JPWO2020025723A5 - - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the production of aerosols.

Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco and produce tobacco smoke during use. An alternative to these types of articles is to release the compound from the substrate material by heating without combustion, thereby releasing an inhalable aerosol or vapor. These are sometimes referred to as non-combustible smoking articles or aerosol generating assemblies.

An example of such a product is a heating device that releases a compound by heating, but not burning, a solid aerosolizable material. This solid aerosolizable material may include tobacco material in some examples. The heating volatilizes at least one component of the material, typically forming an inhalable aerosol. These products are sometimes referred to as heat not burn devices, tobacco heating devices, or tobacco heating products. A variety of different configurations are known for volatilizing at least one component of a solid aerosolizable material.

Another example is an electronic cigarette/tobacco heated product hybrid device, also known as an electronic cigarette hybrid device. These hybrid devices include a liquid source (which may or may not contain nicotine) that is vaporized by heating to produce an inhalable vapor or aerosol. The device further includes a solid aerosolizable material (which may or may not include tobacco material), the components of which are entrained in an inhalable vapor or aerosol to produce an inhalation medium. do.

A first aspect of the invention provides a laminated aerosol-generating material comprising an aerosol-forming layer attached to a carrier layer, the aerosol-forming layer comprising an amorphous solid, and the carrier layer comprising wood and/or Includes cardboard .

A second aspect of the invention provides an aerosol generation assembly comprising a laminated aerosol generation material according to the first aspect and a heater configured to heat but not combust the laminated aerosol generation material.

A third aspect of the invention provides an aerosol-generating article for use in an aerosol-generating assembly, comprising a laminated aerosol-generating material according to the first aspect.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of making a laminated aerosol-generating material according to the first aspect. The method includes the steps of: (a) forming a slurry comprising amorphous solid components or precursors thereof; (b) applying the slurry to a carrier; and (c) curing the slurry to form a gel. and (d) drying to form an amorphous solid.

Further aspects of the invention described herein may provide for the use of laminated aerosol-generating materials, aerosol-generating articles, or aerosol-generating assemblies in the production of inhalable aerosols.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description below. Here, these descriptions are provided by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of a laminated aerosol generating material.

The aerosol-forming layer described herein comprises an "amorphous solid." Amorphous solids are sometimes referred to as "monolithic solids" (ie, non-fibrous) or "dry gels." An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid within it, such as a liquid. In some examples, the aerosol-forming layer comprises from about 50%, 60%, or 70% to about 90%, 95%, or 100% amorphous solids by weight. In some examples, the aerosol-forming layer is comprised of an amorphous solid.

As mentioned above, the present invention provides a laminated aerosol-generating material comprising an aerosol-forming layer attached to a carrier layer, the aerosol-forming layer comprising an amorphous solid, and the carrier layer comprising wood and/or Includes cardboard . FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of such a laminated material, the laminated structure (indicated by dotted lines) comprising a carrier layer 4 and an amorphous solid layer 2 .

The inventors have discovered that such laminated materials can be biodegradable and/or recyclable. In some examples, the carrier may consist essentially of wood and/or cardboard .

Additionally, in some instances, such as where the carrier layer comprises cardboard , the carrier is absorbent and absorbs condensate that forms on the device during use, potentially improving hygiene.

In some examples, the carrier layer is about 1 mm to about 4 mm thick, preferably about 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm or 2.5 mm to about 3.5 mm, 3.0 mm or 2.5 mm thick. It has a certain quality.

In some examples, the carrier has a stiffness of at least 70 mN when tested according to ISO 2493-1. The carrier may have a stiffness in the range of about 70 mN to about 2000 mN, preferably in the range of 100 mN to 1000 mN, or in the range of 200 mN to 500 mN. Such stiffness may enhance handling and/or facilitate insertion into the device during use.

In some examples, the carrier layer comprises one or more of hemp, balsa wood, wood pulp, sugarcane bagasse, straw, cotton, flax, kenaf, and abaca.

In some examples, the carrier has a density within the range of 220 gm ^-2 to about 480 gm ^-2 , preferably 250 gm ^-2 to about 450 gm ^-2 or about 300 gm ^-2 to about 350 gm ^-2 have

In some examples, the amorphous solid comprises 1-60% by weight of a gelling agent, and/or
5-80% by weight of an aerosol generator, and/or
10 to 60% by weight of one or more active substances and/or flavorants, where these weights are calculated on a dry weight basis.

