Fluted polymer sheet with gaps

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a polymer plasticized film or sheet having one or more gaps to reduce the amount of material required and the total mass per desired amount of material required. The polymer plasticized film or sheet may also be capable of being folded and maintaining the fold for a desired amount of time. The polymer plasticized film or sheet may be biodegradable.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to polymer-based films or sheets. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to foldable or pleatable polymer or plastic sheets containing apertures. [Background technology]

[0002] The presence of polymer or plastic films or sheets can be found in nearly every aspect of everyday modern life. From their use as barriers or mulches against weeds in gardens, to roofing and insulation in buildings, to air or liquid filters for heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) or semiconductor assembly, these polymer sheets are used in both simple and low-tech applications and complex and high-tech applications. Due to their relatively low cost and abundant supply, the amount of polymer materials used continues to increase each year. As a result, the amount of used or discarded plastics also continues to increase as harmful waste to our natural ecosystems. In order to minimize the damage caused to the environment by the increasing excess of plastic waste, many manufacturers are now turning to biodegradable polymers or plastics that can provide the same benefits but that are capable of naturally decomposing over a certain period of time under normal environmental conditions. Some of the concerns raised by replacing traditional non-biodegradable plastics or polymers with biodegradable plastics or polymers are whether they have sufficient hardness or tensile strength for the intended use, as well as the ease and cost of manufacturing. To address these concerns, improvements in biodegradable polymer or plastic materials are constantly being sought. Additionally, it would be desirable to be able to provide polymer or plastic films or sheets that can meet industrial needs while also requiring less material overall, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing waste. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure addresses the aforementioned concerns by providing a polymeric plasticized film or sheet having one or more gaps to reduce the amount and total mass of material required per desired amount of material required. The polymeric plasticized film or sheet may also be capable of being folded and maintaining the fold for a desired amount of time. The polymeric plasticized film or sheet may also be biodegradable. According to an exemplary embodiment, a gas filter may be provided having a polymer sheet as a substrate. The polymer sheet may include at least one polymer and a substance capable of acting as a plasticizer. The sheet may have one or more gaps and may further have at least one crease for forming pleats within the sheet. Furthermore, the material may have a tensile modulus in the range of about 1.75 to 1.35 GPa, as measured in accordance with ASTM E111-97 method for determining tensile modulus.

[0004] In some embodiments, the sheet has a mesh, netting, fabric, knit, or woven configuration. The interstices or gaps may be provided as pores or perforations. The pores or perforations may further be diamond shaped. Additionally, the sheet may include a plurality of corrugations extending across its surface, and the corrugations may be uniformly spaced across the surface of the sheet, or the corrugations may be non-uniformly spaced across the surface of the sheet. The at least one polymer may be a biopolymer and / or a biodegradable polymer. In some embodiments, the at least one polymer may be selected from the group consisting of polymers derived from biomass, polymers obtained by microbial production, polymers chemically synthesized using monomers obtained from agricultural resources, biopolymers whose monomers and polymers are both obtained by chemical synthesis from fossil resources, polylactic acid (PLA), poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (Bio-PBS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), and polycaprolactone (PCL).

[0005] The plasticizer substance may also be a biopolymer. In some embodiments, the plasticizer substance may be selected from the group consisting of polymers derived from biomass, polymers obtained by microbial production, polymers chemically synthesized using monomers obtained from agricultural resources, biopolymers whose monomers and polymers are both obtained by chemical synthesis from fossil resources, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (Bio-PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL), and triacetin. In some embodiments, the ratio of polymer to plasticizer material ranges from about 95:5 to 55:45. In other embodiments, the ratio of polymer to plasticizer material ranges from about 90:10 to 60:40. The sheet can have a thickness ranging from about 1 mil (25.4 μm) to about 40 mils (1,016 μm), and in some embodiments, from about 1 mil to about 20 mils (or 25 μm to 508 μm). In some embodiments, the ideal thickness of the material can range from about 1.5 mils to about 5 mils (or 38.1 μm to 127 μm).

