Scientific research

JT Science

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Aerosol Chemistry

Indoor Air Quality

Scientific research

The relationship between combustion/heating temperature of tobacco and chemical constituents in aerosols

After decades working on cigarette science, our accumulated knowledge helps us contextualize the type and yields of chemical constituents generated from RRP*.

Understanding the chemical composition of RRP* aerosol and the factors that influence it, such as heating temperature and physical/chemical properties of tobacco, is crucial to improving taste and aroma as well as reducing the levels of potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs).

One of the defining features of heated tobacco products is that they heat tobacco below the temperature required for combustion. This lack of combustion means that the chemical products associated with combustion are typically decreased in aerosol from heated tobacco products compared to cigarette smoke. Furthermore, the degree to which they are decreased is largely temperature dependent.

Temp Image

In general, the lower the temperature to which the tobacco is heated, the chemically simpler the aerosol is. There is a trade-off though as the natural taste and odor of tobacco also tends to diminish as the temperature goes down.
We design and develop products that are most suitable for our consumers, based on our tobacco science knowledge accumulated over many years of research.

Study on the Formation of aerosol Constituents using Infra-Red Pyrolysis Furnace

Similar to other plant materials, tobacco consists of various constituents such as sugars, amino acids and inorganic compounds.

In combustion or pyrolysis of tobacco, these components chemically transform into aerosol constituents, expressing the aroma and taste of our products. We conduct extensive research on the formation mechanisms of these aerosol constituents to further enhance product satisfaction, using an Infra-Red pyrolysis furnace (an experimental apparatus) to heat tobacco material under the various conditions we want to investigate. With this furnace, we can determine the amount of relevant/important aerosol constituents using various analytical techniques such as gas chromatography mass spectrometry, in-line with analytical methods standardized by ISO or those proposed by CORESTA (Cooperation Centre for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco). This analytical data is based in different heating conditions (such as temperature and time) and tobacco types. We apply the resulting scientific insights to the development of new technologies and ultimately products.

Infra-Red Pyrolysis Furnace

Research on aerosol compounds using GC-olfactometry

GC-olfactometry is a method in which a mixture of chemical components is separated into individual components. Trained experts then smell each component to identify its specific odor.

In order to enhance consumer product satisfaction, we conduct research on odor compounds for tobacco products. Cigarette smoke contains over 6,000^[1] compounds whereas vapor from RRP* contains much less than 6,000, some of which have odor and others don’t. Individual components in the cigarette smoke/ RRP* vapor are identified and quantified separately using gas chromatography (GC) For advanced analysis, we take advantage of state-of-the-art instruments such as selectable 1D/2D GC with high separation accuracy, and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) with high detection sensitivity.

Active odor components are then identified using a panel of trained experts through a process called GC-olfactometry.

Through this research, we aim to understand what contributes to aroma and what influence different tobacco types, countries of origin, and grade. We utilize the resulting aroma profiles to enhance our product development activities.

[1] The Chemical Components of Tobacco and Tobacco Smoke, Second Edition, Alan Rodgman and Thomas A. Perfetti, 2012

Gas Chromatography Olfactometry

Measuring aerosol particle size

Different aerosol particle sizes can have different sensorial effects and are thus an important physical feature of RRP*.

We therefore investigate the size of aerosol particles in order to develop products that will meet our consumers’ sensorial expectations.

Research Image

Aerosol particles from RRP* are chemically and physically different to those in cigarette smoke. The particles in RRP* aerosols are predominantly liquid, meaning that they volatilize easily in the air.
A wide variety of methods can be utilized to measure particle size, each method having its own advantages and disadvantages.
Measuring aerosol particles can be difficult simply due to the high concentration of particles present. Dilution of particles is one option to resolve this issue, however this can cause the aerosol particles to shrink. Therefore, a selection of appropriate apparatuses and measurement conditions are important to obtain reliable and repeatable data. Our scientific data gathered using the latest measurement apparatuses (e.g.: Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analyzer and Differential Mobility Spectrometer) are utilized to support the development of RRP*.

Tobacco leaf breeding and cultivation research

Tobacco leaf breeding and cultivation research is to enable mass production of tobacco leaves with the necessary characteristics to achieve the taste and aroma.

Tabacco leaf

Such methods have a significant effect on tobacco components. In other words, to choose which varieties of tobacco and how to grow them are the key factors in the design of cigarette and heated tobacco products.

As the method of generating vapor in heated tobacco products is different from the smoke of cigarettes, the features of tobacco leaves required for heated tobacco products are different. For developing heated tobacco products with better taste and aroma, we look for appropriate varieties among thousands from our tobacco seeds collection. In addition, we are developing the best cultivation methods for each variety.

For mass production, we collaborate with our farmers to ensure we can grow tobacco leaves suitable for our innovative products.

Heated tobacco products

FLAVOR RESEARCH

Research on flavors is conducted in order to realize the desired product aroma and taste, as outlined in the product brief (product design stage).

Taste and aroma are an important consideration for existing adult smokers and vapers when trying a new RRP*. Flavor ingredients, even used in minute quantities, help determine the aroma and taste of each individual brand

We have developed cigarette flavorings for decades, to enhance the original tobacco leaf aroma and to give each brand its own flavor identity. This accumulated knowledge is also applied to our heated tobacco products.
Although tobacco leaf is not used in e-cigarettes, the know-hows and flavor stocks are utilized in developing e-cigarette liquids.

Our flavor ingredients are fully compliant with applicable flavor-related regulations worldwide, and their suitability for use are also confirmed by JT group as part of its product stewardship program. Our flavors are designed for the best performance on each device.

Flavor research

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Aerosol Chemistry