WO2025099190A1

WO2025099190A1 - Aerosol-generating article with substrate containing tobacco and first and second non-tobacco plant flavour particles

Info

Publication number: WO2025099190A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/081572
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carlos Andres HENAO CADAVID; Yan DUPASQUIER
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2023-11-09
Filing date: 2024-11-07
Publication date: 2025-05-15
Anticipated expiration: 2026-05-09

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol upon heating is provided. The aerosol-generating article comprises a rod of aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol¬ generating substrate comprising homogenised plant material comprising an aerosol former, a binder and particulate plant material. The particulate plant material comprises at least 75 percent by weight of tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis; and at least 5 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles on a dry weight basis, wherein the non-tobacco plant flavour particles comprise particles of a first non-tobacco plant and particles of a second non-tobacco plant which is different to the first non-tobacco plant, and wherein the weight ratio of the particles of the first non-tobacco plant to the particles of the second non-tobacco plant is at least 0.4. The first non-tobacco plant is common sage.

Description

AEROSOL-GENERATING ARTICLE WITH SUBSTRATE CONTAINING TOBACCO AND FIRST AND SECOND NON-TOBACCO PLANT FLAVOUR PARTICLES

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising a rod of aerosol-generating substrate, the substrate comprising homogenised plant material from particulate plant material. The particulate plant material comprises tobacco particles and first and second non-tobacco plant flavour particles. The first non-tobacco plant is common sage. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising said substrate, and a system comprising said article.

Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, is heated rather than combusted, are known in the art. Typically in such articles, an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-generating substrate or material, which may be located in contact with, within, around, or downstream of the heat source. During use of the aerosol-generating article, volatile compounds are released from the substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in air drawn through the article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol.

Some aerosol-generating articles comprise a flavourant that is delivered to the consumer during use of the article to provide a different sensory experience to the consumer, for example to enhance the flavour of aerosol. A flavourant can be used to deliver a gustatory sensation (taste), an olfactory sensation (smell), or both a gustatory and an olfactory sensation to the user inhaling the aerosol. It is known to provide heated aerosol-generating articles that include flavourants.

There are difficulties involved in replicating the flavours in conventional combustible cigarettes with aerosol-generating articles in which the aerosol-generating substrate is heated rather than combusted. This is partially due to the lower temperatures reached during the heating of such aerosol-generating articles, leading to a different profile of volatile compounds being released. It would be desirable to provide a novel aerosol-generating substrate for a heated aerosol-generating article providing an improved flavour delivery to the consumer. It would be further desirable to provide a novel flavour experience to the consumer. It would also be desirable to provide such an aerosol-generating substrate that can be readily incorporated into an aerosol-generating article and which can be manufactured using existing high-speed methods and apparatus.

The present inventors have provided aerosol-generating substrates comprising a combination of two different non-tobacco plant materials in order to provide a novel flavour experience to the consumer. The ratio of the amounts of the two different non-tobacco plant materials is controlled in order to maximise the sensory balance. The substrates are suitable for use with an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating element. Upon heating, the substrates produce an aerosol from the homogenised plant material, the aerosol comprising flavourants from tobacco particles, first non-tobacco plant flavour particles and second nontobacco plant flavour particles in a mixture. Liquid flavourants, because they are volatile, are prone to evaporative loss during the manufacturing process. The use of plant flavour particles rather than liquid flavourants may reduce or eliminate evaporative loss of flavour. The use of plant flavour particles rather than liquid flavourants moreover provides improved flavour and aroma, which can be balanced with the nicotine and flavours from the tobacco particles.

The first aspect of the present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating article comprising a rod of aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate comprising homogenised plant material comprising an aerosol former, a binder and particulate plant material. The particulate plant material may comprise at least 75 percent by weight of tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis and at least 5 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles on a dry weight basis. The non-tobacco plant flavour particles may comprise particles of a first non- tobacco plant and particles of a second non-tobacco plant which is different to the first non- tobacco plant. The first non-tobacco plant may be common sage. The weight ratio of the particles of the first non-tobacco plant to the particles of the second non-tobacco plant may be at least 0.4.

The second aspect of the present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate comprising homogenised plant material comprising an aerosol former, a binder and particulate plant material. The particulate plant material may comprise at least 75 percent by weight of tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis and at least 5 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles on a dry weight basis. The non-tobacco plant flavour particles may comprise particles of a first non-tobacco plant and particles of a second non-tobacco plant which is different to the first non-tobacco plant. The first non-tobacco plant may be common sage. The weight ratio of the particles of the first non-tobacco plant to the particles of the second non-tobacco plant may be at least 0.4.

The third aspect of the present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article according to the first aspect of the invention, and an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating chamber for receiving the aerosol-generating article and at least a heating element provided at or about the periphery of the heating chamber.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating article comprising a rod of aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate comprising homogenised plant material comprising an aerosol former, a binder and particulate plant material. The particulate plant material comprises at least 75 percent by weight of tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis and at least 5 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles on a dry weight basis. The non-tobacco plant flavour particles comprise particles of a first non-tobacco plant and particles of a second non-tobacco plant which is different to the first non-tobacco plant. The first non-tobacco plant is common sage. The weight ratio of the particles of the first non-tobacco plant to the particles of the second non-tobacco plant is at least 0.4.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating substrate comprising homogenised plant material comprising an aerosol former, a binder and particulate plant material. The particulate plant material comprises at least 75 percent by weight of tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis and at least 5 percent by weight of non- tobacco plant flavour particles on a dry weight basis. The non-tobacco plant flavour particles comprise particles of a first non-tobacco plant and particles of a second non-tobacco plant which is different to the first non-tobacco plant. The first non-tobacco plant is common sage. The weight ratio of the particles of the first non-tobacco plant to the particles of the second non-tobacco plant is at least 0.4.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article according to the first aspect of the invention, and an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating chamber for receiving the aerosolgenerating article and at least a heating element provided at or about the periphery of the heating chamber.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” refers to an article wherein an aerosol-generating substrate is heated to produce and deliver an inhalable aerosol to a consumer.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating substrate” refers to a substrate capable of releasing upon heating volatile compounds, which can form an aerosol. A conventional cigarette is lit when a user applies a flame to one end of the cigarette and draws air through the other end. The localised heat provided by the flame and the oxygen in the air drawn through the cigarette causes the end of the cigarette to ignite, and the resulting combustion generates an inhalable smoke. By contrast, in heated aerosol-generating articles, an aerosol is generated by heating an aerosol-generating substrate, such as tobacco. Known heated aerosol-generating articles include, for example, electrically heated aerosol-generating articles and aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a combustible fuel element or heat source to a physically separate aerosol-generating substrate.

As used herein, the term “plug” denotes a generally cylindrical element having a substantially circular, oval or elliptical cross-section. As used herein, the term “rod” refers to a generally cylindrical element of substantially polygonal cross-section and preferably of circular, oval or elliptical cross-section. A rod may have a length greater than or equal to the length of a plug. Typically, a rod has a length that is greater than the length of a plug. A rod may comprise one or more plugs.

As used herein, the term “sheet” denotes a laminar element having a width and length substantially greater than the thickness thereof. The width of a sheet is greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, 30 mm, 50 mm, 100 mm, 120 mm, 130 mm, or 150 mm.

As used herein, the term “strand” describes an elongate element of material having a length that is substantially greater than the width and thickness thereof. The term “strand” should be considered to encompass strips, shreds and any other homogenised plant material having a similar form. The strands of homogenised plant material may be formed from a sheet of homogenised plant material, for example by cutting or shredding, or by other methods, for example, by an extrusion method.

The term “tensile strength” is used throughout the specification to indicate a measure of the force required to stretch a sheet of homogenised plant material until it breaks. More specifically, the tensile strength is the maximum tensile force per unit width that the sheet material will withstand before breaking and is measured in the machine direction or cross direction of the sheet material. It is expressed in units of Newtons per meter of material (N/m). Tests for measuring the tensile strength of a sheet material are well known. A suitable test is described in the 2014 publication of the International Standard ISO 1924-2 entitled “Paper and Board - Determination of Tensile Properties - Part 2: Constant Rate of Elongation Method”. Further details of the test method are provided under the heading “Test Methods” herein.

As used herein, the term “gathered” denotes that the sheet of homogenised plant material is convoluted, folded, or otherwise compressed or constricted substantially transversely to the cylindrical axis of a plug or a rod.

As used herein, the term “longitudinal” refers to the direction corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, which extends between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating article. During use, air is drawn through the aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction. The term “transverse” refers to the direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. As used herein, the term “length” refers to the dimension of a component in the longitudinal direction and the term “width” refers to the dimension of a component in the transverse direction. For example, in the case of a plug or rod having a circular cross-section, the maximum width corresponds to the diameter of the circle. As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” describe the relative positions of elements, or portions of elements, of the aerosol-generating article in relation to the direction in which the aerosol is transported through the aerosol-generating article during use. The downstream end of the airflow path is the end at which aerosol is delivered to a user of the article.

As used herein, “dry weight” refers to the weight of a particular non-water component relative to the sum of the weights of all non-water components in a mixture, expressed as a percentage. The composition of aqueous mixtures may be referred to by “percentage dry weight.” This refers to the weight of the non-water components relative to the weight of the entire aqueous mixture, expressed as a percentage.

The homogenised plant material used in articles and substrates according to the invention may be produced by various processes including paper making, casting, dough reconstitution, extrusion or any other suitable process.

Some processes such as casting and paper making are more suitable for producing homogenised plant material in sheet form. The term “cast leaf” is used herein to refer to a product made by a casting process that is based on casting a slurry comprising plant particles (for example, a mixture of tobacco particles and first and second non-tobacco plant particles), aerosol former (for example, glycerol), a binder (for example, guar gum), and optionally reinforcement fibres onto a supportive surface, such as a belt conveyor, drying the slurry and removing the dried sheet from the supportive surface. An example of the casting or cast leaf process is described in, for example, US-A-5,724,998 for making cast leaf tobacco. In a cast leaf process, particulate plant materials are produced by pulverizing, grinding, or comminuting parts of the plant. The particles produced from one or more plants are mixed with a liquid component, typically water, to form a slurry. Other components in the slurry may include fibres, a binder and an aerosol former. The particulate plant materials may be agglomerated in the presence of the binder. The slurry is cast onto a supportive surface and dried into a sheet of homogenised plant material. Preferably, the homogenised plant material used in articles and substrates according to the present invention may be produced by casting, that is to say, it may be in the form of cast leaf. Such homogenised plant material may comprise agglomerated particulate plant material.

The paper-making process for producing sheets of homogenised plant material comprises a first step of mixing a plant material and water to form a dilute suspension comprising mostly separate cellulose fibres. This first step may involve soaking and applying heat. The suspension has a lower viscosity and a higher water content than the slurry produced in the casting process. The suspension may then be separated into an insoluble portion containing solid fibrous components and a liquid or aqueous portion comprising soluble plant substances. The water remaining in the insoluble fibrous portion may be drained through a screen, acting as a sieve, such that a web of randomly interwoven fibres may be laid down. Water may be further removed from this web by pressing with rollers, sometimes aided by suction or vacuum. When most of the moisture has been removed, a generally flat, uniform sheet of plant fibres is achieved. The soluble plant substances that were removed from the sheet may be concentrated, and the concentrated plant substances may be added back to the sheet resulting in a sheet of homogenised plant material. This process, as described in US 3,860,012, has been used with tobacco to make reconstituted tobacco products, also known as tobacco paper.

Other known processes that can be applied to producing homogenised plant materials are dough reconstitution processes of the type described in, for example, US-A-3,894,544; and extrusion processes of the type described in, for example, in GB-A-983,928. Typically, the densities of homogenised plant materials produced by extrusion processes and dough reconstitution processes are greater than the densities of the homogenised plant materials produced by casting processes.

The tensile strength is a measure of force required to stretch a sheet of material until it breaks. Paper-making processes typically yield sheets with relatively higher tensile strengths than those produced by cast-leaf, dough reconstitution or extrusion. In a cast-leaf process, because substantially all the soluble fraction is kept within the plant material, most flavours are advantageously preserved. Additionally, energy-intensive paper-making steps are avoided.