In some examples, the amorphous solid comprises 1-50% by weight of a gelling agent, and/or
5-80% by weight of an aerosol generator, and/or
10-60% by weight of tobacco extract, nicotine and/or flavoring, where the weights are calculated on a dry weight basis.

In some examples, the amorphous solid comprises from about 1% to about 15% (preferably 5-15%) water, calculated on a wet weight basis. Possible compositions of amorphous solids are discussed in detail below.

In some examples, the laminated aerosol-generating material may include one or more magnets that can be used to secure the laminated aerosol-generating material to the induction heater during use.

In some examples, the laminated aerosol-generating material may include embedded heating means, such as resistive or inductive heating elements. For example, the heating means may be embedded in the amorphous solid layer.

In some examples, the carrier layer may be substantially or completely impermeable to gases and/or aerosols. This prevents aerosols or gases from passing through the carrier, thereby controlling the flow and ensuring good delivery to the user. This may also be used, for example, to prevent condensation or other deposits during use of the gas/aerosol on the surface of a heater provided in an aerosol generation assembly. Therefore, in some examples, consumption efficiency and sanitary conditions can be improved.

The carrier may be at least partially porous in the region of the surface adjacent to the amorphous solid layer. The inventors have found that such a carrier is particularly suitable for the present invention, in that the porous part of the carrier layer abuts the amorphous solid layer and forms a strong bond. Amorphous solids are formed by drying a gel, and, without being limited by theory, the gel-forming slurry is partially impregnated into the porous material of the carrier, so that the gel It is believed that the carrier is partially bound to the gel when it cures to form crosslinks. This results in a strong bond between the gel and the carrier (and between the dry gel and the carrier).

In addition to this, surface roughness can contribute to the strength of the bond between the amorphous material and the carrier. The inventors have determined that the roughness of the paper (on the surface that abuts the carrier) is preferably in the range of 50 to 1000 Bekk seconds, preferably 50 to 150 Bekk seconds, preferably 100 Bekk seconds. We found that Beck seconds (measured over an air pressure interval of 50.66 to 48.00 kPa) could be (Beck smoothness tester is an instrument used to measure the smoothness of paper surfaces. This test In the machine, air at a specific pressure is forced between a smooth glass surface and a paper sample.The time (in seconds) for a fixed volume of air to penetrate between these surfaces is the "Beck smoothness". ).

Conversely, the surface of the carrier that does not face the amorphous solid may be placed in contact with the heater, and a smoother surface may provide more efficient heat transfer. Thus, in some examples, the carrier is arranged to have a rougher side that abuts the amorphous material and a smoother side that does not face the amorphous material.

In one particular example, the carrier may itself be a laminate structure. For example, the carrier may be a cardboard -backed foil, where the cardboard layer abuts the amorphous solid layer and this abutment provides the properties discussed in the previous paragraphs. The foil backing is substantially impervious and provides control of the aerosol flow path. The metal foil backing may also serve to transfer heat to the amorphous solid.

In another example, a foil layer of cardboard -backed foil abuts an amorphous solid. The foil is substantially impermeable, preventing moisture imparted into the amorphous solid from being absorbed into the paper, which could weaken the paper's structural integrity.

In some examples, the carrier is formed from or comprises metal foil (such as aluminum foil). A metallic carrier may allow better transfer of thermal energy to the amorphous solid. Additionally or alternatively, the metal foil may function as a susceptor within an induction heating system. In certain embodiments, the carrier comprises a metal foil layer and a support layer (such as cardboard ). In these embodiments, the metal foil layer may have a thickness of less than 20 μm, such as from about 1 μm to about 10 μm, preferably about 5 μm.

In some examples, the amorphous solid may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1.0 mm. Suitably, the thickness may range from about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm. The inventors have found that a material with a thickness of 0.2 mm is particularly suitable. Amorphous solids may include multiple layers, and the thicknesses described herein refer to the total thickness of these layers.

The inventors have revealed that heating efficiency decreases when the amorphous solid is too thick. This has a negative impact on power consumption during use. Conversely, if the amorphous solid is too thin, it becomes difficult to manufacture and handle; very thin materials are more difficult to cast and can be brittle, impairing aerosol formation in use.

The inventors have shown that the amorphous solid thickness defined herein optimizes material properties in light of these conflicting considerations. The thickness here is the average thickness of the material. In some examples, the thickness of the amorphous solid may vary by no more than 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, or 1%.

Composition of Aerosol-Forming Materials In some examples, the amorphous solid may comprise 1-60% by weight gelling agent, where these weights are calculated on a dry weight basis.

