WO2020212705A1

WO2020212705A1 - Housing and cartomiser for an aerosol provision system

Info

Publication number: WO2020212705A1
Application number: PCT/GB2020/050971
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph Sutton; Mohsin MASIH-UD-DIN; My-Linh TRAN
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
Priority date: 2019-04-18
Filing date: 2020-04-17
Publication date: 2020-10-22
Also published as: IL286502A; AU2020260372B2; CN114072014A; AU2020260372A1; MX2021012699A; EP3955755A1; CA3136787A1; GB201905539D0; US20220202087A1; CA3136787C; KR20210138066A; JP2022528990A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a housing for an aerosol provision system. The housing comprising a reservoir for an electrically conductive aerosolisable material, wherein the potential difference between any two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components which are contained in the housing, is from 0 mV to about 35 mV, wherein the two surfaces are capable of simultaneously being in contact with the aerosolisable material. Also disclosed is a cartomiser comprising a reservoir containing an electrically conductive aerosolisable material, and two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components, wherein the two surfaces are capable of simultaneously being in contact with the electrically conductive aerosolisable material and wherein the change in dissolved metal content of the electrically conductive aerosolisable material after storage of the cartomiser for about 1 to about 8 weeks at about 40°C is between 0 and about 20%.

Description

HOUSING AND CARTOMISER FOR AN AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a housing for an aerosol provision system. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a cartomiser comprising the housing, a cartomiser for an aerosol provision system, and an aerosol provision system comprising the housing.

BACKGROUND

Electronic aerosol provision systems or devices such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain a cartomiser with a reservoir for an aerosolisable material, from which vapour or aerosol is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation. Generally nicotine and often flavourants or flavour agents are present in the aerosolisable material of the reservoir, and the vapour or aerosol generating element is either downstream of the reservoir or integrated therein so as to vaporise a portion of the aerosolisable material. Cartomisers where the reservoir is not refillable with aerosolisable material are often referred to in the art as“closed” systems, whereas cartomisers which facilitate refilling of the aerosolisable material are generally referred to as“open” systems.

In an open or closed system, the vapour or aerosol generating element is typically located downstream of the reservoir, e.g. in an aerosol generation chamber, so that as a user inhales on the system and electrical power is supplied to e.g. the heater, air is drawn into the system through inlet holes and mixes with the vaporised material in the aerosol generation chamber. There is then a flow path connecting the aerosol generation chamber and an opening in the mouthpiece of the device, so that incoming air drawn through the aerosol generation chamber continues along the flow path, carrying at least some of the aerosol with it and out through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user. The term“downstream” is thus understood to mean in the direction of aerosol flow, from the reservoir containing the aerosolisable material, via the aerosol generation chamber, to the mouthpiece of the aerosol provision system where aerosol is inhaled by the user.

In open systems, the aerosol generating element is generally intended to be replaceable, in that a user can access the aerosol generating element and replace it when appropriate. In a closed system, the vapour or aerosol generating element is generally not intended for replacement and can be integrated with the reservoir to form a single unit along with the aerosolisable material and an aerosol generation chamber. As a user inhales on the system and electrical power is supplied to the element, air is drawn into the system and mixes with the vaporised material in the aerosol generation chamber. There is then a flow path connecting the integrated system with an opening in a mouthpiece of the device so that generated aerosol or vapour can be inhaled by the user.

Aerosolisable material may also be referred to in the art as aerosol or vapour precursor material, and typically includes a solvent along with acids, bases and/or salts such that the material is electrically conductive.

SUMMARY

According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a housing for an aerosol provision system comprising a reservoir for an electrically conductive aerosolisable material, wherein the potential difference between any two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal component which is contained in the housing is from 0 mV to about 35 mV. The two surfaces are further defined as capable of simultaneously being in contact with the aerosolisable material.

The one or more metal component may be part of an aerosol generating element, and the aerosol generating element may be integrated with the reservoir. Alternatively the aerosol generating element may be downstream of the reservoir. The electrically conductive aerosolisable material may be a liquid, and may further contain nicotine or a salt thereof.

Of the metal components contained in the housing, at least one may be a plated metal and the exposable surface of said component may be the metal which is plated. For instance, the component may be gold-plated such that the exposable surface is the metal which is plated with gold, e.g. brass. The metal components contained in the housing may also be identical in the sense that they are composed of a single metal. This metal may be selected from the group consisting of nickel, stainless steel, titanium and aluminium. Alternatively the metal components may be identical in the sense that they are composed of the same metals, e.g. an alloy or a plated-alloy. For example, the metal components contained in the housing may include nickel plated with gold or may be composed solely of nickel. The potential difference between the exposed and/or exposable surfaces of the one or more metal components may be from 0 mV to about 20 mV.

Also provided is a cartomiser comprising the housing described herein, wherein the cartomiser is a closed or open system, i.e. non-fillable or refillable with aerosolisable material.

In addition there is provided a cartomiser for an aerosol provision system comprising a reservoir containing an electrically conductive aerosolisable material and two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components which are capable of simultaneously being in contact with the electrically conductive aerosolisable material, and wherein the change in dissolved metal content of the electrically conductive aerosolisable material after storage of the cartomiser for about 1 to about 8 weeks, e.g. about 2 weeks or 14 days, at 40 °C is between 0 and about 20%.

Also provided is an aerosol provision system comprising the housing described herein or one of the cartomisers described herein.