Tobacco and common sage have a distinctive, usually fragrant smell. Typically, the flavour released by such plants is due to the presence of one or more flavourants which are volatile compounds in the plant material, and which are volatilised upon heating. By way of example, the main ingredients of common sage essential oil are a-thujone ((1S,4R,5R)-4- Methyl-1 -(propan-2-yl)bicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-one, chemical formula: CioH O, Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number 546-80-5), camphor (1 ,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1 ]heptan- 2-one, chemical formula: CioH O, Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number 76-22-2), eucalyptol (1 ,3,3-Trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, chemical formula: CioH O, Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number 470-82-6), and p-caryophyllene ((1 R, 4E,9S)-4, 11 ,11- Trimethyl-8-methylidenebicyclo[7.2.0]undec-4-ene, chemical formula: C15H24, Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number 87-44-5). However, common sage flavour also includes other compounds, for example, but not limited to a-pinene and p-pinene. The presence of common sage flavour is preferably determined by measuring the a-thujone content, camphor content, eucalyptol content or p-caryophyllene content of the homogenised plant material (or alternatively the a-thujone content, camphor content, eucalyptol content or p-caryophyllene content of aerosol produced when the homogenised plant material is heated). However, the presence of common sage flavour may also be determined by measuring the content of other compounds found in common sage essential oil, including, but not limited to, those listed above. As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “tobacco particles” encompasses ground or powdered tobacco leaf lamina, ground or powdered tobacco leaf stems, tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during the treating, handling and shipping of tobacco. By contrast, isolated nicotine and nicotine salts are compounds derived from tobacco but are not considered tobacco for purposes of the invention and are not included in the percentage of particulate plant material.

Particle sizes herein are stated as D-values, whereby the D-value refers to the percentage of particles by number with a diameter of less than or equal to the given D-value. For instance, in a D90 particle size distribution, 90 percent of the particles by number are of a diameter less than or equal to the given D90 value, and 10% percent of the particles by number are of a diameter measuring greater than the given D90 value. The particle size distribution may be determined by laser diffraction. For example, the particle size distribution may be determined by laser diffraction using a Malvern Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction particle size analyser in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

The tobacco particles may have a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 20 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 300 microns. By this is meant that the tobacco particles may be of a distribution represented by any D90 value within the given range, that is D90 may be equal to 100 microns, or D90 may be equal to 105 microns, et cetera, all the way up to D90 may be equal to 300 microns. Preferably the tobacco particles may have a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 30 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 275 microns, more preferably a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 100 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 250 microns, most preferably a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 120 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 200 microns. The tobacco particles may have a D90 value of at least 100 microns. The diameter of 100 percent of the tobacco particles may be less than or equal to 400 microns, more preferably less than or equal to 350 microns. The particle size range of the tobacco particles enables these tobacco particles to be combined with first non-tobacco plant particles and second non-tobacco plant particles in existing cast leaf processes.

In some embodiments, tobacco may be purposely ground to form particulate tobacco material having a defined particle size distribution, for use in the homogenised plant material. This provides the advantage that the size of the tobacco particles can be controlled to provide a desired particle size distribution. The use of purposely ground tobacco therefore advantageously improves the homogeneity of the particulate tobacco material and the consistency of the homogenised tobacco material. This enables aerosol-generating article having a consistent delivery of aerosol to be provided.

Furthermore, specific portions of the tobacco plant may be selected and ground to the desired size. For example, tobacco lamina may be ground to form the particulate tobacco material. This also contributes to an improvement in the consistency of the homogenised plant material, for example, compared to a material formed using waste tobacco.

The tobacco particles may be prepared from one or more varieties of tobacco plants. Any type of tobacco may be used in a blend. Examples of tobacco types that may be used include, but are not limited to, sun-cured tobacco, flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, Maryland tobacco, Oriental tobacco, Virginia tobacco, other speciality tobaccos, blends thereof and the like. Kasturi is a type of sun-cured tobacco that is commonly used in Kretek cigarettes. Other examples of sun-cured tobacco are Madura and Jatim. Burley is a type of tobacco which plays a significant role in many tobacco blends. Burley has a distinctive flavour and aroma and also has an ability to absorb large amounts of casing.

Flue-curing is a method of curing tobacco, which is particularly used with Virginia tobaccos. During the flue-curing process, heated air is circulated through densely packed tobacco. During a first stage, the tobacco leaves turn yellow and wilt. During a second stage, the laminae of the leaves are completely dried. During a third stage, the leaf stems are completely dried.

Oriental is a type of tobacco which has small leaves, and high aromatic qualities. However, Oriental tobacco has a milder flavour than, for example, Burley. Generally, therefore, Oriental tobacco is used in relatively small proportions in tobacco blends.

Preferably, Kasturi tobacco and flue-cured tobacco may be used in a blend to produce the tobacco particles. Accordingly, the tobacco particles in the particulate plant material may comprise a blend of Kasturi tobacco and flue-cured tobacco.

Although it is considered a non-tobacco material for purposes of the invention, nicotine may optionally be incorporated into the substrate. The nicotine may comprise one or more nicotine salts selected from the list consisting of nicotine citrate, nicotine pyruvate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine pectates, nicotine alginates, and nicotine salicylate. Nicotine may be incorporated in addition to a tobacco with low nicotine content, or as an alternative to tobacco in substrates intended to have a reduced or zero tobacco content.

The particulate plant material comprises at least 75 percent by weight of tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis. The particulate plant material may comprise at least about 80 percent, or at least about 85 percent by weight, or at least about 90 percent by weight of tobacco particles on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the particulate plant material may comprise less than or equal to about 95 percent by weight, or less than or equal to about 97.5 percent by weight of tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis. The particulate plant material may comprise 75 percent by weight to 95 percent by weight, or 80 percent by weight to 95 percent, or 85 precent by weight to 95 percent by weight, or 90 percent by weight to 95 precent by weight of tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis. The particulate plant material may comprise 75 percent by weight to 97.5 percent by weight, or 80 percent by weight to 97.5 percent by weight, or 85 percent by weight to 95 percent by weight, or 90 percent by weight to 97.5 percent by weight of tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis.

The non-tobacco plant flavour particles comprise first non-tobacco plant particles and second non-tobacco plant particles. The first non-tobacco plant is common sage.

As is known, common sage is effectively the leaves of Salvia officinalis. As used herein, the term “common sage” encompasses particles derived from Salvia officinalis leaves and may include whole leaves, ground or crushed leaves, or leaves that have been otherwise physically processed to reduce the particle size. By contrast, common sage essential oil, a- thujone, camphor, eucalyptol, p-caryophyllene, a-pinene and p-pinene are compounds derived from common sage but are not considered common sage particles for purposes of the invention and are not included in the percentages of particulate plant material.

The inclusion of common sage particles in homogenised plant material in the aerosolgenerating substrate provided herein, in combination with tobacco particles and second non- tobacco plant particles, has presently been found to provide an improved common sage aroma during use of the aerosol-generating substrate in an aerosol-generating article compared to addition of common sage additives such as common sage oil. The inventors have found that substrates that do not contain common sage particles and instead contain common sage oil do not deliver a balanced common sage aroma. Moreover, in certain aerosol-generating substrates provided herein, common sage particles may be incorporated at a sufficient level to provide the desired common sage aromas whilst maintaining sufficient tobacco material to provide the desired level of nicotine to the consumer. In one embodiment, the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises one or more sheets of homogenised plant material formed of particulate plant material. In one embodiment, the sheets of homogenised plant material may contain tobacco particles, common sage particles and second non-tobacco plant particles within the same sheet. In other embodiments, the sheets of homogenised plant material may contain tobacco particles, common sage particles and second non-tobacco plant particles within different sheets.

The second non-tobacco plant is selected from star anise, lavender, clove, peppermint, chamomile, rosemary, eucalyptus, ginger, dill seed, thyme, oregano and cumin. Preferably, the second non-tobacco plant is selected from star anise, lavender, clove, peppermint, chamomile and rosemary. More preferably, the second non-tobacco plant is selected from star anise, lavender, peppermint and chamomile. Most preferably, the second non-tobacco plant is chamomile. The second non-tobacco plant may be peppermint.

As used herein, the term “star anise particles” encompasses particles derived from the dried fruits of plants of the genus lllicium, preferably particles derived from lllicium verum Hooker fil. (Illiciaceae). By contrast, star anise essential oil is a distillate and (E)-anethole is a compound derived from star anise. These are not considered star anise particles and are not included in the percentages of particulate plant material.

As used herein, the term “lavender particles” encompasses particles derived from the flowers of plants of the genus Lavandula.

By contrast, lavender essential oil is a distillate and linalool, linalyl acetate, eucalyptol and camphor are compounds derived from lavender. These are not considered lavender particles and are not included in the percentages of particulate plant material.

As used herein, “clove particles” encompasses particles derived from buds and stems of Syzygium aromaticum, a tree in the family Myrtaceae.

By contrast, clove essential oil is a distillate and eugenol is a compound derived from cloves. These are not considered clove particles and are not included in the percentages of particulate plant material.

As used herein, the term “peppermint particles” encompasses particles derived from the leaves and flowers of Mentha x piperita.

By contrast, peppermint essential oil is a distillate and menthol and menthone are compounds derived from peppermint. They are not considered peppermint particles and are not included in the percentages of particulate plant material.

As used herein, “chamomile particles” encompasses particles derived from the flowers of chamomile. The flowers of German chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla L., are preferably used.

By contrast, chamomile essential oil is a distillate, and bisabolol and tonghaosu isomers are compounds derived from chamomile.

As used herein, the term “rosemary” encompasses particles derived from the leaves, twigs and flowers of Salvia rosmarinus.

By contrast, rosemary essential oil is a distillate, and rosmarinic acid, camphor, caffeic acid, ursolic acid, carnosic acid, carnosol, betulinic acid and rosmaridiphenol are compounds derived from rosemary.

As used herein, the term “eucalyptus” encompasses particles derived from plants of the genus Eucalyptus, preferably particles derived from one or more of E. globulus, E. radiata, E. citriodora and E. smithii, most preferably particles derived from E. globulus, such as ground or powdered eucalyptus leaf lamina, and ground or powdered eucalyptus leaf stems.

By contrast, eucalyptus essential oil is a distillate, and eucalyptin, 8- desmethyleucalyptin and eucalyptol are compounds derived from eucalyptus.

As used herein, the term “ginger” encompasses particles derived from the dried root of plants of the genus Zingiber, preferably particles derived from Zingiber officinale Rose. (Zingiberaceae). By contrast, ginger essential oil is a distillate, and [10]-shogaol, [8]-shogaol, [6]- gingerol and [10]-gingerol are compounds derived from ginger.

As used herein, the term “dill seed” encompasses particles derived from the seeds of a dill plant (Anethum graveolens). Dill is an annual herbaceous plant of the Anethum species, in the celery family Apiaceae, which is grown widely in Europe and Asia. Dill leaves and dill seeds are commonly used for flavouring foods.

By contrast, dill oil is a distillate extracted from the leaves, stems and seeds of the plant, and carvone and limonene are compounds derived from dill seed.

As used herein, the term “thyme” encompasses particles derived from the leaves and flowers of a thyme plant Thymus vulgaris).

By contrast, thyme essential oil is distillate extracted from the thyme plant, and ursolic acid and thymol are compounds derived from thyme.

As used herein, the term “oregano” encompasses particles derived from the leaves of oregano (Oreganum vulgare). Oreganum vulgare L. is a flowering plant of the Lamiacea family, which is native to western and southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region. Oregano is a culinary herb, the leaves of which are commonly used to provide a distinct flavour to foods.

By contrast, oregano essential oil is a distillate extracted from the leaves of the oregano plant. The primary flavour compounds in the oregano essential oil include isothymol (carvacrol) and thymol.

As used herein, the term “cumin” encompasses particles derived from the dried seeds of cumin (Cuminum cyminum). Cuminum cyminum is a herbaceous plant of the Apiaceae family, which is native to southwestern Asia and the Middle East. Cumin seeds are commonly used as a spice to provide a distinct flavour to foods.

By contrast, cumin seed oil is a distillate extracted from the seeds of the cumin plant. The primary flavour compounds in the cumin seed essential oil include cuminaldehyde and cymene.

The weight ratio of the particles of the first non-tobacco plant to the particles of the second non-tobacco plant is at least 0.4.

Preferably the weight ratio of the particles of the first non-tobacco plant to the particles of the second non-tobacco plant is at least 0.5. Preferably the weight ratio of the particles of the first non-tobacco plant to the second non-tobacco plant is less than or equal to 0.75.

The weight ratio of the particles of the two different non-tobacco plant materials is controlled in order to maximise the sensory balance between the first non-tobacco plant flavour and the second non-tobacco plant flavour, such that a consumer may appreciate the sensory properties of both non-tobacco plant flavours, yet neither of the non-tobacco plant flavours is overpowering. The particulate plant material comprises at least 4 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles, on a dry weight basis. The particulate plant material may comprise at least about 5 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles, or at least 7.5 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles, or at least about 9 percent by weight of non- tobacco plant flavour particles, or at least about 10 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles, or at least about 13 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles, or at least about 15 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles, on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the particulate plant material comprises less than or equal to about 25 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles, or less than or equal to about 20 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles, or less than or equal to about 15 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles, on a dry weight basis.

