EP4149288A1 - Plasma treatment of a tobacco product filter material - Google Patents

Plasma treatment of a tobacco product filter material

Info

Publication number
EP4149288A1
EP4149288A1 EP21724344.3A EP21724344A EP4149288A1 EP 4149288 A1 EP4149288 A1 EP 4149288A1 EP 21724344 A EP21724344 A EP 21724344A EP 4149288 A1 EP4149288 A1 EP 4149288A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
plasma
filter material
tobacco
filter
product
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21724344.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Alec WRIGHT
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
JT International SA
Original Assignee
JT International SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by JT International SA filed Critical JT International SA
Publication of EP4149288A1 publication Critical patent/EP4149288A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
    • A24D3/06—Use of materials for tobacco smoke filters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
    • A24D3/06—Use of materials for tobacco smoke filters
    • A24D3/08—Use of materials for tobacco smoke filters of organic materials as carrier or major constituent
    • A24D3/10—Use of materials for tobacco smoke filters of organic materials as carrier or major constituent of cellulose or cellulose derivatives
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
    • A24D3/17—Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a process for plasma treatment of a tobacco product filter material, the plasma treatment preferably being treatment with plasma effluent, a filter comprising the filter material obtainable by the process, a tobacco-vapor product comprising the filter, and the use of the filter in a tobacco-vapor product.
  • Tobacco-vapor products encounter high popularity among users for reduced or even no tobacco smoke smell while providing for an authentic and familiar tobacco taste.
  • the total particulate matter (TPM) and the temperature of the first two to four puffs from a tobacco-vapor device are well known to be affected by the water content of the tobacco.
  • TPM total particulate matter
  • the water present in tobacco is boiled- off as steam and combined with the vapor before being inhaled by the user.
  • the steam can make the vapor uncomfortably hot for the user. This is specifically true for the first two to four puffs.
  • laser ablation provides great amounts of energy to a surface to be treated and is therefore quite aggressive involving undesired surface modifications.
  • laser ablation treatment is directed to the very top layer of a surface only and does not allow for treatment of lower surface layers. Accordingly, a more uniform treatment of filter materials for tobacco products having improved properties such as an increase in hydrophilicity is desired.
  • the present invention is directed to plasma treatment of filter material such as cellulose acetate used in a tobacco product, in particular a tobacco vapor product.
  • the plasma treatment increases the ability of the filter material to remove water vapor from the air passing through the filter during a puff.
  • the plasma treatment provides for an increased hydrophilicity, wettability, wi eking rate, water absorption time and/ or water absorption capacity of the filter material.
  • the plasma treatment may either be a low-pressure plasma treatment or an atmospheric pressure plasma treatment, using admixtures of argon and or helium and oxygen. While the low-pressure plasma treatment is carried out as a batch process in a vacuum chamber, the atmospheric pressure treatment allows for a continuous process.
  • a 1 st embodiment of the invention is a process of treating a tobacco product filter material comprising the step of applying plasma to the filter material.
  • the plasma is a low-pressure plasma or an atmospheric plasma.
  • the plasma is argon plasma and/ or helium plasma.
  • the plasma comprises an additional gas, preferably oxygen.
  • the plasma in the process of any one of the preceding embodiments, is atmospheric argon plasma and/or atmospheric helium plasma, preferably atmospheric helium plasma.
  • the plasma comprises oxygen as an additional gas in an amount of at least o.oi vol.-%, preferably at least 0.05 vol.-%, more preferably of at least 0.1 vol.-%, even more preferably of at least 0.25 vol.-%, most preferably of at least 0.5 vol.-%, and/or at most 10 vol.-%, preferably at most 8 vol.-%, more preferably at most 2 vol.-%, even more preferably at most 1 vol.-%, most preferably at most 0.5 vol.-%.
  • the time during which the plasma is applied to the filter material at least 0.1 sec for a given portion of filter material to be treated, preferably at least 0.2 sec, more preferably of at least 0.5 sec, even more preferably of at least 0.7 sec, most preferably of at least 1.0 sec, and/or at most 20 sec for a given portion of filter material to be treated, preferably at most 10 sec, more preferably at most 5 sec, even more preferably at most 2 sec, most preferably at most 1 sec.
  • the plasma is low-pressure argon plasma and/or low-pressure helium plasma, preferably low-pressure argon plasma.
  • the plasma comprises oxygen as an additional gas in an amount of at least 0.2 vol.-%, preferably at least 0.5 vol.-%, more preferably of at least 1.0 vol.-%, even more preferably of at least 1.5 vol.-%, most preferably of at least 2.0 vol.-%, and/ or at most 20 vol.-%, preferably at most 10 vol.-%, more preferably at most 5 vol.-%, even more preferably at most 3 vol.-%, most preferably at most 2 vol.-%.
  • the time during which the plasma is applied to the filter material is at least 10 sec per batch of filter material, preferably at least 20 sec per batch of filter material, more preferably of at least 40 sec per batch of filter material, even more preferably of at least 50 sec per batch of filter material, most preferably of at least 60 sec per batch of filter material, and/or at most 180 sec per batch of filter material, preferably at most 120 sec per batch of filter material, more preferably at most 90 sec per batch of filter material, even more preferably at most 75 sec per batch of filter material, most preferably at most 60 sec per batch of filter material.
  • the tobacco product filter material is a polymeric material, preferably cellulose acetate, cut or uncut.
  • the plasma is applied to the filter material via a jet, preferably via an effluent of the plasma jet.
  • plasma effluent refers to the exterior part of the plasma jet, sometimes also referred to as “plasma plume” .
  • the distance between the jet, preferably the effluent of the plasma jet, and the filter material is at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 15 mm, even more preferably at least 17 mm, most preferably at least 20 mm and/or at most 70 mm, preferably at most 40 mm, more preferably at most 30 mm, even more preferably at most 25 mm, most preferably at most 20 mm.
  • the outer dimensions of the jet and/or the plasma effluent correspond to 1% to 500%, preferably 5% to 400%, more preferably 10% to 300%, even more preferably 20 to 250%, most preferably 25-200% of the size of the inner diameter of the jet tube.
  • the plasma temperature at the surface of the filter material is at least 30 °C, preferably at least 50 °C, more preferably at least 70 °C, even more preferably at least 85, most preferably at least too °C and/or at most 170 °C, preferably at most 150 °C, more preferably at most 130 °C, even more preferably at most 115 °C, most preferably at most too °C.
  • the temperature of the plasma effluent at the surface of the filter material is in the range of o °C to too °C, preferably 5 °C to 70 °C, more preferably 15 °C to 55 °C, most preferably 20 to 50 °C.
