EA042504B1 - DECORATIVE PANEL AND DECORATIVE FLOOR COVERING CONSISTING OF THESE PANELS - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a panel, in particular a decorative panel, a floor panel, a ceiling panel or a wall panel. The present invention also relates to a floor covering consisting of a plurality of interconnected panels.

Phthalate esters are widely used as plasticizers for polyvinyl chloride. The alcohols from which the esters used as plasticizers are obtained are usually obtained by oligomerization of olefins followed by hydroformylation, or by hydroformylation of olefins to form aldehydes and subsequent dimerization of aldehydes, usually by an aldol reaction. Thus, ester alkyl groups vary in size and structure depending on the methods and starting materials used to produce alcohols. The size and structure of the alkyl group are important in determining the volatility and gelling temperature of the plasticizer and are thus chosen depending on the application in which the plasticized PVC is to be used. There is a continuing need to improve the properties of plasticizers in order to obtain polyvinyl chloride compositions having improved properties. There is also a need for alternative plasticizers. In addition, there is a need to improve the properties of plasticizers.

The object of the present invention is to satisfy at least one of the needs indicated above.

The task of the present invention defined above is solved by the proposal of the panel according to claim 1 of the claims. Compared to the classic plasticizers used in floor panels, the plasticizers that form part of group (A) have the advantage that the claimed plasticizers are relatively safe to use and/or less toxic, making these plasticizers quite suitable for applications in a decorative panel, in particular in a core (and/or other layer) of a decorative panel. Here, it was unexpectedly found that high molecular weight (HMW) orthophthalates containing alkyl chains of seven (C7) or more carbon atoms, in particular from seven (C7) to ten (C10) carbon atoms in the main chain, are significantly safer than low molecular weight orthophthalates containing from three to six carbon atoms in the main chain. One of the reasons for this positive technical effect is the significantly lower diffusion rate compared to classical plasticizers.

It may well be assumed that the core (and/or other layer) of the panel according to the present invention contains a variety of different plasticizers selected from group (A). In addition, it can be assumed that the core and/or other layer of the panel contains at least one (primary) plasticizer selected from group (A), and at least one additional (secondary) plasticizer, in particular at least one additional plasticizer , selected from the group (B), which consists of: DOTP (dioctyl terephthalate), DINP (diisononyl phthalate) and DIDP (diisodecyl phthalate). Preferably, the plasticized layer, in particular the core, contains 100 parts of polyvinyl chloride and 20 to 200 parts of total plasticizer. The plasticized layer, in particular the core, preferably contains at least one compatibilizer to improve compatibility between at least one polymer and at least one plasticizer.

Preferably, the core is at least partially composed of at least one polymer. This polymer may be based on a renewable source (also referred to as a bio-based plastic material) and/or may be composed of a biodegradable polymer and/or a recycled polymer. Exemplary suitable, generally non-biodegradable, bio-based plastic materials are bio-based polyethylene (bio-PE), bio-based polyethylene terephthalate (bio-PET), or polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT). Exemplary suitable, generally biodegradable, bio-based plastic materials are polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and starch. Preferably the polymer is a polyolefin and/or at least one thermoplastic material such as, for example, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA) , polyvinyl butyral (PVB), isotactic polypropylene, polybutylene and/or a copolymer, preferably an ethylene propylene copolymer. These polymeric materials are generally relatively low melting point and easy to process, for example by extrusion.

It may be preferable that the core comprises an alloy of a polymer matrix and elastic particles dispersed in said matrix, the elastic particles being attached to the polymer matrix via covalent bonds. Thus, the core material is not a mechanically manufactured mixture, but rather a chemically manufactured alloy of at least two compounds, in particular a polymeric matrix material and an elastic material, which are chemically bonded to each other. This chemical (covalent (atomic)) binding, as a rule, is carried out during the manufacturing process of the core composition. This results in a block copolymer that exhibits thermal stability, durability, and furthermore imparts the desired flexibility (elasticity) and impact resistance to the core. In addition, the resulting mixture provides a balance between functional properties, which, as a rule, are predominantly determined by elastic particles, and technological properties, which, as a rule, are predominantly determined by the matrix material. The matrix material is also referred to as the hard core phase, and the dispersed elastic particles are often referred to as the soft core phase.

The elastic particles have a higher elasticity than the matrix material. As a rule, elastic particles contain at least one elastomer. An elastomer is a relatively flexible polymer. More specifically, an elastomer is typically a polymer that exhibits viscoelasticity (i.e., a combination of toughness and elasticity) and is typically characterized by relatively weak intermolecular forces, typically a low modulus of elasticity, and a high relative strain at break along compared to other materials. The elastomer may be a crosslinked polymer. In a crosslinked polymer, individual polymer chains are connected (crosslinked) to each other, and as a result, as a rule, a single macromolecule is formed. Said chemical crosslinks may be conventional crosslinks that are covalent and chemically link the polymer chains to each other to form a single molecule. However, chemical cross-links can also be, and preferably are, reversible cross-links that provide non-covalent or secondary interaction between polymer chains, connecting them to each other. Said interaction is the formation of hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds. The advantage of non-covalent interaction in the formation of cross-linking bonds is that when the material is heated, the cross-linking bonds are destroyed. This allows the material to be recycled and, most importantly, reclaimed, and when the molten material cools again, the crosslinking bonds are restored. Exemplary suitable polymers are polyisoprene, natural rubber, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene, and polyurethanes. Preferably the elastic particles comprise ethylene propylene rubber and/or ethylene octen rubber and/or ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM). These materials have relatively good elastic and processing properties.

Preferably any isotactic polypropylene (i-PP) conventionally used in the preparation of polypropylene high impact blends in which the melt flow rate (MFR) is from about 0.001 g/10 min to about 500 g/10 min (at a temperature of 230°C and a load of 2160 g in accordance with ASTM D 1238) can be used in the core compositions of the panel according to the present invention in order to form a polymer matrix. Preferably, the isotactic polypropylene has an MFR of from about 0.01 g/10 min to about 200 g/10 min, more preferably from about 20 g/10 min to about 200 g/10 min, and even more preferably from about 80 g/10 min up to approximately 200 g/10 min. When used in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise indicated, the term approximate means that the indicated value does not have to be exact, and it can be 10% more or less than the value presented. In general, the impact polypropylene composition of the present invention preferably uses non-porous isotactic polypropylenes, which are polypropylenes that are more than 90% insoluble in hot heptane. The specific density of polypropylene is not critical. Preferred isotactic polypropylenes are generally crystalline and have densities ranging from about 0.90 g/cm ³ to about 0.94 g/cm ³ . In addition, the composite core material, also referred to as the term alloy, may contain multiple polypropylenes having different melt flow rates to result in a polypropylene impact blend having desirable mechanical property characteristics. As used herein, the term isotactic polypropylene is intended to include homopolypropylene as well as propylene-ethylene copolymers containing up to 8% by weight of polymerized ethylene or other alpha-olefins.

Ethylene propylene rubbers (EPR) may be used in at least a portion of the elastic particles. EPR is suitable for mixing and forming covalent bonds with, for example, the polypropylene composition that constitutes the polymeric matrix material. The term elastomer and its derivatives will be used interchangeably with the term rubber and its derivatives.

Exemplary ethylene-propylene rubbers (EPRs) that are particularly suitable for use in the present invention are saturated ethylene-propylene double copolymer (EPM) and ethylene-propylene-non-conjugated diene (EPDM) terpolymer rubbers having the above characteristics and containing from about 1% to about 5% by weight of a diene such as 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene, 5-methylene-2-norbornene, 1,4-hexadiene, dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) and the like. As used in this patent specification and in the appended claims, the term ethylene propylene

- 2 042504 rubber (abbreviated as EPR) is intended to cover all rubbers of the specified types, namely EPR, EPM, or EPDM, as well as mixtures thereof.

While any of the EPRs described above may advantageously be used in the present invention, EPRs having a reduced glass transition temperature Tg are preferred. This is because EPRs having a lower glass transition temperature exhibit better behavior in simple binary blends of i-PP and EPR. For example, the Izod and Gardner impact properties of an impact copolymer (ICP) that consists of 80 wt% i-PP and 20 wt% EPR are significantly improved by lowering the Tg value of EPR. When the Tg of such i-PP and EPR binary blends decreases from about -37°C to about -50°C, the Gardner impact resistance, measured at -29°C, increases. At the same time, the stiffness remains practically unchanged, which is measured by the thermal deformation temperature (TTD) and the flexural modulus. Thus, the most preferred EPRs of the present invention will have the lowest glass transition temperature achievable for that EPR.

The Tg value of a polymer can be suitably measured using methods well known in the art, for example using technologies such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) or dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). When referred to herein, the Tg value should be understood as the glass transition temperature measured using the DMTA method based on the tan8 peak, which is well known in the art.

The Tg value for EPR can be easily adjusted by changing the ethylene content. The lowest Tg value for commercially produced EPRs, which is approximately -50° C., occurs at an ethylene content in the range from approximately 35 wt.% to approximately 70 wt.%. Above this range, the Tg value increases due to the increase in the degree of crystallinity of the polyethylene. Similarly, the Tg value also increases due to the increase in the degree of crystallinity of polypropylene when the ethylene content is below the specified range. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the relationship between the Tg value and the ethylene content can be easily measured and is a continuous function as shown by a smooth curve. Thus, there is no well-defined point above or below which the Tg value changes abruptly when the ethylene content changes. In addition, the catalyst used to make the EPR will determine the amount of ethylene required to get the lowest Tg. For example, when vanadium or metallocene based single site catalysts are used, the EPRs having the lowest Tg will have an ethylene content of about 45 to 55 wt%, in which case the Tg is about -50 °C. On the other hand, in the case of traditional titanium-based Ziegler-Natta catalysts, which typically have multiple polymerization sites, the EPRs having the lowest Tg will have an ethylene content of about 65 to 68 wt%, in which case the Tg is approximately -47°C.

Thus, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, EPRs will have a polymerized ethylene content of from about 35 wt.% to about 70 wt.%, the term being roughly used to mean that a deviation above 70% or below 35% is acceptable when provided that the Tg value for EPR is within 5° of the minimum value obtained with the catalyst used.

