Tile panel, decorative covering, and method for manufacturing such a tile panel

Abstract

Tile panel (1), in particular a floor tile panel, ceiling tile panel or wall tile panel, comprising: - at least one core layer (2) comprising a mixture of at least one polymer material, in particular at least one polymer matrix, and at least one mineral filler, such as chalk and / or talc and - a decorative top structure (12), either directly or indirectly, affixed on an upper side of said core layer, wherein said decorative top structure comprises: o at least one, preferably printed, more preferably digitally printed, decorative layer, and o at least one protective layer (13), either directly or indirectly, at least partially covering said printed decorative layer, wherein said protective layer comprises diamond-like carbon (DLC).

Description

[0001] TILE PANEL, DECORATIVE COVERING, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH A TILE PANEL

[0002] The invention relates to a tile panel, in particular a floor tile panel, ceiling tile panel, or wall tile panel. The invention also relates to a decorative covering consisting of a plurality of, preferably interlocked, tile panels according to the invention. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a tile panel, preferably a tile panel according to the invention.

[0003] In the field of decorative floor coverings, decorative panels are known having an MDF (Medium Density Board) or HDF (High Density Board) based core layer on top of which a decorative substrate is attached to provide the panels a desired appearance. A major disadvantage of these known panels is the hygroscopic nature of the core layer, which affects the lifetime and durability of such panels. For this reason, the traditional MDF / HDF based panels are more and more replaced by polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based panels, also provided with a decorative substrate on top. These PVC based panels have the advantage of being relatively waterproof compared to MDF / HDF based panels. The PVC based panels are typically enriched with chalk (calcium carbonate), acting as an inert filler, wherein the applied amount of chalk has been increased in the course of time, in particular to reduce the cost price of the panels. These panels are also referred to as stoneplastic composite (SPC) panels. Typically, these panels comprise a decorative layer covered by a wear layer to protect said decorative layer and to lengthen the useful life of the floor panel as such. Such wear layers are often composed of a transparent polymer such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) or transparent polyurethane (PU). A top coating may be applied on top of said wear layer to improve the scratch resistance of the floor panel. Although the above decorative floor coverings have advantages, a remaining drawback of various floor panels is that the floor panels are not configured to withstand high local pressures exerted onto the floor panel during normal use, e.g. walking across said floor panels with high-heel shoes, which easily leads to dents (indentations), holes, or other kind of damages. This inferior indentation and impact resistance may be caused by a relatively thin and / or soft wear layer and / or core layer, which is unable to resist heavy objects or impacts, and which may easily lead to (micro-)damages, and / or plastic deformation (permanent deformation). It is a first object of the present invention to provide a decorative panel suitable for an improved abrasion resistance and / or wear resistance..

[0004] It is a second object of the present invention to provide a laminated decorative panel comprising an improved decorative top structure with an improved impact resistance.

[0005] It is a third object of the present invention to provide a laminated decorative panel comprising an improved, polymer based, decorative top structure with an improved impact resistance.

[0006] It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide a laminated decorative panel comprising improved antimicrobial properties.

[0007] It is a fifth object of the present invention to provide a laminated decorative panel comprising improved antimicrobial properties.

[0008] At least one of these objects is met by the provision of a tile panel according to the preamble, comprising: at least one core layer, and a decorative top structure, either directly or indirectly, affixed on an upper side of said core layer, wherein the tile panel comprises diamond-like carbon (DLC). Preferably, said tile panel comprises at least one core layer comprising a mixture of at least one polymer material, in particular at least one polymer matrix, and at least one filler, preferably a mineral filler, such as chalk and / or talc; and a decorative top structure, either directly or indirectly, affixed on an upper side of said core layer, wherein said decorative top structure preferably comprises: at least one, preferably printed, more preferably digitally printed, decorative layer; and at least one protective layer, either directly or indirectly, at least partially covering said printed decorative layer, wherein said protective layer comprises diamond-like carbon (DLC).

[0009] Diamond-like carbon (DLC) is an amorphous carbon material having a three- dimensional (3D) structure which is at least partially based on sp3bonded carbon, and which in practice may also comprise a fraction of sp2bonded carbon. Typically, the ratio of sp2(graphetically) and sp3(diamond-like) covalent bonded carbon determines the properties of the DLC, and hence of the tile panel according to the invention. In certain embodiments, the amorphous carbon layer includes at least about 35% sp3carbon— carbon bonds, more preferably at least about 70%, and most preferably at least about 80% sp3carbon— carbon bonds.

[0010] DLC has excellent tribological properties meaning a high resistance against wear and a low coefficient of friction, corrosion resistance, high hardness, and chemical stability. Moreover, DLC is thermally and electrically conductive, which facilitates and allows dissipation of static electricity and heat.

[0011] The hardness of DLC, when applied as a coating, typically ranges from 5 to 40 GPa. The friction coefficient value of DLC is preferably below 0.1 . The wear resistance of the DLC is relatively high, for example approximately 3 x 10~14m3 / Nm.

[0012] This thin, but relatively strong, flexible, light-weight, and easy to process DLC makes this material very suitable to be incorporated in a decorative tile panel according to the invention e.g. to improve its impact resistance and / or the wear resistance and / or the abrasion resistance and / or its tile panel strength and / or its conductive properties.

[0013] In an embodiment, at least one layer, which may be said protective layer and / or at least one other tile panel layer, of the tile panel comprises DLC. This layer may be substantially entirely formed by DLC and / or may be entirely formed by carbon. The DLC based layer may be an uppermost top layer of the tile panel, and / or the lowermost bottom layer of the tile panel. At least one layer of the decorative top structure preferably comprises DLC, more preferably at least one wear layer and / or at least one (top) coating layer of the decorative top structure comprises DLC. This will significantly increase the wear resistance and / or abrasion resistance of the decorative top structure, and hence of the tile panel as such. Moreover, this allows that one or more other strength increasing layers may be omitted or may be given a reduced thickness, as the DLC comprising layer(s) may seriously contribute to the panel strength and / or the panel wear or impact resistance. For example, a DLC comprising layer with a thickness of approximately 50 nm will be able provide the tile panel the same strength and / or wear resistance compared to a traditional PVC layer with a thickness of approximately 500 micron, as a result of which this PVC layer may be omitted or may be reduced in thickness, which saves raw materials, end waste, and cost. Preferably, a bonding interface between the protective layer and an underlying tile panel layer is a textured bonding interface. This can e.g. be realized by texturing the underlying tile panel layer prior to the applying the protective layer on top. Such a textured interface may increase the bonding strength between said two layer, and therefore the bonding as such. Such surface texture may be a surface roughening, for example realized by sanding, etching, and / or a plasma treatment, and / or may lead to nanotextures and / or microtextures. This textures (or surface structures) may be position-selectively applied on top of (and / or within) the surface. Such a textured underlying layer may e.g. be a wear layer of the decorative top structure. In this case, the texture may be realized in the wear layer by means of digital printing and / or mechanically. In case of a digitally printed texture, typically the wear layer is applied firstly in liquid form on top of another wear layer and / or on top of a decorative layer, after which UV inhibiting ink droplets are position-selectively printed followed by a curing step which will partially cure the wear layer, after which the still soft and / or liquid portion of the wear layer (caused by the UV inhibiting ink) are removed, e.g. by brushing, resulting in a textured surface. Preferably, said textured top surface of said underlying layer is at least partially aligned in register with at least a part of at least one decor image of said printed decorative layer. This synchronization creates a highly realistic appearance, mimicking the look and feel of natural materials like wood or stone more accurately than traditional embossing methods.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, the DLC based layer may be an intermediate layer enclosed by one or more other layers of the tile panel. It is conceivable that at least one DLC based layer is at least partially embedded into at least one other tile panel layer, such as a thermoplastic material comprised by the tile panel layer and / or at least one core layer. Hence, the core layer may comprise DLC. Here, the DLC based layer and / or DLC particles may be used to reinforce the core layer and / or make the core layer more conductive, e.g. for tile panel heating purposes.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the decorative top structure comprises DLC. Optionally, a DLC based layer may be embedded in between two core layers. Here, the DLC based layer and / or DLC particles may be used to reinforce the top structure and / or to harden the top structure and / or to improve the abrasion resistance and / or the wear resistance of the tile pen. Moreover, the DLC comprising layer could be used to dissipate electric energy, for example for antistatic purposes and / or for tile panel heating purposes, and / or to dissipate heat, for example for heating and / or cooling purposes. In case DLC is used in the core layer and / or top structure and / or any other tile panel layer for heating purposes, it is often preferred that the DLC forms at least one conductive layer and / or at least one conductive track configured to generate heat to heat the tile panel. More in particular the conductive layer(s) or (track(s) are configured to convert electrical energy into heat through the process of Joule heating. Electric current through the conductive layer(s) and / or track(s) encounters resistance, resulting in heating of the DLC, and hence of the tile panel. This may e.g. be useful when the tile panel has to be used as a (decorative) floor heating tile panel or (decorative) wall heating tile panel. Preferably, at least one conductive layer and / or at least one conductive track defines a part of opposing side edges of the tile panel, preferably wherein in abutting condition or interlocked condition of adjacent tile panels, the conductive layers of adjacent tile panels are interconnected allowing transfer of electrical and / or thermal energy between said tile panels.