  • the temperature of the plasma effluent at the surface of the filter material is at least o °C, preferably at least 5 °C, more preferably at least 15 °C, even more preferably at least 19 °C, most preferably at least 24 °C and/or wherein the temperature of the plasma, preferably of the effluent, is at most too °C, preferably at most 70 °C, more preferably at most 55 °C, even more preferably at most 26 °C, most preferably at most 21 °C.
  • the plasma effluent is provided via Direct Barrier Discharge (DBD), Spark Discharge or surface DBD, preferably plasma effluent is provided via Direct Barrier Discharge (DBD).
  • DBD Direct Barrier Discharge
  • Spark Discharge or surface DBD preferably plasma effluent is provided via Direct Barrier Discharge (DBD).
  • the hydrophilicity, wettability, horizontal and/ or vertical wi eking rate, water absorption time and/ or water absorption capacity of the tobacco product filter material is increased by the application of the plasma to the tobacco product filter material, preferably, wherein hydrophilicity refers to a contact angle of water droplets on the surface of the treated filter material of less than 90 degrees.
  • the ability of the filter material to remove water vapor from air passing through the filter material is increased by the application of the plasma to the tobacco product filter material, preferably, wherein the ability of the filter material to remove water vapor after the application of the plasma is increased by at least 80%, preferably of at least 85%, more preferably of at least 90%, even more preferably of at least 95 %, most preferably of at least 99% when compared to filter material which was not treated with plasma.
  • a 22 nd embodiment of the invention is a filter for a tobacco product, comprising a tobacco product filter material obtainable by the process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 21.
  • the tobacco product is a tobacco-vapor product, wherein the filter preferably has two sections, at least one of which has a hollow center.
  • the tobacco product filter material represents a filter volume comprised above 200 mm3, preferably between 250 and 600 mm3.
  • a 25 th embodiment of the invention is a tobacco-vapor product, preferably an electronic cigarette having a heating element that atomizes a liquid solution which is inhaled as an aerosol by a user, comprising the filter of any one of embodiments 22 to 24.
  • the tobacco-vapor product does not comprise a flavor-enhancing agent, flavourants, sensoiy enhancing agents, and/or sensation agent selected from freshening agents, cooling agents, or hot effect agents, natural or synthetic aromas or fragrances such as fruity, confectionery, floral, sweet, woody fragrances and/or coconut, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, cinnamon, mint, or roasted or toasted aromas.
  • a flavor-enhancing agent selected from freshening agents, cooling agents, or hot effect agents
  • natural or synthetic aromas or fragrances such as fruity, confectionery, floral, sweet, woody fragrances and/or coconut, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, cinnamon, mint, or roasted or toasted aromas.
  • a 27 th embodiment of the invention is directed to the use of a filter according to any one of embodiments 23 to 24 in a tobacco-vapor product.
  • the filter is used for removing water vapor from air passing through the filter material during a puff, preferably at least during a first puff.
  • the tobacco-vapor product is a product according to any one of embodiments 25 or 26.
  • plasma refers to ionized gas, i.e. free electrons, ions and molecule fragments in the gas phase.
  • Plasma provides for highly energetic ions and electrons, as well as other reactive particles which can be used to effectively alter the surface of a substrate.
  • Plasma can be artificially generated by heating or subjecting a neutral gas to a strong electromagnetic field to the point where an ionized gaseous substance becomes increasingly electrically conductive.
  • atmospheric plasma refers to plasma in which the pressure approximately matches that of the surrounding atmosphere - the so-called normal pressure.
  • low-pressure plasma refers to plasma formed by exciting gas in a vacuum, i.e. substantially below atmospheric or normal pressure, by supply of energy.
  • direct plasma refers to the central part of the plasma or the region of the plasma jet at its point of origin, i.e. the location where the plasma is generated, e.g. between two electrodes used for generating the plasma.
  • plasma effluent refers to the exterior part of the plasma jet, sometimes also referred to as “plasma plume”.
  • tobacco-vapor product refers to a tobacco product allowing the user to inhale an aerosol, commonly called “vapor”.
  • a tobacco-vapor product can be a product configured to be used in an electronic cigarette having a heating element that atomizes a liquid solution of the product which is inhaled as an aerosol by a user or a product configured to be used in a heat-not-burn device that generates aerosol or vapor by heating at a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol or vapor substrate contained in the consumable such as reconstituted tobacco.
  • flavor-enhancing agent or “flavourant” as used in the context of the present invention refers to natural or synthetic aromas or fragrances enhancing the scent and/or taste profile of a tobacco product.
  • Typical “flavor-enhancing agents” or “flavourants” maybe fruity, confectioneiy, floral, sweet, woody fragrances and/or coconut, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, cinnamon, mint, or roasted or toasted aromas, which can be used to.
  • “Sensory enhancing agents”, and/or “sensation agents” as used in context of the present invention refer to agents which enhance the user experience during using a tobacco product. “Sensoiy enhancing agents” and/or “sensation agents” maybe, for example, freshening agents, cooling agents, or hot effect agents.
  • Hydrophilic/hydrophilicity refers to a material or surface thereof which does not repel water and attracts and/ or absorbs water.
  • the hydrophilicity of a surface can be determined, for example, by contact angle measurement. Contact angle measurements can be used to quantify the wettability of a solid surface by a liquid. A surface is considered hydrophilic if the contact angle of a water droplet on the surface is less than 90 degrees.
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of plasma jet for treatment of a substrate via “direct plasma” according to the prior art:
  • Plasma 1.1 is generated in between HV electrode 1.4 and ground electrode 1.3 of a plasma jet comprising a hollow tube 1.6 and an air inlet 1.5.
  • the substrate or a conveyor belt conveying the substrate to be treated 1.2 is located between the electrodes 1.3, 1.4 used for generating the plasma 1.1.
  • Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of plasma jet for treatment of a substrate via “plasma effluent” according to the present invention.
  • Plasma effluent 2.1 is generated in between HV electrode 2.4 and ground electrode 2.3 of a plasma jet comprising a hollow tube 2.6 and an air inlet 2.5.
  • the substrate or a conveyor belt conveying the substrate to be treated 2.2 is not located in between electrodes 1.3, 1.4, but located in contact or in close proximity with the plasma effluent, e.g. below the electrodes used for generating the plasma.
  • Preferred embodiments of the invention are not located in between electrodes 1.3, 1.4, but located in contact or in close proximity with the plasma effluent, e.g. below the electrodes used for generating the plasma.
  • the filter material according to the present invention is preferably a polymeric material, more preferably cellulose acetate, which is commonly used as a synthetic fiber in the manufacture of cigarette filters.
