CPC A24D 3/14 (2013.01) [A24D 3/0229 (2013.01); A24D 3/0254 (2013.01); A24D 3/063 (2013.01); A24D 3/068 (2013.01); A24D 3/10 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A process for producing a filter element suitable for use in smoking articles, the process comprising:
embedding a bundle of cellulose acetate fibers with an aqueous suspension of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) to obtain a wet bundle of the cellulose acetate fibers covered by the aqueous suspension of the polyhydroxyalkanoate;
shaping the wet bundle in a form of a continuous elongated element;
heating the continuous elongated element to temperature greater than or equal to 140° C. and less than or equal to 180° C. for time sufficient to melt the polyhydroxyalkanoate and to evaporate water from the continuous elongated element;
cooling the heated continuous elongated element to obtain crystallization of the polyhydroxyalkanoate; and
cutting the continuous elongated element into segments of predetermined length.
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