Abstract: Disclosed is a novel tobacco smoke filter material comprising a filter element such as cellulose acetate crimped tow having at least about 1 weight percent of micro acicular crystals of a compound such as sodium carbonate present on the surfaces of the filter element. Also disclosed is a process for preparation of such tobacco smoke filter material comprising immersing the filter element in a solution of the compound capable of forming the micro acicular crystals, followed by removing the filter element from the solution and removing residual liquid, thereby forming the novel tobacco smoke filter material.