Effects of environmental relative humidity on key indexes of heated tobacco products based on drying processed reconstituted tobacco

Taking "Kuanzhai" branded heated tobacco products of "Original Flavor" as the research materials, moisture content, draw resistance, aerosol components (nicotine, total particulate matter, moisture) and sensory indexes of the heated tobacco products stored for 7 days under different relative humidity were analyzed. The results showed that: 1) Moisture content, draw resistance, total particulate matter and moisture in the aerosol positively correlated to environmental relative humidity. 2) Environmental relative humidity had an insignificant effect on the circumference and roundness of tobacco rod in the experimental period, while it negatively affected the nicotine release in the aerosol. 3) Lower relative humidity (22.5%) increased the irritation of the samples; however, a higher relative humidity (90.0%) decreased the aerosol amount and aroma quantity and raised smoke temperature. 4) Other than the suitable relative humidity of 60% for conventional cigarettes, the temperature of (25±2) ℃ and the environmental relative humidity of 43% were more appropriate for the production and storage of the heated tobacco products.