TW201728272A - Smoking article with hydrophobic wrapper and reduced tobacco loose ends - Google Patents

Abstract

A tobacco rod includes a paper wrapper defining a tobacco rod cavity with an open end and an open end region adjacent to the open end. Tobacco cut filler is disposed within the tobacco rod cavity and forming a tobacco rod. A binding agent is disposed on the tobacco cut filler at the open end region. The open end region of the paper wrapper is hydrophobic due to hydrophobic groups covalently bonded to the paper.

Description

Smoking articles with hydrophobic packaging materials and reduced loose ends of tobacco

The present invention relates to a smoking article having a hydrophobic packaging material which exhibits a tendency to reduce the dropping of small tobacco fragments (short filaments) from the open end during transfer, storage or handling.

A flammable smoking article, such as a cigarette, typically comprising a cylindrical rod of tobacco cut filler and a generally cylindrical filter surrounded by a wrapper, the cylindrical filter being contiguous end pairs The end relationship is axially aligned with the wrapped tobacco rod. The cylindrical filter typically comprises a filter material defined by a plug wrap. The coated tobacco rod and filter are joined by a strip of end wrapping material that is generally formed from a paper material and that defines the entire length of the filter and the adjacent portion of the wrapped tobacco rod . Consumers use cigarettes to ignite one end of the cigarette and burn the tobacco rod. The smoker then draws the mouth of the cigarette or the end of the filter to draw mainstream smoke into the mouth.

The tobacco filler of the tobacco rod of the smoking article typically comprises a mixture of ingredients, each having a range of particle sizes. The mixture usually contains a small portion of small particles called short filaments. During the packaging, transportation, handling and storage of smoking articles, tobacco short filaments may be from tobacco rods The open (unfiltered) ends leak out and accumulate in the package holding the plurality of smoking articles and on the outer surface of the smoking article, thereby negatively affecting the aesthetic and clean feel of the product.

Various methods have been used to prevent the so-called "loose end" problem in cigarette manufacturing. The term "loose end" refers to the leakage of tobacco filler (not just short filaments) from the open end of the tobacco rod. If excessive tobacco is lost, the ends of some tobacco rods may eventually be underfilled, negatively affecting the appeal of the product.

In order to minimize the "loose end", it is known to arrange a smoking article making machine to manufacture a smoking article having a locally added amount of tobacco (so called "dense end") which coincides with the open end of the tobacco rod so that the opening The ends are at least initially denser than the rest of the tobacco rod. However, this dense end will still allow the leakage of tobacco shorts.

A paper cover has been used to seal the ends of the tobacco rod to prevent loose tobacco from falling out of the tobacco rod. Although effective, these covers add complexity and cost to the manufacturing process.

Adhesive material has been added to the tobacco filler to reduce or prevent loose tobacco from falling out of the open end of the tobacco rod. However, the binder material may cause weakening and spotting or discoloration of the tobacco rod, which may result in rejection during production or by the consumer. This is especially true in hot and humid environments.

It is desirable to provide a tobacco rod that prevents the tobacco filler from falling out of the end of the tobacco rod while maintaining the color and structural integrity of the tobacco rod. It is also desirable that the tobacco rod does not affect the taste of the smoke or aerosol produced by the smoking article.

According to a first aspect, a tobacco rod comprises a wrapper defining a tobacco rod cavity having an open end and an open end region adjacent the open end. The open end region of the wrapper becomes hydrophobic due to covalent bonding to the hydrophobic groups of the paper. The tobacco cut filler is disposed within the tobacco rod cavity. The binder is placed on the tobacco cut filler at the open end.

The hydrophobic open end region is formed by coating a liquid composition comprising a fatty acid halide onto at least one surface of the hydrophobic tube region, the surface being maintained at a temperature of from about 120 ° C to about 180 ° C, wherein the fatty acid is halogenated The protogenic groups of the material in the region of the hydrophobic tube can react in situ, resulting in the formation of fatty acid esters.

In another aspect, a method of forming a tobacco rod comprises the steps of: (1) forming a tobacco rod comprising a loose tobacco filler, the tobacco filler being defined by a wrapper having an open end and an open end region adjacent the open end The open end region is rendered hydrophobic by covalent bonding of the hydrophobic group to the paper; (2) applying the liquid composition to the loose tobacco filler at the open end, the liquid composition comprising dissolved in water The binder; and (3) removing at least a portion of the water from the liquid composition to form an adherent tobacco filler at the open end.

A tobacco rod of a smoking article having a hydrophobic end portion may allow for a simple method of applying an aqueous solution of the binder to the end of the tobacco filler or to the tobacco rod of the tobacco cut filler. The aqueous solution of the binder is not absorbed by the hydrophobic wrapper. The aqueous solution of the binder can be applied to a single tobacco rod or simultaneously to a plurality of tobacco rods.

That is, the aqueous binder is applied to the open end region of the tobacco rod, and the color and structural integrity of the tobacco rod are maintained. The adhesive does not migrate through the wrapper to the adjacent wrapper.