Finally there is provided the use of one or more metal components in an aerosol provision system to reduce galvanic corrosion, wherein the one or more metal components have two surfaces which are simultaneously exposed and/or exposable to an electrically conductive aerosolisable material in the aerosol provision system, and said surfaces have a potential difference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV.

In the described use the potential difference of the exposed and/or exposable surfaces may be from 0 mV to about 20 mV. Further, the electrically conductive aerosolisable material may be a liquid and/or may comprise nicotine or a salt thereof.

These embodiments are set out in the appended independent and dependent claims. It will be appreciated that features of the dependent claims may be combined with each other and with features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims. Furthermore the approaches described herein are not restricted to specific embodiments such as those set out below, but include and contemplate any appropriate combinations of features presented herein. For example, the housing, the cartomiser comprising the housing, the cartomiser defined by the dissolved metal content in the electrically conductive aerosolisable material after storage, the aerosol provision system comprising the housing or the cartomiser, and the use described herein may be provided in accordance with approaches described herein which includes any one or more of the various features described below as appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a highly schematic drawing of an aerosol generating element in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. As is discussed in more detail below, Figure 1 shows a substrate 1 with a heating surface 4 and two electrical contacts, e.g. wires 2 each independently connected to an electrical connector 3. Figures 2 to 5 are graphs plotted from the ICP-MS values obtained in Example 3 for dissolved nickel, copper, zinc and gold content following use of each of the heating elements analysed in this example, alongside the liquid control. These figures are discussed in more detail below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed and described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed or described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

As discussed herein, the present disclosure provides a housing for an aerosol provision system in which any two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components thereof have a potential difference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV, the two surfaces being capable of simultaneously being in contact with the aerosolisable material. Also provided is a cartomiser or aerosol provision system comprising the housing, along with a cartomiser which after storage for about 1 to about 8 weeks at 40 °C exhibits a change in dissolved metal content in the electrically conductive aerosolisable material between 0% and about 20%.

In arriving at the present disclosure, the inventors observed discoloration at the bottom of the cartomiser, followed by discoloration in the e-liquid and on the aerosol generating element (the heater) after use. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors believed that the combination of the gold/nickel plated brass electrical connectors and nickel contact in the heater was forming a galvanic cell when both metal components were in contact with the conductive e-liquid. The galvanic cell was then causing corrosion of the metal components, potentially releasing metal ions into solution and thereby leading to the observed discolouration.

Following further experiments which are set out in detail in the Examples, the discolouration was confirmed as comprising propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and at least the following metals: gold, nickel, copper and zinc. Comparing a discoloured sample with a control sample specifically identified an increase in at least the dissolved copper, nickel and zinc content of the e-liquid.

As is known in the art, the basis for a galvanic cell is always a redox reaction which includes two half-reactions: oxidation at an anode and reduction at a cathode. Electricity is generated due to an electric potential difference between two electrodes which is created as a result of the difference between individual potentials of the two metal electrodes with respect to the electrolyte. In other words, it is the measure of reducing power of any element or compound. More specifically, a galvanic cell involves a spontaneous redox reaction because the Gibbs free energy is negative in accordance with the following equation:

D G°en =—nFEceii where n is the number of moles of electrons per mole of products and F is the Faraday constant, approximately 96485 C/mol. With a negative Gibbs free energy, a spontaneous redox reaction drives the cell to produce an electric potential. It follows that for a galvanic cell, E_c°_ell must be > 0 where E_c°_ell = E_c°_athode - E_a°_node and E_a°_node is the standard potential at the anode and E°_athode is the standard potential at the cathode. Standard electrode potentials are known in the art.

For example, the standard electrode potential of zinc is -0.76 V. Thus zinc will be oxidized by any electrode whose standard electrode potential is greater than -0.76 V, e.g. copper (0.34 V) and reduced by any electrode whose standard electrode potential is less than -0.76 V, e.g. sodium (-2.71 V).

To identify the possible source of the galvanic cell, the potential difference between each of the metal components in the heating element was measured. The results were 101 mV ± 10 mV for the nickel contact and gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector; 8 mV ± 10 mV for the two nickel heater wires; 2 mV ± 10 mV for the two gold/nickel plated brass electrical connectors; and 25 mV ± 10 mV for the two combinations of nickel contact with gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector. In view of these results, it was hypothesised that a galvanic cell was arising at least between the nickel contact and the gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector when both in contact with the e-liquid, i.e. the two metal surfaces having the highest potential difference.

The present disclosure provides a solution to this galvanic corrosion problem by incorporating the same or similar metals into the housing, a“similar” metal being understood as having a potential difference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV. In particular the defined potential difference is between any two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal component of the housing, the surfaces being capable of simultaneously being in contact with the aerosolisable material. Advantageously the present disclosure is thus able to reduce the level of metal found in the aerosolisable material and/or aerosol and thereby improve user experience and consistency of aerosol delivery. For ease of reference, these and further features of the present disclosure are now discussed under appropriate section headings. However, the teachings under each section are not limited to the section in which they are found.

Housing

The present disclosure provides a housing for an aerosol provision system comprising a reservoir for an electrically conductive aerosolisable material. The housing may be formed of a plastics material and as well as supporting other components, the housing may provide a mechanical interface when incorporated into a cartomiser so that the cartomiser can be connected to a control unit of an aerosol provision system as required. The manner by which the housing interfaces with the control unit is not significant for the present disclosure. It may, for example, comprise a screw thread fitting or any other attachment or connection means known to the person skilled in the art. The shape of the housing is also not limited and may be any shape known in the art.

