Main Difference – Monofilament vs Fluorocarbon
Monofilaments and fluorocarbon are polymers that are made by the polymerization of certain monomers. These terms are mostly related to their major application – use as fishing lines. A fishing line is a thin thread-like structure (a cord) used in fishing. The end of this fishing line has a fish hook, which is a bait to catch fish in a water body. This article discusses the chemical and physical properties of monofilament and fluorocarbons that make them suitable to be used as a fishing line, as well as their drawbacks. The main difference between monofilament and fluorocarbon is that the density of monofilament is less than that of fluorocarbon strand.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Monofilament
– Definition, Structure and Applications
2. What is Fluorocarbon
– Definition, Structure and Applications
3. What are the Similarities Between Monofilament and Fluorocarbon
– Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Monofilament and Fluorocarbon
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms: Fishing Line, Fluorocarbon, Monofilament, Polymerization
What is Monofilament
Monofilament is a single strand of fiber that is used as a fishing line. Monofilaments are widely used since they are cheap to be produced. Moreover, changing the simple parameters while production can change the physical properties of the strand.
Figure 1: A Blue Colored Monofilament
A monofilament is produced by melting fiber (a mixture of several polymers), followed by extrusion of this molten fiber through tiny holes. Then the strands are quickly cooled in order to obtain the solid strand. This extrusion causes the production of tiny strands. By changing the diameter of these holes, one can change the thickness of the strand. However, a single strand that comes out of one hole is considered as a monofilament. Changing the components in molten polymer mixture can also change the strength, toughness, density of the strand.
Monofilament made from Nylon is commonly used for the purpose of fishing. This is because it is inexpensive and is suitable for both fresh water fishing and salt water fishing.
There are some advantages as well as disadvantages of using monofilament in fishing. Monofilament will suspend in water due to low density.Thus, it is not suitable for deep water fishing. Furthermore, since it’s a single strand, the strength of the line is poor.
There are some other uses of monofilament as well. For example, monofilament can be used in certain musical instruments in order to produce sound. Sometimes, monofilament is used in medicine to test the sense of touch. The quality of the monofilament depends on the thickness of the strand, components used to produce the strand, flexibility, toughness, elasticity and many other factors.
There are several types of monofilament fishing lines that are commercially available. Some of them are given below.
- Trilene XT monofilament fishing line
- Stren original monofilament fishing line
- Stren super-tough monofilament fishing line
What is Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbons are compounds made out of only carbon (C) and fluorine (F) atoms. Therefore, the chemical bonds present in fluorocarbons are C-C bonds and C-F bonds. The chemical formula of fluorocarbons can be given as CxFy where x and y are either equal or different whole numbers.
Since the C-F bond is very strong, fluorocarbons are very stable. Due to the high difference between electronegativity values of C and F atoms, fluorocarbons exhibit polarity. Therefore, these are not dissolved in organic solvents. The density of fluorocarbons is very high. It is approximately about twice the density of water.
The solubility of fluorocarbons in water is less or no. It can be defined as a zero absorption of water. Therefore, it has become a better choice for making fishing lines. Since its density is higher than water, it is suitable for deep water fishing. The elasticity of the threads made by fluorocarbons is low. Therefore, it is less susceptible to breakage. Fluorocarbon lines are almost completely transparent. Therefore, it is invisible to fish. However, fluorocarbon lines are comparatively expensive.
These fluorocarbon lines are also made by extrusion through tiny holes followed by immediate cooling. But, unlike monofilament, fluorocarbon lines are denser due to the tight packing of molecules in the strand.
The desired properties of fluorocarbon lines include low visibility, abrasion resistance, toughness, waterproofing property, etc. But there are some unfavorable properties as well. For example, due to its high density than water, fluorocarbon lines will sink faster. Therefore these lines are not suitable for top water fishing.
There are some types of fishing lines made of fluorocarbons that are commercially available. Some of the names are given below.
- Berkley trilene 100% fluorocarbon XL
- Berkley vanish transition
- Berkley vanish leader material
Similarities Between Monofilament and Fluorocarbon
- Both monofilament and fluorocarbon lines are widely used as fishing lines.
- Both these types are single stranded polymer compounds.
- They are produced through extrusion of molten polymer sample through tiny holes followed by immediate cooling of the strand.
Difference Between Monofilament and Fluorocarbon
Definition
Monofilament: Monofilament is a single strand of fiber that is used as a fishing line.
Fluorocarbon: Fluorocarbons are compounds made out of only carbon (C) and fluorine (F) atoms.
Density
Monofilament: Monofilament is less dense than water.
Fluorocarbon: Fluorocarbon is denser than water.
Transparency
Monofilament: Monofilament is visible when it is inside water.
Fluorocarbon: Fluorocarbon is almost not visible when it is inside water.
Strength
Monofilament: The strength of monofilament is low.
Fluorocarbon: The strength of fluorocarbon line is comparatively high.
Value
Monofilament: Monofilament is cheap.
Fluorocarbon: Fluorocarbon line is expensive.
Abrasion Resistance
Monofilament: Monofilaments are less or not resistant to abrasion.
Fluorocarbon: Fluorocarbon lines are considerably resistant to abrasion.
Molecules in the Strand
Monofilament: The polymer molecules are loosely packed in monofilament.
Fluorocarbon: The polymer molecules are tightly packed in fluorocarbon line.
Shock Strength
Monofilament: Monofilament can absorb shock to a great extent.
Fluorocarbon: Fluorocarbons often fail to absorb shocks.
Applications
Monofilament: Monofilament is used for fishing in top water layers.
Fluorocarbon: Fluorocarbon is used for deep water fishing.
Conclusion
Well-experienced fisherman knows which fishing line should be used for fishing in a particular water body. Monofilament fishing line is suitable for fishing in top water layers. Fluorocarbon fishing lines are suitable for fishing in deep water. This difference between monofilament and fluorocarbon arises due to the difference between their densities; the density of monofilament is less than that of fluorocarbon line.
References:
1. “WHY USE FLUOROCARBON?” Berkley-Fishing.com, Available here. Accessed 23 Aug. 2017.
2. Garrison, Ronnie. “What Is Monofilament Fishing Line?” ThoughtCo, Available here. Accessed 23 Aug. 2017.
Image Courtesy:
1. “P.V.D.F Sutures 02” By Saltanat ebli – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “1149502” (Public Domain) via Pixabay
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