Hydrophobic groups or binders do not contribute to the sensory perception of the tobacco rod. A hydrophobic group can be selectively formed in the open end region of the tobacco rod. The selective placement of hydrophobic groups can reduce the cost of the material and place the hydrophobic groups at their most efficient locations.

The smoking article according to the present invention may be a cigarette or other smoking article in which the tobacco material of the tobacco substrate or tobacco rod is burned to form mainstream smoke.

The term "smoking article" as used herein refers to cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and other articles in which a smokable material, such as tobacco, forms a tobacco rod and is ignited and burned to produce flue gas. Preferably, the smoking article has a cylindrical shape and a tobacco rod defining a mouthpiece segment at the first end and a tobacco rod having an open end at the opposite end.

The term "tobacco filler" means a shredded tobacco or tobacco cut filler, or it may comprise recombinant tobacco or leaf-shaped tobacco, or a mixture of the two.

The term "mainstream smoke" as used herein refers to smoke produced by a flammable smoking article such as a cigarette. The mainstream smoke flows through the smoking article and is consumed by the user.

The term "hydrophobic" refers to a surface that exhibits the property of repelling water. A useful way to determine this property is to measure the contact angle of water. "Water contact angle" is the angle traditionally measured by liquid, where liquid The body/vapor interface meets the solid surface. The solid surface can be quantified by the wettability of the liquid via the Young equation.

The term "mouthpiece" or "mouthpiece segment" as used herein refers to a portion of a smoking article that is designed to be in contact with a consumer's mouth. The mouthpiece can be part of a smoking article, which can include a filter, or in some cases the mouthpiece can be defined by the extent of the tip paper, if any. In other instances, the mouthpiece can be defined as a portion of a smoking article that extends about 40 millimeters from the mouth end of the smoking article, or about 30 millimeters from the mouth end of the smoking article, or extends from about 15 millimeters to A range of about 60 mm.

The term "protonated" refers to a group that can supply hydrogen or protons in a chemical reaction. Preferably, the proton donating group is a reactive hydrophilic group such as, but not limited to, a hydroxyl group (-OH), an amine group (-NH2), or a fluorenyl group (-SH2).

The present invention provides a tobacco rod comprising a wrapper defining a tobacco rod cavity having an open end and an open end region adjacent the open end. The open end region of the wrapper is hydrophobic, which is a hydrophobic end region due to covalent bonding to the hydrophobic groups of the paper. A loose tobacco filler or shredded tobacco filler is disposed within the tobacco rod cavity and the adhesive is disposed on the loose tobacco filler or shredded tobacco filter in the open end region.

The tobacco rod can be axially aligned with the filter element to form the mouth end of the smoking article. In some embodiments, the smoking article may not include a filter element. In these embodiments, the loose tobacco filler or shredded tobacco filter at the two open ends of the tobacco rod may comprise a binder, And the wrapper may be hydrophobic, which forms a hydrophobic end region due to covalent bonding to the hydrophobic groups of the paper.

The loose tobacco filler can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of, a mixture of tobacco material and other components conventionally used to fill cigarettes. Such mixtures typically contain a suitably uniformly mixed tobacco cut filler and tobacco staples. The term "short filament" as used herein refers to any tobacco particle filled tobacco rod that passes through a 2 mm screen. The term "cut filler" as used herein refers to any tobacco-filled tobacco particle that does not pass through a 2 mm screen. Thus, the staple and cut filler can each comprise a tobacco sheet, a puffed tobacco sheet, a tobacco stem, or a reconstituted tobacco, or particles of any other constituent of the tobacco mixture. The tobacco filler can comprise at least about 5 weight percent short filaments, or at least 10 weight percent short filaments. The tobacco filler can include from about 5 weight percent to about 50 weight percent staple filaments, or from about 5 weight percent to about 25 weight percent staple filaments, or from about 10 weight percent to about 25 weight percent staple filaments.

The tobacco filler can comprise any suitable type of tobacco material or tobacco substitute in any suitable form. Preferably, the tobacco comprises tobacco-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, Maryland tobacco, Oriental tobacco, specialty tobacco, homogenized or recombinant tobacco, or any combination thereof. The term "loose tobacco filler" as used herein refers to a loose tobacco material that is primarily formed by the blade portions of the tobacco leaves. The term "loose tobacco filler" as used herein refers to both a single species of Nicotiana and two or more species of Nicotiana .

Adhering the short and loose tobacco fillers to the open end of the tobacco rod inhibits the short or loose tobacco filler from the open end of the tobacco rod Fall off. The short filaments and the loose tobacco filler are bonded together with a binder material. The binder material is disposed on at least or only on the loose tobacco filler at the open end of the tobacco rod. The binder material can extend to the open end of the loose tobacco filler by at least about 1 mm or at least about 2 mm or at least about 3 mm or at least about 4 mm or at least about 5 mm. The binder material may extend along the last about 15 mm of the open end of the tobacco rod, or finally about 10 mm, or finally about 6 mm of tobacco filler. The binder material may extend along the last about 25%, or finally about 20% or finally about 15% of the length of the tobacco rod (near the open end of the tobacco rod).