  • the material may be cut or uncut or tow.
  • Plasma treatment is used to modify physical and chemical properties of materials. For example, treating a filter material with a low-temperature argon plasma with a small concentration of oxygen (0.1-1 vol.-%) provides for a change in the filter material’s surface energy.
  • plasma treatment is applied to the filter material to be treated.
  • the plasma treatment of the filter materials can be carried out either in atmospheric pressure plasma or in low-pressure plasma.
  • the filter material to be treated is first placed within a vacuum chamber on racks and the chamber is degassed to a vacuum, before bleeding in a small quantity of argon or other gas, and a small concentration of oxygen.
  • the gas within the vacuum is then ionized by a radio frequency (RF) power supply to form a plasma which interacts with the surface of the filter material.
  • RF radio frequency
  • the low-pressure plasma is low-pressure argon plasma.
  • ambient air is fed into the chamber to remove the vacuum before removal of the filter material from the vacuum chamber.
  • Low-pressure plasma treatment advantageously allows for application of low temperatures and, therefore, allows for preventing thermal breakdown of the filter material to be treated.
  • the plasma is applied via a jet.
  • the atmospheric plasma is atmospheric helium plasma.
  • the jet comprises a central tube through which helium flows, preferably with the addition of a small concentration of oxygen.
  • a high voltage electrode Around the outside of the tube is a high voltage electrode which is connected to a radio frequency (RF) power supply.
  • RF radio frequency
  • the ground electrode is below the conveyor belt which carries the filter material to be treated. This arrangement is referred to as treatment via “direct plasma”.
  • helium gas is ionized between the tube and the ground electrode with the filter material as substrate to be treated in between.
  • the jet can be moved along an arm mechanism in a printing style maneuver to fire onto the individual filter materials, or an array of jets can be combined together to form a plasma screen through which the filter materials pass.
  • the distance between the jet and the filter material to be treated and/or the velocity of the conveyor belt may be varied.
  • the plasma intensity may also be adjusted by changing the frequency at which the plasma is generated (also referred to “driving frequency”): The closer the driving frequency is to the resonance point, the more power is consumed, i.e. a high plasma intensity.
  • Atmospheric pressure plasma allows for a simple way of carrying out the plasma treatment, as no vacuum chamber is needed. Also, atmospheric pressure plasma allows lO for the manufacture of the plasma-treated filter material to be carried out in a continuous process instead of a batch process. A continuous process allows for an increased process efficiency and more uniform product quality.
  • the settings of plasma treatment depend on whether the plasma is atmospheric plasma or low-pressure plasma:
  • the plasma is atmospheric argon plasma and/or atmospheric helium plasma, preferably atmospheric helium plasma.
  • the plasma preferably comprises oxygen as an additional gas in an amount of at least o.oi vol.-%, preferably at least 0.05 vol.-%, more preferably of at least 0.1 vol.-%, even more preferably of at least 0.25 vol.-%, most preferably of at least 0.5 vol.-%, and/or at most 10 vol.-%, preferably at most 8 vol.-%, more preferably at most 2 vol.-%, even more preferably at most 1 vol.-%, most preferably at most 0.5 vol.-%.
  • the plasma may be generated without admixture of oxygen but rather the generated plasma is admixed with oxygen, air or synthetic air to provide for short-lived, i.e. highly reactive species, specifically reactive oxygen species (ROS).
  • the time during which the plasma is applied to the filter material is preferably at least 0.1 sec per for a given portion of filter material to be treated, preferably at least 0.2 sec, more preferably of at least 0.5 sec, even more preferably of at least 0.7 sec, most preferably of at least 1.0 sec, and/or at most 20 sec for a given portion of filter material to be treated, preferably at most 10 sec, more preferably at most 5 sec, even more preferably at most 2 sec, most preferably at most 1 sec
  • the plasma is applied to the filter material typically via a jet, wherein the distance between the jet and the filter material may be at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 15 mm, even more preferably at least 18 mm, most preferably at least 20
  • the plasma is low-pressure argon plasma and/or low-pressure helium plasma, preferably low-pressure argon plasma.
  • the plasma comprises oxygen as an additional gas in an amount of at least 0.2 vol.-%, preferably at least 0.5 vol.-%, more preferably of at least 1.0 vol.-%, even more preferably of at least 1.5 vol.-%, most preferably of at least 2.0 vol.-%, and/or at most 20 vol.-%, preferably at most 10 vol.-%, more preferably at most 5 vol.-%, even more preferably at most 3 vol.-%, most preferably at most 2 vol.-%.
  • the time during which the plasma is applied to the filter material is preferably at least 10 sec per per batch of filter material, preferably at least 20 sec per batch of filter material, more preferably of at least 40 sec per batch of filter material, even more preferably of at least 50 sec per batch of filter material, most preferably of at least 60 sec per batch of filter material, and/or at most 180 sec per batch of filter material, preferably at most 120 sec per batch of filter material, more preferably at most 90 sec per batch of filter material, even more preferably at most 75 sec per batch of filter material, most preferably at most 60 sec per batch of filter material.
  • the plasma is applied to the filter material via a plate arrangement, wherein the plasma is formed between two sheets and/or disks, wherein one of the sheets and/or disks is a high voltage electrode and the other is a ground electrode.
  • the plasma temperature at the surface of the filter material may be at least 30 °C, preferably at least 40 °C, more preferably at least 60 °C, even more preferably at least 85 °C, most preferably at least too °C and/or at most 170 °C, preferably at most 160 °C, more preferably at most 140 °C, even more preferably at most 115 °C, most preferably at most too °C.
  • the plasma is applied to the filter material via an effluent of the plasma jet.
  • the filter material as substrate to be treated is not in between the electrodes used for generating the plasma.
  • the conveyor belt conveying the substrate to be treated is located below the electrodes used for generating the plasma.
  • the substrate to be treated is in contact or in close proximity with the plasma effluent. This arrangement provides for a lower temperature of the plasma at the surface of the substrate to be treated compared to the treatment via “direct plasma”.
  • the temperature of the plasma effluent at the surface of the filter material is at least o°C, preferably at least 5°C, more preferably at least 15°C, even more preferably at least 19°C, most preferably at least 24°C and/or wherein the temperature of the plasma, preferably of the effluent, is at most ioo°C, preferably at most 70°C, more preferably at most 55°C, even more preferably at most 26°C, most preferably at most 2i°C.
  • the temperature of the plasma effluent at the surface of the filter material is in the range of o°C to ioo°C, preferably 5°C to 70°C, more preferably 15°C to 55°C, most preferably 20 to 50°C.