[0016] The decorative top structure may comprise at least one bevel and / or at least one grout-line, wherein said bevel and / or said at least one grout-line preferably comprises DLC. Said bevel and / or said at least one grout-line is preferably located at at least one edge of the tile panel and / or mutually connects different edges of the tile panel. The presence of DLC will typically strengthen the bevel and / or grout-line and hence will increase the wear resistance of the bevel and / or grout-line. It is imaginable that an upper surface of said bevel and / or said at least one grout-line is provided with a coating comprising DLC, which can be considered as a protective coating. The coating may substantially entirely be composed of DLC. This DLC based coating (and / or any other DLC based layer) may be entirely (optically) transparent and / or may have a light transmittance of at least 50%. This allows that the colouring of the bevel and / or grout-line is predominantly determined by a coloured layer situated underneath said (semi-)transparent DLC coating. The optical transmittance (i.e. transparency) may inversely be dependent on the coating thickness. In this context, it may be preferred that the coating thickness is situated between (and including) 4 and 60 nm to secure this transparency of at least 50%. In case the DLC is doped with silicon, which results in Si-DLC, the transparency can be seriously improved, which would allow applying DLC coatings with a thickness exceeding 60 nm. It was found that the length of the coating process determines the refractive index of the DLC coating, and more in particular a longer coating process typically increases the higher refractive index in a near infrared region. An estimated band gap of the Si-DLC coating was about 1 .5 eV. However, it may be chosen to apply an (undoped) DLC coating, preferably with a substantial thickness (>200 nm), which results in a DLC coating having a tan to dark brown colour. This latter colour is obtained in case the DLC coating has a thickness of at least 5 microns. This results in a brownish bevel and / or grout-line, which colour often deviates from the colour of the (remaining visible part of the) top structure, and which colour closely resembles the look and appearance of a conventional bevel and / or grout line of traditional tile panels. It is imaginable that the decorative top structure comprises a base layer, such as a coloured film or primer layer, and at least one printed decorative layer applied on top of said base layer and partially covering said decorative layer, such that an exposed portion of said base layer defines at least partially the shape and / or colour of said at least one bevel and / or said at least one grout-line.

[0017] Preferably, one side edge of the tile panel is provided with a grout line (channelshaped recess), while an opposing side edge tile panel is not provided with an imitation grout line. This results in the preferred situation that the seam in between adjacent tile panels is formed in between a grout-line of a first tile panel, and another wall part, typically a vertical wall part, of a second tile panel. This sideward positioning of the seam is less visible to the human eye and therefore attractive from an aesthetic point of view. In this manner, the imitation grout line appears as an uninterrupted body to the human eye. This grout-line free side edge may be provided with a chamfered edge connecting to the top surface of the tile panel. Also, a top edge of the grout-line may be provided with such a chamfered edge connecting to the top surface of the tile panel. These chamfered edges typically compensate for a possible (slight) height difference between the panels and ensure a smoother transition between the top surface and the grout-line.

[0018] Preferably, at least a part of a top surface of the tile panel comprises DLC and / or the top structure comprises a decorative layer and a DLC based layer directly or indirectly on top of said decorative layer. In this case, it is commonly preferred that the DLC is substantially transparent (colourless). As mentioned above, the transparency of the DLC can be improved when the DLC is doped with silicon. Additionally or alternatively, the transparent properties can also be improved by saturating double bonds in DLC, i.e., to the conversion of the double bonds to single bonds, and thereby lowering the conjugation. This may be accomplished by contacting a reactive species with DLC during and / or between the deposition of one or more DLC layers. The reactive species is one that can react with the double bond and is preferably an activated form of a halogen, i.e., fluorine, chlorine or bromine, or of hydrogen. Typically, an initial precursor ground state source of these activated species would be from gases such as the diatomic gases F2, Cl2, and H2or gases in which the species is combined with other elements, e.g. SFe, CF4, and / or CCL.

[0019] The DLC may be formed by DLC deposition technologies available in the art, e.g., by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), preferably plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) laser ablation, ion beam ablation, plasma torch, cathodic arc, etcetera. Of these, a CVD technology using RF excitation and an ion implantation technique known as plasma source ion implantation (PSII) can be conveniently used in the process. Preferably, PECVD is used as this allows the DLC application at room temperature. During PECVD, gas molecules, such as methane, acetylene or toluene, are activated by a plasma, which is generated by an electric field. This allows for the decomposition of the gas and subsequent deposition of the carbon atoms at much lower temperatures compared to other methods. The energy required for the deposition process comes from the plasma rather than thermal heating, meaning the substrate can remain at room temperature.

[0020] After and / or during the deposition of the DLC layer the abovementioned “saturation step” may be initiated. A plasma of a reactive species can be created by energy input, such as radio frequency excitation at 13.56 MHz, and the resulting species is allowed to react with sp2 bonds in the DLC layer. In case DLC coatings with a larger thickness than 0.1 micron would be desired, a plurality of (substantially colourless) DLC coatings may be applied on top of each other. This facilitates an effective diffusion of the active reactive species into the (thin) DLC layers.

[0021] Otherwise, only the portion of the DLC near the surface would be de-colourized. Preferably, the decorative top structure comprises a decorative layer and at least one wear layer, directly or indirectly, covering said decorative layer, wherein said wear layer comprises DLC and / or may be entirely composed of DLC. As indicated above, the at least one layer comprising DLC is at least partially enclosed in between two other layers of the tile panel, preferably in between two layers of the decorative top structure. Optionally, the tile panel comprises at least one layer comprising DLC, which layer is at least partially embedded into at least one other layer of the tile panel, preferably into at least one other layer of the decorative top structure. The DLC may be dispersed and embedded as particles, such as flakes and / or platelets, in a matrix material of a tile panel layer. This matrix material preferably comprises at least one polymeric material, in particular at least one thermoplastic material.

