EA045838B1 - DECORATIVE PANEL AND DECORATIVE FLOORING CONSISTING OF THE SPECIFIED PANELS - Google Patents

Description

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

In the field of decorative flooring, decorative panels are known that have a base layer of MDF (medium density board) or HDF (high density board), on top of which a decorative backing is attached to give the panels a desired appearance. The main disadvantage of these known panels is the hygroscopic nature of the base layer, which affects the service life and durability of such panels. For this reason, traditional MDF/HDF-based panels are increasingly being replaced by polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based panels, also equipped with a decorative backing on top. These PVC based panels have the advantage of being relatively waterproof compared to MDF/HDF based panels. However, the disadvantage of these PVC-based panels is that they have very low heat resistance, resulting in these panels usually being easily deformed (bent) if these panels are exposed to a heat source such as a radiator or even a lamp. There is a constant need to improve the material properties of the base layer of decorative panels. There is also a need for alternative compositions of the base layer that is used in the panels. In addition, there is a need to improve the properties of the base layer of decorative panels.

The objective of the invention is to satisfy at least one of the above requirements.

The above-mentioned object of the invention is achieved by providing a panel, in particular a decorative panel, according to the above preamble, comprising a base layer having a top side and a bottom side, a decorative top structure fixed to said top side of the base layer, a first edge of the panel comprising a first connecting profile, and a second edge of the panel comprising a second connecting profile configured to mutually engage with said first connecting profile of an adjacent panel, both in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction, wherein said base layer preferably comprises an alloy of polymer and/or mineral matrix and elastic particles dispersed in said matrix, the elastic particles being covalently bonded to the polymer and/or mineral matrix. Thus, the base layer material is not a mechanically produced mixture, but rather a chemically produced alloy of at least two compounds, in particular a polymer and/or mineral matrix material and an elastic material, chemically bonded to each other. This chemical (covalent (atomic)) bonding is typically carried out during the preparation of the base layer composition. Thus, a block copolymer is formed, which is heat-resistant, durable, and in addition, gives the base layer the required flexibility (elasticity) and impact resistance. In addition, the resulting mixture strikes a balance between functional properties, which are usually predominantly determined by the elastic particles, and technological properties, which are usually predominantly determined by the matrix material. The matrix material is also called the hard phase of the base layer, and the dispersed elastic particles are often called the soft phase of the base layer.

A polymer matrix is a matrix that is at least partially composed of a polymeric material, with the polymeric material typically forming a major component.

A mineral is a matrix that is at least partially composed of mineral material, with the mineral material typically forming a major constituent.

Preferably, the polymer matrix is at least partially composed of a renewable polymer (also called bio-based plastic) and/or a biodegradable polymer and/or a recycled polymer. Examples of suitable - usually non-biodegradable - bio-based plastics are bio-based polyethylene (bio-PE), bio-based polyethylene terephthalate (bio-PET) or polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT). Examples of suitable - usually biodegradable - bio-based plastics are polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and starch. Preferably, the polymer matrix contains and/or consists of at least one 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) and/or polybutylene. It may also be preferred that the polymer matrix comprises isotactic polypropylene.

It is also possible that the matrix material contains at least one copolymer, preferably an ethylene-propylene copolymer. These polymeric materials are usually relatively easy to melt and easy to process, for example by (reactive) extrusion, and thus allow the elastic particles to be mixed with the polyolefin and/or thermoplastic material, for example, in an extrusion device. In this case, it is preferred that the polymer matrix has a melt flow rate (MFR) of from about 20 to about 200 g/10 min. This usually makes the matrix material easier to process.

Elastic particles have greater elasticity than the matrix material. Typically, elastic particles

- 1 045838 contain at least one elastomer. An elastomer is a relatively flexible polymer. More specifically, an elastomer is typically a polymer with viscoelasticity (that is, both viscosity and elasticity) and typically has relatively weak intermolecular forces, typically a low Young's modulus, and a high fracture strain compared to other materials. The elastomer may be a cross-linked polymer. In a cross-linked polymer, individual polymer chains are linked together (cross-linked), usually resulting in a single macromolecule. These chemical cross-links can be ordinary cross-links, which are covalent and chemically link the polymer chains together into one molecule. However, chemical cross-links can also be and are preferably formed by reversible cross-links, which use non-covalent or secondary interactions between the polymer chains to link them. These interactions include hydrogen bonding and ionic bonding. The advantage of using non-covalent interactions to form cross-links is that when the material is heated, the cross-links are broken. This allows the material to be processed and, most importantly, reused, and when the molten material is cooled again, the cross-links are restored. Examples of suitable polymers are polyisoprene, natural rubber, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene and polyurethanes. Preferably, the elastic particles comprise ethylene propylene rubber and/or ethylene octene rubber and/or ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM). These materials have relatively good elastic and technological properties.

Preferably, any isotactic polypropylene (i-PP) typically used to produce impact resistant polypropylene blends having a melt flow rate (MFR) of from about 0.001 to about 500 g/10 min (230°C, 2160 g load, per ASTM D 1238) , can be used in the panel base layer compositions of this invention to form a polymer matrix. Preferably, the isotactic polypropylene will have an MFR of from about 0.01 to about 200 g/10 min. more preferably from about 20 to about 200 g/10 min. and even more preferably from about 80 to about 200 g/10 min. In the context of the present invention, unless otherwise indicated, the term approximate means that the indicated values do not have to be exact, and they may be 10% higher or lower than the shown value. In general, the impact resistant polypropylene composition of the present invention preferably uses solid isotactic polypropylenes, that is, polypropylenes that are greater than 90% insoluble in hot heptane. The specific density of polypropylene is not critical. Preferred isotactic polypropylenes are typically crystalline and have a density in the range of about 0.90 to about 0.94 g/cm ³ . In addition, the base layer composite material, also called an alloy, may contain multiple polypropylenes having different melt flow rates to produce an impact-resistant polypropylene blend having the desired mechanical properties. 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 to make up at least a portion of the elastic particles. EPR is suitable for mixing and covalently bonding, for example, to a polypropylene composition forming a polymer matrix material. The term elastomer and its derivatives will be used interchangeably with the term rubber and its corresponding derivatives.

Examples of ethylene-propylene rubbers (EPRs) that are particularly useful in the present invention include saturated ethylene-propylene binary copolymer rubbers (EPMs) and ethylene-propylene-unconjugated diene terpolymer rubbers (EPDMs) having the above characteristics and containing from about 1 to about 5 wt. .% diene such as 5-ethylidene-2-norborene, 5-methylene-2-norborene, 1,4-hexadiene, dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) and the like. As used in the specification of this patent and in the accompanying claims, the term ethylene propylene rubber (abbreviated EPR) is intended to cover all of the above types of rubbers, namely EPR, EPM or EPDM, as well as mixtures thereof.

Although any of the EPRs described above can be preferably used in the present invention, an EPR with a lower Tg (glass transition temperature) is preferred. This is because lower Tg EPRs perform better in simple binary mixtures of i-PP and EPR. For example, the impact properties of ICPs according to Izod and Gardner, which consist of 80 wt% i-PP and 20 wt% EPR, are significantly improved by reducing the Tg of the EPR. As 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, determined by the thermal deformation temperature (HDT) and the flexural modulus of elasticity, remains practically unchanged. Thus, the most preferred EPRs of the present invention will have the lowest Tg achievable for a given EPR.

The Tg of a polymer can be easily measured by methods well known in the art, such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) or dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). For the purposes of the present invention, Tg refers to the Tg value obtained using the tan δ peak based DMTA method, well known in the art.

The Tg of EPR can be easily adjusted by changing its ethylene content. The lowest Tg for commercially produced EPR, approximately -50°C, ranges from about 35 to about 70 wt.% ethylene. Above this range, Tg increases due to the development of polypropylene crystallinity. Likewise, Tg also increases due to the development of polypropylene crystallinity when the ethylene content falls below this range. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the relationship between Tg and ethylene content can be easily measured and is a continuous function in the form of a smooth curve. Therefore, there is no well-defined point above or below which Tg changes abruptly with changes in ethylene content. Also, the catalyst used to produce the EPR will determine the ethylene content required to obtain the lowest Tg value. For example, when using single-site catalysts based on vanadium or metallocene. The EPR having the lowest Tg will have an ethylene content of approximately 45-55 wt.%, with a Tg in this case of approximately -50°C. On the other hand, with traditional Ziegler-Natta titanium catalysts, which are typically multisite, the EPR having the lowest Tg will have an ethylene content of approximately 65-68 wt.% and a Tg of approximately -47°C.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the EPR of the present invention will have a polymerized ethylene content of from about 35 to about 70 percent by weight, the term being approximately used to mean that a deviation above 70 percent or below 35 percent is acceptable provided that the Tg The EPR is within 5 degrees of the minimum value obtained with the catalyst used.

High-density polyethylenes, traditionally known as HDPE, as used herein include those polyethylenes having a density equal to or greater than 0.940 g/cm ³ . High-density polyethylenes suitable for use in the present invention as the high-density polyethylene (hereinafter HDPE) matrix material preferably include those having a density of 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 typically include ethylene homopolymers and ethylene alpha-olefin copolymers (preferably having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 to 8 carbon atoms). Preferred alpha-olefins are propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 4-methylpentene-1 and 1-octene. Methods for preparing such polymers are well known in the art and include, for example, gas phase, suspension and solution polymerization processes. The HDPE melt index, determined under conditions E according to ASTM D 1238, is typically 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 an HDPE is not critical, although if the HDPE's melt index is particularly low, it may be more desirable to use HDPEs with a wider MWD that are more shear thinning and less viscous under extrusion conditions to facilitate melt mixing. A suitable HDPE of this type has been found to be Exxon HDZ-126, which has a melt index as defined above about 0.35 g/10 min. and density 0.957 g/cm ³ .

