Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate material having a decreased retentive capacity for use as a carrier for aerosol forming materials in smoking articles which smoking articles are capable of producing substantial quantities of aerosol, both initially and over the useful life of the product, without significant thermal degradation of the aerosol former and without the presence of substantial pyrolysis or incomplete combustion products or sidestream aerosol. Thus, the substrate material of the present invention when used with preferred smoking articles is able to provide the user with the sensations and benefits of cigarette smoking without burning tobacco. In addition, the article may be made virtually ashless so that the user does not have to remove any ash during use.