| abstract |
A heat source 20, when ignited, produces hot gases which release flavourant vapours from a flavourant bed 21. The mixed gases pass through an expansion chamber 12 to a mouthpiece 13. n The heat source comprises metal carbides, preferably iron carbides Fez C and/or Fe₅ C₂, which ignite at relatively low temperatures (less than 550°C) and liberate substantially no carbon monoxide. The carbides are preferably in particulate form and may be mixed with carbon and held together by a binder. The heat source 20 is preferably cylindrical with air passages 22 running through it. |