Physical Properties of Tobacco Smoke Particles Produced under Different Conditions

Small samples of tobacco powder, prepared by grinding the dried tobacco leaves, were heated in a micro-thermo-balance in different atmospheres and at different heating rates. The size distribution and the mass concentration of the smoke particles produced were measured simultaneously with a laser particle counter and a piezo balance mass monitor. In addition, the change of weight loss with time was also measured during each experiment. It was found that a larger amount of smoke particles was produced when tobacco was heated in the atmosphere of inert gas and/or at higher heating rates. Furthermore, comparison of measured and calculated size distributions showed that the particle size distribution was governed mainly by coagulation.