The reservoir for the electrically conductive aerosolisable material may be contained in an aerosol generation chamber or may be in fluid communication with such a chamber. By the term“fluid communication” is meant that the aerosolisable material contained in the reservoir is able to flow or move easily from the reservoir towards or in the direction of the aerosol generation chamber. When the reservoir is contained in an aerosol generation chamber, the reservoir may comprise the majority of the interior volume of the aerosol generation chamber. The reservoir may generally conform to the interior of the aerosol generation chamber.

In some examples, at least an outer wall of the reservoir may be integrally moulded with the aerosol generation chamber. In other examples, the reservoir may be a component which is formed separately from, but supported in position by, the aerosol generation chamber. In examples, the reservoir may have a tapered circular cross-section but have a flat face running longitudinally along one side to create a space between an outer wall of the reservoir and an inner wall of the aerosol generation chamber to define a flow path through the cartomiser through which aerosol generated in the cartomiser is drawn during use towards an opening or outlet in the end of the cartomiser. In other examples, the reservoir may have an annular shape, with the outer annular surface defined by the aerosol generation chamber, and the inner annular surface defining a flow path. It will be appreciated that there are many configurations which allow for the provision of a liquid reservoir alongside a flow path within the cartomiser.

The reservoir may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example comprising a moulded plastics material, machined plastic components, cast plastic components, machined metal components, cast or drawn metal components, metal components that are formed and subsequently plated with other metal materials, or mixtures thereof.

Electrically Conductive Aerosolisable Material

Any reference herein to an “aerosolisable material” is to an electrically conductive aerosolisable material. The term“aerosolisable material” may be used interchangeably with the terms“aerosol generating material”, “vapour generating material”, “aerosol precursor material” and/or“vapour precursor material”. By the term“aerosolisable material” is meant a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example, when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. As appropriate, the aerosolisable material may comprise one or more active agents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.

Aerosolisable materials may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain nicotine and/or flavourants.

By the term “electrically conductive” is meant that the aerosolisable material is able to transport an electric charge. As mentioned above, the electrical conductivity of the aerosolisable material may arise from the presence of acids, bases and/or salts. In various embodiments, the electrical conductivity of the aerosolisable material may arise from the presence of salts or other ionic compounds. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolisable material is therefore an electrolyte because of these ionic compounds and/or salts. The skilled person in the art is aware of suitable techniques to determine electrical conductivity or ionic content of an aerosolisable material, and is also able to provide a suitably electrically conductive aerosolisable material.

Aerosolisable material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active agent and/or flavourants. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrically conductive aerosolisable material is a liquid. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolisable material may comprise an“amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a“monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material may for example comprise from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, 70 wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90 wt%, 95 wt% or 100 wt% of amorphous solid.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolisable material comprises a vapour- or aerosol- generating agent; otherwise referred to as an aerosol-former material. The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. Examples of such agents/constituents are glycerine/glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso- erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, propylene carbonate, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

The aerosolisable material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

The aerosolisable material may also include at least one“flavour”, “flavouring agent” or “flavourant”. The terms“flavour”,“flavouring agent” and“flavourant” are used interchangeably to refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, are added to a material to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. Reference here to "flavour",“flavouring agent” or "flavourant" include both singular and multi- component flavours. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

The flavour, flavouring agent or flavourant may be selected from the group consisting of extracts, for example liquorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, tobacco, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, pimento, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g. sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.

In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

The aerosolisable material may also comprise other components. Such other components may be conventional in the sense that they are typically included in aerosolisable materials for e-cigarettes. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolisable material further comprises an active agent. By the term“active agent” is meant any agent which has a biological or physiological effect on a subject when the vapour containing the active is inhaled. The active may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active may, for example, be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics or psychoactives. The one or more active agents may be selected from nicotine, botanicals, salts thereof and mixtures thereof. The one or more active agents or salts thereof may be of synthetic or natural origin. The active or salt thereof could be an extract from a botanical, such as from a plant in the tobacco family. An example active is nicotine.

In some embodiments the active agent may be selected from nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives (e.g. salts) or combinations thereof. The active agent may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical. Constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis may include one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

As noted herein, the active agent may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens

In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.

In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

In some embodiments, the active agent comprises nicotine and/or a salt thereof. In some embodiments, the active agent comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolisable material comprises nicotine and/or a salt thereof. Nicotine may be provided in any suitable amount depending on the desired dosage when inhaled by the user. Depending on the other components of the aerosolisable material, nicotine may be in a salt form in the aerosolisable material. If, for example, an acid is added (e.g. an organic acid) then nicotine will typically be protonated leaving the residual anion of the acid in solution. Consequently, it may be the presence of nicotine salts which give rise to the electrical conductivity properties of the aerosolisable material. The invention is not, however, limited to an aerosolisable material comprising nicotine and/or a salt thereof and the skilled person will be aware of other components (e.g. other actives or aerosol- generating agents) which result in an electrically conductive aerosolisable material because of the formation of ionic compounds and/or salts.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, nicotine is present in the aerosolisable material in an amount of no greater than about 6 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material. By the expression“total weight of the aerosolisable material” is meant the total weight of the aerosolisable material in which the nicotine is present.

