Panel, in particular floor panel, ceiling panel or wall panel, covering composed of a plurality of panels, and method of recycling panels

Abstract

A panel (1), in particular a floor panel, a ceiling panel or a wall panel, having a planar design, the panel (1) having a top side (7), a bottom side and a plurality of side edges (3a-3d); the panel having a laminate structure of a plurality of layers (28, 30, 32) adhered to each other, wherein the plurality of layers extend parallel to the plane of the panel and comprise: a core layer (28) having a lower side and an upper side; and a top layer (30) disposed directly or indirectly on the upper side of the core layer; wherein at least two layers of the panel, in particular the top layer and the core layer, are adhered to each other directly or indirectly by means of an intermediate adhesive layer (27); wherein the intermediate adhesive layer consists of adjacent intermediate regions comprising non-adhesive intermediate regions and adhesive intermediate regions; wherein the intermediate adhesive layer establishes an adhesive strength between two layers such that a durable adhesion is obtained between the two layers and allows a complete peeling of the two layers when the two layers are subjected to a sufficient peeling force.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a decorative panel, in particular a floor panel, a ceiling panel or a wall panel, having a planar design, with a top side, a bottom side and a plurality of side edges;

[0002] The panel has a laminate structure of a plurality of layers adhering to each other, wherein the plurality of layers extends parallel to the plane of the panel and comprises:

[0003] a core layer having a lower side and an upper side; and

[0004] a top layer arranged directly or indirectly on the upper side of the core layer;

[0005] wherein at least two layers of the panel, in particular the top layer and the core layer, adhere to each other directly or indirectly via an intermediate adhesive layer. BACKGROUND

[0006] Such panels are known from the prior art and generally comprise a core layer and a top layer having different functional properties and thus being made of different base materials. When these panels are collected after their use for recycling purposes in order to reuse the base materials of the layers, it is thus advantageous to handle the layers of different base materials in separate streams. In order to achieve this, the individual layers of the panel should first be separated from each other so that the individual layers can subsequently be recycled in separate processing streams.

[0007] However, separating or peeling off the constituent layers of the panel is not a simple task, since the adhesives commonly used in this field are permanent adhesives such as polyurethane adhesives, which produce a high adhesive strength and achieve a lasting bond of the layers, which bond will be difficult to break and require excessive peeling forces. When this bond is finally broken by the application of such excessive forces, it can be observed that a complete peeling off of the different layers cannot be achieved, and thus the separation of the individual layers is imperfect.

[0008] Therefore, the recycling of panels known from the prior art is adversely affected by the fact that a complete separation of the individual layers cannot be achieved, which leads to a contamination of each individual stream of base materials processed in the recycling process.

[0009] In view of the aforementioned inherent problems associated with the prior art, there is a general need to develop a panel more suitable for recycling purposes than the panels known at present, and which at the same time has a satisfactory quality for use as a floor panel, a ceiling panel or a wall panel. SUMMARY

[0010] In order to meet the aforementioned general need, the present invention proposes in its first aspect the following arrangement:

[0011] A decorative panel, in particular a floor panel, a ceiling panel or a wall panel, of a planar design having a top side, a bottom side and a plurality of side edges;

[0012] The panel has a laminate structure of a plurality of layers adhering to each other, wherein the layers extend parallel to the plane of the panel and comprise:

[0013] a core layer having a lower side and an upper side; and

[0014] a (decorative) top layer directly or indirectly provided on the upper side of the core layer;

[0015] wherein at least two layers of the panel, in particular the top layer and the core layer, are adhering to each other directly or indirectly via an intermediate adhesive layer;

[0016] wherein the intermediate adhesive layer consists of adjacent intermediate regions comprising one or more non-adhesive intermediate regions and one or more adhesive intermediate regions. The one or more adhesive intermediate regions enable an adhesive bond between the two layers. Thus, the intermediate adhesive layer establishes an adhesive strength between the two layers. Preferably, this adhesive bond enables a lasting adhesion between the two layers. This means that the individual layers of the panel remain adhering to each other during normal use and during the service life of the panel. However, compared to known panels, the delamination of the layers (after use of the panel) can be significantly facilitated and simplified due to the reduced amount of adhesive (glue) used between the layers. Preferably, the delamination, in particular the clean delamination, of the adhering layers is allowed when the two layers are subjected to a sufficient delamination force (optionally in combination with an irradiation and / or heating of the panel).

