WO2012044543A2

WO2012044543A2 - Cigarette filter including chemical compositions adapted to decompose cellulose acetate

Info

Publication number: WO2012044543A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/053002
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yanko Yanchev; Dimitar Yanchev
Original assignee: Aiger Group Ag
Priority date: 2010-09-30
Filing date: 2011-09-23
Publication date: 2012-04-05
Also published as: EP2621295A2; EP2621295A4; WO2012044543A3; US20120080044A1

Abstract

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a smoking article filter formed from cellulose acetate and including a wrapper is disclosed. The smoking article filter can include at least one chemical composition adapted to react with and decompose the cellulose acetate, contained within at least one carrier disposed within the smoking article filter.

Description

CIGARETTE FILTER INCLUDING CHEMICAL

COMPOSITIONS ADAPTED TO DECOMPOSE CELLULOSE ACETATE

BACKGROUND

[0001] Cigarettes and similar smoking articles typically include a tobacco rod poilion and a filter rod portion arranged in an end-to-end relationship, such that the smoke passes through the filter rod portion prior to being inhaled by the user. Commonly, filter rod portions for cigarettes are formed from a tow that includes cellulose acetate fibers bound with a hardening agent, such as a plasticizer. While the plasticized cellulose acetate fibers are effective at capturing contaminants from the cigarette smoke, they are not biodegradable and may persist for extended periods of time.

[0002] Additionally, used cigarettes are frequently disposed of improperly. In urban areas, improperly discarded filters result in an accumulation of litter, which leads to an appearance of blight as well as increased cleanup costs for municipalities. Additionally, studies have indicated that discarded cigarette filter portions can require between 12 to 36 months to break down, but, depending on conditions, may also last between 3 and 15 years, and may leave behind plastic residues that can persist in the environment for decades. Thus, a readily degradable and environmentally safe cigarette filter portion is desired.

SUMMARY

[0003] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a smoking article filter formed from cellulose acetate and including a wrapper is disclosed. The smoking article filter can include at least one chemical composition adapted to react with and decompose the cellulose acetate, contained within at least one carrier disposed within the smoking article filter. [0004] According to another exemplary embodiment, the smoking article filter can include at least one chemical composition adapted to react with and decompose the cellulose acetate, contained within at least one first carrier disposed within the smoking article filter. The smoking article filter can further include at least one catalyst adapted to increase the rate of reaction of the chemical composition and the cellulose acetate, contained within at least one second earner disposed within the smoking article filter.

[0005] According to another exemplary embodiment, the smoking article filter can include a first precursor to a chemical composition adapted to react with and decompose the cellulose acetate, contained within at least one first carrier disposed within the smoking article filter. The smoking article filter can further include at least one additional precursor to the chemical composition, contained within at least one second carrier disposed within the smoking article filter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0006] Fig. la is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0007] Fig. lb is a longitudinal section of an exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0008] Fig. lc is a cross section of an exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0009] Fig. 2a is a longitudinal section of another exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0010] Fig. 2b is a longitudinal section of another exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter. [0011] Fig. 2c is a cross section of another exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0012] Fig. 3a is a longitudinal section of a third exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0013] Fig. 3b is a cross section of a third exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0014] Figs. 3c-3e show various configurations for the inner surface of a wrapper of a third exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0015] Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0016] Fig. 5a is a longitudinal section of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0017] Fig. 5b is a cross section of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0018] Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0019] Fig. 7a is a longitudinal section of a seventh exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0020] Fig. 7b is a longitudinal section of a seventh exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0021] Fig. 7c is a cross section of a seventh exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter. [0022] Fig. 8a is a longitudinal section of an eighth exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0023] Fig. 8b is a cross section of an eighth exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0024] Figs. 8c-8e show various configurations for the inner surface of a wrapper of an eighth exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0025] Fig. 9 is a longitudinal section of a ninth exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0026] Fig. 10a is a longitudinal section of a tenth exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0027] Fig. 10b is a cross section of a tenth exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

[0028] Fig. 11 is a longitudinal section of an eleventh exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Additionally, well- known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Fm-ther, to facilitate an understanding of the description discussion of several terms used herein follows.