[0022] The tile panel may comprise a backing layer affixed, directly or indirectly, to a lower side of the core layer. This backing layer may comprise or may be free of DLC. The backing layer is commonly applied as a sound-dampening layer and / or as a comfort layer. This backing layer may comprise at least one polymer, chosen from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyisocyanurate (PI R), or mixtures thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the backing layer may comprise another material, such as cork and / or leather.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the tile panel comprises at least one pair of a first coupling profile at a first tile panel edge, and a second coupling profile at a second tile panel edge, wherein said first coupling profile of the tile panel is configured to engage interlockingly with said second coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel. Preferably, the interlocked tile panels are locked in a horizontal direction and / or vertical direction. It is imaginable that the side edges of the tile panel are substantially free from DLC, which may facilitate the production process. However, it may be preferred that at least a portion of at least one coupling profile is provided with a coating comprising DLC, which may be considered as a protective coating. It is imaginable that said protective coating both covers at least a part of the coupling profile(s) as well as at least a part of the top surface of the decorative top structure. Preferably, the DLC comprising protective coating is applied (deposited) onto the top surface of the decorative top structure after realization of at least a part of the coupling profiles. This will prevent unnecessary and / or accelerated wear of the profiling equipment, typically milling equipment. The application of a DLC based coating may facilitate the coupling and uncoupling between adjacent tile panels due to its smooth surface and moreover may improve the water impermeability of said one or both coupling profiles. Moreover, the DLC based coating may reinforce the coupling profiles. It is imaginable that DLC is impregnated into at least one coupling profile.

[0024] Preferably, said first coupling profile of the tile panel is configured to engage interlockingly with said second coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel, in a horizontal direction and / or in vertical direction, wherein the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile are more preferably configured such that two of such tile panels can be coupled to each other by means of a fold-down and / or angling down movement and / or sliding movement.

[0025] The first coupling profile may comprise:

[0026] • an upward tongue,

[0027] • at least one upward flank lying at a distance from the upward tongue,

[0028] • an upward groove formed in between the upward tongue and the upward flank wherein the upward groove is adapted to receive at least a part of a downward tongue of a second coupling profile of an adjacent panel, and

[0029] • optionally at least one first locking element, preferably provided at a distant side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward flank, and wherein the second coupling profile may comprise:

[0030] • a first downward tongue,

[0031] • at least one first downward flank lying at a distance from the downward tongue,

[0032] • a first downward groove formed in between the downward tongue and the downward flank, wherein the downward groove is adapted to receive at least a part of an upward tongue of a first coupling profile of an adjacent panel, and

[0033] • optionally at least one second locking element adapted for co-action with a first locking element of an adjacent panel, said second locking element preferably being provided at the downward flank. The first and second locking elements, if applied, may be integral parts of the tile panel, and for example, formed by core layer material. Additionally or alternative, at least one locking element may be formed by a locking strip or alternative separate locking element which is inserted as a separate element into and held by at least one accommodating groove (or other recess) of the respective coupling profile(s). This separate locking element may co-act with a complementary coupling profile, such as a recess of a complementary coupling profile, of an adjacent panel.

[0034] Preferably, at least a part of a side of the upward tongue facing the upward flank is upwardly inclined towards the upward flank, and wherein at least a part of a side of the downward tongue facing the downward flank is downwardly inclined towards the downward flank. The inclination of the sides of the tongues towards the respective grooves results in the formation of so-called closed grooves. A closed groove means that the minimal width of the groove is smaller than the maximal width of the tongue and that deformation of at least one of the coupling parts needs to occur in order to push the tongue into the groove. Alternatively, a side of the upward tongue facing towards the core may be at least partly inclined away from the core or the upward flank, and a side of the downward tongue facing towards the core may be at least partly inclined away from the core or the downward flank, wherein, in particular, said sides of the tongues and the plane of the panel enclose an angle between 90 and 110 degrees. The inclination of the sides of the tongues towards the respective grooves results in the formation of so-called open grooves.

[0035] In case the panel is rectangular, then the first panel edge and second panel edge are typically situated at opposite short edges of the panel. Irrespective of the shape of the panel, the panel may also comprise at least one third coupling profile and at least one fourth coupling profile located respectively at a third panel edge and a fourth panel edge, configured such that the third coupling of the third side edge of a tile panel can be coupled to the fourth coupling profile of the fourth side edge of another tile panel. Preferably, the fourth coupling profile is designed to engage interlockingly with said third coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel, in a horizontal direction and / or in vertical direction. Preferably, the third coupling profile comprises: a sideward tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the core, at least one second downward flank lying at a distance from the sideward tongue, and a second downward groove formed between the sideward tongue and the second downward flank, wherein the fourth coupling profile comprises: a third groove configured for accommodating at least a part of the sideward tongue of the third coupling profile of an adjacent panel, said third groove being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, wherein said lower lip is provided with an upward locking element, wherein the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are configured such that two of such panels can be coupled to each other by means of a turning movement (angling down movement) and / or a sliding movement, wherein, in coupled condition: at least a part of the sideward tongue of a first panel is inserted into the third groove of an adjacent, second panel, and wherein at least a part of the upward locking element of said second panel is inserted into the second downward groove of said first panel. It is imaginable that at least one coupling profile of the third coupling profile and fourth coupling profile is provided with a coating comprising DLC. As indicated above, such a DLC based coating may facilitate the coupling and uncoupling of the coupling profiles due to its smooth surface (having a low coefficient of friction) and hard surface (which reduces sliding wear), may reinforce the coupling profiles, and may improve the water impermeability of the coupling profiles. It is again imaginable that DLC is impregnated into at least one coupling profile.

[0036] Preferably, at least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel is amorphous, also referred to as “a-C”. Important subclasses relate to hydrogen-free DLC, which is referred to as tetrahedral amorphous carbon (“ta-C”), and a hydrogenated amorphous network of carbon and hydrogen (“a-C:H”). This latter subclass comprises DLC wherein the hydrogen content is 10-50%. These subclasses are all grouped as non-doped DLC. Hydrogenated DLC (a-C:H, ta-C:H) has a relatively large coefficient of friction of 0.02 - 0.5 in humid air (15-95% relative humidity (RH)) and up to 0.7 in water, which leads to advantageous anti-slip properties, which makes it advantageous to apply this DLC type in a top layer of the tile panel. Nonhydrogenated DLC (a-C, ta-C) may have a lower coefficient of friction in humid air (15-95% RH) and water, but may also have a relatively large wear coefficient of up to 400 x 10-6mm3 / Nm. Hence, dependent on the desired tile panel properties a choice can be made between non-hydrogenated DLC, hydrogenated DLC, and / or doped DLC (see hereinafter). It is also imaginable that a top layer of the tile panel comprises (high-friction) hydrogenated DLC, while at least one coupling profile and / or at least one bevel and / or grout-line is provided with a (relatively wearresistant, low-friction) non-hydrogenated DLC based coating.

[0037] In DLC material, certain portions of the bonding may be sp2graphitic bonding and the remaining portions may be sp3diamond-like bonding. Hence, preferable, at least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel comprises sp3bonded (a bonded) carbon atoms and sp2bonded (IT bonded) carbon atoms. Preferably, the sp3 / sp2ratio of sp3bonded (a bonded) carbon atoms and sp2bonded (IT bonded) carbon atoms is larger than 1 . This means that in this embodiment more sp3bonds than sp2are present in the DLC, which leads e.g. to the abovementioned ta-C DLC and / or hydrogenated ta-C:H DLC (and / or a-C:H DLC).

[0038] The sp3 / sp2ratio is an important factor that determines the tribological characteristics of different types of DLC. ta-C as DLC has the highest percentage of sp3content (80% to 88%) in its structure. In addition, amorphous carbon (a-C) as DLC, contains the lowest amount of sp3content (5%) in its structure. Both of these compounds are non-hydrogenated DLC. The hydrogenated tetrahedral DLC (ta- C:H) and amorphous hydrogenated (a-C:H) hard DLC contains about 70% and 40% sp3content in their structure, respectively. a-C:H DLC has two subclasses: one subclass is relatively hard and has a lower hydrogen percentage (30-40%) and one subclass (a-C:H) is relatively soft and is composed of 40-50% hydrogen. The hardness of ta-C, ta-C:H, and a-C:H DLC vary according to their sp3content in the structure. A higher sp3content percentage typically shows a higher hardness value. Although soft a-C:H DLC has a higher percentage of sp3content in its structure, this material has decreased hardness. Sputtered carbon a-C coating has, for example, approximately 5% sp3content and 15 GPa hardness.

