Optimization of preparation process and analysis of structure and performance of rolled reconstituted tobacco based on whole tobacco stem

XU Kejing; LIU Yuxuan; ZHANG Zhan; LYU Jingjing; LIANG Miao; LI Ruili; ZHANG Junsong; CHEN Xiaolong

doi:10.12187/2025.01.008

Abstract：Tobacco stem power and tobacco leave power were used to prepare rolled reconstituted tobacco,the suitable process parameters for reconstituted tobacco based on stem were determined through orthogonal experiments.The basic physicochemical properties,microstructure,glycerol adsorption performance,thermal weight loss characteristics and released aroma components under heating conditions were compared between the reconstituted tobacco prepared from whole tobacco leaves and stem.The results showed that the optimal addition amounts of water,wood pulp fiber,and carboxymethyl cellulose sodium were 75％,2.5％,and 5％based on tobacco stem power,respectively,from the perspective of tensile strength and sensory quality.The rolled thickness and baking temperature were selected as 0.25 mm and 90 ℃,respectively.The quantitative,tensile strength,and bulk thickness of whole stem reconstituted tobacco leaves were 265.33 g/m2,0.43 kN/m,and 0.83 cm3/g,respectively,which were superior to that of reconstituted tobacco based on whole leaves.The surface uniformity and color retention were good,the micro-pore structure was rich,and the fiber arrangement was relatively loose.The static equilibrium adsorption rate of glycerol in whole stem reconstituted tobacco was 25.0％,which was higher than that in whole leaves reconstituted tobacco.The adsorption process follows a quasi first order kinetic model and exhibited higher adsorption rate constant.Both types of whole leaves reconstituted tobacco exhibited similar four stage thermal decomposition weight loss processes.But the temperature for thermal weight loss stages Ⅱ and Ⅲ of whole stem reconstituted tobacco were more concentrated.The maximum weight loss rate and CPI of these two stages were higher than those of whole leaves reconstituted tobacco.The types and contents of aroma compounds released by whole stem reconstituted tobacco leaves in stage Ⅲ were 41,with a content of 3 410.49 p g/g,all of which were higher than the types and contents of heat released aroma compounds in stage Ⅱ.Among them nicotine,neonicotinoid,DDMP,furfuryl alcohol and other aroma substances could be effectively released.The rolled reconstituted tobacco prepared by tobacco stem had good tensile strength and loose thickness,rich micro-pore structure,and effective release performance for aroma substances under heating conditions.The good fragrance loading capacity and low raw material cost demonstrated its potential for application in heated cigarettes.