[0006] Also provided is a method for manufacturing a polymer sheet for a gas filter, the method comprising the steps of providing at least one polymer that is biodegradable, providing a substance that is biodegradable and capable of acting as a plasticizer, forming a sheet of polymeric plasticized material from the at least one polymer and the plasticizer, the sheet including one or more interstices, and forming at least one pleat in the sheet by scoring the sheet without the application of heat. In some embodiments, the sheet of polymeric plasticized material may be formed as a mesh, netting, fabric, knit, or woven. For example, the sheet of polymeric plasticized material may be formed as a mesh and the interstices may include diamond-shaped openings. In some embodiments, the corrugations may be uniformly spaced apart across the surface of the sheet, while in other embodiments, the corrugations may be non-uniformly spaced apart across the surface of the sheet.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment, a polymer sheet is provided. The polymer sheet includes at least one polymer and a material capable of acting as a plasticizer, the sheet having one or more gaps therethrough for gas or liquid flow therethrough, and further capable of forming at least one pleat in the sheet by creasing the sheet without the application of heat. The material can have a tensile modulus in the range of about 1.75 to 1.35 GPa, as measured in accordance with ASTM E111-97 Method for Determining Tensile Modulus. The ratio of polymer to plasticizer material in the sheet can range from about 95:5 to about 55:45, and in some embodiments, can range from about 90:10 to 60:40.

[0008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present disclosure. Additional features of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the description that follows, or may be learned by practice of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 depicts a bar graph of various polymer plasticized materials (varying polymer to plasticizer ratios) and tensile modulus values. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are graphical representations in bar graph and tabular format of the degree of unfold or creep of various samples of the polymer-plasticized material in FIG. [Figure 3] 3A-3D depict photographic results from a fold test of a polymer-plasticized sheet comprising 90% PLA and 10% Eco plasticizer at 1 and 14 days in the machine direction (MD) and cross direction (MD) as indicated. [Figure 4] 4A-4D depict photographic results from folding tests of polymer-plasticized sheets containing 70% PLA and 30% environmentally friendly plasticizer at 1 and 14 days in the machine direction (MD) and transverse direction (TD), as indicated. [Figure 5] 5A-5D depict photographic results from folding tests of polymer-plasticized sheets containing 60% PLA and 40% environmentally friendly plasticizer at 1 and 14 days in the machine direction (MD) and transverse direction (TD) as indicated. [Figure 6] 6A-6D depict photographic results from folding tests of polymer-plasticized sheets containing 50% PLA and 50% environmentally friendly plasticizer at 1 and 14 days in the machine direction (MD) and transverse direction (TD) as indicated. [Figure 7]7A-7D depict photographic results from folding tests of polymer-plasticized sheets containing 30% PLA and 70% environmentally friendly plasticizer at 1 and 14 days in the machine direction (MD) and transverse direction (TD) as indicated. [Figure 8] 1A-1C depict photographic images of exemplary polymer-plasticized sheets of the present disclosure having gaps of different sizes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present specification and the accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments and should not be construed as limiting, with the claims, including equivalents, defining the scope of the present disclosure. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present specification and the claims, including equivalents. In some instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown or described in detail so as not to obscure the present disclosure. Like numbers in two or more figures represent the same or similar elements. Furthermore, elements and their related aspects described in detail with reference to one embodiment may, whenever practical, be included in other embodiments where they are not specifically shown or described. For example, if an element is described in detail with reference to one embodiment but not with reference to a second embodiment, the element can nevertheless be claimed to be included in the second embodiment. Furthermore, illustrations herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the actual shape, size, or dimensions of the system or illustrated components.

[0011] It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," as well as any singular use of any word, include plural referents unless expressly and unambiguously limited to one referent. As used herein, the term "include" and grammatical variations thereof are intended to be open-ended, and thus the enumeration of items in a list does not exclude other similar items that may be substituted for or added to the listed items. The present disclosure provides a polymer-plasticized film or sheet having one or more gaps to reduce the amount of material required per desired amount of material and the total mass. Furthermore, the polymer-plasticized film or sheet can be folded and maintain the fold for a desired amount of time. The polymer-plasticized material forming the film or sheet of the present disclosure can include at least one polymer and a substance that can act as a plasticizer together with the at least one polymer. The polymer-plasticized film can be biodegradable.

