Chloe Zhang
E-cigarette users have reported that certain e-liquid flavors can cause plastic tanks to crack or melt. This is due to a chemical reaction between the polycarbonate plastic and the e-liquid's citric or malic acid content, which is more common in fruit-flavored liquids. While there are no reported health dangers, users are advised to switch to glass or PETG tanks to avoid the issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of tank cracks | Chemical reaction between certain e-liquid flavors and polycarbonate plastic |
| Types of e-liquid flavors | Citrus, cinnamon, pear, cherry, apple, banana, menthol, licorice, cola, etc. |
| Plastic type affected | Polycarbonate |
| Solution | Use a glass or Pyrex tank |
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What You'll Learn
- Citrus-based e-liquids contain high levels of citric acid that bind with polycarbonate molecules, weakening the plastic
- Acidic fruit flavours, like pear and cherry, can cause chemical reactions that crack plastic tanks
- Cinnamon-based liquids are often to blame, possibly due to their alkaline nature
- Heat speeds up chemical reactions, so vaping with a hotter coil will impact the longevity of polycarbonate tanks with acidic flavours
- Some manufacturers now source triacetyl-free flavour extracts to prevent tanks from cracking
Citrus-based e-liquids contain high levels of citric acid that bind with polycarbonate molecules, weakening the plastic
E-cigarettes, vaporizers, and e-liquids are typically used by adults as a cleaner, safer alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes. However, it is important to be aware of the potential incompatibility between certain e-liquids and plastic tanks. Citrus-based e-liquids, in particular, have been known to cause issues due to their high levels of citric acid.
Citrus-based e-liquids contain higher levels of citric acid per volume compared to other e-liquid flavors. When these e-liquids come into contact with polycarbonate plastic tanks, the citric acid binds with the polycarbonate molecules. This chemical reaction forms compounds called esters, weakening the structural integrity of the plastic. As a result, the tank may become hazy, develop cracks, or start leaking unexpectedly.
The combination of citric acid and heat from vaping can accelerate the deterioration of the plastic tank. This is because chemical reactions occur more rapidly at higher temperatures. Therefore, using a hotter coil with citrus-based e-liquids will likely expedite the degradation process.
To avoid the issue of tank cracking, some e-liquid manufacturers have started using triacetyl-free flavor extracts. Additionally, switching to a glass or Pyrex tank is recommended, as these materials are immune to the corrosive effects of citrus-based e-liquids. Investing in a glass tank may be slightly more expensive upfront, but it can save you from the hassle and cost of regularly replacing cracked plastic tanks.
While tank cracking may be frustrating and messy, it is important to note that it does not pose any reported health dangers. However, users should still be cautious when handling e-liquids, as nicotine is a toxin that can be absorbed through the skin.
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Acidic fruit flavours, like pear and cherry, can cause chemical reactions that crack plastic tanks
E-cigarette users have reported that certain e-liquid flavours can cause plastic tanks to crack or melt. This is due to a chemical reaction between the e-liquid and the polycarbonate plastic that the tanks are made of. While polycarbonate plastic is durable and can withstand high temperatures, it is susceptible to strong acids.
Acidic fruit flavours, like pear and cherry, are among the e-liquids that can cause these chemical reactions. Pear-flavoured e-liquids, for example, have been known to crack plastic tanks due to their acidity. Similarly, cherry-flavoured e-liquids have been reported to cause melting and cracking of plastic tanks.
These issues are not limited to pear and cherry flavours, as other acidic flavours can also cause similar problems. Citrus-based e-liquids, for instance, contain high levels of citric acid, which can bind with polycarbonate molecules, weakening the plastic and potentially leading to cracks or fogging. Manufacturers often label these e-liquids as "tank crackers" on their websites.
To avoid these issues, users are advised to switch to glass or Pyrex tanks, which are more resistant to chemical reactions and provide a better vaping experience. While slightly more expensive, these alternatives offer a longer-lasting solution and eliminate the risk of tank cracking or melting due to acidic e-liquids.
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Cinnamon-based liquids are often to blame, possibly due to their alkaline nature
E-cigarette users have reported that certain e-liquid flavours can cause their plastic tanks to crack or melt. This is due to a chemical reaction between the liquid and the polycarbonate plastic that the tanks are made of. While many different flavours have been implicated, cinnamon-based liquids are often to blame, possibly due to their alkaline nature.
Cinnamon is known to contain high levels of citric acid, which binds with polycarbonate molecules, weakening the plastic. This creates compounds called esters, which can cause fogging or cracking of the tank. The problem is exacerbated by heat, which speeds up the chemical reaction.
