KR20200032022A - Cigarette filter containing polylactide material and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are a cigarette filter made of a polylactide material and a manufacturing method thereof. The production yield of the cigarette filter can be improved.

Description

Filter for tobacco containing polylactide material and manufacturing method thereof {CIGARETTE FILTER CONTAINING POLYLACTIDE MATERIAL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME}

A filter for tobacco containing a polylactide material and a method for manufacturing the same.

Combustion-type cigarettes or non-combustion-type (heated) cigarettes include filters for filtering certain components contained in the aerosol or cooling the aerosol. Recently, research is being conducted to improve the performance of a filter by changing the components constituting the filter or by changing the structure of the filter.

When a mono filter and a tube filter are manufactured using cellulose acetate (CA) tow used in conventional cigarettes, a plasticizer or a hardener is generally used to bond the fiber strands or partially melt the fiber itself to form a bonding point between the fibers After hardening, the filter is prepared.

However, in the case of polylactide (PLA) material, it is difficult to form a bond between fibers only by using a plasticizer, and thus it is necessary to develop a process technology suitable for PLA materials and a modifier (plasticizer).

According to the embodiment, the above-described problems can be solved.

However, the technical problem is not limited to the above, and other technical problems may be inferred from the following examples.

In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a filter for tobacco, comprising: preparing a material containing polylactide (PLA); Adding a denaturant to the material; Supplying the material to a mold in which a rod for forming a hollow portion of the cigarette filter is disposed therein; And heating and curing the material to produce the filter for cigarettes; including, it can provide a method for producing a filter for cigarettes.

In embodiments, the denaturing agent is at least one of acetyl tributyl citrate, tributyl citrate, triethyl citrate, and polyethylene glycol. It can contain one.

In embodiments, the denaturing agent may be added by 5 parts by weight to 35 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the material.

In embodiments, heating and curing the material to produce the filter for cigarettes may include heating the material using steam generated from a steam generator.

In embodiments, the heating temperature at which the material is heated through the steam generator may be 150 ° C to 250 ° C.

In embodiments, after heating the material, the method may further include cooling the material with compressed air.

In embodiments, after heating the material, the method may further include moving the material to a cooler along a transport pipe surrounding the material discharged from the mold and guiding the movement of the material.

In embodiments, the method may further include forming a perforation part in the manufactured filter for cigarettes.

In a second aspect of the present invention, in the filter for cigarettes, the filter for cigarettes includes a material containing polylactide (PLA), and the material can provide a filter for cigarettes cured by heat. .

In embodiments, the filter for tobacco is among acetyl tributyl citrate, tributyl citrate, triethyl citrate, and polyethylene glycol. It may include at least one denaturant.

In embodiments, the filter for cigarettes may have a hardness of 70% to 95% based on the cross-sectional direction of the filter.

In embodiments, when an aerosol passes through the filter for cigarettes, the maximum temperature of the filter for cigarettes is 60 ° C to 72 ° C, and the average temperature of the filter for cigarettes may be 48 ° C to 58 ° C.

In embodiments, the filter for cigarettes has a hollow portion, and the hollow portion may have a diameter of 1.8 mm to 4.4 mm.

In embodiments, the filter for cigarettes may further include a perforated portion formed in a vertical direction based on the longitudinal direction of the filter.

The means for solving the problem is not limited to the above, and may include all matters that can be inferred by those skilled in the art throughout the present specification.

The filter for cigarettes according to the embodiment may be cured by a modifier to improve the hardness of the filter. In addition, when the manufactured filter for cigarettes is transferred, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon of being caught in the drum, so that the production yield of the filter for cigarettes can be improved.

In addition, the filter for cigarettes according to the embodiment has the advantage of observing both the cooling effect and the amount of nicotine fulfillment for the aerosol passing therethrough.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above, and may include all effects that can be inferred from configurations described below.

1 is a flowchart showing each step of the method for manufacturing a filter for cigarettes according to an embodiment in order.
2 is a view for explaining an apparatus for manufacturing a filter for cigarettes according to an embodiment.
3 is a view showing a mold of a device for manufacturing a cigarette filter according to an embodiment from a side.
4 is a view showing a curing machine of a device for manufacturing a cigarette filter according to an embodiment.
5 is a view showing a filter for cigarettes according to an embodiment.
6 is a view showing an aerosol-generating article including a filter for cigarettes according to an embodiment.
7 is a view showing a comparison of the characteristics of the filter for cigarettes according to the comparative example and the filter for cigarettes according to the embodiment.

The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected from general terms that are currently widely used as possible while considering functions in the present invention, but this may vary according to the intention or precedent of a person skilled in the art or the appearance of new technologies. In addition, in certain cases, some terms are arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the applicable invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the contents of the present invention, not simply the names of the terms.