[0030] As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an example, instance or illustration." The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiment are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms "embodiments of the invention", "embodiments" or "invention" do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

[0031] According to one exemplary embodiment, a cigarette filter having therein at least one cellulose acetate decomposing substance is disclosed. The cellulose acetate decomposing substance may be contained within at least one container disposed within the cigarette filter rod. The carrier may be a capsule or a microcapsule. When the carrier is ruptured, the cellulose acetate decomposing substance can be released from therewithin, thereby commencing the decomposition of the cigarette filter rod.

[0032] According to another exemplary embodiment, a cigarette filter having therein at least two precursors of a cellulose acetate decomposing substance is disclosed. The at least two precursors may be contained within at least two separate carriers. Each of the at least two separate carriers may be a capsule, a microcapsule, a coating, a string, a fiber, or a fibrous rod. When one of the at least two separate carriers is ruptured, a precursor of the cellulose acetate decomposing substance is released from therewithin. Upon interaction of the at least two precursors of the cellulose acetate decomposing substance, the decomposition of the cigarette filter rod is commenced.

[0033] According to another exemplary embodiment, a cigarette filter having therein at least one cellulose acetate decomposing substance and at least one catalyst is disclosed. The at least one cellulose acetate decomposing substance and at least one catalyst may be contained within at least two separate carriers. Each of the at least two separate carriers may be a capsule, a microcapsule, a coating, a string, a fiber, or a fibrous rod. When one of the at least two carriers is ruptured, the cellulose acetate decomposing substance can be released from therewithin, thereby commencing the decomposition of the cigarette filter rod. The rate of the decomposition reaction may be substantially increased by the presence of the catalyst.

[0034] Turning to Figs, la-lc, a cigarette filter 100 may include a cellulose acetate rod 102 enclosed in a wrapper 104. Wrapper 104 may be formed from paper made of flax, linen fiber, or any other suitable substance known in the art. Disposed within and substantially near the center of cellulose acetate rod 102 may be a capsule 106. Capsule 106 can include a shell 108 and a cellulose acetate decomposing substance 1 10 contained within shell 108. Shell 108 may be formed from a variety of materials, so as to conform to desired physical properties for shell 108. For example, in some embodiments, shell 108 may be fomied from a water-soluble material, and may thus dissolve upon contact with water or exposure to a desired amount of humidity, thereby rupturing capsule 108 and releasing cellulose acetate decomposing substance 110 from therewithin. In other embodiments, shell 108 may be made from a gelatinous material. In some embodiments, shell 108 may be frangible upon application of sufficient pressure. Thus, if pressure is applied to capsule 106, for example by squeezing, capsule 106 may rupture, thereby releasing substance 110 from therewithin. The pressure required to rupture shell 108 may be varied to meet desired specifications. For example, shell 108 may be adapted to rupture upon application of pressure by a user's fingers. In some embodiments, shell 108 may rupture when a force of between approximately 19 newton (N) and approximately 11 N is applied thereto. In other embodiments, shell 108 may be adapted to require an application of greater pressure to rupture. For example, the user may need to step on the filter portion of the cigarette in order to crush capsule 106 by foot, thereby lessening the likelihood that the capsule is ruptured prior to the user being finished with the cigarette. [0035] Cellulose acetate decomposing substance 110 may be a chemical composition adapted to react with cellulose acetate rod 102 so as to degrade or decompose the cellulose acetate polymers. Alternatively, cellulose acetate decomposing substance 110 may be adapted to accelerate the biodegradation or photodegradation of cellulose acetate rod 102. Substance 1 10 may further be adapted to react with or accelerate the degradation or decomposition of any additives included in cellulose acetate rod 102. The chemical composition of substance 110 may be such that it is not harmful to humans, animals or the surrounding environment. Thus, any contact with substance 110, or any accidental ingestion, inhalation, or the like would not be likely to induce negative health effects in humans or animals. Cellulose acetate decomposing substance 110 may have properties of a free-flowing liquid, a viscous liquid, a gel, and may be capable of being dispersed throughout cellulose acetate rod 102, for example by being absorbed and transported by the cellulose acetate fibers of rod 102.