The particulate plant material may comprise 4 percent by weight to 25 percent by weight, or 4 percent by weight to 20 percent by weight, or 4 percent by weight to 15 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles, on a dry weight basis. The particulate plant material may comprise 5 percent by weight to 25 percent by weight, or 5 percent by weight to 20 percent by weight, or 5 percent by weight to 15 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles, on a dry weight basis. The particulate plant material may comprise 7.5 percent by weight to 25 percent by weight, or 7.5 percent by weight to 20 percent by weight, or 7.5 percent by weight to 15 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles, on a dry weight basis. The particulate plant material may comprise 9 percent by weight to 25 percent by weight, or 9 percent by weight to 20 percent by weight, or 9 percent by weight to 15 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles, on a dry weight basis. The particulate plant material may comprise 13 percent by weight to 25 percent by weight, or 13 percent by weight to 20 percent by weight, or 13 percent by weight to 15 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles, on a dry weight basis. The particulate plant material may comprise 15 percent by weight to 25 percent by weight, or 15 percent by weight to 20 percent by weight, of non-tobacco plant flavour particles, on a dry weight basis.

A sensory balance between the tobacco and non-tobacco plant flavours may be achieved by controlling the weight of tobacco and non-tobacco plant particles within the particulate plant material, such that a consumer may appreciate the sensory properties of tobacco and non-tobacco plant flavours, yet none of the flavours is overpowering.

The particulate plant material may comprise at least 2 percent by weight of the first non-tobacco plant particles, in this case common sage particles, on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the particulate plant material may comprise at least 3 percent by weight, or at least 5 percent by weight of the first non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis. An amount of at least 2 percent by weight, or at least 3 percent by weight, or at least 5 percent by weight of the first non-tobacco plant particles is preferred as it ensures that an adequate quantity of the first non-tobacco plant particles is present for a consumer to appreciate the sensory properties of the first non-tobacco plant flavour. When tested by a consumer panel, the sensory properties are statistically significant compared to a non-botanical equivalent.

The particulate plant material may comprise less than or equal to 8 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 10 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 14 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 15 percent by weight of the first non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis. An amount of less than or equal to 8 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 14 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 15 percent by weight of the first non-tobacco plant particles is preferred as it ensures that the sensory properties of the first non-tobacco plant flavour are not overpowering to a consumer.

The particulate plant material may comprise 2 percent by weight to 8 percent by weight, or 2 percent by weight to 10 percent by weight, or 2 percent by weight to 14 percent by weight, or 2 percent by weight to 15 percent by weight, or 3 percent by weight to 8 percent by weight, or 3 percent by weight to 10 percent by weight, or 3 percent by weight to 14 percent by weight, or 3 percent by weight to 15 percent by weight, or 5 percent by weight to 8 percent by weight, or 5 percent by weight to 10 percent by weight, or 5 percent by weight to 14 percent by weight, or 5 percent by weight to 15 of the first non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis.

The particulate plant material may comprise at least 2 percent by weight of the second non-tobacco plant particles. The particulate plant material may comprise at least 3 percent, or at least 4 percent, or at least 5 percent, or at least 6 percent by weight of the second non- tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis. An amount of at least 2 percent by weight, or at least 3 percent by weight, or at least 4 percent by weight, or at least 5 percent by weight, or at least 6 percent by weight of the second non-tobacco plant particles is preferred as it ensures that an adequate quantity of the second non-tobacco plant particles is present for a consumer to appreciate the sensory properties of the second non-tobacco plant flavour. When tested by a consumer panel, the sensory properties are statistically significant compared to a non- botanical equivalent.

Preferably, the particulate plant material may comprise less than or equal to 8 percent by weight or less than or equal to 10 percent by weight of the second non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis. An amount of less than or equal to 10 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 8 percent by weight of the second non-tobacco plant particles is preferred as it ensures that the sensory properties of the second non-tobacco plant are not overpowering to a consumer.

The particulate plant material may comprise 2 percent by weight to 10 percent by weight, or 3 percent by weight to 10 percent by weight, 4 percent by weight to 10 percent by weight, or 5 percent by weight to 10 percent by weight, or 6 percent by weight to 10 percent by weight of the second non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis. The particulate plant material may comprise 2 percent by weight to 8 percent by weight, or 3 percent by weight to 8 percent by weight, 4 percent by weight to 8 percent by weight, or 5 percent by weight to 8 percent by weight, or 6 percent by weight to 8 percent by weight of the second non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis. As described previously herein, the second non-tobacco plant is selected from star anise, lavender, clove, peppermint, chamomile, rosemary, eucalyptus, ginger, dill seed, thyme, oregano and cumin. Preferably, the second non-tobacco plant is selected from star anise, lavender, clove, peppermint, chamomile and rosemary. More preferably, the second non-tobacco plant is selected from star anise, lavender, peppermint and chamomile. Most preferably, the second non-tobacco plant is chamomile. The second non-tobacco plant may be peppermint.

The second non-tobacco plant may be chamomile. In one embodiment, the particulate plant material may comprise at least 3 percent by weight of the second non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis, wherein the second non-tobacco plant is chamomile. The particulate plant material may further comprise at least 2 percent by weight of first non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis, wherein the first non-tobacco plant is common sage. The particulate plant material may further comprise at least 90 percent by weight of tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis.

In one embodiment, the particulate plant material may comprise at least 4 percent by weight of the second non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis, wherein the second non-tobacco plant is chamomile. The particulate plant material may further comprise at least 2 percent by weight, preferably at least 3 percent by weight, more preferably at least 4 percent by weight, of first non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis, wherein the first non- tobacco plant is common sage. The particulate plant material may further comprise at least 90 percent by weight of tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis.

In one embodiment, the particulate plant material may comprise at least 5 percent by weight of the second non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis, wherein the second non-tobacco plant is chamomile. The particulate plant material may further comprise at least 2 percent by weight of first non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis, wherein the first non-tobacco plant is common sage. The particulate plant material may further comprise at least 90 percent by weight of tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis.

In one embodiment, the particulate plant material may comprise at least 5 percent by weight of the second non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis, wherein the second non-tobacco plant is chamomile. The particulate plant material may further comprise at least 5 percent by weight of first non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis, wherein the first non-tobacco plant is common sage. The particulate plant material may further comprise at least 89 percent by weight of tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis. In another embodiment, the particulate plant material may comprise at least 6 percent by weight of the second non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis, wherein the second non-tobacco plant is chamomile. The particulate plant material may further comprise at least 3 percent by weight of first non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis, wherein the first non-tobacco plant is common sage. The particulate plant material may further comprise at least 89 percent by weight of tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis.

The second non-tobacco plant may be peppermint. In one embodiment, the particulate plant material may comprise at least 3 percent by weight, preferably at least 4 percent by weight, more preferably at least 5 percent by weight, of the second non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis, wherein the second non-tobacco plant is peppermint. The particulate plant material may further comprise at least 2 percent by weight of first non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis, wherein the first non-tobacco plant is common sage. The particulate plant material may further comprise at least 90 percent by weight of tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis.

The particulate plant material may have a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 20 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 300 microns. Preferably the particulate plant material may have a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 30 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 275 microns, more preferably a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 100 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 250 microns, most preferably a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 120 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 200 microns. The particulate plant material may have a D90 value of at least 100 microns. The diameter of 100 percent of the particulate plant material may be less than or equal to 400 microns, more preferably less than or equal to 350 microns.

The non-tobacco plant flavour particles may have a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 20 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 300 microns. Preferably the non- tobacco plant flavour particles may have a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 30 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 275 microns, more preferably a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 100 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 250 microns, most preferably a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 120 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 200 microns. The non-tobacco plant flavour particles may have a D90 value of at least 100 microns. The diameter of 100 percent of the non-tobacco plant flavour particles may be less than or equal to 400 microns, more preferably less than or equal to 350 microns. The particle size range of the non-tobacco plant flavour particles enables these non- tobacco plant flavour particles to be combined with tobacco particles in existing cast leaf processes. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the particle size range of the non-tobacco plant flavour particles may reduce or prevent loss of volatile flavour essential oils from the non- tobacco plant flavour particles, as excessive grinding of the particles may cause volatile flavour essential oils to separate from the particles and to evaporate from the relatively large surface area of the relatively small particles.

The first non-tobacco plant particles may have a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 20 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 300 microns. Preferably the first non-tobacco plant particles may have a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 30 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 275 microns, more preferably a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 100 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 250 microns, most preferably a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 120 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 200 microns. The first non-tobacco plant particles have a D90 value of at least 100 microns. The diameter of 100 percent of the first non-tobacco plant particles may be less than or equal to 400 microns, more preferably less than or equal to 350 microns. The particle size range of the first non-tobacco plant particles enables these first non-tobacco plant particles to be combined with tobacco particles and the second non-tobacco plant particles in existing cast leaf processes.

The second non-tobacco plant particles may have a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 20 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 300 microns. Preferably the second non-tobacco plant particles may have a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 30 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 275 microns, more preferably a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 100 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 250 microns, most preferably a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 120 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 200 microns. The second non-tobacco plant particles have a D90 value of at least 100 microns. The diameter of 100 percent of the second non-tobacco plant particles may be less than or equal to 400 microns, more preferably less than or equal to 350 microns. The particle size range of the second non-tobacco plant particles enables these second non- tobacco plant particles to be combined with tobacco particles and the first non-tobacco plant particles in existing cast leaf processes.

The homogenised plant material comprises an aerosol former, a binder, and the particulate plant material.

The homogenised plant material may comprise at least 60 percent by weight, or at least 65 percent by weight, or at least 70 percent by weight, or at least 75 percent by weight of the particulate plant material, on a dry weight basis. The homogenised plant material may comprise less than or equal to 80 percent by weight of the particulate plant material, on a dry weight basis. The homogenised plant material may comprise between 60 percent by weight and 80 percent by weight, or between 65 percent by weight and 80 percent by weight, or between 70 percent by weight and 80 percent by weight, or between 75 percent by weight and 80 percent by weight of the particulate plant material, on a dry weight basis. The homogenised plant material may comprise at least 3 percent by weight, or at least

3.5 percent by weight, or at least 5 percent by weight, or at least 7.5 percent by weight, or at least 10 percent by weight of the non-tobacco plant flavour particles, on a dry weight basis. The homogenised plant material may comprise less than or equal to 20 percent by weight or less than or equal to 15 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles, on a dry weight basis. The homogenised plant material may comprise between 3 percent by weight and 20 percent by weight, or between 3.5 percent by weight and 20 percent by weight, or between 5 percent by weight and 20 percent by weight, or between 7.5 percent by weight and 20 percent by weight, or between 10 percent by weight and 20 percent by weight of non- tobacco plant flavour particles, on a dry weight basis. The homogenised plant material may comprise between 3 percent by weight and 15 percent by weight, or between 3.5 percent by weight and 15 percent by weight, or between 5 percent by weight and 15 percent by weight, or between 7.5 percent by weight and 15 percent by weight, or between 10 percent by weight and 15 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles, on a dry weight basis.

The homogenised plant material may comprise at least 2 percent by weight, or at least

2.5 percent by weight, or at least 5 percent by weight of common sage particles, on a dry weight basis. The homogenised plant material may comprise less than or equal to 19 percent by weight of common sage particles, or less than or equal to 15 percent by weight of common sage particles, or less than or equal to 12 percent by weight of common sage particles, or less than or equal to 10 percent by weight of common sage particles, or less than or equal to 6 percent by weight common sage particles, on a dry weight basis. The homogenised plant material may comprise between 2 percent by weight and 19 percent by weight, or between

2.5 percent by weight and 19 percent by weight, or between 5 percent by weight and 19 percent by weight, or between 2 percent by weight and 15 percent by weight, or between 2.5 percent by weight and 15 percent by weight, or between 5 percent by weight and 15 percent by weight, or between 2 percent by weight and 12 percent by weight, or between 2.5 percent by weight and 12 percent by weight, or between 5 percent by weight and 12 percent by weight, or between 2 percent by weight and 10 percent by weight, or between 2.5 percent by weight and 10 percent by weight, or between 5 percent by weight and 10 percent by weight, or between 2 percent by weight and 6 percent by weight, or between 2.5 percent by weight and 6 percent by weight, or between 5 percent by weight and 6 percent by weight of common sage particles, on a dry weight basis. As indicated above, an amount of at least 2 percent by weight, or at least 2.5 percent by weight, or at least 5 percent by weight of common sage particles is preferred as it ensures that an adequate quantity of common sage particles is present for a consumer to appreciate the sensory properties of common sage. When tested by a consumer panel, the sensory properties are statistically significant compared to a non-botanical equivalent. As indicated above, an amount of less than or equal to 19 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 15 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 12 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 10 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 6 percent by weight of common sage particles is preferred as it ensures that the sensory properties of common sage are not overpowering to a consumer.

