A 22-year-old inventor is gaining widespread attention for what he calls “Plastoline”, a fuel he claims is produced entirely from plastic waste.
How Plastoline Is Made
Julian Brown says he uses a method known as microwave pyrolysis, powered by solar panels, to convert plastic into fuel. During this process, plastic is vaporized into petroleum, then condensed back into liquid crude oil, which can be refined into alternatives for gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
From High School Curiosity to Serious Innovation
Brown began exploring the idea in high school, building his first plastic-to-fuel reactor at just 17. Five years later, he is now working on his fifth prototype.
“This has been my passion since I was a senior in high school”, Brown explained. “What I do is very expensive. A single part can cost tens of thousands of dollars, so grants have helped me get what I need to do it safely and optimally.”
Early Testing Shows Promising Results
According to Brown, scientists have tested his fuel, and it has even been used successfully in vehicles. Some researchers reported that his diesel produced cleaner emissions than traditional diesel.
“I thought it was surprisingly well distilled”, one scientist said. “It blew my mind that plastic can be redistilled into diesel.”
Facing Obstacles Along the Way
Despite setbacks, including cyberattacks and even helicopters hovering near his property, Brown says he remains committed to bringing Plastoline to the world.
“I see it now as, let’s get it in the world and implemented”, Brown said. “That’s the whole point of why I started this.”
Brown plans to test his Plastoline fuel this weekend at a Nissan dealership in Duluth, where he says he will fuel up a Dodge Scat Pack for a live demonstration.
