JP2022542768A - Tip wrapper for aerosol-generating articles - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tip wrapper for an aerosol-generating article, the tip wrapper comprising 1.5C. U.S.A. a base layer having a porosity of less than the base layer, the base layer comprising at least one filler material, the chip wrapper pigmented with a pigment component comprising CaCO3 and at least a second component functioning as a non-combustible filler Further comprising a surface, the pigment component having a basis weight of at least 2.0 gsm, and the pigmented surface having a surface smoothness of at least 400 seconds. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a tip wrapper for cigarettes, the method comprising a) providing a base layer of the tip wrapper and b) coating the base layer with a solution comprising a filler component. , the coated base layer is pressed and heated at a predetermined temperature above 100°C.

Description

The present invention is directed to aerosol-generating articles, such as cigarettes. The present application is particularly directed to tip wrappers for aerosol-generating articles such as, for example, cigarettes. Cigarettes known from the state of the art usually comprise several components such as for example a filter, a cigarette body and a so-called tip wrapper which is usually at least partially wrapped around the filter.

In the state of the art, the tip wrapper, often referred to in the art as "tipping paper", has the function of connecting the mouthpiece rod and the tobacco rod, but is also printed, hot stamped or embossed on the tip wrapper. It is known from the state of the art to add decorations such as working. Chip wrappers are expected to enhance the appeal of the product because one of the decorations of the chip wrappers is their glossy appearance (especially high gloss).

A technique known in the art is to use silver ink printing to achieve such a glossy appearance, but this requires an additional printing process.

Moreover, a glossy appearance can be obtained by calendering paper containing 10% or more kaolin. In this case, there is a problem that the ink may peel off from the paper surface after printing.

On the other hand, since the tip wrapper is the connecting portion between the mouthpiece and the tobacco rod, it must be nonflammable (it must have smoldering resistance). Some non-combustible chip wrappers have been developed with a certain amount of non-combustible filler to ensure adequate non-combustibility.

Titanium dioxide has been widely used as such a filler. This material has the advantages of high opacity (providing high opacity to paper) and non-flammability. However, in some countries this material is banned due to health concerns.

Additionally, the tip wrapper should feel good on the lips while smoking. Consumers generally prefer a better lip release feel. This means that the tobacco should not stick to the lips after smoking the cigarette. For this reason, it is common to add a lip release varnish to the surface of the chip wrapper to prevent it from sticking to the consumer's mouth.

However, even with the addition of lip release varnish, it shows up especially in dry atmospheres. Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an improved lip release feel with a tip wrapper. Another object of the present invention is to provide a chip wrapper that provides a glossy appearance, especially without additional printing steps or even without the use of titanium dioxide ( _TiO2 ). Also, an improved lip release feel should be provided.

The above objectives are met by the objectives of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the object of the dependent claims.

A tip wrapper according to the invention for an aerosol-generating article, such as a cigarette, contains 1.5 C.I. U.S.A. a base layer having a porosity of less than the base layer, the base layer comprising at least one filler material, the chip wrapper further comprising a colored surface, the colored surface comprising, among others, a pigment component comprising _CaCO3 Pigmented with at least a second component that functions as a non-combustible filler, the pigmented component having a basis weight of at least 2.0 gsm, and the pigmented side having a surface smoothness of at least 400 seconds.

Preferably, the tip wrapper is tipping paper. Preferably, the tip wrapper material is paper. The chip wrappers described herein meet typical chip wrapper requirements such as, for example, adequate ink retention, non-flammability, and machinability. Additionally, the chip wrapper according to the present invention has a glossy appearance and improved lip feel.

In a highly preferred embodiment, the filler material is selected from the group of materials comprising kaolin, _CaCO3 , talc and Al(OH) ₃ (aluminum hydroxide).

Accordingly, one, two, some, or all of these materials may be included in the filler material. Also, any combination of materials may be included, for example kaolin and talc, or _CaCO3 and Al(OH) ₃ .

The above smoothness is preferably measured by the Beck method. The Bekk smoothness test is a useful technique for determining the smoothness of a sample. Smoothness or roughness is a substantial surface property of paper, carton or board, coated sheets, and the like. The quality of the surface structure has a great influence on printability and all forms of coating.

The Bekk smoothness measurement is an airflow-based method established in the paper industry. The slower the airflow between the paper surface and the ideal plane, the higher the smoothness, expressed in seconds of Beck's smoothness. In a preferred method, a representative paper of about 10 cm ² can be tested with the Beck method.

The glossiness mentioned above refers to the specular glossiness of the paper. The Specular Gloss Test is a useful technique for judging the glossiness of a sample. Gloss is a substantial surface property of paper, carton or board, coated or laminated sheets, and the like. The quality of surface gloss has a great impact on appearance.