Suitably, the amorphous solid is from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% to about 60%, 50%, 45%, 40% by weight. %, 35%, 30%, or up to 27% by weight (all calculated on a dry weight basis) of gelling agent. For example, the amorphous solid may comprise 1-50%, 5-40%, 10-30%, or 15-27% gelling agent by weight.

In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises a hydrocolloid. In some embodiments, the gelling agent is selected from the group including alginates, pectins, starches (and derivatives), cellulose (and derivatives), gums, silica or silicone compounds, clays, polyvinyl alcohols, and combinations thereof. one or more compounds. For example, in some embodiments, gelling agents include alginate, pectin, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, gum acacia, fumed silica, PDMS, silicic acid It comprises one or more of sodium, kaolin, and polyvinyl alcohol. In some examples, the gelling agent comprises alginate and/or pectin and may be combined with a hardening agent (such as a calcium source) during formation of the amorphous solid. In some examples, the amorphous solid may comprise calcium crosslinked alginate and/or calcium crosslinked pectin.

In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises an alginate, which is present in the amorphous solid in an amount of 10-30% (calculated on a dry weight basis) by weight of the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, alginate is the only gelling agent present in the amorphous solid. In other embodiments, the gelling agent comprises alginate and at least one additional gelling agent, such as pectin.

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may include a gelling agent comprising carrageenan.

Suitably, the amorphous solid is from about 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% to about 80%, 70%, 60%, 55%, 50%, 45% by weight. %, 40%, or up to 35% by weight of aerosol forming agent (all calculated on a dry weight basis). Aerosol formers may act as plasticizers. For example, the amorphous solid may comprise 10-60%, 15-50%, or 20-40% aerosol former by weight. In some examples, the aerosol generating agent comprises one or more compounds selected from erythritol, propylene glycol, glycerol, triacetin, sorbitol, and xylitol. In some examples, the aerosol generating agent comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of glycerol. The inventors have found that if the plasticizer content is too high, the amorphous solids may absorb water, resulting in a material that does not create a suitable consumption experience when used. . The inventors have found that if the content of plasticizer is too low, the amorphous solid becomes brittle and can break easily. The plasticizer content specified herein provides amorphous solid flexibility that allows the amorphous solid sheet to be wound onto a bobbin, which is useful in the manufacture of aerosol-generating articles.

In some examples, the amorphous solid may include a fragrance. Suitably, the amorphous solid may comprise up to about 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, or 5% fragrance by weight. In some examples, the amorphous solid may comprise at least about 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 20%, or 30% fragrance by weight. Good (all calculations are based on dry weight). For example, the amorphous solid may comprise 0.1-60%, 1-60%, 5-60%, 10-60%, 20-50%, or 30-40% fragrance. It's okay. In some examples, the fragrance (if present) comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of menthol. In some instances, the amorphous solid is free of fragrance.

In some instances, the amorphous solid further comprises an active material. For example, in some instances the amorphous solid further comprises tobacco material and/or nicotine. For example, the amorphous solid may further comprise powdered tobacco and/or nicotine and/or tobacco extract. In some examples, the amorphous solids range from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% to about 70%, 50%, 45% by weight. , or up to 40% by weight (calculated on dry weight basis) of active substance. In some examples, the amorphous solids range from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% to about 70%, 60%, 50% by weight. , 45%, or up to 40% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of tobacco material and/or nicotine.

In some examples, the amorphous solid comprises an active agent such as tobacco extract. In some examples, the amorphous solid may comprise 5-60% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) tobacco extract. In some examples, the amorphous solids range from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% to about 55%, 50%, 45%, or 40% by weight. % (calculated on a dry weight basis) of tobacco extract. For example, the amorphous solid may comprise 5-60%, 10-55%, or 25-55% tobacco extract by weight. The tobacco extract contains from 1%, 1.5%, 2%, or 2.5% to about 6%, 5%, 4.5%, or 4% amorphous solids by weight. nicotine (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some instances, no nicotine other than that obtained from tobacco extract may be present in the amorphous solid.

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid does not comprise tobacco material, but does comprise nicotine. In some such examples, the amorphous solids range from about 1%, 2%, 3%, or 4% to about 20%, 15%, 10%, or 5% by weight. (calculated on a dry weight basis) up to nicotine. For example, the amorphous solid may comprise 1-20% or 2-5% nicotine by weight.

In some examples, the total active agent and/or fragrance content is at least about 0.1%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 25%, or 30% by weight. It may be. In some examples, the total content of actives and/or fragrances may be less than about 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, or 40% by weight (all on a dry weight basis). ).