As mentioned above, ethylene-propylene copolymer (hereinafter referred to as either ethylene-propylene copolymer or EPC) can be used as a matrix material in the panel of the present invention. This EPC preferably contains from about 10 to about 30 wt.% polymerized ethylene and from about 90 to about 70 wt.% polymerized propylene. Preferably, the ethylene-propylene copolymer will have a polymerized ethylene content of from about 14% to about 27% by weight, and more preferably from about 14% to about 20% by weight. The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the ethylene-propylene copolymer is preferably in the range of 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 invention can be produced using a metallocene or conventional Ziegler-Natta type catalysts. In any case, the polymerization can be carried out in the gas phase, in solution or using suspension polymerization methods. For example, a satisfactory method for producing an ethylene-propylene copolymer involves contacting ethylene and propylene monomers, under polymerization conditions and in such a ratio to produce the desired polymerized composition, with a metallocene catalyst that produces isotactic polypropylene having a molecular structure symmetry greater than about 80 percent. An example of a metallocene catalyst is activated dimethylsilanylbis(indenyl)hafniumdimethyl.

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

The base layer preferably contains at least one mineralizer selected from

- 3 045838 group consisting of: sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calcium chloride (CaCl2), aluminum sulfate (Al ₂ (SO ₄ ) ₃ ) and calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2. As stated above, the panel according to the invention may contain one or more fillers, such as cellulose-based particles, in particular lignocellulose-based particles, in particular fibers. Preferably, the cellulose-based particles include wood, straw and/or hemp. Previous research shows that wood and hemp are chemically heterogeneous, and their components can be divided into two groups: structural components of high molecular weight natural polymer substances (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin), which are the main components of the cell wall, and non-structural components of low molecular weight (extractives). and inorganic components). Both wood and wood fibers contain many chemical components, but the main inhibitor of base layer hydration has been found to be sugar. Some chemical treatments are preferentially applied to natural fibers, such as wood fibers or hemp fibers, before mixing them with the (initially liquid) polymer(s). The compressive strength and other mechanical properties of treated wood fiber composites are higher than those of untreated wood fibers. Chemicals such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calcium chloride ( _CaCl2 ) and aluminum sulfate ( _Al2 ( _SO4 ) ₃ ), sometimes also called mineralizers, usually improve the compatibility of the base layer and plant aggregates. You can also use complex mineralizers, such as Al ₂ (SO ₄ ) ₃ + Ca(OH)2. When Al ₂ (SO ₄ ) ₃ is used as a mineralizer, it prevents the release of sugar from organic aggregates and reduces hygroscopicity and water absorption. Al ₂ (SO ₄ ) ₃ in hydrate form is characteristic of an acidic reaction in water, and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] is characteristic of an alkaline reaction in water. Mineralization is achieved by increasing the efficiency of Al2(SO ₄ ) ₃ , at least partially neutralizing the acidic environment caused by Al2(SO4)3 and improving the workability of the mixture. Mineralization of wood aggregates also results in improved adhesion between the wood particles and the polymer, resulting in a more stable, stronger polymer.

As mentioned above, at least a portion of the cellulose-based particles are formed by fibers. It can also be envisioned that at least a portion of the cellulose-based particles are formed using powder, (wood) shavings, (wood) wool, and/or (wood) chips. Instead of wood, you can also use other natural fibers such as hemp. The hemp-enriched polymer also exhibits relatively good thermal insulation, excellent water properties, excellent acoustic properties and good fire resistance. In this case, hemp brome is usually used as a coarse filler (main component). As with wood, hemp kernel is preferably mineralized with Al2( _SO4 ) ₃ , neutralized with Ca(OH)2 and mixed with the (initially flowable) polymer.

Preferably, the base layer and/or back layer contains at least one filler selected from the group consisting of: a mineral, preferably calcium carbonate; pigment, modifier, fiber such as fiberglass, wood, straw and/or hemp. The fibers may be loose fibers and/or interconnected fibers, resulting in a layer of woven or nonwoven material.

The base layer preferably contains at least one additional filler selected from the group consisting of: steel, glass, polypropylene, wood, acrylic, alumina, curaua, graphite, cellulose, coconut fiber, Kevlar, nylon, perlon, polyethylene, PVA, mineral wool, sisal and furcrea fiber. This may further increase the strength of the panel and/or the waterproof and/or fire resistant properties of the panel itself.

Alternatively, the base layer contains a mineral such as magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide and/or magnesium cement. This mineral material may act as a matrix material, instead of or in addition to a polymeric matrix material.

Preferably, the base layer contains sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). It has been found that the addition of CMC to the base layer (during manufacture) facilitates and even promotes self-decomposition of said polymer-based base layer, in particular a polymer, in an alkaline aqueous environment and at elevated temperature (200° C. or higher). Therefore, this will improve the biodegradability of the panel. At this elevated temperature, CMC released two major volatile compounds, CO ₂ and acetic acid, creating a porous structure in the base layer. CMC also reacted with NaOH from sodium silicate, when used, to form three water-insensitive solid reaction products, disodium glycolate, sodium glucoside salt, and sodium bicarbonate. Other water-sensitive solid reaction products, such as sodium polysilicate and sodium carbonate, have been prepared from sodium silicate hydrolysates.

Preferably, the base layer contains silica fume. Microsilica, also known as microsilica dust, is an amorphous (non-crystalline) polymorph of silicon dioxide, silica. It is an ultra-fine powder collected as a by-product in the manufacture of silicone and ferro-silicon alloy and typically consists of spherical particles with an average particle diameter of 150 nm. By incorporating silica fume into the base layer, particularly the polymer,

- 4 045838 water resistance as well as fire resistance properties can be significantly improved. Silica fume may influence the compressive strength of the base layer, although as a result, the amount of silica fume is preferably limited to an amount equal to 10% by weight or lower.

The base layer may contain iron oxide (Fe2O ₃ ), preferably in an amount of less than 6% by weight. Iron oxide gives the base coat its color. In addition, at very high temperatures, the iron oxide reacts chemically with calcium and aluminum, which may also be present in the base layer, to form tricalcium aluminoferrite, which material (tricalcium aluminoferrite) improves the hardness and strength of the base layer. Preferably, the amount of aluminum oxide (Al2O ₃ ) in the main layer is from 3 to 8% by weight. Preferably, the amount of calcium sulfate required for the above reaction is usually up to and including 0.5% by weight.

The base layer preferably contains fatty acids. Fatty acids can penetrate through the channels (pores) of the crude minerals (if used) before grinding and will contribute to the (efficiency) of the grinding process to produce powder for the mineral-based base layer.

The base layer may contain at least one alkali metal sulfate, for example magnesium sulfate. This usually speeds up the base layer production process.

Typically, and as mentioned above, the base layer contains at least one polymer as a matrix material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS) and/or polyurethane (PUR), and/or thermoplastic polyolefin. The polymer used may be virgin, recycled, and/or a mixture of virgin and/or recycled polymer material may be used. To facilitate further processing, it is preferable to use only one (single) polymer material. To further reduce panel density, PS can be in the form of expanded PS (EPS), resulting in cost savings and easier handling of the panels. Other polymers, in particular thermoplastics, can also be used. It is also conceivable that the rubber particles are dispersed within at least one base layer to improve flexibility at least to some extent. The at least one polymer, when used, can be applied within the base layer in the form of a sheet (closed layer), mesh (woven), non-woven material and/or in the form of individual polymer particles (such as fibers, beads, spheres, etc.) . If a polymer layer is used, the layer is preferably covered on both sides by a composite material and is therefore preferably embedded within said base layer.

Preferably, the base layer contains perlite, preferably expanded (foamed) perlite. Perlite is an amorphous volcanic glass with a relatively high water content that is usually formed by the hydration of obsidian. Perlite has the unusual property of expanding greatly when heated sufficiently, which can significantly reduce the density of the base layer and, therefore, the panel itself. It is preferable that the base layer also contains foamed perlite with different particle sizes. Closed cell foamed perlite can achieve porosity (perlite) of 30-40%. The specified perlite can be pre-treated with silicone solutions, sodium, potassium and lithium silicates.

In addition, the base layer may contain one or more additional materials, preferably containing surfactants (SAS), such as methylcellulose, Badimol plasticizers and other cationic SAS to improve the rheological properties of the mixture. The base layer may also contain bentonite, which is a finely divided natural product adapted to improve the rheological properties and waterproofing characteristics of the panel itself.

The base layer may also contain at least one fire retardant additive. This fire retardant additive is preferably formed by an organohalogen compound. Such compounds can scavenge reactive H and OH radicals during a fire. The organohalogen compound preferably contains bromine and/or chlorine. In terms of fire resistance, compared to organochlorines such as PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl), an organobromine compound such as PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ether) is recommended. Other examples of suitable 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 isphenol A ( TVBA or TVBPA) and tetrabromophthalic anhydride. Other examples of suitable chlorinated compounds are: chlorinated paraffin, bis(hexachlorocyclopentadieno)cyclooctane, pentacyclodecane dodecachloride (dechlorane) and 1,2,3,4,7,8,9,10,13,13,14,14-dodecachlor-1. 4,4a,5,6,6a,7,10,10a,11,12,12a-dodecahydro-1,4,7,10-dimethanede benzo[a,e]cyclooctene (dechlorane plus). Although halogenated flame retardants are particularly effective, they usually have the disadvantage that they can produce toxic smoke in the event of a fire. Therefore, it is also possible to provide for the use of one or more alternative, less toxic fire retardant additives, including intumescent (foaming) agents. The principle of operation of these alternative additives is based on the formation of a foam layer, which acts as an oxygen barrier and therefore also has a fire retardant effect. Such intumescent additives usually contain melamine or a salt derived from it. An example of this is a mixture of polyphosphates (acid donor) in reaction with melamine (foaming agent) and carbon donors such as dipentaerythritol, starch or pentaerythritol. In the event of a fire, this produces gaseous products such as carbon dioxide and ammonia gas. The resulting foam layer is stabilized by cross-linking, as in the case of vulcanization. Other examples of suitable, relatively environmentally friendly melamine based additives are: melamine cyanurate, melamine polyphosphate and melamine phosphate.