Only a portion of the tobacco cut filler or loose tobacco filler forming the tobacco rod can be bonded to the adhesive or adhesive material. The binder material can extend to the open end of the loose tobacco filler only about 1 mm, or only about 2 mm, or only about 3 mm, or only about 4 mm, or only about 5 mm. The binder material may extend along only the last 15 mm, or only the last 10 mm, or only the last 6 mm of tobacco filler at the open end of the tobacco rod. The binder material may extend along only the last about 25% or less of the tobacco rod (near the open end of the tobacco rod), or only the last about 20% or less, or only the last about 15% or less.

Adhesion of the short filaments to the loose tobacco filler or the shredded tobacco filler can be achieved simply by wetting the staples with water such that they adhere to the larger shredded tobacco filler filaments and then dried. Preferably, the bonding is achieved using a binder such as a binder. The binder can be any adhesive approved for use in smoking products. Suitably, the binder is aqueous or dispersible in water, for example it may suitably be dissolved in water at 25 ° C in an amount of at least about 1 mg/ml, or at least about 10 mg/ml.

The binder may be selected from the group consisting of sugars, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, or derivatives thereof. The binder may be selected from the group consisting of starches such as corn starch and tapioca starch, such as dextrin or hydroxypropyl starch, starch derivatives of microcrystalline cellulose, such as hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl. Cellulose derivatives of cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose (and salts thereof, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose), such as guar gum, locust bean gum, carrageenan, gum arabic, Pectin or a mixture of seaweed gum, and mixtures thereof. The binder may or may not contain a fragrance.

Preferably, the binder is selected from the group consisting of dextrin and polysaccharides and derivatives thereof. For example, gum arabic may be suitable because the solution of gum arabic in water has a low viscosity such that they are suitable for penetration into the tobacco filling the open end of the tobacco rod. Preferably, the binder may comprise a polysaccharide salt, such as a carboxymethylcellulose salt, such as an ammonium salt for formaldehyde reduction.

The binder may include a plasticizer to increase the plasticity or flexibility of the adhesive disposed on the tobacco rod or in the tobacco rod. The plasticizer can improve the compliance of the adhesive disposed on the tobacco rod or the tobacco rod and can provide uniform hardness along the length of the tobacco rod and between the area including the adhesive and the area without the adhesive or At least negligible hardness differences. For example, the open end region of the tobacco rod comprising such an adhesive disposed on the tobacco rod or tobacco rod may have a hardness or firmness that is about the same as or similar to that not disposed on the tobacco rod or in the tobacco rod. This binder is a tobacco rod of this binder within the tobacco rod.

The plasticizer can be any useful plasticizer material that is allowed to be made in the manufacture of smoking articles. The plasticizer may include ethylene glycol, sugar alcohol or glycerin. Preferred plasticizers include glycerin, propylene glycol and sorbitol. The plasticizer can be included in any useful amount. The plasticizer may be present in the binder in an amount of at least about 1 weight percent or about at least 5 weight percent or at least about 10 weight percent, or from about 1 to about 30 weight percent, or from about 5 to about A range of 30 weight percent.

Preferably, substantially all of the staples at the open end of the tobacco rod are adhered to the shredded tobacco filler or loose tobacco filler in the open end of the tobacco rod. Thus, for example, in the end regions defined above, wherein the adhesion of the staples to the shredded tobacco filler or loose tobacco filler is provided, the weight through the 2 mm sieve suitably does not exceed that of the tobacco rod material (tobacco filler). 10%, 5%, 2% or 1%. Suitably, the amount of material passing through the 2 mm screen in this region can be reduced by at least about 50%, 75%, or 90% relative to the tobacco material that does not bind the staples to the shredded filler or tobacco filler. Additionally or alternatively, suitably, the amount of material passing through the 1 mm screen may be reduced by at least about 50 relative to the tobacco material that does not bind the staples to the shredded filler or tobacco filler. %, 75% or 90%.

The binder may be present in the bulk end of the loose tobacco filler or the shredded tobacco filler in any useful amount. The amount of binder present on the tobacco filler or tobacco rod can range from about 0.1 mg to about 5 mg, or from about 0.2 mg to about 3 mg, or from about 0.5 mg to about 1.5 mg.

The aqueous solution of the binder material can have any useful concentration of binder material. Preferably, the aqueous solution (liquid composition) of the binder material has a binder material concentration of at least about 25 mg/ml or at least about 30 mg/ml or at least about 35 mg/ml. The use of aqueous solutions (liquid compositions) of these higher solids binder materials can also help to reduce the absorption and contamination of the wrapper. The liquid composition can be applied in an amount ranging from about 5 mg to about 75 mg, or from about 10 mg to about 50 mg, or from about 15 mg to about 40 mg.