  • the nature of ionic and radical species and admixtures thereof in the plasma effluent are different from those of the direct plasma.
  • the plasma effluent provides for a lower concentration of short-lived, i.e. highly reactive species, specifically reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to direct plasma.
  • ROS reactive oxygen species
  • the concentration of ozone species is lower compared to direct plasma treatment.
  • Plasma effluent may be provided via Direct Barrier Discharge (DBD) or Spark Discharge.
  • plasma effluent may also be provided via surface DBD, wherein the plasma is formed on a flat plate.
  • DBD Direct Barrier Discharge
  • EHD electrohydrodynamic
  • surface DBD there is no need for argon or helium and the plasma treatment relies on diffusion and the electrohydrodynamic (EHD) effect to transport reactive species to the substrate to be treated.
  • EHD electrohydrodynamic
  • the generation rate of the ROS is much lower.
  • treatment with plasma effluent is gentler and provides for less undesired degradation of the treated filter material. Consequently, treatment with plasma effluent provides for higher quality of the treated filter material.
  • the plasma treatment provides for efficient treatment of the substrate without negatively affecting the substrates integrity, e.g. by thermal degradation.
  • the plasma treatment allows for a filter material having increased hydrophilicity, wettability, horizontal and/or vertical wicking rate, water absorption time and / or water absorption capacity, and the ability of the filter material to remove water vapor from air passing through the filter material is increased, while it is not degraded thermally.
  • hydrophilicity refers to a contact angle of water droplets on the surface of the treated filter material of less than 90 degrees.
  • the ability of the filter material to remove water vapor after the application of the plasma is increased by at least 80%, preferably of at least 85%, more preferably of at least 90%, even more preferably of at least 95 %, most preferably of at least 99% when compared to filter material which was not treated with plasma.
  • the plasma when interacting with the surface of the filter material provides for hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups on the filter material’s surface.
  • hydroxyl (-0H) and carboxyl (- COOH) functional groups at the surface of the filter material confer the hydrophilic nature to the filter material.
  • a filter material of the present invention is specifically suitable for tobacco-vapor products. Since the filter material of the present invention has an increased hydrophilicity, wettability and/or water absorption capacity, it can efficiently remove water vapor and/or hot steam from a puff, in particular from a first and/or the first three to four puffs.
  • the temperature of a puff depends on the tobacco and the vapor device settings, in particular the heat-up time, chosen determining how much water vapor and / or hot steam is in a puff. Therefore, the hottest puff can be the first, the second, the third, or the fourth puff. Usually, depending on the tobacco and the heat-up time, the hottest puff is one of the first two to fourth puffs.
  • the filter material of the present invention efficiently absorbs any water in the gas phase of a puff onto the surface of the filter material, while the remaining components in the air of a puff such as aerosol generating agents such as polyols such as sorbitol, glycerol (VG), and glycols like propylene glycol (PG) or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, and other components such as nicotine, and/or flavorings, are not absorbed by the filter material and pass through the filter.
  • aerosol generating agents such as polyols such as sorbitol, glycerol (VG), and glycols like propylene glycol (PG) or triethylene glycol
  • a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such
  • the filter material according to the present invention and the use thereof in a tobacco product, in particular a tobacco-vapor product allows for enhancing the user experience by removing hot steam from the first puff and/or offers a more consistent vaping experience.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for plasma treatment of a tobacco product filter material, the plasma treatment preferably being treatment with plasma effluent, a filter comprising the filter material obtainable by the process, a tobacco-vapor product comprising the filter, and the use of the filter in a tobacco-vapor product. In particular, the filter material according to the present invention and the use thereof in a tobacco product, in particular a tobacco-vapor product, allows for enhancing the user experience by removing hot steam from the first two to four puffs and/or offers a more consistent vaping experience.

Description

Plasma treatment of a tobacco product filter material
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a process for plasma treatment of a tobacco product filter material, the plasma treatment preferably being treatment with plasma effluent, a filter comprising the filter material obtainable by the process, a tobacco-vapor product comprising the filter, and the use of the filter in a tobacco-vapor product.
Background of the invention
Tobacco-vapor products encounter high popularity among users for reduced or even no tobacco smoke smell while providing for an authentic and familiar tobacco taste.
In tobacco-vapor products, the total particulate matter (TPM) and the temperature of the first two to four puffs from a tobacco-vapor device are well known to be affected by the water content of the tobacco. During a puff, the water present in tobacco is boiled- off as steam and combined with the vapor before being inhaled by the user. The steam, however, can make the vapor uncomfortably hot for the user. This is specifically true for the first two to four puffs.
It is therefore desirable to provide means for removing (hot) water in the gas phase, water vapor and/or steam from the vapor in a tobacco-vapor product. At the same time, it is desirable to leave the remaining constituents of the vapor untouched. In the prior art, filter materials for tobacco products providing for an increased hydrophilicity are known. Also, methods of manufacturing such filter materials are known in the art. For example, US 7,478,637 B2 is related to a continuous process for surface modification of cigarette filter materials such as cellulose acetate via laser ablation allowing for improved hydrophilicity. However, laser ablation involves treated material to be heated by the absorbed laser energy and thus to be evaporated or sublimed. In other words, laser ablation provides great amounts of energy to a surface to be treated and is therefore quite aggressive involving undesired surface modifications. Also, laser ablation treatment is directed to the very top layer of a surface only and does not allow for treatment of lower surface layers. Accordingly, a more uniform treatment of filter materials for tobacco products having improved properties such as an increase in hydrophilicity is desired.
However, as in tobacco vapor products larger amounts of water vapor are formed compared to conventional tobacco products, there is need in the art for improved filter materials. Specifically, there is a need in the art for improved filter materials suitable for tobacco-vapor products. Specifically, there is need for a filter material for efficiently removing (hot) water in the gas phase, water vapor and or steam from a puff taken from a tobacco product, preferably a tobacco-vapor product.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention is directed to plasma treatment of filter material such as cellulose acetate used in a tobacco product, in particular a tobacco vapor product. The plasma treatment increases the ability of the filter material to remove water vapor from the air passing through the filter during a puff. The plasma treatment provides for an increased hydrophilicity, wettability, wi eking rate, water absorption time and/ or water absorption capacity of the filter material.
The plasma treatment may either be a low-pressure plasma treatment or an atmospheric pressure plasma treatment, using admixtures of argon and or helium and oxygen. While the low-pressure plasma treatment is carried out as a batch process in a vacuum chamber, the atmospheric pressure treatment allows for a continuous process.
A 1st embodiment of the invention is a process of treating a tobacco product filter material comprising the step of applying plasma to the filter material.
