Mono or Fluoro? Which Fishing Line (Monofilament or Fluorocarbon) Will Have the Higher Tensile Strength?

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective is to gain knowledge of which type of fishing line is stronger. I will be testing monofilament and fluorocarbon fishing line. Each line will be tested for the tensile strength and the elasticity strength under tension. Methods/Materials I will be using the following: a spool of Stren#s six-pound monofilament fishing line, a spool of Stren#s eight-pound monofilament fishing line, a spool of Stren#s six-pound fluorocarbon fishing line, a spool of Stren#s eight-pound fluorocarbon fishing line, fishing spring scale, duct tape, ruler, dowel, tall item such as broom, two other slightly shorter items such as levels. In order to test the fishing line#s strength, I will wrap the fishing line around the weighing end of the spring scale, then move back slowly with my hand grasped around the handle of the spring scale until the fishing line snaps. I will see at which point of the ruler the fishing line snaps to find out how much the fishing line stretched. I will compare the results in order to find which type of fishing line is stronger. Results Type of Fishing Line Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Average 2.7kg (6lb.) Monofilament 3.1 kg 3.1 kg 2.9 kg 3.03 kg 2.7kg (6lb.) Fluorocarbon 2.7 kg 3.3 kg 3 kg 3 kg 3.6kg (8lb.) Monofilament 4.4 kg 4.2 kg 3.6 kg 4.07 kg 3.6kg (8lb.) Fluorocarbon 4.1 kg 3.5 kg 3.3 kg 3.63 kg Type of Fishing Line Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Average 2.7kg (6lb.) Monofilament 20 cm 19 cm 18 cm 19 cm 2.7kg (6lb.) Fluorocarbon 18 cm 24 cm 23 cm 21.67 3.6kg (8lb.) Monofilament 36 cm 32 cm 26 cm 31.33 3.6kg (8lb.) Fluorocarbon 26 cm 21 cm 22 cm 23 cm Conclusions/Discussion It seems that the monofilament fishing line was able to endure more weight than the fluorocarbon fishing line. However, the monofilament line stretched more than the fluorocarbon fishing line. Perhaps the difference in size played a role in both of the tests. Each fishing line may have an advantage over the other, but they also have small flaws. Besides, with over two hundred fifty yards of line, some areas may have fallen victim to slight abrasion, or might have been improperly manufactured. The popular saying may not be true after all, because in this case, size did matter!

Competition history

• CSEF 2004 Materials Science (Junior Division Only) · Entry J1133

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