What is the chemistry of steeping?

[Zac21]

I know the benefit of steeping and the non scientific explanations about mixing at a molecular level. I mix epoxies on a molecular level and it takes minutes and not days.

Trying to figure out the real explanation. The problem I see with the current explanations is that the flavoring is already dissolved and steeped in PG/VG, so diluting it should just be a simple dilution which should happen fairly quickly.

My current theory (totally unproven) is that I keep seeing VG and PG not mixing well. Since the flavoring is usually dissolved in only PG or only VG, it takes time to dissolve in the PG/VG mix which composes the majority of the juice. Essentially, it is the same issue of PG and VG mixing.

The common use of ultrasonic cleaners and electric stirrers increases my suspicion that it is simply a mixing issue and not a maturity or real "steeping" process.

Then there is the issue of oxidization, which is normally considered a bad thing for food and causes flavor degradation and not enhancement. Does it have part in e-juice preparation?

What is your theory?

 

[spaceballsrules]

Oxidation, as it concerns ejuice, will have the same effect as it does on a bottle of wine. It mellows out strong flavors and acidity while enhancing the milder flavors.

Evaporation is another key step in steeping ejuice. Some flavors are alcohol-based. While the alcohol is great for extracting and holding flavor molecules, it can be a rather unpleasant flavor when vaped. Allowing the alcohol to dissipate by letting a bottle of ejuice breathe will vastly improve overall flavor. Oxidation and evaporation go hand in hand, by the way.

Lastly, there is the process of polymerization. Just like a pot of chili, stew, or soup, a mixture with a multitude of flavor components i.e. molecules, will generally taste better when cooked and cooled overnight in comparison to when it is freshly made. This is because the individual monomer flavor components have had time to bond with one another, creating much more complex polymer chains. This, in turn, creates a more homogenous mixture and a more uniform flavor.

 

[smacuser]

Think of it as lasagna and how it seems to taste better in the fridge after a day or two; flavors melding.

 

[Fuzzy Bruce]

You are making me hungry!

 

[smacuser]

Or maybe morning pizza.

 

[Tazmnaz]

Is it possible for an juice to steep in a cartomizer if left over time?

 

[WillyZee]

Think of it as lasagna and how it seems to taste better in the fridge after a day or two; flavors melding.

I was thinking spaghetti sauce ... taste it as soon as you mix everything ... then taste it after it simmers for a good while.

 

[smacuser]

Is it possible for an juice to steep in a cartomizer if left over time?

I don't see why not.

The common use of ultrasonic cleaners and electric stirrers increases my suspicion that it is simply a mixing issue and not a maturity or real "steeping" process.

What is your theory?

Just give your juice a good shake each time before you wet your coils.

 

[spaceballsrules]

Is it possible for an juice to steep in a cartomizer if left over time?

As long as the bottle of juice was shaken vigorously and evenly mixed, then absolutely yes.

 

[Zac21]

Oxidation, as it concerns ejuice, will have the same effect as it does on a bottle of wine. It mellows out strong flavors and acidity while enhancing the milder flavors.

Evaporation is another key step in steeping ejuice. Some flavors are alcohol-based. While the alcohol is great for extracting and holding flavor molecules, it can be a rather unpleasant flavor when vaped. Allowing the alcohol to dissipate by letting a bottle of ejuice breathe will vastly improve overall flavor. Oxidation and evaporation go hand in hand, by the way.

Lastly, there is the process of polymerization. Just like a pot of chili, stew, or soup, a mixture with a multitude of flavor components i.e. molecules, will generally taste better when cooked and cooled overnight in comparison to when it is freshly made. This is because the individual monomer flavor components have had time to bond with one another, creating much more complex polymer chains. This, in turn, creates a more homogenous mixture and a more uniform flavor.

Thanks for the detailed answer.
Follow up question: If I only mix one flavor in a PG/VG solution (already prepared), does the polymerization also take place?

 

[Nermal]

I can't believe this many posts without somebody popping in to say it isn't really steeping.

 

[Underwhelmed]

I can't believe this many posts without somebody popping in to say it isn't really steeping.

I came here expecting the same thing Nermal.

 

[skoony]

basically after the initial mix the juice needs time to settle
out the air introduced and for the alcohol if used to evaporate.
depending on how the juiced is mixed depends on the amount of air
that gets into the mix. you also want to get a maximum and even
dispersion of all the ingredients. as the air settles out the molecules
literally align themselves closer together for a more homogeneous
blend. oxidation is of no real concern as that's a process that
degrades the product over time and is a slow process. most
if not all chemical reactions should be occurring during the mixing
process. one does not want a lot of chemical processes going on
after the mixing stage so as to have a consistent and stable product.
and of course depending on the blend steeping may or may not be
needed. i think the reason the subject of steeping seems to have
so many different and conflicting opinions on how and why its
done,(or not needed) is we tend to forget the of all the ingredients
in the vapor we inhale the greatest percentage by far is the air
around us. depending on your location it can and does have a
affect the taste of your vape.

regards
mike

 

[duckwarrior]

Would a centrifuge help? lol just curious.


or would that reverse the steeping process?

 

[93gc40]

Fix the "mixing" refered to in steeping really has NOTHING to do with the ACT of stirring or mixing chemicals...... It is about allowing the esoteric ingredients of FLAVOR to blend and meld.. NO amount of mechanical "mixing" is going to do this. This is a function of TIME.

 

[skoony]

Fix the "mixing" refered to in steeping really has NOTHING to do with the ACT of stirring or mixing chemicals...... It is about allowing the esoteric ingredients of FLAVOR to blend and meld.. NO amount of mechanical "mixing" is going to do this. This is a function of TIME.

no actually most of the bonding and melding is accomplished
in the mixing process. mixing accomplishes two primary functions.
one,to disperse the ingredients evenly.
two,to bond and meld or whatever chemical reaction is desired
by agitating the ingredients together.
depending on the amount of water in the mix it may also
absorb or emit H2O depending on the relative humidity
in the air.
regards
mike

 

[spaceballsrules]

Thanks for the detailed answer.
Follow up question: If I only mix one flavor in a PG/VG solution (already prepared), does the polymerization also take place?

Yes. Molecular bonding occurs even when just two simple elements are mixed together. The only difference would be that it takes less time and energy for the bonds to form.

 

[jleeper]

I know the benefit of steeping and the non scientific explanations about mixing at a molecular level. I mix epoxies on a molecular level and it takes minutes and not days.

Trying to figure out the real explanation. The problem I see with the current explanations is that the flavoring is already dissolved and steeped in PG/VG, so diluting it should just be a simple dilution which should happen fairly quickly

My theory is that we'll find more answers in the psychology of steeping rather than the chemistry.