In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount of from about 0.4 to about 6 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount of from about 0.8 to about 6 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material. In various embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 1 to about 6 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount of from about 1 .8 to about 6 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material.

In other embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than about 3 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount of from about 0.4 to about 3 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount of from about 0.8 to about 3 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material. In various embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 1 to about 3 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material. In various embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 1.8 to about 3 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material.

In other embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of less than about 1 .9 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material. In various embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of less than about 1 .8 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material. In various embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 0.4 to less than about 1 .9 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material. In various embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 0.4 to less than about 1.8 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material. In various embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 0.5 to less than about 1 .9 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material. In various embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 0.5 to less than about 1.8 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material. In various embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 0.8 to less than about 1 .9 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material. In various embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 0.8 to less than about 1.8 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material. In various embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 1 to less than about 1.9 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material. In various embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 1 to less than about 1.8 wt% based on the total weight of the aerosolisable material. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolisable material may contain one or acids. The aerosolisable material may, for example, contain one or more acids in addition to nicotine (as the active agent). The one or more acids may be one or more organic acids, e.g. one or more organic acids selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, levulinic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, succinic acid, and mixtures thereof. As noted above, when included in the aerosolisable material in combination with nicotine, the one or more acids may provide a formulation in which the nicotine is at least partially in protonated (such as monoprotonated and/or diprotonated) form.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolisable material comprises nicotine or another active, optionally a flavourant or flavour agent, and one or more acids. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolisable material comprises nicotine in one of the above described amounts, optionally a flavourant or flavour agent, and one or more acids selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, levulinic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, succinic acid, and mixtures thereof. In various embodiments, the flavourant or flavour agent is present in the aerosolisable material and is defined as above.

Potential Difference

In the present disclosure, the potential difference between any two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components contained in the housing is limited to being from 0 mV to about 35 mV; the two surfaces being capable of simultaneously being in contact with the aerosolisable material.

By the term“potential difference” is meant the difference of electrical potential between two points. As is known in the art, a potential difference is measured with a voltmeter under atmospheric pressure and at room temperature in a suitable electrolyte. In the present disclosure, the potential difference is measured under atmospheric pressure and room temperature (approximately 20 °C) in the aerosolisable material to be used with the housing in the aerosol provision system.

Whether a particular combination of metals is going to give rise to a potential difference within the present disclosure can also be estimated based on the galvanic or electropotential series. This series ranks metals (and other materials) in order of standard electrode potential, and an extract from this series is shown in the following table:

A nickel surface and a cobalt surface in contact with an electrically conductive aerosolisable material will, for example, have a potential difference of approximately 0.023 V or 23.0 mV. In contrast, a nickel surface and a gold surface will have a potential difference of at least approximately 1 .755 V. The potential difference which is the subject of the present disclosure is between any two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components contained in the housing, where the surfaces are capable of simultaneously being in contact with the aerosolisable material. By the term“exposed” is meant a surface which is not covered or hidden, i.e. the surface is visible in the housing. By the term“exposable” is meant a surface which is hidden or covered, e.g. by plating, but can be uncovered or made visible during use of the housing in an aerosol provision system. For example, a component made from a plated metal will have an exposed surface - the plating - and an exposable surface - the metal underneath the plating. During use of the housing in an aerosol provision system, the metal underneath the plating may become exposed as the plating degrades.

By the expression “capable of simultaneously being in contact with the aerosolisable material” is meant that the aerosolisable material is able to form a contact junction between the exposed and/or exposable surfaces of the one or more metal components such that the surfaces are in electrical contact and electric charge can flow between the surfaces. The location of the one or more metal components in the housing is not therefore limited; the metal components must be separate from one another but in electrical contact.

The contact junction may, for example, be formed by the aerosolisable material in the reservoir, in an aerosol generating element integrated with the reservoir, in an aerosol generating element which is separate from the reservoir, or downstream of the reservoir and/or aerosol generating element if the aerosol formed from the aerosolisable material forms deposits on two suitable surfaces in the flow path to the mouthpiece of the device. The contact junction formed by the aerosolisable material and two exposed/exposable surfaces of one or more metal components in the present disclosure does not, however, form a galvanic cell because the potential difference between the surfaces is from 0 mV to about 35 mV.

For example, both the exposed and/or exposable surface of a first metal component may have a potential difference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV with respect to any other exposed and/or exposable surface of a second metal component contained in the housing which is capable of being in contact with the electrically conductive aerosolisable material at the same time as said first exposed and/or exposable surface. In this manner, the housing avoids metal degradation.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the contact junction formed by the aerosolisable material and two exposed and/or exposable surfaces is in an aerosol generating element which is integrated with the reservoir. In such embodiments, the exposed and/or exposable surface of a first metal component of the aerosol generating element has a potential difference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV with respect to any other exposed and/or exposable surface of a second metal component of the aerosol generating element. Provided of course that the surfaces are capable of being in contact with the electrically conductive aerosolisable material at the same time.

The potential difference between the surfaces is from 0 mV to about 35 mV. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the potential difference is from 0 mV to about 30 mV. In various embodiments, the potential difference is from 0 mV to about 25 mV. In various embodiments, the potential difference is from 0 mV to about 20 mV. In various embodiments, the potential difference is from 0 mV to about 18 mV. In various embodiments, the potential difference is from 0 mV to about 15 mV. In various embodiments, the potential difference is from 0 mV to about 12 mV. In various embodiments, the potential difference is from 0 mV to about 10 mV.