The formation of the tobacco rod described herein can be formed by the following steps: (1) forming a tobacco rod comprising a loose tobacco filler surrounded by a wrapper having an open end and an open end region adjacent the open end. Or a shredded tobacco filler; (2) applying a liquid composition to a loose tobacco filler or a shredded tobacco filler at the open end, the liquid composition comprising a binder dissolved in water; and (3) Removing at least a portion of the water from the liquid composition to form an adherent tobacco filler or an adherent shredded tobacco filler at the open end. The open end regions of the wrapper are hydrophobic due to the covalent attachment of the hydrophobic groups to the paper prior to the formation of the tobacco rod or tobacco filler.

Applying the liquid composition to the loose tobacco filler or the shredded tobacco filler at the open end can be achieved by spraying to the open end, or by injecting the open end, or by brushing, or by immersing the open end in the liquid composition. . The liquid composition may be applied only to a portion of the loose tobacco filler or shredded tobacco filler that forms the tobacco rod. Preferably, the liquid composition may be applied only to portions of the end regions of the loose tobacco filler or shredded tobacco filler that form the tobacco rod. Coating of liquid composition The overlay may incorporate application of suction to the tobacco rod to draw fluid into the loose tobacco filler or shredded tobacco filler. The liquid composition can be a liquid solution or dispersion, or it can be an aerosol. In an embodiment, the liquid composition is a foaming liquid, such as a foaming liquid having a ratio of at least about 10:1. A method of preparing and applying a foaming liquid is described in US-A-4,785,831.

The liquid composition can be applied to the open end of the individual tobacco rod or can be applied to the bale of a dedicated station on the machine or to the open end of the tobacco rod bundle in the special tray using a syringe or sprayer array . An example of a station for applying a liquid to the open end of a tobacco rod mounted on a rotating drum is shown in US-A-5,261,423. Suitably, the liquid can be applied via a mask having a hole that is directly aligned with the open end of the tobacco rod to reduce the spray of liquid out of the target area. The use of wrappers having hydrophobic end regions allows the liquid composition to be widely applied without regard to how to prevent liquid from being sprayed out of the target area.

After coating the liquid composition, the tobacco rod is dried to remove solvent (eg, water). This can be done, for example, by applying heated or hot air to the tobacco rod.

The wrapper has a hydrophobic region that is coextensive with at least a length of the tobacco filler or shredded tobacco filler to which the bonding material adheres. The hydrophobic region may define at least or only the most upstream end region of the tobacco rod. Alternatively, the hydrophobic region may define the most upstream end region of the tobacco rod and the remainder of the wrapper is not hydrophobic. The most upstream end region of the tobacco rod may be only the last 15 of the open end of the tobacco rod. Mm, or only the last 10 mm, or only the last 6 mm. The entire length of the wrapper of the tobacco rod can be hydrophobic.

The hydrophobic region of the wrapper may have a permeability that is substantially the same as or similar to the permeability of the untreated or non-hydrophobic region of the wrapper. The permeability of the wrapper was determined using the international standard test method ISO 2965:2009, and the results were presented as cubic centimeters per square centimeter per minute and referred to as "CORESTA units." In many embodiments, the permeability of the untreated wrapper (ie, without hydrophobic treatment) may be within about 20% of the permeability of the treated wrapper (ie, the hydrophobic region), or about 10% Inside.

The wrapper is formed from a material having pendant protogenic groups. Paper materials having pendant proton (e.g., hydroxyl) groups include cellulosic materials such as hemp, flax, thatch, wood, jute, rice, or eucalyptus. The wrapper may also include one or more conventional paper additives. The wrapper may have a weight of from about 10 to about 50 grams per square meter, or from about 15 to about 40 grams per square meter. The wrapper may have a thickness of from about 10 to 100 microns, or from about 30 to 70 microns.

The tobacco rod can have any useful longitudinal dimension (length). In many embodiments, the tobacco rod can have a longitudinal dimension (length) ranging from about 30 mm to about 80 mm, or from about 40 mm to about 70 mm. The tobacco rod has a diameter of from about 4 mm to about 10 mm, or from about 6 mm to about 8 mm.

The hydrophobic group is covalently bonded to the inner or outer surface of the wrapper surrounding the tobacco filler. It has been found that only hydrophobic groups (as described herein) are covalently bonded to one side or main of the wrapper. The desired surface can also impart hydrophobic properties to the opposite side or major surface of the wrapper.

The hydrophobic region of the wrapper inhibits water transfer, absorption, and migration, and inhibits bonding materials and inhibits contamination. In particular, the hydrophobic regions of the wrapper can inhibit absorption of the aqueous solution of the binder material and reduce or prevent contamination associated with such processes. The hydrophobic region of the wrapper has a Cobb water absorption (ISO 535:1991) value (at 60 seconds) of less than about 40 g/ ^m2 , less than about 35 g/ ^m2 , and less than about 30 g/ ^m2. Or less than about 25 g/ ^m2 .