To reduce weight and therefore cost, it may be preferable that the base layer is at least partially foamed. The foam structure may contain open pores (cells) and/or closed pores (cells). The elastic particles are typically dispersed in the matrix material present between the cells, and at least a number of the elastic particles may form a cell wall.

Although the base layer(s) may be provided with one or more plasticizers, such as phthalates, DOTP, DINP and/or DIDP, to impart greater flexibility to the base layer(s) (and the panel itself), it is preferred that each composite preferably does not contain no plasticizer to increase the rigidity of the base layer of the panel, which, in addition, is also favorable from an environmental point of view.

The at least one reinforcing layer is preferably a non-woven material layer or a woven material layer, in particular a fabric, for example made from glass fibres. They can have a thickness of 0.2-0.4 mm. It is also possible for each tile to comprise a plurality of (usually thinner) base layers 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 preferably from 1000 to 2000 kg/m ³ , preferably from 1400 to 1900 kg/m ³ and more preferably from 1400 to 1700 kg/m ³ . The at least one reinforcing layer may comprise natural fibers such as jute. At least one reinforcing layer contains synthetic fibers, in particular polymer fibers such as nylon fibers.

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

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one base layer has a density greater than 1 kg/m ³ . This relatively high density usually results in strong and rigid panels. However, it is also conceivable that the at least one base layer has a density below 1 kg/m ³ , which results in a reduction in weight and therefore in a reduction in transport and handling costs. Lower densities can be achieved, for example, by using one or more foam ingredients such as expanded perlite, expanded polystyrene, and so on.

It can be envisioned that the base layer is provided with a waterproof coating substantially covering the at least one base layer. This may further improve the waterproof properties of the panel itself. For this purpose, the waterproof coating may be a two-component waterproof composition applied in liquid form to be applied as a liquid to at least one base layer (the outer surface of the at least one base layer). Typically, this coating contains: separate components A and B, which can be transported in separate containers and which can be combined to form a mixture in which vulcanization begins, whereby the components harden into a membrane, with component A containing an aqueous latex of natural or synthetic rubber, and component B contains an oil base in which is dispersed a vulcanizing agent configured to harden rubber in component A, and a hygroscopic agent configured to chemically bind water in component A. Component A preferably contains a latex stabilizer configured to increase the service life of the latex by regulating the initial pH of latex components. It has also been found that adding potassium hydroxide (KOH) dissolved in minimal quantities in component A can increase setting time, but excessive amounts can destabilize and cause premature gelation of the latex. Therefore, the preferred addition rate is up to 1.5 parts per 100 parts of rubber. It is believed that other high pH additives such as ammonia or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) can be used. Accordingly, exemplary component A of the invention may contain from 0 to 2.5 phr (per 100 parts of rubber). Component B contains, among other things, an oil carrier fluid 12 for a vulcanizing agent and a hygroscopic agent. In preferred embodiments, the oil carrier fluid is a mixture of hydrocarbon oils, such as a mixture of aromatic and paraffinic compositions. Aromatic oils, which preferentially cause rubber particles to swell, tend to be more viscous. Fluidity can be adjusted by adding paraffin oils with more

- 6 045838 low viscosity, which also serve to regulate the setting time of the composition. In other illustrative embodiments, synthetic liquid plasticizers such as phthalates, adipates, or other commonly used rubber plasticizers may be used. The carrier fluid 12 may also contain a portion of bitumen of oxidized or penetrating quality. The level of aromatic oil is unlikely to be less than 50% of the oil carrier fluid, and the bitumen is not more than 30%. However, the presence of bitumen is not critical to the invention. It is also not necessary to use hard synthetic or natural resin. The oil carrier fluid 12 will constitute 20-60% of the total mass of the composition (when components A and B are combined). Component B typically contains a vulcanizing agent or packaging. Preferably, the vulcanization package contains elemental sulfur as a sulfur donor for the system, zinc oxide as a vulcanization activator, and a mixture of zinc isopropyl xanthate (ZIX) and zinc dibutyl dithiocarbamate-dibutylamine complex (ZDBCX) as accelerators. They can be used in the preferred ranges, respectively, from 0.5 to 15.0 phr (parts of sulfur per hundred parts of rubber), from 0.5 to 20.0 phr (ZnO), from 0.1 to 5.0 phr ( ZIX) and from 0.1 to 5.0 phr (ZDBCX). Other known vulcanizing agents and/or packaging are considered suitable for use in the invention. Component B may also contain a hygroscopic agent or desiccant to chemically bind the water of component A. A preferred hygroscopic agent is calcium oxide. Other hygroscopic agents may include other metal oxides that react with water to form hydroxides, such as magnesium, barium, and so on. Hydraulic base layers such as a Portland cement base layer or a high-alumina base layer, a high-calcium sulfate (gypsum) base layer, or a magnesium oxide or magnesium oxychloride base layer can also be used. The hygroscopic agent may also contain anhydrous salts that absorb significant amounts (25% or more) of water by their own weight, such as borax. The mass of the hygroscopic agent is chosen to effectively dehydrate the latex, preferably with a slight excess, ensuring the binding of water. However, it is possible to use partial dehydration of the latex, that is, less than the stoichiometric amounts of the hygroscopic agent used. The hygroscopic agent, depending on which one is chosen, can constitute 1050% of the entire composition system. Component B may also contain one or more rheology modifiers. It is preferable to use a combination of montmorillonite clay (activated with a chemical activator) and stearate-coated calcium carbonate to achieve the desired balance of rheological properties, although other options such as organo-treated bentonite clays, colloidal silica, polymer fibers, ground rubber, ground fly ash, hollow glass microspheres and hydrogenated castor oils. The amount of rheology modifiers, depending on the material selected, can range from 0.5 to 25.0% of the total mass of solids in the composition system (combined components A and B).

It is also possible for a waterproof layer to be placed between the base layer and the superstructure. This may further improve the waterproof properties of the panel itself. The waterproof layer may have the same composition as that of the waterproof coating described above, but may also be formed by a resin layer such as a PVC layer.

It is possible that the base layer contains many reinforcing layers. For example, at least one first reinforcing layer may be at the top of the base layer, and at least one second reinforcing layer may be at the bottom of the base layer.

It is conceivable that the base layer comprises a laminate of base layers that are directly and/or indirectly stacked on top of each other. The base layers may have identical compositions, although they may also have mutually different compositions, allowing the properties of each base layer to be modified and adapted for its own primary function (eg, sound dampening, providing strength, providing flexibility, etc.).

The base layer preferably contains at least one catalyst that promotes the formation of covalent bonds between the matrix, in particular the polymer matrix, and the dispersed elastic particles. A catalyst is also called a compatibilizer. A suitable catalyst is a metallocene catalyst, preferably an activated dimethylsilanyl bis(indenyl) hafnium dimethyl and/or a MgCl ₂ /phthalate/TiCl ₄ catalyst.

The upper structure is preferably glued to the base layer using a waterproof adhesive. This ensures that the base layer(s) are protected from water reaching the top structure, making the panel itself more waterproof. It also prevents the top structure from easily peeling away from the base layer. Preferably, the top structure is adhered to the base layer by using an alkoxysilyl adhesive, preferably a methoxysilyl adhesive, more preferably a dimethoxysilyl and/or trimethoxysilyl adhesive. More preferably, this methoxysilyl adhesive (polymer) is a modified acrylic. Preferably, said methoxysilyl-based adhesive (polymer) contains a poly-based backbone.

- 7 045838 ether having one or more (terminal) methoxysilyl groups. These silyl modified polymers (SMPs) are polymers (large, chain-linked molecules) terminated with a silyl group. Typically, these adhesives have good adhesion to a wide range of substrate materials and have good resistance to temperature and ultraviolet radiation. You can imagine this type of alkoxysilyl adhesive being used to adhere the panel to a subfloor, wall or ceiling. This type of alkoxysilyl adhesive can be envisioned as being used to adhere the back layer to the back surface of the base layer and/or the additional back layer to the back side of the back layer (if used). This results in an integrated sublayer that can act as a subfloor or equivalent for wall and ceiling applications. This back layer may be resilient, and may, for example, be formed by a shock-absorbing layer. This back layer usually contains a polymer, preferably an elastomer and/or PVC and/or PUR and/or PVB and/or a polyolefin, in particular PE or PP. However, you can also imagine wood, cork and other backing layers.

Polypropylene glycol is preferably used as a plasticizer in this adhesive. Preferably, the adhesive also contains at least one of the following ingredients: at least one silane (acting as a moisture scavenger and/or adhesion promoter), a catalyst such as DOT, at least one antioxidant, at least one a mineral filler, for example calcium carbonate, preferably ground calcium carbonate, which is less sensitive to moisture than precipitated calcium carbonate. Preferably, all the ingredients mentioned above are present in the (waterproof) adhesive. This glue is usually a 1K glue.