In various embodiments, the potential difference is from 0 mV to about 10 mV.

Aerosol Generating Element

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more metal components having two exposed and/or exposable surfaces are part of an aerosol generating element. The aerosol generating element is able to produce aerosol from the aerosolisable material by any suitable means, e.g. heat, irradiation or any other method of energizing a material to form vapour or aerosol.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating element is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator/aerosol generating element is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more metal components are part of an aerosol generating element which comprises a wick and a heater. Other known arrangements may of course be used. The wick and heater are arranged in a space within the housing, e.g. in an aerosol generation chamber, such that the wick extends transversely across the chamber with its ends extending into the reservoir of aerosolisable material, through openings in the inner wall of the reservoir. The openings in the inner wall of the reservoir may be sized to broadly match the dimensions of the wick and thereby provide a reasonable seal against leakage from the reservoir into the flow path whilst avoiding unduly compressing the wick, which may be detrimental to its fluid transfer performance. Aerosolisable material, e.g. liquid, may infiltrate the wick through surface tension or capillary action. The heater then comprises the one or more metal components with two exposed and/or exposable surfaces which are capable of simultaneously being in contact with the aerosolisable material, as described herein.

In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more metal components are part of an aerosol generating element as shown in Figure 1 . The aerosol generating element shown in Figure 1 may be located in the reservoir of the housing or as a separate component to the reservoir. When located in the reservoir, the aerosol generating element may be integrated therewith and be located in an aerosol generation chamber as described above, such that the reservoir and aerosol generation chamber are formed as a single moulded component. The aerosol generating element of Figure 1 comprises a porous, wick substrate 1 , e.g a ceramic disc, so that the aerosolisable material within the reservoir may seep through the disc to a heating substrate 4 for vaporisation. Attached to the substrate 1 are contacts 2 connected to electrical connectors, e.g. electrode pins 3.

With continued reference to Figure 1 , the one or more metal components which have two exposed and/or exposable surfaces capable of simultaneously contacting the aerosolisable material may be the contacts 2, the electrode pins or electrical connectors 3, the heating substrate 4 and/or a combination thereof. The contacts 2 may have exposed surfaces, the electrical connectors 3 may have exposed and exposable surfaces, being made of a plated metal, and/or the heating substrate may include an exposed or exposable surface. Alternatively, the contacts 2 may have an exposed surface(s), the electrical connectors 3 may have an exposed surface(s) and/or the heating substrate 4 may have an exposed surface(s). The skilled person will be aware of suitable techniques for making an aerosol generating element as shown in Figure 1 . For example, the heating substrate could be applied to the surface of the wick substrate via known printing techniques for applying conductive inks to surfaces etc.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the contacts 2, electrical connectors 3 and/or heating substrate 4 have exposed and/or exposable surfaces which are capable of being in simultaneous contact with the electrically conductive aerosolisable material and which have a potential difference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV. This potential difference may be from 0 mv to about 30 mV, from 0 mV to about 25 mV, from 0 mV to about 20 mV, from 0 mV to about 18 mV, from 0 mV to about 15 mV, from 0 mV to about 12 mV or from 0 mV to about 10 mV.

In various embodiments, the contacts 2, connectors 3 and heating substrate 4 comprise the same metal or metal alloy, e.g. nickel or a nickel alloy titanium or a titanium alloy, or stainless steel. Exemplary nickel alloys and titanium alloys will be known to the person skilled in the art; the nickel alloy may be NiCrFe or NiCr. In such embodiments, the aerosol generating element is composed of a single conductive material, i.e. a single metal or metal alloy.

Cartomiser

Also provided by the present disclosure is a cartomiser comprising the housing as defined herein. As is known in the art, cartomisers may also be referred to as cartridges. Throughout the description herein, the term “cartridge” may therefore be used interchangeably with “cartomiser”.

The cartomiser of the present disclosure may be a closed or open system as defined herein. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cartomiser is a closed system such that the aerosol generating element is integrated within the reservoir as already described herein. The aerosol generating element may be as shown in Figure 1 with the potential difference values between metal components having exposed or exposable surfaces capable of being in simultaneous contact with the electrically conductive aerosolisable material, as described above.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cartomiser comprising the housing is a closed system with an aerosol generating in fluid contact with the reservoir, the one or more metal components with two exposed and/or exposable surfaces, being part of the aerosol generating element. In such embodiments, the two exposed and/or exposable surfaces are capable of simultaneously being in contact with the electrically conductive aerosolisable material and have a potential difference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV. This potential difference may also be from 0 mV to about 30 mV, from 0 mV to about 25 mV, from 0 mV to about 20 mV, from 0 mV to about 18 mV, from 0 mV to about 15 mV, or from 0 mV to about 10 mV.

Additionally the present disclosure provides a cartomiser for an aerosol provision system comprising a reservoir containing an electrically conductive aerosolisable material and two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components, wherein the two surfaces are capable of simultaneously being in contact with the electrically conductive aerosolisable material. In such a cartomiser, the change in dissolved metal content of the electrically conductive aerosolisable material after storage of the cartomiser for about 1 to about 8 weeks at 40 °C, e.g. about 2 weeks or 14 days, is between 0 and about 20%.