In some examples, the amorphous solid may be a hydrogel, comprising less than about 20%, 15%, 12%, or 10% water by weight, calculated on a wet weight basis (WWB). It's okay. In some examples, the amorphous solid may comprise at least about 1%, 2%, or about 5% water (by weight WWB). The amorphous solid comprises about 1% to about 15% water, or about 5% to about 15% water, calculated on a wet weight basis. Preferably, the water content of the amorphous solid is from about 5%, 7% or 9% to about 15%, 13% or 11% (by WWB), more preferably The amount is about 10% by weight.

The amorphous solid may be made from a gel, which may further comprise a solvent comprised from 0.1 to 50% by weight. However, the inventors have found that the inclusion of a solvent in which the perfume can be dissolved reduces the gel stability and the perfume can escape from the gel and crystallize. Thus, in some instances, the gel does not contain a solvent in which the perfume can be dissolved.

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid contains less than 60% filler, such as 1% to 60%, or 5% to 50%, or 5% to 30%, or Contains 10% to 20% filler by weight.

In other embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises less than 20%, preferably less than 10% or less than 5% filler by weight. In some instances, the amorphous solid comprises less than 1% filler by weight, and in some instances no filler.

If present, the filler may be one or more inorganic filler materials such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, and a suitable inorganic adsorbent (molecular sieve). etc.) may be provided. The filler may comprise one or more organic filler materials such as wood pulp, cellulose and cellulose derivatives. In some instances, the amorphous solid comprises less than 1% filler by weight, and in some instances no filler. In particular, in some instances, the amorphous solid does not comprise calcium carbonate, such as chalk.

In certain embodiments that include fillers, the fillers are fibrous. For example, the filler may be a fibrous organic filler material such as wood pulp, hemp fibers, cellulose or cellulose derivatives. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that including fibrous fillers in the amorphous solid can increase the tensile strength of the material.

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid does not comprise tobacco fibers. In certain embodiments, the amorphous solid does not comprise fibrous material.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material does not comprise tobacco fibers. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating material does not include fibrous material.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate does not comprise tobacco fibers. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate does not include fibrous material.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article does not include tobacco fibers. In certain embodiments, the aerosol generating article does not include fibrous material.

Aerosol-generating materials comprising amorphous solids may have any suitable areal density, such as from 30 g/m ² to 120 g/m ² . In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may have an areal density of about 30-70 g/m ² or about 40-60 g/m ² . In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may have an areal density of about 80-120 g/m ² , or about 70-110 g/m ² , or especially about 90-110 g/m ² .

In some examples, the sheet-like amorphous solid may have a tensile strength of about 200 N/m to about 900 N/m. In some instances, where the amorphous solid is free of fillers, the amorphous solid has a tensile strength of between 200 N/m and 400 N/m, or between 200 N/m and 300 N/m, or about 250 N/m. It may have. In some instances, where the amorphous solid includes a filler, the amorphous solid has a tensile strength of 600 N/m to 900 N/m, or 700 N/m to 900 N/m, or about 800 N/m. May have.

In some examples, the amorphous solid consists essentially of or consists of a gelling agent, an aerosol-forming agent, an active agent (e.g., a tobacco material and/or a nicotine source), water, and any flavoring agent. It is good to be something like that.

Aerosol-generating articles and assemblies A second aspect of the invention provides an aerosol comprising the laminated aerosol-generating material according to the first aspect of the invention and a heater configured to heat but not burn the aerosol-generating material. Providing production assemblies.

In some examples, the heater may heat the aerosolizable material from 120° C. to 350° C. without combustion during use. In some examples, the heater, in use, may heat the aerosolizable material to 140° C. to 250° C. without combustion. In some examples, in use, substantially all of the amorphous solid is less than about 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm from the heater. In some examples, the solid is located about 0.010 mm to 2.0 mm, preferably about 0.02 mm to 1.0 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm from the heater. These minimum distances may, in some examples, reflect the thickness of the carrier supporting the amorphous solid. In some examples, the surface of the amorphous solid may directly contact the heater.

In some other examples, the laminated aerosol-generating material may be included in the form of a sheet. Suitably, the laminated aerosol-generating material may be included as a flat sheet.

The heater is configured to heat, but not combust, the laminated aerosol-generating material. The heater may be a thin film electrical resistance heater in some examples. In other examples, the heater may include an induction heater or other heater. The heater may be a combustible heat source or a chemical heat source that undergoes an exothermic reaction to produce heat when used. The aerosol generation assembly may include multiple heaters. These heaters may be powered by batteries.