The upper structure preferably comprises at least one decorative layer and at least one transparent wear-resistant layer covering said decorative layer. A layer of varnish or other protective layer can be applied on top of said wear-resistant layer. A finishing layer can be applied between the decorative layer and the wear-resistant layer. The decorative layer will be visible and will be used to give the panel an attractive appearance. To this end, the decorative layer may have a patterned design, which may, for example, have a wood grain pattern, a mineral texture pattern that resembles marble, granite or any other natural stone pattern, or a colored pattern, a mixture of colors or a single color, and that's just several design possibilities. It is also possible to introduce a custom look, often done through digital printing during the panel manufacturing process. The decorative top structure can also be formed in one layer. In an alternative embodiment, the decorative top structure is absent and therefore not used in the panel according to the invention. In this latter embodiment, the decorative panel, in particular a floor panel, a ceiling panel or a wall panel, comprises: a base layer having a top side and a bottom side, a first panel edge comprising a first connecting profile, and a second panel edge comprising a second a connecting profile configured to mutually engage with said first connecting profile of an adjacent panel, both in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction, wherein said base layer comprises: at least one base layer comprising: at least one polymer, particles cellulose-based dispersed in said polymer; and at least one reinforcing layer embedded in said base layer. Preferably, the top structure comprises cork, more preferably at least one layer of cork.

Preferably, the panel includes a back layer attached to the back side of the base layer. The at least one back layer is preferably at least partially made of a flexible material, preferably an elastomer. The thickness of the back layer usually ranges from approximately 0.1 to 2.5 mm. Non-limiting examples of materials from which the backsheet may be made include polyethylene, cork, polyurethane and ethylene vinyl acetate. The thickness of the polyethylene back layer is usually, for example, 2 mm or less. The backing layer typically provides additional strength, dimensional stability and/or impact resistance to the panel itself, which increases the longevity of the panel. In addition, the (flexible) back layer can increase the acoustic (sound-absorbing) properties of the panel. In a specific embodiment, the back layer is provided with at least one plasticizer. It can be envisioned that the back side of the backing layer is provided with at least one antimicrobial coating to prevent and/or impede the growth of bacteria under the panels after installation.

Preferably, at least one reinforcing layer extends in one connection profile of the first and second connection profiles. This can be accomplished by designing the first connection profile and the second connection profile to form a (collapsible) connection with a vertically extending tongue-groove, typically by using a top profile and a bottom profile, a preferred example of which will be given below. The advantage of using a reinforcing layer in one connection profile, usually the bottom profile mentioned above, and thus not in a complementary connection profile, usually not in the top profile mentioned above, is that the flexibility of one profile (the top profile)

- 8 045838 more flexibility of the other profile (lower profile). This usually means that the top profile is easier to deform than the bottom profile, and this is especially useful if deformation is required to make the connection between the connecting profiles.

Preferably, the first connection profile comprises:

an upward tongue, at least one upward edge spaced from the upward tongue, an upward groove formed between the upward tongue and the upward edge, wherein the upward groove is configured to receive at least a portion of the downward tongue a second connecting profile of the adjacent panel, and at least one first locking element, preferably provided on a distal side of the upwardly directed tongue facing away from the upwardly facing edge, and preferably the (complementary) second connecting profile comprises:

a first downward tongue, at least one first downward edge spaced from the downward tongue, a first downward groove formed between the downward tongue and the downward edge, wherein the downward groove is configured to receive at least a portion of an upwardly directed tongue of the first connecting profile of the adjacent panel, 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 provided on the downwardly directed edge.

Preferably, the first locking element includes a projection and/or groove, and the second locking element includes a projection and/or groove. The projection is typically configured to at least partially receive into a groove of an adjacent connected panel to effect a locked connection, preferably a vertically locked connection. It is also possible for the first locking element and the second locking element to be formed not by a tongue-and-groove combination, but by another combination of interacting profiled surfaces and/or high friction contact surfaces. In this latter embodiment, at least one locking element of the first locking element and the second locking element may be formed by a (flat or otherwise shaped) contact surface consisting of an optionally separate plastic material configured to create friction with another locking element of the other panel in a cohesive (connected) state. Examples of plastics suitable for creating friction include:

acetal (ROM), hard and strong with good creep resistance. It has a low coefficient of friction, remains stable at high temperatures and has good resistance to hot water;

nylon (PA), which absorbs more moisture than most polymers, with impact resistance and overall energy absorption properties actually improving when it absorbs moisture. Nylons also have low friction, good electrical properties, and good chemical resistance;

polyphthalamide (PPA). This high-performance nylon features improved heat resistance and low moisture absorption. It also has good chemical resistance;

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high temperature thermoplastic with good chemical and flame resistance combined with high strength. PEEK is often used in the aerospace industry;

polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) has a balance of properties including chemical and high temperature resistance, flame retardancy, flow, dimensional stability and good electrical properties;

polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), which is dimensionally stable and has high heat and chemical resistance with good electrical properties;

thermoplastic polyimide (TPI) is inherently flame retardant with good physical, chemical and wear-resistant properties;

polycarbonate (PC), which has good impact resistance, high temperature resistance and good dimensional stability. PC also has good electrical properties and is stable in water and mineral or organic acids; and polyetherimide (PEI), which maintains strength and rigidity at elevated temperatures. It also has good long-term heat resistance, dimensional stability, inherent flame retardancy and resistance to hydrocarbons, alcohols and halogenated solvents.

It can be imagined that the first connecting profile and the second connecting profile are designed in such a way that in the connected state there is a predetermined tension which presses the connected panels at their respective edges against each other, this being preferably done by superimposing the overlapping contours of the first connecting profile and a second connecting profile, in particular, overlapping contours of a downward tongue and an upward groove and/or overlapping contours of an upward tongue and a downward groove, and wherein the first connecting profile and the second connecting profile are configured such that two such panels can be connected to each other with each other by means of a downward folding movement and/or a vertical movement such that, in the connected state, at least a portion of the downwardly directed tongue of the second connecting part is inserted into the upwardly directed groove of the first connecting part so that the downwardly directed tongue is clamped by the first connecting part, and/or the directed upward, the tongue is clamped by the second connecting part.

In a preferred embodiment, 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, wherein the third connecting profile comprises:

a laterally directed tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the top side of the base layer, at least one second downwardly directed edge spaced from the sidewardly directed tongue, and a second downwardly directed groove formed between the sidewardly directed tongue and the second downwardly directed edge, wherein the fourth connecting profile contains:

a third groove configured to accommodate at least a portion of a laterally directed tongue of a third connecting profile of an adjacent panel, wherein said third groove is formed by an upper projection and a lower projection, wherein said lower projection is provided with an upwardly directed locking element, wherein the third connecting profile and the fourth connecting the profile is designed in such a way that two such panels can be connected to each other by means of a rotational movement, and in the connected state: at least part of the sideways directed tongue of the first panel is inserted into the third groove of the adjacent second panel, and at the same time at least part of the upwardly directed tongue a locking element of said second panel is inserted into a second downwardly directed groove of said first panel.

The panel, typically a base layer, in particular at least one base layer, preferably contains recycled material. Recycled material generally refers to the reuse of material left over from previous manufacturing processes (panels).

Preferably, at least one groove, and preferably each groove, is provided with at least one antimicrobial agent. This provides a sound barrier to bacteria, fungi and so on.

The base layer preferably has a thickness of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 4 mm and even more preferably at least 5 mm. The panel thickness is usually from 3 to 10 mm, preferably from 4 to 8 mm.

The 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 invention. The covering can also be installed in vertical corners, inside corners of intersecting walls, pieces of furniture and outside corners such as passages. The flooring can be used indoors or outdoors.

Preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the invention are presented in the following section:

1. A decorative panel, in particular a floor panel, a ceiling panel or a wall panel, comprising:

a base layer having a top side and a bottom side, a decorative top structure secured to said top side of the base layer, a first panel edge comprising a first connecting profile, and a second panel edge comprising a second connecting profile configured to mutually engage with said first connecting profile profile of the adjacent panel, both in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction, wherein said base layer optionally comprises an alloy of polymer and/or mineral matrix and elastic particles dispersed in said matrix, wherein preferably the elastic particles are associated with the polymer and/or mineral matrix by covalent bond.

2. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the polymer matrix contains a polyolefin.

3. Panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polymer matrix contains a thermoplastic.

4. Panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polymer matrix contains polyethylene (PE) and/or polypropylene (PP), and/or polybutylene.

- 10 045838

5. Panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the polymer matrix contains isotactic polypropylene.

6. Panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the elastic particles contain an elastomer.

7. Panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the elastic particles contain ethylene propylene rubber.

8. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the elastic particles contain ethylene propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM).

9. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the main layer contains isotactic polypropylene, ethylene-propylene rubber and high-density polyethylene.

10. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the main layer contains a copolymer of ethylene and propylene.

11. The panel of one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer matrix has a melt flow rate (MFR) of from about 20 to about 200 g/10 min.

12. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, wherein the base layer does not contain phthalate and preferably does not contain any plasticizer.

13. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one polymer matrix used in the base layer is a recycled material.

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

15. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which at least one polymer of the main layer is formed from PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

16. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which at least one polymer of the main layer is formed from PUR (polyurethane).

17. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which at least one polymer of the main layer is formed from PVB (polyvinyl butyral).

18. The panel according to one of the previous claims, wherein at least one polymer of the base layer is formed from polystyrene, preferably expanded polystyrene.

19. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the main layer contains one plasticizer selected from the group consisting of: DOTP, DINP, DIDP.

20. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the main layer contains at least one catalyst that promotes the formation of covalent bonds between the polymer matrix and the dispersed elastic particles.

21. The panel according to claim 20, wherein the catalyst is a metallocene catalyst, preferably activated dimethylsilanyl bis(indenyl) hafnium dimethyl.

22. The panel according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the catalyst is a MgCl ₂ /phthalate/TiCl ₄ catalyst.

23. The panel according to one of the previous claims, in which the polymer matrix and elastic particles dispersed in said matrix form a block copolymer.

24. The panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises a back layer applied, directly or indirectly, to the back surface of the base layer, said back layer comprising at least one polymer and, optionally, at least one plasticizer.

25. The panel of claim 24, wherein at least one polymer used in the back layer is a recycled material.

26. The panel of claim 24 or 25, wherein at least one polymer used in the back layer is a bio-based material.

27. The panel according to one of claims 24-26, wherein at least one polymer of the back layer is formed from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or PUR (polyurethane).

28. The panel according to one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the back layer is at least partially made of a natural material such as cork.

29. The panel according to one of the previous claims, in which at least one polymer of the back layer is formed from PVB (polyvinyl butyral).

30. The panel according to one of the previous claims, in which at least one polymer of the back layer is formed from a polyolefin, in particular PE or PP.

31. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the main layer and/or the back layer contains at least one filler selected from the group consisting of: a mineral, preferably calcium carbonate, more preferably ground calcium carbonate; pigment, modifier, fiber.

32. The panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base layer and/or back layer comprises cellulose-based particles, which preferably includes lignocellulose such as wood or hemp.

33. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the main layer contains at least

- 11 045838 one additional filler selected from the group consisting of: steel, glass, polypropylene, wood, acrylic, alumina, curaua, graphite, cellulose, coir, Kevlar, nylon, perlon, polyethylene, PVA, mineral wool, sisal and furcrea fibers.

34. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which at least one polymer of the main layer is foamed.

35. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the base layer contains perlite, preferably foamed perlite.

36. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the base layer contains at least one fire retardant additive.

37. A panel according to one of the previous claims, wherein the panel comprises at least one reinforcing layer, preferably a layer of non-woven material or a layer of woven material, in particular fabric.

38. Panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the reinforcing layer contains fiberglass.

39. Panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the reinforcing layer contains natural fibers such as jute.

40. Panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the reinforcing layer contains synthetic fibers, in particular polymer fibers.

41. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which at least one reinforcing layer is embedded in the main layer.

42. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base layer contains from 1 to 15% by weight cellulose-based fibers.

43. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the main layer contains from 1 to 8% by weight of the reinforcing layer.

44. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which at least one main layer has a density of more than 1 kg/m ³ .

45. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which at least one main layer has a density below 1 kg/m ³ .

46. The panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base layer is provided with a waterproof coating substantially covering the at least one base layer.

47. The panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the top surface of the base layer is covered with a barrier layer that is substantially impermeable to at least one plasticizer used in the base layer.

48. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which a waterproof layer, in particular a waterproof adhesive, is located between the base layer and the upper structure.

49. A panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the top structure is glued to the base layer using a waterproof adhesive, preferably a methoxysilyl adhesive.

50. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, wherein the panel contains a plurality of reinforcing layers, wherein preferably at least one first reinforcing layer is located in the upper part of the main layer, and at the same time at least one second reinforcing layer is in the lower part of the main layer layer.

51. A panel as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the base layer comprises a laminate of base layers that are directly and/or indirectly stacked on top of each other.

52. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base layer comprises a laminate of base layers, wherein the composition of the at least two base layers is mutually different.

53. The panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the top structure comprises at least one decorative layer and at least one transparent wear-resistant layer covering said decorative layer.

54. The panel according to claim 53, wherein the wear-resistant layer has a melting point above 100 degrees Celsius, wherein the wear-resistant layer is preferably made of polyurethane.

55. A panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the top structure comprises cork, preferably a cork layer.

56. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which at least one reinforcing layer extends in one connecting profile of the first and second connecting profiles.

57. Panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, wherein the thickness of the panel is from 2 to 10 mm, preferably from 3 to 10 mm.

58. Panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the first connecting profile contains:

an upwardly directed tongue, at least one upwardly directed edge located at a distance from the upwardly directed tongue,

- 12 045838 an upward groove formed between an upward tongue and an upward edge, wherein the upward groove is configured to receive at least a portion of a downward tongue of a second connecting profile of an adjacent panel, and at least one first locking element, preferably provided on a distal side of the upwardly directed tongue facing away from the upwardly directed edge, and wherein the second connecting profile comprises:

a first downward tongue, at least one first downward edge spaced from the downward tongue, a first downward groove formed between the downward tongue and the downward edge, wherein the downward groove is configured to receive at least a portion of an upwardly directed tongue of the first connecting profile of the adjacent panel, 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 provided on the downwardly directed edge.

59. The panel according to any of the previous paragraphs, 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, wherein the third connecting profile contains:

a laterally directed tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the top side of the base layer, at least one second downwardly directed edge spaced from the sidewardly directed tongue, and a second downwardly directed groove formed between the sidewardly directed tongue and the second downwardly directed edge, wherein the fourth connecting profile contains:

a third groove configured to accommodate at least a portion of a laterally directed tongue of a third connecting profile of an adjacent panel, wherein said third groove is formed by an upper projection and a lower projection, wherein said lower projection is provided with an upwardly directed locking element, wherein the third connecting profile and the fourth connecting the profile is designed in such a way that two such panels can be connected to each other by means of a rotational movement, and in the connected state: at least part of the sideways directed tongue of the first panel is inserted into the third groove of the adjacent second panel, and at the same time at least part of the upwardly directed tongue a locking element of said second panel is inserted into a second downwardly directed groove of said first panel.

60. A panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, wherein the panel is rigid, flexible or semi-flexible.

61. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the main layer contains a mixture of three types of terephthalate-based material; and epoxidized oil, wherein the weight ratio of terephthalate material to epoxidized oil is preferably from 99:1 to 1:99.

62. The panel according to one of the previous claims, wherein the base layer contains an oil, preferably an epoxidized oil, more preferably at least one epoxidized oil selected from the group consisting of: epoxidized soybean oil, epoxidized castor oil, epoxidized linseed oil, epoxidized palm oil, epoxidized stearic acid, epoxidized oleic acid, epoxidized tall oil, epoxidized linoleic acid or mixtures thereof.

63. The panel according to one of the previous claims, wherein the base layer contains at least one mineral filler, preferably calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide and/or magnesium cement.

64. 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 paragraphs. 1-63

The serial numbers used in this document, such as first, second and third, are used for identification purposes only. Therefore, the use of the expressions third locking element and second locking element does not necessarily require the simultaneous presence of the first locking element.

The decorative panels according to the invention can also be called decorative tiles. By complementary connection profiles it is meant that these connection profiles can interact with each other. However, to achieve this, the complementary connecting profiles do not necessarily have to have complementary shapes. Under fixation in vertical direction

- 13 045838 means fixation in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the panel. By fixing in the horizontal direction is meant fixing in a direction perpendicular to the respective joined edges of the two panels and parallel or coincident with the plane formed by the panels.

The invention will be explained on the basis of non-limiting illustrative embodiments shown in the following figures, in which:

in fig. 1a is a schematic illustration of a multi-purpose panel for use in a multi-purpose panel system according to the 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 representation of two different types of multi-purpose panels for use in another embodiment of a multi-purpose panel system according to the invention;

in fig. 2b is a schematic diagram 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 yet another embodiment of a multi-purpose panel system according to the invention;

in fig. 3b is a schematic diagram 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 AA 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 the 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 state, respectively;

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

In fig. 1a is a schematic illustration of a multi-purpose decorative panel (100) for use in a multi-purpose panel system (110) according to the invention. The figure shows a panel (100) having a first pair of opposing edges consisting of a first edge (101) and an opposing third edge (103), and a second pair of opposing edges consisting of a second edge (102) and another opposing third edge (103). . The first, second and third edges (101, 102, 103) respectively have first, second and third connecting profiles (104, 105, 106). The first connecting profile (104) and the third connecting profile (106) are designed in such a way that two such panels (100) can be connected to each other at the first and third edges (101, 103) by means of a rotary movement. In addition, the second connecting profile (105) and the third connecting profile (106) are designed in such a way that two such panels (100) can be connected to each other at the second and third edges (102, 103) by means of a downward folding movement and/or vertical movement. The proportional ratio between the width and length of the panel (100) can be selected as desired. In fig. 1a shows only one of many possibilities, with the panel having a top side (107) with a rectangular outline (108). However, it is also possible for the width and length of the panel (100) to be such that the panel (100) has a top 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 each of the panels (100) is equivalent and has a first pair of opposing edges consisting of a first edge (101) and an opposing third edge (103), and a second pair of opposing edges consisting of a second edge (102) and an opposing third edge (103 ), the panels (100) can be connected in different ways due to the compatibility of the third edge connecting profile (103) with the connecting profile of both the first and second edges (101, 102), resulting in different panel patterns (111, 112) within the same system ( 110) multi-purpose panels. In the illustrated multi-purpose panel system (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). Thus, different panel patterns (111, 112) are created by connecting a first pattern (111) of interconnected panels (100), in which their long side (113) is connected to the long side (113) of an adjacent panel (100), to a second circuit ( 112) of interconnected panels (100), in which their long side (113) is connected to the long side (113) of an adjacent panel (100), and their short side (114) is connected to the short side (114) of another adjacent panel (100). Due to this, 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 located at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the long sides (113 ) panels (100) of the second panel pattern (112). This connection between different panel patterns (111, 112) is made possible by connecting the short sides (114) of the panels (100) of the first panel pattern (111) with the long sides (113) of the panels (100) of the second panel pattern (112). Installation of the panel system (110) can be accomplished by tilting the first edge (101) of the panel (100) to be installed relative to the third edge (103) of the already installed panel (100), which generally locks said panels (100) into place both vertically and vertically. and in the horizontal direction. During this tilting or rotating movement of the panel (100) to be installed relative to the already installed panel (100), the second edge (102) of the panel (100) to be installed will be connected (simultaneously) to the third edge (103) of the other already installed panel (100), which is typically accomplished by lowering or folding a panel (100) to be installed relative to another already installed panel (100), whereby a second edge (102) of the panel (100) to be installed and a third edge (103) of the other already installed panels (100) will fit (fasten) to each other. This results in the panel (100) to be installed being fixed relative to another already installed panel (100) in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