The features overlapping with the above-described housing are defined according to the description already provided. For example, the reservoir, the electrically conductive aerosolisable material, the two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components, and the simultaneous contact of these surfaces with the aerosolisable material. The cartomiser may also be a closed or open system. In various embodiments, the cartomiser may be a closed system.

By the feature“change in dissolved metal content of the electrically conductive aerosolisable material after storage of the cartomiser from about 1 to about 8 weeks at 40 °C” is meant that the level of dissolved metals measured in the electrically conductive aerosolisable material at the point of filling the cartomiser (T=0) and on removal of the cartomiser from storage is no greater than about 20%. In other words, any change or increase is relative to the background or baseline level of metals in the electrically conductive aerosolisable material (e.g. the e- liquid). Dissolved metal content is determined according to methods known in the art. In particular, dissolved metal content is determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Metal content refers to all measurable metals in the e-liquid, for example any metals that may be present due to the construction of the product including nickel, copper, zinc, gold, titanium, beryllium, silver, aluminium, manganese, lead, chromium, arsenic, molybdenum, cobalt, iron and/or tin.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the change in dissolved metal content is determined after storage of the cartomiser for about 1 to about 6 weeks at 40^eC or about 1 to about 4 weeks, e.g. about 2 weeks or 14 days. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the change in dissolved metal content of the electrically conductive aerosolisable material is further between 0 and about 15%. In other embodiments the change in dissolved metal content is between 0 and about 10% or between 0% and about 5%. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, there is substantially no change in dissolved metal content. By the expression“substantially no change” means less than 5%. As the person skilled in the art will appreciate, the change in dissolved metal content is an indication that galvanic corrosion is not taking place.

Aerosol Provision System

The present disclosure further provides an aerosol provision system comprising the housing as described herein or one of the cartomisers as described herein.

As is common in the art, the terms "vapour" and "aerosol", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may be used interchangeably. Aerosol provision systems/devices may therefore be referred to herein as“vapour provision systems/devices”, “aerosol delivery devices/systems”,“electronic vapour provision devices/systems”,“electronic aerosol provision devices/systems”, or“e-cigarettes/electronic cigarettes”. These terms may be used interchangeably and are intended to refer to combustible or non-combustible aerosol provision systems/devices. In some embodiments the aerosol provision system is a non combustible aerosol provision system such as a heating device that releases compounds from aerosolisable material(s) without burning or combusting the aerosolisable materials.

According to the present disclosure, a“combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user. In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper.

The non-combustible aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material (aerosolisable material) of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not therefore combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user, and this system can include electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes that create aerosol from aerosol precursor materials by heating or other techniques such as vibration; and hybrid systems that provide aerosol via a combination of aerosol precursor materials and solid substrate materials, for example hybrid systems containing liquid or gel precursor materials and a solid substrate material.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosolisable material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

The aerosol provision system can comprise a cartomiser or housing of the present disclosure and generally a control unit. The control unit of the aerosol provision system may generally comprise an outer housing, an electrical power source (e.g. a battery), control circuitry for controlling and monitoring the operation of the aerosol provision system, a user input button, and optionally a mouthpiece (which may be detachable). The battery may be rechargeable and be of a conventional type, for example of the kind typically used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over a relatively short period. Similarly, a user input button (or other aerosol generation function) and control circuity may be conventional. The outer housing may be formed, for example, from a plastics or metallic material. Other suitable materials are known in the art. As will be appreciated, the aerosol provision system will in general comprise various other elements associated with its operating functionality. For example, a port for charging the battery, such as a USB port or the like, and these other elements may be conventional.

When a user sucks/inhales on the aerosol provision system of the present disclosure, air should be drawn from the environment into the system and at least a portion of this air enters the housing or cartomiser. Typically, the incoming air flows past an aerosol generation component (e.g. heater) while the heater is receiving electrical power from the battery in the control unit so as to generate aerosol from an aerosol precursor material. The aerosolised material is then incorporated/entrained into the airflow and drawn through and out of the cartomiser for inhalation by a user. The aerosol may be produced or released in various ways depending on the nature of the device, system or product. These include heating to cause evaporation, heating to release compounds, and vibration of a liquid or gel to create droplets.

During normal use, the control circuitry may be configured to monitor various operational aspects of the aerosol provision system. For example, the control circuitry may be configured to monitor a level of power remaining in the rechargeable battery, and this may be performed in accordance with conventional techniques. Additionally the control circuitry may be configured to estimate a remaining amount of aerosol precursor material in the cartomiser, or substrate material in the consumable, for example based on an accumulated time of usage since a new cartomiser or consumable was installed, or based on sensing the levels in the cartomiser or consumable. This may be performed in accordance with any conventional technique(s). It may, for example, be based on sensing the number of puffs on the aerosol provision system in accordance with any conventional technique(s).

