CN116018075A

CN116018075A - Aerosol generation

Info

Publication number: CN116018075A
Application number: CN202180051678.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 瓦利德·阿比·奥翁; 珍妮弗·克罗斯
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2020-08-24
Filing date: 2021-08-24
Publication date: 2023-04-25
Also published as: BR112023003471A2; EP4199760A1; WO2022043338A1; AU2021331397A1; IL300223A; IL300222A; BR112023003472A2; TW202214131A; AR123336A1; US20230320410A1; CA3173285A1; JP2023539561A; JP2023537935A; WO2022043337A1; KR20230054679A; AU2021334990A1; EP4199757A1; CA3173532A1; GB202013212D0; US20230329327A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating composition comprising an amorphous solid comprising: (a) An aerosol generator in an amount of about 25 to 80wt% of the amorphous solid; (b) One or more gelling agents selected from cellulose gelling agents, guar gum, gum arabic, and mixtures thereof; (c) A filler in an amount of at least about 15wt% of the amorphous solid; and (d) optionally, an active substance; wherein the gellant and filler add up to an amount of about 20 to 75wt% of the amorphous solid.

Description

Aerosol generation

Technical Field

The present invention relates to aerosol generation.

Background

Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars, etc. burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Alternatives to these types of articles release inhalable aerosols or vapors by heating without burning compounds released from the substrate material. These may be referred to as non-combustible smoking articles or aerosol-generating components.

An example of such a product is a heating device which releases a compound by heating, rather than burning, a solid aerosol-generating composition. In some cases, such solid aerosol-generating compositions may comprise tobacco material. Heating volatilizes at least one component of the material, typically forming an inhalable aerosol. These products may be referred to as heated non-combustion devices, tobacco heating devices, or tobacco heating products. Various arrangements for volatilizing at least one component of a solid aerosol-generating composition are known.

As another example, an e-cigarette/tobacco heating product mixing device, also known as an e-cigarette mixing device. These mixing devices comprise a liquid source (which may or may not contain nicotine) that produces inhalable vapors or aerosols by evaporation under heating. The device additionally comprises a solid aerosol-generating composition (which may or may not comprise tobacco material) and components of the material are entrained in an inhalable vapour or aerosol to produce an inhalation medium.

Disclosure of Invention

According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol-generating composition comprising an amorphous solid comprising:

(a) An aerosol generator in an amount of from about 25 to 80wt% of the amorphous solid;

(b) One or more gelling agents selected from cellulose gelling agents, guar gum, gum arabic, and mixtures thereof;

(c) A filler in an amount of at least about 15wt% of the amorphous solid; and

(d) Optionally, an active substance;

wherein the amount of gellant and filler add up to from about 20 to 75wt% of the amorphous solid. According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol-generating composition comprising:

-tobacco material

-an amorphous solid comprising:

(a) An aerosol-generating agent in an amount of from about 25 to 80wt% of the amorphous solid;

(c) A filler in an amount of at least about 15wt% of the amorphous solid;

and

(d) Optionally, an active substance;

wherein the amount of gellant and filler add up to from about 20 to 75wt% of the amorphous solid,

wherein the aerosol-generating composition has an aerosol-generating agent content of from about 5 to 30wt% of the aerosol-generating composition, these weights being calculated on a dry weight basis.

According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, the article comprising an aerosol generating composition as described herein.

According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising an article as described herein and a non-combustible aerosol provision device, wherein the non-combustible aerosol provision device is configured to generate an aerosol from the article when the article is used with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a slurry comprising:

(a) About 25 to 80wt% of an aerosol generator;

(c) At least about 15wt% of a filler; and

(d) Optionally, an active substance;

the weight% is calculated on a dry weight basis, wherein the amount of gellant and filler add up to about 20 to 75 weight%; and

(e) And (3) a solvent.

According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of preparing an aerosol-generating composition comprising an amorphous solid, the method comprising:

(i) Combining the following substances

(a) About 25 to 80wt% of an aerosol generator;

(c) At least about 15wt% of a filler, wherein the amounts of gellant and filler add up to about 20 to 75wt%;

(d) Optionally, an active substance;

weight% based on dry weight

(e) The solvent is used for the preparation of the aqueous solution,

to form a slurry;

(ii) Forming a layer of the slurry;

(iii) Setting the slurry to form a gel;

(iv) Drying the gel to form the amorphous solid.

According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of preparing an aerosol-generating composition, the method comprising:

providing an amorphous solid comprising:

(c) A filler in an amount of at least about 15wt% of the amorphous solid, wherein the amount of gellant and filler combined is from about 20 to 75wt% of the amorphous solid;

(d) Optionally, an active substance;

providing a tobacco material;

combining the amorphous solid and tobacco material to provide the aerosol-generating composition, the aerosol-generating composition having an aerosol-generating agent content of from about 5 to 30wt% of the aerosol-generating composition, the weight being calculated on a dry weight basis.

According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided the use of a non-combustible sol providing system as described herein.

Features described herein with respect to one aspect of the invention are expressly disclosed in connection with each and every other aspect as far as they may be combined.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of an aerosol-generating article.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the article of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of an aerosol-generating article.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the article of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an example of an aerosol-generating assembly.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of an aerosol-generating assembly.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of an example of an aerosol-generating assembly.

Detailed Description

An aerosol-generating composition as described herein is a composition capable of generating an aerosol, for example, when heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. The aerosol-generating composition may for example comprise features in solid, liquid or gel form, which may or may not contain nicotine and/or flavouring agents. The aerosol-generating composition comprises an "amorphous solid" (amorphous), 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. Amorphous solids are solid materials in which some fluid, such as a liquid, may be retained.

In an example, an aerosol-generating composition is provided. The aerosol-generating composition is suitable for inclusion in an article for use with a non-combustible sol-providing device.

The aerosol-generating composition comprises an amorphous solid and optionally a tobacco material. Amorphous solids include:

(c) A filler in an amount of at least about 15wt% of the amorphous solid;

(d) Optionally, an active substance;

wherein the amount of gellant and filler is from about 20 to 75wt% of the amorphous solids (i.e., the amount of gellant and filler is from about 20 to about 75wt% of the amorphous solids).

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises:

(a) An aerosol-generating agent in an amount of from about 35 to 80wt% of the amorphous solid;

(c) A filler in an amount of at least about 15wt% of the amorphous solid;

(d) Alternatively, the active material is in an amount up to about 20wt% of an amorphous solid;

wherein the gellant and filler are present in an amount of about 20 to 65wt% of the amorphous solid.

In examples, the amorphous solids include a gellant and a filler, in an amount of from about 20wt%, 25wt%, 30wt%, or 35wt% to about 75wt%, 65wt%, 60wt%, 55wt%, 50wt%, or 45wt% of the amorphous solids combined. In examples, the amorphous solids include a gellant and a filler, in an amount of from about 20 to 65wt%, 20 to 60wt%, 25 to 55wt%, 30 to 50wt%, or 35 to 45wt% of the amorphous solids. In particular embodiments, the amount of gellant and filler in the amorphous solid is from about 40 to about 55 or about 50 weight percent.

In examples, the amorphous solids include a gelling agent in an amount from about 5wt%, 10wt%, 15wt%, 20wt%, 25wt%, 30wt%, or 35wt% to about 50wt% or 45wt% of the amorphous solids (i.e., regardless of the amount of filler). In examples, the amorphous solids include a gelling agent in an amount of from about 5 to 50wt%, 10 to 50wt%, 25 to 50wt%, 30 to 50wt%, or 35 to 45wt% of the amorphous solids (i.e., regardless of the amount of filler). In specific embodiments, the amount of gellant in the amorphous solid is from about 20 to about 35wt% or about 25wt%.

The gelling agent comprises one or more compounds selected from cellulose gelling agents, guar gum, gum arabic, and mixtures thereof. Examples of cellulose gelling agents include, but are not limited to, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, cellulose Acetate (CA), cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB), and Cellulose Acetate Propionate (CAP).

For example, in some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises (or is) one or more of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, guar gum, or gum arabic.

In some examples, guar gum is included in the gellant in an amount of from about 3 to 40wt% of the amorphous solids. That is, the amorphous solids include guar gum in an amount of about 3 to 40wt% of the dry weight of the amorphous solids. In some examples, the amorphous solids include guar in an amount of from about 5 to 10wt% of the amorphous solids. In some examples, the amorphous solids include guar gum in an amount from about 15 to 40wt%, or from about 20 to 40wt%, or from about 15 to 35wt% of the amorphous solids.

In particular embodiments, the gelling agent comprises (or is) carboxymethylcellulose.

In some examples, the carboxymethyl cellulose is included in the gelling agent in an amount of from about 15 to 40wt% of the amorphous solid. That is, the amorphous solids include carboxymethyl cellulose in an amount of from about 15 to 40 weight percent of the dry weight of the amorphous solids. In some examples, the amorphous solid includes carboxymethyl cellulose in an amount of from about 20 to about 30wt% of the amorphous solid, or about 25wt% of the amorphous solid.

In an example, the amorphous solid does not contain any alginate or pectin. Alginate and pectin gelling agents can be coagulated by adding a coagulant (such as a calcium source) during the formation of the amorphous solid. The amorphous solid may then comprise calcium-crosslinked alginate and/or calcium-crosslinked pectin. It is also possible that any calcium salt present in the solvent used during the preparation of the amorphous solid may lead to premature crosslinking, which may complicate the preparation process. When alginate or pectin gelling agents are used, distilled water may be used as a solvent to help avoid premature crosslinking. Amorphous solids that do not include any alginate or pectin as a gelling agent may not require the use of a coagulant and/or may not present a risk of premature crosslinking during preparation.

The amorphous solid includes a filler. In an example, the amorphous solid includes a filler in an amount of from 15wt% (such as about 15 wt%) to 40wt% of the amorphous solid. In examples, the amorphous solid includes filler in an amount of about 20 to 40wt% or about 25 to 35wt%.

The filler may include one or more inorganic filler materials such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, and suitable inorganic adsorbents such as molecular sieves. The filler may include one or more organic filler materials such as wood pulp, cellulose, and cellulose derivatives such as microcrystalline cellulose.