In fig. 2a is a schematic representation of two different types of multi-purpose panels (201, 202) for use in another embodiment of a multi-purpose panel system (200) according to the invention. Like the multi-purpose panel (100) shown in FIG. 1a, each of these panels (201, 202) includes a first pair of opposing edges consisting of a first edge (101) and an opposing third edge (103), and a second pair of opposing edges consisting of a second edge (102) and an opposing third edge ( 103). Again, the first, second and third edges (101, 102, 103), respectively, have first, second and third connection profiles (104, 105, 106), with the first connection profile (104) and the third connection profile (106) are designed in such a way that two panels (201, 202) can be connected 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 designed in such a way that two panels (201, 202) can be connected to each other at the second and third edges (102, 103) through a downward folding movement and/or a vertical movement. However, this time there are two different types of panels (201, 202), with the connecting profiles (105, 106) of one pair of opposite edges (102, 103) on the first type of panels (201) positioned in a mirror-image reversed manner relative to the connecting profiles (105, 106) of the corresponding pair of opposite edges (102, 103) on the panel (202) of the second type. It should be noted that the depicted pairs of panel edges (201, 202) of different types, which are mirror inverted, are formed by the second and third edges (102, 103). However, it is also possible that the mirror-image pairs of edges are formed by the first and third edges (101, 103). In addition, the multi-purpose panels (201, 202) for use in this multi-purpose panel system (200) have a top side (107) with a parallelogram contour (208). Two adjacent edges (101, 102, 103) of these panels (201, 202) form either an acute angle (203) or an obtuse angle (204). In this particular embodiment, the first and second edges (101, 102), respectively, the third edges (103) form an obtuse angle (204) of the same size, while the first and third edges (101, 103), respectively, the second and third edge (102, 103) form an acute angle (203) of the same size. The difference in the configuration of the panels and the parallelogram contour (208) of their upper side (107) ensures that these panels (201, 202) form a chevron pattern (205) in the connected state. 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 previously discussed, the multi-purpose panels (201, 202) forming part of this multi-purpose panel system (200) come in two different (mirror) types/configurations. Although the difference in the configuration of the panels and the parallelogram shape of their top surface (107) ensures that these panels (201, 202) form a chevron pattern (205) when connected, the first pair of opposing edges consisting of a first edge (101) and an opposing third edge (103 ), and the second pair of opposing edges consists of a second edge (102) and an opposing third edge (103), wherein 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 the panels (201, 202) to be connected in different ways, resulting in different panel patterns (206, 207) within the same system (200) of interconnected multi-purpose panels. As with the multi-purpose panel system (110) shown in FIG. 1b, different panel patterns (206, 207) are created by connecting a first interconnected panel pattern (206) (201, 202) to a second interconnected panel pattern (207) (201, 202). Within these individual panel patterns (206, 207) each panel (201, 202) has each of pairs of opposing edges (101, 103; 102, 103) connected to the edges (101, 102, 103) of adjacent panels (201, 202) being part of a corresponding pair of opposite edges (101, 103; 102, 103) of said adjacent panels (201, 202). However, the connection of the first and second panel patterns (206, 207) is accomplished by connecting a panel (201, 202) of the first panel pattern (206) to an 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, non-matching pair of opposite edges (102, 103). The result is a system (200) of interconnected multi-purpose panels containing two different panel patterns (206, 207) that are rotated 90 degrees relative to each other. Installation of the panel system (200) shown in FIG. 2b is generally 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 yet another embodiment of a multi-purpose panel system (300) according to the invention. Unlike the multi-purpose panels (100, 201, 202) shown in FIG. 1a and 2a, each of these panels (301) contains three pairs of opposing edges and has a top side (107) with a regular hexagonal outline (302). The first pair of opposing edges consists of a first edge (101) and an opposing third edge (103). The second and third pair of opposing edges consists of a second edge (102) and an opposing third edge (103). Due to this, the first, second and third edges (101, 102, 103) are arranged such that the third edges (103) are immediately adjacent to each other, and the second edges (102) are located on both edges adjacent to the first edge (101) . Therefore, the second edges (102) are not adjacent to each other. The commonality between these multi-purpose panels (301) and the multi-purpose panels (100, 201, 202) shown in FIG. 1a and 2a, however, is that the first, second and third edges (101, 102, 103) respectively have first, second and third connecting profiles (104, 105, 106), wherein the first connecting profile (104) and the third connecting profile (106) are designed in such a way that the two panels (301) can be connected 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) designed in such a way that two panels (301) can be connected to each other at the second and third edges (102, 103) by means of a downward folding 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 formation, all panels (301) are oriented identically. Installation of the panel system (300) can be done in a similar manner to the panel systems (110, 200) in FIG. 1b and 2b. By tilting the first edge (101) of the panel (301) to be installed relative to the third edge (103) of the already installed panel (301), said panels (301) will generally be mutually locked in both the vertical and horizontal directions. During this tilting or rotating movement of the panel (301) to be installed relative to the already installed panel (301), one or more second edges (102) of the panel (300) to be installed must be connected (simultaneously) to the third edge (103) of one or several other already installed adjacent panels (301), which is usually accomplished by lowering or folding the panel (301) to be installed relative to other already installed panel(s) (301), during which time said second edge(s) (102) of the panel (301) to be installed and the third edge(s) (103) of the other already installed panel(s) (301) will snap together. This results in the panel (301) to be installed being fixed relative to the other already installed panel(s) (301) in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

In fig. 4a is a cross-section along line AA of the multi-purpose panel (100, 201, 202, 301) as shown in FIG. 1a, 2a or 3a. The figure shows a first edge (101) and an opposing third edge (103) of a panel (100, 201, 202, 301) having a first connection profile (104) and a third connection profile (106), respectively. The first connecting profile (104) includes a laterally directed tongue (400) extending in a direction substantially parallel to the top side (107) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301), with at least one first downwardly directed edge (401) located at a distance from the sideways tongue (400), and a first downward groove (402) is formed between the sideways tongue (400) and the first downward edge (401). The proximal side (403) of the laterally directed tongue (400) of the first connecting profile (104), facing the first downward groove (402), is thereby inclined downward in the direction from the first downward edge (401). However, it is also possible that the proximal side (403) of the sideways-facing tongue (400) is inclined downward in the direction of the first downward-facing edge (401). A first transition zone (404) may be formed between the proximal side (403) of the sideways tongue (400) of the first coupling profile (104) and the underside (405) of the sideways tongue (400) of the first coupling profile (104), wherein the first transition zone (404) in this case is curved. The top side (406) of the first downward groove (402) in the illustrated panel (100, 201, 202, 301) slopes downward toward the first downward edge (401). In addition, the first connecting profile (104) may include a first locking element (407), which in the connected position can cooperate with a 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 provided on the first downward face (401) of the first connecting profile (104). In the panel (100, 201, 202, 301) shown here, the first locking element (407) includes at least one first locking groove (408).

The third connecting profile (106) includes a third groove (430) configured to accommodate at least a portion of a laterally directed tongue (400) of the first connecting profile (104) of the additional panel (100, 201, 202, 301), wherein said third groove ( 430) is formed by the upper