If it is determined through monitoring the operational aspects of the aerosol provision system that a certain operating condition has arisen, for example, a cartomiser is approaching depletion, or a battery level is falling below a predetermined threshold (which may be predefined or user set), the aerosol provision system may be configured to provide a user notification according to any conventional technique(s). Although described with reference to the control circuitry, other user notifications are known in the art and may be implemented in the aerosol provision system of the present disclosure. In addition, it will be appreciated that there are many other situations in which a user notification might be desired, the present disclosure is not limited to providing notification of low levels of liquid or substrate material or remaining battery power. In one embodiment the aerosol provision system is an electronic non-combustible aerosol provision system. In one embodiment, the aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolisable material is not a requirement.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolisable material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In one embodiment, the aerosol provision system (e.g. the non-combustible aerosol provision system) is a hybrid system for providing aerosol by heating, but not burning, a combination of aerosolisable materials. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolisable materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosolisable materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosolisable material and a solid aerosolisable material. The solid aerosolisable material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

Reduction of galvanic corrosion

The present disclosure also provides the use of one or more metal components in an aerosol provision system to reduce galvanic corrosion, wherein the one or more metal components have two surfaces which are simultaneously exposed and/or exposable to an electrically conductive aerosolisable material in the aerosol provision system, and said surfaces have a potential difference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV.

The features overlapping with the above-described housing are defined according to the description already provided. For example, the electrically conductive aerosolisable material, the two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components, the potential difference and the simultaneous contact of these surfaces with the aerosolisable material. In particular, the potential difference values described above are equally applicable to the use of the present disclosure as to the housing and cartomiser. Additionally, the one or more metal components in the use of the present disclosure may be part of an aerosol generating element according to the above description.

The term“galvanic corrosion” is known in the art and may also be referred to as bimetallic corrosion. It is an electrochemical process in which one metal corrodes preferentially when it is in electrical contact with another, in the presence of an electrolyte. The reduction of galvanic corrosion, as provided by the present disclosure, may be measured by determining the dissolved metal content in the aerosolisable material after use of the aerosol provision system and/or by determining the metal content in the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision system.

Measurement of metal content in the aerosolisable material may be carried out according to ICP-MS as noted above. Measurement of metal content in the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision system may be carried out according to any fully quantitative method using calibration standards that are appropriate to the expected values in the test liquids. Any increase in metal content of the aerosolisable material relative to the control value of the original aerosolisable material indicates transfer of metal(s) and hence galvanic corrosion.

The present disclosure will now be exemplified with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES: Example 1

Observations were carried out on a set of cartomizers comprising a heating element having nickel contacts connected with gold/nickel-plated brass electrical connectors. In cartomizers where leakage or seepage of the e-liquid from the reservoir onto the heater element of the cartomizer had occurred, discoloration of the liquid contained in the reservoir (the e-liquid), after use in an aerosol provision system was observed. As discussed in Examples 2 and 3 below, this correlated with elevated metal content in the aerosolisable material. It was thus hypothesised that the contact of the metal components of the heater element - the gold plated and nickel plated brass electrical connector and nickel contact, e.g. wire - with the e-liquid was forming a galvanic cell, thereby causing galvanic corrosion of the heating element and releasing metal into the system. Corrosion was visually confirmed by an observation of cracks in the plating of the electrical connector. Quantitative confirmation was then obtained by carrying out an analysis of e-liquid with and without discoloration using ICP- MS. The results of this analysis are shown in Table I below:

Table I

It can be seen from these results that the discoloration of the e-liquid is attributable to an increase in copper, nickel and/or zinc content. Given that the heating element had nickel contacts and gold/nickel-plated brass electrical connectors, it appears that the nickel surface of the contact and/or the nickel plating of the connector, along with the brass surface of the connector are being corroded.

Example 2: Potential Difference Experiments

It is known in the art that galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals are in contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte. This contact forms a galvanic cell leading to H₂ formation on the more noble metal and the resulting electrochemical potential then develops an electric current that electrolytically dissolves the less noble material. To confirm that the corrosion observed in Example 1 was galvanic corrosion and to isolate the surfaces forming the galvanic cell, experiments were therefore conducted to measure the potential difference between the various components of the heating element. The combinations measured were:

(i) nickel contact vs. gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector;

(ii) nickel contact vs. nickel contact;

(iii) gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector and nickel contact vs. gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector and nickel contact; and

(iv) gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector vs. gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector.

Measurement of the potential difference was with a voltmeter. The e-liquid was prepared by diluting commercially available e-liquid with 15 % water wt/wt. The e-liquid contained flavourant, 5% nicotine, and 1 MeQ lactic acid.

To determine the potential difference between metal surfaces, each of the combinations (i) to (iv) were placed into the e-liquid and the potential difference was measured with the voltmeter. The results are shown in Table II below.

Table II

It can be seen from these values that the highest voltage in e-liquid was recorded using the gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector on one probe and nickel contact on the second probe. This suggests that the increased copper, nickel and zinc content seen in Table I was due to a galvanic cell arising between the exposed nickel contact and the exposed brass electrical connector surface. The lowest voltages were seen with the nickel contact on both probes and the gold/nickel plated brass electrical connectors on both probes, i.e. where the metal components are identical. This suggests that removing the gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector from the cartomiser and replacing it with a nickel electrical connector should reduce the risk of the galvanic cell effect.

Example 3: Dissolved Metal Content Testing

Example 3 involved the following aerosol generating elements, otherwise referred to as heating elements:

Nickel/Copper/Zinc Heating Element: Wick Substrate - Heating Substrate - Nickel Contacts - Gold/Nickel Plated Brass Electrical Connectors Nickel/Nickel Heating Element: Wick Substrate - Heating Substrate -

Nickel Contacts - Nickel Electrical Connectors

Nickel/Gold Heating Element: Wick Substrate - Heating Substrate -

Nickel Contacts - Nickel/Au Plated Electrical Connectors

With reference to Figure 1 , all elements had a wick substrate 1 , a heating substrate 4, nickel legs or contacts 2, and either gold/nickel-plated brass electrical connectors 3, nickel electrical connectors 3 or nickel/Au electrical connectors 3.