The hydrophobic region of the wrapper has a water contact angle of at least about 90 degrees, at least about 95 degrees, at least about 100 degrees, at least about 110 degrees, at least about 120 degrees, at least about 130 degrees, at least about 140 degrees, at least about 150. Degree, at least about 160 degrees, or at least about 170 degrees. The hydrophobicity was determined using the TAPPI T558 om-97 test and the results were presented as interfacial contact angles and described in degrees, and may range from near zero to nearly 180 degrees. The water contact angle is at least 90 degrees when no contact angle is indicated with the term hydrophobicity.

The hydrophobic region may be uniformly present along the length of the wrapper defining the tobacco rod. Preferably, the hydrophobic region is selectively formed in the open end region of the wrapper defining the tobacco rod as described above.

The hydrophobic surface or region of the cellulosic material forming the wrapper may be formed using any suitable hydrophobic agent or hydrophobic group. The hydrophobic agent is preferably chemically bonded to the pendant protogenic groups of the cellulosic or cellulosic material forming the wrapper. In many embodiments, the hydrophobic reagent is covalently bonded to the cellulosic or cellulosic material The flanked protogenic groups. For example, the hydrophobic group is covalently bonded to the pendant hydroxyl groups of the cellulosic material forming the wrapper. The covalent bond between the component of the structure of the cellulosic material and the hydrophobic agent can form a hydrophobic group, which is simpler than the coating of the coating of the hydrophobic material on the cellulosic material forming the wrapper. The mass can be attached to the paper material more firmly. In-situ chemical bonding of hydrophobic agents at the molecular level rather than coating a layer of hydrophobic material to cover the surface better maintains paper permeability because the coating tends to cover or block the formation of continuous sheets of cellulosic material. The porosity reduces permeability. In situ chemical bonding of the hydrophobic groups to the paper also reduces the amount of material required to render the surface of the wrapper hydrophobic. The term "in situ" as used herein refers to the location of a chemical reaction that occurs at or near the surface of a solid material that forms a hydrophobic region of a wrapper that is different from the reaction of cellulose dissolved in a solution. For example, the reaction occurs at or near the surface of the cellulosic material forming the hydrophobic region of the wrapper, the wrapper comprising a cellulosic material of heterogeneous structure. However, the term "in situ" does not require a chemical reaction to occur directly on the cellulosic material forming the hydrophobic region of the wrapper.

The hydrophobic agent may comprise a guanidine group or a fatty acid group. The oxime group or fatty acid group or mixture thereof can be saturated or unsaturated. A fatty acid group (such as a fatty acid halide) in the reagent can be reacted with a pendant protogenic group such as a hydroxyl group of the cellulosic material to form an ester bond that covalently bonds the fatty acid to the cellulosic material. Essentially, these reactions with pendant hydroxyl groups can esterify the cellulosic material.

In an embodiment of the invention, the oxime group or fatty acid group comprises a C ₁₂ -C ₃₀ alkyl group (alkyl group having 12 to 30 carbon atoms), a C ₁₄ -C ₂₄ alkyl group (having 14 to 24 groups) Or an alkyl group of a carbon atom or, preferably, a C ₁₆ -C ₂₀ alkyl group (an alkyl group having 16 to 20 carbon atoms). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term "fatty acid" as used herein refers to a long chain aliphatic, saturated or unsaturated fatty acid comprising from 12 to 30 carbon atoms, from 14 to 24 carbon atoms. , 16 to 20 carbon atoms, or having more than 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 carbon atoms. In various embodiments, the hydrophobic agent comprises a mercapto halide, a fatty acid halide, such as a fatty acid chloride comprising palmiperamine chloride, stearoyl chloride, or behenyl chloride, and mixtures thereof. The in situ reaction between the fatty acid chloride and the cellulosic material forming the continuous sheet produces cellulose fatty acid esters and hydrochloric acid.

Any suitable method can be utilized to chemically bond the hydrophobic agent or group to the cellulosic material forming the hydrophobic regions of the wrapper. The hydrophobic group is covalently bonded to the cellulosic material by diffusion of the fatty acid halide on its surface without the use of a solvent.

As an example, a certain amount of a hydrophobic agent, such as a mercapto halide, a fatty acid halide, a fatty acid chloride, a soft lipid chloride, a stearoyl chloride, or a behenyl chloride, a mixture thereof, is not used at a controlled temperature. A solvent (solvent free process) is deposited on the surface of the wrapper, for example, to form droplets of regularly spaced round reagents of 20 microns on the surface. The control of the vapor tension of the reagent promotes the propagation of the reaction by diffusion and the formation of an ester bond between the fatty acid and the cellulose while continuously withdrawing the unreacted acid chloride. In some cases, esterification of cellulose The reaction is based on the reaction of a cellulose-based alcohol or a side chain hydroxyl group with a mercapto halide, such as a mercapto chloride comprising a fatty acid chloride. The temperature at which the hydrophobic agent can be heated depends on the chemical nature of the reagent and fatty acid halide, and ranges from about 120 °C to about 180 °C.

