Abstract: A cellulose-based smoke releasing material (CSRM) was prepared by a rolling processing technology used in reconstituted tobacco in order to improve overall quality of cigarette and reduce harmfulness of smoking. Experimental investigations on combustion and pyrolysis characteristics of CSRM, a flue-cured tobacco (FCT) and a cut reconstituted tobacco (CRT) were conducted by thermogravimetry (TG)-GC/MS and micro-combustion calorimeter (MCC) techniques. CRSM was also blended and made into cigarettes, and its effects on mainstream smoke chemistry and sensory quality of the cigarette were studied. The results showed that:1) The weight loss rate of CSRM was much lower than those of FCT and CRT heated below 600℃, while the residual mass of CSRM was much higher than those of FCT and CRT. The pyrolysis products of CSRM at the characteristic main reaction stage (140-600℃) were lower than those of FCT and CRT in terms of the number of the species and their amounts. 2) The characteristics of activation energy distribution indicated that calcium carbonate suppressed the reaction of CSRM in the conversion rate interval of 30%-65%. 3) MCC data revealed that CSRM had the lowest flammability and combustibility comparing with FCT and CRT. 4) CSRM could effectively reduce the releases of tar and other harmful components in mainstream cigarette smoke at a certain blending ratio. CSRM also improved the sensory quality of the cigarette at the blending ratio of 8%-10%. At the blending ratio of 10%, CSRM was superior to CRT in selectively reducing certain harmful components in mainstream smoke and improving sensory quality of cigarette.