As is well known to those skilled in the art, microcrystalline cellulose may be formed by depolymerizing cellulose by chemical processes (e.g., using acids or enzymes). An exemplary method for forming microcrystalline cellulose involves acid hydrolysis of cellulose using an acid such as HCl. The cellulose produced after such treatment is crystalline (i.e., no amorphous regions remain). Suitable methods and conditions for forming microcrystalline cellulose are well known in the art.

In particular cases, the amorphous solid does not include calcium carbonate such as chalk.

In some examples, the filler is fibrous. For example, the filler may be a fibrous organic filler material such as wood pulp, hemp, cellulose or cellulose derivatives. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that including fibrous fillers in the amorphous solid may increase the tensile strength of the material. This may be particularly advantageous in examples where the amorphous solid is provided as a sheet, for example when the amorphous solid sheet surrounds a strip of tobacco material. In a specific case, the filler is wood pulp.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is also believed that including a filler in the amorphous solid may help reduce the viscosity of the solid. The inventors have found that tackiness may occur when using higher wt% levels of aerosol-generating agents such as glycerol in amorphous solids. Excessive tackiness may be undesirable because it may cause operability problems in processing amorphous solids or aerosol-generating compositions. For example, it may be more difficult to chop pieces of a viscous amorphous solid.

In a specific embodiment, the gelling agent is carboxymethyl cellulose and the filler is wood pulp. Examples include amorphous solids comprising about 15 to 30wt% or 20 to 30wt% carboxymethyl cellulose and about 15 to 30wt% or 20 to 30wt% wood pulp, such as about 25wt% carboxymethyl cellulose and about 25wt% wood pulp.

In an example, the amorphous solid does not include tobacco fibers.

The amorphous solid includes an aerosol generating agent in an amount of about 25wt% to about 80wt% (such as about 35 to 80wt%, 40 to 80wt%, 45 to 70wt%, 45 to 60wt%, or 50 to 60wt% (such as about 50 or about 55 wt%)) of the amorphous solid.

Aerosol generating agents typically include one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillic acid, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. In a specific example, the aerosol generating agent comprises glycerin, optionally in combination with propylene glycol.

The amorphous solid may have any suitable water content, such as from 1wt% to 15wt%. Suitably, the amorphous solid has a water content of from about 5wt%, 7wt% or 9wt% to about 15wt%, 13wt% or 11wt% (WWB), for example from about 5wt% to about 15wt%, from about 7wt% to about 13wt% or from about 9wt% to about 11wt%. The water content of the amorphous solid can be determined, for example, by karl fischer titration or gas chromatography with a thermal conductivity detector (GC-TCD).

In examples, the amorphous solid consists essentially of or consists of the gelling agent, the aerosol generating agent, the filler, the active substance and water. In examples, the amorphous solid consists essentially of or consists of a gelling agent, an aerosol generator, a filler, and water.

In examples, the amorphous solid comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of carboxymethyl cellulose, wood pulp, glycerol, and water. Examples include amorphous solids comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of about 15 to 30wt% or 20 to 30wt% carboxymethyl cellulose, about 15 to 30wt% or 20 to 30wt% wood pulp, and about 40 to 60wt% glycerol, e.g., about 25wt% carboxymethyl cellulose, about 25wt% wood pulp, and about 50wt% glycerol.

The aerosol-generating composition may comprise one or more active substances. In examples, the amorphous solid includes one or more active materials, for example up to about 50wt%, or 40wt%, or 30wt%, or 20wt% of the amorphous solid. In examples, the amorphous solid includes an active in an amount of about 1wt%, 5wt%, 10wt%, or 15wt% to about 50wt%, 40wt%, 30wt%, 20wt%, 15wt%, 10wt%, or 5wt% of the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises about 20wt% or less of the active.

In a specific example, the amorphous solid does not include an active substance. In a specific example, the amorphous solid does not include any tobacco or tobacco extract.

The active substance, if present, may comprise a physiologically and/or olfactory active substance that is included in the aerosol-generating composition to effect a physiological and/or olfactory reaction. The active substance may be used, for example, for selection from health products, nootropic and psychoactive agents. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theanine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids or components, derivatives or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the active comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12. The active substance may comprise a component, derivative or extract of tobacco or another plant such as cannabis, such as cannabinoids or terpenes. In some embodiments, the active is a physiologically active and may be selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g., nicotine bitartrate/nicotine bitartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids, such as caffeine, cannabinoids, or mixtures thereof.

Cannabinoids are a class of natural or synthetic compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors (i.e., CB1 and CB 2) in cells, thereby inhibiting neurotransmitter release in the brain. Two of the most important cannabinoids are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). The cannabinoid may be naturally occurring from plants such as cannabis (phytocannabinoids), from animals (endogenous cannabinoids) or manufactured artificially (synthetic cannabinoids). Cannabinoids are cyclic molecules with special properties such as the ability to cross the blood brain barrier easily, weak toxicity and few side effects. Cannabis species express at least 85 different phytocannabinoids and are divided into subclasses that include cannabinol, cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol and cannabidiol, and other cannabinoids. Cannabinoids found in cannabis include, but are not limited to: cannabinol (CBG), cannabinol (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabinol diol (CBDL), cannabinol (CBL), ephedrine (CBV), tetrahydroephedrine (THCV), cannabinol (CBDV), cannabinol (CBCV), cannabidiol (CBDA), cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannanetriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THCV a).

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises one or more cannabinoid compounds selected from the group consisting of: cannabinoid (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabinoid dibasic acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinol (CBG), cannabinol (CBC), cannabinol ring (CBL), ephedrine (CBV), tetrahydroxyephedrine (THCV), cannabidiol (CBDV), cannabinol monomethyl ether (CBGM) and Cannabinoside (CBE), cannabinol orange (CBT).

The active substance may include one or more cannabinoid compounds selected from the group consisting of Cannabidiol (CBD) and THC.

The active may include Cannabidiol (CBD).

The active may include nicotine and Cannabidiol (CBD).

The active substances may include nicotine, cannabidiol (CBD) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

In some embodiments, the active is an olfactory active and may be selected from "fragrances" and/or "flavors" that may be used to produce a desired taste, aroma, or other body sensation in a product suitable for adult consumers, as permitted by local regulations. In some cases, such ingredients may be referred to as flavors, fragrances, coolants, heating agents, or sweeteners. They may include naturally occurring flavor materials, botanical preparations, botanical preparation extracts, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, hemp, licorice (licorice root), hydrangea, eugenol, japanese white magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, japanese mint, star anise (fennel), cinnamon, turmeric, indian spice, asian spice, vanilla, wintergreen, cherry, berry, raspberry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, claimatin, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruit, du Linbiao wine, boviny whiskey, scotch whiskey, juniper, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe, cardamom, celery, sika, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, dragon fruit Arabian tea, nashier, betel nut, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange flower, cherry blossom, cassia seed, caraway, cogongrass, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, mustard, dorame, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemon grass, louis tea, flax, ginkgo leaf, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay tree, mate tea, orange peel, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderberry, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, chilli powder, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, peppermint, steak, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, doramen, black tea, wolfsbane, damiane, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, carvedilol, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), odorants, bitter taste receptor site blockers or stimulators, sugar and/or sugar substitutes (e.g. sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol) and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanical preparations or breath fresheners. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, a liquid such as oil, a solid such as powder or a gas.

In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises menthol, spearmint, and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes flavoring ingredients of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruit, and/or raspberry. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes a flavoring ingredient extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises a flavoring ingredient extracted from cannabis. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent may include a sensate intended to achieve a somatosensory that is generally chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in lieu of the aroma or gustatory nerve, which may include agents that provide heating, cooling, stinging, numbing effects. Suitable thermal effectors may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl diethyl ether, and suitable cooling agents may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol or WS-3 (N-ethyl-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanecarboxamide).

In a specific example, the amorphous solid does not include a flavoring agent.

The term botanical preparation includes any material derived from a plant including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, bark, hulls, and the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise a synthetically derived active compound naturally occurring in a plant. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, chips, strips, flakes, or the like. Examples of botanical agents are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, hemp, fennel, lemon grass, peppermint, spearmint, black leaf tea, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo leaf, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay tree, licorice (licorice root), green tea, mate tea, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, star anise (fennel), basil, bay leaf, cardamon, caraway, fennel, nutmeg, oregano, red pepper, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, peppermint, juniper, elder flower, vanilla, pyrola, steak, turmeric root, sandalwood, coriander, citrus fruit, black currant, valerian, multi-fragrant citrus fruit, chamomile, damiana, marjoram, lemon balm, basil, chive, bergamot, horsetail, verbena, marjoram, geranium, ginseng, sansedge, tea, sansedge, macadamia, or any combination thereof. The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: peppermint (Mentha arvensis), peppermint (Menha c.v.), nirakan (Mentha nilotica), peppermint (Mentha piperita), citronella (Mentho piperita citrata c.v.), spiced peppermint, menthol, longleaf peppermint, variegated peppermint, common mint, savory and round leaf mint.

In some embodiments, the botanical preparation is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp, in particular eucalyptus or star anise.

In some embodiments, the botanical preparation is selected from the group consisting of tea tree red leaves and fennel.

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is free of any plant ingredients.

The aerosol-generating composition or amorphous solid may comprise an acid. The acid may be an organic acid. In some of these embodiments, the acid may be at least one of a monobasic acid, a dibasic acid, and a tribasic acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may comprise at least one carboxyl functional group. In some such embodiments, the acid may be at least one of an alpha-hydroxy acid, a carboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic acid, a tricarboxylic acid, and a keto acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may be an alpha-keto acid.

In some such embodiments, the acid may be at least one of succinic acid, lactic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, levulinic acid, acetic acid, malic acid, formic acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, propionic acid, and pyruvic acid.

A suitable acid is lactic acid. In other embodiments, the acid is benzoic acid. In other embodiments, the acid may be an inorganic acid. In some of these embodiments, the acid may be an inorganic acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may be at least one of sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, boric acid, and phosphoric acid. In some embodiments, the acid is levulinic acid.