[0012] In one embodiment, at least one of the polymers may be a biopolymer or bio-based polymer. A biopolymer or bio-based polymer means that the polymer decomposes under standard conditions within a certain time frame. Suitable materials for biopolymers or bio-based polymers include, for example, polymers derived from biomass, polymers obtained by microbial production, polymers chemically synthesized using monomers obtained from agricultural resources, biopolymers in which both the monomers and polymers are obtained by chemical synthesis from fossil resources, polylactic acid (PLA), poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (Bio-PBS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polycaprolactone (PCL), etc. The material capable of acting as a plasticizer may also be a biopolymer or bio-based polymer, or may be a bioplasticizer. Materials suitable for plasticizers include, for example, polymers derived from biomass, polymers obtained by microbial production, polymers chemically synthesized using monomers obtained from agricultural resources, biopolymers whose monomers and polymers are both obtained by chemical synthesis from fossil resources, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (Bio-PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL), triacetin, etc.

[0013] As previously discussed, it is desirable to provide a polymer-plasticized film or sheet that may be porous or perforated to reduce the volume and mass required for a desired amount of material. For example, in one embodiment, a film or sheet of polymer-plasticized material may be provided in the form of a net, mesh, woven fabric, knit, fabric, or other structure having one or more gaps or openings, such as pores or perforations. These pores or perforations may have a defined geometric shape, such as, for example, a diamond, square, rhombus, round, oval, or other similar shape. Of course, it is understood that the pores or perforations may also have an irregular geometric shape as well. In some embodiments, the pores or perforations may be die-cut or cut from a film or sheet of polymer-plasticized material. For example, an elongated, X-, V-, or C-shaped slit may be cut into the film or sheet, so that when the film or sheet is stretched, unfolded, or rolled onto itself, the slit expands to form the opening, pore, or perforation.

[0014] Furthermore, as mentioned above, it is also desirable to be able to provide folds in such polymer-plasticized films or sheets having one or more gaps. By folds, we mean that the film or sheet may be pleated, corrugated, ridged, fluted, channeled, dimpled, grooved, wrinkled, puckered, creased, folded, or otherwise corrugated in such a manner as to have rows of folds. Such rows of folds may be formed as a series of waves. The folds or pleats may be uniformly spaced throughout the film or sheet of polymer-plasticized material, or may be non-uniformly spaced throughout the film or sheet of polymer-plasticized material. It is desirable to be able to crease or pleat a film or sheet under ambient temperature conditions without the need for additional heat.This type of cold pleating is particularly beneficial from a manufacturing perspective, as the film or sheet pleating or folding process can be carried out at throughput speeds without the need to hold the film or sheet under heat for a specific amount of time to achieve the desired amount and level of creases or pleats.Furthermore, the integrity of the material can be ensured, as there is no concern about decomposition due to the application of heat. [Example]

[0015] To determine suitable biodegradable polymer plasticized materials that can achieve the desired results of the present disclosure, various materials with different polymer to plasticizer ratios were tested for strength (tensile modulus in GPa) and their ability to retain folds or pleats for a specified period of time, and the results are presented below. Figure 1 shows a bar graph of various polymer-plasticized materials (varying polymer-to-plasticizer ratios) and their tensile modulus values. The polymer-plasticized materials had various ratios of polymer (PLA) to plasticizer (in this case, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, or PBAT) and were pleated. Suitable materials were found to have ratios of about 95:5 to 55:45 or about 90:10 to about 60:40. Tensile modulus testing was based on the ASTM E111-97 method. As shown, the tensile modulus (GPa) can range from about 1.75 to about 1.35 for suitable materials with the appropriate polymer-to-plasticizer ratio.

[0016] Unfold testing Figures 2A-2B are graphical representations in bar graph and tabular format of the unfolding or creep rate of various samples of the polymer-plasticized material in Figure 1. These values ​​were obtained from time 0 through days 1-14. Additionally, Figures 3A-7D are photographs of various fluted polymer-plasticized sheets that were folded and tested over time to determine how well the folds or creases remained. The test measures the degree of unfolding that occurred in each sample between days 1 and 14 under normal (i.e., ambient or room temperature) conditions, as measured by the difference in angle measured with a protractor. The following table summarizes these results.

