A Facile Method to Produce High-Bulk and High-Strength Rolled Reconstituted Tobacco Sheet With Refined Tobacco Cellulose Fibers

Abstract

The rolling method is a pivotal means for reconstituted tobacco sheet (RTS) production due to its cost-effectiveness. However, the traditional rolling method is limited by its raw material grinding processes and yields of rolled RTS (RRTS) with subpar strength and bulk. Therefore, it is a challenge to develop a method to produce high-strength and high-bulk RRTS. Here, by replacing traditional raw materials grinding processes with papermaking refining processes, we present a facile and practical method to produce RRTS with elevated bulk and strength. This method separately refines tobacco leaves and stems into long and coarse leave and stem cellulose fibers. These fibers were subsequently reconstructed into RRTS. The detailed process parameters were optimized. The comparative RRTS with flax fibers instead of stem fibers was investigated. The optimal formula of new RRTS was determined. The updated processes, along with the use of refined cellulose fibers, led the RRTS to a significant improvement in strength and bulk, with a 5.3-fold increase in strength, and a 0.7-fold increase in bulk, while smoking qualities were preserved, which surpassed the smoking experience of RRTS with flax fibers. We anticipate this work will enhance the qualities of RTS and facilitate the transition of traditional tobacco industries toward healthier directions.