In embodiments where the aerosol-generating composition or amorphous solid comprises nicotine, the inclusion of an acid is particularly preferred. In such embodiments, the presence of the acid may stabilize dissolved species in the slurry from which the aerosol-generating composition or amorphous solid is formed. The presence of the acid may reduce or substantially prevent evaporation of the nicotine during drying of the slurry, thereby reducing the loss of nicotine during manufacture.

The amorphous solid may include a colorant. The addition of a colorant can alter the visual appearance of the amorphous solid. The presence of the colorant in the amorphous solid may enhance the visual appearance of the amorphous solid and the aerosol-generating composition. By adding a colorant to the amorphous solid, the amorphous solid can be color matched with other components of the aerosol-generating composition or other components of the article comprising the amorphous solid.

Depending on the desired color of the amorphous solid, a variety of colorants can be used. The amorphous solid may be white, green, red, violet, blue, brown or black in color, for example. Other colors are also contemplated. Natural or synthetic colorants, such as natural or synthetic dyes, food grade colorants, and pharmaceutical grade colorants, may be used. In particular embodiments, the colorant is caramel, which can impart a brown appearance to the amorphous solid. In such embodiments, the color of the amorphous solid may be similar to the color of other ingredients (such as tobacco material) in the aerosol-generating composition comprising the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the addition of a colorant to the amorphous solid renders it visually indistinguishable from other components in the aerosol-generating composition.

The colorant may be incorporated during formation of the amorphous solid (e.g., when forming a slurry comprising the material forming the amorphous solid) or it may be applied to the amorphous solid after the amorphous solid is formed (e.g., by spraying it onto the amorphous solid).

According to some embodiments described herein, the aerosol-generating composition comprises tobacco material in addition to the amorphous solids described herein, and the aerosol-generating composition has an aerosol-generating agent content of from about 5 to about 30wt% of the aerosol-generating composition, these weights being calculated on a dry weight basis. In these embodiments, the tobacco material does not form part of the amorphous solid, i.e. it is present in the aerosol-generating composition separately from the amorphous solid. In an example, the aerosol-generating composition of these embodiments comprises an aerosol-generating agent in an amount from about 10 to about 20wt% or from about 13 to about 17 wt%. In an example, the aerosol-generating composition includes an aerosol-generating agent in an amount of about 15 wt%.

It has been found that shredded tobacco mixtures which may be used in general alone in conventional combustible smoking articles such as cigarettes are unsuitable for use in non-combustible sol providing devices. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the shredded tobacco mixture for cigarettes is generally not loaded with sufficient aerosol generating agent to provide the desired inhalable aerosol when heated by the non-combustible aerosol providing device.

Previous attempts to solve this problem have included replacing some or all of the shredded tobacco of a typical combustible tobacco blend with reconstituted tobacco, such as paper reconstituted tobacco. Paper reconstituted tobacco may typically contain a greater proportion of aerosol-generating agent. However, tobacco blends comprising a high proportion of paper reconstituted tobacco may have undesirable organoleptic properties when heated by a non-combustible aerosol provision device.

By providing a combination of amorphous solids with a high aerosol-generating agent content with tobacco material, acceptable aerosols can be produced without requiring the presence of large amounts of reconstituted tobacco (thereby reducing the undesirable organoleptic properties associated with reconstituted tobacco). In examples, the tobacco material includes or consists of lamina tobacco (such as shredded tobacco), which provides the desired organoleptic properties. In examples, the tobacco material includes reconstituted tobacco in an amount of less than about 50wt%, 30wt%, 10wt%, 5wt%, or 1wt% of the dry weight of the tobacco material. In an example, the tobacco material includes substantially no reconstituted tobacco.

The tobacco material is typically present in the aerosol-generating composition in an amount of from about 50 to 95wt%, or about 60 to 90wt%, or about 70 to 90wt%, or about 75 to 85 wt%.

The tobacco material may be present in any form, but is typically fine cut (e.g., cut into filaments). The fine cut tobacco material may advantageously be mixed with an amorphous solid to provide an aerosol-generating composition having the tobacco material and amorphous solid uniformly dispersed throughout the aerosol-generating composition.

In examples, the tobacco material includes one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fibers, cut filler, extruded tobacco, tobacco stems, reconstituted tobacco, and/or tobacco extracts. A relatively large amount of sheet tobacco may be used in the aerosol-generating composition and still provide an acceptable aerosol when heated by the non-combustible aerosol-providing system. Sheet tobacco generally provides excellent organoleptic properties. In examples, the tobacco material includes lamina tobacco in an amount of at least about 50wt%, 60wt%, 70wt%, 80wt%, 85wt%, 90wt%, or 95wt% of the tobacco material. In specific examples, the tobacco material includes cut filler in an amount of at least about 50wt%, 60wt%, 70wt%, 80wt%, 85wt%, 90wt%, or 95wt% of the tobacco material.

The tobacco used to produce the tobacco material may be any suitable tobacco, such as single grade or mixed, chopped rags or whole leaf, including virginia and/or burley and/or Oriental tobacco.

When the aerosol-generating composition comprises tobacco material, the amorphous solid is present in the aerosol-generating composition in any amount such that the total aerosol-generating agent content of the aerosol-generating composition is from about 5 to 30wt% of the aerosol-generating composition. In examples, the amorphous solid is included in the aerosol-generating composition in an amount from about 5 to 40wt%, 10 to 30wt%, 15 to 25wt%, or 17 to 23 wt%. In an example, the aerosol-generating composition comprises amorphous solids in an amount of about 20wt% of the aerosol-generating composition. Surprisingly, by configuring the amorphous solid to have a relatively high aerosol-generating agent content, a relatively small amount of amorphous solid (e.g., about 20 wt%) can be used in the aerosol-generating composition while still achieving the desired aerosol when used with a non-combustible aerosol-providing system.

In an example, the tobacco material itself comprises an aerosol-generating agent, such as the aerosol-generating agent described above. Typically, the tobacco material comprises finely cut tobacco, and the aerosol-generating agent is loaded onto the tobacco fragments. In examples, the tobacco material comprises the aerosol-generating agent in an amount of about 1 to 10wt%, e.g., about 3 to 6wt%, of the tobacco material.

In an example, the aerosol-generating composition comprises tobacco material and comprises aerosol-generating agent in an amount of about 5 to 30wt% (such as about 10 to 20wt% or about 13 to 17 wt%) of the aerosol-generating composition. In an example, the aerosol-generating composition comprises an aerosol-generating agent in an amount of about 15% by weight of the aerosol-generating composition. The amount includes any aerosol-generating agent present in the aerosol-generating composition, such as the aerosol-generating agent provided in an amorphous solid and the aerosol-generating agent loaded onto the fine cut tobacco.

The amorphous solid is present in the aerosol-generating composition in any suitable form. In an example, the amorphous solid is present in the form of a sheet. In an example, the amorphous solid is present as fragments (e.g., the aerosol-generating composition includes fragments of amorphous solid). In an example, the amorphous solids are present as shredded pieces and are mixed with the finely cut and/or shredded tobacco material, e.g., the amorphous solids and the tobacco material are in a form similar. Advantageously, providing both amorphous solids and tobacco material as chips/fine cut portions allows for an aerosol-generating composition mixture having uniformly dispersed amorphous solids and tobacco material throughout the aerosol-generating composition.

The amorphous solid may be present on or in the support to form the substrate. The support serves as a support on which the amorphous solid layer is formed, thereby facilitating manufacture. The support may provide rigidity to the amorphous solid layer for ease of handling.

The support may be any suitable material that can be used to support the amorphous solid. In some cases, the support may be formed of a material selected from metal foil, paper, carbon paper, oil-repellent paper, ceramic, carbon allotropes such as graphite and graphene, plastic, cardboard, wood, or combinations thereof. In some cases, the support may comprise or consist of a tobacco material, such as a sheet of reconstituted tobacco. In some cases, the support may be formed of a material selected from metal foil, paper, cardboard, wood, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the support comprises paper. In some cases, the support itself is a laminate structure comprising layers of material selected from the foregoing list. In some cases, the support may also act as a flavor support. For example, the support may be impregnated with a flavoring agent or tobacco extract.

Suitably, the thickness of any support layer may be in the range of about 10 μm, 15 μm, 17 μm, 20 μm, 23 μm, 25 μm, 50 μm, 75 μm or 0.1mm to about 2.5mm, 2.0mm, 1.5mm, 1.0mm or 0.5 mm. The support may comprise more than one layer, the thickness as referred to herein referring to the total thickness of those layers.

In some cases, the thickness of the support may be between about 0.017mm and about 2.0mm, suitably from about 0.02mm, 0.05mm or 0.1mm to about 1.5mm, 1.0mm or 0.5mm.

In some cases, the support surface adjacent the amorphous solid may be porous. For example, in one instance, the support comprises paper. Porous supports such as paper have been found to be particularly suitable: the porous (e.g., paper) layer abuts the amorphous solid layer and forms a strong bond. Without being limited by theory, the amorphous solid is formed by drying the gel, it is believed that the gel-forming slurry partially impregnates the porous support (e.g., paper) such that the support partially bonds into the gel as the gel solidifies. This provides a strong bond between the gel and the support (and between the xerogel and the support).

In addition, the surface roughness may help to enhance the bond strength between the amorphous material and the support. The roughness of the paper (for the surface abutting the support) may suitably be in the range 50-1000 beck seconds, suitably 50-150 beck seconds, suitably 100 beck seconds (measured in the air pressure interval 50.66-48.00 kPa). (Bekk) smoothness tester is an instrument for measuring the smoothness of a paper surface in which air of a prescribed pressure leaks between a smooth glass surface and a paper pattern, and "Bekk smoothness" seeps out between these surfaces for a certain volume of air (in seconds).

In some cases, the support is formed from or includes a metal foil, such as an aluminum foil. The metal support may allow for better conduction of thermal energy to the amorphous solid. Additionally or alternatively, the metal foil may be used as a susceptor in an induction heating system.

The amorphous solid may have any suitable areal density, for example 30g/m ² To 120g/m ² . In an example, the amorphous solid has a particle size of about 30 to 70g/m ² Or about 40 to 60g/m ² Is a high density of the area of the substrate. In an example, the amorphous solid has an area density of about 80 to 120g/m ² Or about 70 to 110g/m ² Or in particular about 90 to 110g/m ² . Such area densities may be particularly suitable when the amorphous solid is included in the aerosol-generating article/component in sheet form or as fragments (described further below).