- 16 045838 a projection (431) and a lower projection (432), wherein said lower projection (432) is provided with an upwardly directed locking element (433). The proximal side (434) of the upwardly directed locking element (433) of the third connecting profile (106), facing the third groove (430), is inclined upward in the direction from the upper projection (431). However, it may alternatively be possible for the proximal side (434) of the upwardly directed locking element (433) to be inclined upward towards the upper projection (431). A third transition zone (435) may be formed between the proximal side (434) of the upward locking element (433) and the upper side (436) of the upward locking element (433), in which case the third transition zone (435) is also curved so that follow the curved first transition zone (404). The upper side (436) of the upward locking element (433) in the illustrated panel (100, 201, 202, 301) is inclined downward in a direction facing away from the upper projection (431) of the third connecting profile (106). On the underside (437) of the lower projection (432) of the third connecting profile (106) there is a groove (438) that extends to the distal end (439) of the lower projection (432). This groove (438) allows the lower projection (432) to bend in a downward direction. As already mentioned, the third connecting profile (106) may further comprise a third locking element (440), which can interact with the first fixing element (407) of the first connecting profile (104) of the adjacent panel (100, 201, 202, 301), creating a vertical lock between connected panels (100, 201, 202, 301). In this case, the third locking element (440) may be present on the distal side (441) of the lower protrusion (432), facing away from the third groove (430), and/or on the distal side (442) of the upwardly directed locking element (433), facing away from the third groove (430). As depicted herein, the third locking element (440) may be specifically positioned at a distance from both the underside (437) of the lower projection (432) and the upper side (436) of the upwardly facing locking element (433). In the panel illustrated herein, the third locking element (440) includes at least one outwardly directed projection (443), which outwardly directed projection (443) is configured to be at least partially received in the first locking groove (408) or the second locking groove (423) of the adjacent connected panel (100, 201, 202, 301) for the purpose of making a (vertical) locking connection. The base layer (452) has at least one reinforcing layer (454), such as a fiberglass layer (fabric), embedded in the base layer (452). The base layer (452) is at least partially made from an alloy of a polymer matrix and elastic particles dispersed in said matrix, the elastic particles being bonded to the polymer matrix through a covalent bond. The polymer matrix may optionally be provided with at least one plasticizer. Alternatively, the base layer contains a mineral such as magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide and/or magnesium cement. This mineral material may have a function as a matrix material, instead or in addition to a polymeric matrix material. Optionally, the panel, and also optionally only the connecting profiles, may be provided with at least one antibacterial (antimicrobial) coating and/or antibacterial (antimicrobial) substance mixed with the base layer material and/or the upper structure of said panel. Optionally, an antimicrobial coating may be applied over the top structure, although it may be preferable not to expose the antimicrobial agent to the (upper) environment during normal use for health reasons. The base layer may contain additional additives such as calcium carbonate and/or cellulose-based particles dispersed in said polymer (matrix); and in this embodiment, at least one reinforcing layer (454) embedded in said base layer. The shown base layer can be considered as one layer, although part is above the reinforcing layer (454), and part is below the reinforcing layer (454), with both parts being mutually (entirely) connected by the composite material present in the pores of the reinforcing layer. Examples of detailed compositions and additives have been described in detail above.

In fig. 4b is a cross-section along line B-B of the multi-purpose panel (100, 201, 202, 301) as shown in FIG. 1a, 2a or 3a. The figure shows a second edge (102) and another opposite third edge (103) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301) having a second connecting profile (105) and a third connecting profile (106), respectively. When the third connecting profile (106) matches the third connecting profile (106) provided on the adjacent third edge (103) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301), the characteristics of which are described above in the description of the cross section along line AA of the multi-purpose panel (100, 201, 202, 301), the second connecting profile (105) includes a downwardly directed tongue (410) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top side (107) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301), at least one second downward edge (411) spaced from the downward tongue (410), and a second downward groove (412) formed between the downward tongue (410) and the second downward edge (411). The proximal side (413) of the downward tongue (410) of the second connecting profile (105), facing the second downward groove (412), is thereby inclined downward in the direction from the second downward edge (411). However, it is also possible for the proximal side (413) of the downward-facing tongue (410) to be inclined downward in the direction of the second downward-facing edge

- 17 045838 (411). A second transition zone (414) may be formed between the proximal side (413) of the downwardly directed tongue (410) of the second connecting profile (105) and the underside (415) of the downwardly directed tongue (410) of the second connecting profile (105), wherein the second transition zone (414) in this case is curved. The distal side (416) of the downward tongue (410) facing away from the second downward groove (412) includes at least a vertical top wall portion (417) adjacent the top side (107) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301) , and located next to and below said vertical upper wall portion (417) an inclined wall portion (418) that is inclined inward toward a beveled and/or curved lower wall portion (419) of said distal side (416) of the downwardly directed tongue (410). Due to this, between the inclined wall part (418) and the beveled and/or curved lower wall part there can be an intermediate vertical wall part (420). In addition, the lower wall portion (419) of the distal side (416) of the downward tongue (410) may be connected to the lower side (415) of the downward tongue (410).

The top side (421) of the second downward groove (412) in the illustrated panel (100, 201, 202, 301) slopes downward toward the second downward edge (411). In addition, the second connecting profile (105) may include at least one second locking element (422), which, in the connected position, can cooperate with the third locking element (440) of the third connecting profile (106) of the adjacent panel (100, 201, 202, 301), creating a vertical lock between the panels (100, 201, 202, 301). In this case, a second locking element (422) may be provided on the second downward facing edge (411) of the second connecting profile (105). In the panel (100, 201, 202, 301) illustrated herein, the second locking element (422) includes at least one second locking groove (423) configured to at least partially receive the outward projection (443) of the third locking element (440) of an adjacent connected panel (100, 201, 202, 301) for the purpose of making a (vertical) locking connection.

The connecting profiles (104, 105, 106) of each of the multi-purpose panels (100, 201, 202, 301) shown in FIG. 4a and 4b have chamfers (450) on or adjacent to the top side (107) of the panels (100, 201, 202, 301). The panels (100, 201, 202, 301) include a top substrate (451) attached to the top side (453) of a base layer (452) to which the first, second and third connecting profiles (104, 105, 106) are connected as a single the whole. Again visible is at least one reinforcing layer (454), such as a fiberglass layer (fabric), which is embedded in the base layer (452). And in fig. 4a, and in fig. 4b shows that this reinforcing layer (454) is present in only one of the two complementary connection profiles. The top substrate (451) includes 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-resistant layer (456). . In addition, the panels (100, 201, 202, 301) include a back layer (458) attached to the underside (459) of the base layer (452).

In fig. 5a-5c are cross-sectional views of two multi-purpose panels (100, 201, 202, 301) shown in FIG. 1a, 2a or 3a in the first, second and third connected state, respectively. In these figures, it can be seen that, in the connected state, at least a portion of the laterally directed tongue (400) of the first connecting profile (104) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301) is inserted into the third groove (430) of the third connecting profile (106) of the adjacent panels (100, 201, 202, 301), and at least a portion of the upwardly directed locking element (433) of the third connecting profile (106) is inserted into the first downwardly directed groove (402) of the first connecting profile (104). To effect locking in relative position of the first connecting profile (104) and the third connecting profile (106), the lower side (405) of the sideways directed tongue (400) of the first connecting profile (104) may rest on the lower surface (500) of the third groove (430). third connecting profile (106). The first edge (101) and the third edge (103) in the connected state form a first closing surface (501) formed as a first vertical plane (502) through the upper edges (503) of the connected panels (100, 201, 202, 301). Each of the laterally directed tongue (400) and the third groove (430) thereby extends through said first vertical plane (502). In the illustrated embodiments, the first and third connecting profiles (104, 106) respectively comprise a first and third locking element (407, 440). The first and third locking element (407, 440) are thereby arranged such that the first locking element (407) faces and interacts with the third locking element (440) of the third connecting profile (106), creating a vertical locking effect.

In addition, in FIG. 5a-5c show that, in the connected state, at least a portion of the downwardly directed tongue (410) of the second connecting profile (105) is inserted into the third groove (430) of the third connecting profile (106), and at least a portion of the upwardly directed locking element (433 ) of the third connecting profile (106) is inserted into the second downwardly directed groove (412) of the second connecting profile (105). To effect locking in relative position of the second connecting profile (105) and the third connecting profile (106), the lower side (415) of the downwardly directed tongue (410) of the second connecting profile (105) can rest on the lower surface

- 18 045838 capacity (500) of the third groove (430) of the third connecting profile (106). The second edge (102) and the third edge (103) when connected form a second closing surface (504) defining a second vertical plane (505) through the top edges (503) of the connected panels (100, 201, 202, 301). Due to this, the downwardly directed tongue (410) is located on one side of the specified second vertical plane (505), while the third groove (430) extends through the specified second vertical plane (505). Additionally, in the illustrated embodiments, the second connecting profile (105) includes a second locking element (422). Said second locking element (422) faces and interacts with the third locking element (440) of the third connecting profile (106), creating a vertical locking effect.

In fig. 6a-6c show a cross section of two multi-purpose panels (600) with alternative connecting profiles (601, 602, 603) in a first, second and third connected state, respectively. In this case, the connecting profiles (104, 105, 106) of the panels (100, 201, 202, 301) shown in FIG. 5a-5c are designed in such a way that in the connected state there is (essentially) no predetermined tension between the connecting profiles (104, 105, 106), the connecting profiles (601, 602, 603) of the panels (600) shown in FIG. 6a-6c are designed such that, in the connected state, there is a predetermined tension that presses the respective panels (600) together at their respective edges (604). In the illustrated embodiments of the connecting profiles (601, 602, 603), the predetermined tension is caused by (local) deformation of the connecting profiles (601, 602, 603).

In fig. 7a-7c show a cross section of two multi-purpose panels (700) with additional alternative connection profiles (701, 702, 703) in a first, second and third connected state, respectively. In this embodiment, the third connecting profile (703) does not have a groove on the underside (705) of its lower projection (704). In addition, in the illustrated multi-purpose panels (700), the first connecting profile (701) includes another first locking element (706) provided on a distal side (707) of the first connecting profile (701) located above at least a portion of the laterally directed tab (708 ). In addition, the second connecting profile (702) includes another second locking element (709) provided on a distal side (711) of the downward tongue (710) facing away from the second downward groove (712). The third connecting profile (703) also includes another third locking element (713) provided on the side (715) of the upper projection (714). In the connected states shown in FIG. 7a and 7b, the additional third locking element (713) faces the distal side (707) of the first connecting profile (701) of the adjacent panel (700), whereas in the connected state shown in FIG. 7c, an additional third locking element (713) faces the distal side (711) of the downwardly directed tongue (710) of the second connecting profile (702) of the adjacent panel (700). In addition, in FIG. 7a-7c depict the interaction between an additional first or second locking element (706, 709) and an additional third locking element (713) to create the effect of vertically fixing the two panels (700) in the connected state, forming a tangent T1 (716), which forms an angle A1 (717) with a plane (718) formed by the panel (700), and the angle A1 (717) is less than the angle A2 (719) formed by the specified plane (718) formed by the panel (700) and the tangent T2 (720) formed behind by interacting between the inclined portion of the proximal side (722) of the upward locking member (721) facing the third slot (723) and the inclined portion of the proximal side (724) of the downward tongue (710) facing the second downward edge (725) respectively, with the inclined portion of the proximal side (726) of the laterally directed tongue (708) facing the first downwardly directed edge (727).

