Enhancing the Disintegration and/or Degradation of a Smoking Article

Abstract

A filter (2) for a smoking article (1) is provided by the present invention, the filter comprising a vehicle containing a liquid capable of enhancing the disintegration and / or dispersibility of the smoking article. A method of enhancing the disintegration and / or degradation of a smoking article is also provided, wherein the smoking article comprises a vehicle containing a liquid capable of enhancing the disintegration and / or degradation of the smoking article.

Description

[0001]The invention relates to enhancing the disintegration and / or degradation of used smoking articles, and particularly, but not exclusively, to enhancing the disintegration and / or degradation of the filter of such smoking articles.[0002]A problem with currently available tobacco smoke filters, particularly cigarette filters, is that they can be difficult to dispose of after use.[0003]During smoking most of the tobacco rod and its circumscribing paper wrapper are converted to gases and ash in an incineration process. The remaining components of the spent smoking article include a small portion of ash, part of the original tobacco rod and wrapper, and the filter which is made up of the filter plug, plugwrap, and tipping paper wrapped about the tobacco rod and filter. There are also adhesives present that secure these components together. Spent smoking articles are generally completely dissociated into their individual constituent parts within a relatively short period of time when ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a smoking article that is easier to break down and degradable in nature. This is achieved by using a liquid that can enhance the dissociation and degradation of the various components of the smoking article, such as the tobacco rod, wrapper, filter, and adhesives, resulting in their faster breakdown in the environment. The use of a capsule containing the liquid is also provided for further enhancement of dispersion and biodegradation of the smoking article.

Problems solved by technology

Firstly, the various components of the smoking article may be induced by the liquid to dissociate, resulting in their increased exposure to the environment and accelerated dispersion and biodegradation.

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