In an example, the amorphous solid has an area density of about 90% to 110% of the area density of any tobacco material in the aerosol-generating composition. That is, the amorphous solid and tobacco material have similar area densities. Configuring the amorphous solid and tobacco material to have similar area densities allows for better mixing of the amorphous solid and tobacco material, typically when provided in the form of chips. For example, chopped amorphous solid pieces and chopped tobacco pieces having similar area densities may be mixed to provide a more uniform aerosol-generating composition (e.g., better distribution of each component throughout the aerosol-generating composition).

Fine cut tobacco (e.g., shredded tobacco) has a cut width, commonly referred to as CPI (shreds per inch), which refers to the width of a piece of tobacco. The amorphous solid provided as a solid sheet has a cut width. In some examples where the tobacco material is finely cut (e.g., the tobacco material includes shredded tobacco) and the amorphous solid is a fragment, the cutting width of the amorphous solid is about 90 to 110% of the cutting width of the shredded tobacco. That is, the amorphous solid and tobacco material have a cut width or a chip width. Configuring the amorphous solid and tobacco material to have similar cut widths allows for better mixing of the amorphous solid and tobacco material. For example, chopped amorphous solid flakes and chopped tobacco having similar cut widths may be mixed to provide a more uniform aerosol-generating composition (e.g., better distribution of each component throughout the aerosol-generating composition).

In some examples, the platelet amorphous solid can have a tensile strength of about 150N/m to about 1200N/m. In some examples, the amorphous solid may have a tensile strength of 600N/m to 1200N/m, or 700N/m to 900N/m, or about 800N/m.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of preparing an aerosol-generating composition as described herein.

According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a first method of preparing an aerosol-generating composition comprising an amorphous solid, the method comprising:

(i) Combination of two or more kinds of materials

(a) About 25 to about 80wt% of an aerosol generator;

(c) At least about 15wt% of a filler, wherein the amount of gellant and filler combined is from about 20 to 75wt%; and

(d) Optionally, an active substance;

the weight% is calculated on a dry weight basis

(e) The solvent is used for the preparation of the aqueous solution,

to form a slurry;

(ii) Forming a layer of slurry;

(iii) Setting the slurry to form a gel; and

(iv) The gel is dried to form an amorphous solid.

According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a second method of preparing an aerosol-generating composition, the method comprising:

providing an amorphous solid comprising:

(a) An aerosol generator in an amount of from about 25 to 80wt% of an amorphous solid;

(c) A filler in an amount of at least about 15wt% of the amorphous solid, wherein the amount of gellant and filler together is from about 20 to 75wt% of the amorphous solid; and

(d) Optionally, an active substance;

providing a tobacco material; and

the amorphous solid and the tobacco material are combined to provide an aerosol-generating composition having an aerosol-generating agent content of from about 5 to 30wt% of the aerosol-generating composition, the weight being calculated on a dry weight basis.

The second method generally comprises providing an amorphous solid as described above, providing a tobacco material as described above, and combining the amorphous solid and the tobacco material in a ratio such that an aerosol-generating composition is provided having an aerosol-generating agent content of about 5 to 30wt% of the aerosol-generating composition.

In an example, the amorphous solid is provided in the form of fragments. In a specific example, providing the amorphous solid includes shredding a sheet of amorphous solid to provide the amorphous solid as fragments. In an example, the tobacco material is fine cut, and the combination of the amorphous solid and the tobacco material includes mixing pieces of the amorphous solid with the fine cut tobacco material.

In an example, providing an amorphous solid includes: (i) Forming a slurry comprising components of amorphous solids or precursors thereof; (ii) forming a slurry layer; (iii) setting the slurry to form a gel; and (iv) drying to form an amorphous solid.

(ii) The layer forming the slurry typically comprises spraying, casting or extruding the slurry. In an example, the slurry layer is formed by electrospraying a slurry. In an example, the slurry layer is formed by casting a slurry.

In some examples, (ii) and/or (iii) and/or (iv) occur at least partially simultaneously (e.g., during electrospray). In some examples, (ii), (iii) and (iv) occur sequentially in this order.

In some examples, the slurry is applied to the support. The layer may be formed on the support.

In an example, the slurry comprises a gelling agent, an aerosol generating agent, a filler, and an active substance. The slurry may contain these ingredients in any of the proportions given herein with respect to the composition of the amorphous solid. For example, the slurry may comprise (on a dry weight basis):

-a gellant and a filler, wherein the gellant and filler are combined together in an amount of about 20 to 80wt% of the slurry;

-an aerosol generator in an amount of about 25 to 80wt% of the slurry; and

-optionally, an active substance.

In examples, drying (iv) removes from about 50wt%, 60wt%, 70wt%, 80wt%, or 90wt% to about 80wt%, 90wt%, or 95wt% of the water in the slurry (wet weight, WWB).

In an example, drying (iv) reduces the cast material thickness by at least 80%, suitably 85% or 87%. For example, if the slurry is cast at a thickness of 2mm, the resulting dried amorphous solid material may have a thickness of 0.2 mm.

In an embodiment, the dried amorphous solid material forms a sheet or layer having a thickness of about 0.015mm to about 1.0 mm. Suitably, the thickness may be in the range of from about 0.05mm, 0.1mm or 0.15mm to about 0.5mm or 0.3mm, for example 0.05-0.3 or 0.15-0.3mm. A material having a thickness of 0.2mm may be particularly suitable.

The slurry itself also forms part of the present invention. In some examples, the slurry solvent consists essentially of or consists of water. In some examples, the slurry includes about 50wt%, 60wt%, 70wt%, 80wt%, or 90wt% solvent (WWB).

In examples where the solvent consists of water, the dry weight content of the slurry may be matched to the dry weight content of the amorphous solid. Thus, the discussion herein regarding the composition of amorphous solids is explicitly disclosed in connection with the slurry aspects of the present invention.

Article for use with a non-combustible sol providing system

One aspect of the invention relates to an article for use with a non-combustible sol providing system. The article comprises an aerosol-generating composition as described herein. A consumable is an article of manufacture that is intended in part or in whole for consumption by a user during use. The consumable may comprise or consist of an aerosol-generating composition. The consumable may include one or more other elements, such as a filter or aerosol modifying substance. The consumable may comprise a heating element that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating composition to generate an aerosol in use. For example, the heating element may comprise a combustible material, or may comprise a susceptor that may be heated by penetration with a varying magnetic field.

Susceptors are materials that are heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field (e.g., an alternating magnetic field). The heating material may be an electrically conductive material such that a varying magnetic field penetrates it causing inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material such that a varying magnetic field penetrates it causing hysteresis heating of the heating material. The heating material may be electrically conductive and magnetic such that the heating material may be heated by two heating mechanisms.

Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conductive object by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. This process is described by faraday's law of induction and ohm's law. The induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and means for passing a varying current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet is positioned in proper opposition to the object to be heated, such that the resultant varying magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated inside the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of current. Thus, when such vortices are generated in the object, their flow against the resistance of the object causes the object to be heated. This process is known as joule, ohmic or resistive heating.

In an example, the base is in the form of a closed circuit. It has been found that when the base is in the form of a closed circuit, the magnetic coupling between the base and the electromagnet in use is enhanced, which results in greater or improved joule heating.

Hysteresis heating is the process by which an object made of magnetic material is heated by a varying magnetic field penetrating the object. The magnetic material may be considered to comprise a number of atomic-scale magnets or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipole aligns with the magnetic field. Therefore, when a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field generated by an electromagnet, penetrates a magnetic material, the direction of the magnetic dipole changes with the changing applied magnetic field. This magnetic dipole reorientation results in the generation of heat in the magnetic material.

Penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field causes both joule heating and hysteresis heating in the object when the object is both electrically conductive and magnetic. In addition, the use of magnetic materials can enhance the magnetic field, thereby exacerbating joule heating.

In each of the above processes, since heat is generated inside the object itself, rather than by conduction through an external heat source, rapid heating of the object and more uniform heat distribution can be achieved, particularly by selecting appropriate object materials and geometries, as well as appropriately varying magnetic field magnitudes and directions relative to the object. Furthermore, since induction heating and hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection between the varying magnetic field source and the object, the design freedom and control of the heating profile may be greater and the cost may be lower.

The articles of the present invention may be provided in any suitable shape. In some examples, the article is provided as a rod (e.g., substantially cylindrical).

In an example, the aerosol-generating composition comprises an amorphous solid as fragments, optionally mixed with a tobacco material (e.g. cut filler). In an example, an article having a substantially cylindrical shape is provided that includes an aerosol-generating composition that includes an amorphous solid as fragments mixed with a tobacco material.

Alternatively or additionally, the article provided as a rod may comprise an amorphous solid as a sheet, such as a sheet circumscribing a rod of tobacco material.

Non-combustible sol providing system

One aspect of the invention provides a non-combustible sol providing system comprising an article as described herein and a non-combustible sol providing device comprising a heater configured to heat without combusting the aerosol-generating article. The non-combustible sol providing system may also be referred to as an aerosol generating assembly. The non-combustible sol providing means may be referred to as an aerosol generating device.

In some cases, in use, the heater may heat the aerosol-generating composition to a temperature equal to or less than 350 ℃, for example between 120 ℃ and 350 ℃, without combustion. In some cases, the heater may heat the aerosol-generating composition to between 140 ℃ and 250 ℃ or between 220 ℃ and 280 ℃ in use without combustion.

The heater is configured to heat without burning the aerosol-generating article and thus heat the aerosol-generating composition. In some cases, the heater may be a thin film resistive heater. In other cases, the heater may comprise an induction heater or the like. The heater may be a combustible heat source or a chemical heat source which undergoes an exothermic reaction in use to produce heat. The aerosol-generating assembly may comprise a plurality of heaters. The heater may be powered by a battery.

The aerosol-generating article may additionally comprise a cooling element and/or a filter. The cooling element (if present) may act or function as a cooling gas or aerosol component. In some cases, it may act to cool the gaseous components such that they condense to form an aerosol. It may also act to isolate the very hot parts of the non-combustible sol providing means from the user. The filter, if present, may comprise any suitable filter known in the art, such as a cellulose acetate plug.