The hydrophobic agent can be applied to the cellulosic material of the wrapper in any useful amount or basis weight. In many embodiments, the hydrophobic agent has a basis weight of less than about 3 grams per square meter, less than about 2 grams per square meter, or less than about 1 gram per square meter, or from about 0.1 to about 3 grams. Each square meter, or from about 0.1 to about 2 grams per square meter, or from about 0.1 to about 1 gram per square meter. The hydrophobic agent can be coated or printed on the surface of the wrapper and define a uniform or non-uniform pattern.

Preferably, the hydrophobic region of the wrapper is formed by reacting fatty acid ester groups or fatty acid groups with pendant hydroxyl groups on the cellulosic material of the wrapper to form a hydrophobic surface. The completion of the reaction step by coating a fatty acid halide (such as a chloride, for example) that provides a fatty acid ester group or a fatty acid group with a side hydroxyl group on the cellulose material of the paper to form a hydrophobic surface. . The coating step is carried out by loading a fatty acid halide in liquid form onto a solid support, such as a brush, roller, or absorbent or non-absorbent pad, and then contacting the solid support with the surface of the paper. The coating of the fatty acid halide is accomplished by printing techniques such as gravure, flexography, ink jet, photolithography, etc., by spraying, by wetting, or by soaking in a liquid comprising a fatty acid halide. The coating step deposits discrete islands of the reagent to form a uniform or non-uniform pattern of hydrophobic regions on the surface of the paper. A uniform or non-uniform pattern of hydrophobic regions on the elongated tubular paper can Formed at least about 100 discrete hydrophobic islands, at least about 500 discrete hydrophobic islands, at least about 1000 discrete hydrophobic islands, or at least about 5,000 discrete hydrophobic islands . The discrete hydrophobic islands can have any useful shape, such as a circle, a rectangle, or a polygon. The discrete hydrophobic islands can have any useful average lateral dimension. In many embodiments, the discrete hydrophobic islands have an average lateral dimension ranging from 5 to 100 microns, or from 5 to 50 microns. To aid in the diffusion of the coated reagent onto the surface, a gas stream can also be applied. Devices and methods, such as those described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20,130, 236, 647, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety herein in its entirety herein in its entirety herein in its entirety herein in its entirety in its entirety herein in

The hydrophobic region of the wrapper is formed by applying a liquid composition comprising an aliphatic acid halide, preferably a fatty acid halide, to at least one surface of the wrapper, wherein a gas stream is selectively applied to the surface To aid in the diffusion of the coated fatty acid halide and to maintain the surface at a temperature of from about 120 ° C to about 180 ° C, wherein the fatty acid halide reacts in situ with the hydroxyl groups of the cellulosic material in the paper, resulting in Formation of fatty acid esters. Preferably, the paper is made of cellulose, and the fatty acid halide is a mixture of stearoyl chloride, palmitic chloride, or a fatty acid chloride having from 16 to 20 carbon atoms in the acyl group. Therefore, the hydrophobic paper produced by the method described above is different from the material obtained by coating a surface of a layer of cellulose-prepared fatty acid ester.

The hydrophobic region of the wrapper is produced by a process of applying a liquid reagent composition to at least one surface of the elongate tubular paper at a coating rate of from about 0.1 to about 3 grams per square meter, or From about 0.1 Up to about 2 grams per square meter, or from about 0.1 to about 1 gram per square meter. The liquid reagent coated at these coating rates makes the surface of the paper hydrophobic.

In many embodiments, the thickness of the wrapper allows the hydrophobic groups or agents applied to one surface to effectively spread to the opposite surface, thereby providing similar hydrophobic properties to both opposing surfaces. In one example, the wrapper has a thickness of about 43 microns and the two surfaces become hydrophobic via a gravure (printing) process and using stearoyl chloride, such as a hydrophobic agent used on a surface.

In some embodiments, the materials or methods used to create the hydrophobic properties of the hydrophobic wrapper do not substantially affect the permeability of the wrapper. Preferably, the agent or method used to produce the hydrophobic region of the wrapper causes the change in the permeability of the wrapper (as compared to untreated wrapper) to be less than about 10% or less than about 5% or less. 1%.

In many embodiments, the hydrophobic surface can be formed by printing the reagent along a specified length of the wrapper. Any useful printing method can be utilized. The reagent can include any useful hydrophobic group that can be chemically bonded to the pendant groups of the wrapper of the cellulosic material.

In many embodiments, the hydrophobic surface can be formed by printing the reagent along the length of the cellulosic material. Any useful printing method can be utilized, such as intaglio, inkjet, and the like. The reagent can comprise any useful hydrophobic group that can be covalently bonded to the cellulosic material or a side chain group of the cellulosic material.

