The objective of this project was to determine if liquid additives on a filter affect the rate of menthol migration from the tobacco to the filter and the amount of menthol delivered by the cigarette. The additives were applied to the filters by a brush applicator system, and the filters were attached to mentholated tobacco columns by a laboratory tipping apparatus. Respectively, the concentrations of the liquid additives, the percentages of menthol that migrated from tobacco to filter, and the amounts of menthol delivered after 6 wk of storage were: 5% triacetin, 24%, 0.38 mg; 8% triacetin, 32%. 0.36 mg; no additive, 10%, 0.32 mg: 5% triethylene glycol diacetate, 28%, 0.31 mg; 8% triethylene glycol diacetate, 34%. 0.27 mg; 8% triacetin and 6% glycerol, 31%, 0.27 mg; 8% triacetin and 10% glycerol, 31%, 0.27 mg; 8% triacetin and 6% 1,2-propanediol, 31%. 0.27 mg; 8% triacetin and 10% 1,2-propanediol, 42%. 0.22 mg. The application of plasticizer to the filter increased the rate of menthol migration from the tobacco to the filter; it also affected the amount of menthol delivered. No correlation was observed between the rate of menthol migration from the tobacco to the filter and the amount of menthol delivered. For example, cigarettes having filters bonded with 8% triacetin and 8% triethylene glycol diacetate had comparable rates of menthol migration but there was a significant difference between the amounts of menthol that they delivered. The most efficient menthol delivery was obtained from a cigarette having a filter bonded with 5% triacetin.

(Full article published with kind permission from "Tobacco International")