[0017] By means of the intermediate adhesive layer, the panel according to the present invention has the technical effect of a reduced adhesive strength compared to an adhesive layer consisting entirely of adhesive intermediate regions adjacent to each other such that the intermediate adhesive layer forms a continuous layer. Thereby, the reduction of the adhesive strength is chosen such that the individual layers remain adhering to each other durably. At the same time, the adhesive strength allows a clean delamination of the two layers when the panel is subjected to an appropriate delamination force.

[0018] Thus, the panel is very suitable for recycling purposes, because its constituent layers of different base materials can be delaminated from each other completely, which allows an increased purity of the individual base material streams generated during the recycling process.

[0019] In the panel according to the application, it is preferred that the adhesive intermediate area comprises an adhesive material, more preferably a permanent adhesive and / or a thermosetting adhesive. These adhesives are not sensitive to heat and have the advantage that a tight and reliable adhesive connection is achieved, but the usual disadvantage is that these adhesives hamper the separation of the adhesive layer after use for recycling purposes. A preferred example of such an adhesive is a polyurethane-based adhesive material or a polymeric mixture comprising polyurethane. Most thermosetting adhesives are provided as two-component adhesives, but single-component adhesives can also be used. Two-component adhesives usually consist of a resin in liquid or gel form and a hardener, wherein the resin and the hardener are mixed to initiate the curing process. Curing usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. In particular, for these adhesives, it is preferred to apply simultaneously in the adhesive intermediate area and in the non-adhesive intermediate area, mainly to facilitate the separation after use, and secondly to achieve a material saving (saving of adhesive material).

[0020] For thermoplastic (hot-melt or heat-sensitive) adhesives, the problem of separation after use usually does not occur, since these adhesives soften at elevated temperatures.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment of the panel according to the application, the adhesive intermediate area comprises discrete adhesive intermediate areas that are separated from each other.

[0022] For example, such discrete adhesive intermediate areas are configured as discrete points or discrete lines that do not intersect.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment of the panel according to the application, the adhesive intermediate area comprises adhesive intermediate areas that are interconnected with each other, for example interconnected adhesive intermediate areas that substantially together form a pattern, in particular a grid pattern.

[0024] Such a grid pattern can be composed of adhesive intermediate areas which are in the form of lines that cross each other and which are interconnected as such. This pattern does not have to be a perfect mathematical pattern, as during the adhesion of the two panel layers, in particular the top layer and the core layer, the flow (liquid) adhesive can occur in a certain uncontrolled manner during the compression of the two layers to be adhered, which can result in (slightly) differently shaped adhesive intermediate areas, and thus in (slightly) differently shaped adjacent non-adhesive intermediate areas. Pattern means a regular body of repeating intermediate areas arranged in a (reasonably) predictable manner. Preferably, this pattern is a symmetrical pattern as well as the grid pattern. For example, the pattern can be a crack pattern, a spot pattern, a stripe pattern, a tile pattern, a dot pattern, an intersecting line pattern or a spiral pattern. It is even conceivable that the arrangement of adhesive intermediate areas and non-adhesive intermediate areas is aligned with a decorative pattern or a decorative image of the top layer and / or carried by the top layer. To this end, it is for example conceivable that the adhesive is present only underneath or below the colored and / or darker parts of the decorative pattern or decorative image. This prevents the (penetrated part of the) adhesive from being visible through the lighter or blank parts of the decorative pattern or decorative image.