The homogenised plant material may comprise at least 1 percent by weight, or at least 2 percent by weight, or at least 3 percent by weight, or at least 4 percent by weight of the second non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis. The homogenised plant material may comprise less than or equal to 10 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 8 percent by weight of the second non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis. The homogenised plant material may comprise between 1 percent by weight and 10 percent by weight, or between 2 percent by weight and 10 percent by weight, or between 3 percent by weight and 10 percent by weight, or between 4 percent by weight and 10 percent by weight of the second non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis. The homogenised plant material may comprise between 1 percent by weight and 8 percent by weight, or between 2 percent by weight and 8 percent by weight, or between 3 percent by weight and 8 percent by weight, or between 4 percent by weight and 8 percent by weight of the second non-tobacco plant particles, on a dry weight basis. As indicated above, an amount of at least 1 percent by weight, or at least 2 percent by weight, or at least 3 percent by weight, or at least 4 percent by weight of the second non-tobacco plant particles is preferred as it ensures that an adequate quantity of the second non-tobacco plant particles is present for a consumer to appreciate the sensory properties of the second non-tobacco plant flavour. When tested by a consumer panel, the sensory properties are statistically significant compared to a non-botanical equivalent. As indicated above, an amount of less than or equal to 10 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 8 percent by weight of the second non-tobacco plant is preferred as it ensures that the sensory properties of the second non-tobacco plant flavour are not overpowering to a consumer.

The homogenised plant material is preferably in the form of a solid or a gel. However, in some embodiments the homogenised plant material may be in the form of a solid that is not a gel. Preferably, the homogenised plant material is not in the form of a film.

The homogenised plant material of the aerosol-generating article or substrate according to the invention can advantageously comprise all of the particulate plant material that it is required for incorporation into the aerosol-generating substrate. The composition of the homogenised plant material can advantageously be adjusted through the blending of desired amounts and types of the different plant particles. This enables an aerosol-generating substrate to be formed from a single homogenised plant material, if desired, without the need for the combination or mixing of different blends, as is the case for example in the production of conventional cut filler. The production of the aerosol-generating substrate can therefore potentially be simplified.

The homogenised plant material comprises one or more aerosol formers. Functionally, an aerosol former is a component that may be volatilized and may convey one or more of nicotine and flavourant in an aerosol when the homogenised plant material is heated above the specific volatilization temperature of the aerosol former. An aerosol former may be any suitable compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates formation of a dense and stable aerosol and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article. Different aerosol formers vaporize at different temperatures. Thus, an aerosol former may be chosen based on its ability to remain stable at or around room temperature but volatize at a higher temperature, for example between 40- 450°C.

The aerosol former may also have humectant type properties that help maintain a desirable level of moisture in the homogenised plant material. In particular, some aerosol formers are hygroscopic materials that function as a humectant.

Suitable aerosol formers and humectants for inclusion in the homogenised plant material are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butanediol and glycerine; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

Preferably, the homogenised plant material comprises at least 10 percent by weight aerosol former, on a dry weight basis. For example, the homogenised plant material may have an aerosol former content of between about 5 percent and about 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, such as between about 10 percent and about 25 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, or between about 15 percent and about 20 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. If the substrate is intended for use in an aerosol-generating article for an electrically- operated aerosol-generating system having a heating element, it may preferably include an aerosol former of greater than 5 percent to about 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. If the substrate is intended for use in an aerosol-generating article for an electrically-operated aerosol-generating system having a heating element, the aerosol former may preferably be glycerine.

The homogenised plant material comprises or more binders to help agglomerate the particulate plant material. Alternatively, or in addition, the homogenised plant material may comprise other additives including, but not limited to, lipids, fibres, humectants, plasticisers, flavourants, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents and combinations thereof.

A binder may be endogenous or exogenous to the particulate plant material. Suitable binders for inclusion in the homogenised plant material as described herein are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: gums such as, for example, guar gum, xanthan gum, arabic gum and locust bean gum; cellulosic binders such as, for example, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and ethyl cellulose; polysaccharides such as, for example, starches, organic acids, such as alginic acid, conjugate base salts of organic acids, such as sodium-alginate, agar and pectins; and combinations thereof. Preferably, the binder may comprise guar gum. The binder may be present in an amount of from about 1 percent to about 10 percent by weight, based on the dry weight of the homogenised plant material, preferably in an amount of from about 2 percent to about 5 percent by weight, based on the dry weight of the homogenised plant material.

The homogenised plant material may comprise reinforcement fibres. Suitable reinforcement fibres for inclusion in the homogenised plant material are known in the art and include fibres formed from plant material other than tobacco material, first non-tobacco plant material and second non-tobacco plant material, including but not limited to: cellulose fibres; soft-wood fibres; hard-wood fibres; jute fibres and combinations thereof. Prior to inclusion in the homogenised plant material, fibres may be treated by suitable processes known in the art including, but not limited to: mechanical pulping; refining; chemical pulping; bleaching; sulfate pulping; and combinations thereof. A fibre typically has a length greater than its width. Suitable fibres typically have lengths of greater than 400 pm and less than or equal to 4 mm, preferably within the range of 0.7 mm to 4 mm. The homogenised plant material may be formed of a combination of particulate plant material and reinforcement fibres formed from plant material other than tobacco material, first non-tobacco plant material and second non-tobacco plant material. The weight percentages of other fibrous material are not added to the weight of particulate plant material in determination of the weight percentages based on total weight of particulate plant material.

The reinforcement fibres may be present in an amount between about 2 percent to about 15 percent, based on the dry weight of the homogenised plant material, preferably in an amount of from about 3 percent to about 5 percent, based on the dry weight of the homogenised plant material.

Preferably, the homogenised plant material is in the form of one or more sheets of homogenised plant material.

The one or more sheets as described herein may each individually have a thickness of between 100 microns and 600 microns, preferably between 100 microns and 400 microns, preferably between 150 microns and 300 microns, and most preferably between 200 microns and 280 microns. Individual thickness refers to the thickness of the individual sheet, whereas combined thickness refers to the total thickness of all sheets that make up the aerosolgenerating substrate. For example, if the aerosol-generating substrate is formed from two individual sheets, then the combined thickness is the sum of the thickness of the two individual sheets or the measured thickness of the two sheets where they are stacked in the aerosolgenerating substrate.

The one or more sheets as described herein may each have an average thickness of between 100 microns and 600 microns, preferably between 100 microns and 400 microns, preferably between 150 microns and 300 microns, and most preferably between 200 microns and 280 microns.

The one or more sheets as described herein may each individually have a grammage of between about 100 grams per square metre and about 300 grams per square metre.

The one or more sheets as described herein may each individually have a density of from about 0.3 g/cm³ to about 1.3 g/cm³, and preferably from about 0.7 g/cm³ to about 1.0 g/cm³.

The one or more sheets as described herein may each individually have a tensile strength at peak in a cross direction of between 50 N/m and 400 N/m or preferably between 150 N/m and 350 N/m, normalized to a thickness of a single sheet, whereby the thickness of the single sheet ranges from 215 pm to 275 pm. The one or more sheets as described herein may each individually have a tensile strength at peak in a machine direction of between 100 N/m and 800 N/m or preferably between 280 N/m and 620 N/m, normalized to a thickness of a single sheet, whereby the thickness of the single sheet ranges from 215 pm to 275 pm. The machine direction refers to the direction in which the sheet material would be rolled onto or unrolled from a bobbin and fed into a machine, while the cross direction is perpendicular to the machine direction. Such values of tensile strength make sheets and methods described herein particularly suitable for subsequent operations involving mechanical stresses.

The provision of a sheet having the levels of thickness, grammage and tensile strength as defined above advantageously optimises the machinability of the sheet to form the aerosolgenerating substrate and ensures that damage, such as tearing of the sheet, is avoided during high speed processing of the sheet.

Preferably the one or more sheets may be in the form of one or more gathered sheets. Preferably the rod of aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more gathered sheets of the homogenized plant material, circumscribed by a wrapper.

The sheet of homogenised plant material may preferably be gathered transversely relative to the longitudinal axis thereof and circumscribed with a wrapper to form a continuous rod or a plug. The continuous rod may be severed into a plurality of discrete rods or plugs. The wrapper may be a paper wrapper or a non-paper wrapper. Suitable paper wrappers for use in specific embodiments of the invention are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: cigarette papers; and filter plug wraps. Suitable non-paper wrappers for use in specific embodiments of the invention are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: homogenised tobacco materials. Homogenised tobacco wrappers are particularly suitable for use in embodiments wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more sheets of homogenised plant material formed of particulate plant material, the particulate plant material containing first non-tobacco plant particles and second non-tobacco plant particles in combination with a relatively low percentage by weight of tobacco particles.

The sheet of homogenised plant material may be textured through crimping, embossing, perforating or otherwise texturing prior to gathering or being cut into shreds. Preferably the sheet of homogenised plant material is crimped prior to gathering, such that the homogenised plant material may be in the form of a crimped sheet, more preferably in the form of a gathered crimped sheet. As used herein, the term “crimped sheet” denotes a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations.

Alternatively, the homogenised plant material may be in the form of a plurality of shreds, strands or strips. The shreds, strands or strips may be used to form a plug.

In some embodiments, the strands may be formed in situ within the aerosol-generating substrate as a result of the splitting or cracking of a sheet of homogenised plant material during formation of the aerosol-generating substrate, for example, as a result of crimping. The strands of homogenised plant material within the aerosol-generating substrate may be separate from each other. Alternatively, each strand of homogenised plant material within the aerosolgenerating substrate may be at least partially connected to an adjacent strand or strands along the length of the strands. For example, adjacent strands may be connected by one or more fibres. This may occur, for example, where the strands have been formed due to the splitting of a sheet of homogenised plant material during production of the aerosol-generating substrate, as described above.

Typically, the width of such shreds, strands or strips is about 5 mm, or about 4mm, or about 3 mm, or about 2 mm or less. The length of the shreds, strands or strips may be greater than about 5 mm, between about 5 mm to about 15 mm, about 8 mm to about 12 mm, or about 12 mm. The length of the shreds, strands or strips may be determined by the manufacturing process whereby a rod is cut into shorter plugs and the length of the shreds, strands or strips corresponds to the length of the plug. The shreds, strands or strips may be fragile which may result in breakage especially during transit. In such cases, the length of some of the shreds, strands or strips may be less than the length of the plug.

The plurality of strands preferably extend substantially longitudinally along the length of the aerosol-generating substrate, aligned with the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the plurality of strands are therefore aligned substantially parallel to each other. This provides a relatively uniform, regular structure which facilitates the insertion of an internal heater element into the aerosol-generating substrate and optimises the efficiency of heating.

In one embodiment, the substrate may be in the form of a single plug of aerosolgenerating substrate. Most preferably, the plug of aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more sheets of homogenised plant material. Preferably, the one or more sheets of homogenised plant material may be crimped such that it has a plurality of ridges or corrugations substantially parallel to the cylindrical axis of the plug. This advantageously facilitates gathering of the crimped sheet of homogenised plant material to form the plug. Preferably, the one or more sheets of homogenised plant material may be gathered. It will be appreciated that crimped sheets of homogenised plant material may alternatively or in addition have a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations disposed at an acute or obtuse angle to the cylindrical axis of the plug. The sheet may be crimped to such an extent that the integrity of the sheet becomes disrupted at the plurality of parallel ridges or corrugations causing separation of the material, and results in the formation of shreds, strands or strips of homogenised plant material.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating substrate comprising homogenised plant material comprising an aerosol former, a binder and particulate plant material. The particulate plant material comprises at least 75 percent by weight of tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis and at least 5 percent by weight of nontobacco plant flavour particles on a dry weight basis. The non-tobacco plant flavour particles comprise particles of a first non-tobacco plant and particles of a second non-tobacco plant which is different to the first non-tobacco plant. The first non-tobacco plant is common sage and the weight ratio of the particles of the first non-tobacco plant to the particles of the second non-tobacco plant is at least 0.5.

The homogenised plant material, aerosol former, binder, particulate plant material, tobacco particles, and first and second non-tobacco plant particles are all as described above with respect to the first aspect of the invention.

The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of less than or equal to 1000 milligrams per cubic centimetre. Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of less than or equal to 900 milligrams per cubic centimetre. More preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of less than or equal to 800 milligrams per cubic centimetre.

Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate may have an average density of at least 200 milligrams per cubic centimetre. More preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of at least 300 milligrams per cubic centimetre. More preferably, the aerosolgenerating substrate may have a density of at least 400 milligrams per cubic centimetre. More preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of at least 500 milligrams per cubic centimetre.

