<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>The semivolatile fraction of cigarette smoke contains the most important aroma and taste compounds which contribute to the smoker's enjoyment. Obviously, the semivolatile composition is strongly affected by cigarette filters and consequently by the material which is used for filter manufacturing. We have studied the effect of cellulose acetate and polypropylene as filter material on the smoke semivolatiles. Further, the effect of other parameters like pressure drop and the use of additives has been investigated. Smoke condensate was collected on a Cambridge filter pad, the semivolatiles were evaporated using a headspace apparatus and subsequently collected in a cold trap. Semivolatile analyses were performed by high-resolution GC/MS. The cellulose acetate filter, due to its polar structure, selectively retains polar compounds such as phenols and furans while the non-polar polypropylene filter shows a non-selective retention behaviour. The addition to polypropylene filters of a polar compound such as triacetin, which is used as plasticiser in the manufacturing of cellulose acetate filters, does not affect the retention behaviour towards the semivolatiles.</p></abstract>

The semivolatile fraction of cigarette smoke contains the most important aroma and taste compounds which contribute to the smoker's enjoyment. Obviously, the semivolatile composition is strongly affected by cigarette filters and consequently by the material which is used for filter manufacturing. We have studied the effect of cellulose acetate and polypropylene as filter material on the smoke semivolatiles. Further, the effect of other parameters like pressure drop and the use of additives has been investigated. Smoke condensate was collected on a Cambridge filter pad, the semivolatiles were evaporated using a headspace apparatus and subsequently collected in a cold trap. Semivolatile analyses were performed by high-resolution GC/MS. The cellulose acetate filter, due to its polar structure, selectively retains polar compounds such as phenols and furans while the non-polar polypropylene filter shows a non-selective retention behaviour. The addition to polypropylene filters of a polar compound such as triacetin, which is used as plasticiser in the manufacturing of cellulose acetate filters, does not affect the retention behaviour towards the semivolatiles.

The Influence of Different Filter Parameters on the Semivolatile Composition of Mainstream Smoke

Research and Development, Rothmans Produktions GmbH, Bremen, Germany

Contributions to Tobacco & Nicotine Research

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

The semivolatile fraction of cigarette smoke contains the most important aroma and taste compounds which contribute to the smoker's enjoyment. Obviously, the...

The Influence of Different Filter Parameters on the Semivolatile Composition of Mainstream Smoke

Published Online: Jan 06, 2015

Page range: 123 - 128

Received: Jan 17, 1992

Accepted: Oct 27, 1992

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/cttr-2013-0627

© 1992 Beiträge zur Tabakforschung International

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.