In example B, the cellulose-based reinforcement is cellulose fiber. The aerosol-forming substrate of example B contains more cellulosic fibers than the aerosol-forming substrate of example a. The aerosol-forming substrate of example B further comprises sodium carboxymethylcellulose and glycerol.

The aerosol-forming substrate of example C comprises a combination of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and a cellulose-based enhancer. In example C, the cellulose-based reinforcement is cellulose fiber. The aerosol-forming substrate of example C contained fewer cellulosic fibers than the aerosol-forming substrate of example a. The aerosol-forming substrate of example C comprises agar instead of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The aerosol-forming substrate of example C further comprises glycerin.

The aerosol-forming substrate of example D comprises a combination of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and two cellulose-based enhancers. In example D, the cellulose-based reinforcement is cellulose fibers and microcrystalline cellulose. The aerosol-forming substrate of example D contained fewer cellulosic fibers than the aerosol-forming substrate of example a. The aerosol-forming substrate of example D comprises agar instead of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The aerosol-forming substrate of example D further comprises glycerin.

The aerosol-forming substrate of example E comprises a combination of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and a cellulose-based enhancer. In example E, the cellulose-based reinforcement is a cellulose powder. The aerosol-forming substrate of example E further comprises sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, nicotine, glycerin, and a carboxylic acid. In example E, the carboxylic acid is lactic acid.

The effects of the components of examples A, B, C and D above, including the effects of cellulose-based enhancers, will now be demonstrated by comparison with the comparative aerosol-forming substrate examples. The comparative aerosol-forming substrate comprised 25.53% by weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, 6.38% by weight agar and 63.81% by weight glycerin.

Table 2 shows a comparison of tensile strength between five example formulations of aerosol-forming substrates (examples A, B, C and D) and comparative examples.

The tensile strength of the example formulation and the comparative formulation was measured by using a conventional method of stretching a test specimen of a given size for each formulation at a constant elongation until it breaks. A tensile strength testing instrument is attached to the test specimen, which provides a measurement of the breaking force when the formulation breaks. The tensile strength of the test specimen is given by the breaking force at break divided by the specimen width.

Examples	Comparative example	A	B	C	D
						Tensile Strength (N/m)	421	677	1580	830	1199

TABLE 2

As shown in table 2, the aerosol-forming substrate of example a provided a 256N/m tensile strength increase as compared to the comparative example. This corresponds to a 61% increase in tensile strength.

The aerosol-forming substrate of example B provided a tensile strength increase of 1159N/m compared to the comparative example. This corresponds to a 275% increase in tensile strength.

The aerosol-forming substrate of example C provided an increase in tensile strength of 409N/m as compared to the comparative example. This corresponds to a 97% increase in tensile strength.

The aerosol-forming substrate of example D provided a 778N/m tensile strength increase compared to the comparative example. This corresponds to a 185% increase in tensile strength.

Thus, the aerosol-forming substrates of examples A, B, C and D all showed a substantial increase in tensile strength compared to the comparative examples. The inventors have found that such an increase in the tensile strength of the aerosol-forming substrate may provide a number of advantages, particularly for subsequent processing steps in the manufacture of aerosol-generating articles comprising the aerosol-forming substrate.

For example, after the aerosol-forming substrate is made, it is typically wound onto a spool. The increase in tensile strength of the aerosol-forming substrate may reduce breakage of the aerosol-forming substrate due to tension when the aerosol-forming substrate is transferred to the spool.

The subsequent manufacturing steps typically involve unwinding the aerosol-forming substrate from a spool and then crimping the aerosol-forming substrate using a crimping roller. An increase in the tensile strength of the aerosol-forming substrate may reduce breakage during the crimping process.

The reduction of breakage of the aerosol-forming substrate during subsequent processing steps may reduce wastage of the aerosol-forming substrate during manufacture of an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-forming substrate. In addition, if the aerosol-forming substrate breaks during the processing step, manufacturing time may be lost, and thus, an increase in the tensile strength of the aerosol-forming substrate may improve manufacturing time.

Although the aerosol-forming substrates of examples C and D exhibited a large increase in tensile strength, examples C and D may cause encrustation on a portion of the aerosol-generating article containing the aerosol-forming substrate because they contained agar. The inventors believe that the agar melts when heated (e.g., by the aerosol-generating device). The melted agar may form agglomerates and form around portions of the aerosol-generating article. After the aerosol-generating article stops being heated, the melted agar will then cool and solidify into a crust. This is particularly a problem for aerosol-generating articles containing susceptors, as encrustations on the susceptors have been found to reduce heat transfer from the susceptors to the aerosol-forming substrate, which may reduce the level of nicotine delivered to the user and reduce the volume of aerosol delivered to the user.

The aerosol-forming substrates of examples a and B were agar-free. Instead, the aerosol-forming substrates of examples a and B contained sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The inventors have found that aerosol-forming substrates containing carboxymethyl cellulose instead of agar have reduced encrustation. Indeed, in some instances, the inventors have found that the use of carboxymethyl cellulose instead of agar can completely eliminate the crusting problem. Reducing and eliminating encrustations, particularly on the susceptor, can result in increased levels of nicotine delivered to the user and increased volumes of aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate.

Claims

1. An aerosol-forming substrate for use in an aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-forming substrate comprising:

one or more aerosol-formers, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-former content of greater than 30% by weight;

hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and

one or more cellulose-based reinforcing agents, wherein the one or more cellulose-based reinforcing agents comprise a cellulose powder, and wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose powder content of from about 0.5% to about 50% by weight.

2. The aerosol-forming substrate of claim 1, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 50% by weight.

3. An aerosol-forming substrate according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose-based reinforcement content of greater than about 0.5 wt%.

4. An aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 3, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 0.5% to about 50% by weight.

5. An aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 4, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose-based enhancer content of between about 0.5% and about 40% by weight.

6. The aerosol-forming substrate according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more cellulose-based reinforcing agents comprise cellulose fibres.

7. The aerosol-forming substrate of claim 6, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a cellulose fiber content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 50 wt%.

8. The aerosol-forming substrate according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more cellulose-based reinforcing agents comprise microcrystalline cellulose.

9. The aerosol-forming substrate of claim 8, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a microcrystalline cellulose content of between about 0.5 wt% and about 50 wt%.

10. An aerosol-forming substrate according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises carboxymethyl cellulose.

11. An aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 10, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a carboxymethyl cellulose content of between about 0.5% to about 20% by weight.

12. The aerosol-forming substrate of claim 11, wherein the carboxymethyl cellulose comprises sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

13. An aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate according to any preceding claim.