For example, the aerosol-generating substrate preferably has a density of between 200 milligrams per cubic centimetre and 1000 milligrams per cubic centimetre, or between 300 milligrams per cubic centimetre and 950 milligrams per cubic centimetre, or between 400 milligrams per cubic centimetre and 900 milligrams per cubic centimetre, or between 500 milligrams per cubic centimetre and 800 milligrams per cubic centimetre, or between 700 milligrams per cubic centimetre and 800 milligrams per cubic centimetre.

The term “density” as used herein in relation to the aerosol-generating substrate refers to the bulk density of the aerosol-generating substrate. This can be calculated by measuring the total weight of the aerosol-generating substrate and dividing this by the volume of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate (excluding any wrapper).

Advantageously, increasing the density of the aerosol-generating substrate may increase the weight of the aerosol-generating substrate. Increasing the weight of the aerosolgenerating substrate may consequently increase the ratio of the weight of the aerosolgenerating substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article.

The inventors of the present invention have found that a relatively high density of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate advantageously results in an extended experience duration for a user. For example, the duration of the experience for a user may be doubled. Despite the increased experience duration, the delivery of aerosol from the aerosol-generating article may be maintained within a normal range that is expected from a user due to the presence of a higher proportion by weight of aerosol-generating substrate in the article.

In some preferred embodiments, the rod of aerosol-generating substrate comprises at least 250 milligrams of homogenised plant material.

In some preferred embodiments, the rod of aerosol-forming substrate further comprises a heating element arranged to heat the homogenised plant material. The heating element may be one or more susceptor elements.

In some preferred embodiments, the rod of aerosol-generating substrate has a length of less than or equal to 20 millimetres. More preferably, the rod of aerosol-generating substrate has a length of less than or equal to 18 millimetres. More preferably, the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate has a length of less than or equal to 15 millimetres. More preferably, the rod of aerosol generating substrate has a length of less than or equal to 14 millimetres. More preferably, the rod of aerosol-generating substrate has a length of less or equal to than 13 millimetres.

Preferably, the rod of aerosol-generating substrate has a length of at least 6 millimetres. More preferably, the rod of aerosol-generating substrate has a length of at least 10 millimetres.

For example, the rod of aerosol-generating substrate has a length of between 6 millimetres and 20 millimetres, or between 6 millimetres and 18 millimetres, or between 6 millimetres and 15 millimetres, or between 6 millimetres and 14 millimetres, or between 6 millimetres and 13 millimetres, or between 10 millimetres and 18 millimetres, or between 10 millimetres and 15 millimetres, or between 10 millimetres and 14 millimetres, or between 10 millimetres and 13 millimetres.

In some preferred embodiments, a ratio of the length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate to the length of the aerosol-generating article is less than 0.4. More preferably, the ratio of the length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate to the length of the aerosolgenerating article is less than 0.35. More preferably, the ratio of the length of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate to the length of the aerosol-generating article is less than 0.3.

Preferably, the ratio of the length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate to the length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.15. More preferably, the ratio of the length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate to the length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.2. More preferably, the ratio of the length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate to the length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.25. More preferably, the ratio of the length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate to the length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.3.

For example, the ratio of the length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.15 and 0.4, or between 0.2 and 0.35, or between 0.25 and 0.3, or between 0.3 and 0.4.

The rod of aerosol-generating substrate preferably has an external diameter that is approximately equal to the external diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

The “external diameter of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate” may be calculated as the average of a plurality of measurements of the diameter of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate taken at different locations along the length of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate.

Preferably, the rod of aerosol-generating substrate has an external diameter of at least about 5 millimetres. More preferably, the rod of aerosol-generating substrate has an external diameter of at least about 6 millimetres. Even more preferably, the rod of aerosol-generating substrate has an external diameter of at least about 7 millimetres.

The rod of aerosol-generating substrate preferably has an external diameter of less than or equal to about 12 millimetres. More preferably, the rod of aerosol-generating substrate has an external diameter of less than or equal to about 10 millimetres. Even more preferably, the rod of aerosol-generating substrate has an external diameter of less than or equal to about 8 millimetres.

In some embodiments, the rod of aerosol-generating substrate has an external diameter from about 5 millimetres to about 12 millimetres, preferably from about 6 millimetres to about 12 millimetres, more preferably from about 7 millimetres to about 12 millimetres. In other embodiments, the rod of aerosol-generating substrate has an external diameter from about 5 millimetres to about 12 millimetres, preferably from about 6 millimetres to about 10 millimetres, more preferably from about 7 millimetres to about 10 millimetres. In further embodiments, the rod of aerosol-generating substrate has an external diameter from about 5 millimetres to about 8 millimetres, preferably from about 6 millimetres to about 8 millimetres, more preferably from about 7 millimetres to about 8 millimetres.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the rod of aerosol-generating substrate has an external diameter of less than about 7.5 millimetres. By way of example, the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate may an external diameter of about 7.2 millimetres.

Aerosol-generating articles according to the present invention may comprise a downstream section provided downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate. The downstream section is preferably located immediately downstream of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate. The downstream section of the aerosol-generating article preferably extends between the rod of aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream section may comprise one or more elements, each of which will be described in more detail within the present disclosure.

A length of the downstream section is preferably between 20 millimetres and 70 millimetres, or between 25 millimetres and 60 millimetres, or between 30 millimetres and 50 millimetres.

The downstream section may comprise at least one hollow tubular element provided downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate. The hollow tubular element may advantageously provide an aerosol-cooling element for the aerosol-generating article.

The hollow tubular element is provided immediately downstream of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate. In other words, the hollow tubular element abuts a downstream end of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate. The hollow tubular element may define an upstream end of the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may coincide with the downstream end of the downstream section. In some embodiments, the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article comprises a single hollow tubular element. In other words, the downstream section of the aerosolgenerating article may comprise only one hollow tubular element. In other embodiments, the downstream section comprises two or more hollow tubular elements, as described below.

In the context of the present invention, a hollow tubular element provides an unrestricted flow channel. This means that the hollow tubular element provides a negligible level of RTD. The term “negligible level of RTD” is used to describe an RTD of less than 1 millimetres H2O per 10 millimetres of length of the hollow tubular element, preferably less than 0.4 millimetres H2O per 10 millimetres of length of the hollow tubular element, more preferably less than 0.1 millimetres H2O per 10 millimetres of length of the hollow tubular element. The RTD of a hollow tubular element is preferably less than or equal to 10 millimetres H₂O, or less than or equal to 5 millimetres H₂O, or less than or equal to 2.5 millimetres H₂O, or less than or equal to 2 millimetres H₂O, or less than or equal to 1 millimetre H₂O.

The RTD of a hollow tubular element may be at least 0 millimetres H₂O, or at least 0.25 millimetres H₂O or at least 0.5 millimetres H₂O or at least 1 millimetre H₂O.

The flow channel should therefore be free from any components that would obstruct the flow of air in a longitudinal direction. Preferably, the flow channel is substantially empty and particularly preferably the flow channel is empty.

Preferably, the aerosol-generating article comprises a ventilation zone. The ventilation zone is preferably provided at a location along the hollow tubular element of the downstream section. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article preferably comprises a ventilation zone at a location along the hollow tubular element. Such, or any, ventilation zone preferably extends through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element. As such, fluid communication is established between the flow channel internally defined by the hollow tubular element and the outer environment. The ventilation zone is further described within the present disclosure.

Preferably, the hollow tubular element of the downstream section has a length of between 10 millimetres and 50 millimetres, or between 15 millimetres and 40 millimetres, or between 17 millimetres and 25 millimetres.

Preferably, the wall thickness of the hollow tubular element is between 100 micrometres and 2 millimetres, or between 150 micrometres and 1.5 millimetres, or between 200 micrometres and 1.25 millimetres.

The hollow tubular element preferably has an external diameter that is approximately equal to the external diameter of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate and to the external diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

Preferably, the external diameter of the hollow tubular element is between 5 millimetres and 12 millimetres, more preferably between 6 millimetres and 10 millimetres, more preferably between 7 millimetres and 8 millimetres. In some embodiments, the external diameter of the hollow tubular element may be less than 7 millimetres, for example, between 5 millimetres and 7 millimetres, or between 6 millimetres and 7 millimetres.

Preferably, the hollow tubular element may have a constant internal diameter along a length of the hollow tubular element. However, the internal diameter of the hollow tubular element may vary along the length of the hollow tubular element.

The hollow tubular element preferably has an internal diameter of at least 2 millimetres. For example, the hollow tubular element may have an internal diameter of at least 3 millimetres, at least 4 millimetres, or at least 5 millimetres. The hollow tubular element preferably has an internal diameter of no more than 10 millimetres. For example, the hollow tubular element may have an internal diameter of no more than 9 millimetres, no more than 8 millimetres, or no more than 7 millimetres.

The hollow tubular element preferably has an internal diameter of between 2 millimetres and 10 millimetres, between 3 millimetres and 9 millimetres, between 4 millimetres and 8 millimetres, or between 5 millimetres and 7 millimetres.

Preferably, the hollow tubular element of the downstream section may have an internal volume of between 260 cubic millimetres and 800 cubic millimetres. More preferably, the hollow tubular element of the downstream section may have an internal volume of between 300 cubic millimetres and 800 cubic millimetres. More preferably, the hollow tubular element of the downstream section may have an internal volume of between 500 cubic millimetres and 800 cubic millimetres. More preferably, the hollow tubular element of the downstream section may have an internal volume of between 700 cubic millimetres and 800 cubic millimetres.

The lumen or cavity of the hollow tubular element preferably has any cross sectional shape. The lumen of the hollow tubular element may have a circular cross sectional shape.

The hollow tubular element preferably comprises a paper-based material. The hollow tubular element preferably comprises at least one layer of paper. The paper is preferably very rigid paper. The paper is preferably crimped paper, such as crimped heat resistant paper or crimped parchment paper.

Preferably, the hollow tubular element comprises cardboard. The hollow tubular element is preferably a cardboard tube. The hollow tubular element is preferably formed from cardboard.

The hollow tubular element preferably a paper tube. The hollow tubular element is preferably a tube formed from spirally wound paper. The hollow tubular element is preferably formed from a plurality of layers of the paper. The paper preferably has a basis weight of at least 50 grams per square meter, at least 60 grams per square meter, at least 70 grams per square meter, or at least 90 grams per square meter.

The hollow tubular element preferably comprises a polymeric material. For example, the hollow tubular element preferably comprises a polymeric film. The polymeric film preferably comprises a cellulosic film. The hollow tubular element preferably comprises low density polyethylene (LDPE) or polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) fibres. The hollow tube preferably comprises cellulose acetate tow.

Where the hollow tubular element comprises cellulose acetate tow, the cellulose acetate tow preferably has a denier per filament of between 2 and 4 and a total denier of between 25,000 and 40,000.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article of the aerosol-generating systems according to the present invention comprises a ventilation zone at a location along the downstream section. In more detail, in those embodiments wherein the downstream section comprises a hollow tubular element, the ventilation zone is preferably provided at a location along the hollow tubular element.

The ventilation zone typically comprises a plurality of perforations through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element. Preferably, the ventilation zone comprises at least one circumferential row of perforations. In some embodiments, the ventilation zone comprises two circumferential rows of perforations. For example, the perforations may be formed online during manufacturing of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, each circumferential row of perforations comprises from 8 to 30 perforations.

An aerosol-generating article of the aerosol-generating systems of the present invention preferably has a ventilation level of at least 25 percent.

The term “ventilation level” is used throughout the present specification to denote a volume ratio between of the airflow admitted into the aerosol-generating article via the ventilation zone (ventilation airflow) and the sum of the aerosol airflow and the ventilation airflow. The greater the ventilation level, the higher the dilution of the aerosol flow delivered to the consumer. The aerosol-generating article preferably has a ventilation level of at least 25 percent, more preferably at least 30 percent, even more preferably at least 40 percent, even more preferably at least 50 percent.

An aerosol-generating article of the present invention preferably has a ventilation level of up to 90 percent. Preferably, an aerosol-generating article in accordance with the present invention has a ventilation level of less than or equal to 80 percent, more preferably less than or equal to 70 percent, even more preferably less than or equal to 60 percent.

For example, an aerosol-generating article of the present invention preferably has a ventilation level from 25 percent to 90 percent, preferably from 30 percent to 80 percent, more preferably from 40 percent to 70 percent, even more preferably from 50 percent to 60 percent.