[0036] In some exemplary embodiments, a capsule may contain a precursor to a cellulose acetate decomposing substance. The precursor may be a chemical composition that does not readily react with or accelerate the decomposition or degradation of the cellulose acetate rod. In such embodiments, the precursor may need to react with, be exposed to, or be combined with at least one additional precursor prior to decomposing the cellulose acetate rod. Such additional precursors may be provided within the cellulose acetate rod in various configurations, for example, contained within at least one additional capsule, in the form of a coating disposed on the inner surface of the wrapper, in the form of strips or fibers disposed within the cellulose acetate rod, or impregnated into the cellulose acetate fibers of the rod. Thus, the cellulose acetate rod may contain at least two precursors disposed therein. [0037] In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, at least two precursors may be contained within two separate capsules within a cigarette filter 200. For example, disposed within cellulose acetate rod 202 may be a first capsule 206 and a second capsule 216. First capsule 206 can include a first shell 208 and a first precursor 210 disposed within first shell 208. First shell 208 may be formed from a variety of materials, so as to conform to desired physical properties for first shell 208. Similarly, second capsule 216 can include a second shell 218 and a second precursor 220 disposed within second shell 218. Second shell 218 may be formed from a variety of materials, so as to conform to desired physical properties for second shell 218. If desired, the compositions of both first precursor 210 and first shell 208 may be diverse from the compositions of second precursor 220 and second shell 218.

[0038] One or both of first shell 208 and second shell 218 may be formed from materials that impart frangibility to shells 208, 218. The pressure required to rupture first shell 208 and/or second shell 218 may be varied as desired; for example, one or both of shells 208, 218 may be ruptured via application of pressure by a user's fingers or via an application of greater pressure, for example, by stepping on the filter portion of the cigarette. Alternatively, one or both of first shell 208 and second shell 218 may both be formed from water-soluble materials, and may thus dissolve upon contact with water or exposure to a desired amount of humidity. Once shells 208, 218 are ruptured, precursors 210, 220 may be released from therewithal and may then be dispersed throughout cellulose acetate rod 202. As first precursor 210 is exposed to second precursor 220, the precursors may react to form a chemical composition that can react with or accelerate the decomposition or degradation of cellulose acetate rod 202.

[0039] In another exemplary embodiment, second shell 218 of second capsule 216 may be formed from a material that is not frangible nor water-soluble. Rather, second shell 218 may be formed from a material that is soluble in first precursor 210 or that degrades or decomposes in the presence of first precursor 210. Second capsule 216, thus, may rupture only following the release of first precursor 210 from first capsule 206 and exposure thereto. After second capsule 216 is ruptured, first and second precursors 210, 220 may react to form a chemical composition that can react with or accelerate the decomposition or degradation of cellulose acetate rod 202.

[0040] In another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the at least two precursors to the cellulose acetate decomposing substance may be contained within a plurality of microcapsules disposed within a cellulose acetate rod. The configurations of the shells of the microcapsules may be substantially similar to the configurations of the shells described above. However, while a capsule can be situated substantially near the longitudinal axis of cellulose acetate rod, the microcapsules may be dispersed throughout the rod. Thus, an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figs. 2b-2c, may contain a capsule 206 and a plurality of microcapsules 222, capsule 206 containing the first precursor and microcapsules 222 containing the second precursor. If a greater number of precursors is necessary or desired for the formation of the cellulose acetate decomposing substance, such additional precursors may be contained within additional microcapsules 224 that are dispersed throughout cellulose acetate rod 202.

[0041] In another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the at least two precursors may be a solid or a gel-like substance that does not readily disperse throughout cellulose acetate rod 202. For example, at least one precursor may have the form of at least one solid sphere that is disposed within cellulose acetate rod 202.