[0039] Apart from the above undoped DLC types, it is alternatively or additionally also imaginable that doped DLC is used in the tile panel according to the invention. Doped DLC is DLC wherein at least a fraction of the DLC comprises at least one dopant. At least one dopant may be a non-metallic dopant (X), preferably chosen from the group consisting of silicon (Si), nitrogen (N), boron (B), oxygen (O), fluorine (F), hydrogen (H), sulphur (S), or a combination thereof. This doped DLC is also referred to as a-C:H:X. DLC doped with boron has unique properties and displays higher thermal resistance, lower internal stress, and better electrical conductivity than undoped DLC. As indicated above, the use of silicon as a dopant improves the transparency of the DLC. Moreover, in Si doped DLC the coefficient of friction is significantly reduced compared to undoped DLC in ambient humid air, and the hardness increases with respect to undoped DLC.

[0040] Mainly four types of N-doped DLC are synthesized by different deposition techniques. These compounds are a-C:N, ta-C:N, a-C:H:N, and ta-C: H:N. This DLC type is nanostructured, and a strong cross-linking is observed between the graphite planes, which increases DLC hardness. This change does not increase the sp3 fraction but increases disorder in the film. Moreover, this DLC type has a coefficient of friction of between 0.2 and 0.3 at different humidity levels. The friction coefficient was found to increase with increasing N, especially at lower humidity levels. Research has revealed that up to 10% N content in the tetrahedral carbon DLC does not change the relative percentage of sp3 content (80-90%) in the DLC.

[0041] By doping with F in the a-C:H DLC, the surface energy can be reduced to 20 mN / m, while the surface energy of undoped a-C:H DLC is 43 mN / m. However, the hardness of F-doped DLC becomes slightly lower than undoped a-C:H.

[0042] Additionally or alternatively, at least one dopant is a metallic dopant (Me), preferably chosen from the group consisting of iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), gold (Au), aluminium (Al), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), vanadium (V), or a combination thereof. This metal-doped DLC is also referred to as a-C:Me and a-C:H:Me.

[0043] Metal-doped DLC typically improves, compared to undoped DLC, the toughness, thermal stability, and tribological characteristics. Moreover, metal-doped DLC typically has relatively low residual stress compared to undoped DLC.

[0044] In an embodiment, at least one DLC based layer comprises at least one friction modifier (FM) additive. This addition may have a beneficial effect to improve the friction (i.e. to reduce the coefficient of friction) and wear property (i.e. to increase the wear resistance) of DLC coated parts. At least one moly-dimers (MoDTC) and / or at least one trimer is / are preferably used as friction modifier. Preferably, the DLC used in combination with said at least one friction modifier is a metal doped DLC, since metal-containing DLC has active sites that are capable to react with said friction modifier additive(s).

[0045] Furthermore, it was found that metal doped DLC, in particular silver doped DLC, exhibits excellent antimicrobial properties, which reduces the risk of bacteria growth on and / or in between said tile panels, in order to expand the applicability of the tile panels.

[0046] It is imaginable that at least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel comprises dispersed nanoparticles. These nanoparticles may, for example, comprise silver (Ag), titanium dioxide (TiO2), tungsten trioxide (WO3), and / or molybdenum trioxide (M0O3). These nanoparticles may further improve the properties of the DLC, such as improving the adhesion properties of the DLC, which will result in an improved bonding of the DLC to at least one adjacent layer of the tile panel according to the invention. For example, a traditional undoped DLC may have a critical load of 25 N, while after incorporating the DLC with WO3 nanoparticles and / or M0O3 nanoparticles, said doped DLC can be given a critical load of 32 N and 39 N, respectively.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, wherein the tile panel, in particular the decorative top structure, comprises at least one layer at least partially composed of DLC, wherein the thickness of this layer (protective DLC based coating) is between 0.01 pm and 20 pm, preferably between 1 pm and 10 pm, such as 1 , 2, 3, 4, or 5 pm.

[0048] At least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel preferably has a hardness in the range of 5 to 40 GPa.

[0049] At least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel may have a coefficient of friction smaller than 0.4, preferably a friction coefficient smaller than 0.1 . Dependent on the specific application the coefficient of friction of the DLC may be modified such that it suits the aimed application of the tile panel.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the decorative top structure comprises a textured upper surface. A textured upper surface may improve the anti-slip properties of the tile panel. Preferably, the texture surface makes part of at least one transparent and / or translucent layer, in particular at least one wear layer and / or at least one top coating. One or more of these layers may comprise and / or consist of DLC. Preferably a decorative visual print layer (decorative layer) is located underneath said at least one transparent and / or translucent layer. This textured surface (relief surface) typically improves the optical and haptic appearance of the decorative layer. Said textured surface comprises a pattern of recesses (indentations or impressions) and / or projections, wherein said pattern is preferably at least partially realized by means of printing, in particular digital printing (i.e. by means of a digital printing technique). Digital printing is a method of printing from a digital-based image directly to a media. This digital image can be a decorative image (or a plurality of images), such as the aforementioned decorative visual print layer (decorative layer), 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 either be a 2D or a 3D image. By digitally (3D) printing the top structure, an infinite degree of freedom of design of the top structure (and the decorative layer) can be obtained, wherein the top structure (and the decorative layer) moreover can be applied in an accurate manner with a high level of detail, which leads to realistic appearances and unique, one-of-a-kind decorative panels. This result cannot be achieved by means of traditional mechanically impressed covering structures. As printing device(s), for example, one or more inkjet printers and / or laser printers may be used. As indicated above, a substantially transparent or translucent part of the top structure may be partially or entirely digitally printed. The decorative visual print layer is preferably digitally printed. To this end, transparent or translucent, either coloured or non-coloured (transparent), ink may be used. At least one substance, in particular ink, used to realize at least a part of the decorative top structure, may be provided with graphene and / or graphene derivative(s) and / or DLC and / or other (solid) particles. This latter results in the situation that DLC material, in particular DLC particles and / or a DLC comprising layer, can be applied by means of printing, in particular digital printing, or alternatively by means of spraying, pouring, or rolling.

[0051] Preferably, at least a part of the textured surface of the top structure is aligned in register with at least a part of at least one decor image formed by said decorative print layer, in particular at least one pattern defined by at least one decor image formed by the decorative print layer. By applying an alignment in register, also referred to as embossing in register, a very realistic and / or artistic design and appearance of the panel can be realized. In this manner, for example, a realistic wood nerve pattern can be realized, wherein the decorated printed wood nerves (2D) are in register (inline) with the embossed printed wood nerves (3D). The same effect can, for example, be realized with a stone like design, an animal skin design, etcetera. Also, in case one or more artificial, decorative grout lines and / or one or more bevels are printed, the textured surface may comprise one or more recessed channels directly above said decorative grout lines to realize a realistic appearance of the panel which is practically equal to the surface relief obtained when using real tiles and grouts.