Preferably, the downstream section further comprises a mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece element preferably comprises a mouthpiece filter segment. The mouthpiece filter segment preferably extends to a downstream end of the downstream section. The mouthpiece filter segment is preferably located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream end of the mouthpiece filter segment preferably defines the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

The mouthpiece filter segment is preferably located downstream of a hollow tubular element, which is described above. The mouthpiece filter segment preferably extends between the hollow tubular element and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

The mouthpiece filter segment is preferably a solid plug, which may also be described as a ‘plain’ plug and is non-tubular. The filter segment therefore preferably has a substantially uniform transverse cross section. The mouthpiece filter segment is preferably formed of a fibrous filtration material. The fibrous filtration material may be for filtering the aerosol that is generated from the aerosolgenerating substrate. Suitable fibrous filtration materials would be known to the skilled person. Particularly preferably, the at least one mouthpiece filter segment comprises a cellulose acetate filter segment formed of cellulose acetate tow.

In certain preferred embodiments, the downstream section includes a single mouthpiece filter segment. In alternative embodiments, the downstream section includes two or more mouthpiece filter segments axially aligned in an abutting end to end relationship with each other.

Preferably, the mouthpiece filter segment has a low particulate filtration efficiency.

Preferably, the mouthpiece filter segment is circumscribed by a plug wrap. Preferably, the mouthpiece filter segment is unventilated such that air does not enter the aerosolgenerating article along the mouthpiece filter segment.

The mouthpiece filter segment is preferably connected to one or more of the adjacent upstream components of the aerosol-generating article by means of a tipping wrapper.

Preferably, the mouthpiece filter segment preferably has an external diameter that is approximately equal to the external diameter of the aerosol-generating article. The external diameter of a mouthpiece filter segment may be substantially the same as the external diameter of the hollow tubular element.

Preferably, the external diameter of the mouthpiece filter segment is between 5 millimetres and 12 millimetres, more preferably between 6 millimetres and 10 millimetres, more preferably between 7 millimetres and 8 millimetres. In some embodiments, the external diameter of the mouthpiece filter segment may be less than 7 millimetres, for example, between 5 millimetres and 7 millimetres, or between 6 millimetres and 7 millimetres.

As mentioned above, the mouthpiece filter segment is preferably formed of a fibrous filtration material. The mouthpiece filter segment is preferably formed of a porous material. The mouthpiece filter segment is preferably formed of a biodegradable material. The mouthpiece filter segment is preferably formed of a cellulose material, such as cellulose acetate.

The mouthpiece filter segment may be formed of a polylactic acid based material. The mouthpiece filter segment may be formed of a bioplastic material, preferably a starch-based bioplastic material. The mouthpiece filter segment may be made by injection moulding or by extrusion.

The length of the mouthpiece filter segment is preferably between 3 millimetres and 25 millimetres, or between 5 millimetres and 25 millimetres, or between 10 millimetres and 25 millimetres, or between 3 millimetres and 20 millimetres, or between 5 millimetres and 20 millimetres, or between 10 millimetres and 20 millimetres, or between 3 millimetres and 15 millimetres, or between 5 millimetres and 15 millimetres, or between 10 millimetres and 15 millimetres. Preferably, the length of the mouthpiece filter segment is about 12 millimetres.

In some embodiments, the downstream section further comprises one or more additional hollow tubular elements.

In certain embodiments, the downstream section comprises a hollow tubular support element upstream of the hollow tubular element described above. Preferably, the hollow tubular support element abuts the downstream end of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate. Preferably, the hollow tubular support element abuts the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. Preferably, the hollow tubular support element and the hollow tubular element are adjacent to each other and together provide a hollow tubular section within the downstream section.

The hollow tubular support element is preferably formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the support element may be formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: cellulose acetate; cardboard; crimped paper, such as crimped heat resistant paper or crimped parchment paper; and polymeric materials, such as low density polyethylene (LDPE). In a preferred embodiment, the support element is formed from cellulose acetate. Other suitable materials include polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) fibres. In a preferred embodiment, the hollow tubular support element comprises a hollow acetate tube.

The hollow tubular support element preferably has an external diameter that is approximately equal to the external diameter of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate and to the external diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

Preferably, the external diameter of the hollow tubular support element is between 5 millimetres and 12 millimetres, more preferably between 6 millimetres and 10 millimetres, more preferably between 7 millimetres and 8 millimetres. In some embodiments, the external diameter of the hollow tubular support element may be less than 7 millimetres, for example, between 5 millimetres and 7 millimetres, or between 6 millimetres and 7 millimetres.

The hollow tubular support element may have a wall thickness of at least 1 millimetre, preferably at least 1 .5 millimetres, more preferably at least 2 millimetres.

The hollow tubular support element may have a length of from 5 millimetres to 15 millimetres, preferably from 6 millimetres to 15 millimetres, more preferably from 7 millimetres to 15 millimetres. In other embodiments, the support element has a length from 5 millimetres to 12 millimetres, preferably from 6 millimetres to 12 millimetres, more preferably from 7 millimetres to 12 millimetres. In further embodiments, the support element has a length from 5 millimetres to 10 millimetres, preferably from 6 millimetres to 10 millimetres, more preferably from 7 millimetres to 10 millimetres. Preferably, the hollow tubular support element comprises a peripheral wall having a density of less than 200 mg per cubic centimetre, more preferably less than 175 mg per cubic centimetre, more preferably less than 150 mg per cubic centimetre, more preferably less than 140 mg per cubic centimetre, more preferably less than 130 mg per cubic centimetre.

Alternatively or in addition to the hollow tubular support element, the downstream section may further comprise a downstream hollow tubular element downstream of the hollow tubular element.

An aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure preferably further comprises an upstream section provided upstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate. The upstream section is preferably located immediately upstream of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate. The upstream section preferably extends between the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article and the rod of aerosol-generating substrate.

The upstream section preferably comprises at least one upstream element. The upstream element may be located upstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate. Suitable upstream elements are described within the present disclosure.

An upstream end of the upstream element preferably defines an upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

The upstream element may advantageously prevent direct contact with the solid aerosol-generating substrate.

The upstream element preferably comprises a plug of porous material. For example, the upstream element may comprise a cellulose acetate plug.

The upstream element preferably has any desired shape. For example, the upstream element may be substantially cylindrical.

The upstream element is preferably formed of a hollow tubular segment defining a longitudinal cavity providing an unrestricted flow channel.

The upstream element preferably has any desired transverse cross-section. For example, the support element may have a substantially circular, oval or elliptical transverse cross-section.

The upstream element preferably has any desired length. For example, the upstream element may have a length of between 1 millimetre and 10 millimetres, between 1 millimetre and 8 millimetres, or between 1 millimetre and 6 millimetres. For example, the upstream element may have a length of between 2 millimetres and 10 millimetres, between 2 millimetres and 8 millimetres, or between 2 millimetres and 6 millimetres. The upstream element may have a length of between 3 millimetres and 10 millimetres, between 3 millimetres and 8 millimetres, or between 3 millimetres and 6 millimetres.

The longitudinal cavity of the hollow tubular segment preferably has any desired diameter. For example, the longitudinal cavity of the hollow tubular segment may have a diameter of between 5 millimetres and 10 millimetres, between 6 millimetres and 9 millimetres, or between 7 millimetres and 8 millimetres. The longitudinal cavity of the hollow tubular segment may have a diameter that is substantially the same as the width of the aerosolgenerating article.

Preferably, the hollow tubular segment has a wall thickness of less than 2 millimetres, more preferably less than 1 .5 millimetres and more preferably less than about 1 .25 millimetres.

The aerosol-generating article preferably has an overall length of from 40 millimetres to 80 millimetres, or from 40 millimetres to about 70 millimetres, or from 40 millimetres to about 60 millimetres, or from 45 millimetres to about 80 millimetres, or from about 45 millimetres to about 70 millimetres, or from 45 millimetres to 60 millimetres, or from 50 millimetres to 80 millimetres, or from 50 millimetres to about 70 millimetres or from about 50 millimetres to about 60 millimetres. In an exemplary embodiment, an overall length of the aerosol-generating article is about 45 millimetres.

The aerosol-generating article preferably has an external diameter of from about 5 millimetres to about 12 millimetres, or from about 6 millimetres to about 12 millimetres, or from about 7 millimetres to about 12 millimetres, or from about 5 millimetres to about 10 millimetres, or from about 6 millimetres to about 10 millimetres, or from about 7 millimetres to about 10 millimetres, or from about 5 millimetres to about 8 millimetres, or from about 6 millimetres to about 8 millimetres, or from about 7 millimetres to about 8 millimetres. In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has an external diameter of less than 7 millimetres.

The external diameter of the aerosol-generating article may be substantially uniform over the whole length of the article, prior to insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating device. As an alternative, different portions of the aerosol-generating article may have different external diameters. In particular, the rod of aerosol-generating substrate may have a different external diameter after insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating device.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating article further comprises a paper wrapper circumscribing the rod of aerosol-generating substrate and at least a portion of the hollow tubular element. Preferably one or more other components of the aerosolgenerating article are individually circumscribed by their own wrapper.

A paper wrapper preferably has a grammage of at least 15 gsm (grams per square metre), preferably at least 20 gsm, more preferably at least 30 gsm. The paper wrapper may have a grammage of less than or equal to 70 gsm, preferably less than or equal to 50 gsm, preferably less than or equal to 40 gsm. The paper wrapper may have a grammage from 15 gsm to 70 gsm, preferably from 20 gsm to 50 gsm, more preferably from 30 gsm to 40 gsm. In a preferred embodiment, the paper wrapper may have a grammage of 39 gsm. The paper wrapper may have a thickness of at least 25 micrometres, preferably at least 30 micrometres, more preferably at least 35 micrometres. The paper wrapper may have a thickness of less than or equal to 100 micrometres, preferably less than or equal to 60 micrometres, more preferably less than or equal to 50 micrometres. The paper wrapper may have a thickness from 25 micrometres to 100 micrometres, preferably from 30 micrometres to 60 micrometres, more preferably from 35 micrometres to 50 micrometres. In a preferred embodiment, the paper wrapper may have a thickness of 45 micrometres.

Preferably, the paper wrapper is a substantially non-porous wrapper.

Preferably, at least one of the components of the aerosol-generating article is wrapped in a hydrophobic wrapper.

The term “hydrophobic” refers to a surface exhibiting water repelling properties. One useful way to determine this is to measure the water contact angle. The “water contact angle” is the angle, conventionally measured through the liquid, where a liquid/vapour interface meets a solid surface. It quantifies the wettability of a solid surface by a liquid via the Young equation. Hydrophobicity or water contact angle may be determined by utilizing TAPPI T558 test method and the result is presented as an interfacial contact angle and reported in “degrees” and can range from near zero to near 180 degrees.

In preferred embodiments, the hydrophobic wrapper is one including a paper layer having a water contact angle of about 30 degrees or greater, and preferably about 35 degrees or greater, or about 40 degrees or greater, or about 45 degrees or greater.

By way of example, the paper layer may comprise a layer of comprise PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol) or silicon on its inner surface. The PVOH may be applied to the paper layer as a surface coating, or the paper layer may comprise a surface treatment comprising PVOH or silicon.

Preferably, the aerosol-generating article further comprises a tipping wrapper circumscribing the mouthpiece element and at least a portion of the hollow tubular element.

Preferably, the tipping paper has a length of between 20 millimetres and 30 millimetres. Preferably, the tipping wrapper has a thickness of less than 50 micrometres.

The wrapper may comprise a sweetener. The sweetener may be located on an outer surface of the wrapper. The sweetener may be located at a downstream end of the wrapper.

The resistance to draw (RTD) of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is preferably less than about 30 millimetres H₂O. More preferably, the RTD of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is less than about 25 millimetres H₂O. More preferably, the RTD of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate is less than about 20 millimetres H₂O. More preferably, the RTD of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is less than about 15 millimetres H₂O. The RTD of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is preferably at least about 5 millimetres H₂O. More preferably, the RTD of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is at least about 10 millimetres H₂O.

In some embodiments, the RTD of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is from about 5 millimetres H₂O to about 30 millimetres H₂O, preferably from about 10 millimetres H₂O to about 25 millimetres H₂O, preferably from about 10 millimetres H₂O to about 20 millimetres H₂O. In other embodiments, the RTD of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is from about 10 millimetres H₂O to about 15 millimetres H₂O.

In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it may be desirable to minimise the RTD of an upstream element. For example, this may be the case for articles that are intended to be inserted the cavity of an aerosol-generating device such that the aerosol-generating substrate is externally heated, as described herein. For such articles, it is desirable to provide the article with as low an RTD as possible, so that the majority of the RTD experience by the consumer is provided by the aerosol-generating device and not the article.

The RTD of an upstream element is preferably less than or equal to about 10 millimetres H₂O. More preferably, the RTD of an upstream element is less than or equal to about 5 millimetres H₂O. Even more preferably, the RTD of an upstream element is less than or equal to about 2.5 millimetres H₂O. Even more preferably, the RTD of the upstream element is less than or equal to about 2 millimetres H₂O.