High density polyethylenes, traditionally known under the designation HDPE, are defined herein as being polyethylenes whose density is equal to or greater than 0.940 g/cm ³ . High-density polyethylenes suitable for use as the high-density polyethylene matrix material (hereinafter referred to as HDPE) according to the present invention are preferably those whose density is 0.940 g/cm ³ or more, preferably 0.945 g/cm ³ or more, more preferably , 0.950 g/cm ³ or more, and most preferably 0.955 g/cm ³ or more. Such HDPEs are typically ethylene homopolymers and copolymers that form ethylene and alpha-olefins (preferably having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 to 8 carbon atoms). Preferred alpha-olefins are propylene, butene-1, hexene-1, 4-methylpentene-1 and octene-1. Methods for preparing such polymers are well known in the art and are, for example, gas phase, slurry and solution polymerization processes. The HDPE melt index, determined under conditions E by the method according to ASTM D 1238, is generally 0.10 to 300 g/10 min, preferably 0.1 to 100 g/10 min, more preferably 0.1 to 10 g/10 min. The molecular weight distribution (MWD) of the HDPE is not critical, although if the HDPE melt index is particularly low, it may be more desirable to use HDPEs having a wider MWD that exhibit higher shear thinning and lower viscosity under extrusion conditions, in in order to facilitate the mixing of the melt. A suitable HDPE of this type has been found to be Exxon HDZ-126, which has a melt index as defined above of approximately 0.35 g/10 min and a density of 0.957 g/cm ³ .

As mentioned above, ethylene propylene copolymer (hereinafter referred to as ethylene propylene copolymer or EPC) can be used as the matrix material in the panel of the present invention. This EPC preferably contains from about 10 wt.% to about 30 wt.% polymerized ethylene and from about 90 wt.% to about 70 wt.% polymerized propylene. Preferably, the ethylene-propylene copolymer will have a polymerized ethylene content of from about 14 wt.% to about 27 wt.%, and more preferably from about 14 wt.% to about 20 wt.%. The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the ethylene-propylene copolymer is in the range of preferably from about 50,000 to about 500,000, more preferably from about 75,000 to about 300,000, and most preferably from about 100,000 to about 200,000.

The ethylene propylene copolymer (EPC) of the present invention can be prepared using metallocene catalysts or conventional Ziegler-Natta type catalysts. In any case, the polymerization may be carried out by gas phase, solution or suspension polymerization processes. For example, a satisfactory method for preparing an ethylene-propylene copolymer involves contacting ethylene and propylene monomers, under polymerization conditions and in such a ratio to form the desired polymerized composition, with a metallocene catalyst to produce isotactic polypropylene having a tacticity of greater than about 80%. An exemplary metallocene catalyst is activated dimethylsilanyl-bis(indenyl)dimethylhafnium.

Alternatively, the EPC of the present invention can be prepared using a conventional Ziegler-Natta catalyst, whereby similar isotactic polypropylenes can be obtained.

The core preferably contains at least one mineralizer selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calcium chloride (CaCl ₂ ), aluminum sulfate (Al ₂ (SO ₄ ) ₃ ) and calcium hydroxide Ca(OH) ₂ . The panel according to the invention, in particular the core, may contain cellulose-based particles, in particular lignocellulose-based particles, in particular fibers. Preferably, the cellulose-based particles are particles of wood, straw and/or hemp. Previous studies show that wood and hemp are chemically heterogeneous, and the respective components can be divided into two groups: structural components of high molecular weight natural polymeric substances (cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin), which are the main components of cell membranes, and non-structural low molecular weight components (extractables and inorganic components). Both wood and wood fibers contain numerous chemical constituents, but the main inhibitor of heartwood hydration has been found to be sugar. Certain chemical treatments are preferred for natural fibers, such as wood fibers or hemp fibers, before the (initially flowable) polymer is mixed with them. The compressive strength and other mechanical properties of treated composite materials containing wood fibers exceed those of untreated fibers. Chemicals such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calcium chloride (CaCl ₂ ), and aluminum sulfate (Al ₂ (SO ₄ ) ₃ ), sometimes referred to as mineralizers or mineralizers, tend to improve the compatibility of the core and plant-derived aggregates. In addition, complex mineralizers such as Al ₂ (SO ₄ ) ₃ +Ca(OH) ₂ can be used. When Al ₂ (SO ₄ ) ₃ is used as a mineralizer, it makes it difficult to release sugar from organic aggregates and reduces hygroscopicity and water absorption. Aluminum sulfate in the form of a hydrate is different in that it creates an acidic environment in water, and calcium hydroxide is different in that it creates an alkaline environment in water. Mineralization is achieved by increasing the efficiency of Al ₂ (SO ₄ ) ₃ , at least partial neutralization of the acidic environment, which creates Al2(SO4)3, and improves the processability of the mixture. Mineralization of wood aggregates also leads to improved adhesion between wood particles and polymers, and as a result, a more stable ordered polymer can be obtained.

As mentioned above, at least a portion of the cellulose-based particles form fibers. In addition, it can be assumed that at least part of the cellulose-based particles form a powder, (wood) chips, (wood) fibers and/or (wood) chips. Instead of wood, other natural fibers such as hemp can also be used. The hemp-enriched polymer material also exhibits relatively good thermal insulation properties, excellent moisture properties, excellent acoustic properties, and good flame retardant properties. Here, as a rule, the lignified part of the hemp stem (fire) is used as a coarse-grained filler (the main component). Like wood, hemp ash is preferably mineralized with Al ₂ (SO ₄ ) ₃ , neutralized with Ca(OH) ₂ , and mixed with the (initially flowable/liquid) polymer.

Preferably, the core and/or backing layer contains at least one filler selected from group (C) which is a mineral, preferably calcium carbonate; pigment, modifier, fibers such as glass fibers, wood, straw and/or hemp. The fibers may be loose fibers and/or interconnected fibers to form a woven or non-woven layer.

The core preferably contains at least one additional filler selected from the group consisting of steel, glass, polypropylene, wood, acrylic material, alumina, pineapple, carbon, cellulose, coconut, kevlar, nylon, perlon, polyethylene, PVA (polyvinyl acetate ), mineral wool, sisal and furkreya. This may further increase the strength of the panel and/or the water resistance and/or fire retardancy of said panel.

Preferably, the core contains sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). It has been found that the addition of CMC to the core (during manufacture) facilitates and even accelerates the spontaneous decomposition of said polymer-based core, in particular the polymer, in an alkaline aqueous environment and at an elevated temperature of 200° C. or higher. Therefore, it will improve the biodegradability of the panel. At this elevated temperature, the two main volatile compounds, CO ₂ and acetic acid, are released from the CMC, resulting in a porous structure in the core. CMC also reacts with NaOH from sodium silicate, when used, to form three solid reaction products that are not water sensitive and are disodium glycolate, sodium glucoside salt and sodium bicarbonate. Other solid reaction products that exhibit water sensitivity, such as sodium polysilicate and sodium carbonate, were obtained from hydrolysis products of sodium silicate.

Preferably, the core contains aerosol silica. Aerosol silica, also known as fumed silica, is an amorphous (non-crystalline) polymorph of silica or silica. It is an ultra-fine powder collected as a by-product in the production of silicon and ferro-silicon alloy, and is generally composed of spherical particles with an average particle diameter of 150 nm. By incorporating aerosolized silica into the core, in particular the polymer, the properties of water resistance as well as fire resistance can be greatly improved. The aerosolized silica can influence the compressive strength of the core, and as a result, the aerosolized silica content is preferably kept limited to less than or equal to 10% by weight.

The core may contain iron oxide (Fe ₂ O ₃ ), preferably in an amount of less than 6% by weight. The iron oxide gives color to the core. In addition, at a very high temperature, iron oxide reacts chemically with calcium and aluminum compounds, which may also be present in the core, resulting in the formation of tricalcium aluminoferrite, which material (tricalcium aluminoferrite) improves the hardness and strength of the core. Preferably, the amount of alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ) in the core is 3 to 8% by weight. Preferably, the amount of calcium sulfate required for said reaction will generally be up to and including 0.5% by weight.

The core preferably contains fatty acids. Fatty acids can permeate through the channels (pores) of the original minerals (if used) before grinding, which will lead to a simplification (increase in efficiency) of the grinding process to obtain a mineral-based core powder.

The core may contain at least one alkali metal sulfate, such as magnesium sulfate. As a rule, this will speed up the process of making the core.

Preferably the core contains perlite, preferably expanded (foamed) perlite. Perlite is an amorphous volcanic glass that has a relatively high water content and is typically formed from the hydration of obsidian. Perlite exhibits the unusual property of greatly expanding when heated sufficiently, which can significantly reduce the density of the core, and hence said panel. It turns out to be preferable that the core additionally contains expanded perlite having different particle sizes. The closed-cell expanded perlite can result in a porosity (pearlite) of 30 to 40%. Said perlite may be pre-treated with silicate solutions which are sodium, potassium and lithium silicates.

In addition, the core may contain one or more additional materials, predominantly surfactants such as methylcellulose, Badimol type plasticizing materials and other cationic surfactants to improve rheological properties. The core may also contain bentonite, which is a finely divided natural product designed to improve the rheology and water resistance characteristics of said panel.