The bonding materials and hydrophobic materials used herein have minimal impact on the smoking resistance (RTD) of smoking articles. Suitably, the increase in suction resistance is less than about 10%, or less than about 5%, or less than about 2% compared to the same smoking article that is manufactured but does not have a bonding material or a hydrophobic material. The RTD of a smoking article is the static pressure difference between the ends of the sample as the steady state air flow passes through the sample, and the steady state is the volumetric flow rate at the output end of 17.5 ml per second. The measurement of the RTD of the sample uses the method described in ISO Standard 6565:2002 with any ventilation, if any, obstruction.

The tobacco rods described herein prevent loose tobacco filler or shredded tobacco filler from falling from the ends of the tobacco rod and simultaneously maintain the color and structural integrity of the tobacco rod. The tobacco rods described herein exhibit a reduction in at least about 50%, or at least about 75%, or at least about 90% of the loose ends, as compared to tobacco rods that do not include the adhesive material and the hydrophobic end regions of the wrapper. The stability of the open end of the tobacco rod can be determined using the Borgwaldt loose end test as described below.

The results of the tobacco rod test described herein at the Borgwaldt loose end test may show less than about 5 milligrams of tobacco drop per open end, or less than about 3 milligrams of tobacco drop per open end, or less than about 2 milligrams per open end. The tobacco is dropped, or less than about 1 milligram of tobacco per open end is dropped, or less than about 0.5 milligrams of tobacco per open end is dropped.

Unless otherwise specified, all scientific and technical terms used herein have the meaning commonly employed in the art. The definitions provided herein are intended to facilitate an understanding of certain terms that are commonly used herein.

The singular forms "a", "the" and "the"

As used in the specification and the appended claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "or" is generally used in the sense of "and/or".

As used herein, "有有", "包含", "include", or the like is used in its open sense and generally means "including, but not limited to." It should be understood that "consisting essentially of", "consisting of", and similar words are classified as "including" and similar words.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments in which the invention may provide particular benefits in certain instances. However, other embodiments may be preferred in the same or other circumstances. In addition, the statement of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are useless and are not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

10‧‧‧Smoking products

12‧‧‧ first end

14‧‧‧ second end

15‧‧‧ wrapping paper

17‧‧‧hydrophobic area

20‧‧‧Loose tobacco filler

22‧‧‧Binder

25‧‧‧Tobacco rod

30‧‧‧mouth section

35‧‧‧Filter elements

Some aspects of the invention are now described with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary smoking article.

The illustrations are not necessarily drawn to scale, and are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. This drawing depicts one or more aspects of the present invention. However, it should be understood that other aspects not shown in the drawings are also within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , the exemplary smoking article 10 includes a tobacco rod 25 that is axially aligned with the filter element 35 . The wrapper 15 defines a tobacco rod cavity and surrounds the loose tobacco filler 20 . The smoking article 10 has a generally cylindrical shape with a first end 12 and an opposite second end 14 . The mouthpiece segment 30 is at the first end 12 and the open end is at the second end 14 .

The hydrophobic region 17 of the wrapper 15 is adjacent to the open end or the second end 14 . The hydrophobic region 17 comprises a hydrophobic group covalently bonded to the wrapper 15 . The mouthpiece segment 30 can include a filter element 35 .

Adhesive 22 is disposed on loose tobacco filler 20 at the open or second end 14 . Adhesive 22 adheres the loose tobacco filler 20 together at the loose end or second end 14 . The remaining length of the tobacco rod 25 may contain loose tobacco cut filler that does not stick together.

The above illustrative embodiments are not limiting. Other embodiments consistent with the above-described exemplary embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the following, non-limiting examples provide illustrative examples of the activated carbon particles and methods described above. These examples are not intended to provide any limitation as to the scope of the invention presented herein.

example

The example describes the determination of the loose end of a cigarette by measuring the amount of tobacco drop at the exposed end of many cigarettes. Cigarettes having at least hydrophobic end regions as described above were tested using a Borgwaldt E44 instrument. The Borgwaldt E44 instrument is commercially available from Borwalt Korber Solutions and is referred to as the "end tester" and quantifies the amount of "loose end" of the drop at the open end of the cigarette.

The Borgwaldt E44 instrument simulates the mechanical handling of cigarettes during production, in which cigarettes are subjected to rolling and falling movements in "cigarette cages" for a certain period of time. The amount of tobacco dropped from the end is an indication of the stability of the end of the cigarette.

This Borgwaldt loose test included rolling a specified number of cigarettes for three minutes at 90 revolutions per minute using a Borgwaldt E44 instrument. The amount of tobacco dropped is then weighed. In order to comply with ISO 3550-1 1197, the quality of tobacco drop is reported in milligrams per open end.

A reference sample of 20 cigarettes without added binding material was tested in a Borgwaldt E44 instrument. Using the Borgwaldt loose end test, if a total of 190 mg of tobacco is measured, it is equivalent to 9.5 mg of tobacco per open end.