When a certain part of the specification "includes" a certain component, this means that other components may be further included instead of excluding other components unless specifically stated otherwise. In addition, terms such as “… unit” and “… module” described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may easily practice. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Throughout the specification, “A and / or B” means at least one of A and B.

Throughout the specification, “on” means that one member is disposed on one side of another member, and includes all cases where one member is disposed with or without contact with another member.

Throughout the specification, "modifying agent" means a drug or additive that changes the properties and properties of PLA tow.

Throughout the specification, "hardness of the filter" is measured using a hardness meter, and is calculated through the calculation formula below.

Hardness (%) = [D-a] / D * 100

(D: filter diameter, a: distance at which the filter is pressed by a 300g weight (mm))

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a flowchart showing each step of the method for manufacturing a filter for cigarettes according to an embodiment in order.

In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a filter for tobacco, comprising: preparing a material containing polylactide (PLA); Adding a denaturant to the material; Supplying the material to a mold in which a rod for forming a hollow portion of the cigarette filter is disposed therein; And heating and curing the material to produce the filter for cigarettes; including, it can provide a method for producing a filter for cigarettes.

In the step (S100) of preparing a material containing polylactide (PLA), the material may be in the form of a fiber or tow used in a filter for cigarettes. In the case of the polylactide material, it may have an improved aerosol cooling effect than the cellulose acetate material.

In the step (S200) of adding a modifier to the polylactide material, the modifier may include a citrate-based, phosphate-based, glycol-based, acetin-based compound. .

Specifically, the denaturant is acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), tributyl citrate (tributyl citrate), triethyl citrate (TEC), tri- (2-ethylhexyl) phosphate ( tri- (2-ethylhexyl) phosphate), triphenyl phosphate, polyalkylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polypropylene glycol (PG), triacetin (TA) : triacetin), or glyceryl triacetate, but is not limited thereto.

Preferably, as a modifier added to the polylactide material, acetyl tributyl citrate, tributyl citrate, triethyl citrate, and polyethylene glycol glycol).

In embodiments, the modifier may be added by about 5 parts by weight to about 35 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the polylactide material. Specifically, the denaturant is about 5 parts by weight to about 35 parts by weight, about 10 parts by weight to about 35 parts by weight, about 10 parts by weight to about 30 parts by weight, about 10 parts by weight to about 25 parts by weight, about 10 parts by weight to About 20 parts, about 10 parts to about 15 parts, about 15 parts to about 35 parts, about 15 parts to about 30 parts, about 15 parts to about 25 parts, about 15 parts to about About 20 parts by weight, about 20 parts by weight to about 35 parts by weight, about 20 parts by weight to about 30 parts by weight, about 20 parts by weight to about 25 parts by weight, about 25 parts by weight to about 35 parts by weight, about 25 parts by weight to It may be included by about 30 parts by weight, about 30 parts by weight to about 35 parts by weight. When the modifier is included in less than 5 parts by weight, the hardness of the filter may be low, resulting in distortion or cutting failure. When the modifier is contained in excess of 35 parts by weight, characteristics such as the cooling effect of the filter or the amount of nicotine migration may be deteriorated. have. Preferably, based on 100 parts by weight of the polylactide material, triethyl citrate (TEC) may be added by about 25 parts by weight.

In the step (S300) of supplying a polylactide material to a mold in which a rod body for forming a hollow portion of a cigarette filter is disposed therein, when the material is supplied to the mold, a rod body is disposed inside the material, A mold may be placed outside. The mold will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 below.

In the step (S400) of heating and curing the polylactide material to produce a filter for cigarettes, the glass transition temperature of the polylactide material may be reduced by a modifier. In this state, when heating and curing the polylactide material, the hardness of the filter for cigarettes manufactured while the fibers inside the material are aggregated may be improved.

Hereinafter, a manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method of a filter for cigarettes will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2.

2 is a view for explaining an apparatus for manufacturing a filter for cigarettes according to an embodiment.

An apparatus for manufacturing a filter for cigarettes according to an embodiment may include a pre-processor 105, a mold 120, a curing machine 130, and a cooler 140. However, it is not always necessary to include all the components, and in some cases, some components may be combined to produce a filter for cigarettes. In addition, only the components related to this embodiment are shown in the filter manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, it can be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that other general-purpose components other than those shown in FIG. 2 may be further included in the filter manufacturing apparatus.

For example, the filter manufacturing apparatus may further include a control unit (not shown). The control unit may control the overall operation of the filter manufacturing apparatus. For example, the control unit may control the operation of the preprocessor 105, the mold 120, the curing machine 130, and the cooler 140. The control unit may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which programs executable on the microprocessor are stored. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains may understand that it may be implemented in other types of hardware.