In addition, the core may contain at least one flame retardant additive. This flame retardant additive is preferably an organohalogen compound. Such compounds are capable of removing reactive H and OH radicals during combustion. haloorganic

- 5 042504 the compound preferably contains bromine and/or chlorine. In terms of flame retardant properties superior to those of an organochlorine compound such as PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl), an organobromine compound such as PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ether) is recommended. Other examples of useful brominated compounds are tetrabromobisphenol A, decabromodiphenyl ether (Deca), octabromodiphenyl ether, tetrabromodiphenyl ether, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), tribromophenol, bis(tribromophenoxy)ethane, tetrabromobisphenol A polycarbonate oligomer (TBBA or TVBPA), tetrabromobisphenol epoxy oligomer A (TBBA or TVBRA) and tetrabromophthalic acid anhydride. Other examples of useful chlorinated compounds are chlorinated paraffin, bis(hexachlorocyclopentadieno)cyclooctane, dodecachloropentacyclodecane (Dechlorane) and 1,2,3,4,7,8,9,10,13,13,14,14-dodecachloro-1 ,4,4а,5,6,6а,7,10,10а,11,12,12adodecahydro-1,4,7,10-dimethanodibenzo[а,е]cyclooctene (Dechlorane Plus). Although halogenated flame retardants are particularly effective, they have the common disadvantage that toxic fumes can be generated in the event of a fire. Thus, the use of one or more less toxic alternative flame retardant additives, which are intumescent (intumescent) substances, can also be envisaged. The principle of operation of these alternative additives is based on the formation of a foam layer which functions as an oxygen impermeable layer and thus also exhibits a flame retardant effect. Such intumescent additives, as a rule, contain melamine or its derivative salt. A suitable example is a mixture of acid donor polyphosphates reacted with melamine as a blowing agent and a carbon donor such as dipentaerythritol, starch or pentaerythritol. In this case, in the case of combustion, gaseous products are formed, such as gaseous carbon dioxide and ammonia. The resulting foam layer is stabilized by crosslinking, as in the case of vulcanization. Other examples of suitable and relatively environmentally friendly melamine-based additives are melamine cyanurate, melamine polyphosphate and melamine phosphate.

In order to reduce weight and thus cost, a core that is at least partially foamed may be preferred. The foam structure may contain open pores (cells) and/or closed pores (cells).

The at least one reinforcing layer is preferably a non-woven layer or a woven layer, in particular a web, for example made from glass fibers and/or textile material. These layers may have a thickness of 0.2 to 0.4 mm. In addition, it is provided that each tile contains a plurality of base layers (generally having a smaller thickness) that are stacked on top of each other, with at least one reinforcing layer located between two adjacent base layers. Preferably, the density of the reinforcing layer is in the range of preferably 1000 to 2000 kg/m ³ , preferably 1400 to 1900 kg/m ³ and more preferably 1400 to 1700 kg/m ³ . At least one reinforcing layer may contain natural fibers such as jute. At least one reinforcing layer contains synthetic fibres, in particular polymer fibres, such as nylon fibres.

Preferably, the core contains at least 50 wt.%, preferably from 50 to 90 wt.% polymer. Preferably, the core contains from 1 to 15 wt.% fibers based on cellulose. Preferably, the core contains from 0 to 3 wt.% perlite. Preferably, the core contains from 1 to 8% by weight of the reinforcing layer.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one core has a density greater than 1 kg/m ³ . This relatively high density will generally impart strength and rigidity to the panels. However, it can also be assumed that at least one core has a density of less than 1 kg/m ³ , which results in a weight reduction and thus a reduction in transport and handling costs. Reduced density can be achieved, for example, by using one or more porous ingredients such as expanded perlite, expanded polystyrene, etc.

It can be assumed that the core contains a water resistant coating substantially covering at least one core. This can further improve the waterproof properties of said panel. For this purpose, the waterproof coating may be a two-component liquid-applied waterproof composition for application in liquid form to at least one core (outer surface of at least one core). As a rule, this coating contains separate components I and II, which are intended to be transported in separate containers and combined to form a mixture in which vulcanization is initiated to cure the components to form a membrane, and component I is an aqueous latex containing natural or synthetic rubber, and component II is an oil as a carrier in which a vulcanizing agent for curing the rubber in component I and a hygroscopic agent for chemically binding water in component I are dispersed. Component I preferably contains a latex stabilizer that is designed to increase the service life latex by adjusting the initial pH value of the la

- 6 042504 tex. In addition, it has been found that additions of potassium hydroxide (KOH), dissolved in a minimal amount in component I, can increase the setting time, but in excess they can cause destabilization and premature gelation of the latex. Thus, the preferred amount of this additive is up to 1.5 parts per 100 parts of rubber. It is believed that other pH increasing additives such as ammonia or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) can be used. Accordingly, an exemplary component I according to the present invention may be from 0 to 2.5 parts per 100 parts of rubber. Component II contains, among other substances, an oil present in the form of a fluid and intended as a carrier for the vulcanizing agent and the hygroscopic agent. According to preferred embodiments, the oil present in the form of a fluid and intended as a carrier is a mixture of hydrocarbon oils, such as a mixture of aromatic and paraffinic compounds. Aromatic-containing oils, which advantageously swell the rubber particles, tend to be more viscous. Fluidity can be controlled by adding paraffinic oils having a lower viscosity, which also serve to control the setting time of the composition. According to other exemplary embodiments, synthetic liquid plasticizers such as phthalates, adipates, or other commonly used rubber plasticizers may find use. The fluid carrier may also contain some proportion of bitumen, including oxidized or impregnating bitumen. The content of the aromatic oil is generally less than 50% based on the weight of the oil present in the form of a fluid and intended as a carrier, and the content of bitumen is not more than 30%. However, the presence of bitumen is not critical to the present invention. In addition, it is not necessary to use a hard synthetic or natural resin. The oil, present in the form of a fluid and intended as a carrier, usually constitutes from 20 to 60% in relation to the total weight of the composition (after combining components I and II). Component II typically contains a vulcanizing agent or composition. Preferably, the vulcanizing composition contains elemental sulfur as a sulfur donor for the system, zinc oxide (ZnO) as a vulcanization activator, and a mixture of zinc isopropyl xanthate (ZIX) and zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate dibutylamine complex (ZDBCX) as accelerators. These substances can be used in preferred amounts, respectively, from 0.5 to 15.0 parts of sulfur per 100 parts of rubber, from 0.5 to 20.0 parts of ZnO per 100 parts of rubber, from 0.1 to 5.0 parts ZIX per 100 parts of rubber; and 0.1 to 5.0 parts ZDBCX per 100 parts of rubber. It is believed that other known vulcanizing additives and/or compositions are suitable for use according to the present invention. Component B may also contain a humectant or desiccant to chemically bind the water in component I. A preferred humectant is calcium oxide. Other hygroscopic substances may be oxides of other metals that react with water and form hydroxides, such as oxides of magnesium, barium, etc. In addition, a hydraulic core such as a Portland cement core or a high alumina core, calcium sulfate (alabaster) core, magnesium oxide core or magnesium oxychloride core can be used. The hygroscopic substance may also contain anhydrous salts which absorb water in significant proportions of 25% or more with respect to their own weight, such as sodium tetraborate. The weight of the hygroscopic substance is chosen to effectively dehydrate the latex, preferably using a slight excess to ensure complete water binding. However, it is possible to carry out a partial dehydration of the latex, i. e. the use of less than a stoichiometric amount of a hygroscopic substance. Depending on the specific hygroscopic substance chosen, it can represent from 10 to 50% of the total mass of the system. Component B may also contain one or more rheological modifiers. To provide the desired balance of rheological properties, montmorillonite clay (activated by a chemical activator) and calcium carbonate coated with stearate are preferably used in combination, although other options such as organically treated bentonite clays, aerosolized silica, polymer fibers, powdered rubber, pulverized fly ash, hollow glass microspheres and hydrogenated castor oil. Depending on the selected materials, the amount of rheological modifiers can be from 0.5 to 25.0% of the total mass of solids in the composition of the system (after combining components I and II).

In addition, it can be provided that the water-resistant layer is located between the core and the surface structure. This can further improve the waterproof properties of said panel. The waterproof layer may have the same composition as the waterproof coating composition described above, but it may also be a polymeric layer such as a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) layer.

It can be assumed that the core contains a plurality of reinforcing layers. For example, at least one first reinforcing layer may be located at the top of the core, while at least one second reinforcing layer may be located at the bottom of the heart.

- 7 042504 fault.

It can be assumed that the core contains a plurality of core layers that are directly and/or indirectly stacked on top of each other. While the core layers may have the same compositions, they may also be of different compositions, allowing the properties of each core layer to be adjusted to be able to perform its primary function (e.g., sound damping, strength, flexibility, etc.). ).

The surface structure is preferably attached to the core with a waterproof adhesive. This protects one or more layers of the core from water entering the surface structure, making said panel more water resistant. In addition, it prevents the surface structure from being easily peeled off from the core.

Preferably, the (decorative) surface structure comprises at least one decorative layer and at least one transparent wear layer overlying said decorative layer. A lacquer layer or other protective layer may be applied to the surface of said wear layer. A finishing layer may be applied between the decorative layer and the wear layer. The decorative layer will be visible and will be used to give the panel an attractive appearance. For this purpose, the decorative layer may comprise an artistic design, which may, for example, be a wood grain design, a mineral structure design that resembles a marble, granite or any other natural stone design, or a color design that uses a combination of colors or a single color that represent only a few of the possible artistic drawings. In addition, a customized appearance can be provided, often by digital printing during the panel manufacturing process. The decorative surface structure may also be a single layer. According to an alternative embodiment, the decorative surface structure is omitted and thus not used in the panel of the present invention. According to this last embodiment, a decorative panel is provided, in particular a floor panel, a ceiling panel or a wall panel, which is composed of a core having a top side and a bottom side, a first edge of the panel containing a first connection profile, and a second edge of the panel containing a second connection profile, configured to interlock with said first connecting profile of the adjacent panel, both in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction, said core comprising at least one core layer containing at least one polymer; cellulose-based particles dispersed in said polymer; and at least one reinforcing layer embedded in said core.

Preferably, the panel comprises a backing layer attached, directly or indirectly, to the back of the core. The at least one backing layer is preferably made at least in part of a flexible material, preferably an elastomer. The thickness of the substrate layer is typically about 0.1 to 2.5 mm. Non-limiting examples of materials from which the backing layer can be made are polyethylene, cork, polyurethane, and ethylene-vinyl acetate. Typically, the thickness of the polyethylene backing layer is, for example, 2 mm or less. The backing layer typically imparts added strength, dimensional stability and/or impact resistance to said panel, which increases the durability of the panel. In addition, the (flexible) backing layer can improve the acoustic (sound absorbing) properties of the panel.

The substrate layer preferably contains at least one polymer and at least one plasticizer selected from group (A). The backing layer may also contain a variety of different plasticizers selected from group (A). It can be assumed that at least one polymer and/or at least one plasticizer used in the substrate layer is a reclaimed material and/or a bio-based material. Preferably, at least one polymer of the backing layer is a polymer selected from the group consisting of: PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PUR (polyurethane), PVB (polyvinyl butyral), polyolefin, in particular PE (polyethylene) or PP (polypropylene). The backing layer may contain one additional plasticizer selected from group (B) which is DOTP, DINP, DIDP. Preferably the backing layer contains 100 parts of polyvinyl chloride and 20 to 200 parts of full plasticizer.