Three samples of each heating element were placed in bottles with 2 ml of e-liquid and the bottles gently shaken so that the liquid covered the nickel contacts and electrical connectors in their entirety. The bottles containing the heating element and e-liquid were then stored at accelerated conditions of 40°C/75% RH for 7, 14, 21 or 28 days. The e-liquid was the same as Example 2.

At each time point, the required samples were removed from storage, assessed visually for any discoloration, gently shaken to homogenise the liquid, and the liquid then sampled directly from the bottles. The samples of liquid were analysed with ICP-MS for the presence of various metals. A liquid control, i.e. without any heating element, was also analysed. The ICP-MS results for the various metals tested were averaged and then normalised relative to the maximum measured value for that particular metal. Figures 2 to 5 are graphs showing the results for each of the heating elements analysed alongside the liquid control.

Figure 2 shows the average dissolved nickel content for each of the heating elements and the liquid control relative to the maximum measured value for nickel (set at 100.00). It can be seen that moving from the nickel/copper/zinc heating element to either the nickel/nickel or nickel/gold heating element reduces the level of dissolved nickel in the e-liquid. This is an indication that galvanic corrosion is reduced and even eliminated in the nickel/gold and nickel/nickel systems. The difference between the nickel/gold and nickel/nickel heating elements is simply due to the higher level of nickel in the system. It is not evidence of an increase in galvanic corrosion.

Figures 3 and 4 respectively show the average dissolved copper and zinc content for each of the heating elements and the liquid control relative to the maximum measured value for each metal (set at 100.00). As for the nickel content, it can be seen that moving from the nickel/copper/zinc heating element to the nickel/nickel or nickel/gold heating element reduces the level of dissolved copper and zinc in the e-liquid. This is further evidence that galvanic corrosion is significantly reduced or even eliminated in the nickel/gold and nickel/nickel systems. In summary, by replacing the electrical connector with a component that has an exposable surface with a electrode potential which differs from that of the electrical contact by 0 mV to about 35 mV, copper and zinc degradation is eliminated.

Finally, Figure 5 shows the average dissolved gold content for each of the heating elements and the liquid control relative to the maximum measured value for gold (set at 100.00) Compared to the nickel/copper/zinc heating element, the average dissolved gold content can be seen to decrease with the nickel/nickel heating element and increase with the nickel/gold heating element.

On balance it can therefore be concluded that the use of metal components for the aerosol generating element which have exposed and/or exposable surfaces whose potential difference is from 0 mV to about 35 mV, where the surfaces are capable of simultaneously contacting the electrically conductive aerosolisable material, reduces galvanic corrosion in the aerosol provision system comprising the aerosol generating element. More particularly, when at least the electrical contact and electrical connector of the aerosol generating element are made of the same metal (e.g. nickel), galvanic corrosion is practically eliminated; notably the nickel, copper, zinc and gold levels in the e-liquid are significantly reduced compared to the current heating element.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means etc. other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

The aerosol provision system described herein can be implemented as a combustible aerosol provision system, or a non-combustible aerosol provision system as defined hereinabove.

Claims

1 . A housing for an aerosol provision system comprising a reservoir for an electrically conductive aerosolisable material,

wherein the potential difference between any two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components which are contained in the housing, is from 0 mV to about 35 mV, wherein the two surfaces are capable of simultaneously being in contact with the aerosolisable material.

2. The housing of claim 1 , wherein the one or more metal components are part of an aerosol generating element.

3. The housing of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the aerosol generating element is

integrated with the reservoir.

4. The housing of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one metal component is a plated metal and the exposable surface of said component is the metal underneath the plating material.

5. The housing of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the metal components in the

housing are composed of a single metal or metal alloy.

6. The housing of claim 5, wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of nickel, stainless steel, aluminium and titanium or wherein the metal alloy comprises nickel, stainless steel, aluminium or titanium.

7. The housing of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the potential difference is from 0 mV to about 20 mV.

8. The housing of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electrically conductive

aerosolisable material is a liquid.

9. The housing of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the electrically conductive

aerosolisable material contains nicotine or a salt thereof.

10. A cartomiser comprising the housing of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the

cartomiser is a closed or open system.

1 1. A cartomiser for an aerosol provision system comprising a reservoir containing an electrically conductive aerosolisable material, and two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components, wherein the two surfaces are capable of simultaneously being in contact with the electrically conductive aerosolisable material and wherein the change in dissolved metal content of the electrically conductive aerosolisable material after storage of the cartomiser for about 1 to about 8 weeks at about 40 °C is between 0 and about 20%.

12. An aerosol provision system comprising the housing of any one of claims 1 to 9 or the cartomiser of claim 1 1 or claim 12.

13. Use of one or more metal components in an aerosol provision system to reduce

galvanic corrosion, wherein the one or more metal components have two surfaces which are simultaneously exposed and/or exposable to an electrically conductive aerosolisable material in the aerosol provision system, and said surfaces have a potential difference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV.

14. The use of claim 13, wherein the potential difference of the exposed and/or exposable surfaces is from 0 mV to about 20 mV.

15. The use of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the electrically conductive aerosolisable material comprises nicotine or a salt thereof.