Is it possible that certain flavors can act as a pH buffer and render false results during nic testing? I'm trying to make my tropical mix and aiming for 24MG, and yet when I test it with my nicotine test kit, my results are 18MG. Very confused! I know it's correct, because I have tested my 100MG bulk nicotine and it comes out fine. I also know that I have not miscalculated the amount of nicotine added, because when I make 100 mls of liquid, I add 24 mls of nicotine (24%). What is going on?!?!?
DIY E-Liquid Concern
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May be a dumb ? but I still have to ask...did you take into account that adding your flavor will reduce your nic level?
Yes, of course. I know flavors take part of the PG ratio, as does the nicotine since both my flavors and nic are PG-based. My other flavors don't have this problem and always turn out right. I have 10 flavors that always test correctly, but 3 that always test 6MG lower than what they should, no matter what level I mix them at. I have a friend that is a chemist and I explained everything to him and he said that during titration, the flavors may contain a buffering agent that is altering (lowering/raising?) the pH balance which in turn would lower the test results.
I see where my description might have been confusing - I meant to say that I INCLUDE 24 mls of nicotine as part of the 100 mls total e-liquid made (as in the other 76 mls is made up of PG, VG, and flavoring at their respective percentages).
I see where my description might have been confusing - I meant to say that I INCLUDE 24 mls of nicotine as part of the 100 mls total e-liquid made (as in the other 76 mls is made up of PG, VG, and flavoring at their respective percentages).
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No your description was spot on. I figured it may be a dumb question but sometimes we miss the obvious lol! So figured it was worth a shot just to be sure. I wasn't aware that could happen but a also haven't been doing DIY for very long either. But it sounds fairly possible. I hope you get a better answer to your question soon. I'm pretty curious now myself so ill be checking back to see what kind of info you get.
Yeah it really stumped me, I hope someone sees this post that has run into this issue. Thanks for checking with me - I know sometimes it's hard to see the forest. If no one is aware of this, I'm worried that other people may be mis-testing their liquids... :S
yes, i always use a calc. and thank you for verifying that flavorings can in fact mess up a nic reading.. do you know what agent in the flavoring may be causing the false reading?
100mg/ml shouldn't come as 100% nicotine, so adding 24ml to get 100ml won't give you 24% nicotine. Unflavored nicotine for Diy mixing should have a PG or VG base to begin with and isn't 100% nicotine from the start. At least that is what I'm under the impression of.
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If you know that the base is 100mg and you have mixed correctly then your juice must be 24mg. It wouldn't bother me if the reading on the mixed juice was out as long as i was certain the nicotine base was correct.
A very good point though for anyone testing pre-mixed juice.
This is something i have not heard of before but the explanation of why the readings could be out sounds logical.
I would imagine that most manufacturers base their mg rating on the base nicotine so this wouldn't really be a problem. IMO
A very good point though for anyone testing pre-mixed juice.
This is something i have not heard of before but the explanation of why the readings could be out sounds logical.
I would imagine that most manufacturers base their mg rating on the base nicotine so this wouldn't really be a problem. IMO
I'm assuming OP means adding 24 mls of nicotine to get a final volume of 100 ml. Also, I'm assuming the percentages listed were just a mistake and he/she really meant 2.4%.
Flavors can definitely affect the titration. I'm pretty sure I remember that when Kurt was doing all the testing wrt Box Elder, some flavors were definitely found to change the pH values so that the titration could not be used effectively for flavored juices.
Flavors can definitely affect the titration. I'm pretty sure I remember that when Kurt was doing all the testing wrt Box Elder, some flavors were definitely found to change the pH values so that the titration could not be used effectively for flavored juices.
I vaguely remember him mentioning that as well but can't seem to find the post.
Might not be a bad idea to post this question here.
Ask The Veterans
If you do ask, mention the specific flavorings you're using.
It might have gotten moved to another forum. Isn't there one about testing or something?
Yes, for those wondering, I meant 2.4%. Sorry for the typo! I literally have a final product of precisely 100 ml. 
thanks for your help, guys!
thanks for your help, guys!
A buffering agent is something used to prevent changes in pH rather than lowering or raising it. A buffering solution is the addition of an acid or base along with its conjugate. Further additions of either another acid or base doesn't significantly affect the pH of the solution. Any additional Hydrogen ions are neutralized by the base while Hydroxide ions are neutralized by the acid. It is used in chemical processes to "lock in" a desired pH.
Aquarium and outdoor pond enthusiasts are constantly trying to lock in the best pH level for optimal plant and animal growth in their water columns. [raises hand]
If you are certain that your math and measuring processes are accurate, then don't worry about pH skewing your nicotine readings.
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