Preferably, at least one reinforcing layer extends in only one connection profile of the first and second connection profiles. This can be done by designing the first connection profile and the second connection profile in such a way that a vertically extending (oblique) tongue and groove connection is formed, typically by using a top profile and a bottom profile, and a corresponding preferred example will be presented below. The advantage of using a reinforcing layer in only one connection profile, usually in said bottom profile, and thus not in a complementary connection profile, usually in said top profile, is that the flexibility,

- 8 042504 which one profile has (top profile) is more than the flexibility that another profile has (bottom profile). This generally means that the top profile deforms more easily than the bottom profile, and this is of particular advantage when deformation is required to effect the connection between the connecting profiles.

Preferably, the first connection profile comprises an upward projection;

at least one upward bead spaced from the upward projection;

an upwardly directed groove formed between an upwardly directed projection and an upwardly directed bead, the upwardly directed groove being adapted to receive at least a portion of the downwardly directed projection of the second adjacent panel connection profile; and at least one first locking element, preferably present on the far side of the upward projection facing away from the upward bead, and preferably (optionally) the second connection profile includes a first downward projection;

at least one first downward bead spaced from the downward protrusion;

a first downward groove formed between the downward projection and the downward bead, the downward groove being configured to receive at least a portion of the upward projection of the first adjacent panel connection profile; and at least one second locking element configured to cooperate with the first locking element of the adjacent panel, said second locking element being preferably present on the downwardly directed bead.

Preferably, the first locking element comprises a bulge and/or a recess, while the second locking element comprises a bulge and/or a recess. Typically, the bulge is at least partially embeddable in a recess of an adjacent bonded panel for the purpose of making a locking connection, preferably a vertical locking connection. In addition, it can be provided that the first locking element and the second locking element are formed not by a combination of a bulge and a recess, but by another combination of interacting profiled surfaces and/or by means of high friction contact surfaces. According to this last embodiment, at least one locking element of the first locking element and the second locking element can be formed by a (flat or otherwise shaped) contact surface, which is optionally a separate plastic material, configured to create friction with another locking element of another panel. in a state of engagement (connection). Exemplary plastic materials suitable for creating friction are acetal (polyoxymethylene, POM), which has stiffness and strength along with good creep resistance; it has a low coefficient of friction, is stable at high temperatures and provides good resistance to hot water;

nylon (polyamide, PA), which absorbs more moisture than most polymers, and its impact resistance and overall energy absorption properties improve significantly as moisture is absorbed; nylon also has a low coefficient of friction, good electrical properties and good chemical resistance;

polyphthalamide (PPA), which is a high performance nylon with increased thermal stability and less moisture absorption; it also has good chemical resistance;

polyether ether ketone (PEEK), which is a high temperature thermoplastic material having good chemical resistance and fire resistance combined with high strength; PEEK is preferred in the aerospace industry;

polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), providing a balance of properties such as chemical and high temperature resistance, fire resistance, flow, dimensional stability and good electrical properties;

polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), which is dimensionally stable and exhibits high thermal and chemical resistance combined with good electrical properties;

thermoplastic polyimide (TPI), which has inherent fire resistance combined with good physical and chemical properties and wear resistance;

polycarbonate (PC) having high impact strength, high thermal resistance and good dimensional stability; PC also has good electrical properties and is resistant to water and mineral or organic acids; and simple polyester (PEI), which retains strength and stiffness at elevated temperatures; it also exhibits good long-term thermal stability and dimensional stability, and is inherently flame retardant and resistant to hydrocarbons, alcohols and halogenated solvents.

- 9 042504

It can be assumed that the first connection profile and the second connection profile are designed so that in the connected state there is a pretension which presses the connected panels against each other at their respective edges, this being preferably carried out by applying overlapping contours of the first connection profile and the second connection profile. , in particular overlapping contours of a downward projection and an upward groove and/or overlapping contours of an upward projection and a downward groove, wherein the first connection profile and the second connection profile are configured such that two of such panels can be attached to each other by tilting and/or vertical movement, so that they are in a connected state, and in the connected state, at least part of the downward protrusion of the second connecting part is inserted into the upwardly directed groove of the first connecting part, and as a result of this, the downwardly directed protrusion is pressed by the first connecting part, and/or the upwardly directed protrusion is pressed by the second connecting part.

According to a preferred embodiment, the panel comprises at least one third connection profile and at least one fourth connection profile located at the third edge of the panel and the fourth edge of the panel, respectively, the third connection profile having a lateral projection extending in a direction substantially parallel to the in relation to the upper side of the core;

at least one second downwardly directed bead spaced from the laterally directed protrusion; and a second downwardly directed groove formed between the laterally directed projection and the second downwardly directed bead, wherein the fourth connection profile comprises a third groove configured to receive at least a portion of the laterally directed projection of the third connection profile of the adjacent panel, said third groove being defined by the top edge and a lower edge, wherein said lower edge comprises an upwardly directed locking element, wherein the third connecting profile and the fourth connecting profile are designed in such a way that two of such panels can be attached to each other by means of a pivotal movement, and in the connected state: at least at least part of the sideways projection of the first panel is inserted into the third groove of the adjacent second panel, wherein at least part of the upwardly directed locking element of the said second panel is inserted into the second downwardly directed groove of the said first panel.

The panel, usually a core, in particular at least one core, preferably contains reclaimed material. Recycled material generally means recycled residual material from the manufacturing processes of the preceding part (panel).

The core preferably has a thickness of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 4 mm and even more preferably at least 5 mm. The thickness of the panel is typically 3 to 10 mm, preferably 4 to 8 mm.

The present invention also relates to a decorative covering, in particular a decorative floor covering, a decorative ceiling covering or a decorative wall covering, comprising a plurality of interconnected decorative panels according to the present invention. The coating can also be installed at vertical corners such as inside corners of intersecting walls and pieces of furniture, as well as outside corners such as corners at entry paths.

The sequence numbers used in this document, such as first, second, and third, are provided for identification purposes only. As a result, the use of the terms third locking element and second locking element thus need not necessarily require that the first locking element be present together.

Decorative panels according to the present invention may also be referred to as decorative tiles. The term complementary connection profiles means that said connection profiles can interact with each other. However, for this purpose, complementary connection profiles need not necessarily have complementary shapes. The term vertical locking means locking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panel. The term locking in the horizontal direction means locking in a direction perpendicular to the respective joined edges of the two panels and parallel or coinciding with the plane defined by the panels.

Various embodiments of the present invention are presented in the non-limiting terms, which are given below.

- 10 042504

1. A decorative panel, in particular a floor panel, a ceiling panel, or a wall panel, comprising a core having a top side and a bottom side, a decorative surface structure attached to said top side of the core, a first edge of the panel containing a first connecting profile, and a second edge of the panel , containing a second connecting profile, made with the possibility of interlocking engagement with the specified first connecting profile of the adjacent panel, both in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction, and the specified panel, in particular the specified core and / or at least one other layer of the panel, contains at least one plasticizer selected from group (A), which is orthophthalate, in which the alkyl main chain contains at least 7 carbon atoms, in particular DPHP (bis (2-propylheptyl phthalate)), DIUP (diisoundecyl phthalate) or DTDP ( diisotridecyl phthalate), DIDP (diisodecyl phthalate), DINP (diisononylph talat);

terephthalate, preferably DOTP (dioctyl terephthalate);

cyclohexanoate, preferably DC9CH (cyclohexanoate diester);

citrate, preferably ATBC (tributylacetylcitrate), ATPC (tripentylacetylcitrate), ATHC (trihexylacetylcitrate), ATHC (triheptylacetylcitrate), ATOC (trioctylacetylcitrate), ATNC (trinonylacetylcitrate);

adipates, preferably DOA (dioctyl adipates) or bis(2-ethylhexyl adipate);

a phosphate ester, preferably TPP (triphenyl phosphate);

azelainate, preferably DiDA (diisodecyl adipates) or dioctylazelainate or di-2-ethylhexylazelainate;

trimellitate, preferably TOTM (tris(2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate), TBTM (tributyl trimellitate), TiBTM (triisobutyl trimellitate), TENTM (triethylhexyl trimellitate), TINTM (triisononyl trimellitate);

dibenzoate, preferably ODEDB (oxydiethylene dibenzoate) or OXPDB (oxydipropyl benzoate);

1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid; And

PVB (polyvinyl butyral).

2. The panel according to claim 1, in which the core contains a variety of different plasticizers selected from group (A).

3. The panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one polymer and/or at least one plasticizer used in the core is reclaimed material.

4. The panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one polymer and/or at least one plasticizer used in the core is a bio-based material.

5. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core polymer is PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

6. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core polymer is PUR (polyurethane).

7. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core polymer is PVB (polyvinyl butyral).

8. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core polymer is a polyolefin, in particular PE (polyethylene) or PP (polypropylene).

9. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core polymer is polystyrene, preferably expanded polystyrene.

10. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core contains one additional plasticizer selected from the group (B) which is DOTP, DINP, DIDP.

11. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core contains 100 parts of polyvinyl chloride and 20 to 200 parts of full plasticizer.

12. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core contains at least one compatibilizer to improve compatibility between at least one polymer and at least one plasticizer.

13. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises a backing layer deposited, directly or indirectly, on the back surface of the core, said backing layer comprising at least one polymer and at least one plasticizer selected from group (A).

14. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the backing layer contains a plurality of different plasticizers selected from group (A).

15. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one polymer and/or at least one plasticizer used in the backing layer is reclaimed material.

16. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one polymer

- 11 042504 and/or at least one plasticizer used in the substrate layer is a bio-based material.

17. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one polymer of the backing layer is PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

18. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one polymer of the backing layer is PUR (polyurethane).

19. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one backing layer polymer is PVB (polyvinyl butyral).

20. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one polymer of the backing layer is a polyolefin, in particular PE (polyethylene) or PP (polypropylene).

21. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the backing layer contains one additional plasticizer selected from the group (B) which is DOTP, DINP, DIDP.

22. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the backing layer contains 100 parts of polyvinyl chloride and 20 to 200 parts of full plasticizer.

23. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core contains at least one compatibilizer to improve compatibility between at least one polymer and at least one plasticizer.

24. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core and/or backing layer contains at least one filler selected from group (C) which is a mineral, preferably calcium carbonate, a pigment, a modifier, fibers.

25. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core and/or backing layer comprises cellulose-based particles, which preferably contain lignocellulose, such as wood or hemp.

26. The panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core contains at least one additional filler selected from group (D) which is steel, glass, polypropylene, wood, acrylic material, alumina, pineapple, carbon, cellulose, coconut walnut, kevlar, nylon, perlon, polyethylene, PVA (polyvinyl acetate), mineral wool, sisal and furkray.

27. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core polymer is a foam polymer.

28. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises perlite, preferably expanded perlite.

29. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core contains at least one flame retardant additive.

30. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises at least one reinforcing layer, preferably a non-woven layer or a woven layer, in particular a web.

31. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises fiberglass.

32. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcement layer contains natural fibers such as jute.

33. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises synthetic fibres, in particular polymer fibres.

34. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one reinforcing layer is embedded in the core.

35. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core contains from 1 to 15% by weight of cellulose-based fibers.

36. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core contains from 0 to 3% by weight of perlite.

37. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core contains from 1 to 8% by weight of a reinforcing layer.

38. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core has a density greater than 1 kg/m ³ .

39. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core has a density of less than 1 kg/m ³ .

40. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises a waterproof coating substantially covering at least one core.

41. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper surface of the core is coated with a protective layer which is substantially impervious to at least one plasticizer used in the core.

42. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water resistant layer is located between the core and the surface structure.

43. The panel according to any of the preceding paragraphs, and the panel contains many armi-

- 12 042504 reinforcing layers, and preferably at least one first reinforcing layer is located in the upper part of the core, while at least one second reinforcing layer is located in the lower part of the core.

44. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises a plurality of core layers that are directly and/or indirectly stacked on top of each other.

45. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises a plurality of core layers, wherein the compositions of at least two core layers are different from each other.

46. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface structure is attached to the core with a waterproof adhesive.

47. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface structure comprises at least one decorative layer and at least one transparent wear layer overlying said decorative layer.

48. The panel according to claim 47, wherein the wear layer has a melting point of above 100° C., wherein the wear layer is preferably made of polyurethane.

49. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one reinforcing layer extends in only one connection profile of the first and second connection profiles.

50. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the panel is between 2 and 10 mm, preferably between 3 and 10 mm.

51. Panel according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the first connecting profile contains an upward ledge;

at least one upward bead spaced from the upward projection;

an upwardly directed groove formed between an upwardly directed projection and an upwardly directed bead, the upwardly directed groove being adapted to receive at least a portion of the downwardly directed projection of the second adjacent panel connection profile; and at least one first locking element, preferably present on the far side of the upward projection, facing away from the upward bead, and while the second connecting profile contains the first downward projection;

at least one first downward bead spaced from the downward protrusion;

a first downward groove formed between the downward projection and the downward bead, the downward groove being configured to receive at least a portion of the upward projection of the first adjacent panel connection profile; and at least one second locking element configured to cooperate with the first locking element of the adjacent panel, said second locking element being preferably present on the downwardly directed bead.

52. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises at least one third connecting profile and at least one fourth connecting profile located respectively at the third edge of the panel and the fourth edge of the panel, and the third connecting profile contains a laterally directed protrusion extending into a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the core;

at least one second downwardly directed bead spaced from the laterally directed protrusion; and a second downwardly directed groove formed between the laterally directed projection and the second downwardly directed bead, the fourth connection profile comprising a third groove configured to receive at least a portion of the laterally directed projection of the third connection profile of the adjacent panel, said third groove defining the upper edge and a lower edge, wherein said lower edge comprises an upwardly directed locking element, wherein the third connecting profile and the fourth connecting profile are designed in such a way that two of such panels can be attached to each other by means of a pivotal movement, and in the connected state: at least a portion of the sideways projection of the first panel is inserted into a third slot of the adjacent second panel, wherein at least a portion of the upwardly directed locking element of said second panel is inserted into the second downwardly directed slot of said first panel.

53. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel is flexible or semi-flexible.

54. The panel according to any of the preceding claims, in which the core contains a mixture of three types

- 13 042504 pov materials based on terephthalate and epoxidized oil, and the mass ratio of material based on terephthalate and epoxidized oil is preferably from 99:1 to

1:99.

55. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises an oil, preferably an epoxidized oil, preferably at least one epoxidized oil selected from group (E) which is epoxidized soybean oil, epoxidized castor oil, epoxidized linseed oil, epoxidized palm oil. oil, epoxidized stearic acid, epoxidized oleic acid, epoxidized tall oil, epoxidized linoleic acid, or mixtures thereof.

56. A decorative covering, in particular a decorative floor covering, a decorative ceiling covering or a decorative wall covering, comprising a plurality of interconnected decorative panels according to any one of claims 1 to 55.

The present invention will be explained based on the non-limiting exemplary embodiments presented in the following figures, wherein FIG. 1a is a schematic illustration of a multi-purpose panel for use in a multi-purpose panel system according to the present invention;

in fig. 1b is a schematic illustration of a multi-purpose panel system comprising a plurality of multi-purpose panels as shown in FIG. 1a;

in fig. 2a is a schematic illustration of two different types of multi-purpose panels for use in a multi-purpose panel system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 2b is a schematic illustration of a multi-purpose panel system comprising a plurality of multi-purpose panels as shown in FIG. 2a;

in fig. 3a is a schematic illustration of a multi-purpose panel for use in a multi-purpose panel system according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 3b is a schematic illustration of a multi-purpose panel system comprising a plurality of multi-purpose panels as shown in FIG. 3a;

in fig. 4a is a cross-section along line A-A of a multi-purpose panel as shown in FIG. 1a, 2a or 3a;

in fig. 4b is a cross section along line B-B of a multi-purpose panel as shown in FIG. 1a, 2a or 3a;

in fig. 5a-5c are cross-sectional views of two multi-purpose panels as shown in FIG. 1a, 2a or 3a, in the first, second and third connected states, respectively;

in fig. 6a-6c are cross-sectional views of two multi-purpose panels with alternative connection profiles in first, second and third connected states, respectively; and in FIG. 7a-7c are cross-sectional views of two multi-purpose panels with additional alternate connection profiles in first, second and third connected states, respectively.

In FIG. 1a is a schematic illustration of a multi-purpose decorative panel (100) for use in a multi-purpose panel (110) system according to the present invention. In FIG. 1a shows a panel (100) comprising a first pair of opposite edges, which is the first edge (101) and the opposite third edge (103), and a second pair of opposite edges, which is the second edge (102) and the opposite third edge (103). The first, second and third edges (101, 102, 103) respectively contain the first, second and third connection profiles (104, 105, 106). The first connecting profile (104) and the third connecting profile (106) are made so that two of such panels (100) can be attached to each other at the first and third edges (101, 103) by means of a pivoting movement. In addition, the second connection profile (105) and the third connection profile (106) are made so that two of such panels (100) can be attached to each other at the second and third edges (102, 103) by means of a tilting movement and/ or vertical movement. The proportional relationship between the width and length of the panel (100) can be chosen arbitrarily. In FIG. 1a shows just one of the many possibilities where the panel has an upper side (107) with a rectangular outline (108). However, it is also denied that the width and length of the panel (100) are such that the panel (100) has an upper side (107) with a square outline.

In FIG. 1b is a schematic illustration of a multi-purpose panel system (110) comprising a plurality of multi-purpose panels (100) as shown in FIG. 1a. Although all panels (100) are equivalent and have a first pair of opposite edges, which is the first edge (101) and the opposite third edge (103), and a second pair of opposite edges, which is the second edge (102) and the opposite third edge (103) , due to the compatibility of the connecting profile of the third edge (103) with the connecting profile of the first and second edges (101, 102), the panels (100) can be connected in various ways, resulting in different panel patterns (111, 112) within the same multi-purpose system panels (110). In the illustrated system of multi-purpose panels (110), in which the individual panels (110) have a top side (107) with a rectangular outline (108), each of the panels (100) has a long side (113) and a short side (114 ). As a result, different panel patterns (111, 112) are created by connecting the first panel pattern (111) of interconnected panels (100) in which the long side (113) is attached to the long side (113) of the adjoining panel (100), and the second panel pattern (112) of panels (100) connected to each other, in which the long side (113) is attached to the long side (113) of the adjacent panel (100), and the short side (114) is attached to the short side (114) of the other adjacent panels (100). As a result, the first and second panel patterns (111, 112) are rotated towards each other in such a way that the long sides (113) of the panels (100) of the first panel pattern (111) are at an angle of 90° with respect to the long sides (113) of the panels. (100) second panel pattern (112). This connection between different panel patterns (111, 112) is made possible by attaching the short sides (114) of the panels (100) of the first panel pattern (111) to the long sides (113) of the panels (100) of the second panel pattern (112). Installation of the panel system (110) can be carried out by tilting the first edge (101) of the panel (100) to be installed with respect to the third edge (103) of the already installed panel (100), which will generally interlock said panel (100) in both vertical and horizontal directions. During this tilting or pivoting movement of the panel (100) to be installed with respect to the already installed panel (100), the second edge (102) of the panel (100) to be installed will be attached (simultaneously) to the third edge ( 103) of the other panel (100) already installed, which is generally done by lowering or tilting the panel (100) to be installed in relation to the other panel (100) already installed, and during this connection the second edge (102 ) of the panel (100) to be installed and the third edge (103) of the other panel (100) already installed will engage (engage) with each other. As a result, the panel (100) to be installed is locked with respect to another already installed panel (100) in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