[0017] [Table 1]

[0018] Figures 3A-3D illustrate photographic results from a folding test of a polymer-plasticized sheet containing 90% PLA and 10% environmentally friendly plasticizer in the machine direction (MD) and cross direction (MD) on days 1 and 14. Figures 4A-4D illustrate photographic results from a folding test of a polymer-plasticized sheet containing 70% PLA and 30% environmentally friendly plasticizer in the machine direction (MD) and cross direction (TD) on days 1 and 14. Figures 5A-5D illustrate photographic results from a folding test of a polymer-plasticized sheet containing 60% PLA and 40% environmentally friendly plasticizer in the machine direction (MD) and cross direction (TD) on days 1 and 14. 6A-6D illustrate photographic results from a folding test of a polymer-plasticized sheet comprising 50% PLA and 50% environmentally friendly plasticizer in the machine direction (MD) and cross direction (TD) at days 1 and 14, as indicated. 7A-7D illustrate photographic results from a folding test of a polymer-plasticized sheet comprising 30% PLA and 70% environmentally friendly plasticizer in the machine direction (MD) and cross direction (TD) at days 1 and 14, as indicated.

[0019] Suitable ratios have been determined to be either between 95:5 and 55:45 or 90:10 and 60:40. These polymeric plasticized materials provide adequate tensile strength (i.e., in the range of about 1.75 to 1.35 GPa, as measured in accordance with ASTM D882 method for determining tensile strength) and the ability to retain pleats or folds so that the sheet can be folded, folded, rolled, rolled, or otherwise compressed to a desired volume for a particular application.

[0020] [Table 2]

[0021] Table 2 above presents the material thicknesses of various samples of polymer-plasticized films or sheets of the present disclosure. The material thickness can vary from about 1 mil (25.4 μm) to about 40 mils (1,016 μm), and may range from about 1 mil to about 20 mils (or 25 μm to 508 μm) as shown in the table above. In some embodiments, the ideal thickness of the material can range from about 1.5 mils to about 5 mils (or 38.1 μm to 127 μm).

[0022] The pleated, porous, or perforated polymer-plasticized film or sheet can be used in a variety of different applications. The film or sheet can be laminated to other materials or substrates and can serve as structural support. The film or sheet can replace, for example, a metal support such as a metal screen or mesh. Films or sheets of polymer-plasticized material may contain pores, as shown. The porosity of the material may range from about 40% to about 95%. In some embodiments, the film or sheet may comprise a mesh, and the pores may be shaped like diamonds, squares, or lozenges. For example, the mesh may be a netting comprising a first set of substantially parallel filaments that intersect with a second set of substantially parallel filaments to form a plurality of parallelograms with angles ranging from 90 degrees, or from 40 to 115 degrees, to form diamond-shaped pores. As shown in FIG. 8, films or sheets of polymer-plasticized material may have diamond-shaped gaps or openings that define open spaces between the threads or individual filaments of the mesh or netting. The mesh film or sheet may have a thickness ranging from about 1 mil (25.4 μm) to about 40 mils (1,016 μm), and in some embodiments, may range from about 1 mil to about 20 mils (or 25 μm to 508 μm). In some embodiments, the ideal thickness of the material may range from about 1.5 mils to about 5 mils (or 38.1 μm to 127 μm). Two embodiments of films or sheets of various thicknesses and corresponding gap sizes are illustrated in the photographs of FIG.

[0023] Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the embodiments being indicated by the following claims. Another aspect of the present invention may be as follows. [1] A gas filter comprising a sheet containing at least one polymer and a substance capable of acting as a plasticizer, the ratio of polymer to plasticizer substance being in the range of about 95:5 to about 55:45; the sheet having one or more gaps for gas flow through the sheet and further having at least one fold for forming a pleat in the sheet; The gas filter, wherein the sheet has a tensile modulus in the range of about 1.75 to 1.35 GPa as measured in accordance with ASTM E111-97 method for determining tensile modulus. [2] The gas filter according to [1], wherein the sheet comprises a mesh, netting, fabric, knitted fabric or woven fabric. [3] The gas filter according to [1], wherein the one or more gaps include pores or perforations. [4] The gas filter according to [1], wherein the one or more gaps are diamond-shaped. [5] The gas filter according to [1], further comprising a plurality of pleats extending over its entire surface. [6] The gas filter according to [5], wherein the pleats are provided at uniform intervals across the entire surface of the sheet. [7] The gas filter according to [5], wherein the pleats are provided at non-uniform intervals across the entire surface of the sheet. [8] The gas filter according to [1], wherein the at least one polymer is a biopolymer. [9] The gas filter according to [1], wherein the at least one polymer is a biodegradable polymer.

[10] The gas filter according to [1], wherein the at least one polymer is selected from the group consisting of a biopolymer derived from biomass, a polymer obtained by microbial production, a polymer chemically synthesized using monomers obtained from agricultural resources, a biopolymer in which both the monomer and the polymer are obtained by chemical synthesis from fossil resources, polylactic acid (PLA), poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (Bio-PBS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), and polycaprolactone (PCL).

