New Member from Michigan

[kj89]

Hey everyone,

My name is KJ and am from Michigan. I am somewhat new to vaping, I tried a disposable e-cig a few years ago and didn't care much for it but a couple of months ago a buddy of mine got me into vaping.
I'm a chemical engineer (almost, one more semester of school!) and got into vaping mainly because it's pretty interesting to me as well as the deliciousness of the e-liquid, rather than as an alternative to tobacco. I started out with a SID and cartomizer setup and now have progressed to a mech mod with a rebuildable atomizer. Vaping has become a distraction hobby and it's pretty cool to see how the tech is evolving whether it's the impressive circuitry in a variable mod or the creative coil builds on rebuildable atomizers.

 

[e-pipeman]

Hi KJ,

Enjoy! It's a friendly old forum here, so ask if you're not sure of anything. We could use the opinions of a chemical engineer round here - for example, it would be interesting on hearing your views on the safety of typical wicking materials (silica, cotton, rayon). Have fun!

 

[CreepyLady]

Welcome to ECF

 

[kj89]

Thanks!

I haven't heard of rayon being used before, but after a look at the MSDS (can't post links yet but google "Viscose Rayon"),I personally wouldn't use it. It says under the Stability and Reactivity section to avoid ignitions sources since decomposition will occur above 200°C and the resulting hazardous products are carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide... I haven't done any calculations yet or read into how hot coils get, and if the wick is well saturated it's seeing temperatures significantly lower than that of the coils but sometimes on my RSST I'll forget to tip it to saturate the wick and wouldn't want to be inhaling CO when that happens.

That's just sorta popped out at me but for health concerns I'd recommend people check out the MSDS of whatever material they're concerned about.

As for cotton vs. silica, I can't recommend which is better since I know both are very absorbent. I haven't seen any data, but they could make a world of difference when vaping at 'super' sub-ohm levels or using one of those high power (100+ watt... hell, 20+ watt even) mods. Then changing the ratio of VG/ethylene glycol could cause one to perform better or worse than the other.
As I continue to try new things, hopefully I can give some better advice and recommendations of what might be desirable under various conditions.

For now, I've only used SS mesh in my RSST at ~0.6ohms and am still extremely satisfied with the improvement in flavor, throat hit (I like a heavier throat hit), and vapor density compared to cartomizers.
Not very definitive advice but hope that gives some useful things to consider.

 

[Susan~S]

I use rayon wick, but I don't use a genesis RBA or vape below 0.5ohms. No dry hits for me!

Here's a thread on Rayon wick: Rayon wick, better flow, flavor, saturation and Nic Hit!. And this is the product I buy: Graham Cellucotton Beauty Coil, 40 Feet

 

[e-pipeman]

Thanks!

I haven't heard of rayon being used before, but after a look at the MSDS (can't post links yet but google "Viscose Rayon"),I personally wouldn't use it. It says under the Stability and Reactivity section to avoid ignitions sources since decomposition will occur above 200°C and the resulting hazardous products are carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide... I haven't done any calculations yet or read into how hot coils get, and if the wick is well saturated it's seeing temperatures significantly lower than that of the coils but sometimes on my RSST I'll forget to tip it to saturate the wick and wouldn't want to be inhaling CO when that happens.

That's just sorta popped out at me but for health concerns I'd recommend people check out the MSDS of whatever material they're concerned about.

As for cotton vs. silica, I can't recommend which is better since I know both are very absorbent. I haven't seen any data, but they could make a world of difference when vaping at 'super' sub-ohm levels or using one of those high power (100+ watt... hell, 20+ watt even) mods. Then changing the ratio of VG/ethylene glycol could cause one to perform better or worse than the other.
As I continue to try new things, hopefully I can give some better advice and recommendations of what might be desirable under various conditions.

For now, I've only used SS mesh in my RSST at ~0.6ohms and am still extremely satisfied with the improvement in flavor, throat hit (I like a heavier throat hit), and vapor density compared to cartomizers.
Not very definitive advice but hope that gives some useful things to consider.

That's really very helpful - thank you!

 

[Rat2chat2]

to ecf KJ. So glad you are here and this the best place to find out anything about vaping. It is a wonderful hobby. I think the best thing about ecf are all the wonderful people here. Sure the information is so helpful but the real joy comes from meeting so many wonderful people. Have fun and happy vaping to you.

 

[Lurch]

Welcome! You will find a huge, diverse, group of great people here, and tons of information.

 

[daleron]

Welcome KJ

 

[Clark F]

Welcome aboard!