In FIG. 2a is a schematic illustration of two different types of multi-purpose panels (201, 202) for use in a multi-purpose panel system (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention. As in the case of the multi-purpose panel (100) shown in FIG. 1a, each of these panels (201, 202) contains the first pair of opposite edges, which is the first edge (101) and the opposite third edge (103) and the second pair of opposite edges, which is the second edge (102) and the opposite third edge (103 ). C in this case, the first, second and third edges (101, 102, 103) respectively contain the first, second and third connection profiles (104, 105, 106), wherein the first connection profile (104) and the third connection profile (106) are made with such a possibility that two panels (201, 202) can be attached to each other at the first and third edges (101, 103) by means of a rotary movement, and the second connecting profile (105) and the third connecting profile (106) are made with such a possibility, that the two panels (201, 202) can be attached to each other at the second and third edges (102, 103) by means of a tilting movement and/or a vertical movement. However, in this case, there are panels (201, 202) of two different types, and the connecting profiles (105, 106) of one pair of opposite edges (102, 103) of the panel (201) of the first type are located with mirror inversion with respect to the connecting profiles (105, 106) of the corresponding pair of opposite edges (102, 103) of the panel (202) of the second type. It should be noted that the illustrated pairs of edges of different types of panels (201, 202), which are arranged in a mirror-like manner, constitute the second and third edges (102, 103). However, it is similarly possible that the pairs of edges arranged in mirror inversion constitute the first and third edges (101, 103). In addition, the multi-purpose panels (201, 202) for use in this system of multi-purpose panels (200) have an upper side (107) with a parallelogram-shaped contour (208). In this case, two adjoining edges (101, 102, 103) of said panels (201, 202) form an acute angle (203) or an obtuse angle (204). According to this particular embodiment, the first and second edges (101, 102), respectively, and the third edges (103) form an obtuse angle (204) of the same size, while the first and third edges (101, 103), respectively, and the second and third edges (102, 103) form an acute angle (203) of the same size. The difference in the configuration of the panels and the parallelogram-shaped contour (208) of their upper side (107) allows said panels (201, 202) to form a chevron pattern (205) when connected.

In FIG. 2b is a schematic illustration of a multi-purpose panel system (200) comprising a plurality of multi-purpose panels (201, 202) as shown in FIG. 2a. As discussed above, the multi-purpose panels (201, 202) that form part of this multi-purpose panel (200) system are present in two different (mirror) types/configurations. Although the difference in the configuration of the panels and the shape of the parallelogram of their upper surface (107) allows these panels (201, 202) to form a chevron pattern (205) in the connected state, the presence of the first pair of opposite edges, which is the first edge (101) and the opposite third edge (103 ), and the second pair of opposite edges, which is the second edge (102) and the opposite third

- 15 042504 edge (103), moreover, the connecting profile (106) of the third edge (103) is compatible with the connecting profile (104, 105) of both the first and second edges (101, 102), also allows panels (201, 202) be connected in various ways, resulting in different panel patterns (206, 207) as part of one system of interconnected multi-purpose panels (200). Similar to the multipurpose panel system (110) shown in FIG. 1b, different panel patterns (206, 207) are created by attaching a first panel pattern (206) of interconnected panels (201, 202) to a second panel pattern (207) of interconnected panels (201, 202). As part of these individual panel patterns (206, 207), each panel (201, 202) has each of its pairs of opposite edges (101, 103; 102, 103) attached to the edges (101, 102, 103) of adjacent panels (201, 202 ) that form part of a respective pair of opposite edges (101, 103; 102, 103) of said adjoining panels (201, 202). However, the connection of the first and second panel patterns (206, 207) is carried out by connecting the panels (201, 202) of the first panel pattern (206) with the edge (101, 103) forming part of one pair of opposite edges (101, 103) to the panel ( 201, 202) of a second panel pattern (207) with an edge (102, 103) forming part of another mismatched pair of opposite edges (102, 103). This results in a system of interconnected multi-purpose panels (200) comprising two different panel patterns (206, 207) which are rotated at 90° with respect to each other. Typically, the installation of the panel system (200), which is shown in FIG. 2b is similar to the installation of the panel system (110) shown in FIG. 1b.

In FIG. 3a is a schematic illustration of a multi-purpose panel (301) for use in a multi-purpose panel (300) system according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the multi-purpose panels (100, 201, 202) shown in FIG. 1a and 2a, each of said panels (301) has three pairs of opposite edges and has an upper side (107) with a regular hexagonal outline (302). The first pair of opposite edges are the first edge (101) and the opposite third edge (103). The second and third pair of opposite edges are the second edge (102) and the opposite third edge (103). As a result, the first, second and third edges (101, 102, 103) are located in such a way that the third edges (103) are directly adjacent to each other and the second edges (102) are on both edges adjacent to the first edge (101) . As a result, the second edges (102) are not adjacent to each other. However, the commonality between said multi-purpose panels (301) and the multi-purpose panels (100, 201, 202) shown in FIG. 1a and 2a is that the first, second and third edges (101, 102, 103) respectively contain the first, second and third connection profiles (104, 105, 106), wherein the first connection profile (104) and the third connection profile (106) are configured so that the two panels (301) can be attached to each other at the first and third edges (101, 103) by means of a rotational movement, and the second connection profile (105) and the third connection profile (106) are made with such a possibility that the two panels (301) can be attached to each other at the second and third edges (102, 103) by means of a tilting movement and/or a vertical movement.

In FIG. 3b is a schematic illustration of a multi-purpose panel system (300) comprising a plurality of multi-purpose panels (301) as shown in FIG. 3a. In the illustrated panel system, all panels (301) are oriented in the same way. Installation of the panel system (300) can be carried out in the same manner as in the case of the panel systems (110, 200) in FIG. 1b and 2b. By tilting the first edge (101) of the panel (301) to be installed with respect to the third edge (103) of the panel (301) already installed, said panels (301) will generally mutually lock each other both in vertical, as well as in the horizontal direction. During this tilting or pivoting movement of the panel (301) to be installed with respect to the already installed panel (301), one or more second edges (102) of the panel (300) to be installed will (simultaneously) join to third edge (103) of one or more of the other adjacent panels (301) already installed, which is generally done by lowering and tilting the panel (301) to be installed in relation to one or more of the other panels (301) already installed ), wherein one or more of said second edges (102) of the panel (301) to be installed and one or more of the third edges (103) of one or more of the other already installed panels (301) will be connected (engaged) together. This locks the panel (301) to be installed with respect to one or more of the other panels (301) already installed in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

In FIG. 4a is a cross-section along line A-A of the multi-purpose panel (100, 201, 202, 301) shown in FIG. 1a, 2a or 3a. In FIG. 4a, the first edge (101) and the opposite third edge (103) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301) can be seen, which have a first connection profile (104) and a third connection profile (106), respectively. The first connecting profile (104) includes a sideways ledge (400) extending in a direction substantially parallel to the top side (107) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301), with at least

- 16 042504 one first downward bead (401) is spaced from the sideways ledge (400) and the first downward recess (402) is formed between the sideward ledge (400) and the first downward bead (401). As a result, the proximal side (403) of the laterally directed protrusion (400) of the first connecting profile (104), which faces the first downward recess (402), is directed downward with an inclination in the direction away from the first downward bead (401). However, it is similarly possible that the proximal side (403) of the sideways protrusion (400) points downward with an inclination towards the first downward bead (401). The first transition zone (404) can be defined between the proximal side (403) of the sideways projection (400) of the first connection profile (104) and the bottom side (405) of the sideways projection (400) of the first connection profile (104), wherein the first transition zone (404) in this case is curved. The top side (406) of the first downward recess (402) in the illustrated panel (100, 201, 202, 301) slopes downward towards the first downward bead (401). The first connecting profile (104) may further comprise a first locking element (407) which can interact in the connected position with the third locking element (440) of the third connecting profile (106) of the adjacent panel (100, 201, 202, 301). This first locking element (407) may be present on the first downward bead (401) of the first connecting profile (104). In this illustrated panel (100, 201, 202, 301), the first locking element (407) includes at least one first locking slot (408).

The third connecting profile (106) contains a third recess (430) configured to accommodate at least part of the laterally directed protrusion (400) of the first connecting profile (104) of the next panel (100, 201, 202, 301), and the specified third recess ( 430) is defined by an upper edge (431) and a lower edge (432), said lower edge (432) having an upwardly directed locking element (433). The proximal side (434) of the upwardly directed locking element (433) of the third connecting profile (106), which faces the third recess (430), is directed upwards with an inclination in the direction from the upper edge (431). However, as an alternative, it is possible that the proximal side (434) of the upwardly directed locking element (433) is directed upwards with an inclination towards the upper edge (431). The third transition zone (435) can be defined between the proximal side (434) of the upwardly directed locking element (433) and the upper side (436) of the upwardly directed locking element (433), and this third transitional zone (435) in this case is also curved in accordance with the curved first transition zone (404). The upper side (436) of the upwardly directed locking element (433) on the illustrated panel (100, 201, 202, 301) is inclined downwards in the direction from the upper edge (431) of the third connecting profile (106). On the underside (437) of the lower edge (432) of the third connecting profile (106) there is a recess (438) that extends up to the distal end (439) of the lower edge (432). This recess (438) allows the bottom edge (432) to bend downward. As already mentioned, the third connecting profile (106) may further comprise a third locking element (440), which can interact with the first locking element (407) of the first connecting profile (104) of the adjacent panel (100, 201, 202, 301) to establish vertical locking between connected panels (100, 201, 202, 301). As a result, the third locking element (440) may be present on the far side (441) of the lower edge (432), which faces away from the third recess (430), and/or on the far side (442) of the upwardly directed locking element (433), which facing away from the third recess (430). As illustrated here, the third locking element (440) can be located, in particular, at a distance from both the lower side (437) of the lower edge (432) and the upper side (436) of the upwardly directed locking element (433). In this illustrated panel, the third locking element (440) includes at least one outwardly directed bulge (443), which outwardly directed bulge (443) is configured to be at least partially received in the first locking groove (408) or the second locking groove ( 423) of an adjacent connected panel (100, 201, 202, 301) for the purpose of making a (vertical) locking connection. The core (452) contains at least one reinforcing layer (454), such as a glass fiber layer (web), introduced (embedded) into the core (452). More specifically, the core contains at least one polymer and at least one plasticizer selected from group (A), which is an orthophthalate in which the alkyl backbone contains at least 7 carbon atoms, in particular DPHP (bis(2-propylheptyl phthalate )), DIUP (diisoundecyl phthalate) or DTDP (diisotridecyl phthalate);

terephthalate, preferably DOTP (dioctyl terephthalate);

cyclohexanoate, preferably DC9CH (cyclohexanoate diester);

citrate, preferably ATBC (tributylacetylcitrate), ATPC (tripentylacetylcitrate), ATHC (trihexylacetylcitrate), ATHC (triheptylacetylcitrate), ATOC (trioctylacetylcitrate), ATNC (trinonylacetylcitrate);

adipates, preferably DOA (dioctyl adipates) or bis(2-ethylhexyl adipate);

- 17 042504 phosphate ester, preferably TPP (triphenyl phosphate);

azelainate, preferably DiDA (diisodecyl adipates) or dioctylazelainate or di-2-ethylhexylazelainate;

trimellitate, preferably TOTM (tris(2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate), TBTM (tributyl trimellitate), TiBTM (triisobutyl trimellitate), TENTM (triethylhexyl trimellitate), TINTM (triisononyl trimellitate);

dibenzoate, preferably ODEDB (oxydiethylene dibenzoate) or OXPDB (oxydipropyl benzoate); 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid; And

PVB (polyvinyl butyral).

