Cigarette paper containing carbon fibers for improved ash characteristics

The present invention is generally directed to a method for improving the ash characteristics of a paper used to construct smoking articles. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a process for improving the ash cohesiveness of cigarette paper by incorporating carbon fibers into the paper sheet. The present invention is directed to a method for improving the ash characteristics of a paper wrapper for a smoking article and for improving the ash characteristics of the smoking article itself. Specifically, it has been unexpectedly discovered that the ash cohesiveness of a paper wrapper is noticeably improved when carbon fibers having an average length less than about 0.75 inches are incorporated into the paper in an amount up to about 60% by weight. Paper wrappers made with carbon fibers in accordance with the present invention have superior ash characteristics in comparison to paper wrappers incorporating only flax or other cellulosic fibers. Further, the ash cohesiveness of the paper is improved without resulting in the decline in the quality of other ash characteristics.