R.j. Reynolds Tobacco Company

Howard C Toft

Carolyn Rierson Carpenter

Kenneth Wayne Smith

William H Graves, Jr

Bruce P Bradford

Gary W Wallace

Extruded smokable material is provided by extruding a moist mixture of divided tobacco and a binding agent which includes locust bean gum and xanthan gum. The mixture is subjected to temperatures about 80.degree. C. during extrusion such that this binding agent components are solubilized and the binding agent is activated. The adhesive character of the binding agent is believed to be provided by heat initiated inter polymer chain associations between the component binders. The tobacco material and binding agent mixture is extruded above the temperature at which the activated agent forms a gel. The extrudated is cooled and the binding agent forms a gel, resulting in a resilient smokable material.

Extruded tobacco materials

Extruded tobacco has its chemical composition changed during the extrusion process. Divided tobacco and ammonia are introduced into an extruder. The combination of temperatures and pressures within the extruder provides for liberation of nicotine from the tobacco. The ammonia and liberated nicotine are removed from the extruder. In addition, the ammonia and sugars within the tobacco can react to further modify the chemical composition of the tobacco. Extrudate is collected separately from the liberated materials. In such a manner, tobacco can be reformed into an extruded shape while having its chemical composition altered.

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Clemmons, NC, United States of America

Howard C Toft