The aerosol generation assembly may further include a cooling element and/or a filter. If a cooling element is present, the cooling element may act or function to cool the gaseous or aerosol component. In some examples, the cooling element may act to cool the gaseous component such that the gaseous component condenses to form an aerosol. The cooling element may also act to move very hot parts of the device away from the user. If a filter is present, the filter may comprise any suitable filter known in the art, such as a cellulose acetate plug.

In some examples, the aerosol generation assembly may be a heat-not-burn device. That is, the aerosol generating assembly may include solid tobacco-containing material (but not liquid aerosolizable material). In some examples, the amorphous solid may comprise tobacco material. A non-combustion heating device is disclosed in WO2015/062983A2, which publication is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some examples, the aerosol generation assembly may be an electronic cigarette hybrid device. That is, the aerosol generating assembly may include a solid aerosolizable material and a liquid aerosolizable material. In some examples, the amorphous solid may comprise nicotine. In some examples, the amorphous solid may comprise tobacco material. In some examples, the amorphous solid may comprise tobacco material and a separate source of nicotine. These separate aerosolizable materials may be heated by separate heaters or by the same heater, and in some instances, the downstream aerosolizable material may be heated by the upstream aerosolizable material. may be heated by hot aerosols generated from An electronic cigarette hybrid device is disclosed in WO2016/135331A1, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The invention also provides an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating material according to the first aspect of the invention. The article may be adapted for use in a THP, e-cigarette hybrid device, or another aerosol generating device. In some examples, the article may further include a filter and/or cooling element, as described above. In some examples, the aerosol generating article may be surrounded by a packaging material such as paper.

The aerosol generating article or assembly may further include a vent. These may be provided on the side walls of the article. In the case of articles, vents may be provided in the filter and/or the cooling element. These holes allow cool air to be drawn into the article during use, which can mix with the heated volatile components and thereby cool the aerosol.

Venting promotes the production of visible heating volatiles from the article when it is heated during use. The heated volatile components are visualized by cooling the heated volatile components such that supersaturation of the heated volatile components occurs. The heated volatiles then undergo droplet formation (also known as nucleation) and eventually the size of the aerosol particles of heated volatiles decreases by further condensation of the heated volatiles and from the heated volatiles. Increases due to agglomeration of newly formed droplets.

In some examples, the ratio of cold air to the sum of heated volatiles and cold air (known as the ventilation ratio) is at least 15%. A ventilation ratio of 15% allows heating volatile components to be visualized by the method described above. The visibility of heated volatiles allows the user to identify that volatiles have been produced, enhancing the sensory experience of the smoking experience.

In another example, the ventilation ratio is between 50% and 85% to further cool the heated volatile components. In some examples, the ventilation ratio may be at least 60% or 65%.

Manufacturing method A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing the laminated aerosol-generating material according to the first aspect.

The method includes the steps of: (a) forming a slurry comprising amorphous solid components or their precursors; (b) applying the slurry to a carrier; and (c) curing the slurry to form a gel. , and (d) drying to form an amorphous solid.

Step (b) of applying the slurry to the carrier may include, for example, spraying, casting, or extruding the slurry. In some examples, the slurry is applied by electrostatic spraying. In some examples, the slurry is applied by casting the slurry.

In some examples, steps (b) and/or (c) and/or (d) may be performed at least partially simultaneously (eg, during electrostatic spraying). In some examples, these steps may be performed sequentially.

In some examples, the slurry has a viscosity of about 10 Pa·s to about 20 Pa·s at 46.5°C, such as about 14 Pa·s to about 16 Pa·s at 46.5°C.

Step (c) of curing the gel may include adding a curing agent to the slurry. For example, a slurry may comprise sodium alginate, potassium alginate, or ammonium alginate as a gel precursor, and a hardening agent comprising a calcium source (e.g., calcium chloride) may be added to the slurry to form a calcium alginate gel. It's okay.

The total amount of curing agents, such as calcium sources, may be from 0.5 to 5% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis). The inventors have found that adding too little curing agent may result in a gel that does not stabilize the gel components and leads to these components falling out of the gel. . The inventors have found that adding too much curing agent results in a gel that is very sticky and, as a result, has poor handling properties.

Alginates are derivatives of alginic acid and are typically high molecular weight polymers (10-600 kDa). Alginic acid is a copolymer of β-D-mannuronic acid (M) and α-L-guluronic acid (G) units (blocks) linked by (1,4)-glycosidic bonds to form a polysaccharide. When calcium cations are added, the alginate crosslinks to form a gel. We determined that alginates with high G monomer content form gels more easily upon addition of a calcium source. Thus, in some examples, the gel precursor is such that at least about 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, or 70% of the monomer units in the alginate copolymer are α-L- It may also include alginate, which is a guluronic acid (G) unit.

