Menthol???

[tobyspaw]

I am having a problem with my menthol, I'm mixing menthol crystals with PG (crushing crystals,mixing with PG and heating up in microwave for 5 seconds) then pouring that mix into the pre made menthol (cuz I like it strong) Anyway if the mix sits for awhile the mix forms a crystal crust in the bottle(clogs up opening in the bottle) until I warm it up(I thought heat was an enemy of the nics shelf life). Is this normal? I want an EZ to use 24 mg, strong menthol,what can I do??

 

[Raenon]

Though I've not done it myself, I've read several posts where it was suggested that you crush the menthol crystals with a small amount of PGA (pure grain alcohol, like everclear). Heating was never mentioned.

Beyond that, I might think that you simply overloaded the liquid with a few too many crystals.

 

[Hellen A. Handbasket]

Toby, from what I've read it shouldn't recrystallize in just PG. That is odd.

Might want to let it settle, and use a syringe or squeeze bulb dropper to remove the top liquid as much as possible into a different bottle to avoid any of the solids and toss the little bit that is left. You could try reheating that small left over portion (sit in a bowl of hot water for a while) or try adding some PGA (Pure Grain Alcohol) to what is left in the bottom?

I made my drops by dissolving crystals in Everclear PGA only because I have it here for cleaning out atomizers. Worked great, but not everyone wants alcohol in their mix.

 

[tobyspaw]

Could I use Vodka? Cant buy pure grain in PA at liquor store anymore.

 

[Hellen A. Handbasket]

I'd think that would work but haven't tried it. Use good stuff, highest alcohol content or proof you can buy (vodka is alcohol and water so higher the proof, the less water and more alcohol). Might even want to warm it up a bit by putting in a glass jar and sitting it in a pan of hot water (don't boil the vodka) and make very small batches to start out with!

 

[LisaLisa]

I"m having the same exact problem! I"m using VG, not PG and I crushed the crystals, put the mixture in the microwave to melt them and a few days later I had liquid with floating menthol blobs in it! I"m not even kidding, it's a complete mess, almost like the menthol crystals congealed overnight or something like that. I"m so upset because I ruined a huge amount of VG! I"m thinking about adding vodka, but I don't know if that will fix it. What a mess.

 

[Hellen A. Handbasket]

I read on the forum not to use VG because it wouldn't desolve. Yikes. Strain it maybe?

Here are some good threads for Menthol Drops
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...rops-recipe-menthol-lovers-11.html#post699395
Here's a couple more:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/45031-advice-menthol-smoker.html

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...42605-menthol-recommendations-new-e-cigs.html

 

[tobyspaw]

I"m having the same exact problem! I"m using VG, not PG and I crushed the crystals, put the mixture in the microwave to melt them and a few days later I had liquid with floating menthol blobs in it! I"m not even kidding, it's a complete mess, almost like the menthol crystals congealed overnight or something like that. I"m so upset because I ruined a huge amount of VG! I"m thinking about adding vodka, but I don't know if that will fix it. What a mess.

I just try to warm it up a little(to body temp,run bottle under hot tap water for a minute or so) before squeezing some drops into cart. Dissolves it right away,then shake. I know ,gotta be a better way,thinking about getting menthol drops from juicyliquid,hopefully that will solve the problem.

 

[Deschain]

Why don't you menthol fiends just buy the "DV" menthol flavouring from "TW" or the "pure liquid menthol drops" from "juicyliquid".

It might cost you a few quid more, but it's less hassle, and it's nice and uniform when you can count the drops.


.

 

[Budwin]

JuicyLiquid.com has a nice liquid menthol. I just ordered some along with the crystals.

I mix my crystals with Everclear, and don't seem to have the crystalizing issues.

 

[kase]

I smoked Kools/Newports for 17 years and I have like 5 different menthol juices that are all fine, most too strong, so I dont know whats up with this search for even more mentholly menthol. Hehehe.

 

[swishneezy]

When you heat up a liquid solution it becomes able to dissolve much more stuff (the menthol crystals for example). The liquid is said to be over-saturated. When the liquid cools down it can't keep the same amount of stuff dissolved so it lets it go. If you have ever made "rock candy" you would be familiar with the process. You oversaturate the water with sugar using heat then slowly let it cool. The sugar starts un-dissolving and forming back into sugar crystals. The same thing is probably happening to your menthol crystals. Try cooling the VG/PG liquid down in the fridge until it reaches a few degrees below room temp. Then dissolve as much menthol as you can (any crystal substance that doesn't dissolve will start to sit at the bottom. Pour off as much liquid as you can while still leaving the un-dissolved crystals in the original mixing container. The liquid you poured off will heat up to room temp and be able to hold onto all the menthol it dissolved. You shouldn't have any more problems with menthol re-crystallizing again.

Also, using alcohol in your vapor juice is bad for you. When the liquid gets vaporized you inhale alcohol vapors. This is not good for your lungs on a long term effect. Try to use as little alcohol as possible.