Study on the Performance of Cage Braided Tube with PEG/CNT Composite Coatings for Heated Tobacco Product Filters

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) frequently induce user discomfort due to high mainstream smoke temperatures. To address this challenge and improve the inhalation experience, this experiment designed and prepared a cage-shaped braided tube as the cooling section of the filter for HTPs. The thermal, cooling, suction resistance, and smoke composition properties of the filter were tested and analyzed. Thermal analysis (DSC/TG) revealed a 116.53 J/g increase in endothermic enthalpy for PEG-impregnated samples, accompanied by maintained thermal stability (decomposition temperature ≈ approximately 350 °C). The 0.8 wt% Carbon Nanotube (CNT) composite achieved exceptional thermal conductivity (0.597 W/m·K), representing a 521% improvement over untreated controls. The braided tube optimal performance (3 mm inner diameter, 30% PEG/0.8% CNT) reduced the highest smoke temperature to 47.8 °C while maintaining acceptable suction resistance (68.5 Pa, 56.4% reduction vs. commercial IQOS filters). GC-MS analysis confirmed negligible alterations in smoke composition (p > 0.05). This innovation offers an effective thermal management solution that does not compromise sensory experiences.