The slurry may be applied to the carrier, for example by casting. In some instances, it can also be cured to form a gel, to a thickness of 1 mm to 3 mm, preferably 2 mm. The drying step can reduce the thickness of the material by at least 80%, preferably 85% or 87%. For example, the slurry can be cast to a thickness of 2 mm and the resulting dry amorphous solid material can be made to a thickness of 0.2 mm.

The slurry itself may also form part of the invention. In some examples, the slurry solvent may consist essentially of or consist of water. In some examples, the slurry may comprise about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% or more solvent by weight (WWB).

In instances where the solvent consists of water, the dry weight content of the slurry may match the dry weight content of the amorphous solid. Thus, the discussion herein regarding solid compositions is expressly disclosed in conjunction with the slurry aspect of the invention.

Exemplary Embodiments In some embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises menthol.

In such embodiments, the amorphous solid may have the following composition (DWB): from about 20% to about 40% by weight, or from about 25% to 35% by weight (by DWB). % of a gelling agent (preferably comprising alginate, more preferably comprising a combination of alginate and pectin), from about 35% to about 60%, or from about 40% to 55% by weight. The composition may include menthol and an aerosol forming agent (preferably comprising glycerol) in an amount of about 10% to about 30%, or about 15% to about 25% by weight.

In one embodiment, the amorphous solid comprises about 32-33% (by weight DWB) alginate/pectin gelling agent blend, about 47-48% menthol flavoring, and about 19-20% (by weight) A glycerol aerosol generator is provided.

The amorphous solids of these embodiments may have any suitable water content. For example, an amorphous solid may have a water content of about 2% to about 10%, or about 5% to about 8%, or about 6% by weight.

Suitably, the amorphous solid may be provided as a sheet having a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm, preferably about 0.02 mm to about 0.07 mm.

In further embodiments, the amorphous solid may have the following composition (DWB): from about 5% to about 40% by weight (in DWB), or from about 10% to 30% by weight. (preferably comprising an alginate, more preferably a combination of alginate and pectin) in an amount of from about 10% to about 50%, or from about 15% to 40% by weight. of menthol, an aerosol forming agent (preferably comprising glycerol) in an amount of about 5% to about 40%, or about 10% to about 35% by weight, and optionally up to 60% by weight, e.g. 5% to 20% by weight, or 40% to 60% by weight) of filler.

In one of these embodiments, the amorphous solid includes (by weight DWB) about 11% alginate/pectin gelling agent blend, about 56% wood pulp filler, about 18% menthol flavor. , and about 15% by weight glycerol.

In another one of these embodiments, the amorphous solid includes (by weight) about 22% alginate/pectin gelling agent blend, about 12% wood pulp filler, about 36% menthol. flavoring, and about 30% glycerol by weight.

In some further embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises a flavoring agent that does not comprise menthol. In these embodiments, the amorphous solid may have the following composition (DWB): from about 5% to about 40% by weight (in DWB), or from about 10% to about 35% by weight, or a gelling agent (preferably comprising an alginate) in an amount of about 20% to about 35% by weight, about 0.1% to about 40% by weight, about 1% to about 30% by weight, about 1% by weight % to about 20% by weight, or about 5% to about 20% by weight, 15% to 75% by weight, about 30% to about 70% by weight, or about 50% to about 65% by weight. % of an aerosol-forming agent (preferably comprising glycerol), and optionally a filler (preferably comprising wood pulp) in an amount of less than about 60%, about 20%, about 10%, or about 5% by weight. ) (preferably, the amorphous solid is free of fillers).

In one of these embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises (by weight DWB) about 27% alginate gelling agent, about 14% flavoring agent, and about 57% glycerol aerosol former. .

In another one of these embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises (by weight DWB) about 29% alginate gelling agent, about 9% flavor, and about 60% glycerol.

In some further embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises tobacco extract. In these embodiments, the amorphous solid may have the following composition (DWB): about 5% to about 40% by weight (in DWB), about 10% to 30% by weight, or from about 15% to about 25% by weight of a gelling agent (preferably comprising an alginate), from about 30% to about 60%, from about 40% to 55%, or from about 45% to tobacco extract in an amount of about 50% by weight; an aerosol-forming agent (preferably may have the composition (comprising glycerol).