Gloss measurement is an established method in the paper industry based on specular reflection. Specular gloss is expressed as a percentage of the luminous flux reflected by the sample surface into a specific aperture at a specular reflection angle under the same conditions, relative to the luminous flux reflected by a standard specular reflective surface. be. In the preferred method, the light is incident on the surface of the specimen at an angle of 60 degrees.

Another preferred embodiment, the second component is selected from the group of components comprising kaolin, talc, or aluminum hydroxide Al(OH) ₃ . Also, the second component may comprise two or more of these components. Also, the second component may comprise a specific selection of these components, such as kaolin and talc, or talc, kaolin and aluminum hydroxide Al(OH) ₃ .

In another highly preferred embodiment, the base layer is base paper. The colored surface described above is also sometimes referred to as the printing surface. In preferred embodiments, the colored surface is bonded to the base layer.

Unit C.I. U.S.A. is understood as the so-called Coresta unit, defined by the volume flow rate of air (in units of cm ³ /min) through a substrate sample of 1 cm ² when a pressure difference of 1 kPa is applied.

Another preferred embodiment includes two or more of the above components. In another preferred embodiment, the colored layer may include printing. In another preferred embodiment, the colored layer serves to improve the brightness of the chip wrapper.

The smoothness of the colored surface is at least 500 seconds (measured by the Bekk method).

In another preferred embodiment, the base layer and the pigmented surface build up a double layer structure. Here, for example, these two layers can be bonded together.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the filler material of the base layer is selected from a material selected from the group of materials comprising kaolin, _CaCO3 , talc and aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH) ₃ ). , or including materials thereof. Preferably, most of these materials are included in the filler material of the base layer.

In another preferred embodiment, the basis weight of the chip wrapper is greater than 40 gsm, preferably greater than 45 gsm. In another preferred embodiment, the basis weight of the chip wrapper is less than 60 gsm, preferably less than 55 gsm. These basis weights have proven to be in the preferred range for machine runability, especially on manufacturing machines.

In another preferred embodiment, the thickness of the chip wrapper is greater than 30 micrometers, preferably greater than 35 micrometers.

In another preferred embodiment, the thickness of the chip wrapper is less than 55 micrometers, preferably less than 50 micrometers.

Preferably the thickness along the chip wrapper surface has a deviation of less than 20%, preferably less than 10%. In another preferred embodiment, the chip wrapper has a paper density greater than 1.1 g/cm ³ , preferably greater than 1.15 g/cm ³ . In another preferred embodiment, the paper density of the chip wrapper is less than 1.3 g/ ^cm3 , preferably less than 1.25 g/ ^cm3 .

This feature also improves machine run capacity on the cigarette making machine.

In another preferred embodiment, the smoothness of the chip wrapper is greater than 500 seconds, preferably greater than 600 seconds, preferably greater than 700 seconds. Preferably the smoothness of the chip wrapper is less than 2500 seconds, preferably less than 2000 seconds.

In another preferred embodiment, the gloss of the tip wrapper is greater than 10%, preferably greater than 15%, preferably greater than 20%. Preferably, the gloss of the tip wrapper is less than 35%, preferably less than 30%.

In another preferred embodiment, the pigment component is CaCO ₃ (calcium carbonate) and kaolin in a ratio of 3:7 to 7:3, preferably 4:6 to 7:3, most preferably 5:5 to 6:4. Included in proportion.

In another preferred embodiment, the amount of pigmentation is greater than 2 gsm, preferably greater than 3 gsm, preferably greater than 4 gsm, preferably greater than 5 gsm.

In another preferred embodiment, the chip wrapper is free of titanium dioxide ( _TiO2 ). In this case, possible health risks, such as those considered in some countries, are avoided.

In another preferred embodiment the colored surface is based on a coating solution comprising water, a binder component and a coloring component. However, other ingredients may also be included.

The present invention is further directed to a cigarette comprising a tip wrapper according to the above description. Preferably, the cigarette comprises a mouthpiece rod, a tobacco rod and a connector connecting these two elements. Preferably, a tip wrapper, especially the tip wrapper mentioned above, serves to connect the mouthpiece rod and the tobacco rod.

The present invention is further directed to a method of manufacturing a tip wrapper for an aerosol-generating article, in particular for cigarettes, the method comprising, inter alia, the following steps.

In a first step, the base layer of the chip wrapper is provided. In a second step this base layer is coated with a solution comprising a pigment component comprising CaCO ₃ and at least a second component acting as a non-combustible filler.

According to the invention, the coated base layer is pressed and heated at a predetermined temperature to form a colored surface having a surface smoothness of at least 400 seconds.

Preferably, the base layer comprises at least one filler material as defined above.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the predetermined temperature is higher than 100°C, preferably higher than 140°C, preferably higher than 150°C, preferably higher than 170°C and/or the temperature is lower than 300°C, preferably higher than 250°C. °C, preferably below 200°C.