[0025] It is particularly preferred in the panel according to the application that the non-adhesive intermediate areas comprise void spaces.

[0026] In this way, the adhesive intermediate layer can be formed by printing the pattern of adhesive intermediate areas on one or both of the layers to be adhered to each other using a known printing technique.

[0027] According to a further preferred embodiment of the panel according to the application, the non-adhesive intermediate areas comprise a deactivated adhesive material which does not establish adhesive strength between the layers; for example, the deactivated adhesive material is a cured adhesive material.

[0028] The intermediate adhesive layer according to this embodiment can be obtained by first applying a continuous layer of adhesive material on one or both of the layers to be adhered to each other. Known application techniques can be used for applying such a continuous layer. Subsequently, specific areas of the continuous layer of adhesive material corresponding to the intended pattern of non-adhesive intermediate areas are deactivated by known techniques, for example by curing of the adhesive material. Deactivation by curing can conveniently be achieved by irradiating the continuous layer through a mask, wherein the mask is provided with openings which allow irradiation of the areas of the continuous layer corresponding to the intended pattern of non-adhesive intermediate areas.

[0029] It is further preferred in the panel according to the application that the non-adhesive intermediate areas comprise a layer of adhesive material covering the top side and / or the bottom side thereof, which layer of adhesive material has no adhesive properties with respect to the material of the mask layer which contacts the layer.

[0030] In such a panel, a mask layer can be provided on the bottom side and / or on the top side of the continuous layer of adhesive material. The mask layer is provided with openings corresponding to the intended pattern of adhesive intermediate areas as a whole, while the material of the mask layer surrounding the openings forms a barrier that shields the adhesive material from the layers with which the mask layer is in contact.

[0031] It is particularly preferred that, in the panel according to the application, the value of the adhesive strength of the intermediate adhesive layer is 60% or less, preferably 50% or less, more preferably 40% or less, of the adhesive strength of the intermediate adhesive layer of the same thickness consisting entirely of adhesive intermediate areas adjacent to each other and thus forming a continuous layer, in particular in the case of a continuous layer comprising a polyurethane-based adhesive material or comprising a polymeric mixture of polyurethane.

[0032] The one or more adhesive intermediate areas typically consist of adhesive or glue, while the one or more non-adhesive intermediate areas preferably do not contain any adhesive or glue, and more particularly preferably do not contain any substance. Typically, these non-adhesive intermediate areas do not contribute to adhering the two layers surrounding the adhesive layer, thus reducing the net cohesive strength of the intermediate adhesive layer itself, which facilitates post-use (post-consumer) handling, in particular recycling.

[0033] It is conceivable that only one adhesive intermediate area is applied, while multiple non-adhesive intermediate areas are applied. It is also conceivable that only one non-adhesive intermediate area is applied, while multiple adhesive intermediate areas are applied. However, it is generally more preferred that multiple adhesive intermediate areas are applied, and that multiple non-adhesive intermediate areas are applied. Preferably, the intermediate adhesive layer extends over the entire (front) surface of the layer to which it adheres. The latter will ensure sufficient bonding between the layers over their entire (facing front) surface. Preferably, the one or more adhesive intermediate areas and the one or more non-adhesive intermediate areas are applied positionally selective (rather than randomly), more preferably in a predetermined manner. Preferably, the one or more adhesive intermediate areas define a pattern. Typically, the one or more non-adhesive intermediate areas define a complementary pattern. The pattern defined by the adhesive intermediate areas and / or the non-adhesive intermediate areas can for example define a grid and / or a matrix pattern and / or a dot pattern. It is conceivable that at least one intermediate area is formed by multiple mutually connected or intersecting line segments, wherein adjacent line segments enclose an angle with each other (between 0 and 180 degrees). Here, it is conceivable that at least two line segments are mutually connected, but not intersecting, which can result in the shape of one of the following characters: W, E, T, Y, F, H, K, L, Z, V, N, M. However, it is also conceivable that at least two straight line segments are intersecting, which will result in the shape of one of the following characters: +, X, *, #. Combinations of intersecting line segments and mutually connected but not intersecting line segments are also conceivable. It is possible to apply a pattern consisting of multiple broken lines (dashed or dashed segments or dotted lines). In this pattern, preferably the broken lines are oriented substantially parallel to each other, but it is also possible to define for example a matrix shape. Alternatively, one or more intermediate areas can for example have a curved shape, for example a circular and / or oval and / or elliptical shape, and / or can have a polygonal shape, for example a square, rectangular or triangular shape.