In one embodiment, the amorphous solid comprises (by weight DWB) about 20% alginate gelling agent, about 48% Virginia tobacco extract, and about 32% glycerol.

The amorphous solids of these embodiments may have any suitable water content. For example, an amorphous solid may have a water content of about 5% to about 15%, or about 7% to about 13%, or about 10% by weight.

Preferably, in any of these embodiments comprising tobacco extract, the amorphous solid has a diameter of about 50 μm to about 200 μm, or about 50 μm to about 100 μm, or about 60 μm to about 90 μm, preferably about 77 μm. It has a thickness.

A slurry for forming this amorphous solid may also form part of the invention. In some examples, the slurry may have an elastic modulus (also referred to as a storage modulus) of about 5-1200 Pa, and in some examples, the slurry may have a viscosity modulus (loss modulus) of about 5-600 Pa. ).

Definitions An active substance as used herein is a bioactive material, ie, a material for achieving or enhancing a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, functional foods, nootropic substances, and psychoactive substances. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, thein, vitamins (B6, B12, C, etc.), melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or other botanical materials.

In some embodiments, the active agent comprises nicotine.

In some embodiments, the active agent comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

As described herein, the active substance may comprise one or more components, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

Cannabinoids are a class of natural or synthetic compounds that act on intracellular cannabinoid receptors (ie, CB1 and CB2) that suppress neurotransmitter release in the brain. Cannabinoids may be found naturally in plants such as cannabis (phytocannabinoids), may be derived from animals (endocannabinoids), or may be artificially produced (synthetic cannabinoids). Cannabis species exhibit at least 85 different phytocannabinoids and are divided into multiple subclassifications. These subclasses include cannabigerol, cannabichromene, cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol and cannabinodiol, and other cannabinoids. Cannabinoids found in cannabis include, but are not limited to, cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), Cannabidiol (CBDL), Cannabicyclol (CBL), Cannabivarin (CBV), Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), Cannabidivarin (CBDV), Cannabichromevaline (CBCV), Cannabigerovarin (CBGV), Cannabige role monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabinerolic acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinolpropyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), and tetrahydrocannabivaric acid (THCV A) ) is included.

As described herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanical materials or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "plant material" includes any material derived from plants, including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, etc. , including seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, shells, skins, etc. Alternatively, the material may comprise active compounds that occur naturally in the plant material or are obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, fragments, strips, sheets, etc. Examples of botanical materials are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cacao, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba extract, hazel, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice, and matcha. , Yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (green tea, black tea, etc.), thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (aniseed), basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rose Marie, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, perilla, turmeric, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damian. , marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, calvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. Mint comes from the following mint varieties: mentha arvensis, grapefruit mint (Mentha c.v.), Egyptian mint (Mentha niliaca), peppermint (Mentha piperita), lime mint (Mentha piperita citrata c.v.), and chocolate mint (Mentha piperita). c.v.), curly mint (Mentha spicata crispa), wild mint (Mentha cordifolia), horsemint (Mentha longifolia), pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens variegata), pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium), English spearmint (Mentha spicata c.v.), and You may also choose from apple mint (Mentha suaveolens).

In some embodiments, the botanical material is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp.

In some embodiments, the botanical material is selected from rooibos and fennel.

As used herein, the terms "fragrance" and "flavoring agent" are used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatic sensation in products intended for adult consumers where local regulations permit. Refers to materials that can be used. They may be naturally occurring flavoring materials, botanical materials, extracts of botanical materials, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g. tobacco, hemp, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, trumpet leaf, chamomile, Fenugreek, cloves, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese peppermint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spice, Asian spice, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango , clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint , lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, Obtained from any variety of the genus lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, green pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint. mint oil, eucalyptus, star anise, cacao, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea (green tea, black tea, etc.), thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil , bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, perilla, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, calvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators, or stimulants, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g. sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), as well as other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanical materials, or breath fresheners. They may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients, or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example liquid (such as an oil), solid (such as a powder), or gas.

The perfume may suitably comprise one or more mint perfumes, preferably mint oil obtained from any variety of the genus mint. The perfume may suitably comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of menthol.

In some embodiments, the flavor comprises menthol, spearmint, and/or peppermint.

In some embodiments, the flavor comprises cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruit, and/or red berry flavor components.

In some embodiments, the fragrance comprises eugenol.

In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco.

In some embodiments, the flavoring comprises flavor components extracted from cannabis.