In the embodiments of the connecting profiles (701, 702, 703) shown in FIGS. 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 designed in such a way that in the connected state there are a plurality of remote contact areas (728), in this case, a space (729) remains between each pair of adjacent contact zones (728). Specifically, in FIG. 7a and 7b show that the first downward face (727) of the first connecting profile (701) and the distal side (730) of the upwardly directed locking element (721) and the lower projection (704) of the third connecting profile (703) facing the first downward the faces (727) are 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 groove (732) of the first connecting profile (701). In fig. 7c, it can be seen that the second downward facing edge (725) of the second connecting profile (702) and the distal side (730) of the upwardly facing locking element (721) and the lower projection (704) of the third connecting profile (703) facing the second downward facing edge (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 groove (712) of the second connecting profile (702).

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Claims (57)

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5a-7c, wherein said base layer comprises an alloy of a polymer matrix and elastic particles dispersed in said matrix, the elastic particles being bonded to the polymer matrix through a covalent bond. Examples and preferred embodiments of this alloy have been described in the description above in a comprehensive manner. The inventive concepts described above are illustrated by several exemplary embodiments. It is quite possible that certain ideas of the invention can be applied without also applying other details of the described example. It is not necessary to go into detail about all the possible combinations of the above-described inventive concepts, as one skilled in the art will appreciate that many inventive concepts can be (re)combined to arrive at a particular application. It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the working examples shown and described herein, but that one skilled in the art will recognize many variations possible within the scope of the appended claims. The verb contain and its conjugations used in this patent publication should be understood to mean not only contain, but also should be understood to mean the phrases to contain, essentially consist of, formed and their conjugations. CLAIM 1. Decorative panel containing: a base layer having a top side and a bottom side, a decorative top structure secured to said top side of the base layer, a first panel edge comprising a first connecting profile, and a second panel edge comprising a second connecting profile configured to mutually engage with said first connecting profile profile of the adjacent panel in both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, wherein said base layer comprises an ethylene-propylene copolymer and an alloy of a polymer and mineral matrix and elastic particles dispersed in said matrix, wherein the elastic particles comprise ethylene-propylene rubber and are bonded with a polymer and mineral matrix through a covalent bond, wherein the mineral matrix contains a mineral material such as magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide and/or magnesium cement. 2. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the polymer matrix contains a polyolefin. 3. The panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polymer matrix contains a thermoplastic. 4. Panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polymer matrix contains polyethylene (PE), and/or polypropylene (PP), and/or polybutylene. 5. Panel according to one of the above paragraphs, in which the polymer matrix contains isotactic polypropylene. 6. Panel according to one of the above, in which the elastic particles contain an elastomer. 7. A panel according to one of the above, wherein the elastic particles comprise ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM). 8. A panel according to one of the above, wherein the core layer comprises isotactic polypropylene, ethylene-propylene rubber and high-density polyethylene (described in relation to the polymer matrix and particles in the specification). 9. A panel as defined above, wherein the polymer matrix has a melt flow rate (MFR) of from about 20 to about 200 g/10 min. 10. The panel according to one of the above claims, wherein the base layer does not contain phthalate and preferably does not contain any plasticizer. 11. A panel as defined above, wherein at least one polymer matrix used in the base layer is a recycled material. 12. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one polymer and/or at least one plasticizer used in the base layer is a bio-based material. 13. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which at least one polymer of the main layer is formed from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). 14. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which at least one polymer of the main layer is formed from PUR (polyurethane). 15. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which at least one polymer of the main layer is formed from PVB (polyvinyl butyral). 16. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which at least one polymer is based - 20 045838 This layer is formed from polystyrene, preferably expanded polystyrene. 17. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the main layer contains one plasticizer selected from the group consisting of: DOTP, DINP, DIDP. 18. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the main layer contains at least one catalyst that promotes the formation of covalent bonds between the polymer matrix and the dispersed elastic particles. 19. The panel according to claim 18, wherein the catalyst is a metallocene catalyst, preferably activated dimethylsilanyl bis(indenyl) hafnium dimethyl. 20. The panel according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the catalyst is a MgCl ₂ /phthalate/ TiCl4 catalyst. 21. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the polymer matrix and elastic particles dispersed in the specified matrix form a block copolymer. 22. A panel as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises a back layer applied, directly or indirectly, to the back surface of the base layer, said back layer comprising at least one polymer and optionally at least one plasticizer . 23. The panel of claim 22, wherein at least one polymer used in the back layer is a recycled material. 24. The panel of claim 22 or 23, wherein at least one polymer used in the back layer is a bio-based material. 25. The panel according to one of claims 22-24, wherein at least one polymer of the back layer is formed from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or PUR (polyurethane). 26. The panel according to one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the back layer is at least partially made of a natural material such as cork. 27. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which at least one polymer of the back layer is formed from PVB (polyvinyl butyral). 28. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which at least one polymer of the back layer is formed from a polyolefin, in particular PE or PP. 29. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the main layer and/or the back layer contains at least one filler selected from the group consisting of: a mineral, preferably calcium carbonate; pigment, modifier, fibers. 30. The panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base layer and/or back layer comprises cellulose-based particles, which preferably includes lignocellulose such as wood or hemp. 31. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the main layer contains at least one additional filler selected from the group consisting of: steel, glass, polypropylene, wood, acrylic, alumina, curaua, graphite, cellulose, coconut fiber, Kevlar, nylon, perlon, polyethylene, PVA, rock wool, sisal and furcrea fiber. 32. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which at least one polymer of the main layer is foamed. 33. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the base layer contains perlite, preferably foamed perlite. 34. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the main layer contains at least one fire retardant additive. 35. A panel according to one of the previous claims, wherein the panel comprises at least one reinforcing layer, preferably a layer of non-woven material or a layer of woven material, in particular fabric. 36. Panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the reinforcing layer contains fiberglass. 37. Panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the reinforcing layer contains natural fibers such as jute. 38. Panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the reinforcing layer contains synthetic fibers, in particular polymer fibers. 39. Panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which at least one reinforcing layer is embedded in the main layer. 40. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base layer contains from 1 to 15% by weight cellulose-based fibers. 41. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the main layer contains from 1 to 8% by weight of the reinforcing layer. 42. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which at least one main layer has a density of more than 1 kg/m ³ . 43. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which at least one main layer has a density below 1 kg/m ³ . - 21 045838 44. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base layer is provided with a waterproof coating substantially covering the at least one base layer. 45. The panel of one of the preceding claims, wherein the top surface of the base layer is covered with a barrier layer that is substantially impermeable to at least one plasticizer used in the base layer. 46. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which a waterproof layer, in particular a waterproof adhesive, is located between the base layer and the superstructure. 47. The panel according to one of the previous claims, wherein the top structure is glued to the base layer using a waterproof adhesive, preferably a methoxysilyl adhesive. 48. The panel according to one of the previous claims, wherein the panel comprises a plurality of reinforcing layers, wherein preferably at least one first reinforcing layer is located on top of the base layer, and wherein at least one second reinforcing layer is located in the bottom of the main layer. 49. The panel according to one of the previous claims, wherein the base layer comprises a laminate of base layers that are directly and/or indirectly stacked on top of each other. 50. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base layer comprises a laminate of base layers, wherein the composition of at least two base layers is mutually different. 51. The panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the top structure comprises at least one decorative layer and at least one transparent wear-resistant layer covering said decorative layer. 52. The panel according to claim 51, wherein the wear-resistant layer has a melting point above 100 degrees Celsius, wherein the wear-resistant layer is preferably made of polyurethane. 53. A panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the top structure comprises cork, preferably a cork layer. 54. The panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which at least one reinforcing layer extends in one connecting profile of the first and second connecting profiles. 55. Panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, wherein the thickness of the panel is from 2 to 10 mm, preferably from 3 to 10 mm. 56. Panel according to one of the previous paragraphs, in which the first connecting profile contains: an upward tongue, at least one upward edge spaced from the upward tongue, an upward groove formed between the upward tongue and the upward edge, wherein the upward groove is configured to receive at least a portion of the downward tongue a tongue of a second connecting profile of an adjacent panel, and at least one first locking element, preferably provided on a distal side of the upwardly directed tongue facing away from the upwardly facing edge, and wherein the second connecting profile comprises: a first downward tongue, at least one first downward edge spaced from the downward tongue, a first downward groove formed between the downward tongue and the downward edge, wherein the downward groove is configured to receive at least a portion of an upwardly directed tongue of the first connecting profile of the adjacent panel, 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 provided on the downwardly directed edge. 57. The panel according to any of the previous paragraphs, 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, wherein the third connecting profile profile contains: a laterally directed tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the top side of the base layer, at least one second downwardly directed edge spaced from the sidewardly directed tongue, and a second downwardly directed groove formed between the sidewardly directed tongue and the second downwardly directed edge , while the fourth connecting profile contains: a third groove configured to receive at least a portion of a laterally directed tongue of a third connecting profile of an adjacent panel, said third groove -