Cigarette filter comprising a degradable fiber

1. A cigarette filter comprising at least one filter segment having at least one composite fiber structure imbedded therein, the composite fiber structure comprising two different fiber types comprising a degradable fiber and a second fiber capable of altering the flavor or aroma of mainstream smoke, wherein the two fibers are connected together to enable co-insertion of the composite fiber structure into the filter segment.

2. The cigarette filter of claim 1 , wherein the second fiber comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of adsorbent materials, flavorants, deodorizing agents, and combinations thereof.

3. The cigarette filter of claim 1 , wherein the second fiber is a carbonaceous fiber.

4. The cigarette filter of claim 3 , wherein the carbonaceous fiber is prepared by carbonization of a precursor fiber.

5. The cigarette filter of claim 4 , wherein the precursor fiber is selected from the group consisting of phenolic fibers, cellulosic fibers, rayon fibers, acrylic fibers, and pitch fibers.

6. The cigarette filter of claim 3 , wherein the carbonaceous fiber is wrapped around the degradable fiber.

7. The cigarette filter of claim 1 , wherein the degradable fiber is a biodegradable fiber selected from the group consisting of cellulosic fibers, polyvinyl alcohol, aliphatic polyesters, aliphatic polyurethanes, cis-polyisoprene, cis-polybutadiene, polyhydroxy alkanoates, polyanhydrides, and copolymers and blends thereof.

8. The cigarette filter of claim 1 , wherein the degradable fiber is a bamboo fiber or a polylactic acid fiber.

9. The cigarette filter of claim 1 , wherein the filter comprises one or more segments of fibrous tow material, and the composite fiber structure is imbedded in the fibrous tow material.

10. The cigarette filter of claim 9 , wherein the fibrous tow material is a cellulose acetate tow.

11. A smoking article comprising a rod of smokable material circumscribed by a wrapping material, the rod of smokable material being attached to a cigarette filter according to claim 1 .

12. The cigarette filter of claim 1 , wherein the second fiber capable of altering the flavor or aroma of mainstream smoke comprises an adsorbent fiber.

13. The cigarette filter of claim 1 , wherein the degradable fiber and the second fiber are connected together by wrapping the fibers, intertwining or weaving the fibers, bonding the fibers together using an adhesive or binder, co-extruding the fibers, or tying the fibers together using a separate connecting element.

14. A cigarette filter comprising at least one filter segment having at least one composite fiber structure imbedded therein, the composite fiber structure comprising two different fiber types comprising a biodegradable fiber and a second fiber capable of altering the flavor or aroma of mainstream smoke, wherein the two fibers are of different types and are connected together to enable co-insertion of the composite fiber structure into the filter segment, wherein the biodegradable fiber is a bamboo fiber or a polylactic acid fiber.

15. The cigarette filter of claim 14 , wherein the second fiber is a carbonaceous fiber.

16. A smoking article comprising a rod of smokable material circumscribed by a wrapping material, the rod of smokable material being attached to a cigarette filter according to claim 14 .

17. The cigarette filter of claim 14 , wherein the second fiber capable of altering the flavor or aroma of mainstream smoke comprises an adsorbent fiber.

18. The cigarette filter of claim 14 , wherein the second fiber comprises an additive, selected from the group consisting of adsorbent materials, flavorants, deodorizing agents, and combinations thereof.

19. The cigarette filter of claim 14 , wherein the biodegradable fiber and the second fiber are connected together by wrapping the fibers, intertwining or weaving the fibers, bonding the fibers together using an adhesive or binder, co-extruding the fibers, or tying the fibers together using a separate connecting element.