[0034] The surface area covered by the one or more adhesive intermediate areas and the surface area covered by the one or more non-adhesive intermediate areas define a ratio, wherein the ratio is preferably situated between 0.4 and 9, more preferably between 0.66 and 9, most preferably between 1 and 9. The maximum value 9 can be reduced to 8, 7, 6, 5, or even 4. This is typically dependent on the bonding strength of the adhesive used, the total bonding strength required for adhering the surrounding layers, and the conditions required to enable peeling of the layers for recycling purposes (typically after the lifetime of the panel has expired).

[0035] The one or more adhesive intermediate areas and / or the one or more non-adhesive intermediate areas are preferably applied in liquid form, preferably by using a roller, more preferably by using a roller having a shaped surface, and / or by using a mask and / or using an adhesive printer (glue printer). In case a shaped roller is used, the shaped outer surface of the roller typically defines the pattern of the (still liquid) intermediate areas that are applied to one layer of the panel before adhering this one layer to another layer of the panel during production of the panel.

[0036] Further, the following dimensional properties of the panel according to the application are preferred:

[0037] The plan design is rectangular or hexagonal;

[0038] The length of the panel is in the range of 0.40 m to 2.0 m, the width is in the range of 70 mm to 180 mm, and the total thickness is 2 mm to 20 mm, preferably 3 mm to 12 mm;

[0039] The thickness of the core layer is 2 mm to 7 mm, and / or the thickness of the top layer is 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0040] It should be noted that in view of the above preferred dimensions of the panel, this panel has a satisfactory suitability for recycling purposes, in particular during a thorough peeling of the two layers.

[0041] The top layer used in the panel can consist of only a single decorative layer, wherein the decorative layer can carry a decorative pattern or decorative image. However, it is generally preferred that the top layer consists of a laminate of multiple (sub)layers. Such a laminated top layer can also be referred to as a top laminate or top structure. Preferably, the top layer comprises a decorative layer that is visible at the top side of the panel and that preferably comprises a polymeric material.

[0042] In the panel according to the application, it is further preferred that the top layer comprises at least one wear layer, which wear layer preferably has a transparent quality and / or comprises a polymeric material. Optionally, the wear layer is covered by a top coating.