In some cases, the aerosol-generating component may be a heated non-combustion device. That is, it may comprise a solid tobacco-containing material (and no liquid aerosol-generating material). In some cases, the amorphous solid may include tobacco material. A heating non-combustion device is disclosed in WO 2015/062983 A2, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

An aerosol-generating article (which may be referred to herein as an article, cartridge or consumable) may be suitable for use in THP, an electronic tobacco mixing device or another aerosol-generating device. In some cases, the article may additionally include a filter and/or cooling element (already described above). In some cases, the aerosol-generating article may be surrounded by a packaging material such as paper. In a specific example, the article is suitable for use with tobacco heating products.

The aerosol-generating article may additionally comprise a vent. These may be disposed in the side walls of the article. In some cases, vents may be provided in the filter and/or the cooling element. These holes may allow cool air to be drawn into the article during use, which may mix with the heated volatile components to cool the aerosol.

Ventilation enhances the creation of visible heated volatiles from the article when the article is heated in use. The heated volatile components are made visible by the process of cooling the heated volatile components such that the heated volatile components are supersaturated. The heated volatile component then undergoes droplet formation, otherwise known as nucleation, and the size of the aerosol particles of the final heated volatile component is increased by further condensation of the heated volatile component and by condensation of newly formed droplets from the heated volatile component.

In some cases, the ratio of cold air to the sum of heated volatile components and cold air, referred to as the ventilation rate, is at least 15%. The 15% ventilation rate allows the heated volatile components to become visible by the method described above. The visibility of the heated volatile components enables the user to identify that the volatile components have been produced and to increase the sensory experience of the smoking experience.

In another example, the ventilation rate is between 50% and 85% to provide additional cooling to the heated volatile components. In some cases, the ventilation rate may be at least 60% or 65%.

In some cases, the aerosol-generating composition and/or amorphous solid may be included in the article/component in sheet form. In some cases, the aerosol-generating composition and/or amorphous solid may be included as a planar sheet. In some cases, the aerosol-generating composition and/or amorphous solid may be included as a planar sheet, as a bundle or aggregate sheet, as a rolled sheet, or as a rolled sheet (i.e., in the form of a tube). In some such cases, the amorphous solids of these embodiments may be included as a sheet in an aerosol-generating article/component, such as a sheet circumscribing a rod of tobacco material. In some other cases, the amorphous solid may be formed into a sheet, which is then chopped and incorporated into the article. In some cases, the shredded pieces may be mixed with shredded tobacco and incorporated into the article.

The assembly may comprise an integrated aerosol-generating article and heater, or may comprise a heater device into which the article is inserted in use.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, partial cross-sectional and perspective views of an example of an aerosol-generating article 101 are shown. The article 101 is suitable for use with a device having a power source and a heater. The article 101 of this embodiment is particularly suitable for use with the device 51 shown in fig. 5-7, described below. In use, the article 101 may be removably inserted into the device shown in fig. 5 at the insertion point 20 of the device 51.

One example article 101 is in the form of a substantially cylindrical rod comprising a body of an aerosol-generating composition 103 and a filter assembly 105 in the form of a rod. The aerosol-generating composition comprises an amorphous solid material as described herein. In some embodiments, it may be included in sheet form. In some embodiments, it may be included in the form of fragments. In some embodiments, the amorphous solids described herein may be combined in tablet form and in chopped form.

The filter assembly 105 includes three sections, a cooling section 107, a filter section 109 and a mouth end section 111. The article 101 has a first end 113, also referred to as a mouth end or proximal end, and a second end 115, also referred to as a distal end. The body of the aerosol-generating composition 103 is positioned towards the distal end 115 of the article 101. In one example, the cooling section 107 is positioned adjacent the body of aerosol-generating composition 103 between the body of aerosol-generating composition 103 and the filter section 109 such that the cooling section 107 is in an abutting relationship with the aerosol-generating composition 103 and the filter section 103. In other examples, there may be a separation between the body of the aerosol-generating composition 103 and the cooling section 107 and between the body of the aerosol-generating composition 103 and the filter section 109. The filter section 109 is located between the cooling section 107 and the mouth end section 111. The mouth end segment 111 is positioned toward the proximal end 113 of the article 101 adjacent the filter segment 109. In one example, the filter segment 109 is in an abutting relationship with the mouth end segment 111. In one embodiment, the total length of the filter assembly 105 is between 37mm and 45mm, more preferably the total length of the filter assembly 105 is 41mm.

In one example, the length of the stem 103 of the aerosol-generating composition is between 34mm and 50mm, suitably between 38mm and 46mm, suitably 42mm.

In one example, the total length of the article 101 is between 71mm and 95mm, suitably between 79mm and 87mm, suitably 83mm.

The axial end of the body of the aerosol-generating composition 103 is visible at the distal end 115 of the article 101. However, in other embodiments, the distal end 115 of the article 101 may comprise an end piece (not shown) covering the axial end of the body of the aerosol-generating composition 103.

The body of the aerosol-generating composition 103 is connected to the filter assembly 105 by an annular tipping paper (not shown) which is located substantially around the circumference of the filter assembly 105 to surround the filter assembly 105 and extends partially along the length of the body of the aerosol-generating composition 103. In one example, the tipping paper is made from 58GSM standard tipping base paper. In one example, the length of the tipping paper is between 42mm and 50mm, suitably 46mm.

In one example, the cooling section 107 is an annular tube and is positioned around to define an air gap within the cooling section. The air gap provides a chamber for the flow of heated volatile components generated from the body 103 of aerosol-generating composition. The cooling section 107 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation, but is sufficiently rigid to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacture and during insertion of the article 101 into the device 51 during use. In one example, the wall thickness of the cooling section 107 is about 0.29mm.

The cooling section 107 provides a physical displacement between the aerosol-generating composition 103 and the filter section 109. The physical displacement provided by the cooling section 107 will provide a thermal gradient across the length of the cooling section 107. In one example, the cooling section 107 is configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 40 degrees celsius between the heated volatile components entering the first end of the cooling section 107 and the heated volatile components exiting the second end of the cooling section 107. In one example, the cooling section 107 is configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 60 degrees celsius between the heated volatile components entering the first end of the cooling section 107 and the heated volatile components exiting the second end of the cooling section 107. This temperature difference protects the temperature sensitive filter section 109 from the high temperature of the aerosol-generating composition 103 when the aerosol-generating composition is heated by the device 51 across the length of the cooling element 107. If no physical displacement is provided between the filter segment 109 and the body of the aerosol-generating composition 103 and the heating element of the device 51, the temperature sensitive filter segment 109 may be damaged in use so that it does not effectively perform its desired function.

In one example, the length of the cooling section 107 is at least 15mm. In one example, the length of the cooling section 107 is between 20mm and 30mm, more specifically between 23mm and 27mm, more specifically between 25mm and 27mm, suitably 25mm.

The cooling section 107 is made of paper, which means that it consists of a material which, when used adjacent to the heater of the device 51, does not generate related compounds such as toxic compounds. In one example, the cooling section 107 is made of a helically wound paper tube that provides a hollow interior chamber, but still retains mechanical rigidity. The spiral wound paper tube can meet the strict dimensional accuracy requirements of a high-speed manufacturing process on the length, the outer diameter, the roundness and the straightness of the tube.

In another example, the cooling section 107 is a groove formed by a hard-wired package or tipping paper. The stiff tipping wrapper or tipping paper is manufactured to have sufficient stiffness to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacture and when the article 101 is inserted into the device 51 during use.

The filter segment 109 may be formed of any filter material sufficient to remove one or more volatile compounds from the heated volatile components of the aerosol-generating composition. In one example, the filter segment 109 is made of a monoacetate material, such as cellulose acetate. The filter section 109 provides cooling and reduced irritation from the heated volatile components without depleting the amount of heated volatile components to a level that is not satisfactory to the user.

In some embodiments, a capsule (not shown) may be provided in the filter segment 109. It may be disposed substantially centrally of the filter segment 109, across the diameter of the filter segment 109 and along the length of the filter segment 109. In other cases, it may be offset in one or more dimensions. In some cases, the capsules may contain volatile ingredients, such as flavors or aerosol generators, if present.

The density of the cellulose acetate material of the filter segment 109 controls the pressure drop across the filter segment 109 and thus the suction resistance of the product 101. The choice of material for the filter segment 109 is therefore important for controlling the suction resistance of the article 101. Furthermore, the filter segments perform a filtering function in the product 101.

In one example, the filter segment 109 is made of an 8Y15 grade filter wire material that provides a filtering effect on the heated volatile material while also reducing the size of the condensed aerosol droplets produced by the heated volatile material.

The presence of the filter segment 109 provides an insulating effect by further cooling the heated volatile components exiting the cooling segment 107. This further cooling effect reduces the contact temperature of the user's lips on the surface of the filter segment 109.

In one example, the length of the filter segment 109 is between 6mm and 10mm, suitably 8mm.

The mouth end segment 111 is an annular tube and defines an air gap therein around the mouth end segment. The air gap provides a chamber for heated volatile components that flow from the filter section 109. The mouth end segment 111 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation, but is sufficiently rigid to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacture, while the article is inserted into the device 51 during use. In one example, the wall thickness of the mouth end segment 111 is about 0.29mm. In one example, the length of the mouth end portion 111 is between 6mm and 10mm, suitably 8mm.

The mouth end segment 111 may be made of a helically wound paper tube that provides a hollow interior chamber but maintains critical mechanical stiffness. The spirally wound paper tube can meet the strict dimensional accuracy requirements of a high-speed manufacturing process on the length, the outer diameter, the roundness and the straightness of the tube.

The mouth end section 111 provides the function of preventing any liquid condensate that accumulates at the outlet of the filter section 109 from directly contacting the user.

It should be appreciated that in one example, the mouth end section 111 and the cooling section 107 may be formed from a single tube and the filter section 109 located within the tube separating the mouth end section 111 and the cooling section 107.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, an example of an article 301 is shown in partial cutaway cross-section and perspective view. The reference numerals shown in fig. 3 and 4 are identical to those shown in fig. 1 and 2, but with an increment of 200.