The pre-processor 105 may include a material supply unit 100, a roller 103 and a stretching machine 110. The pre-processor 105 can supply the material used for manufacturing the filter for cigarettes to the mold 120. The material may be subjected to a pre-treatment process necessary to be manufactured as a filter for cigarettes through the pre-processor 105. For example, a modifier may be added to lower the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the material in the material supply unit 100. In addition, the roller 103 may move the material prepared through the material supply unit 100 to the stretching machine 110, and the stretching machine 110 may supply the material to the mold 120 after stretching the material.

The stretching machine 110 may be provided with two pairs of rolls, for example, a pair of two rolls facing up and down. If the forward direction is the forward direction relative to the direction in which the material moves, the front roll and the rear roll can have different rotational speeds. The material passes between each of the two pairs of rolls and can be stretched by the difference in the rotational speed of the two pairs of rolls. In this case, it may be desirable that the rotational speed of the front roll is faster than the rotational speed of the rear roll. In the process of the material passing through the two pairs of rolls, kinks may be formed in the fibers of the material, and the two pairs of rolls may control the air permeability of the manufactured filter by controlling the degree of twisting of the fibers.

In the mold 120, the material may include hollow inside. For example, while passing through a rod-shaped tube disposed in the mold 120, a hollow pillar shape penetrating the material moving along the mold 120 may be formed inside the material. In addition, as an example, when the diameter of the outer frame of the mold 120 decreases, the material may be compressed while moving the inside of the mold 120.

The material discharged from the mold 120 may be supplied to the curing machine 130. The method of supplying heat to the curing machine 130 is not limited to any one of electrical and chemical methods.

Curing machine 130 may be cured by heating the material. For example, if the inner diameter of the curing machine 130 is larger than the inner diameter of the mold 120, the material compressed in the process of moving the material along the inside of the mold 120 is discharged from the mold 120 and the curing machine ( 120). In addition, the expanded material may be heated and cured by receiving heat from the curing machine 130.

For example, the curing unit 130 may be a steam generator. In one embodiment, heating and curing the polylactide material to produce the filter for cigarettes may include heating the material using steam generated from a steam generator. By using a steam generator, the existing heating temperature of about 95 ° C or less can be improved to about 350 ° C, and the sticking problem of the material generated when heat is supplied using a molding rod can be solved.

In one embodiment, the heating temperature at which the material is heated through a steam generator may be 150 ° C to 250 ° C. Here, the heating temperature means the temperature of the heating unit 310 of FIG. 4 for heating the filter. In the above numerical range, aggregation reaction of the polylactide material may occur, and accordingly, the hardness of the filter may be improved from about 70% to about 95%. When the hardness of the filter is 70% or more, the phenomenon of being caught in the drum may be reduced by having an appropriate hardness when the manufactured filter is conveyed.

In one embodiment, the curing machine 130 may not only heat the material, but also apply pressure to the material. For example, the pressure applied to the material may be about 0.8 bar to about 2.7 bar, specifically about 1 bar to about 2.5 bar, and preferably about 1.5 bar. In the above numerical range, the aggregation reaction of the polylactide material occurred, and accordingly, the hardness of the filter may be improved from about 70% to about 95%.

In embodiments, after heating the material, the method may further include cooling the material with compressed air. In addition, after heating the material, it may further include the step of moving the material to the cooler along a transport pipe surrounding the material discharged from the mold and guiding the movement of the material.

The material that is heat-cured and discharged from the curing machine 130 may be supplied to the cooling machine 140. At this time, the cooler 140 may apply compressed air to the material.

Some of the fibers that make up the material can be cured in a broken state, while others can be broken finely during curing. Short fibers cut into small pieces can form fine dust on the outside or inside the filter. The cooler 140 may cool the material by applying compressed air and remove fine dust adhering to the material. Accordingly, when the filter is packaged with a packaging material, deterioration of adhesion due to fine dust from the outside can be prevented, and quality of the product can be improved as fine dust is prevented from remaining in the air passage inside the filter.

The material discharged from the cooler 140 may be made of a filter 150 for cigarettes having a hollow inside.

In embodiments, the method for manufacturing a filter for cigarettes may further include forming a perforation in the manufactured filter for cigarettes. The perforation can further enhance the cooling effect of the cigarette filter, as will be described later.

3 is a view showing a mold 120 of a device for manufacturing a filter for cigarettes according to an embodiment from a side.

Referring to FIG. 3, the rod body 200 may be disposed inside the mold 120. The material 250 that has undergone the pre-treatment process may be discharged from the pre-processor 105 and supplied to the mold 120. A part of the mold 120 forming the external shape of the rod 200 and the material 250 disposed inside the mold 120 may be provided in a shape in which the diameter decreases along the traveling direction of the material 250. have. Accordingly, the material 250 injected through the injection port of the mold 120 may be compressed while moving along the interior of the mold 120.