The core may further contain additives such as calcium carbonate and/or cellulose-based particles dispersed in said polymer (matrix); moreover, according to this embodiment, at least one reinforcing layer (454) is embedded in the specified core. The presented core can be considered as a single layer, although part is located above the reinforcing layer (454) and part is located below the reinforcing layer (454), both parts are mutually (integrally) connected by a composite material that is present in the pores of the reinforcing layer. Examples with detailed descriptions of compositions and additives have already been presented above in a comprehensive manner.

In FIG. 4b is a cross section along line B-B of the multi-purpose panel (100, 201, 202, 301) shown in FIG. 1a, 2a or 3a. In FIG. 4b, the second edge (102) and the other opposite third edge (103) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301) can be seen, which have a second connection profile (105) and a third connection profile (106), respectively. When the third connection profile (106) corresponds to the third connection profile (106) present on the adjacent third edge (103) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301), these characteristics are presented above in the description of the cross section along the line A-A of the multi-purpose panel (100, 201, 202, 301), the second connecting profile (105) has a downward projection (410) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top side (107) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301), with in this case, at least one second downwardly directed bead (411) is spaced from the downwardly directed ledge (410) and a second downward recess (412) is formed between the downwardly directed ledge (410) and the second downwardly directed bead (411). As a result, the proximal side (413) of the downward protrusion (410) of the second connecting profile (105), which faces the second downward recess (412), is directed downward with an inclination in the direction away from the second downward bead (411). However, it is also possible that the proximal side (413) of the downward protrusion (410) points downward with an inclination towards the second downward bead (411). The second transition zone (414) can be defined between the proximal side (413) of the downward projection (410) of the second connection profile (105) and the bottom side (415) of the downward projection (410) of the second connection profile (105), this second transition zone (414) in this case is curved. The far side (416) of the downward protrusion (410), which faces from the second downward recess (412), contains at least a portion (417) of the vertical top wall, which is adjacent to the upper side (107) of the panel (100, 201, 202 , 301), and is adjacent to and located below the specified part (417) of the vertical upper wall, and the inclined part (418) of the wall is inclined inwardly to the beveled and/or curved part (419) of the lower wall of the specified far side (416) of the downward ledge ( 410). As a result, an intermediate vertical wall part (420) may be present between the inclined wall part (418) and the beveled and/or curved bottom wall part (419). In addition, the bottom wall portion (419) of the far side (416) of the downward protrusion (410) can be attached to the bottom side (415) of the downward protrusion (410). The top side (421) of the second downward recess (412) in the illustrated panel (100, 201, 202, 301) slopes downwardly towards the second downward bead (411). In addition, the second connecting profile (105) may contain at least one second locking element (422), which can interact with the third locking element (440) of the third connecting profile (106) of the adjacent panel (100, 201, 202, 301) to establish a vertical lock between panels (100, 201, 202, 301). As a result, the second locking element (422) may be present on the second downward bead (411) of the second connecting profile (105). In this illustrated panel (100, 201, 202, 301), the second locking element (422) comprises at least one second locking groove (423) configured to at least partially receive the outwardly directed bulge (443) of the third locking element (440 ) adjacent connected panel (100, 201, 202, 301) for the purpose of making a (vertical) locking connection.

The connection profiles (104, 105, 106) of each of the multipurpose panels (100, 201, 202, 301) shown in FIG. 4a and 4b comprise chamfers (450) on or near the top side (107) of the panels (100, 201, 202, 301). The panels (100, 201, 202, 301) comprise an upper substrate (451) attached to the upper side (453) of the core (452) to which the first, second and third connection profiles (104, 105, 106) are integrally connected. Here you can also see at least one reinforcing layer (454) embedded in the core (452), such as a glass fiber layer (web). As in FIG. 4a as well as in FIG. 4b shows that this reinforcing layer (454) is only present in one of the two complementary connection profiles. The upper substrate (451) contains a decorative layer (455), an abrasion-resistant wear layer (456) covering said decorative layer (455), and a transparent finishing layer (457) located between the decorative layer (455) and the wear layer (456) . In addition, the panels (100, 201, 202, 301) contain a substrate layer (458) attached to the underside (459) of the core (452).

In FIG. 5a-5c are cross-sectional views of the two multi-purpose panels (100, 201, 202, 301) shown in FIG. 1a, 2a or 3a, in the first, second and third connected states, respectively. In the said Figs. 5a-5c it can be seen that in the connected state, at least part of the laterally directed protrusion (400) of the first connecting profile (104) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301) is inserted into the third recess (430) of the third connecting profile (106) of the adjacent panels (100, 201, 202, 301), and at least part of the upwardly directed locking element (433) of the third connecting profile (106) is inserted into the first downward recess (402) of the first connecting profile (104). To establish a fixation in the relative position of the first connecting profile (104) and the third connecting profile (106), the lower side (405) of the laterally directed protrusion (400) of the first connecting profile (104) can therefore rest on the lower surface (500) of the third recess ( 430) of the third connecting profile (106). The first edge (101) and the third edge (103) in the connected state define the first closing surface (501), defined as the first vertical plane (502) passing through the top edges (503) of the connected panels (100, 201, 202, 301). As a result, each element of the laterally directed protrusion (400) and the third recess (430) passes through the specified first vertical plane (502). According to the presented embodiments, the first and third connecting profiles (104, 106) respectively comprise the first and third locking elements (407, 440). As a result, the first and third locking elements (407, 440) are located in such a way that the first locking element (407) faces the third locking element (440) of the third connecting profile (106) and interacts with it to implement the vertical locking effect.

In addition, in FIG. 5a-5c show that, in the connected state, at least part of the downward protrusion (410) of the second connecting profile (105) is inserted into the third recess (430) of the third connecting profile (106) and at least part of the upwardly directed locking element (433) of the third connecting profile (106) is inserted into the second downward recess (412) of the second connecting profile (105). As a result, in order to establish a fixation in the relative position of the second connecting profile (105) and the third connecting profile (106), the lower side (415) of the downward protrusion (410) of the second connecting profile (105) can rest on the bottom surface (500) of the third recess ( 430) of the third connecting profile (106). The second edge (102) and the third edge (103) in the connected state define a second closing surface (504) defining a second vertical plane (505) that passes through the top edges (503) of the connected panels (100, 201, 202, 301). As a result, the downward projection (410) is located on one side of said second vertical plane (505), while the third recess (430) passes through said second vertical plane (505). According to the embodiments shown, the second connection profile (105) further comprises a second locking element (422). The specified second locking element (422) faces the third locking element (440) of the third connecting profile (106) and interacts with it to implement the vertical locking effect.

In FIG. 6a-6c are cross-sectional views of two multi-purpose panels (600) with alternate connection profiles (601, 602, 603) in first, second and third connected states, respectively. In this case, the connecting profiles (104, 105, 106) of the panels (100, 201, 202, 301), which are shown in Figs. 5a-5c are made so that in the connected state (practically) no pretension exists between the connection profiles (104, 105, 106), the connection profiles (601, 602, 603) of the panels (600) shown in fig. 6a-6c are configured such that, in the connected state, there is a pretension that presses the respective panels (600) together at their respective edges (604). According to the embodiments shown, in the connection profiles (601, 602, 603) the pretension results from (local) deformation of the connection profiles (601, 602, 603).

In FIG. 7a-7c are cross-sectional views of two multi-purpose panels (700) with additional alternate connection profiles (701, 702, 703) in first, second and third connected states, respectively. According to this embodiment, the third connection profile (703) does not have any recess on the underside (705) of its bottom edge (704). In the illustrated multi-purpose panels (700), the first connection profile (701) further comprises another first locking element (706) present on the far side (707) of the first connection profile (701), which is located above at least a portion of the directional

- 19 042504 side protrusion (708). In addition, the second connection profile (702) includes another second locking element (709) present on the far side (711) of the downward projection (710) that faces away from the second downward recess (712). The third connecting profile (703) also includes an additional third locking element (713) located on the side (715) of the upper edge (714). In the connected state, which is shown in Fig. 7a and 7b, the additional third locking element (713) faces the far side (707) of the first connection profile (701) of the adjacent panel (700), while in the connected state, which is shown in FIG. 7c, the additional third locking element (713) faces the far side (711) of the downward projection (710) of the second connection profile (702) of the adjacent panel (700). In addition, in FIG. 7a-7c illustrate the interaction between the additional first or second locking element (706, 709) and the optional third locking element (713) to create the effect of vertical locking in the connected state of the two panels (700) and the tangent T1 (716) is defined, which forms the angle A1 (717) with the plane (718) defined by the panel (700), this angle A1 (717) being less than the angle A2 (719) formed by said plane (718) defined by the panel (700) and the tangent T2 ( 720) defined by the interaction between the inclined portion of the proximal side (722) of the upwardly directed locking element (721) which faces the third recess (723) and the inclined portion of the proximal side (724) of the downward projection (710) which faces the second directed down the board (725) of the correspondingly inclined part of the proximal side (726) of the sideways protrusion (708) which faces the first downward board (727).