[0043] Preferably, the decorative top structure comprises a decorative visual print layer, at least one substantially transparent or translucent wear resistant layer applied over said print layer, and preferably at least one substantially transparent or translucent top coating layer applied over said at least one wear resistant layer. The visual print layer can consist only of a decorative ink layer, but it is also conceivable that the visual print layer comprises a substrate layer, such as a polymeric film or a paper film, on which the decorative ink layer is printed or otherwise applied. Said visual print layer can be directly attached to the core layer, in particular positionally glued to the core layer, for example by using a polyurethane adhesive. Optionally, prior to attaching the visual print layer to the core layer, the upper surface of the core layer is covered by at least one primer layer, wherein the visual print layer will be actually attached to the (upper) primer layer applied to the core layer. The primer layer can be positionally adhered to the core layer by an adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer consists of adjacent intermediate areas, the intermediate areas comprising one or more non-adhesive intermediate areas and one or more adhesive intermediate areas. It is conceivable that the decorative top structure comprises a decorative visual print layer and a single (only one) transparent or translucent wear resistant layer over said visual print layer, without the need to apply a separate top coating layer. The at least one wear resistant layer, and preferably each wear resistant layer in case a plurality of wear resistant layers is applied, is preferably made of transparent or translucent polyurethane, or alternatively, of polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene or any other suitable transparent or translucent polymer.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the top layer comprises a textured surface, in particular a textured upper surface (which defines the top surface of the panel). Preferably, the textured surface forms part of at least one transparent and / or translucent layer, in particular part of at least one wear layer and / or at least one top coating. Preferably, the decorative visual print layer is located below said at least one transparent and / or translucent layer. This textured surface (embossed surface) generally improves the optical appearance and the haptic appearance of the decorative layer. Said textured surface comprises a pattern of recesses (dents or indentations) and / or protrusions, wherein said pattern is preferably at least partially realized by printing, in particular digital printing (i.e. by means of digital printing technology). Digital printing is a method of printing digital images directly onto a medium. This digital image can be a decorative image, such as the above-mentioned decorative visual print image, but also an image representing another part of the top structure, such as at least one wear layer and / or at least one top coating. The digital image can be a 2D or 3D image. By means of digital (3D) printing of the top structure, an unlimited freedom of design of the top structure (and of the decorative layer) can be obtained, wherein the top structure (and the decorative layer) can also be applied in a precise manner with a high level of detail, which leads to a realistic appearance and a unique, one-of-a-kind decorative panel. This result cannot be achieved by means of a traditional mechanical stamping of the overlay structure. As printing device, one or more inkjet printers and / or laser printers can be used, for example. As mentioned above, the essentially transparent or translucent part of the top structure can be partially or fully digitally printed. The decorative visual print layer is preferably digitally printed. For this purpose, pigmented or non-pigmented (transparent) transparent or translucent inks can be used. The at least one substance (in particular ink) used to realize at least part of the decorative top structure can be provided with graphene and / or graphene derivatives and / or other (solid) particles. The latter leads to the situation that graphene and / or graphene derivatives can be applied by means of printing, in particular digital printing, or alternatively by means of spraying, pouring or rolling. It is also conceivable that an adhesive intermediate area of at least one intermediate adhesive layer for adhering at least two layers of the panel, in particular the top layer and the core layer and / or the backing layer and the core layer, is applied to at least one of the layers to be adhered by means of printing, preferably by means of digital printing. As mentioned above, the printed pattern of the adhesive can be at least partially aligned with (i) the decorative pattern or decorative image of the decorative layer and / or (ii) the (printed) textured surface of the top layer.

[0045] In a particular embodiment of the panel according to the application, the layers of the panel further comprise a backing layer which is adhered, directly or indirectly, to the lower side of the core layer by means of an intermediate adhesive layer.

[0046] In the panel according to the application, it is particularly preferred that the core layer comprises a polymeric material, such as polyurethane or a polymeric mixture comprising polyurethane.

[0047] According to a further preferred embodiment of the panel according to the present application, the core layer comprises a polymer material, which is a mixture of a recycled polymer material and a virgin polymer material.

[0048] In the panel according to the present application, it is preferred that the panel comprises at least one pair of two opposite side edges, which are provided with respective interconnecting profiles complementary to each other, such as tongue and groove profiles. Preferably, the panel comprises at least two pairs of opposite edges, wherein each pair of opposite edges is provided with respective interconnecting profiles complementary to each other, such as tongue and groove profiles. The shape and coupling mechanism of the opposite edges of the different pairs can be mutually different.

[0049] This design of the panel allows to construct a covering consisting of a plurality of adjacent panels, which are interconnected to each other by means of the interconnecting profiles.

[0050] In particular, it is preferred that the interconnecting profiles are provided as an integral part of the core layer of the panel.