[0042] Turning to Figs. 3a-3b, in one exemplary embodiment, a smoking article filter 300 may include a cellulose acetate rod 302 enclosed in a wrapper 304. Wrapper 304 may be formed from paper made of flax, linen fiber, or any other suitable substance known in the ait. At least one of the at least two precursors may be disposed on the inner surface of mapper 304 in the form of a coating 312. Coating 312 may be disposed substantially on the entirety of inner surface of mapper 304 such that it forms a layer between cellulose acetate rod 302 and wrapper 304. Alternatively, as shown in Figs. 3c-3e, coating 312 may be disposed on inner surface of mapper 304 as a plurality of strips 314 having gaps 316 therebetween. Strips 314 may be disposed in a longitudinal, circumferential, or spiral configuration. The amount and configuration of coating 312, strips 314 and gaps 316 that are disposed on wrapper 304 may be varied as desired during manufacturing. Such variations may depend on the quantity of and total surface area of coating 312 that is necessary to react with the other precursors to produce a desired degradation or decomposition of cellulose acetate rod 302. Such variations may further depend on the rate and mechanism of distribution of the other precursors throughout cellulose acetate rod 302.

[0043] In another exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter 400, as shown in Fig. 4, at least one of the at least two precursors may be contained within or impregnated into a core rod 404 disposed within cellulose acetate rod 402. Core rod 404 may be formed from a fibrous material, or any other material known in the ail that enables the embodiment to function as described herein. Core rod 404 may be disposed substantially coaxial to the longitudinal axis of cellulose acetate rod 402.

[0044] In another exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter 500, as shown in Figs 5a-5b, at least one of the at least two precursors may be contained within or impregnated into a plurality of strips 504 disposed within cellulose acetate rod 502. Strips 504 may be formed from a fibrous material, or any other material known in the ail that enables the embodiment to function as described herein. Strips 504 may be disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of cellulose acetate rod 502, or may be arranged in any other desired configuration.

[0045] In another exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter 600, as shown in Fig. 6, a capsule 606 may include a divider 607 therein. Capsule 606 may have a substantially spheroid shape, and may include at least two compartments separated by divider 607, for example, a first compartment 622 and a second compartment 624. First precursor 210 may be contained within first compartment 622, while second precursor 220 may be contained within second compartment 624. Divider 607 may be formed from substantially the same material as shell 208. When capsule 606 is ruptured, divider 607 can be ruptured as well, thereby exposing first precursor 210 and second precursor 220 to each other.

[0046] In other exemplary embodiments, a capsule may contain therein a cellulose acetate decomposing substance. However, under conditions near standard temperature and pressure conditions (i.e. a pressure of about 1 atmosphere and a temperature of about 25°C), the rate of the reaction between the cellulose acetate decomposing substance and the cellulose acetate rod may be negligible or zero. Thus, provided within cellulose acetate rod may be a chemical composition that catalyzes the interaction between the cellulose acetate decomposing substance and the cellulose acetate rod, thereby elevating the rate of reaction to a non-negligible rate. Such catalysts may be provided within the cellulose acetate rod in various configurations, for example, contained within at least one additional capsule, in the form of a coating disposed on the inner surface of the mapper, in the form of strips or fibers disposed within the cellulose acetate rod, or impregnated into the cellulose acetate fibers of the rod. [0047] In one exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter 700, at least one catalyst may be contained within at least one separate capsule. For example, as shown in Fig. 7a, disposed within cellulose acetate rod 702 may be a first capsule 706 and a second capsule 716. First capsule 706 can include a first shell 708 and a cellulose acetate decomposing substance 710 disposed within first shell 708. First shell 708 may be formed from a variety of materials, so as to conform to desired physical properties for first shell 708. Similarly, second capsule 716 can include a second shell 718 and a catalyst 720 disposed within second shell 718. Second shell 718 may be formed from a variety of materials, so as to conform to desired physical properties for second shell 718.