The first sample of 20 cigarettes, wherein the open end of each cigarette was brushed with about 20 mg of an aqueous solution of the binder, and the aqueous binder solution had 40 mg/ml sodium carboxymethylcellulose (available from Fluka BioChemika) The concentration of the binder. About 0.77 mg of sodium carboxymethylcellulose was deposited on the open end tobacco filler. The first sample was tested as described with respect to the reference sample. Using the Borgwaldt loose end test, a total of 40 mg of tobacco drop was measured, which corresponds to 2 mg of tobacco drop per open end.

A second sample of 20 cigarettes, wherein the open end of each cigarette was brushed with about 35 mg of an aqueous solution of a binder having 40 mg/ml sodium carboxymethylcellulose (available from Fluka BioChemika) The binder concentration will be about 1.35 mg of carboxymethyl The base cellulose sodium salt is deposited on the tobacco filler at the open end. The second sample was tested as described with respect to the reference sample. Using the Borgwaldt loose end test, a total of 10 mg of tobacco drop was measured, corresponding to 0.5 mg of tobacco drop per open end.

The results given in this example illustrate that sodium carboxymethylcellulose can reduce the loose ends. Other binder materials described herein can also be used.

Accordingly, methods, systems, devices, compounds, and compositions for smoking articles having hydrophobic packaging materials and reducing loose ends of tobacco have been described herein. Various modifications and changes of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the <RTIgt; Although the present invention has been described in terms of specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention should not be construed as being limited to the specific embodiments. In fact, various modifications to implement the modes described herein are apparent to those skilled in the art; chemical engineering; cigarette manufacturing; or related art, and are also within the scope of the following claims. Within the scope.

10‧‧‧Smoking products

12‧‧‧ first end

14‧‧‧ second end

15‧‧‧ wrapping paper

17‧‧‧hydrophobic area

20‧‧‧Loose tobacco filler

22‧‧‧Binder

25‧‧‧Tobacco rod

30‧‧‧mouth section

35‧‧‧Filter elements

Claims (15)

A tobacco rod comprising: a wrapper defining a tobacco rod cavity having an open end and an open end region adjacent the open end, the open end region of the wrapper being due to a hydrophobic group Covalently bonded to the paper to be hydrophobic, thereby forming a hydrophobic end region; a tobacco cut filler disposed in the tobacco rod cavity and forming a tobacco rod; and an adhesive disposed at the open end region The tobacco cut filler is bonded to the tobacco cut filler together in the open end region. The tobacco rod according to the above item 1, wherein the binder is an aqueous binder containing a saccharide, an oligosaccharide or a polysaccharide, or the binder is an aqueous binder comprising a starch, a dextrin or a cellulose derivative. The cellulose derivative is, for example, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose or a salt thereof. The tobacco rod of claim 1 or 2, wherein only a portion of the tobacco cut filler forming the tobacco rod is bonded together, and the adhesive adheres the tobacco staple to the tobacco cut filler . A tobacco rod according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the binder comprises a plasticizer. A tobacco rod according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrophobic end region comprises a cellulosic material and a hydrophobic group covalently bonded to the cellulosic material. A tobacco rod according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the binder extends only along the length of the last 25% or less of the tobacco rod adjacent the open end of the tobacco rod. A tobacco rod according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrophobic end region comprises a cellulose fatty acid ester. The tobacco rod according to claim 7, wherein the cellulose fatty acid ester is formed by in situ reaction of a fatty acid chloride with a cellulose material, and the fatty acid chloride comprises soft lipid bismuth chloride, stearin chloride , hawthorn chlorine, or a mixture of soft lipid bismuth chloride or stearin chloride. A tobacco rod according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrophobic end region exhibits a Cobb measurement (60 s) of less than 40 g/ ^m2 or less than 30 g/ ^m2 or less than 25 g/ ^m2 , Or the hydrophobic end region has a water contact angle of at least about 90 degrees, or at least about 100 degrees. A tobacco rod according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrophobic end region of the wrapper is produced by a process comprising the steps of: applying a composition comprising a fatty acid halide to the wrapper The surface is maintained at a temperature of from about 120 ° C to about 180 ° C on at least one surface, wherein the fatty acid halide reacts in situ with the protogenic subgroup material in the wrapper, resulting in the formation of a fatty acid ester. A method of forming a tobacco rod, comprising the steps of: forming a tobacco rod comprising a loose tobacco filler, the loose tobacco filler being externally attached to a wrapper having an open end and an open end region adjacent the open end , the open end region of the wrapper Is hydrophobic by covalent bonding to a hydrophobic group on the wrapper; applying a liquid composition to the loose tobacco filler at the open end, the liquid composition comprising a binder dissolved in water; At least a portion of the water is removed from the liquid composition to form an adherent tobacco filler at the open end. The method of claim 11, wherein the binder comprises a saccharide, an oligosaccharide or a polysaccharide. The method of claim 11, wherein the coating step comprises applying the liquid composition to only a portion of the loose tobacco filler. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the liquid composition is applied in an amount ranging from about 10 mg to about 50 mg. The method of any one of clauses 11 to 14, wherein the liquid composition comprises a plasticizer.