In the example of the article 301 shown in fig. 3 and 4, a ventilation zone 317 is provided in the article 301 to enable air to flow from the exterior of the article 301 into the interior of the article 301. In one example, the ventilation area 317 takes the form of one or more ventilation holes 317 formed through the outer layer of the article 301. A vent may be located in the cooling section 307 to help cool the article 301. In one example, the ventilation zone 317 comprises one or more rows of apertures, and preferably each row of apertures is arranged circumferentially around the article 301 in a cross-section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the article 301.

In one example, there are one to four rows of vents to provide ventilation for the article 301. Each row of vent holes may have between 12 and 36 vent holes 317. The diameter of the vent 317 may be, for example, between 100 and 500 μm. In one example, the axial spacing between the rows of vent holes 317 is between 0.25mm and 0.75mm, suitably 0.5mm.

In one example, the vent 317 has a uniform size. In another example, the vent 317 is a different size. The vent may be manufactured using any suitable technique, for example, one or more of the following: laser technology, mechanical perforation of the cooling section 307, or pre-perforation of the cooling section 307 prior to forming the article 301. The vent 317 is positioned to provide effective cooling of the article 301.

In one example, the rows of vent holes 317 are located at least 11mm from the proximal end 313 of the article, suitably between 17mm and 20mm from the proximal end 313 of the article 301. The vent 317 is positioned so that a user does not clog the vent 317 when using the article 301.

Providing rows of vent holes between 17mm and 20mm from the proximal end 313 of the article 301 enables the vent holes 317 to be located outside the device 51 when the article 301 is fully inserted into the device 51, as can be seen in fig. 6 and 7. By locating the vent outside the device, unheated air can enter the article 301 through the vent from outside the device 51 to aid in cooling of the article 301.

The length of the cooling section 307 is such that when the article 301 is fully inserted into the device 51, the cooling section 307 will be partially inserted into the device 51. The length of the cooling section 307 provides a first function, providing a physical gap between the heater means of the device 51 and the heat sensitive filter means 309, and a second function when the article 301 is fully inserted into the device 51, ensuring that the vent 317 is located in the cooling section, while also being located outside the device 51. As can be seen from fig. 6 and 7, a large part of the cooling element 307 is located within the device 51. However, a portion of cooling element 307 extends out of device 51. It is in this part of the cooling element 307 that the device 51 in which the vent 317 is located extends.

Referring now in more detail to fig. 5 to 7, there is shown an example of a device 51 arranged to heat an aerosol-generating composition to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating composition, typically forming an aerosol which can be inhaled. The device 51 is a heating device that releases the compound by heating, rather than burning, the aerosol-generating composition.

The first end 53 is sometimes referred to herein as the mouth or proximal end 53 of the device 51 and the second end 55 is sometimes referred to herein as the distal end 55 of the device 51. The device 51 has an on/off button 57 to allow the device 51 as a whole to be turned on and off according to the needs of the user.

The device 51 includes a housing 59 for locating and protecting the various internal components of the device 51. In the example shown, the casing 59 comprises an integral sleeve 11 surrounding the periphery of the device 51, covered with a top panel 17, the top panel 17 generally defining the "top" of the device 51 and a bottom plate 19 generally defining the "bottom" of the apparatus 51. In another example, the enclosure includes a front panel, a rear panel, and a pair of opposing side panels in addition to the top panel 17 and the bottom panel 19.

The top plate 17 and/or the bottom plate 19 may be removably secured to the integrated sleeve 11 to allow easy access to the interior of the device 51, or may be "permanently" secured to the integrated sleeve 11, for example, to prevent a user from accessing the interior of the device 51. In one example,

panels

17 and 19 are made of a plastic material, including glass-filled nylon, for example, formed by injection molding, and integral sleeve 11 is made of aluminum, although other materials and other manufacturing processes may be used.

The top plate 17 of the device 51 has an opening 20 at the mouth end 53 of the device 51 through which, in use, the

article

101, 301 comprising the aerosol-generating composition can be inserted into the device 51 and the device removed 51 by a user.

The housing 59 has positioned or secured therein the heater device 23, the control circuit 25 and the power supply 27. In this example, the heater device 23, the control circuit 25 and the power supply 27 are laterally adjacent (i.e., adjacent when viewed from one end), the control circuit 25 being generally located between the heater device 23 and the power supply 27, although other locations are possible.

The control circuit 25 may comprise a controller, such as a microprocessor device, configured and arranged to control heating of the aerosol-generating composition in the

article

101, 301, as discussed further below.

The power source 27 may be, for example, a battery, which may be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium ion batteries, nickel batteries (e.g., nickel cadmium batteries), alkaline batteries, and/or the like. The battery 27 is electrically coupled to the heater means 23 to provide power when required and to heat the aerosol-generating composition in the article under the control of the control circuit 25 (as discussed to volatilize the aerosol-generating composition without causing combustion of the aerosol-generating composition).

An advantage of locating the power supply 27 laterally adjacent to the heater device 23 is that a physically larger power supply 25 may be used without making the device 51 overly lengthy as a whole. As will be appreciated, the typically physically large power supply 25 has a higher capacity (i.e., the total power that can be provided, typically measured in amp hours, etc.) and thus the battery life of the device 51 may be longer.

In one example, the heater device 23 is generally in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube having a hollow interior heating chamber 29 into which the

article

101, 301 comprising the aerosol-generating composition is inserted for heating in use. Different arrangements of the heater means 23 are possible. For example, the heater device 23 may include a single heating element or may be formed from a plurality of heating elements arranged along a longitudinal axis of the heater device 23. The or each heating element may be annular or tubular, or at least partially annular or tubular around a part of its circumference. In an example, the or each heating element may be a thin film heater. In another example, the or each heating element may be made of a ceramic material. Examples of suitable ceramic materials include alumina and aluminum nitride and silicon nitride ceramics, which may be laminated and sintered. Other heating arrangements are possible including, for example, induction heating, infrared heater elements heated by emitting infrared radiation, or resistive heating elements formed from, for example, resistive electrical windings.

In one particular example, the heater device 23 is supported by a stainless steel support tube and includes a polyimide heating element. The heater means 23 is dimensioned such that when the

article

101, 301 is inserted into the device 51, substantially the entire body of the aerosol-generating

composition

103, 303 of the

article

101, 301 is inserted into the heater means 23.

The or each heating element may be arranged such that selected regions of the aerosol-generating composition may be heated independently, for example sequentially (over time as discussed above) or together (simultaneously) as required.

In this example, the heater device 23 is surrounded along at least a portion of its length by a thermal insulator 31. The insulator 31 helps to reduce the amount of heat transferred from the heater device 23 to the outside of the device 51. This helps to reduce the power requirements on the heater device 23, as it generally reduces heat loss. The insulator 31 also helps to keep the exterior of the device 51 cool during operation of the heater device 23. In one example, the insulator 31 may be a double-walled sleeve that provides a low voltage region between two walls of the sleeve. That is, the insulator 31 may be, for example, a "vacuum" tube, i.e., a tube that has been at least partially evacuated to minimize heat transfer by conduction and/or convection. Other arrangements of the insulator 31 are possible including the use of insulating materials, including for example suitable foam materials, to supplement or replace the double wall sleeve.

The housing 59 may also include various internal support structures 37 for supporting all of the internal components as well as the heating device 23.

The device 51 further comprises a collar 33 extending around the opening 20 and from the opening 20 into the interior of the housing 59 and a generally tubular chamber 35 located between one end of the vacuum sleeve 31 and the collar 33. The chamber 35 further includes a cooling structure 35f, which in this example includes a plurality of cooling fins 35f spaced apart along the outer surface of the chamber 35, and each cooling fin is circumferentially disposed about the outer surface of the chamber 35. When the article is inserted into the device 51 over at least part of the length of the hollow chamber 35, there is an air gap 36 between the hollow chamber 35 and the

articles

101, 301. The air gap 36 is over the entire circumference of the

article

101, 301 at least in part of the cooling section 307.

Collar 33 includes a plurality of ridges 60 disposed circumferentially about the periphery of opening 20 and protruding into opening 20. The ridge 60 occupies space within the opening 20 such that the opening span of the opening 20 at the location of the ridge 60 is less than the opening span of the opening 20 at the location without the ridge 60. The ridge 60 is configured to engage with the

article

101, 301 of the insertion device to help secure it within the device 51. An open space (not shown) is defined by the adjacent pairs of ridges 60 and the

articles

101, 301, forming a ventilation path around the exterior of the

articles

101, 301. These ventilation paths allow hot steam that has escaped from the

articles

101, 301 to leave the device 51 and allow cooling air to flow into the device 51 around the

articles

101, 301 in the air gap 36.

In operation, as shown in fig. 5-7, the

article

101, 301 is removably inserted into the insertion point 20 of the device 51. Referring specifically to fig. 6, in one example, the

body

103, 303 of the aerosol-generating composition is positioned towards the

distal end

115, 315 of the

article

101, 301, wholly contained within the heater device 23 of the device 51. The proximal ends 113, 313 of the

articles

101, 301 extend from the device 51 and function as a mouthpiece assembly for use by a user.

In operation, the heater device 23 will heat the

article

101, 301 to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating composition from the body of the aerosol-generating

composition

103, 303.

The primary flow path of the heated volatile components from the aerosol-generating

composition body

103, 303 passes axially through the

article

101, 301, through the chamber within the

cooling section

107, 307, through the

filter section

109, 309, through the

mouth end section

111, 313 to the user. In one example, the temperature of the heated volatile components generated from the body of the aerosol-generating composition is between 60 ℃ and 50 ℃, which may be above the user acceptable inhalation temperature. As the heated volatile component travels through the

cooling section

107, 307 it will cool and some of the volatile component will condense on the inner surfaces of the

cooling section

107, 307.

In the example of the article 301 shown in fig. 3 and 4, the cool air will be able to enter the cooling section 307 via the vent 317 formed in the cooling section 307. The cool air will mix with the heated volatile components to provide additional cooling components for the heated volatile components.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of generating an aerosol using a non-combustible sol providing system as described herein. In an example, the method includes heating the aerosol-generating composition to a temperature of less than or equal to 350 ℃. The method generally comprises heating the aerosol-generating composition to a temperature of from about 220 ℃ to about 280 ℃. In some examples, the method includes heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating composition to a temperature of about 220 ℃ to about 280 ℃ during the use phase.