In some embodiments, the fragrance is typically chemically induced by stimulating the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or instead of the olfactory or gustatory nerves, and the perceived somatosensation Sensory agents aimed at achieving this may be provided, and these may include agents that provide a heating effect, a cooling effect, a tingling effect, a numbing effect. Suitable thermal effect agents may include, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable coolants include, but are not limited to, eucalyptol and WS-3. It may be.

The term "aerosol generating agent" as used herein refers to an agent that promotes the production of aerosol. Aerosol generating agents may promote aerosol production by promoting the initial volatilization and/or condensation of gases into respirable solid and/or liquid aerosols.

Suitable aerosol generating agents include, but are not limited to, polyols such as erythritol, sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols such as propylene glycol and triethylene glycol, as well as non-polyols such as monohydric alcohols. , high-boiling hydrocarbons, acids (such as lactic acid), glycerol derivatives, esters (diacetin, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate or myristate (including ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate)), and aliphatics. Included are carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. The aerosol generating agent may suitably have a composition that does not dissolve menthol. The aerosol-generating agent may suitably comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of glycerol.

As used herein, the term "tobacco material" refers to any material comprising tobacco or derivatives thereof. The term "tobacco material" may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, puffed tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material may comprise one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fiber, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stalks, reconstituted tobacco, and/or tobacco extract.

The tobacco used to make the tobacco material may be any suitable tobacco, such as single grades or blends, chopped rag or whole leaf, including Virginia and/or Burley and/or Oriental. It may also be "fine powder" or dust of tobacco particles, puffed tobacco, petioles, puffed petioles, and other processed petiole materials (such as rolled chopped petioles). The tobacco material may be ground tobacco or reconstituted tobacco material. The reconstituted tobacco material may comprise tobacco fibers and may be formed by casting, a fourdrinier-type approach with backside addition of tobacco extract, or extrusion.

All weight percentages (expressed as weight %) mentioned herein are calculated on a dry weight basis, unless otherwise stated. All weight ratios are also calculated on a dry weight basis. Weights given on a dry weight basis refer to the entire extract, slurry or material other than water and may include components that are liquid by themselves at room temperature and pressure, such as glycerol. Conversely, weight percentages expressed on a wet weight basis refer to all components including water.

For the avoidance of doubt, when the term "comprising" is used herein in defining the invention or a feature of the invention, "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of" is used instead of "comprising". Embodiments are also disclosed in which inventions and features can be defined using the term "becomes". Reference to a material "comprising" particular characteristics means that those characteristics are included in, contained in, or retained within the material.

The embodiments described above are to be understood as illustrative of the invention. Any feature described in connection with any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in connection with any other embodiment or any other embodiment. It is to be understood that the features may be used in combination with any combination of one or more features of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may be used without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (14)

A laminated aerosol-generating material comprising an aerosol-forming layer attached to a carrier layer, the material comprising:
Laminated aerosol-generating material, wherein the aerosol-forming layer comprises an amorphous solid and the carrier layer comprises wood and/or cardboard . The layered aerosol-generating material of claim 1, wherein the carrier layer has a thickness of about 1 mm to about 4 mm. Laminated aerosol-generating material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the carrier layer has a stiffness of at least 70 mN when tested according to ISO 2493-1. Laminated aerosol production according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the carrier layer comprises one or more of hemp, balsa wood, wood pulp, sugarcane bagasse, straw, cotton, flax, kenaf and abaca. material. A layered aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the carrier has a density within the range of 220 gm ^-2 to about 480 cm ^-2 . The amorphous solid is
1 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent, and/or
5-80% by weight of an aerosol generator, and/or
Laminated aerosol production according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising from 10 to 60% by weight of at least one active substance and/or flavoring, wherein these weights are calculated on a dry weight basis. material. A layered aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the amorphous solid comprises from about 1% to about 20% by weight water calculated on a wet weight basis. An aerosol generation assembly comprising a laminated aerosol generation material according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a heater configured to heat but not combust the laminated aerosol generation material. 9. The aerosol generation assembly of claim 8, which is a non-combustion heated device. 9. The aerosol generating assembly of claim 8, which is an electronic cigarette hybrid device. An aerosol-generating article for use in an aerosol-generating assembly, the aerosol-generating article comprising a laminated aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A method for producing a laminated aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 1 to 7. (a) forming a slurry comprising amorphous solid components or their precursors; (b) applying the slurry to a carrier; and (c) curing the slurry to form a gel. and (d) drying the gel to form an amorphous solid. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein step (c) comprises adding a curing agent to the slurry.