According to a 2nd embodiment, in the 1st embodiment, the plasma is a low-pressure plasma or an atmospheric plasma.
According to a 3rd embodiment, in the process of any one of the preceding embodiments, the plasma is argon plasma and/ or helium plasma.
According to a 4th embodiment, in the process of any one of the preceding embodiments, the plasma comprises an additional gas, preferably oxygen.
According to a 5th embodiment, in the process of any one of the preceding embodiments, the plasma is atmospheric argon plasma and/or atmospheric helium plasma, preferably atmospheric helium plasma. According to a 6th embodiment, in the process of the preceding embodiment, the plasma comprises oxygen as an additional gas in an amount of at least o.oi vol.-%, preferably at least 0.05 vol.-%, more preferably of at least 0.1 vol.-%, even more preferably of at least 0.25 vol.-%, most preferably of at least 0.5 vol.-%, and/or at most 10 vol.-%, preferably at most 8 vol.-%, more preferably at most 2 vol.-%, even more preferably at most 1 vol.-%, most preferably at most 0.5 vol.-%.
According to a 7th embodiment, in the process of any one of embodiments 5 or 6, the time during which the plasma is applied to the filter material at least 0.1 sec for a given portion of filter material to be treated, preferably at least 0.2 sec, more preferably of at least 0.5 sec, even more preferably of at least 0.7 sec, most preferably of at least 1.0 sec, and/or at most 20 sec for a given portion of filter material to be treated, preferably at most 10 sec, more preferably at most 5 sec, even more preferably at most 2 sec, most preferably at most 1 sec.
According to an 8th embodiment, in the process of any one of the preceding embodiments, the plasma is low-pressure argon plasma and/or low-pressure helium plasma, preferably low-pressure argon plasma.
According to a 9th embodiment, in the process of the preceding embodiment, the plasma comprises oxygen as an additional gas in an amount of at least 0.2 vol.-%, preferably at least 0.5 vol.-%, more preferably of at least 1.0 vol.-%, even more preferably of at least 1.5 vol.-%, most preferably of at least 2.0 vol.-%, and/ or at most 20 vol.-%, preferably at most 10 vol.-%, more preferably at most 5 vol.-%, even more preferably at most 3 vol.-%, most preferably at most 2 vol.-%.
According to a 10th embodiment, in the process of any one of embodiments 8 or 9, the time during which the plasma is applied to the filter material is at least 10 sec per batch of filter material, preferably at least 20 sec per batch of filter material, more preferably of at least 40 sec per batch of filter material, even more preferably of at least 50 sec per batch of filter material, most preferably of at least 60 sec per batch of filter material, and/or at most 180 sec per batch of filter material, preferably at most 120 sec per batch of filter material, more preferably at most 90 sec per batch of filter material, even more preferably at most 75 sec per batch of filter material, most preferably at most 60 sec per batch of filter material. According to an 11th embodiment, in the process of any one of the preceding embodiments, the tobacco product filter material is a polymeric material, preferably cellulose acetate, cut or uncut.
According to an 12th embodiment, in the process of any one of the preceding embodiments, the plasma is applied to the filter material via a jet, preferably via an effluent of the plasma jet.
According to a 13th embodiment, in the process of the preceding embodiment, plasma effluent refers to the exterior part of the plasma jet, sometimes also referred to as “plasma plume” . According to a 14th embodiment, in the process of the preceding embodiment, the distance between the jet, preferably the effluent of the plasma jet, and the filter material is at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 15 mm, even more preferably at least 17 mm, most preferably at least 20 mm and/or at most 70 mm, preferably at most 40 mm, more preferably at most 30 mm, even more preferably at most 25 mm, most preferably at most 20 mm.
According to a 15th embodiment, the outer dimensions of the jet and/or the plasma effluent correspond to 1% to 500%, preferably 5% to 400%, more preferably 10% to 300%, even more preferably 20 to 250%, most preferably 25-200% of the size of the inner diameter of the jet tube. According to a 16th embodiment, in the process of any one of the preceding embodiments, the plasma temperature at the surface of the filter material is at least 30 °C, preferably at least 50 °C, more preferably at least 70 °C, even more preferably at least 85, most preferably at least too °C and/or at most 170 °C, preferably at most 150 °C, more preferably at most 130 °C, even more preferably at most 115 °C, most preferably at most too °C.
According to a 17th embodiment, in the process of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the plasma is applied to the filter material via an effluent of the plasma jet, the temperature of the plasma effluent at the surface of the filter material is in the range of o °C to too °C, preferably 5 °C to 70 °C, more preferably 15 °C to 55 °C, most preferably 20 to 50 °C.
According to a 18th embodiment, in the process of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the plasma is applied to the filter material via an effluent of the plasma jet, the temperature of the plasma effluent at the surface of the filter material is at least o °C, preferably at least 5 °C, more preferably at least 15 °C, even more preferably at least 19 °C, most preferably at least 24 °C and/or wherein the temperature of the plasma, preferably of the effluent, is at most too °C, preferably at most 70 °C, more preferably at most 55 °C, even more preferably at most 26 °C, most preferably at most 21 °C.
According to a 19th embodiment, in the process of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the plasma is applied to the filter material via an effluent of the plasma jet, the plasma effluent is provided via Direct Barrier Discharge (DBD), Spark Discharge or surface DBD, preferably plasma effluent is provided via Direct Barrier Discharge (DBD).
According to a 20th embodiment, in the process of any one of the preceding embodiments, the hydrophilicity, wettability, horizontal and/ or vertical wi eking rate, water absorption time and/ or water absorption capacity of the tobacco product filter material is increased by the application of the plasma to the tobacco product filter material, preferably, wherein hydrophilicity refers to a contact angle of water droplets on the surface of the treated filter material of less than 90 degrees.
According to a 21st embodiment, in the process of any one of the preceding embodiments, the ability of the filter material to remove water vapor from air passing through the filter material is increased by the application of the plasma to the tobacco product filter material, preferably, wherein the ability of the filter material to remove water vapor after the application of the plasma is increased by at least 80%, preferably of at least 85%, more preferably of at least 90%, even more preferably of at least 95 %, most preferably of at least 99% when compared to filter material which was not treated with plasma.
A 22nd embodiment of the invention is a filter for a tobacco product, comprising a tobacco product filter material obtainable by the process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 21.
According to a 23rd embodiment, in the 22nd embodiment, the tobacco product is a tobacco-vapor product, wherein the filter preferably has two sections, at least one of which has a hollow center. According to a 24th embodiment, in the 22nd or 23rd embodiment, the tobacco product filter material represents a filter volume comprised above 200 mm3, preferably between 250 and 600 mm3.