According to some embodiments, in a section in which the diameters of the mold 120 and the rod 200 are reduced, the inclinations of the mold 120 and the rod 200 may be provided to be parallel to each other. Accordingly, the material 250 can be smoothly moved through the mold 120.

In addition, the shape of the mold 120 and the rod body 200 may be provided in a cylindrical shape having the same diameter of one end and the other end. However, this is only an example, and is not limited thereto.

For example, when the diameter of the rod body 200 is small, a larger amount of the material 200 may be injected into the mold 120. When the diameter reduction ratio of the mold 120 and the rod body 200 is increased, the compression ratio of the material 250 moving along the mold 120 may be increased. For example, when the inclination in a section in which the diameter of the mold 120 and the rod 200 decreases is increased, the compression rate of the material 250 moving along the mold 120 may be increased. As such, as the design of the shapes of the mold 120 and the rod body 200 is changed, the injection amount and the degree of compression of the material 250 moving along the mold 120 may be determined.

For example, it moves along the mold 120 and is compressed and aggregated at a high compression rate, and the material 250 formed at a high density may be discharged to the outlet of the mold 120.

4 is a view showing a curing machine 130 of a device for manufacturing a cigarette filter according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, the curing machine 130 may include a transport pipe 300, a rod body 200, a steam supply pipe 320, a heating unit 310, and a heating cavity 326. The material 250 discharged from the mold may be supplied to the curing machine 130. The curing machine 130 may include a transport tube 300 surrounding the material 250 and guiding the movement of the material, and a rod 200 forming a hollow inside the material 250.

For example, a heating unit 310 including a heat transfer material may be disposed in the transport pipe 300, the heating unit 310 may be connected to the steam supply pipe 320, and the steam supply pipe 320 may include a steam generator ( (Not shown). Accordingly, the high-temperature steam generated by the steam generator may be delivered to the heating unit 310 along the steam supply pipe 320.

For example, the heating unit 310 may be heated to a high temperature by steam to deform the material 250 moving along the transport pipe 300, and accordingly, the external shape of the material 250 may be deformed.

The curing machine 130 may include a steam supply pipe 320 for applying heat to the heating unit 310. However, a method of applying heat to the heating unit 310 may be provided in various ways.

For example, the steam supply pipe 320 includes a steam supply passage 322 and a steam discharge passage 324 therein, and the steam supply passage 322 and the steam discharge passage 324 have a heating cavity inside the transfer tube 300. 326. The heating cavity 326 may be in contact with the heating unit 310 including a heat transfer material.

Specifically, when high-temperature steam is supplied through the steam supply passage 322 of the steam supply pipe 320, steam enters the heating cavity 326 along the steam supply passage 322, and the steam is passed through the steam discharge passage 324. The circulation discharged along may be repeated. In a process in which the circulation of steam is repeated, high temperature steam may remain in the heating cavity 326, and in this process, the heating unit 310 in contact with the heating cavity 326 may be heated to a high temperature.

Since the heating unit 310 includes a heat transfer material, it can be quickly heated by the high temperature of the heating cavity 326. The heat transfer material includes a material having a high heat transfer coefficient, and a metal such as copper may correspond to this.

In this case, the material 250 may contain polylactide. The heating unit 310 may be preferably heated to a temperature at which the polylactide does not completely melt, but is not limited thereto. The heating unit 310 may apply a temperature above the melting point of the polylactide, and accordingly, a melting phenomenon of the material may occur.

For example, although not shown in the drawing, the curing machine 130 and the mold 120 may be connected. In this case, as the inner diameter at the inlet of the curing machine 130 increases than the inner diameter at the outlet of the mold 120, the material 250 compressed in the mold 120 may be injected into the curing machine 130 after being discharged. And can be expanded and heated and cured by restoring force.

In the case of the above-described FIG. 4, the manufacturing apparatus of the hollow filter having the hollow portion is exemplarily described, but when the configuration of the rod body 200 is omitted in the manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 4, it can be used to manufacture a general filter using PLA material. have.

5 is a view showing a filter 150 for cigarettes according to an embodiment.

The second aspect of the present invention includes a material containing polylactide (PLA), and the material can provide a filter for tobacco cured by heat.

In an embodiment, the filter for cigarettes is at least one of acetyl tributyl citrate, tributyl citrate, triethyl citrate, and polyethylene glycol. It may contain a denaturant.

Referring to FIG. 5, the cigarette filter 150 may include a hollow portion 151 therein. When a user inhales an aerosol-generating article (not shown) containing the filter 150 for cigarettes, a vortex phenomenon in which air is strongly rotated in the hollow portion 151 of the filter may occur. Accordingly, the content of the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating article can be maintained to a certain degree, and the user can feel a rich flavor.