[0051] In this case, it is further preferred that the interconnecting profiles allow to couple two panels by means of a vertical movement and / or a tilting movement of the respective side edges.

[0052] A second aspect of the present application relates to a floor covering, ceiling covering or wall covering consisting of a plurality of adjacent panels according to the first aspect of the present application.

[0053] According to a third aspect of the present application, a method for recycling panels is presented, wherein the method comprises the following consecutive steps:

[0054] i. collecting a plurality of panels, wherein each panel is defined according to the first aspect of the present application;

[0055] ii. peeling off each collected panel, said peeling off comprising applying a sufficient peeling force by which two layers adhering to each other by means of an intermediate adhesive layer are peeled off.

[0056] Preferably, the above method according to the present application further comprises the following subsequent step:

[0057] iii. processing the two peeled off layers obtained in step ii. separately in respective separate streams. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0058] The present application will be further elucidated by means of the following examples of preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the application, shown in the drawings, wherein:

[0059] Figure 1 a perspective view of a panel according to the present application is shown;

[0060] Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of two panels and their coupling profiles according to the present application is shown;

[0061] Figure 3 a top view of a part of a panel according to the present application is shown; Figure 2

[0062] Figure 4 a top view of a part of an alternative embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0063] Figure 5 a cross-sectional view of a part of a panel according to the present application is shown; Figure 3

[0064] a top view of a part of an alternative embodiment of the present application is shown; Figure 6

[0065] a cross-sectional view of a part of a panel according to the present application is shown. Figure 7 DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 6

[0066] Figure 1 A panel 1 suitable for use as a floor panel, a ceiling panel or a wall panel is shown, the panel being of planar design, having a top side 7, a bottom side and side edges 3a-3d, the side edges 3a-3d comprising a first side edge 3a provided with a first profile 10 and a second side edge 3c provided with a second profile 11. A top layer 30 is present at the top side 7 of the panel.

[0067] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the panel 1 according to the present application in a direction perpendicular to the first side edge 3a and the second side edge 3c, wherein the first side edge 3a and the second side edge 3c are provided with the first profile 10 and the second profile 11 is shown. Figure 1

[0068] The panel 1 has a laminate structure of layers adhering to each other, the layers extending parallel to the plane of the panel 1 and comprising:

[0069] a core layer 28 having a lower side and an upper side;

[0070] a top layer 30 adhering to the upper side of the core layer by means of an intermediate adhesive layer 27 according to the present application; and

[0071] a backing layer 32 adhering to the lower side of the core layer by means of an intermediate adhesive layer 29 according to the present application.

[0072] Furthermore, in Figure 2 a part of another identical panel 1’ is shown, wherein the second side edge 3c of the panel 1’ is to be coupled to the panel 1 by a downward vertical movement as indicated by the vector D.​​​​

[0073] The first profile 10 and the second profile 11 of the two panels 1 and 1' are interacting profiles that can be joined together and are complementary to each other. During the joining process, the second profile 11 of panel 1' is vertically inserted into the first profile 10 of panel 1, which involves inserting the downward tenon 22 of panel 1' into the first groove 23 of panel 1 and the upward tenon 21 of panel 1 into the second groove 24 of panel 1'. When joined, panels 1 and 1' lie in a common plane parallel to the floor surface S.

[0074] Figure 3 It shows that according to Figure 2 A top view of a portion of the panel, wherein the top layer is not depicted for illustrative purposes, thus showing the structure beneath the top layer, which includes the top surface of the core layer 28 on which an intermediate adhesive layer is present. The intermediate adhesive layer includes adhesive intermediate regions of equal thickness in the form of discrete points 40 and discrete lines 42, both made of adhesive material. Another portion of the intermediate adhesive layer includes non-adhesive intermediate regions 43 in the form of void spaces, wherein void spaces exist between the discrete points 40 and discrete lines 42.

