Smoking article including flavour granules having permeable outer layer
A method for the production of a flavor granule for a smoking article comprises the steps of: a) forming an inner core by compaction of particles of herbaceous plant material; b) providing a coating suspension of colored binder particles comprising at least one colorant and at least one polymeric binder in a solvent; c) applying the coating suspension to the outer surface of the inner core to form an outer layer, wherein the coating suspension is applied to the inner core within a coating system and wherein within that coating system the vapor pressure of the solvent is greater than 5 kPa; and d) drying the outer layer to evaporate the solvent.
1. A method for the production of a flavour granule for a smoking article, the method comprising the steps of:
forming an inner core by compaction of particles of herbaceous plant material;
providing a coating suspension comprising between 20 percent and 30 percent by weight of coloured binder particles comprising at least one colourant and at least one polymeric binder in a solvent;
applying the coating suspension to an outer surface of the inner core to form an outer layer, wherein the coating suspension is applied to the inner core within a coating system and wherein within that coating system the vapour pressure of the solvent is greater than 5 kPa; and
drying the outer layer to evaporate the solvent.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the solvent is an organic solvent having a boiling point of less than 85 degrees Celsius.
3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of applying the coating suspension to the inner core is carried out in a fluidised bed apparatus.
4. A method according to claim 1 wherein a solids content of the coating suspension is at least 20 percent by weight.
5. A method according to claim 1 wherein the drying step is carried out using a flow of air at a temperature of less than 25 degrees Celsius.
6. A method according to claim 2 wherein the step of applying the coating suspension to the inner core is carried out in a fluidised bed apparatus.
7. A method according to claim 2 wherein a solids content of the coating suspension is at least 20 percent by weight.
8. A method according to claim 3 wherein a solids content of the coating suspension is at least 20 percent by weight.
9. A method according to claim 2 wherein the drying step is carried out using a flow of air at a temperature of less than 25 degrees Celsius.
10. A method according to claim 6 wherein a solids content of the coating suspension is at least 20 percent by weight.
11. A method according to claim 10 wherein the drying step is carried out using a flow of air at a temperature of less than 25 degrees Celsius.