In embodiments, the hollow portion 151 of the filter 150 for cigarettes may be circular or elliptical, and may have a diameter of about 1.8 mm to about 4.4 mm. Specifically, the hollow portion 151 may have a diameter of about 2.0 mm to about 4.2 mm. However, it is not particularly limited thereto, and the numerical range may be appropriately adjusted by a person skilled in the art.

For example, the hollow portion 151 may have an inner diameter of about 2.5 mm or an inner diameter of about 4.2 mm. If the hollow portion 151 has an inner diameter of about 4.2 mm, the amount of aerosol migration such as nicotine or glycerin per unit time may be improved than when the hollow portion 151 has an inner diameter of about 2.5 mm.

In embodiments, the hollow portion 151 of the filter 150 for cigarettes is not limited to a circular or elliptical shape. For example, the hollow portion 151 may be diamond-shaped, cat-shaped, honeycomb-shaped, cross-shaped, tobacco-shaped, or phosphorus-shaped.

In addition, as the filter is formed at a high density, as the hollow portion 151 is provided inside, a unique tactile feel may be provided when a user inhales an aerosol-generating article including the filter 150 for cigarettes. In addition, it may be easy to maintain the target suction resistance by adjusting the blowing speed during manufacture of the cigarette filter 150.

In embodiments, when the aerosol passes through the filter 150 for cigarettes, the maximum temperature of the filter 150 for cigarettes is about 60 ° C to about 72 ° C, and the average temperature of the filter 150 for cigarettes is about 48 ℃ to about 58 ℃. The filter 150 for cigarettes includes a hollow portion 151 and a polylactide material, so that a cooling effect for an aerosol can be increased.

In addition, the filter 150 for cigarettes may further include a perforated portion (not shown) formed in a vertical direction based on the longitudinal direction of the hollow portion 151. As will be described later, the perforation portion may further increase the cooling effect of the filter 150 for cigarettes against the aerosol.

6 is a view illustrating an aerosol-generating article 400 including a filter for cigarettes according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol-generating article 400 may include an aerosol-generating material 410, an intermediate structure 420, a cooling structure 430, a filter segment 440, and a packaging material 450.

The aerosol-generating material 410 may include, for example, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

The aerosol-generating material 410 may have a long elongated rod shape, and its length may vary. As an optional embodiment, the length may be about 5 to about 60 millimeters, for example about 12 millimeters, but is not particularly limited thereto. In addition, the diameter of the aerosol-generating material 410 may be about 5 to about 10 millimeters, for example, about 7.2 millimeters, but is not particularly limited thereto.

As an alternative embodiment, aerosol-generating material 410 may contain other additive materials such as flavoring agents, wetting agents and / or acetate compounds. For example, flavoring agents are licorice, sucrose, fructose syrup, isosweet, cocoa, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, fenugreek, cascarilla, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, Vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, mint oil, cinnamon, caraway, cognac, jasmine, chamomile, menthol, cinnamon, ylang-ylang, sage, spearmint, ginger, coriander or coffee. In addition, the wetting agent may include glycerin or propylene glycol. In addition, the aerosol-generating material 410 is crushed tobacco raw material, and then mixed with a solvent and various additives to prepare a slurry and dried to form a sheet. It may contain substances.

For example, aerosol-generating material 410 includes a plurality of strands of tobacco material, one of which is about 1 to 16 millimeters long, about 0.8 to about 1.2 millimeters wide (e.g., about 0.9 millimeters), and The thickness can be from about 0.17 to about 0.23 millimeters (eg, about 0.2 millimeters).

Since the aerosol-generating material 410 includes a plurality of strand materials having different lengths processed from a wide tobacco sheet shape, the density of the tobacco material filled in the aerosol-generating material 410 may be increased. Accordingly, the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material 410 may be increased, and manufacturing characteristics of the aerosol-generating material 410 may be improved.

The filter segment 440 is disposed in a direction facing the aerosol-generating material 410 and may correspond to an area where the aerosol-generating material generated from the aerosol-generating material 410 passes immediately before being inhaled by a user.

The filter segment 440 may be formed of various materials, for example, cellulose acetate. As an optional embodiment, the filter segment 440 may be made of a recessed filter that includes a hollow portion. As an optional embodiment, the length of the filter segment 440 may be from about 5 millimeters to about 15 millimeters. The filter segment 440 may include at least one capsule (not shown). The capsule (not shown) provided in the filter segment 440 may be a structure that wraps the content liquid containing the fragrance with a film, and may have, for example, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

The intermediate structure 420 may be disposed between the filter segment 440 and the aerosol-generating material 410, for example, adjacent to the aerosol-generating material 410.