A 25th embodiment of the invention is a tobacco-vapor product, preferably an electronic cigarette having a heating element that atomizes a liquid solution which is inhaled as an aerosol by a user, comprising the filter of any one of embodiments 22 to 24.
According to a 26th embodiment, in the 25th embodiment, the tobacco-vapor product does not comprise a flavor-enhancing agent, flavourants, sensoiy enhancing agents, and/or sensation agent selected from freshening agents, cooling agents, or hot effect agents, natural or synthetic aromas or fragrances such as fruity, confectionery, floral, sweet, woody fragrances and/or coconut, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, cinnamon, mint, or roasted or toasted aromas.
A 27th embodiment of the invention is directed to the use of a filter according to any one of embodiments 23 to 24 in a tobacco-vapor product. According to a 28th embodiment, in the 27th embodiment, the filter is used for removing water vapor from air passing through the filter material during a puff, preferably at least during a first puff.
According to a 29th embodiment, in the 27th or 28th embodiment, the tobacco-vapor product is a product according to any one of embodiments 25 or 26.
Detailed Description of the Invention Definitions
The term “ plasma ” as used in the context of the present invention refers to ionized gas, i.e. free electrons, ions and molecule fragments in the gas phase. Plasma provides for highly energetic ions and electrons, as well as other reactive particles which can be used to effectively alter the surface of a substrate. Plasma can be artificially generated by heating or subjecting a neutral gas to a strong electromagnetic field to the point where an ionized gaseous substance becomes increasingly electrically conductive.
The term “atmospheric plasma” as used in the context of the present invention (sometimes referred to as AP plasma or normal pressure plasma) refers to plasma in which the pressure approximately matches that of the surrounding atmosphere - the so-called normal pressure.
The term “low-pressure plasma” as used in the context of the present invention refers to plasma formed by exciting gas in a vacuum, i.e. substantially below atmospheric or normal pressure, by supply of energy.
The term “direct plasma” as used in the context of the present invention refers to the central part of the plasma or the region of the plasma jet at its point of origin, i.e. the location where the plasma is generated, e.g. between two electrodes used for generating the plasma.
The term “plasma effluent” as used in the context of the present invention refers to the exterior part of the plasma jet, sometimes also referred to as “plasma plume”.
The term “tobacco-vapor product” as used in the context of the present invention refers to a tobacco product allowing the user to inhale an aerosol, commonly called “vapor”. For example, a tobacco-vapor product can be a product configured to be used in an electronic cigarette having a heating element that atomizes a liquid solution of the product which is inhaled as an aerosol by a user or a product configured to be used in a heat-not-burn device that generates aerosol or vapor by heating at a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol or vapor substrate contained in the consumable such as reconstituted tobacco.
The terms “flavor-enhancing agent” or “flavourant” as used in the context of the present invention refers to natural or synthetic aromas or fragrances enhancing the scent and/or taste profile of a tobacco product. Typical “flavor-enhancing agents” or “flavourants” maybe fruity, confectioneiy, floral, sweet, woody fragrances and/or coconut, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, cinnamon, mint, or roasted or toasted aromas, which can be used to.
“Sensory enhancing agents”, and/or “sensation agents” as used in context of the present invention refer to agents which enhance the user experience during using a tobacco product. “Sensoiy enhancing agents” and/or “sensation agents” maybe, for example, freshening agents, cooling agents, or hot effect agents.
“Hydrophilic/hydrophilicity” as used in the context of the invention refers to a material or surface thereof which does not repel water and attracts and/ or absorbs water. The hydrophilicity of a surface can be determined, for example, by contact angle measurement. Contact angle measurements can be used to quantify the wettability of a solid surface by a liquid. A surface is considered hydrophilic if the contact angle of a water droplet on the surface is less than 90 degrees. Brief description of the drawing
Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of plasma jet for treatment of a substrate via “direct plasma” according to the prior art: Plasma 1.1 is generated in between HV electrode 1.4 and ground electrode 1.3 of a plasma jet comprising a hollow tube 1.6 and an air inlet 1.5. In particular, the substrate or a conveyor belt conveying the substrate to be treated 1.2 is located between the electrodes 1.3, 1.4 used for generating the plasma 1.1.
Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of plasma jet for treatment of a substrate via “plasma effluent” according to the present invention. Plasma effluent 2.1 is generated in between HV electrode 2.4 and ground electrode 2.3 of a plasma jet comprising a hollow tube 2.6 and an air inlet 2.5. In particular, the substrate or a conveyor belt conveying the substrate to be treated 2.2 is not located in between electrodes 1.3, 1.4, but located in contact or in close proximity with the plasma effluent, e.g. below the electrodes used for generating the plasma. Preferred embodiments of the invention
In the following, embodiments and variations according to the present invention are described in more detail.
The filter material according to the present invention is preferably a polymeric material, more preferably cellulose acetate, which is commonly used as a synthetic fiber in the manufacture of cigarette filters. The material may be cut or uncut or tow.
Plasma treatment is used to modify physical and chemical properties of materials. For example, treating a filter material with a low-temperature argon plasma with a small concentration of oxygen (0.1-1 vol.-%) provides for a change in the filter material’s surface energy. The inventors found that plasma treatment allows for the filter material changing from hydrophobic (water-repelling) to hydrophilic (water-absorbing) properties. During plasma treatment, plasma is applied to the filter material to be treated. The plasma treatment of the filter materials can be carried out either in atmospheric pressure plasma or in low-pressure plasma.
For low-pressure plasma treatment, the filter material to be treated is first placed within a vacuum chamber on racks and the chamber is degassed to a vacuum, before bleeding in a small quantity of argon or other gas, and a small concentration of oxygen. The gas within the vacuum is then ionized by a radio frequency (RF) power supply to form a plasma which interacts with the surface of the filter material. Preferably, the low-pressure plasma is low-pressure argon plasma. After a treatment time of 60-180 seconds, ambient air is fed into the chamber to remove the vacuum before removal of the filter material from the vacuum chamber.
Low-pressure plasma treatment advantageously allows for application of low temperatures and, therefore, allows for preventing thermal breakdown of the filter material to be treated.
