Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods for making a composite heat source comprising carbon and metal species. The composite heat source made by the methods of this invention have ignition temperatures that are substantially lower than carbonaceous heat sources, while at the same time provide sufficient heat to release a flavored aerosol from a flavor bed for inhalation by the smoker. Upon combustion, the heat source produces substantially no carbon monoxide. The metal species may be prepared by mixing a metal oxide, metal and a carbon source, pre-forming the metal oxide/metal/carbon source mixture into a shape and converting the mixture to metal species in situ, without substantially altering the original shape of the mixture.

Abstract: A carbonaceous heat source for a smoking article is provided. The heat source is designed to maximize heat transfer to a flavor bed in the smoking article. The heat source undergoes substantially complete combustion leaving minimal residual ash, has a relatively low degree of thermal conductivity and ignites under normal lighting conditions for a conventional cigarette.