The RTD of an upstream element may be at least 0.1 millimetres H2O, or at least about 0.25 millimetres H2O or at least about 0.5 millimetres H2O.

In some embodiments, the RTD of an upstream element is from about 0.1 millimetres H₂O to about 10 millimetres H₂O, preferably from about 0.25 millimetres H₂O to about 10 millimetres H₂O, preferably from about 0.5 millimetres H₂O to about 10 millimetres H₂O. In other embodiments, the RTD of an upstream element is from about 0.1 millimetres H2O to about 5 millimetres H₂O, preferably from about 0.25 millimetres H₂O to about 5 millimetres H₂O preferably from about 0.5 millimetres H₂O to about 5 millimetres H₂O. In further embodiments, the RTD of an upstream element is from about 0.1 millimetres H₂O to about 2.5 millimetres H₂O, preferably from about 0.25 millimetres H₂O to about 2.5 millimetres H₂O, more preferably from about 0.5 millimetres H₂O to about 2.5 millimetres H₂O. In further embodiments, the RTD of an upstream element is from about 0.1 millimetres H₂O to about 2 millimetres H₂O, preferably from about 0.25 millimetres H₂O to about 2 millimetres H₂O, more preferably from about 0.5 millimetres H₂O to about 2 millimetres H₂O. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the RTD of an upstream element is about 1 millimetre H₂O.

Preferably, an upstream element has an RTD of less than about 2 millimetres H₂O per millimetre of length, more preferably less than about 1.5 millimetres H₂O per millimetre of length, more preferably less than about 1 millimetre H₂O per millimetre of length, more preferably less than about 0.5 millimetres H₂O per millimetre of length, more preferably less than about 0.3 millimetres H₂O per millimetre of length, more preferably less than about 0.2 millimetres H₂O per millimetre of length.

Preferably, the combined RTD of the upstream section, or upstream element thereof, and the rod of aerosol-generating substrate is less than about 15 millimetres H₂O, more preferably less than about 12 millimetres H₂O, more preferably less than about 10 millimetres H2O.

The RTD characteristics of the downstream section may be wholly or mostly attributed to the RTD characteristics of the mouthpiece element of the downstream section. In other words, the RTD of the mouthpiece element of the downstream section may wholly define the RTD of the downstream section.

The RTD of the mouthpiece element may be at least about 0 millimetres H₂O. The RTD of the mouthpiece element may be at least about 3 millimetres H₂O. The RTD of the mouthpiece element may be at least about 4 millimetres H₂O. The RTD of the mouthpiece element may be at least about 6 millimetres H₂O.

The RTD of the mouthpiece element may be no greater than about 12 millimetres H₂O. The RTD of the mouthpiece element may be no greater than about 11 millimetres H₂O. The RTD of the mouthpiece element may be no greater than about 10 millimetres H₂O.

The RTD of the mouthpiece element may be greater than or equal to about 0 millimetres H₂O and less than about 12 millimetres H₂O. Preferably, the RTD of the mouthpiece element may be greater than or equal to about 3 millimetres H₂O and less than about 12 millimetres H₂O. The RTD of the mouthpiece element may be greater than or equal to about 0 millimetres H₂O and less than about 1 1 millimetres H₂O. Even more preferably, the RTD of the mouthpiece element may be greater than or equal to about 4 millimetres H₂O and less than about 1 1 millimetres H₂O. Even more preferably, the RTD of the mouthpiece element may be greater than or equal to about 6 millimetres H₂O and less than about 10 millimetres H₂O. Preferably, the RTD of the mouthpiece element may be about 8 millimetres H₂O.

The aerosol-generating article may have a RTD of at least 40 millimetres H₂O. The aerosol-generating article may have a RTD of at least 50 millimetres H₂O. The aerosolgenerating article may have a RTD of at least 55 millimetres H₂O.

The aerosol-generating article may have a RTD of less than or equal to 60 millimetres H₂O. The aerosol-generating article may have a RTD of less than or equal to 65 millimetres H₂O. The aerosol-generating article may have a RTD of less than or equal to 75 millimetres H₂O.

The aerosol-generating article may have a RTD of between 40 millimetres H₂O and 75 millimetres H₂O. The aerosol-generating article may have a RTD of between 50 millimetres H₂O and 65 millimetres H₂O. The aerosol-generating article may have a RTD of between 55 millimetres H₂O and 60 millimetres H₂O.

As mentioned above, aerosol-generating systems may comprise an aerosolgenerating article as described above and an aerosol-generating device configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating device comprising a heating chamber for receiving the aerosol-generating article, and at least a heating element provided at or about the periphery of the heating chamber.

The heating chamber may extend between an upstream end and a mouth, or downstream end. The upstream end of the heating chamber may be a closed end and the mouth, or downstream, end of the heating chamber may be an open end. An aerosolgenerating article may be inserted into the heating chamber via the open end of the heating chamber. The heating chamber may be cylindrical in shape so as to conform to the same shape of an aerosol-generating article.

The expression “received within” may refer to the fact that a component or element is fully or partially received within another component or element. For example, the expression “aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber” refers to the aerosolgenerating article being fully or partially received within the heating chamber of the aerosolgenerating article. When the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber, the aerosol-generating article may abut the upstream end of the heating chamber. When the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber, the aerosol-generating article may be in substantial proximity to the upstream end of the heating chamber. The upstream end of the heating chamber may be defined by an end-wall.

The length of the heating chamber may be the same as or greater than the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section. The length of the heating chamber may be the same as or greater than the combined length of the upstream section or element and rod of aerosolforming substrate section. Preferably, the length of the heating chamber is such that at least 75 percent of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section is inserted or received within the heating chamber, when the aerosol-generating article is received with the aerosolgenerating device. This maximises the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section along which the aerosol-forming substrate can be heated during use, thereby optimising the generation of aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate and reducing tobacco waste.

The length of the heating chamber may be between 15 millimetres and 80 millimetres. Preferably, the length of the heating chamber is between 20 millimetres and 70 millimetres. More preferably, the length of the heating chamber is between 25 millimetres and 60 millimetres. More preferably, the length of the device is between 25 millimetres and 50 millimetres. The length of the heating chamber may be between 25 millimetres and 29 millimetres. Preferably, the length of the heating chamber is between 25 millimetres and 29 millimetres. More preferably, the length of the heating chamber is between 26 millimetres and 29 millimetres. Even more preferably, the length of the heating chamber is 27 millimetres or 28 millimetres.

A diameter of the heating chamber may be between 4 millimetres and 10 millimetres. A diameter of the heating chamber may be between 5 millimetres and 9 millimetres. A diameter of the heating chamber may be between 6 millimetres and 8 millimetres. A diameter of the heating chamber may be between 6 millimetres and 7 millimetres.

A diameter of the heating chamber may be substantially the same as or greater than a diameter of the aerosol-generating article. A diameter of the heating chamber may be the same as a diameter of the aerosol-generating article in order to establish a tight fit with the aerosol-generating article.

The at least one heating element may be any suitable type of heating element. In some embodiments, the device comprises only one heating element. In some embodiments, the device comprises a plurality of heating elements. The heater may comprise at least one resistive heating element. Preferably, the heater comprises a plurality of resistive heating elements.

During use, the at least one heating element may be controlled to operate within a defined operating temperature range, below a maximum operating temperature. An operating temperature range between about 150 degrees Celsius and about 300 degrees Celsius in the heating chamber (or device cavity) is preferable. The operating temperature range of the at least one heating element may be between about 150 degrees Celsius and about 250 degrees Celsius.

Preferably, the operating temperature range of the at least one heating element may be between about 150 degrees Celsius and about 200 degrees Celsius. More preferably, the operating temperature range of the at least one heating element may be between about 180 degrees Celsius and about 200 degrees Celsius.

The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non- exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

EX 1 . An aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating article comprising: a rod of aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosolgenerating substrate comprising homogenised plant material comprising an aerosol former, a binder and particulate plant material, the particulate plant material comprising: at least 75 percent by weight of tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis; and at least 5 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles on a dry weight basis, wherein the non-tobacco plant flavour particles comprise particles of a first non-tobacco plant and particles of a second non-tobacco plant which is different to the first non-tobacco plant, wherein the first non-tobacco plant is common sage and wherein the weight ratio of the particles of the first non-tobacco plant to the particles of the second non-tobacco plant is at least 0.4.

EX 2. An aerosol-generating article according to EX 1 , wherein the weight ratio of the particles of the first non-tobacco plant to the particles of the second non-tobacco plant is at least 0.5.

EX 3. An aerosol-generating article according to EX 1 or 2, wherein the weight ratio of the particles of the first non-tobacco plant to the particles of the second non-tobacco plant is less than or equal to 0.75.

EX 4. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the particulate plant material comprises at least 9 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles, on a dry weight basis.

EX 5. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the second non-tobacco plant is selected from star anise, lavender, clove, peppermint and chamomile, rosemary, eucalyptus, ginger, dill seed, thyme, oregano and cumin.

EX 6. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the second non-tobacco plant is selected from star anise, lavender, clove, peppermint, chamomile and rosemary.

EX 7. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the second non-tobacco plant is selected from star anise, lavender, peppermint and chamomile.

EX 8. An aerosol-generating article according to any of EX 5 to 7, wherein the second non-tobacco plant is chamomile or peppermint.

EX 9. An aerosol-generating article according to EX 8, wherein the second non- tobacco plant is chamomile, and the particulate plant material comprises at least 3 percent by weight of chamomile particles, on a dry weight basis.

EX 10. An aerosol-generating article according to EX 8, wherein the second non- tobacco plant is chamomile, and the particulate plant material comprises at least 4 percent by weight of chamomile particles, on a dry weight basis.

EX 11 . An aerosol-generating article according to EX 8, wherein the second non- tobacco plant is chamomile, and the particulate plant material comprises at least 5 percent by weight of chamomile particles, on a dry weight basis.

EX 12. An aerosol-generating article according to EX 8, wherein the second non-tobacco plant is peppermint, and the particulate plant material comprises at least 3 percent by weight of peppermint particles on a dry weight basis. EX 13. An aerosol-generating article according to EX 8, wherein the second non-tobacco plant is peppermint, and the particulate plant material comprises at least 4 percent by weight of peppermint particles on a dry weight basis.

EX 14. An aerosol-generating article according to EX 8, wherein the second non-tobacco plant is peppermint, and the particulate plant material comprises at least 5 percent by weight of peppermint particles on a dry weight basis.

EX 15. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the homogenised plant material comprises at least 3 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles.

EX 16. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the homogenised plant material comprises less than or equal to 20 percent by weight of non- tobacco plant flavour particles.

EX 17. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the homogenised plant material comprises at least 2 percent by weight of common sage particles.

EX 18. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the non- tobacco plant flavour particles have a D90 value of at least 100 microns.

EX 19. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the non- tobacco plant flavour particles have a D90 value of from greater than or equal to 120 microns to a D90 value of less than or equal to 200 microns.

EX 20. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more sheets of the homogenised plant material.

EX 21 . An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the homogenised plant material is in the form of cast leaf.

EX 22. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the homogenised plant material comprises at least 60 percent by weight of particulate plant material.

EX 23. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the homogenised plant material comprises less than or equal to 80 percent by weight of particulate plant material.

EX 24. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the homogenised plant material comprises at least 10 percent by weight of aerosol former.

EX 25. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the homogenised plant material further comprises reinforcement fibres.

EX 26. An aerosol-generating article according to EX 25, wherein the homogenised plant material has between 2 percent by weight and 15 percent by weight of the reinforcement fibres, on a dry weight basis. EX 27. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the homogenised plant material comprises between 1 percent by weight and 10 percent by weight of the binder, on a dry weight basis.

EX 28. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the binder comprises guar gum.

EX 29. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more sheets of the homogenised plant material and wherein each sheet has an average thickness of between 100 microns and 400 microns.

EX 30. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more sheets of the homogenised plant material and wherein each sheet has a grammage of between 100 grams per square metre and 300 grams per square metre.

EX 31 . An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more sheets of the homogenised plant material and wherein each sheet has a tensile strength at peak in a cross direction of between 150 N/m and 350 N/m.

EX 32. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more sheets of the homogenised plant material and wherein each sheet has a tensile strength at peak in a machine direction of between 100 N/m and 800 N/m.

EX 33. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the rod of aerosol-generating substrate further comprises a susceptor.

EX 34. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the density of the aerosol-generating substrate is at least 500 milligrams per cubic centimetre.

EX 35. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the rod of aerosol-generating substrate comprises at least 250 milligrams of homogenised plant material.

EX 36. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the rod of aerosol-generating substrate has a resistance to draw of less than 30 millimetres H₂O.

EX 37. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the rod of aerosol-generating substrate has a length of less than or equal to 14 millimetres.