As used herein, "use phase" refers to a single period of time that a user uses the non-combustible sol providing system. The phase of use starts at the moment when power is first supplied to at least one heating unit present in the heating assembly. After a period of time has elapsed from the start of the use phase, the device will be ready for use. The use phase ends when no power is supplied to any heating element in the aerosol-generating device. The end of the phase may coincide with the point in time when the smoking article is depleted (the point in time when the total particulate matter production (mg) in each puff will be considered unacceptably low by the user). The phase will have a duration of multiple puffs. The duration of the phase may be less than 7 minutes, or 6 minutes, or 5 minutes, or 4 minutes 30 seconds, or 4 minutes, or 3 minutes 30 seconds. In some embodiments, the use phase may have a duration of 2 to 5 minutes, or 3 to 4.5 minutes, or 3.5 to 4.5 minutes, or suitably 4 minutes. A button or switch on the user actuated device may initiate a phase, causing the at least one heating element to begin to warm up.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a non-flammable sol providing system as described herein. Uses of the non-combustible sol providing system may include interaction with the non-combustible sol providing device (e.g. activating an actuator) to initiate a smoking phase.

Further embodiments of the invention are set forth below.

1. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 1 or item 2, wherein the amorphous solid comprises an aerosol-generating agent in an amount of about 35 to 80wt% of the amorphous solid.

2. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 1, wherein the amorphous solid comprises an aerosol-generating agent in an amount of about 40 to 80wt% of the amorphous solid.

3. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 2, wherein the amorphous solid comprises an aerosol-generating agent in an amount of about 45 to 70wt% of the amorphous solid.

4. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 3, wherein the amorphous solid comprises an aerosol-generating agent in an amount of about 45 to 60wt% of the amorphous solid.

5. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 4, wherein the amorphous solid comprises an aerosol-generating agent in an amount of about 50 to 60wt% of the amorphous solid.

6. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 1 or item 2 or any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the aerosol-generating agent comprises (or is) one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1, 3-butene, ethylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillic acid, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl acetate, glycerol tributyrate, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

7. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 1 or item 2 or any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the aerosol-generating agent comprises (or is) glycerin, optionally in combination with propylene glycol.

8. The aerosol-generating composition of item 1 or item 2 or any preceding embodiment, wherein the amorphous solid does not comprise alginate or pectin.

9. The aerosol-generating composition of item 1 or item 2 or any preceding embodiment, wherein the gelling agent comprises (or is) a cellulosic gelling agent.

10. The aerosol-generating composition of item 1 or item 2 or any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cellulose gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, cellulose Acetate (CA), cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB), and Cellulose Acetate Propionate (CAP).

11. The aerosol-generating composition of item 1 or item 2 or any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the gelling agent comprises (or is) CMC.

12. The aerosol-generating composition of item 1 or item 2 or any of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the gelling agent comprises (or is) one or more of hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, guar gum, or gum arabic.

13. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 1 or item 2 or any preceding embodiment, wherein the amorphous solid comprises a gelling agent and a filler in an amount of about 20 to 65wt% of the amorphous solid.

14. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 13, wherein the amorphous solid comprises a gelling agent and a filler in an amount of about 20-60wt% of the amorphous solid.

15. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 14, wherein the amorphous solid comprises a gelling agent and a filler in an amount of about 25 to 55wt% of the amorphous solid.

16. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 15, wherein the amorphous solid comprises a gelling agent and a filler in an amount of about 30-50wt% of the amorphous solid.

17. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 16, wherein the amorphous solid comprises a gelling agent and a filler in an amount of about 35 to 45wt% of the amorphous solid.

18. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 15, wherein the amorphous solid comprises a gelling agent and a filler in an amount of about 40-55wt% of the amorphous solid.

19. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 1 or item 2 or any preceding embodiment, wherein the amorphous solid comprises a gelling agent in an amount of about 5 to 50wt% of the amorphous solid.

20. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 19, wherein the amorphous solid comprises a gelling agent in an amount of about 10-50wt% of the amorphous solid.

21. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 20, wherein the amorphous solid comprises a gelling agent in an amount of about 25 to 50wt% of the amorphous solid.

22. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 21, wherein the amorphous solid comprises a gelling agent in an amount of about 30-50wt% of the amorphous solid.

23. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 22, wherein the amorphous solid comprises the gelling agent in an amount of about 35 to 45wt% of the amorphous solid.

24. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 20, wherein the amorphous solid comprises a gelling agent in an amount of about 20-40wt% of the amorphous solid.

25. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 20, wherein the amorphous solid comprises a gelling agent in an amount of about 20-35wt% of the amorphous solid.

26. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 1 or item 2 or any preceding embodiment, wherein the amorphous solid comprises CMC in an amount of about 15 to 40wt% of the amorphous solid.

27. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 26, wherein the amorphous solid comprises CMC in an amount of about 20-30wt% of the amorphous solid.

28. An aerosol-generating composition according to any preceding embodiment, item 1 or item 2, wherein the amorphous solid comprises filler in an amount of about 15 to 40wt% of the amorphous solid.

29. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 28, wherein the amorphous solid comprises filler in an amount of about 20 to 40wt% of the amorphous solid.

30. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 29, wherein the amorphous solid comprises filler in an amount of about 25 to 35wt% of the amorphous solid.

31. An aerosol-generating composition according to any preceding embodiment, item 1 or item 2, wherein the filler comprises one or more organic filler materials.

32. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 31, wherein the organic filler material is selected from wood pulp, cellulose and cellulose derivatives, such as microcrystalline cellulose.

33. An aerosol-generating composition according to any preceding embodiment of item 1 or item 2, wherein the filler comprises (or is) wood pulp.

34. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 1 or item 2 or any preceding embodiment, wherein the amorphous solid does not comprise calcium carbonate, such as chalk.

35. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 1 or item 2 or any preceding embodiment, wherein the amorphous solid comprises an active substance.

36. The aerosol-generating composition of item 1 or item 2 or any preceding embodiment, wherein the amorphous solid does not comprise any tobacco fibers.

37. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 1 or item 2 or any preceding embodiment, wherein the amorphous solid does not comprise any tobacco.

38. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 1 or item 2 or any preceding embodiment, wherein the amorphous solid does not comprise any tobacco extract.

39. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 1 or item 2 or any one of embodiments 1 to 34 or 36 to 38, wherein the amorphous solid does not comprise any active substance.

40. The aerosol-generating composition of item 1 or item 2 or any preceding embodiment, wherein the amorphous solid is in the form of fragments.

41. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 1 or item 2 or any preceding embodiment, wherein the water content of the amorphous solid is about 5 to 15wt% (WWB) of the amorphous solid.

42. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 41, wherein the water content of the amorphous solid is about 7-13wt% (WWB) of the amorphous solid.

43. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 42, wherein the water content of the amorphous solid is about 9-11wt% (WWB) of the amorphous solid.

44. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 2 or any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition comprises tobacco material and amorphous solids, and wherein the aerosol-generating composition has an aerosol-generating agent content of about 10-20 wt%.

45. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 44, wherein the aerosol-generating composition has an aerosol-generating agent content of about 13 ± 17 wt%.

46. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 2 or any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition comprises tobacco material and amorphous solids, wherein the aerosol-generating composition comprises amorphous solids in an amount of about 5 to 40 wt%.

47. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 46, wherein the aerosol-generating composition comprises amorphous solids in an amount of about 10 to 30 wt%.

48. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 47, wherein the aerosol-generating composition comprises amorphous solids in an amount of about 15 to 25 wt%.

49. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 48, wherein the aerosol-generating composition comprises amorphous solids in an amount of about 17 to 23 wt%.

50. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 2 or any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition comprises tobacco material and amorphous solids, wherein the aerosol-generating composition comprises tobacco material in an amount of about 50 to 95 wt%.

51. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 50, wherein the aerosol-generating composition comprises tobacco material in an amount of about 60 to 90 wt%.

52. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 51, wherein the aerosol-generating composition comprises tobacco material in an amount of about 70 to 90 wt%.

53. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 52, wherein the aerosol-generating composition comprises tobacco material in an amount of about 75 to 85 wt%.

54. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 2 or any preceding embodiment, wherein the composition comprises a tobacco material and an amorphous solid, and wherein the tobacco material is finely cut.

55. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 2 or any preceding embodiment, wherein the composition comprises a tobacco material and an amorphous solid, and wherein the tobacco material comprises lamina tobacco.

56. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 2 or any preceding embodiment, wherein the composition comprises a tobacco material and an amorphous solid, and wherein the tobacco material comprises shredded tobacco.

57. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 56, wherein the shredded tobacco is present in an amount of at least 90% by weight of the tobacco material.

58. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 2 or any preceding embodiment, wherein the composition comprises a tobacco material and an amorphous solid, and wherein the tobacco material comprises from 1 to 10% by weight of the tobacco material of an aerosol-generating agent.

59. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 2 or any preceding embodiment, wherein the composition comprises tobacco material and amorphous solids, and wherein the amorphous solids are fragments mixed with the tobacco material.

60. An aerosol-generating composition according to embodiment 59, wherein the tobacco material comprises shredded tobacco having a cut width and the amorphous solid fragments have a cut width, the cut width of the amorphous solid being from about 90 to 110% of the cut width of the shredded tobacco.

61. An aerosol-generating composition according to item 2 or any preceding embodiment, wherein the composition comprises a tobacco material and an amorphous solid, and wherein the tobacco material has an area density and the amorphous solid has an area density, the area density of the amorphous solid being from about 90% to 110% of the area density of the tobacco material.

As described above, the amorphous solid may be made from a slurry. The above embodiments defining the characteristics of amorphous solids in the aerosol-generating composition of the invention are equally applicable to the slurries of the invention.

Similarly, the above embodiments are equally applicable to the articles, systems, methods of making aerosol-generating compositions, and uses of the invention.

Example

Example 1

An Amorphous Solid (AS) was prepared according to the following method.

The gelling agent (CMC), aerosol generating agent (glycerin) and any filler (wood pulp) are mixed with about 500ml distilled water in a high shear mixer until a free flowing slurry is formed. The slurry is cast onto a metal tray at the desired casting thickness using a casting knife. The tray is then placed in an oven at about 65 ℃ for a sufficient time (typically 1 to 2.5 hours) to allow the slurry to set and dry to form an amorphous solid sheet.