[0052] The visual print layer not only may be composed solely of a decorative ink layer, but it also is imaginable that the visual print layer comprises a substrate layer (or carrier layer), such as a polymer film or paper film or primer layer, onto which a decorative ink layer (a decor) is printed or otherwise applied. Preferably the substrate layer is a white or whitish layer, which will typically enhance the colour authenticity of the printed decor. Said substrate layer may have a textured surface, such as a nanotextured and / or microtextured surface. This may facilitate bonding of further layers on top of said decorative layer, such as a wear layer and / or a DLC comprising layer, in particular a DLC comprising protective coating. Said visual print layer may be attached directly to the core, e.g. by fusing the visual print layer onto the core or by gluing the visual print layer to the core, wherein use can be made e.g. of a polyurethane adhesive. Optionally, an upper surface of the core is covered by at least one primer layer before attaching the visual print layer to the core, wherein the visual print layer will actually be attached to the (upper) primer layer applied to the core. This preferred embodiment implies that (at least a part of) the DLC may be applied on top of said decorative print layer, and hence is able to contribute to the protection of said decorative print layer. As mentioned above, the decorative top structure can be partially or entirely realized by digital printing. At least one wear layer, and preferably each wear layer in case a plurality of wear would be applied, is preferably made of transparent or translucent polyurethane or, alternatively, polyvinylchloride, polypropylene, a (poly)acrylate polymer (acrylic polymer), or any another suitable transparent or translucent polymer, which polymer(s) may be enriched with one or more additives, such as DLC material. Instead of or in addition to the application of a printed decorative layer covered by at least one wear layer, it is also imaginable that the top section of the decorative top structure comprises or is entirely formed by at least one tile. This tile may be made of sliceable natural stone, marble, concrete, limestone, granite, slate, glass, ceramics, wood, or composite material. Particularly preferred are ceramic materials of a type selected from the group consisting of Monocuttura ceramic, Monoporosa ceramic, porcelain ceramic, or multi-casted ceramic. This tile may be a relatively thin tile (veneer tile) as this tile is attached to the core layer, with a preferred thickness of less than 1 cm, preferably less than 7.5 mm, more preferably less than 5 mm.

[0053] As mentioned above, the core layer may comprise at least one embedded layer comprising DLC. Here, it may be advantageous in case a centreline (virtually) divides the core layer into an upper section and a lower section, wherein said layer comprising DLC is situated in the upper section and / or lower section of the core layer. This may be in particular advantageous in case coupling profiles will have to be formed mechanically (e.g. by means of milling) out of the core layer, as by smart positioning of the DLC layer(s) the DLC layer(s) can remain intact during profiling of side edges of the tile panel to form coupling profiles at these side edges. This will reduce the amount of DLC waste, but, moreover, will reduce the wear of the mechanical tooling (e.g. the milling equipment) used, as this tooling may not have to saw, cut, or mill into the DLC layer and / or into all DLC layers applied in the core layer.

[0054] At least one tile panel layer, preferably at least one core layer, may comprise at least one polymer material, in particular at least one polymer matrix, preferably at least one thermoplastic, which polymer material is preferably at least partially composed of a polymer that is selected from the group consisting of: polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE),, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or mixtures thereof. At least a part of the core layer may be foamed. At least a part of the core layer may be solid (non-foamed). The core layer may be flexible, semi-rigid, or substantially rigid. The polymer may be a virgin polymer, a recycled polymer, or a mixture of virgin and recycled polymer. The core may comprise at least one composite material of at least one polymeric material and at least one non-polymeric material.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, at least one tile panel layer, preferably at least core layer, may comprise at least one polymer material, in particular at least one polymer matrix, preferably at least one thermoplastic, which polymer material is preferably at least partially composed of at least one polyester, preferably a homopolyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyethylene furanoate (PEF), and / or a copolyester, such as polyethylene furanoate terephthalate (PEFT) or polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified PETG). PET is a homopolyester made from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. PEF is also a homopolyester, derived from furandicarboxylic acid and ethylene glycol. It is considered a more sustainable alternative to PET due to its bio-based origin. PEFT is a copolyester made by copolymerizing furandicarboxylic acid, terephthalic acid, and ethylene glycol. PETG is a copolyester. It is modified by adding glycol, such as cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), which provides greater clarity and durability compared to standard PET. The use of one or more polyesters in the tile panel according to the invention may be advantageous and preferred over PVC and various other thermoplastic polymers due to the relatively high temperature resistance of polyesters. Contrary to PVC and various other thermoplastic polymers, polyesters are suitable to withstand temperatures of above 200 degrees Celsius, which is in particular advantageous in case the DLC is applied at higher temperatures (typically between 60 and 200 degrees Celsius), as this prevents deterioration of the polymers used. However, preferably the DLC comprising layer is applied at room temperature and / or below 60 degrees Celsius, for example by using plasma-enhance chemical vapour deposition (PECVD), which allows all polymers identified above to be used in the tile panel prior to application (deposition) of the DLC comprising layer.

[0056] Preferably, at least one core layer is entirely composed of a mixture of at least one polymer material, in particular at least one polymer matrix, and at least one filler, preferably a mineral filler, such as chalk and / or talc. The core layer and / or the tile panel as such may be free of any glass (particles). The presence of glass may render post-use recycling more difficult. Despite of this, it may be imaginable that glass is used in the tile panel according to the invention. Optionally, at least one tile panel layer, preferably the core layer, comprises at least one additive chosen from the group consisting of talc, chalk, wood, graphene, graphite, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, calcined clay, porcelain, iron oxide, at least one fatty acid salt, glass particles, glass fibres, carbon particles, silicon particular, a mineral filler, rice, a natural filler, a polymer, such as an elastomer and / or latex. Said one or more mineral fillers may include chalk (calcium carbonate) and / or talc. These inert fillers lower the cost price of the tile panel layer, such as the core layer, and hence of the tile panel as such. Some of these fillers are functional fillers rather than inert fillers, such as an elastomeric filler and / or glass particles, which could influence the elasticity of the tile panel layer. It is imaginable and even preferably that the core layer comprises at least one polymer, in particular thermoplastic polymer, such as PVC, PET, TPU, PET, PEF, PEFT, and / or PETG; and / or at least one mineral filler, wherein in said core layer the overall weight percentage of the mineral filler(s) exceeds the overall weight percentage of the polymer(s).

[0057] The core layer may comprise magnesium oxide and / or magnesium hydroxide, and / or cement, and / or gypsum, and / or ceramic. It is imaginable that at least one tile panel layer, preferably the core layer, comprises wood and / or a wood-based material, such as MDF or HDF.

[0058] The thermoplastic polymer(s) comprising core layer(s), optionally enriched with one or more fillers, is / are preferably extruded core layer(s). The tile panel may comprise a plurality of laminated core layers. At least two of these layers may be extruded layers, preferably co-extruded layers. Optionally at least one reinforcement layer, such as a glass fiber layer, a graphene layer, and / or a DLC layer, is situated in between adjacent core layers.

[0059] The protective layer, which preferably comprises DLC as indicated above, preferably forms a top layer and top surface of the tile panel. Preferably, the protective layer at least partially covers at least one decorative layer. Optionally, the protective layer only partially covers at least one decorative layer. This can, for example, be the case, wherein parts of the decorative layer are purposively left uncovered to allow wear and therefore aging of the tile panel, and / or in case only edge parts of the tile panel, optionally where one or more bevels and / or grout lines are locates, are covered by the protective coating. This latter can be done, for example, to protect the typically relatively vulnerable edges and / or to colour said edges. The protective layer is at least partially transparent and / or translucent, and / or may be at least partially opaque. In case the protective layer is partially or entirely opaque, the protective layer may have a grey, silver, brown, or black colour. It may be desired that the protective layer has a darker colour than the decorative layer, for example in case the protective layer is used as bevel covering and / or as grout line covering. In case of a bevel and / or grout line, then it is conceivable that at least a part of an upper surface of said at least one bevel and / or said at least one grout-line is formed or defined by at least one decorative layer.