In a preferred embodiment of this method, the pulp or filler mixture can be pressed into flat wire. During this step, the mixture can lose water from at least one side, preferably both the top and bottom sides. This allows water to be sucked out.

In subsequent method steps the sheet can be pressed between elements, in particular between cylinders. In this way more moisture is removed from the paper.

In another preferred embodiment the paper is dried. At this time, in particular, the paper is dried in contact with the steam heating cylinder. Therefore, preferably a cylinder device or cylinder is used for drying the paper. In particular heating cylinders are used, most preferably steam heating cylinders.

In another preferred embodiment, surface coatings, in particular colored units, are used. In another preferred step, a coating of solution (preferably containing filler and binder) is applied to at least one side of the paper. Preferably a coating is used, in particular a pigment component comprising CaCO ₃ and at least a second component functioning as a non-combustible filler. Preferably, the pigment component is supplied at a basis weight of at least 2.0 gsm.

In another preferred embodiment further drying of the paper is preferably done again by heating cylinders, most preferably by steam heating cylinders.

In another preferred embodiment, a calendering step as described above is added. Preferably, the paper passes between the calender rollers, especially at higher temperatures and pressures. Therefore, the surface of the paper is smooth and glossy. This is especially possible if the amount of filler on the surface of the paper is sufficient.

In another preferred embodiment the paper is wound, preferably using a reel. In another preferred embodiment, physical properties of the paper are measured, such as basis weight, opacity, and the like.

The product provides an improved glossy appearance and a higher surface or smoothness.

Claims (17)

A tip wrapper for an aerosol-generating article, said tip wrapper comprising 1.5C. U.S.A. The chip wrapper has a base layer having a porosity of less than or equal to , said base layer comprising at least one filler material, said chip wrapper comprising a pigment component comprising _CaCO3 and at least a second component functioning as a non-combustible filler. A chip wrapper further comprising a pigmented surface, wherein said pigment component has a basis weight of at least 2.0 gsm, and said pigmented surface has a surface smoothness of at least 400 seconds. 2. The chip wrapper of claim 1, wherein said base layer and said colored surface constitute a double layer structure. Chip wrapper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the filler material of the base layer is selected from the group of materials comprising kaolin, _CaCO3 , talc and Al(OH) ₃ . 4. Any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the basis weight of the chip wrapper is greater than 40 gsm, preferably greater than 45 gsm, and/or the basis weight of the chip wrapper is less than 60 gsm, preferably less than 55 gsm. The chip wrapper of paragraph 1. characterized in that the thickness of said chip wrapper is greater than 30 micrometers, preferably greater than 35 micrometers and/or the thickness of said chip wrapper is less than 55 micrometers, preferably less than 50 micrometers, Chip wrapper according to any one of claims 1-4. The paper density of said chip wrapper is greater than 1.1 g/cm ³ , preferably greater than 1.15 g/cm ³ and/or the paper density of said chip wrapper is less than 1.3 g/cm ³ , preferably 1. Chip wrapper according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is less than 25 g/cm ³ . Chip wrapper according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the smoothness of the chip wrapper is greater than 500 seconds, preferably greater than 600 seconds, preferably greater than 700 seconds. Chip wrapper according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chip wrapper has a smoothness of less than 2500 seconds, preferably less than 2000 seconds. Chip wrapper according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gloss of the chip wrapper is greater than 10%, preferably greater than 15%, preferably greater than 20%. 10. Chip wrapper according to claim 9, characterized in that the gloss of the chip wrapper is less than 35%, preferably less than 30%. Claim characterized in that the pigment component comprises CaCO ₃ and kaolin in a ratio of 3:7 to 7:3, preferably 4:6 to 7:3, preferably 5:5 to 6:4. 11. The chip wrapper of any one of 1-10. Chip wrapper according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the amount of said pigment component is greater than 5 gsm. Chip wrapper according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chip wrapper does not contain titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ). Chip wrapper according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said colored surface is based on a coating solution comprising water, a binder component and said pigment component. A cigarette comprising a tip wrapper according to any one of claims 1-14. A method of making a tip wrapper for cigarettes, said method comprising:
providing a base layer for the tip wrapper;
coating the base layer with a solution comprising a pigment component comprising _CaCO3 and at least a second component functioning as a non-flammable filler;
pressing and heating the coated base layer to form a colored surface having a surface smoothness of at least 400 seconds;
method including. the coated base layer is pressed and heated at a predetermined temperature, wherein the predetermined temperature is higher than 100°C, preferably the predetermined temperature is higher than 140°C, preferably higher than 150°C, preferably higher than 170°C; and/or the temperature is below 300°C, preferably below 250°C, preferably below 200°C.