In atmospheric pressure plasma treatment, the plasma is applied via a jet. Preferably, the atmospheric plasma is atmospheric helium plasma. The jet comprises a central tube through which helium flows, preferably with the addition of a small concentration of oxygen. Around the outside of the tube is a high voltage electrode which is connected to a radio frequency (RF) power supply. By operating the power supply at high frequency, the temperature of the plasma remains low ensuring that there is no thermal degradation of the filter material to be treated. The ground electrode is below the conveyor belt which carries the filter material to be treated. This arrangement is referred to as treatment via “direct plasma”. When the power is applied, helium gas is ionized between the tube and the ground electrode with the filter material as substrate to be treated in between. The jet can be moved along an arm mechanism in a printing style maneuver to fire onto the individual filter materials, or an array of jets can be combined together to form a plasma screen through which the filter materials pass. To adjust the plasma intensity, the distance between the jet and the filter material to be treated and/or the velocity of the conveyor belt may be varied. The plasma intensity may also be adjusted by changing the frequency at which the plasma is generated (also referred to “driving frequency”): The closer the driving frequency is to the resonance point, the more power is consumed, i.e. a high plasma intensity.
Atmospheric pressure plasma allows for a simple way of carrying out the plasma treatment, as no vacuum chamber is needed. Also, atmospheric pressure plasma allows lO for the manufacture of the plasma-treated filter material to be carried out in a continuous process instead of a batch process. A continuous process allows for an increased process efficiency and more uniform product quality.
The settings of plasma treatment depend on whether the plasma is atmospheric plasma or low-pressure plasma:
In one embodiment of the present invention, the plasma is atmospheric argon plasma and/or atmospheric helium plasma, preferably atmospheric helium plasma. In this case, the plasma preferably comprises oxygen as an additional gas in an amount of at least o.oi vol.-%, preferably at least 0.05 vol.-%, more preferably of at least 0.1 vol.-%, even more preferably of at least 0.25 vol.-%, most preferably of at least 0.5 vol.-%, and/or at most 10 vol.-%, preferably at most 8 vol.-%, more preferably at most 2 vol.-%, even more preferably at most 1 vol.-%, most preferably at most 0.5 vol.-%. In an alternative, the plasma may be generated without admixture of oxygen but rather the generated plasma is admixed with oxygen, air or synthetic air to provide for short-lived, i.e. highly reactive species, specifically reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, the time during which the plasma is applied to the filter material is preferably at least 0.1 sec per for a given portion of filter material to be treated, preferably at least 0.2 sec, more preferably of at least 0.5 sec, even more preferably of at least 0.7 sec, most preferably of at least 1.0 sec, and/or at most 20 sec for a given portion of filter material to be treated, preferably at most 10 sec, more preferably at most 5 sec, even more preferably at most 2 sec, most preferably at most 1 sec In atmospheric plasma treatment, the plasma is applied to the filter material typically via a jet, wherein the distance between the jet and the filter material may be at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 15 mm, even more preferably at least 18 mm, most preferably at least 20 mm and/or at most 70 mm, preferably at most 60 mm, more preferably at most 30 mm, even more preferably at most 22 mm, most preferably at most 20 mm.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the plasma is low-pressure argon plasma and/or low-pressure helium plasma, preferably low-pressure argon plasma. In this case, the plasma comprises oxygen as an additional gas in an amount of at least 0.2 vol.-%, preferably at least 0.5 vol.-%, more preferably of at least 1.0 vol.-%, even more preferably of at least 1.5 vol.-%, most preferably of at least 2.0 vol.-%, and/or at most 20 vol.-%, preferably at most 10 vol.-%, more preferably at most 5 vol.-%, even more preferably at most 3 vol.-%, most preferably at most 2 vol.-%. Furthermore, the time during which the plasma is applied to the filter material is preferably at least 10 sec per per batch of filter material, preferably at least 20 sec per batch of filter material, more preferably of at least 40 sec per batch of filter material, even more preferably of at least 50 sec per batch of filter material, most preferably of at least 60 sec per batch of filter material, and/or at most 180 sec per batch of filter material, preferably at most 120 sec per batch of filter material, more preferably at most 90 sec per batch of filter material, even more preferably at most 75 sec per batch of filter material, most preferably at most 60 sec per batch of filter material.
In the alternative, preferably in low-pressure plasma treatment, the plasma is applied to the filter material via a plate arrangement, wherein the plasma is formed between two sheets and/or disks, wherein one of the sheets and/or disks is a high voltage electrode and the other is a ground electrode.
The plasma temperature at the surface of the filter material may be at least 30 °C, preferably at least 40 °C, more preferably at least 60 °C, even more preferably at least 85 °C, most preferably at least too °C and/or at most 170 °C, preferably at most 160 °C, more preferably at most 140 °C, even more preferably at most 115 °C, most preferably at most too °C.
In preferred embodiments, the plasma is applied to the filter material via an effluent of the plasma jet. In contrast to direct plasma treatment, the filter material as substrate to be treated is not in between the electrodes used for generating the plasma. For example, the conveyor belt conveying the substrate to be treated is located below the electrodes used for generating the plasma. Thus, the substrate to be treated is in contact or in close proximity with the plasma effluent. This arrangement provides for a lower temperature of the plasma at the surface of the substrate to be treated compared to the treatment via “direct plasma”. As an example, the temperature of the plasma effluent at the surface of the filter material is at least o°C, preferably at least 5°C, more preferably at least 15°C, even more preferably at least 19°C, most preferably at least 24°C and/or wherein the temperature of the plasma, preferably of the effluent, is at most ioo°C, preferably at most 70°C, more preferably at most 55°C, even more preferably at most 26°C, most preferably at most 2i°C. In particular, the temperature of the plasma effluent at the surface of the filter material is in the range of o°C to ioo°C, preferably 5°C to 70°C, more preferably 15°C to 55°C, most preferably 20 to 50°C. Also, the nature of ionic and radical species and admixtures thereof in the plasma effluent are different from those of the direct plasma. In particular, and without wishing to be bound by theory, the plasma effluent provides for a lower concentration of short-lived, i.e. highly reactive species, specifically reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to direct plasma. For example, the concentration of ozone species is lower compared to direct plasma treatment. This way, treatment with plasma effluent provides for different surface alteration than treatment with plasma effluent. Plasma effluent may be provided via Direct Barrier Discharge (DBD) or Spark Discharge. In the alternative, plasma effluent may also be provided via surface DBD, wherein the plasma is formed on a flat plate. In surface DBD, there is no need for argon or helium and the plasma treatment relies on diffusion and the electrohydrodynamic (EHD) effect to transport reactive species to the substrate to be treated. In surface DBD, however, the generation rate of the ROS is much lower. Against this background, treatment with plasma effluent is gentler and provides for less undesired degradation of the treated filter material. Consequently, treatment with plasma effluent provides for higher quality of the treated filter material.
