For many switching from traditional cigarettes, an e-cigarette, or electronic cigarette, is something of a miracle. Instead of combusting dry leaves and producing smoke, e-cigarettes create a vapour that carries nicotine and flavour. So how does that work? What science underpins vaporisation to make e-cigarettes offer a smoother, more controllable, and safer experience? In this article, we’ll unlock the science of how e-cigarettes work and why this method of nicotine delivery has become increasingly popular in New Zealand and beyond.
Understanding Vaporisation in E-Cigarettes
At its core, an electronic cigarette is a device designed to create an aerosol, often called “vapour,” by heating a special liquid called e-liquid or e-juice. This e-liquid contains a mixture of ingredients such as
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Propylene Glycol (PG): Provides throat hit and flavour.
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Vegetable Glycerine (VG): Facilitates thick vapour production.
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Nicotine: The substance that causes the craving to be satisfied.
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Flavouring Agents: Variety of flavours available.
The equipment vaporises the e-liquid through a tiny heater called a coil. When the liquid comes into contact with the coil, it quickly evaporates. This vapour is then inhaled into the lungs by the consumer, delivering nicotine and flavour effectively and quickly.
The Role of Coils and Resistance
Coils are perhaps the most crucial components in an e-cigarette. They're typically made from metal alloys like Kanthal or stainless steel and possess a fixed resistance, expressed in ohms (Ω). The resistance of a coil determines how quickly it heats up and how much of a vapour cloud it produces.
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Low Resistance Coils (Sub-Ohm): Heat more quickly and create larger vapour clouds, which are appropriate for direct-to-lung vaping.
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High Resistance Coils: Provide a more limiting draw and are more appropriate to mouth-to-lung vaping, as the experience is nearer to that of orthodox cigarettes.
Advanced e-cigarettes feature adjustable wattage controls, which allow them to be configured by the user to meet their optimal compromise between flavour, throat hit, and vapour formation.
The Science of Nicotine Delivery
Nicotine, the tobacco plant's stimulant, is the chemical that satisfies the craving. Nicotine is released through combustion in the conventional cigarette, thus becoming accessible inside the smoke. However, along with the nicotine, hundreds of harmful chemicals are emitted that are part of the burn.
In an e-cigarette, the nicotine is vaporised at a relatively low temperature. As a result:
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The nicotine is emitted more cleanly and efficiently.
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The vapour contains fewer harmful by-products.
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The strength of nicotine can be adjusted to specific needs by the user.
Experiments have established that the delivery of nicotine by vaporisation mimics the absorption of nicotine from traditional cigarettes, hence making e-cigarettes an effective alternative.
The Composition of E-Liquid
The ratio between propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG) in the e-liquid affects both vapour characteristics and nicotine delivery.
Higher PG e-liquids provide a stronger throat hit, making the experience feel closer to that of smoking traditionally. They also carry flavour more effectively.
Higher VG e-liquids deliver thicker vapour, ideal for those who want a smooth, cloud-dense experience.
Nicotine can be added to e-liquids in different forms. Freebase nicotine is ideal for higher devices with a more robust throat hit. Meanwhile, nicotine salts are smoother when there is a higher concentration of nicotine and are ideal for low devices like pod systems.
Why Vapour Feels Different from Smoke
Though vapour appears very similar to smoke, the sensation is quite distinct. Vapour is cooler, smoother, and shorter-lasting. This is due to the fact that e-cigarettes have lower temperatures and there is no burning. Vapour delivers nicotine well, but without the tar and carcinogens of normal smoking.
The Impact of Vaporisation Temperature
Temperature control is a significant innovation in e-cigarette technology. Through the control of specific temperatures, recent e-cigarettes can:
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Reduce the likelihood of burning the wick.
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Improve flavour profiles.
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Provide a more reliable nicotine experience.
Temperature-controlled vaping has gained popularity as an added feature for individuals seeking more precision and personalisation in their vaping experience.
The Role of the Lungs and Nicotine Absorption
When inhaled, it gets to the lungs and delivers nicotine into the blood through the alveoli. The rapid absorption makes the effects of the drug felt within seconds; hence, e-cigarettes prove to be an excellent substitute for regular cigarettes. The variable level of nicotine ensures that a majority of people can gradually reduce consumption over a period of time, and thus e-cigarettes turn out to be an invaluable tool for people who want to quit or reduce their addiction.
The Flavour Science
The e-cigarette experience goes beyond nicotine. The range of flavour is its most popular aspect. Flavour chemicals are well conserved and delivered by vaporisation, making for a very enjoyable, highly personalised experience.
With flavouring technology being better, e-cigarettes now have anything from classic tobacco flavours to tropical fruit flavours and dessert flavours. The ability to control flavour and nicotine level allows for highly personal enjoyment.
Why We Believe in E-Cigarettes at EasyPuff
We understand the science and precision of a good vaping experience here at EasyPuff. We enjoy providing New Zealand vapers with quality e-cigarettes, superior e-liquids, and expert guidance. We source our products from quality producers and install them to provide our clients with a safe, fulfilling, and reliable means of quitting smoking and converting to vaping.
We've built our reputation on service and quality, so it's easy for folks all around New Zealand to transition. Whatever your needs are—from full-strength flavour to precise nicotine delivery—we're dedicated to taking care of you along the way.
Conclusion
The technology of e-cigarettes is a fascinating mix of engineering, chemistry, and biology. By the use of the vaporisation process, an electronic cigarette delivers a cleaner, more adaptable, and highly customisable way for people to indulge in nicotine. With knowledge of this technology, vapers are able to be well-informed and maximise the benefits that e-cigarettes have to offer. In New Zealand, where quality and safety are valued, e-cigarettes are a popular and trusted option among those who seek a successful and enjoyable alternative to traditional smoking.
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