Vaping liquids differ primarily due to the forms of nicotine they contain. The question of whether to combine freebase and nicotine salt liquids is common. Understanding the answer requires looking at the chemistry of each type and the resulting experience of the blend. This discussion will focus on the properties of each liquid, the technicalities of mixing them, and the practical effects on the user experience.
How Freebase and Nicotine Salt Differ
Freebase nicotine is the traditional form used in most e-liquids. It is created by chemically altering the naturally occurring nicotine molecule to remove protons, increasing its pH level and making it more alkaline (around 8 to 9). This higher alkalinity causes a distinct, harsher “throat hit” when inhaled, especially at concentrations above 12 milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL). Freebase nicotine is well-suited for lower-strength liquids and higher-wattage, sub-ohm devices.
Nicotine salt is closer to the natural state of nicotine found in the tobacco leaf. Manufacturers create this form by combining the nicotine molecule with an organic acid, most commonly benzoic acid. This acid lowers the pH, making the liquid more acidic (typically around 5), which significantly reduces the harshness of the throat hit. This modification allows for smoother inhalation even at very high concentrations (20 mg/mL or more), making it ideal for low-wattage pod systems. Nicotine salts are absorbed into the bloodstream more rapidly than freebase nicotine, providing a quicker feeling of satisfaction.
The Direct Answer on Mixing
The straightforward answer to whether freebase and nicotine salt liquids can be mixed is yes. Both forms of nicotine are suspended in the same carrier liquids: propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). Since these base components are chemically miscible, they will physically blend without separating or reacting dangerously.
The resulting blend will be a single, uniform e-liquid containing both freebase and nicotine salt molecules. The nicotine component itself does not prevent the blending of the overall solution. Safety concerns revolve not around chemical compatibility, but rather the final nicotine concentration, which must be managed carefully.
Practical Effects on the Vaping Experience
The decision to mix these two forms is often driven by a desire to customize the overall vaping experience, particularly the throat sensation. When combined, the mixture will have a pH level between the two original liquids. The resulting sensation will be smoother than a pure freebase liquid of the same strength, but noticeably harsher than a pure nic salt liquid. This blend offers a middle ground for users who find pure nic salts too smooth but pure freebase liquids too harsh.
Mixing also creates a blend of nicotine delivery speeds, affecting how quickly the user feels the effects. Nicotine salt provides fast delivery to the bloodstream, while freebase nicotine is absorbed more slowly. The blended liquid provides a combination of this rapid onset and the more sustained absorption rate of freebase, which some users prefer for a complex or longer-lasting feeling of satisfaction. However, the benzoic acid from the nic salt component may slightly alter the flavor profile of the mixture.
The blend’s effect on vapor production and device compatibility depends on the final PG and VG ratio. A higher VG content, common in freebase liquids, tends to produce larger clouds. Conversely, a higher PG content, often found in nic salt liquids, enhances flavor clarity. Users must be mindful that high-strength nic salt liquids are designed for low-wattage devices, and blending them may not make them suitable for high-wattage devices without risking overwhelming nicotine intake.
Safely Managing Nicotine Concentration
The primary safety consideration when combining these liquids is accurately calculating the final nicotine strength. The resulting concentration is a weighted average based on the volume and strength of each liquid added. For example, mixing 5 milliliters (mL) of a 50 mg/mL nicotine salt liquid with 5 mL of a 10 mg/mL freebase liquid results in a 30 mg/mL liquid, as the strengths are averaged by volume.
The formula for calculating the final strength involves multiplying the volume of each liquid by its concentration, adding those values, and then dividing by the total final volume. It is easy to accidentally create an over-concentrated mixture, particularly when dealing with high-strength nicotine salts. Accidental over-concentration can lead to symptoms of nicotine sickness, making accurate measurement crucial.
For precise mixing, using a calculator or precise measuring tools, such as syringes or a digital scale, is recommended to avoid estimation errors. Once the custom mixture is created, it should always be clearly labeled. Labeling should include the total volume, the final calculated nicotine strength, and the date it was mixed. This practice ensures the user is fully aware of the potency of the liquid being vaped.