[0048] One or both of first shell 708 and second shell 718 may be formed from materials that impart frangibility to first shell 708 and second shell 718. The pressure required to rupture first shell 708 and/or second shell 718 may be varied as desired; for example, one or both of shells 708, 718 may be ruptured via application of pressure by a user's fingers or via an application of greater pressure, for example, by stepping on the filter portion of the cigarette. Alternatively, one or both of first shell 708 and second shell 718 may both be formed from water-soluble materials, and may thus dissolve upon contact with water or exposure to a desired amount of humidity. Once shells 708, 718 are ruptured, cellulose acetate decomposing substance 710 and catalyst 720 may be released from therewithin and may then be dispersed throughout cellulose acetate rod 702. As cellulose acetate decomposing substance 710 is exposed to catalyst 720, the rate of decomposition of cellulose acetate rod 702 may be substantially accelerated.

[0049] In another exemplary embodiment, second shell 718 of second capsule 716 may be formed from a material that is not frangible nor water-soluble. Rather, second shell 718 may be formed from a material that is soluble in cellulose acetate decomposing substance 710 or that degrades or decomposes in the presence of cellulose acetate decomposing substance 710. Second capsule 716, thus, may rupture only following the release of cellulose acetate decomposing substance 710 from first capsule 706 and exposure thereto. After second capsule 716 is raptured, catalyst 720 may accelerate the reaction of substance 710 with cellulose acetate rod 602.

[0050] In another exemplary embodiment, the catalyst may be contained within a plurality of microcapsules disposed within a cellulose acetate rod. The configurations of the shells of the microcapsules may be substantially similar to the configurations of the shells described above. However, while a capsule can be situated substantially near the longitudinal axis of cellulose acetate rod, the microcapsules may be dispersed throughout the rod. Thus, an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figs. 7b-7c, may contain a capsule 706 and a plurality of microcapsules 722, capsule 706 containing the cellulose acetate decomposing substance and microcapsules 722 containing the catalyst.

[0051] In another exemplary embodiment, the catalyst may be a solid or a gel-like substance that does not readily disperse throughout the cellulose acetate rod. For example, the catalyst may have the form of at least one solid sphere that is disposed within the cellulose acetate rod.

[0052] Turning to Figs. 8a-8b, in one exemplary embodiment, a smoking article filter 800 may include a cellulose acetate rod 802 enclosed in a wrapper 804. The catalyst may be disposed on the inner surface of wrapper 804 in the form of a coating 812. Coating 812 may be disposed substantially on the entirety of the inner surface of wrapper 804 such that it forms a layer between cellulose acetate rod 802 and wrapper 804. Alternatively, coating 812 may be disposed on inner surface of wrapper 804 as a plurality of strips 814 having gaps 816 therebetween. Strips 814 may be disposed in a longitudinal, circumferential or spiral configuration. The amount and configuration of coating 812, strips 814 and gaps 816 that are disposed on wrapper 804 may be vaiied as desired during manufacturing. Such variations may depend on the quantity of and total surface area of coating 812 that is necessary to provide the desired rate acceleration of the reaction between cellulose acetate rod 802 and the cellulose acetate decomposing substance. Such variations may further depend on the rate and mechanism of distribution of the cellulose acetate decomposing substance tliroughout cellulose acetate rod 802.

[0053] In another exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter 900, as shown in Fig. 9, the catalyst may be contained within or impregnated into a core rod 904 disposed within cellulose acetate rod 904. Core rod 904 may be formed from a fibrous material, or any other material known in the art that enables the embodiment to function as described herein. Core rod 904 may be disposed substantially coaxial to the longitudinal axis of cellulose acetate rod 902.

[0054] In another exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter 1000, as shown in Figs. lOa-lOb, the catalyst may be contained within or impregnated into a plurality of strips 1004 disposed within cellulose acetate rod 1002. Strips 1004 may be formed from a fibrous material, or any other material known in the art that enables the embodiment to function as described herein. Strips 1004 may be disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of cellulose acetate rod 1002, or may be arranged in any other desired configuration.