The intermediate structure 420 may be formed of various materials, and may include, for example, cellulose acetate.

As an optional embodiment, the intermediate structure 420 may be in the form of a tube including a hollow portion therein. The length of the intermediate structure 420 can be from about 7 millimeters to about 15 millimeters, for example, about 10 millimeters. However, it is not limited thereto, and the length of the intermediate structure 420 may be variously set, and the entire length of the aerosol-generating material 410 may be controlled according to the length of the intermediate structure 420.

The cooling structure 430 may be disposed between the aerosol-generating material 410 and the filter segment 440, specifically, between the intermediate structure 420 and the filter segment 440. As an alternative embodiment, the cooling structure 430 may contact the intermediate structure 420 and the filter segment 440.

The cooling structure 430 may cool the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material 410. This allows the user to inhale the aerosol at an appropriate and safe temperature that is not too high.

For example, when the aerosol-generating article 400 is inserted into an aerosol-generating device (not shown) and used by a user, a heater provided in the aerosol-generating device cools the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-generating material 410. You can.

The length of the cooling structure 430 may be about 10 millimeters to about 20 millimeters, for example, about 14 millimeters, but is not particularly limited thereto.

The cooling structure 430 may be formed of various materials, and may contain, for example, polylactide or polylactic acid.

The cooling structure 430 may be manufactured by various methods, and may be manufactured (eg, a hollow tube) using fibers containing polylactide or polylactic acid as an embodiment, and in this case, the cooling structure ( 430) may decrease the risk of deformation or loss of function due to external impact. In addition, by changing the method of combining the fibers, a cooling structure 430 having various shapes can be manufactured. In addition, the cooling structure 430 may be manufactured using fibers, thereby increasing the surface area in contact with the aerosol. Thus, the aerosol cooling effect of the cooling structure 430 can be further improved.

In one embodiment, the cigarette filter manufactured by the above-described manufacturing method may be applied to the intermediate structure 420, the cooling structure 430, or the filter segment 440 of FIG.

In embodiments without perforations, preferably, the cooling structure 430 is formed of a PLA tube filter having an inner diameter of about 4.2 mm, and the filter segment 440 is formed of a CA filter having an inner diameter of about 3.4 mm. You can. In this case, the nicotine and glycerin transfer amounts of the aerosol-generating article 400 can be enhanced to about 1.34 and about 4.82, and the maximum and average temperatures of about 70.8 ° C and about 56.2 ° C can improve the cooling effect of the aerosol. .

In embodiments with perforations, preferably, the cooling structure 430 is formed of a PLA tube filter having an inner diameter of about 4.2 mm, and the filter segment 440 is formed of a CA filter having an inner diameter of about 2.5 mm. You can. In this case, the nicotine and glycerin transfer amounts of the aerosol-generating article 400 can be enhanced to about 1.09 and about 3.14, and the maximum and average temperatures of about 60.3 ° C and about 48.3 ° C can improve the cooling effect of the aerosol. .

The packaging material 450 may be formed to surround the aforementioned aerosol-generating material 410, the intermediate structure 420, the cooling structure 430, and the filter segment 440.

7 is a table comparing characteristics of a cigarette filter according to a comparative example and a cigarette filter according to an example.

In the case of the filter for PLA tobacco before improvement, the hardness of the filter was low, and thus there was a problem in that the filter is broken when cutting, jam occurs, feed feet are jammed, and the arrangement is poor after cutting. However, in the case of a filter for PLA tobacco after improvement, the above-described problems can be solved.

<Examples and Experimental Examples>

1.Exploration of denaturants for PLA tow hardening and evaluation by denaturants (Lab-test conditions)

 Evaluation of denaturants for PLA tow hardening (Lab-test conditions)

PLA tow: 8.0 / 20K (aspiration resistance condition: 52 mmH ₂ O)

 Modifier treatment: Spray spray spray applied at 20% by weight of PLA tow filter rod

 (Evaluation conditions) Temperature 120 ℃, 130 ℃, 140 ℃, 180 ℃ / Treatment time: 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes

[Table 1] Comparison table of temperature conditions and aggregation reaction by denaturant

(X: no aggregation, △: some aggregation progress, O: inter-fiber aggregation, recording: complete fiber recording (not available)

 Examination Results: ATBC, TBC, TEC, and PEG are aggregated between fibers (determined by hard touch by hand) after 10 minutes from 140 ℃, and melted at 180 ℃.

 Selection of modifier materials that can be used to manufacture PLA tow: TEC, PEG, TBC, ATBC

 In order to manufacture PLA filters, it is necessary to supply high-temperature / high-pressure heat sources (steam)-> Need to improve existing NWA filter facilities.

 PLA fiber strands are aggregated (bonded) to each other through a high temperature thermal reaction, making it possible to manufacture PLA filters.

