Abstract: An apparatus for forming a polycomponent fibre having a first, fibre forming component comprising a polymer, and a second, component comprising an active ingredient that will selectively reduce or remove components of tobacco smoke. The apparatus has a first reservoir for containing the first component, and a second reservoir for containing the dispersion, second solution or liquid. The dispersion, second solution or liquid includes the second component. The apparatus also has a polycomponent spinnerette adapted to coextrude the first component and the second component to form the polycomponent fibre. The apparatus also includes a first conduit for connecting the first reservoir to the spinnerette, and a second conduit for connecting the second reservoir to the spinnerette.

Abstract: A method for forming a polycomponent fiber comprising a first, fiber-forming component comprising a polymer, and a second, component comprising an active ingredient that will selectively reduce or remove components of tobacco smoke, the method comprising the steps of: i. forming a dispersion, second solution or liquid comprising the second component; and ii. coextruding the first component and the dispersion, second solution or liquid through a jet or aperture to form a fiber comprising a first portion formed from the first component, and a second portion formed from the second component.

Abstract: A method of preparing a crimped tow of cellulose acetate filaments comprising the steps of: a) providing cellulose acetate dope b) forming filaments (23) from the dope c) applying at least one additive to the filaments d) crimping the filaments to form a crimped tow wherein the at least one additive is capable of removing a component from cigarette smoke. Preferably, the component is a Hoffmann analyte. The additive may comprise a solution, liquid, emulsion or particulate material or combinations thereof. Preferably, the additive comprises an acidic compound or an alkaline compound. The additive may comprise malic acid, potassium carbonate, citric acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, polyethyleneimine, cyclodextrin, sodium hydroxide, sulphamic acid, sodium sulphamate, polyvinyl acetate and carboxylated acrylate, carbon, silica, zeolite, clay, alumina, metal, molecular sieves or an ion exchange resin.