[0055] In another exemplary embodiment of a smoking article filter 1100, as shown in Fig. 11, a capsule 1106 may include a divider 1107 therein. Capsule 1 106 may have a substantially spheroid shape, and may include at least two compartments separated by divider 1107, for example, a first compartment 1122 and a second compartment 1 124. Cellulose acetate decomposing substance 710 may be contained within first compartment 1122, while catalyst 720 may be contained within second compartment 1124. Divider 1 107 may be formed from substantially the same material as shell 708. When capsule 1106 is ruptured, divider 1107 can be ruptured as well, thereby exposing cellulose acetate decomposing substance 710 and catalyst 720 to each other.

[0056] The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0057] Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A smoking article filter formed from cellulose acetate and including a wrapper, comprising:

at least one chemical composition adapted to react with and decompose the cellulose acetate, the at least one chemical composition being contained within at least one carrier disposed within the smoking article filter.

2. The smoking article filter of claim 1, wherein the at least one earner is a capsule comprising a frangible shell.

3. The smoking article filter of claim 1, wherein the at least one earner is a capsule comprising a water-soluble shell.

4. A smoking article filter formed from cellulose acetate and including a wrapper, comprising:

at least one chemical composition adapted to react with and decompose the cellulose acetate, the at least one chemical composition being contained within at least one first carrier disposed within the smoking article filter; and

at least one catalyst adapted to increase the rate of reaction of the chemical composition and the cellulose acetate, the at least one catalyst being contained within at least one second carrier disposed within the smoking article filter.

5. The smoking article filter of claim 4, wherein the at least one first earner is a capsule comprising a frangible shell.

6. The smoking article filter of claim 4, wherein the at least one first canier is a capsule comprising a water-soluble shell.

7. The smoking article filter of claim 4, wherein the at least one second carrier is a capsule comprising a frangible shell.

8. The smoking article filter of claim 4, wherein the at least one second carrier is a capsule comprising a water-soluble shell.

9. The smoking article filter of claim 4, wherein the at least one second carrier is a capsule comprising a shell soluble in the at least one chemical composition.

10. The smoking article filter of claim 4, wherein the at least one second canier is a coating disposed on an inner surface of the mapper.

11. The smoking article filter of claim 4, wherein the at least one second carrier is a strip disposed within the smoking article filter.

12. The smoking ailicle filter of claim 4, wherein the at least one second canier is a core rod disposed within the smoking article filter.

13. The smoking article filter of claim 4, wherein the at least one second carrier is a plurality of microcapsules disposed within the smoking article filter.

14. The smoking article filter of claim 4, wherein the at least one first carrier is a first compartment in a capsule comprising a shell and a divider, and the at least one second carrier is a second compartment in said capsule.

15. A smoking article filter formed from cellulose acetate and including a wrapper, comprising:

a first precursor to a chemical composition adapted to react with and decompose the cellulose acetate, the first precursor being contained within at least one first earner disposed within the smoking article filter; and

at least one additional precursor to the chemical composition adapted to react with and decompose the cellulose acetate, the at least one additional precursor being contained within at least one second carrier disposed within the smoking article filter.

16. The smoking article filter of claim 15, wherein the at least one first carrier is a capsule comprising a frangible shell.

17. The smoking article filter of claim 15, wherein the at least one first canier is a capsule comprising a water-soluble shell.

18. The smoking article filter of claim 15, wherein the at least one second carrier is a capsule comprising a frangible shell.

19. The smoking article filter of claim 15, wherein the at least one second earlier is a capsule comprising a water-soluble shell.

20. The smoking article filter of claim 15, wherein the at least one second earner is a capsule comprising a shell soluble in the first precursor.

21. The smoking article filter of claim 15, wherein the at least one second carrier is a coating disposed on an inner surface of the mapper.

22. The smoking article filter of claim 15, wherein the at least one second carrier is a strip disposed within the smoking article filter.

23. The smoking article filter of claim 15, wherein the at least one second carrier is a core rod disposed within the smoking article filter.

24. The smoking article filter of claim 15, wherein the at least one second carrier is a plurality of microcapsules disposed within the smoking article filter.

25. The smoldng article filter of claim 15, wherein the at least one first carrier is a first compartment in a capsule comprising a shell and a divider, and the at least one second carrier is a second compartment in said capsule.