Flavouring Agent with High-Frequency Heating of Compositions Based on Natural Raw Materials

Abstract

A new type of household/therapeutic air freshener is proposed, in which beneficial components are released from compositions containing plant raw materials through induction heating under an alternating-frequency electromagnetic field. The composition is heated by metal elements (e.g., pieces of metal foil) included in its composition. The advantage of the proposed air freshener is the possibility of using a wide range of plant raw materials without prior additional processing. Another advantage of this air freshener is the possibility of controlling it via a smartphone, which is in line with the concept of a ‘smart home.’ The proposed approach bypasses labour-intensive production of simple oils, reduces the product cost, and expands the number of plants (helpful for small-scale cultivation in countries such as Kazakhstan). At the same time, however, it remains possible to use traditional compositions based on industrially produced aromatic oils. Specific examples of the implementation of the proposed method are presented. Prospects include programme-controlled emission of odours from polymer matrices, Internet of Things applications, implementation of sound–visual effects (colour–aroma–music), and even integration with neuromorphic materials.