[11] The gas filter according to [1], wherein the plasticizer material is a biopolymer.

[12] The gas filter according to [1], wherein the plasticizer substance is selected from the group consisting of a polymer derived from biomass, a polymer obtained by microbial production, a polymer chemically synthesized using a monomer obtained from an agricultural resource, a biopolymer in which both the monomer and the polymer are obtained by chemical synthesis from a fossil resource, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (Bio-PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL), and triacetin.

[13] The gas filter according to [1] above, wherein the ratio of polymer to plasticizer substance is in the range of about 90:10 to 60:40.

[14] The gas filter according to [1] above, further having a thickness in the range of about 25 μm to about 1,016 μm.

[15] A method for producing the gas filter according to [1], providing at least one polymer that is biodegradable; providing a material capable of acting as a plasticizer, the material being biodegradable; forming a sheet of polymeric plasticized material from the at least one polymer and plasticizer, wherein the ratio of polymer to plasticizer is in the range of about 95:5 to about 55:45; providing one or more gaps in the sheet; forming at least one pleat in the sheet by creasing the sheet without applying heat; A method comprising:

[16] The method of

[15] , wherein the sheet of polymeric plasticized material is formed as a mesh, netting, fabric, knit, or woven fabric.

[17] The method of

[16] , wherein the sheet of polymeric plasticized material is formed as a mesh and the interstices include diamond-shaped openings.

[18] The method according to

[15] , wherein the at least one polymer is selected from the group consisting of biopolymers derived from biomass, polymers obtained by microbial production, polymers chemically synthesized using monomers obtained from agricultural resources, biopolymers in which both the monomer and the polymer are obtained by chemical synthesis from fossil resources, polylactic acid (PLA), poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (Bio-PBS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), and polycaprolactone (PCL).

[19] The method according to

[15] , wherein the plasticizer substance is selected from the group consisting of polymers derived from biomass, polymers obtained by microbial production, polymers chemically synthesized using monomers obtained from agricultural resources, biopolymers in which both the monomer and polymer are obtained by chemical synthesis from fossil resources, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (Bio-PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL), and triacetin.

[20] The method according to

[15] , wherein the ratio of polymer to plasticizer substance is in the range of about 90:10 to 60:40.

[21] The method according to

[15] , wherein a plurality of pleats are formed at uniform intervals across the entire surface of the sheet.

[22] The method according to

[15] , wherein a plurality of pleats are formed at non-uniform intervals across the entire surface of the sheet.

[23] A polymer sheet comprising at least one polymer and a substance capable of acting as a plasticizer, the polymer sheet having one or more gaps for gas or liquid to flow through the sheet, and further capable of forming at least one pleat in the sheet by creasing the sheet without the application of heat.

[24] The sheet according to

[23] above, further having a tensile modulus in the range of about 1.75 to 1.35 GPa as measured in accordance with ASTM E111-97 method for determining tensile modulus.

[25] The sheet according to

[23] , wherein the ratio of polymer to plasticizer substance is in the range of about 95:5 to about 55:45.

[26] The sheet according to

[23] , wherein the ratio of polymer to plasticizer substance is in the range of about 90:10 to 60:40.

[27] The sheet according to

[23] , further comprising a mesh, netting, fabric, knit or woven fabric.

[28] The sheet described in

[23] , wherein the one or more gaps include pores or perforations.

[29] The sheet described in

[23] , wherein the one or more gaps are diamond-shaped.

[30] The sheet according to

[23] , further comprising a plurality of pleats extending across its entire surface.

[31] The sheet according to

[30] , wherein the pleats are evenly spaced across the entire surface of the sheet.

[32] The sheet according to

[30] , wherein the pleats are arranged at non-uniform intervals across the entire surface of the sheet.

[33] The sheet according to

[23] , wherein the at least one polymer is a biopolymer.

[34] The sheet according to

[23] , wherein the at least one polymer is a biodegradable polymer.

[35] The sheet according to

[23] , wherein the at least one polymer is selected from the group consisting of a polymer derived from biomass, a polymer obtained by microbial production, a polymer chemically synthesized using monomers obtained from agricultural resources, a biopolymer in which both the monomer and the polymer are obtained by chemical synthesis from fossil resources, polylactic acid (PLA), poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (Bio-PBS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), and polycaprolactone (PCL).