Citrus-based e-liquids have a similar effect on polycarbonate tanks due to their high levels of citric acid. However, cinnamon-based liquids are particularly problematic, possibly because they also contain malic acid, another common tank-damaging acid.
Some e-liquid manufacturers have started producing triacetyl-free flavour extracts to avoid this issue. However, it is worth noting that not all plastic tanks are affected by acidic flavours. Tanks made from polypropylene plastic, for example, are immune to cracking from flavours.
If you are concerned about tank cracking, it is recommended to switch to a glass or Pyrex tank, which is more durable and will not be damaged by e-liquids.
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Heat speeds up chemical reactions, so vaping with a hotter coil will impact the longevity of polycarbonate tanks with acidic flavours
Heat plays a crucial role in the vaping experience. It influences flavour and vapour production, and is also a key factor in ensuring safety and coil longevity. The coil inside a vape heats up to vaporise the e-liquid. The temperature of the coil directly impacts the flavour, with different e-liquids vaporising optimally at specific temperatures.
Research indicates that certain flavour compounds in e-liquids vaporise differently depending on temperature. For example, menthol-based flavours perform well at lower temperatures, while dessert or complex flavours may benefit from moderate to high heat. However, excessive heat can degrade e-liquid components and produce harmful by-products, such as formaldehyde.
The temperature of the coil also affects vapour production. Higher temperatures generally produce larger clouds, but excessive heat can diminish flavour quality and damage the coil. Therefore, maintaining the right coil temperature is essential for a safe and enjoyable vaping experience.
When it comes to the impact of heat on polycarbonate tanks, it is important to consider the interaction between heat, acidic flavours, and the polycarbonate material. Many e-cig tanks are made from polycarbonate plastic, which is a durable and heat-resistant material. However, some e-liquids contain compounds that can react with the polycarbonate molecule.
Citrus-based e-liquids, for example, contain high levels of citric acid, which can bind with the polycarbonate, weakening the integrity of the plastic. This can lead to fogging or cracking of the tank. The combination of heat and acidic flavours can further accelerate this chemical reaction, potentially increasing the rate at which the tank degrades or cracks. Therefore, vaping with a hotter coil and using acidic flavours can indeed impact the longevity of polycarbonate tanks.
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Some manufacturers now source triacetyl-free flavour extracts to prevent tanks from cracking
E-cigarette users have long been aware of the issue of certain e-liquid flavours causing plastic tanks to crack or melt. This is due to a chemical reaction between the plastic and acidic compounds in the liquid. The problem only occurs with polycarbonate plastic tanks, which are commonly used due to their affordability and durability.
Citrus-based e-liquids, in particular, have been found to contain high levels of citric acid, which binds with the polycarbonate molecules, weakening the plastic and leading to cracking or fogging. Other common acidic flavours, such as cinnamon, cherry, pear, and banana, have also been implicated in causing tank damage.
Recognising the issue, some e-liquid manufacturers have started to source triacetyl-free flavour extracts to prevent their products from damaging plastic tanks. This means that vapers can continue to use polycarbonate tanks without worrying about the financial burden and inconvenience of replacing a cracked or melted tank.
While switching to a glass or Pyrex tank can eliminate the risk of tank cracking, some users may prefer to stick with polycarbonate tanks due to their lower cost and lightweight durability. By using triacetyl-free flavour extracts, e-liquid manufacturers are ensuring compatibility with a wider range of tanks and improving the overall experience for their customers.
It is worth noting that not all e-liquids containing acids will damage plastic tanks. The risk of cracking depends on various factors, including the concentration of acidic compounds and the temperature of the vape coil. However, by opting for triacetyl-free flavour extracts, manufacturers are taking a proactive approach to minimise the chances of tank damage and enhance the vaping experience for their customers.
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Frequently asked questions
Certain e-liquid flavors can react with polycarbonate (plastic), resulting in cracks or even melting of vape tanks.
E-liquids that are high in malic acid and citric acid, including lemon, lime, banana, mango, grape, grapefruit, and pineapple, are known to cause this reaction.
Yes, aside from fruit-based flavors, cinnamon-based liquids are also often the culprits. Other flavors include pear, cherry, and cola.
Yes, glass, Pyrex, or metal tanks are alternatives that are not affected by the same reactions as plastic tanks.
If your plastic tank cracks, you should throw it away immediately and consider switching to a glass, Pyrex, or metal tank.