[0060] In an embodiment of the tile panel according to the invention, at least one tile panel layer, preferably the core layer, comprises graphene and / or a derivate of graphene, such as graphene oxide (GO). Graphene is a single two dimensional layer (2D layer) of carbon atoms, arranged in the form of a honeycomb lattice. More in particular, graphene is an isolated single layer of carbon hexagons consisting (solely) of sp2hybridized C-C bonding with K-electron clouds. This thin, one atom thick lattice is relatively strong, flexible, light-weight, and easy to process, which makes this material very suitable to be incorporated in a decorative panel according to the invention to improve its impact resistance. Moreover, graphene also exhibits excellent heat and electricity conducting properties, which beneficial properties may also be used to further improve the decorative panel according to the invention, as will be elucidated below in more detail. Moreover, graphene and / or (monolayer) derivatives of graphene display excellent anti-oxidant and scratch-resistant properties. The most commonly known of graphene derivates are graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide. Graphene oxide (GO) is a single-atomic layered material, made by the powerful oxidation of graphene, which is relatively cheap and abundantly available. Graphene oxide is an oxidized (and cheaper) form of graphene, laced with oxygen-containing groups. Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) is the form of GO that is processed by chemical, thermal, and other methods in order to reduce the oxygen content, while graphene oxide is a material produced by the oxidation of graphene which leads to increased interlayer spacing and functionalization of the basal planes of graphene. Graphene can be used to improve the tribological properties of DLC in different environments and different conditions. At the same time, DLC can be used as a substrate to support graphene (and / or its derivative) to preserve its electricity conductive properties. Different other supporting substrates can easily strongly affect the 2D nature of graphene, and will deform graphene in the third dimension, which changes electricity conductive properties, which may be undesired in specific tile panels according to the invention, such as, for example, anti-static tile panels having at least one graphene comprising layer in its top structure, in particular its top layer, and at least one DLC comprising layer positioned underneath (or on top of) said graphene comprising layer. The one or more DLC comprising layers may be undoped DLC and / or may be doped DLC, such as nitrogen doped DLC and / or fluorine doped DLC.

[0061] The invention also relates to a decorative covering consisting of a plurality of, preferably interlocked, tile panels according to the invention.

[0062] The invention moreover relates to a method for manufacturing a tile panel, preferably a tile panel according to the invention, comprising the steps of:

[0063] A) providing a core layer;

[0064] B) creating and / or affixing, either directly or indirectly, a decorative top structure on an upper side of the core layer,

[0065] C) optionally providing a first tile panel edge with a first coupling profile, and a second tile panel edge, preferably opposite to the first tile panel edge, with a second coupling profile being designed to engage interlock! ngly with said first coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel, in a horizontal direction and / or in a vertical direction, wherein the core layer provided during step A) and / or the decorative top structure step B) and / or the coupling profiles optionally provided during step C) comprises diamond-like carbon (DLC) and / or is / are subsequently provided with a DLC comprising layer, in particular a DLC comprising protective coating, in subsequent method step D).

[0066] It is imaginable that during step D) the DLC is provided by using a high-energy deposition process and / or by chemical vapour deposition (CVD), preferably plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD), and / or by physical vapour deposition (PVD) and / or by means of transfer printing (by using a temporary / sacrificial release layer onto which the DLC layer is initially applied). The advantage of PECVD is that this process can be performed at room temperature, which not only saves energy, but which also allows a wide variety of polymers, in particular thermoplastic polymers, to be used in the core layer and - optionally - in the decorative top structure.

[0067] During step B) an upper surface of the decorative top structure, on top of which the DLC comprising layer is to be deposited during step D), is preferably textured, for example by subjecting said upper surface to a plasma treatment and / or embossing process and / or etching process. This texture may be a partial texture and / or may be a microtexture and / or a nanostructure. This texture will typically improve the bonding between the textured layer and the DLC comprising layer applied on top during step D).

[0068] Preferably, step D) is performed under vacuum (underpressure), preferably by using a vacuum chamber. In such a vacuum chamber relatively low pressures, such as 1 pbar, can be achieved.

[0069] Preferably, step D) is performed at a temperature which is below the softening temperature of a polymer used in the core layer and / or a polymer used in the decorative top structure in order to prevent deterioration of these polymers during step D). Preferably, step D) is performed at room temperature and / or a temperature below 60 degrees Celsius. Above 60 degrees Celsius, PVC will soften and is therefore less suitable, while these days PVC is still a popular polymer to be used in tile panels. In case higher temperatures are temperatures would be applied during step D), preferably one or more more-heat resistant polymers are used in the tile panel, such as polyesters, like PET, PEF, PEFT, and / or PETG.

[0070] During step C), the coupling profiles are preferably (entirely) realized by means of milling. The DLC coating step D) may be performed afterwards to prevent unnecessary wear of the milling tools used during step C). This may result in the situation that the coupling profiles, in particular at least upper surfaces thereof, are or may be provided with a DLC coating. This will make the coupling profiles more robust, and moreover, possibly more waterproof. During step B), the formation of the decorative top structure preferably comprises the sub-steps of: i. optionally applying a primer layer or base layer onto the core layer ii. applying a decorative layer onto said optionally applied primer layer or base layer and / or directly onto the core layer, wherein said decorative layer is preferably at least partially realized by means of printing, such as digital printing, and ill. optionally applying at least one transparent wear layer on top of said decorative layer.

[0071] At least one wear layer may have or be provided with a textured upper surface (embossed upper surface), preferably aligned with a decor (visual print) of the decorative layer. Such an embossing upper surface may also facilitate bonding of the DLC comprising layer to be applied on top during step D).

[0072] Further embodiments of the invention are set out in the non-limitative set of clauses presented below.

[0073] 1 . Tile panel, in particular a floor tile panel, ceiling tile panel or wall tile panel, comprising: at least one core layer, preferably comprising a mixture of at least one polymer material, in particular at least one polymer matrix, and at least one mineral filler, such as chalk and / or talc, and a decorative top structure, either directly or indirectly, affixed on an upper side of said core layer, wherein said decorative top structure preferably comprises:

[0074] • at least one, preferably printed, more preferably digitally printed, decorative layer, and

[0075] • optionally at least one protective layer, either directly or indirectly, at least partially covering said printed decorative layer, wherein the tile panel, preferably said optional protective layer, comprises diamondlike carbon (DLC).

[0076] 2. Tile panel according to clause 1 , wherein at least one layer, in particular at least one other layer than said protective layer, of the tile panel comprises DLC. 3. Tile panel according to clause 1 or 2, wherein at least one layer, such as the protective layer, of the tile panel is substantially entirely composed of DLC.

[0077] 4. Tile panel according to clause 2 or 3, wherein at least one core layer comprises DLC.

[0078] 5. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one core layer is entirely composed of a mixture of at least one polymer material, in particular at least one polymer matrix, and at least one filler, preferably a mineral filler, such as chalk and / or talc.

[0079] 6. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the tile panel comprises a plurality of laminated core layers.

[0080] 7. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the core layer comprising said mixture of at least one polymer material, in particular at least one polymer matrix, and at least one mineral filler, such as chalk and / or talc, is an extruded core layer.

[0081] 8. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the protective layer partially covers at least one decorative layer.

[0082] 9. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the protective layer is at least partially transparent and / or translucent.

[0083] 10. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the protective layer is at least partially opaque.

[0084] 11 . Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the protective layer has a grey, silver, or black colour.

[0085] 12. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the protective layer has a darker colour than the decorative layer. 13. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the decorative top structure comprises at least one bevel and / or at least one grout-line, wherein said bevel and / or said at least one grout-line comprises DLC, and wherein at least a part of an upper surface of said at least one bevel and / or said at least one groutline is preferably formed or defined by at least one decorative layer.

[0086] 14. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein said protective coating covers at least a part of an upper surface of said bevel and / or said at least one grout-line is provided.

[0087] 15. Tile panel according to clause 13 or 14, wherein said bevel and / or said at least one grout-line is located at at least one edge of the tile panel and / or mutually connects different edges of the tile panel.