[36] The sheet according to

[23] , wherein the plasticizer material is a biopolymer.

[37] The sheet according to

[23] , wherein the plasticizer substance is selected from the group consisting of polymers derived from biomass, polymers obtained by microbial production, polymers chemically synthesized using monomers obtained from agricultural resources, biopolymers in which both the monomer and polymer are obtained by chemical synthesis from fossil resources, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (Bio-PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL), and triacetin.

[38] The sheet according to

[23] , further having a thickness in the range of about 25 μm to about 1,016 μm.

[39] The sheet according to

[38] , having a thickness in the range of about 25 μm to 508 μm.

[40] The sheet according to

[38] , having a thickness in the range of approximately 38 μm to 127 μm.

Claims

1. 1. A gas filter comprising: a pleated mesh formed of at least one polymer and a plasticizer material, the weight ratio of the polymer to the plasticizer material being in the range of 95:5 to 55:45; the pleated mesh having one or more diamond-shaped interstices for gas flow through the pleated mesh and further having at least one pleat across a surface of the pleated mesh; 1. A gas filter, wherein the at least one polymer comprises polylactic acid (PLA) and the plasticizer material comprises polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT).

2. 10. The gas filter of claim 1, wherein the one or more interstices comprise pores or perforations.

3. 10. The gas filter of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of pleats extending across its surface.

4. 4. The gas filter of claim 3, wherein said pleats are uniformly spaced across the surface of said pleated mesh.

5. 4. The gas filter of claim 3, wherein said pleats are non-uniformly spaced across the surface of said pleated mesh.

6. 10. The gas filter of claim 1, wherein the at least one polymer is a biopolymer.

7. 10. The gas filter of claim 1, wherein the at least one polymer is a biodegradable polymer.

8. 2. The gas filter of claim 1, wherein the at least one polymer further comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polymer derived from biomass, a polymer obtained by microbial production, a polymer chemically synthesized using monomers obtained from agricultural resources, a biopolymer in which both the monomer and polymer are obtained by chemical synthesis from fossil resources, poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (Bio-PBS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), and polycaprolactone (PCL).

9. 10. The gas filter of claim 1, wherein the plasticizer material is a biopolymer.

10. 2. The gas filter of claim 1, wherein the plasticizer material further comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a polymer derived from biomass, a polymer obtained by microbial production, a polymer chemically synthesized using monomers obtained from agricultural resources, a biopolymer in which both the monomer and polymer are obtained by chemical synthesis from fossil resources, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polybutylene succinate (Bio-PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL), and triacetin.

11. 2. The gas filter of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of polymer to plasticizer material is in the range of 90:10 to 60:

40.

12. The gas filter of claim 1, wherein the pleated mesh further has a thickness in the range of 25 μm to 1,016 μm.

13. 10. A method for producing the gas filter of claim 1, comprising: Providing at least one biodegradable polymer; providing a biodegradable plasticizer material; forming a network of polymeric plasticized material from the at least one polymer and plasticizer material, wherein the weight ratio of polymer to plasticizer material is in the range of 95:5 to 55:45; providing one or more diamond-shaped openings in the mesh; forming at least one pleat across a surface of the netting by non-heat pleating the netting without applying heat; Including, The method, wherein the at least one polymer comprises polylactic acid (PLA) and the plasticizer material comprises polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT).

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one biodegradable polymer further comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polymer derived from biomass, a polymer obtained by microbial production, a polymer chemically synthesized using monomers obtained from agricultural resources, a biopolymer in which both the monomer and polymer are obtained by chemical synthesis from fossil resources, poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (Bio-PBS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), and polycaprolactone (PCL).

15. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the biodegradable plasticizer material further comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a polymer derived from biomass, a polymer obtained by microbial production, a polymer chemically synthesized using monomers obtained from agricultural resources, a biopolymer in which both the monomer and polymer are obtained by chemical synthesis from fossil resources, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polybutylene succinate (Bio-PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL), and triacetin.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the weight ratio of polymer to plasticizer material is in the range of 90:10 to 60:

40.

17. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein a plurality of pleats are formed at uniformly spaced intervals across the surface of the netting.

18. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein a plurality of pleats are formed at non-uniformly spaced intervals across the surface of the netting.

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