This way, the plasma treatment provides for efficient treatment of the substrate without negatively affecting the substrates integrity, e.g. by thermal degradation. In other words, the plasma treatment allows for a filter material having increased hydrophilicity, wettability, horizontal and/or vertical wicking rate, water absorption time and / or water absorption capacity, and the ability of the filter material to remove water vapor from air passing through the filter material is increased, while it is not degraded thermally. Preferably, hydrophilicity refers to a contact angle of water droplets on the surface of the treated filter material of less than 90 degrees. For example, the ability of the filter material to remove water vapor after the application of the plasma is increased by at least 80%, preferably of at least 85%, more preferably of at least 90%, even more preferably of at least 95 %, most preferably of at least 99% when compared to filter material which was not treated with plasma.
Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the plasma when interacting with the surface of the filter material provides for hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups on the filter material’s surface. The presence of hydroxyl (-0H) and carboxyl (- COOH) functional groups at the surface of the filter material confer the hydrophilic nature to the filter material.
A filter material of the present invention is specifically suitable for tobacco-vapor products. Since the filter material of the present invention has an increased hydrophilicity, wettability and/or water absorption capacity, it can efficiently remove water vapor and/or hot steam from a puff, in particular from a first and/or the first three to four puffs. The temperature of a puff depends on the tobacco and the vapor device settings, in particular the heat-up time, chosen determining how much water vapor and / or hot steam is in a puff. Therefore, the hottest puff can be the first, the second, the third, or the fourth puff. Usually, depending on the tobacco and the heat-up time, the hottest puff is one of the first two to fourth puffs. Preferably, the filter material of the present invention efficiently absorbs any water in the gas phase of a puff onto the surface of the filter material, while the remaining components in the air of a puff such as aerosol generating agents such as polyols such as sorbitol, glycerol (VG), and glycols like propylene glycol (PG) or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, and other components such as nicotine, and/or flavorings, are not absorbed by the filter material and pass through the filter. By filtering out the water vapor with a filter material according to the present invention instead of trying to remove it from the tobacco material, this method is less reliant on the environment, specifically the humidity of the environment in which the tobacco vapor is being consumed. The water content in tobacco sticks is only around 3%. However, when a packet is opened up, the humidity from the environment is absorbed into the tobacco thus raising the water content. Trying to stop humidity going into the tobacco is very difficult to do. The inventors found that it is easier to try and remove the humidity from the vapour inhaled by the user.
In summary, the filter material according to the present invention and the use thereof in a tobacco product, in particular a tobacco-vapor product, allows for enhancing the user experience by removing hot steam from the first puff and/or offers a more consistent vaping experience.

Claims

Claims
1. A process of treating a tobacco product filter material comprising the step of applying plasma to the filter material, wherein the plasma is a low-pressure plasma or an atmospheric plasma, and wherein the plasma is applied to the filter material via an effluent of the plasma jet.
2. The process of the preceding claim, wherein the plasma comprises an additional gas, preferably oxygen.
3. The process of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plasma is atmospheric argon plasma and/or atmospheric helium plasma, preferably atmospheric helium plasma.
4. The process of any one of claims l or 2, wherein the plasma is low-pressure argon plasma and/or low-pressure helium plasma, preferably low-pressure argon plasma.
5. The process of any one of the preceding claims, wherein plasma effluent refers to the exterior part of the plasma jet, sometimes also referred to as “plasma plume”.
6. The process of the preceding claim, wherein the temperature of the plasma effluent at the surface of the filter material is in the range of o °C to too °C, preferably 5 °C to 70 °C, more preferably 15 °C to 55 °C, most preferably 20 to 50 °C.
7. The process of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plasma effluent is provided via Direct Barrier Discharge (DBD), Spark Discharge or surface DBD, preferably, the plasma effluent is provided via Direct Barrier Discharge (DBD).
8. The process of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tobacco product filter material is a polymeric material, preferably cellulose acetate, cut or uncut or tow.
9. The process of any of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrophilicity, wettability, horizontal and/or vertical wi eking rate, water absorption time and/or water absorption capacity of the tobacco product filter material is increased by the application of the plasma to the tobacco product filter material, preferably, wherein hydrophilicity refers to a contact angle of water droplets on the surface of the treated filter material of less than 90 degrees.
10. The process of the preceding claim, wherein the ability of the filter material to remove water vapor from air passing through the filter material is increased by the application of the plasma to the tobacco product filter material, preferably, wherein the ability of the filter material to remove water vapor after the application of the plasma is increased by at least 80%, preferably of at least 85%, more preferably of at least 90%, even more preferably of at least 95 %, most preferably of at least 99% when compared to filter material which was not treated with plasma.
11. A filter for a tobacco product, comprising a tobacco product filter material obtainable by the process according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
12. The filter of the preceding claim, wherein the tobacco product is a tobacco-vapor product, wherein the filter preferably has two sections, at least one of which has a hollow center.
13. The filter of any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the tobacco product filter material represents a filter volume comprised above 200 mm3, preferably between 250 and 600 mm3.
14. A tobacco-vapor product, preferably an electronic cigarette having a heating element that atomizes a liquid solution which is inhaled as an aerosol by a user, comprising the filter of any one of claims 11 to 13.
15. The tobacco-vapor product of the preceding claim, wherein the tobacco-vapor product does not comprise a flavor-enhancing agent, flavourants sensory enhancing agents, and/ or sensation agent selected from freshening agents, cooling agents, or hot effect agents, natural or synthetic aromas or fragrances such as fruity, confectionery, floral, sweet, woody fragrances and/or coconut, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, cinnamon, mint, or roasted or toasted aromas.
17. The use of the preceding claim, wherein the filter is used for removing water vapor from air passing through the filter material during a puff, preferably at least during a first puff.
18. The use of any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein the tobacco-vapor product is a product according to any one of claim 14 or 15.
EP21724344.3A 2020-05-15 2021-05-14 Plasma treatment of a tobacco product filter material Pending EP4149288A1 (en)

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PCT/EP2021/062864 WO2021229069A1 (en) 2020-05-15 2021-05-14 Plasma treatment of a tobacco product filter material

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EP2559806A1 (en) * 2011-08-17 2013-02-20 Center of Excellence Polymer Materials and Technologies (Polimat) Method for increasing the hydrophilicity of polymeric materials
EP2586322A1 (en) * 2011-10-27 2013-05-01 Creepservice S.à.r.l. Filter and method of making same
US9406485B1 (en) * 2013-12-18 2016-08-02 Surfx Technologies Llc Argon and helium plasma apparatus and methods
US11000062B2 (en) * 2015-10-29 2021-05-11 Philip Morris Products S.A. Plasma treatment of filtration media for smoking articles
US11785983B2 (en) * 2018-02-23 2023-10-17 Acetate International Llc High total denier cellulose acetate tow for hollow filters and non-wrapped filters

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