EX 38. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, wherein the rod of aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more gathered sheets of the homogenised plant material, circumscribed by a wrapper. EX 39. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, further comprising an upstream section provided upstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, the upstream section comprising at least one upstream element.

EX 40. An aerosol-generating article according to EX 34, wherein the upstream element has a length of between 2 millimetres and 8 millimetres.

EX 41 . An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding EX, further comprising a downstream section provided downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate, the downstream section comprising at least one hollow tubular element abutting a downstream end of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate.

EX 42. An aerosol-generating article according to EX 41 , further comprising a ventilation zone provided at a location along the hollow tubular element of the downstream section.

EX 43. An aerosol-generating article according to EX 41 , wherein the hollow tubular element of the downstream section has a length of between 17 millimetres and 25 millimetres.

EX 44. An aerosol-generating article according to EX 41 , wherein the downstream section further comprises a mouthpiece element.

EX 45. An aerosol-generating article according to EX 44, wherein the mouthpiece element comprises at least one mouthpiece filter segment formed of a fibrous filtration material.

EX 46. An aerosol-generating article according to EX 44 or EX 45, wherein the length of the mouthpiece element is between 3 millimetres and 15 millimetres.

EX 47. An aerosol-generating article according to EX 41 , further comprising a paper wrapper circumscribing the rod of aerosol-generating substrate and at least a portion of the hollow tubular element, and wherein the paper wrapper has a thickness of less than or equal to 100 micrometres.

EX 48. An aerosol-generating article according to EX 47, wherein the paper wrapper has a thickness of less than or equal to 50 micrometres.

EX 49. An aerosol-generating article according to EX 47 or EX 48, wherein the paper wrapper has a grammage of less than or equal to 50 grams per square metre.

EX 50. An aerosol-generating substrate comprising: homogenised plant material comprising an aerosol former, a binder and particulate plant material, the particulate plant material comprising: at least 75 percent by weight of tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis; and at least 5 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles on a dry weight basis, wherein the non-tobacco plant flavour particles comprise particles of a first non-tobacco plant and particles of a second non-tobacco plant which is different to the first non-tobacco plant, wherein the first non-tobacco plant is common sage and wherein the weight ratio of the particles of the first non-tobacco plant to the particles of the second non-tobacco plant is at least 0.4.

EX 51 . An aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX 1 to 50; and an aerosol-generating device comprising: a heating chamber for receiving the aerosol-generating article; and at least a heating element provided at or about the periphery of the heating chamber.

Examples will now be further described with reference to the drawings of the accompanying Figures in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an aerosolgenerating article according to the first aspect of the invention; and

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an aerosolgenerating article according to the second aspect of the invention.

The aerosol-generating article 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a rod of aerosolgenerating substrate 12, a downstream section 14 located downstream of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate 12 and an upstream section 16 located upstream of the rod of aerosolgenerating substrate 12. As shown in Figure 1 , the aerosol-generating article 1 has an upstream end 48 and a downstream end 20. The aerosol-generating article 1 may have an overall length of 45 millimetres and an external diameter of 7.2 millimetres.

The aerosol-generating article 1 further comprises an elongate susceptor element 44 within the rod 12 of aerosol-generating substrate. In more detail, the susceptor element 44 is arranged substantially longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate, such as to be approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rod 12. As shown in the drawing of Figure 1 , the susceptor element 44 is positioned in a radially central position within the rod and extends effectively along the longitudinal axis of the rod 12.

The susceptor element 44 extends all the way from an upstream end to a downstream end of the rod 12. In effect, the susceptor element 44 has substantially the same length as the rod 12 of aerosol-generating substrate.

In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the susceptor element 44 is provided in the form of a strip and has a length of about 12 millimetres, a thickness of about 60 micrometres, and a width of about 4 millimetres. The upstream section 16 comprises an upstream element 46 located immediately upstream of the rod 12 of aerosol-generating substrate, the upstream element 46 being in longitudinal alignment with the rod 12. In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the downstream end of the upstream element 46 abuts the upstream end of the rod 12 of aerosolgenerating substrate. This advantageously prevents the susceptor element 44 from being dislodged. Further, this ensures that the consumer cannot accidentally contact the heated susceptor element 44 after use. The downstream section 14 of the aerosol-generating article 1 comprises a support element 22 located immediately downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate 12, an aerosol-cooling element 24 located immediately downstream of the support element 22, and a mouthpiece element 42 located immediately downstream of the aerosol-cooling element 24. The support element 22 and the aerosol-cooling element 24 together define an intermediate hollow section 50 of the aerosol-generating article 1 .

The support element 22 comprises a first hollow tubular element 26. The first hollow tubular element 26 is in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cellulose acetate. The first hollow tubular element 26 defines an internal cavity 28 that extends from an upstream end 30 of the first hollow tubular element to a downstream end 32 of the first hollow tubular element 20. The first hollow tubular element 26 may have a length of 8 millimetres and an external diameter of 6.9 millimetres. The first hollow tubular element 26 may have an internal diameter of 1 .9 millimetres.

The aerosol-cooling element 24 comprises a second hollow tubular element 34. The second hollow tubular element 34 is in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cellulose acetate. The second hollow tubular element 34 defines an internal cavity 36 that extends from an upstream end 38 of the second hollow tubular element to a downstream end 40 of the second hollow tubular element 34. The second hollow tubular element 34 may have a length of 13 millimetres and an external diameter of 6.9 millimetres. The second hollow tubular element 34 may have an internal diameter of 3.25 millimetres.

As shown by the dashed vertical line in Figure 1 , the aerosol-generating article 1 comprises a ventilation zone 60 provided at a location along the second hollow tubular element 34. The ventilation zone may be provided 2 millimetres from the upstream end of the second hollow tubular element 34. A ventilation level of the aerosol-generating article 1 may be 35 percent.

The mouthpiece element 42 is in the form of a cylindrical plug of low-density cellulose acetate. The mouthpiece element 42 may have a length of 7 millimetres and an external diameter of 6.9 millimetres.

The rod of aerosol-generating substrate 12 comprises homogenised plant material comprising an aerosol former, particulate plant material and a binder. The particulate plant material comprises tobacco particles and first and second non-tobacco plant particles. The first non-tobacco plant is common sage. The second non-tobacco plant is chamomile. The rod of aerosol-generating substrate 12 may have a length of 12 millimetres and an external diameter of 6.9 millimetres.

The upstream section 16 of the aerosol-generating article 1 comprises an upstream element 46 located immediately upstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate 12. The upstream element 46 is in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate circumscribed by a stiff wrapper. The upstream element 46 may have a length of 5 millimetres and an external diameter of 6.9 millimetres.

In use, a user draws on the mouthpiece element 42 of the aerosol-generating article 1 . When a user draws on the mouthpiece 42, air is drawn into the aerosol-generating article 1 through the upstream end 48. The drawn air passes through the upstream element 46 to the rod of aerosol-generating substrate 12. Heating of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate releases volatile and semi-volatile compounds, which form an aerosol that is entrained in the drawn air as it flows through the rod of aerosol-generating substrate 12. The drawn air and entrained aerosol pass through the intermediate hollow section 50 of the aerosol-generating article 1 , where they cool and condense. The cooled aerosol then passes through the mouthpiece element 42 of the aerosol-generating article 1 and into the mouth of the user.

It will be appreciated that the aerosol-generating article 1 shown Figure 1 is only one example of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention and that other embodiments are possible.

The aerosol-generating article 2 shown in Figure 2 comprises a rod of aerosolgenerating substrate 212, a downstream section 214 located downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate 212. As shown in Figure 2, the aerosol-generating article 2 has an upstream end 248 and a downstream end 220. The aerosol-generating article 2 may have an overall length of 45 millimetres and an external diameter of 7.2 millimetres.

The downstream section 214 of the aerosol-generating article 2 comprises an aerosolcooling element 224 located immediately downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate 212, and a mouthpiece element 42 located immediately downstream of the aerosolcooling element 224. The aerosol-cooling element 224 defines an intermediate hollow section 250 of the aerosol-generating article 2.

The aerosol-cooling element 224 comprises a hollow tubular element 234. The hollow tubular element 234 is in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cellulose acetate. The hollow tubular element 234 defines an internal cavity 236 that extends from an upstream end 238 of the hollow tubular element to a downstream end 240 of the hollow tubular element 234. The hollow tubular element 234 may have a length of 18 millimetres and an external diameter of 6.9 millimetres. The hollow tubular element 234 may have an internal diameter of 3.25 millimetres.

The mouthpiece element 242 is in the form of a cylindrical plug of low-density cellulose acetate. The mouthpiece element 242 may have a length of 7 millimetres and an external diameter of 6.9 millimetres.

The rod of aerosol-generating substrate 212 comprises homogenised plant material comprising an aerosol former, particulate plant material and a binder. The particulate plant material comprises tobacco particles and first and second non-tobacco plant particles. The first non-tobacco plant is common sage. The second non-tobacco plant is chamomile. The rod of aerosol-generating substrate 212 may have a length of 17 millimetres and an external diameter of 6.9 millimetres.

In use, a user draws on the mouthpiece element 242 of the aerosol-generating article 2. When a user draws on the mouthpiece 242, air is drawn into the aerosol-generating article 1 through the upstream end 248. The drawn air passes to the rod of aerosol-generating substrate 212. Heating of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate releases volatile and semivolatile compounds, which form an aerosol that is entrained in the drawn air as it flows through the rod of aerosol-generating substrate 212. The drawn air and entrained aerosol pass through the intermediate hollow section 250 of the aerosol-generating article 1 , where they cool and condense. The cooled aerosol then passes through the mouthpiece element 242 of the aerosol-generating article 2 and into the mouth of the user.

The aerosol-generating article 2 comprises an upstream section 216 located upstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate 212. The upstream section 216 of the aerosolgenerating article 2 comprises an upstream element 346 located immediately upstream of the rod of aerosol-generating substrate 212.

The upstream element 246 is in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate circumscribed by a stiff wrapper. The upstream element 246 may have a length of 5 millimetres, an external diameter of 6.9 millimetres and an internal diameter of 5.1 millimetres.

As shown by the dashed vertical line in Figure 2, the aerosol-generating article 2 comprises a ventilation zone 260 provided at a location along the second hollow tubular element 234. A ventilation level of the aerosol-generating article 1 may be 35 percent.

It will be appreciated that the aerosol-generating article 2 shown Figure 2 is only one example of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article according to the second aspect of the invention and that other embodiments are possible.

Examples

Aerosol generating substrates, having the compositions detailed below in Table 1 , were prepared. Table 1

PPM = particulate plant material HPM = homogenised plant material The Examples in Table 1 exhibit acceptable physical properties as well as balanced flavour and aroma profiles, in which common sage, the second non-tobacco plant and tobacco flavours and aromas are present, yet none of these is overpowering.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating substrate comprising: homogenised plant material comprising an aerosol former, a binder and particulate plant material, the particulate plant material comprising: at least 75 percent by weight of tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis; and at least 5 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles on a dry weight basis, wherein the non-tobacco plant flavour particles comprise particles of a first non-tobacco plant and particles of a second non-tobacco plant which is different to the first non-tobacco plant, wherein the first non-tobacco plant is common sage and wherein the weight ratio of the particles of the first non-tobacco plant to the particles of the second non-tobacco plant is at least 0.4.

2. An aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating article comprising a rod of aerosol-generating substrate comprising the aerosol-generating substrate of claim 1 .

3. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 2, wherein the weight ratio of the particles of the first non-tobacco plant to the particles of the second non-tobacco plant is at least 0.5.

4. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the weight ratio of the particles of the first non-tobacco plant to the particles of the second non-tobacco plant is less than or equal to 0.75.

5. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the particulate plant material comprises at least 9 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles, on a dry weight basis.

6. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the second non-tobacco plant is selected from star anise, lavender, clove, peppermint, chamomile, rosemary, eucalyptus, ginger, dill seed, thyme, oregano and cumin.

7. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 6, wherein the second non-tobacco plant is chamomile or peppermint.

8. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 7, wherein the particulate plant material comprises at least 5 percent by weight of chamomile particles, on a dry weight basis.

9. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the homogenised plant material comprises at least 3 percent by weight of non-tobacco plant flavour particles.

10. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the homogenised plant material comprises less than or equal to 20 percent by weight of nontobacco plant flavour particles.

1 1. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the homogenised plant material comprises at least 2 percent by weight of common sage particles.

12. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the nontobacco plant flavour particles have a D90 value of at least 100 microns.

13. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate comprises one or more sheets of the homogenised plant material.

14. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the homogenised plant material is in the form of cast leaf.

15. An aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 2 to 14; and an aerosol-generating device comprising: a heating chamber for receiving the aerosol-generating article; and at least a heating element provided at or about the periphery of the heating chamber.