 [Table 2] Comparison of PLA fiber characteristics according to heater and discharge temperature

(Here, the discharge temperature means the 'heating temperature' described above.)

 (Pressure factor) PLA tow plasticization evaluation according to steam pressure

Pressure condition: Increased PLA fiber aggregation when pressure is increased (required appropriate condition)

· Proportional relationship with steam pressure and temperature: Temperature rises when steam pressure increases

[Table 3] PLA tow plasticization according to steam pressure

 (Modifier factor) Plasticity evaluation of PLA tow according to modifier content

· Modifier (TEC) conditions: PLA denaturation (cohesion) and hardness increase according to TEC content

[Table 4] PLA tow denaturation evaluation according to denaturant content

 PLA Tow Aggregation (Melting Point) Minimum condition selection: Steam temperature 190 ℃ / Pressure 1.5bar / TEC 15%

 When applying the PLA tube filter cigarette, it is necessary to increase the hardness for the continuous process-> need to improve the quality of the PLA tube filter

Evaluation of SEM (electron microscopy) analysis by fiber according to PLA tow aggregation

 SEM measurement of before and after plasticization / aggregation of CA tow (plasticizer TA 8%) and PLA tow (modifier TEC 15%)

· Cross-section analysis by tow fiber: plasticizer (CA tow) / denaturant (PLA tow) treatment and plasticization / aggregation check

[Table 5] Comparison of cross-sectional SEM images of tow fibers

[Table 6] Comparison of SEM images of longitudinal cross sections by tow fibers

Plasticizer (CA tow) / denaturant (PLA tow) treatment and plasticization / aggregation check

 Evaluation of denaturant content for improving PLA tow filter hardness

 Filter workability and quality evaluation results

Tube filter hardness increases as TEC content increases

Good filter manufacturing workability and filter hardness when applying TEC 25%

-> During the filter and cigarette manufacturing process, the tube filter can be broken or crushed to allow continuous processing without being caught in the drum.

[Table 7] PLA tow filter hardness comparison by denaturant content

[Table 8] Comparison of hardness and inner diameter of PLA tube when 25% of TEC is applied

1st PLA tube-> TEC content 5%, 2nd PLA tube-> TEC content 25%

In the case of TEC 25%, the hardness and inner diameter of the PLA tube are significantly improved.

 PLA tube filter quality improvement according to increase of PLA denaturant content

· Importance of filter hardness: In the case of PLA tube filters with low hardness during the filter and tobacco manufacturing process, the filter is cracked or crushed when cutting, and the continuous process is difficult due to the phenomenon of being caught in the drum.

(Filter hardness improvement) TEC content condition: TEC content 25%

-> There is no segmentation in the transfer foot after cutting the PLA tube due to improved hardness

-> Improvement of filter manufacturing facilities and establishment of PLA tow tube manufacturing process conditions, improving to a level similar to the general CA tube filter manufacturing speed

2. Preparation of PLA tube filter applied stick and cigarette evaluation

-Analysis of general smoke composition and cooling effect by application of company C

 Purpose: Examine the cooling effect and increase the atomization amount by applying the PLA tube filter

 PLA tube filter manufacturing conditions (steam temperature 190 ℃, pressure 1.5bar)

By denaturant (TEC) content: 5%, 15%, 25%, 35%

Presence of perforation treatment: non-porous, porous paper

By PLA tube inner diameter size: Φ2.5, Φ3.4, Φ4.2

 Evaluation of cigarette manufacturability according to PLA tube application

· When replacing PLA tube compared to the current cooling part (PLA fabric, CA tube), maintaining the current manufacturing speed and level of workability

 Cooling effect result by applying PLA tube filter stick by TEC content (perforated)

· Increased cooling effect by TEC content-> Increased cooling effect by lower glass transition temperature (Tg)

When applying TEC over 25%, the level is similar to the current level.

In case of TEC 5%, the cooling effect was high due to the generation of hairy inside the filter due to the filter dent and poor cutting, but it is not applicable due to the appearance of the filter and the occurrence of cracks when applying the process

[Table 9] Comparison of cooling effect by C modifier content

 Results of evaluating smoke composition by applying PLA tube filter stick by TEC content

· The amount of smoke transfer according to the TEC content is similar.