[0088] 16. Tile panel according to any of clauses 13-15, wherein the decorative top structure comprises a base layer, such as a coloured film or primer layer, and at least one printed decorative layer applied on top of said base layer and partially covering said decorative layer, such that an exposed portion of said base layer defines at least partially the shape and / or colour of said at least one bevel and / or said at least one grout-line.

[0089] 17. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein said protective layer defines at least a part of a top surface of the tile panel.

[0090] 18. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a bonding interface between the protective layer and an underlying tile panel layer is a textured bonding interface.

[0091] 19. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the decorative layer comprises a carrier layer, such as a polymer film and / or a paper layer, bearing a printed decor.

[0092] 20. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the decorative top structure comprises at least one wear layer, directly or indirectly, covering said at least one decorative layer, wherein said wear layer is covered, directly or indirectly, by said protective coating.

[0093] 21 . Tile panel according to clause 20, wherein said wear layer has an at least partially textured top surface.

[0094] 22. Tile panel according to clause 21 , wherein said textured top surface is at least partially aligned in register with at least a part of at least one decor image of said printed decorative layer.

[0095] 23. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one decorative top structure layer comprising DLC is at least partially enclosed in between two other layers of the tile panel, preferably in between two layers of the decorative top structure.

[0096] 24. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the tile panel comprises at least one layer comprising DLC, which layer is at least partially embedded into at least one other layer of the tile panel, preferably into at least one other layer of the decorative top structure.

[0097] 25. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the tile panel comprises at least one conductive layer at least partially composed of DLC.

[0098] 26. Tile panel according to clause 25, wherein the conductive layer defines a part of opposing side edges of the tile panel, preferably wherein in abutting condition or interlocked condition of adjacent tile panels, the conductive layers of adjacent tile panels are interconnected allowing transfer of electrical and / or thermal energy between said tile panels.

[0099] 27. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the tile panel comprises a backing layer affixed, directly or indirectly, to a lower side of the core layer. 28. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein one or more side edges and / or a bottom surface of the tile panel is / are substantially free from DLC.

[0100] 29. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the tile panel comprises at least one pair of a first coupling profile at a first tile panel edge, and a second coupling profile at a second tile panel edge, wherein said first coupling profile of the tile panel is configured to engage i nterlocki ngly with said second coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel.

[0101] 30. Tile panel according to clause 29, wherein at least one coupling profile is provided with a coating comprising DLC, wherein said coating is preferably formed by said protective coating covering the decorative layer at least partially.

[0102] 31 . Tile panel according to clause 30, wherein said coating covers at least a portion of an upper surface of at least one coupling profile.

[0103] 32. Tile panel according to any of clauses 30-31 , wherein said first coupling profile of the tile panel is configured to engage i nterlocki ngly with said second coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel, in horizontal direction and / or in vertical direction, wherein the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile are preferably configured such that two of such tile panels can be coupled to each other by means of a fold-down and / or angling down movement.

[0104] 33. Tile panel according to any of clauses 30-32, wherein the first coupling profile comprises:

[0105] • an upward tongue,

[0106] • at least one upward flank lying at a distance from the upward tongue,

[0107] • an upward groove formed in between the upward tongue and the upward flank wherein the upward groove is adapted to receive at least a part of a downward tongue of a second coupling profile of an adjacent panel, and

[0108] • optionally at least one first locking element, preferably provided at a distant side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward flank, and wherein the second coupling profile comprises:

[0109] • a first downward tongue, • at least one first downward flank lying at a distance from the downward tongue,

[0110] • a first downward groove formed in between the downward tongue and the downward flank, wherein the downward groove is adapted to receive at least a part of an upward tongue of a first coupling profile of an adjacent panel, and

[0111] • optionally at least one second locking element adapted for co-action with a first locking element of an adjacent panel, said second locking element preferably being provided at the downward flank.

[0112] 34. Tile panel according to clause 33, wherein at least a part of a side of the upward tongue facing the upward flank is upwardly inclined towards the upward flank, and wherein at least a part of a side of the downward tongue facing the downward flank is downwardly inclined towards the downward flank.

[0113] 35. Tile panel according any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one pair of opposing third and fourth side edges is respectively provided with third and fourth coupling profiles, configured such that the third coupling of the third side edge of a tile panel can be coupled to the fourth coupling profile of the fourth side edge of another tile panel.

[0114] 36. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a third tile panel edge comprises a third coupling profile, and a fourth tile panel edge, preferably opposite to the fourth tile panel edge, comprising a fourth coupling profile being designed to engage i nterlocki ngly with said third coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel, in horizontal direction and / or in vertical direction, wherein the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are preferably configured such that two of such tile panels can be coupled to each other by means of an angling down movement and / or a sliding movement.

[0115] 37. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the tile panel comprises at least one third coupling profile and at least one fourth coupling profile located respectively at a third tile panel edge and a fourth tile panel edge, wherein the third coupling profile comprises:

[0116] • a sideward tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the core layer, • at least one second downward flank lying at a distance from the sideward tongue, and

[0117] • a second downward groove formed between the sideward tongue and the second downward flank, wherein the fourth coupling profile comprises:

[0118] • a third groove configured for accommodating at least a part of the sideward tongue of the third coupling profile of an adjacent panel, said third groove being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, wherein said lower lip is provided with an upward locking element, wherein the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are configured such that two of such tile panels can be coupled to each other by means of a turning movement, wherein, in coupled condition: at least a part of the sideward tongue of a first tile panel is inserted into the third groove of an adjacent, second tile panel, and wherein at least a part of the upward locking element of said second tile panel is inserted into the second downward groove of said first tile panel.

[0119] 38. Tile panel according to any clauses 35-37, wherein at least one coupling profile of the third coupling profile and fourth coupling profile is provided with a coating comprising DLC.

[0120] 39. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel is amorphous.

[0121] 40. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel is formed by tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C).

[0122] 41 . Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel comprises sp3 bonded (a bonded) carbon atoms and sp2 bonded (IT bonded) carbon atoms.

[0123] 42. Tile panel according to clause 41 , wherein the sp3 / sp2 ratio of sp3 bonded (a bonded) carbon atoms and sp2 bonded (IT bonded) carbon atoms is larger than 1. 43. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel comprises at least one dopant.

[0124] 44. Tile panel according to clause 43, wherein at least one dopant is a non- metallic dopant, preferably chosen from the group consisting of: silicon (Si), nitrogen (N), boron (B), oxygen (O), fluorine (F), hydrogen (H), sulphur (S), or a combination thereof.

[0125] 45. Tile panel according to clause 43 or 44, wherein at least one dopant is a metallic dopant, preferably chosen from the group consisting of: iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), gold (Au), aluminium (Al), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), vanadium (V), or a combination thereof.

[0126] 46. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel comprises dispersed nanoparticles.

[0127] 47. Tile panel according to clause 46, wherein the nanoparticles comprise silver (Ag), titanium dioxide (TiO2), tungsten trioxide (WO3), and / or molybdenum trioxide (Mo03).

[0128] 48. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the tile panel, in particular the decorative top structure, comprises at least one layer at least partially composed of DLC, wherein the thickness of this layer is between 0.01 pm and 10 pm.

[0129] 49. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel has a hardness in the range from 5 to 40 GPa.

[0130] 50. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel has a friction coefficient smaller than 0.4, preferably a friction coefficient smaller than 0.1 .

[0131] 51 . Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel has an optical band gap of at least 2.5 eV. 52. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the decorative top structure comprises a textured upper surface.

[0132] 53. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the core layer comprises at least one embedded layer comprising DLC.

[0133] 54. Tile panel according to clause 53, wherein a centreline divides the core layer into an upper section and a lower section, wherein said layer comprising DLC is situated in the upper section and / or lower section of the core layer.