[0075] Similar to Figure 3 , Figure 4 A top view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the top layer is not depicted for illustrative purposes. The illustrated portion of the alternative panel includes the top surface of the core layer 28 on which an intermediate adhesive layer is present. The intermediate adhesive layer includes adhesive intermediate regions in the form of intersecting lines 44 made of an adhesive material, which together form a mesh structure. Another portion of the intermediate adhesive layer includes non-adhesive intermediate regions 43 in the form of void spaces, wherein the void spaces exist outside the mesh structure of the intersecting lines 44.

[0076] Figure 5 A portion of the panel is shown along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of line A-A' shown includes a top layer 30. The top layer 30 is adhered to the upper side of the core layer 28 via an intermediate adhesive layer 27. The intermediate adhesive layer 27 consists of adjacent intermediate regions, which include adhesive intermediate regions in the form of discrete points 40 and discrete lines 42 made of adhesive material, and non-adhesive intermediate regions in the form of void spaces 43.

[0077] Similar to Figure 3 , Figure 6A top view showing part of an alternative embodiment of the application, in which the top layer is not depicted for illustration purposes. In the shown embodiment, the top surface of the core layer is not visible, as the top surface is completely covered by the intermediate adhesive layer 27, which comprises non-adhesive intermediate areas made of cured adhesive 46 (indicated by hatching) and adhesive intermediate areas in the form of discrete dots 40 and discrete lines 42 made of adhesive material.

[0078] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view along the line A-A’ shown in Figure 6 the middle, in which the top layer 30 is included. The top layer 30 is adhered to the upper side of the core layer 28 by the intermediate adhesive layer 27. The intermediate adhesive layer 27 comprises adhesive intermediate areas in the form of discrete dots 40 and discrete lines 42 made of adhesive material and non-adhesive intermediate areas made of cured adhesive 46 (indicated by hatching).

[0079] The application has been illustrated by a number of illustrative embodiments. It should be noted that any feature of the application described herein is not only disclosed in relation to its explicit combination but also in relation to a group of features, wherein each feature should be interpreted as being disclosed independently from the other features and thus being an individual preferred feature of the application.

[0080] In this application, the non- limiting verb “comprise” and variations thereof are used in their broadest sense to include both the strict inclusive sense and the open-ended sense frequently limited by its context.

Claims

1. A decorative floor panel with a planar design, the panel having a top side, a bottom side, and a plurality of side edges; The panel has a laminated structure with multiple layers adhered to each other, wherein the multiple layers extend parallel to the plane of the panel and include: A core layer comprising a polymer material or polymeric mixture, the core layer having a lower side and a upper side; and A top layer disposed directly or indirectly on the upper side of the core layer, wherein the top layer comprises: Decorative visual printing layer; and At least one transparent or translucent abrasion-resistant layer is applied over the printed layer; Wherein, at least two layers of the panel are directly or indirectly adhered to each other by an intermediate adhesive layer; The intermediate adhesive layer is composed of adjacent intermediate regions, which include one or more non-adhesive intermediate regions and one or more adhesive intermediate regions, wherein the one or more adhesive intermediate regions define a pattern. The panel includes at least one pair of opposing side edges, which are provided with corresponding interconnected profiles that are complementary to each other.

2. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The top layer and the core layer are adhered to each other directly or indirectly through the intermediate adhesive layer.

3. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The interconnection profile is a tenon and groove profile.

4. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The intermediate region of the adhesive contains adhesive material, which is a polyurethane-based adhesive material or a polymeric mixture containing polyurethane.

5. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The adhesive intermediate region comprises discrete adhesive intermediate regions that are separated from each other.

6. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, At least two sets of two adjacent layers of the panel are directly or indirectly adhered to each other by an intermediate adhesive layer, wherein each intermediate adhesive layer consists of adjacent intermediate regions, the adjacent intermediate regions including one or more non-adhesive intermediate regions and one or more adhesive intermediate regions, wherein the one or more adhesive intermediate regions define a pattern.

7. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The adhesive intermediate region includes adhesive intermediate regions that are interconnected with each other.

8. The panel according to claim 7, wherein, The interconnected adhesive intermediate regions together form a pattern.

9. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The non-adhesive intermediate region includes void spaces and / or contains no adhesive.

10. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The non-adhesive intermediate region contains deactivated adhesive material that does not establish adhesive strength between at least two layers of the panel.

11. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The non-adhesive intermediate region includes an adhesive material covering its upper and / or lower sides, the adhesive material having a mask layer, and the mask layer being formed of a material that does not have adhesive properties relative to the layer in contact with the mask layer.

12. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The adhesive strength of the intermediate adhesive layer is composed entirely of the intermediate regions of the adhesive layers that are adjacent to each other and thus form a continuous layer. The adhesive strength of the intermediate adhesive layer is 60% or less of the adhesive strength of an intermediate adhesive layer of the same thickness.

13. The panel according to claim 12, wherein, The adhesive strength of the intermediate adhesive layer is 50% or less of the adhesive strength of an intermediate adhesive layer of the same thickness.

14. The panel according to claim 13, wherein, The adhesive strength of the intermediate adhesive layer is 40% or less of the adhesive strength of an intermediate adhesive layer of the same thickness.

15. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The surface area covered by one or more of the adhesive intermediate regions and the surface area covered by one or more of the non-adhesive intermediate regions define a ratio, wherein the ratio is between 0.4 and 9.

16. The panel according to claim 15, wherein, The ratio is between 0.66 and 9.

17. The panel according to claim 16, wherein, The ratio is between 1 and 9.

18. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The planar design is rectangular or hexagonal.

19. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The panel has a length ranging from 0.40m to 2.0m, a width ranging from 70mm to 180mm, and a total thickness ranging from 2mm to 20mm.

20. The panel according to claim 19, wherein, The total thickness is 3mm to 12mm.

21. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The core layer has a thickness of 2 mm to 7 mm, and / or the top layer has a thickness of 1 mm to 5 mm.

22. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The top layer includes a wear-resistant layer, which has a transparent quality and / or contains a polymer material.

23. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, At least one transparent or translucent top coating is applied over the at least one abrasion-resistant layer.

24. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The panel also includes a backing layer, which is directly or indirectly adhered to the underside of the core layer via the intermediate adhesive layer; The backing layer and the core layer are directly or indirectly adhered to each other through an intermediate adhesive layer; The intermediate adhesive layer is composed of adjacent intermediate regions, which include one or more non-adhesive intermediate regions and one or more adhesive intermediate regions.

25. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The polymer material or polymer mixture contains polyurethane.

26. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The polymer material is a mixture of recycled polymer material and virgin polymer material.

27. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The interconnecting profile allows the two panels to be joined by vertical and / or tilting movements of the respective side edges.

28. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The panel includes two pairs of opposing edges, wherein at least one pair of opposing edges is provided with corresponding interconnected profiles that are complementary to each other.

29. The panel according to claim 28, wherein, Each pair of opposite edges has corresponding interconnect profiles that complement each other.

30. The panel according to claim 1, wherein, The intermediate adhesive layer establishes adhesive strength between the two laminated layers, allowing for complete peeling of the two layers when subjected to sufficient peel force.

31. A floor covering, ceiling covering, or wall covering comprising a plurality of adjacent panels according to any one of claims 1-30.

32. A method for recycling panels, wherein, The method comprises the following sequential steps: i. Collecting a plurality of panels, wherein each panel is defined according to any one of claims 1 to 30 above; ii. Peel each collected panel, the peeling comprising applying sufficient peeling force to separate the two layers that are adhered to each other by the intermediate adhesive layer.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising the following subsequent steps: iii. Process the two stripped layers obtained in step ii in their respective separate processing flows.

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