Amorphous solids are formed from slurries comprising water and the following ingredients (all values are wt% on a dry weight basis):

TABLE 1

* Amorphous solids AS1, AS2, AS3 and AS4 are comparative

Amorphous solids AS8 with lower CMC levels bind worse than solids AS5 to AS 7.

A 140mm x 15mm sample of amorphous solid was tested using standard protocols known to those skilled in the art.

The tackiness was measured using a texture analyzer. It is the force necessary to overcome the attractive force between the surface of the product (amorphous solid) and the surface of the material (probe) with which the product is in contact. A lower value indicates that the material is less tacky.

The sample thickness was measured using calipers.

Amorphous solids exhibit the following physical properties (average measurement over 3 samples):

TABLE 2

Example 2

Thermogravimetric analysis was performed on AS2 and AS5 using the following temperature profile: hold at 30 ℃ for 1 minute, tilt to 250 ℃ at 100 ℃/min and hold for 4 minutes. Both AS2 and AS5 contained 50wt% glycerol. AS5 comprising CMC and wood pulp increased weight loss by 27% compared to AS2 without any wood pulp due to volatilization of any water in the glycerol and solids. Replacement of some of the gelling agent with filler appears to increase the volatilization of the aerosol generating agent. AS5 also has reduced viscosity compared to AS 2.

Example 3

Rod-shaped samples (glo DS commercial rod with 70% ventilation, consisting of 20 mm tobacco sections and 14 mm gel sections) formed from tobacco material and 0.014m x 0.1m AS1, AS2, AS3, AS4, AS5, AS7 and AD8 sheets were used. The tobacco material is a high nicotine tobacco blend containing glycerin. The composition of the bars is shown in table 3.

TABLE 3 Table 3

The pressure drop of the rod, i.e. the resistance to air flow through the rod, is measured in millimeters per water gauge, before and after atomization in a glo Hyper (globally heated tobacco brand) device connected to the smoke engine. The smoke engine runs a standardized test program for the device (55 ml puffs, 2 second puff duration, 30 seconds between puffs, 10 puffs per stage). The aerosols were collected on a Cambridge filter pad, weighed and analyzed for nicotine and glycerin.

The rods made from AS1 to AS4 showed higher pressure drop values than the rods made from AS5, AS7 and AS 8. Visual inspection of the rod after heating appears to indicate that the amorphous solids, without filler, stuck together and hardened, thus impeding air flow.

Rods made from AS5 through AS8 exhibited higher aerosol collective mass, glycerin transfer, and nicotine delivery than rods made from AS 1.

Exemplary embodiments include aerosol-generating compositions, methods, slurries, articles and systems as previously defined, wherein:

the filler in the amorphous solid comprises or is wood pulp, and/or

The gelling agent in the amorphous solid comprises or is CMC, and/or

The aerosol generating agent in the amorphous solid comprises or is glycerol, optionally in combination with propylene glycol.

Exemplary embodiments include aerosol-generating compositions, methods, slurries, articles and systems as previously defined, wherein the amorphous solid comprises:

about 20 to about 40wt%, such as about 25 to 35wt%, of a filler, such as wood pulp;

about 20 to about 40wt%, such as about 20 to 35wt%, of a gelling agent, such as CMC, and

about 40 to about 60wt%, such as about 45 to about 60wt%, of an aerosol generating agent, such as glycerin optionally in combination with propylene glycol.

All weight percentages (expressed as wt%) described herein are calculated on a Dry Weight (DWB) basis, unless explicitly stated otherwise. All weight ratios are also calculated on a dry weight basis. The weight quoted on a dry weight basis refers to the entire extract or slurry or material other than water and may include ingredient compositions that are themselves liquid at room temperature and pressure, such as glycerin. Conversely, references to weight percentages on a Wet Weight Basis (WWB) refer to all ingredient compositions, including water.

For the avoidance of doubt, where the term "comprising" is used in this specification to define an invention or a feature of an invention, embodiments are also disclosed in which the invention or feature may use the term "consisting essentially of or" consist of instead of "comprising. References to a material "comprising" a particular feature mean that the feature is included in, contained within, or maintained in the material.

Any feature described in relation to one aspect of the invention is explicitly disclosed in connection with any other aspect described herein.

The above embodiments should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating composition comprising an amorphous solid, the amorphous solid comprising:

(a) An aerosol generator in an amount of about 25 to 80wt% of the amorphous solid;

(c) A filler in an amount of at least about 15wt% of the amorphous solid; and

(d) Optionally, an active substance;

wherein the gellant and filler are present in an amount of about 20 to 75wt% of the amorphous solid.

2. An aerosol-generating composition comprising:

the tobacco material is a blend of tobacco materials,

-an amorphous solid comprising:

(c) A filler in an amount of at least about 15wt% of the amorphous solid; and

(d) Optionally, an active substance;

wherein the gellant and filler are present in an amount of about 20 to 75wt% of the amorphous solid,

Wherein the aerosol-generating composition has an aerosol-generating agent content of about 5 to 30wt% of the aerosol-generating composition, these weights being calculated on a dry weight basis.

3. An aerosol-generating composition according to claim 2, wherein the tobacco material is finely cut.

4. An aerosol-generating composition according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the tobacco material comprises lamina tobacco.

5. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the tobacco material comprises shredded tobacco.

6. An aerosol-generating composition according to claim 5, wherein the amount of shredded tobacco is at least 90wt% of the tobacco material.

7. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the tobacco material comprises an aerosol-generating agent in an amount of 1 to 10wt% of the tobacco material.

8. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the amorphous solid is a chip mixed with the tobacco material.

9. An aerosol-generating composition according to claim 8, wherein the tobacco material comprises shredded tobacco having a cut width and the fragments of amorphous solid have a cut width, the cut width of the amorphous solid being about 90 to 110% of the cut width of the shredded tobacco.

10. An aerosol-generating composition according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the tobacco material has an area density and the amorphous solid has an area density, the area density of the amorphous solid being about 90% to 110% of the area density of the tobacco material.

11. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of claims 2 to 10, wherein the content of aerosol-generating agent is about 10 to 20wt% of the aerosol-generating composition.

12. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of claims 2 to 11, wherein the amorphous solid is included in the aerosol-generating composition in an amount of from about 5 to 40wt% of the aerosol-generating composition.

13. An aerosol-generating composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the filler is included in the amorphous solid in an amount of from about 15 to about 35wt%, such as from about 20 to about 35wt%, of the amorphous solid.

14. An aerosol-generating composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating agent is included in the amorphous solid in an amount of from about 30 to about 60wt%, such as from about 35 to about 60wt% or from about 40wt% to about 60wt% of the amorphous solid.

15. An aerosol-generating composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the gelling agent is included in the amorphous solid in an amount of from about 20 to about 40wt%, such as from about 20 to about 35wt%, of the amorphous solid.

16. An aerosol-generating composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the active is present and comprises a flavouring agent.

17. An aerosol-generating composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the active substance is present and comprises eucalyptus or star anise.

18. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the amorphous solid does not comprise an active substance.

19. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the active comprises up to 20wt% activity.

20. An aerosol-generating composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the gelling agent comprises a cellulosic gelling agent.

21. An aerosol-generating composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the gelling agent comprises carboxymethyl cellulose.

22. An aerosol-generating composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the filler comprises wood pulp.

23. An aerosol-generating composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating agent comprises glycerol, optionally in combination with propylene glycol.

24. An aerosol-generating composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating composition consists of an aerosol-generating agent, a filler and a gelling agent.

25. An article for use with a non-combustible sol providing device, the article comprising an aerosol-generating composition according to any of claims 1 to 24.

26. An article for use with a non-combustible sol providing device according to claim 25 wherein the amorphous solid is provided in the article in the form of a sheet.

27. An article according to claim 26, wherein the aerosol-generating composition comprises a tobacco material in the form of a substantially cylindrical rod, and the sheet of amorphous solid surrounds the rod of tobacco material.

28. The article of any one of claims 25 to 26, wherein the article is in the form of a substantially cylindrical rod.

29. A non-combustible sol providing system comprising an article according to any one of claims 25 to 28 and a non-combustible sol providing device, wherein the non-combustible sol providing device is configured to produce an aerosol from the article when the article is used with the non-combustible sol providing device.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the non-combustible sol providing device comprises a heater configured to heat but not burn the article.

31. A slurry, comprising:

(a) About 25 to 80wt% of an aerosol generator;

(c) At least about 15wt% of a filler;

(d) Optionally, an active substance;

weight% is calculated on a dry weight basis, wherein the amounts of the gellant and the filler add up to about 20 to 75 weight%;

(e) And (3) a solvent.

32. A method of preparing an aerosol-generating composition according to any of claims 1 to 24, the aerosol-generating composition comprising an amorphous solid, the method comprising:

(i) Combining:

(a) About 25 to 80wt% of an aerosol generator;

(c) At least about 15wt% of a filler, wherein the amount of the gellant and the filler add up to about 20 to 75wt%;

(d) Optionally, an active substance;

weight% based on dry weight

(e) The solvent is used for the preparation of the aqueous solution,

to form a slurry;

(ii) Forming a layer of the slurry;

(iii) Setting the slurry to form a gel;

(iv) Drying the gel to form the amorphous solid.

33. A method of preparing an aerosol-generating composition according to any of claims 1 to 24, the method comprising:

providing an amorphous solid comprising:

(c) A filler in an amount of at least about 15wt% of the amorphous solid, wherein the gellant and the filler are combined in an amount of about 20 to 75wt% of the amorphous solid;

(d) Optionally, an active substance;

providing a tobacco material; and

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the step of providing the amorphous solid comprises shredding flakes of amorphous solid to provide the amorphous solid as fragments.

35. A method according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the tobacco is fine cut.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the step of combining the amorphous solid and tobacco material comprises mixing pieces of the amorphous solid and finely cut tobacco material.

37. A method of generating an aerosol using a non-combustible sol providing system according to claim 29 or 30, the method comprising heating the aerosol-generating composition to a temperature of less than 350 ℃.

38. A method of using the non-combustible sol providing system of claim 29 or 30.