According to the embodiments for the connection profiles (701, 702, 703) shown in FIG. 7a-7c, the first connection profile (701) and the third connection profile (703), respectively, the second connection profile (702) and the third connection profile (703) are configured such that a plurality of distant contact zones (728) are present in the connected state. , and in each pair between the adjacent contact zones (728) there is a space (729). In particular, in FIG. 7a and 7b show that the first downwardly directed bead (727) of the first connecting profile (701) and the far side (730) of the upwardly directed locking element (721) and the lower edge (704) of the third connecting profile (703), which faces the first directed down board (727), located at a distance from each other. In addition, the upper side (731) of the upwardly directed locking element (721) of the third connecting profile (703) is located at a distance from the upper side (733) of the first downward recess (732) of the first connecting profile (701). In FIG. 7c, it can be seen that the second downward bead (725) of the second connection profile (702) and the far side (730) of the upwardly directed locking element (721) and the lower edge (704) of the third connection profile (703) which faces the second downward board (725), located at a distance from each other. In addition, the upper side (731) of the upwardly directed locking element (721) of the third connecting profile (703) is located at a distance from the upper side (734) of the second downward recess (712) of the second connecting profile (702).

According to the embodiments of FIG. 5a-7c show a core material, wherein said core contains at least one polymer and at least one plasticizer selected from group (A), which is orthophthalate, in which the alkyl main chain contains at least 7 carbon atoms, in in particular DPHP (bis(2-propylheptyl phthalate)), DIUP (diisoundecyl phthalate) or DTDP (diisotridecyl phthalate), DIDP (diisodecyl phthalate), DINP (diisononyl phthalate);

terephthalate, preferably DOTP (dioctyl terephthalate);

cyclohexanoate, preferably DC9CH (cyclohexanoate diester);

citrate, preferably ATBC (tributylacetylcitrate), ATPC (tripentylacetylcitrate), ATHC (trihexylacetylcitrate), ATHC (triheptylacetylcitrate), ATOC (trioctylacetylcitrate), ATNC (trinonylacetylcitrate);

adipates, preferably DOA (dioctyl adipates) or bis(2-ethylhexyl adipate);

a phosphate ester, preferably TPP (triphenyl phosphate);

azelainate, preferably DiDA (diisodecyl adipates) or dioctylazelainate or di-2-ethylhexylazelainate;

trimellitate, preferably TOTM (tris(2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate), TBTM (tributyl trimellitate), TiBTM (triisobutyl trimellitate), TENTM (triethylhexyl trimellitate), TINTM (triisononyl trimellitate);

dibenzoate, preferably ODEDB (oxydiethylene dibenzoate) or OXPDB (oxydipropyl benzoate); 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid; And

PVB (polyvinyl butyral).

Additional possible and/or advantageous core compositions have been described above in a comprehensive manner.

-

Claims (51)

The inventive ideas described above are illustrated by several illustrative embodiments. It should be understood that individual inventive ideas can be applied without simultaneously applying other details of the described example. It is not necessary to exemplify all possible combinations of the inventive ideas described above, since the person skilled in the art will understand that numerous inventive ideas can be (re)combined to achieve a particular application. It is clear that the present invention is not limited to the working examples that are presented and described herein, but that numerous variations are possible that are within the scope of the appended claims, which should be obvious to a person skilled in the art. The verb include and the corresponding conjugations used in this patent publication are to be understood as meaning not only to contain, but also meaning to contain, practically consist of, be formed and the corresponding conjugations. CLAIM 1. A decorative panel, such as a floor panel, a ceiling panel or a wall panel, comprising a core having an upper side and a lower side; a decorative surface structure affixed to said upper side of the core; the first edge of the panel, containing the first connecting profile, and the second edge of the panel, containing the second connecting profile, made with the possibility of interlocking engagement with the specified first connecting profile of the adjacent panel, both in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction, and in the specified core contains at least one polymer; and at least a plurality of different plasticizers selected from the group (A), which is orthophthalate, in which the alkyl main chain contains at least 7 carbon atoms, in particular DPHP (bis(2-propylheptyl phthalate)), DIUP (diisoundecyl phthalate) or DTDP (diisotridecyl phthalate), DIDP (diisodecyl phthalate), DINP (diisononyl phthalate); terephthalate, preferably DOTP (dioctyl terephthalate); cyclohexanoate, preferably DC9CH (cyclohexanoate diester); citrate, preferably ATBC (tributylacetylcitrate), ATPC (tripentylacetylcitrate), ATHC (trihexylacetylcitrate), ATHC (triheptylacetylcitrate), ATOC (trioctylacetylcitrate), ATNC (trinonylacetylcitrate); adipates, preferably DOA (dioctyl adipates) or bis(2-ethylhexyl adipate); a phosphate ester, preferably TPP (triphenyl phosphate); azelainate, preferably DiDA (diisodecyl adipates) or dioctylazelainate or di-2-ethylhexylazelainate; trimellitate, preferably TOTM (tris(2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate), TBTM (tributyl trimellitate), TiBTM (triisobutyl trimellitate), TENTM (triethylhexyl trimellitate), TINTM (triisononyl trimellitate); dibenzoate, preferably ODEDB (oxydiethylene dibenzoate) or OXPDB (oxydipropyl benzoate); 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid; And PVB (polyvinyl butyral). 2. The panel according to claim 1, wherein at least one polymer and/or at least one plasticizer used in the core is reclaimed material. 3. The panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one polymer and/or at least one plasticizer used in the core is a bio-based material. 4. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core polymer is PVC (polyvinyl chloride). 5. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core polymer is PUR (polyurethane). 6. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core polymer is PVB (polyvinyl butyral). 7. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core polymer is a polyolefin, in particular PE (polyethylene) or PP (polypropylene). 8. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core polymer is polystyrene, preferably expanded polystyrene. - 21 042504 9. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core contains one additional plasticizer selected from group (B) which is DOTP, DINP, DIDP. 10. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core contains 100 parts of polyvinyl chloride and 20 to 200 parts of full plasticizer. 11. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core contains at least one compatibilizer to improve compatibility between at least one polymer and at least one plasticizer. 12. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises a backing layer applied directly or indirectly to the back surface of the core, said backing layer comprising at least one polymer and at least one plasticizer selected from group (A). 13. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the backing layer contains a plurality of different plasticizers selected from group (A). 14. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least and/or at least one plasticizer used in the backing layer is reclaimed material. 15. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least and/or at least one plasticizer used in the backing layer is a bio-based material. at least one polymer is at least one polymer is 16. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate layer is PVC (polyvinyl chloride). 17. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the backing layer is PUR (polyurethane). 18. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the backing layer is PVB (polyvinyl butyral). 19. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in at least at least at least one one polymer the backing layer polymer is a polyolefin, in particular PE (polyethylene) or PP (polypropylene). 20. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the backing layer contains one additional plasticizer selected from the group (B) which is DOTP, DINP, DIDP. 21. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the backing layer contains 100 parts of polyvinyl chloride and 20 to 200 parts of full plasticizer. 22. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core contains at least one compatibilizer to improve compatibility between at least one polymer and at least one plasticizer. 23. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core and/or backing layer contains at least one filler selected from group (C) which is a mineral, preferably calcium carbonate, a pigment, a modifier, fibers. 24. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core and/or backing layer comprises cellulose-based particles, which preferably contain lignocellulose such as wood or hemp. 25. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core contains at least one additional filler selected from group (D) which is steel, glass, polypropylene, wood, acrylic material, alumina, pineapple, carbon, cellulose, coconut walnut, kevlar, nylon, perlon, polyethylene, PVA (polyvinyl acetate), mineral wool, sisal and furkray. 26. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core polymer is a foam polymer. 27. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises perlite, preferably expanded perlite. 28. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core contains at least one flame retardant additive. 29. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises at least one reinforcing layer, preferably a non-woven layer or a woven layer, in particular a web. 30. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises fiberglass. 31. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises natural fibers such as jute. 32. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises synthetic fibres, in particular polymer fibres. 33. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one reinforcing layer is embedded in the core. 34. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, in which the core contains from 1 to 15 wt.% - 22 042504 fibers based on cellulose. 35. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core contains from 0 to 3% by weight of perlite. 36. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core contains from 1 to 8% by weight of a reinforcing layer. 37. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core has a density greater than 1 kg/m ³ . 38. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core has a density of less than 1 kg/m ³ . 39. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises a waterproof coating substantially covering at least one core. 40. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper surface of the core is coated with a protective layer which is substantially impervious to at least one plasticizer used in the core. 41. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water resistant layer is located between the core and the surface structure. 42. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises a plurality of reinforcing layers, preferably at least one first reinforcing layer located at the top of the core, with at least one second reinforcing layer located at the bottom of the core. 43. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises a plurality of core layers that are directly and/or indirectly stacked on top of each other. 44. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises a plurality of core layers, wherein the compositions of at least two core layers are different from each other. 45. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface structure is attached to the core with a waterproof adhesive. 46. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface structure comprises at least one decorative layer and at least one transparent wear layer overlying said decorative layer. 47. The panel according to claim 46, wherein the wear layer has a melting point of above 100° C., wherein the wear layer is preferably made of polyurethane. 48. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one reinforcing layer extends in only one connection profile of the first and second connection profiles. 49. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the panel is between 2 and 10 mm, preferably between 3 and 10 mm. 50. Panel according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the first connecting profile contains an upward ledge; at least one upwardly directed bead spaced from the upwardly directed lug, an upwardly directed groove formed between the upwardly directed lug and the upwardly directed bead, the upwardly directed groove being adapted to receive at least a portion of the downwardly directed lug of the second connection profile of the adjacent panel ; and at least one first locking element, preferably present on the far side of the upward projection, facing away from the upward bead, while the second connecting profile contains the first downward projection; at least one first downward bead spaced from the downward protrusion; a first downward groove formed between the downward projection and the downward bead, the downward groove being configured to receive at least a portion of the upward projection of the first adjacent panel connection profile; and at least one second locking element configured to cooperate with the first locking element of the adjacent panel, said second locking element being preferably present on the downwardly directed bead. 51. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises at least one third connecting profile and at least one fourth connecting profile located respectively at the third edge of the panel and the fourth edge of the panel, and the third connecting profile contains a laterally directed protrusion extending into a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the core; at least one second downwardly directed bead spaced from the laterally directed protrusion; And -