In the case of PLA tube filters, the amount of smoke transfer is reduced than the current one-> expected to increase when the inner diameter of the PLA tube is expanded

[Table 10] Results of evaluating smoke components applied to PLA tube filter sticks by TEC content

 Evaluation of cooling effect depending on whether drilling is applied

· Perforated condition Current vs PLA tube: Similar level to current

Drilling conditions Current vs PLA tube: Increased cooling effect when applying PLA tube compared to current

-> Perforation is not available for current PLA woven fabrics, but perforation technology is applicable for PLA tubes

[Table 11] Comparison of cooling effect depending on whether perforation is applied

-Results of evaluating smoke composition and cooling effect applied to our products

 PLA tube filter manufacturing conditions: steam temperature 190 ℃, pressure 1.5bar, TEC 25%

 The amount of smoke transfer depending on the presence of perforation and the size of the inner diameter of the PLA tube

[Table 12] Product results of S company (Selection criteria: medium weight 273 ± 10, PD 66 ± 5, vent 16.5 ± 2)

[Table 13] Product results of Company C (Selection criteria: medium weight 270 ± 10, PD 74 ± 5)

· The smaller the inner diameter of the CTF, the smaller the amount of migration-> When the inner diameter of the PLA tube is expanded, the amount of smoke is slightly increased

If the inner diameter of the cooling unit (CTF) is smaller than the inner diameter of the MT unit, the amount of smoke transfer decreases due to blocking.

Cooling effect: The maximum temperature is somewhat lower when replacing the PLA tube compared to the current one

-Consumer evaluation result by applying PLA tube of C company product (Moadic test, number of panels: 102)

As a result of CCI (Product Competitiveness Index) analysis, when applying PLA tube filter, it is equivalent to current

· CCI analysis result: Received an evaluation of “significantly positive (about 80 points)”

· 4 main attributes: Amount of atomization before and after crushing (requires increase) / Consistency of taste and flavor / Overall satisfaction

[Table 14] PLA tube filter capsule cooling effect before and after crushing deterioration of stick

-> Cooling effect and consumer survey result are evaluated at the same level, and the possibility of replacing the current PLA woven fabric with PLA tow tube filter is completed.

In the description of the above-described embodiments, the tube filter for cigarettes using PLA was described as an example, but the technical idea of the present invention can be equally applied to the production of a general filter using PLA material.

The description of the above-described embodiments is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true protection scope of the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences that are equivalent to the contents described in the claims should be interpreted as being included in the protection scope defined by the claims.

100: material supply
103: roller
105: preprocessor
110: stretching machine
120: mold
130: curing machine
140: cooler
150: cigarette filter
200: rod body
250: material
300: transfer pipe
310: heating unit
320: steam supply pipe
400: aerosol-generating article
410: aerosol-generating material
420: intermediate structure
430: cooling structure
440: filter segment

Claims (14)

In the method for manufacturing a filter for cigarettes,
Preparing a material containing polylactide (PLA);
Adding a denaturant to the material;
Supplying the material to a mold in which a rod for forming a hollow portion of the cigarette filter is disposed therein; And
Heating and curing the material to produce the filter for cigarettes;
The manufacturing method of the filter for tobacco containing. According to claim 1,
The denaturant, tobacco comprising at least one of acetyl tributyl citrate, tributyl citrate, triethyl citrate, and polyethylene glycol The manufacturing method of the filter. According to claim 1,
The denaturant, based on 100 parts by weight of the material, is added by 5 parts by weight to 35 parts by weight, a method for producing a filter for cigarettes. According to claim 1,
The step of heating and curing the material to produce the filter for cigarettes includes heating the material using steam generated from a steam generator. The method of claim 4,
The heating temperature at which the material is heated through the steam generator is 150 ° C to 250 ° C. According to claim 1,
After heating the material, further comprising the step of cooling the material with compressed air, a method for manufacturing a filter for cigarettes. According to claim 1,
After heating the material, further comprising the step of moving the material to a cooler along a transfer pipe guiding the movement of the material surrounding the material discharged from the mold, the method for manufacturing a filter for cigarettes. According to claim 1,
A method of manufacturing a filter for cigarettes further comprising the step of forming a perforation in the manufactured filter for cigarettes. In the filter for cigarettes,
The filter for cigarettes includes a material containing polylactide (PLA),
The material is a filter for tobacco cured by heat. The method of claim 9,
The filter for cigarettes includes at least one denaturant of acetyl tributyl citrate, tributyl citrate, triethyl citrate, and polyethylene glycol. Filter for cigarette to say. The method of claim 10,
The filter for cigarettes, a filter for cigarettes having a hardness of 70% to 95% based on the cross-sectional direction of the filter. The method of claim 9,
When an aerosol passes through the tobacco filter, the maximum temperature of the tobacco filter is 60 ° C to 72 ° C, and the average temperature of the tobacco filter is 48 ° C to 58 ° C. The method of claim 9,
The filter for cigarettes has a hollow portion, and the hollow portion has a diameter of 1.8 mm to 4.4 mm, a filter for cigarettes. The method of claim 9,
The filter for cigarettes further includes a perforated portion formed in a vertical direction based on the longitudinal direction of the filter.

Images