BIOSILICA-REINFORCED CIGARETTE FILTERS FOR HEALTHIER SMOKING SOLUTIONS

Abstract

This invention provides a biosilica-reinforced cigarette filter that reduces harmful substances in cigarette smoke. By integrating biosilica into the cellulose acetate matrix, the filter enhances physical filtration and chemical adsorption, capturing tar, nicotine, and other toxins. The filter is biodegradable, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional filters and reducing cigarette butt pollution.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to advancements in cigarette filter technology, focusing on a biosilica-reinforced filter designed to reduce harmful compounds in cigarette smoke. By integrating biosilica, a biodegradable material with high adsorption capacity, the invention aims to provide a safer and environmentally sustainable option for cigarette filtration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditional cigarette filters, typically made from cellulose acetate, have limited effectiveness in filtering out harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke. These filters do not adequately reduce the inhalation of toxic substances, such as tar, nicotine, and heavy metals, posing health risks to smokers. Additionally, discarded cigarette filters contribute significantly to environmental pollution due to their non-biodegradable nature, causing plastic pollution in waterways and urban areas. This invention introduces a biosilica-reinforced filter that combines traditional filter materials with biosilica, derived from agricultural waste, to enhance filtration and provide an eco-friendly alternative. Biosilica's porous structure and adsorption properties enable it to capture a higher proportion of toxic substances, reducing both the health risks associated with smoking and the environmental impact of discarded filters.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention provides a cigarette filter that combines cellulose acetate with biosilica particles to enhance its filtration capabilities. The biosilica, sourced from agricultural by-products such as rice husk ash, contributes a porous structure that traps harmful chemicals effectively. The filter operates through physical filtration and chemical adsorption, capturing particles and adsorbing toxic substances from cigarette smoke. This dual-action filter offers a biodegradable solution that decomposes more rapidly than conventional filters, reducing environmental pollution.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: ILLUSTRATES THE STRUCTURE OF THE CIGARETTE FILTER, HIGHLIGHTING THE EVEN DISTRIBUTION OF BIOSILICA PARTICLES WITHIN THE CELLULOSE ACETATE MATRIX.
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The biosilica-reinforced cigarette filter comprises a blend of cellulose acetate fibers and biosilica particles. The biosilica is derived from natural sources such as rice husk ash or diatoms, processed to create fine, porous silica particles. These particles are then embedded within the cellulose acetate matrix, forming a highly efficient filtration system. The biosilica's porosity increases the filter's surface area, enhancing its ability to trap harmful compounds such as tar, nicotine, and heavy metals. The adsorption properties of biosilica allow it to capture volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, formaldehyde, and other carcinogens present in cigarette smoke.
The filter functions through a combination of physical filtration and chemical adsorption. As smoke passes through the filter, large particles and toxic chemicals are trapped within the porous structure of the biosilica and cellulose acetate matrix. The biosilica adsorbs specific harmful chemicals due to its high surface area and chemical affinity, reducing the concentration of these substances in the smoke inhaled by the smoker. Additionally, biosilica's thermal stability ensures that it withstands the high temperatures generated during smoking without degrading or releasing harmful byproducts, preserving the filter's effectiveness throughout the smoking process.
The use of biosilica also improves the environmental impact of the filter. Unlike conventional filters, which take years to decompose, the biosilica-reinforced filter biodegrades more rapidly under typical environmental conditions, significantly reducing the persistence of cigarette butt litter. This makes it an eco-friendly alternative that supports sustainable waste management.
, Claims:1. A cigarette filter incorporating biosilica particles, which provides enhanced filtration of harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke compared to traditional cellulose acetate filters.
2. The filter as claimed in Claim 1, wherein biosilica is derived from agricultural by-products such as rice husk ash, making the filter biodegradable and eco-friendly.
3. The filter as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the biosilica's porous structure captures tar, nicotine, and particulate matter through physical filtration and adsorption mechanisms.
4. The filter as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the biosilica adsorbs specific toxic chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia.
5. The filter as claimed in Claim 1, wherein biosilica's thermal stability ensures the filter remains effective under the high temperatures generated during smoking.
6. The filter as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it biodegrades more rapidly than conventional filters, reducing environmental pollution from discarded cigarette butts.

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