Exactly what material is the wick?

[Shortstuff116]

Yes I did a lot of reading and searching and did find single amophorous crystal silica yarn but is this in fact the exact type of material used as the wicking material in my 510 atty?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jj2]

I don't think anyone has come across what exactly is used as factory filler.

 

[RjG]

Fiberglass or silica (pretty much the same thing)

There's really nothing else it can be, since it doesn't burn at atomizer temps in direct contact with red-hot nichrome wire.

McMaster carries it, fireplace stores carry it, or you can order "POI Wick" online
It comes as a braided "rope" from these places, you need to unravel a bit to use.

 

[jxmiller]

eBay can be a source for small amounts. I for 7" length of 1.5" thick silica rope. That should last a long long time because you don't actually use much of it at all. Most of the manufacturers I have found supply only large amounts.

 

[Stephan Real]

I have successfully rebuilt 8 or so RN4081 attys reusing only the base, tube and ceramic cup. For my wicking material I cut about 3/4th an inch off of a Zippo Wick, and carefully remove the copper wire, and the cotton threading, which leaves behind a portion of 100% silica fiber. I fold this 3/4th inch length of fiber in half, doubling it upon itself before wrapping the nichrome coil around said fiber.
Each wick cost a bit over a dollar at any local liqour store or smoke shop and contains enough silica to make 4 or 5 attys if your a perfectionist like me and trim/waste a good 30% of the intial length before setting it in the cup.
After running atomizers using this method for months of chain vaping on all variety of juice mixes at 3.7 to 6volts, the fiber always darkens or cures, but never burns away or turns into charred gunk.