[0134] 55. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one tile panel layer, preferably the core layer, comprises at least one polymer material, in particular at least one polymer matrix, preferably at least one thermoplastic material, which is at least partially composed of a polymer that is selected from the group consisting of: polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), , and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0135] 56. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one tile panel layer, preferably the core layer, comprises at least one polymer material, in particular at least one polymer matrix, which is at least partially composed of at least one polyester, preferably a homopolyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyethylene furanoate (PEF), and / or a copolyester, such as polyethylene furanoate terephthalate (PEFT) or polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified PETG)

[0136] 57. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one tile panel layer, preferably the core layer, comprises at least one additive chosen from the group consisting of: talc, chalk, wood, graphene, graphite, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, calcined clay, porcelain, iron oxide, at least one fatty acid salt, glass particles, glass fibres, carbon particles, silicon particular, a mineral filler, rice, a natural filler, a polymer, such as an elastomer and / or latex. 58. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one tile panel layer, preferably the core layer, comprises wood and / or a wood-based material, such as MDF or HDF.

[0137] 59. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one tile panel layer, preferably the core layer, comprises graphene and / or a derivate of graphene.

[0138] 60. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the tile panel is free of glass.

[0139] 61 . Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the thickness of the protective coating is 20 micron or less, preferably 10 micron or less.

[0140] 62. Tile panel according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the printed decorative layer is an opaque layer.

[0141] 63. Decorative covering consisting of a plurality of, preferably interlocked, tile panels according to any of the preceding clauses.

[0142] 64. Method for manufacturing a tile panel, preferably a tile panel according to any of the clauses 1-62, comprising the steps of:

[0143] A) providing a core layer;

[0144] B) creating and / or affixing, either directly or indirectly, a decorative top structure on an upper side of the core layer,

[0145] C) optionally providing a first tile panel edge with a first coupling profile, and a second tile panel edge, preferably opposite to the first tile panel edge, with a second coupling profile being designed to engage interlock! ngly with said first coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel, in horizontal direction and / or in vertical direction, wherein the core layer provided during step A) and / or the decorative top structure step B) and / or the coupling profiles optionally provided during step C) comprises diamond-like carbon (DLC) and / or is / are subsequently provided with a DLC comprising layer, in particular a DLC comprising protective coating, in subsequent method step D). 65. Method according to clause 64, wherein during step D) DLC is provided by using a high-energy deposition process and / or by chemical vapour deposition (CVD), preferably plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD), and / or by physical vapour deposition (PVD) and / or by means of transfer printing.

[0146] 66. Method according to clause 64 or 65, wherein during step B) an upper surface of the decorative top structure, on top of which the DLC comprising layer is to be deposited during step D), is textured, for example by subjecting said upper surface to a plasma treatment and / or embossing process and / or etching process.

[0147] 67. Method according to any of clauses 64-66, wherein step D) is performed under vacuum, preferably by using a vacuum chamber.

[0148] 68. Method according to any of clauses 64-67, wherein step D) is performed at room temperature and / or a temperature below 60 degrees Celsius.

[0149] 69. Method according to any of clauses 64-68, wherein during step C) the coupling profiles are realized by means of milling.

[0150] 70. Method according to any of clauses 64-69, wherein during step B) the formation of the decorative top structure comprises the sub-steps of: i. optionally applying a primer layer or base layer onto the core layer ii. applying a decorative layer onto said optionally applied primer layer or base layer and / or directly onto the core layer, wherein said decorative layer is preferably at least partially realized by means of printing, such as digital printing, and ill. optionally applying at least one transparent wear layer on top of said decorative layer.

[0151] The invention will be further elucidated according to the following non-limitative figures:

[0152] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a tile panel according to the invention;

[0153] Figure 2 shows a schematic transversal cross-section along line B-B’ of the tile panel of figure 1 according to the invention; Figure 3 shows a schematic transversal cross-section along line A-A’ of the coupling profiles of figure 1 according to the invention;

[0154] Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of coupling profiles according to the invention;

[0155] Figure 5 schematically shows a method for manufacturing a tile panel according to the invention; and

[0156] Figure 6 schematically shows another method for manufacturing a tile panel according to the invention.

[0157] Within these figures, similar reference numbers correspond to similar or equivalent elements or features.

[0158] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a tile panel 1 according to the present invention. The tile panel 1 has a length extending longitudinally along line B-B’, and a width extending transversally along line A-A’. The shown tile panel

[0159] 1 is of a rectangular shape, however, other shapes are also imaginable such as a square, a diamond, a polygon, or else. The tile panel 1 is provided with a core layer

[0160] 2 and a decorative top structure 12, either directly or indirectly, affixed on an upper side of the core layer 2. The side edges 3, 4, 9, 10 of the tile panel 1 are provided with coupling profiles 5, 6, 7, 8. At a first tile panel edge 9 the tile panel 1 comprises a first coupling profile 7 and at an opposing second tile panel edge 10, the tile panel 1 comprises a second coupling profile 8. The coupling profiles 7, 8 are designed such that the second coupling profile 8 engages i nterlocki ngly with said first coupling profile 7 of an adjacent tile panel, both in horizontal and vertical directions. The tile panel 1 is further provided with a third coupling profile 5 and fourth coupling profile 6 at opposite edges 3 and 4 respectively, which also interlockingly engage. The tile panel 1 comprises diamond-like carbon (DLC). Preferably, at least one layer of tile panel 1 comprises DLC. DLC is an amorphous carbon material containing a significant fraction of sp3-hybridized carbon atoms. In the shown embodiment, the tile panel 1 furthermore comprises a bevel 16 at the side of the fourth tile panel edge 4. Another location of the bevel 16 is imaginable, for example at or near any of the tile panel edges 3, 9, 10. The bevel 16 comprises an exposed top surface 17. The exposed top surface 17 may have a different colour than the upper surface of the tile panel 1 , in particular a different colour than a top section of the decorative top structure 12. The exposed top surface 17 preferably forms an imitation grout line between coupled tile panels 1 .

[0161] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a tile panel 1 along dotted line B-B’ of figure 1 . The tile panel 1 comprises a core layer 2 and a decorative top structure 12 affixed to the core layer 2. The decorative top structure 12 is, either directly or indirectly, affixed on the upper side 2a of the core layer 2. For example, the decorative top structure 12 may be glued, by means of an adhesive, and / or fused onto the core layer 2. The upper side 2a of the core layer 2 may be substantially flat or may have a textured surface for example when the core layer 2 comprises a foam material. The lower side of the core layer 2b may be the lower side of the tile panel 1 or may be affixed to a backing layer 14. In this embodiment, the decorative top structure 12 is schematically shown as a substantially homogeneous mixed material. The decorative top structure 12 may comprise a laminated structure as shown in figure 3. The tile panel 1 furthermore comprises DLC 13. Preferably, at least one layer of the tile panel 1 comprises DLC 13. It is imaginable that the core layer 2 and / or the upper side 2a of the core layer 2 and / or the decorative top structure 12, preferably a protective top coating of said decorative top structure 12, comprises a carbon based layer 13, such as graphene and / or DLC. The tile panel 1 is provided with coupling profiles 7, 8. The first tile panel edge 9 comprises a first coupling profile 7. The first coupling profile 7 comprises an upward tongue 71 , at least one upward flank 72, and an upward groove 73 formed in between the upward tongue 71 and the upward flank 72. The first coupling profile 7 further comprises at least one first locking element 74. The first locking element 74 of the shown embodiment is provided at a distant side of the upward tongue 71 facing away from the upward flank 72. The second tile panel edge 10 opposes the first side edge 9 of the tile panel 1 . The second side edge 10 comprises a second coupling profile 8. The second coupling profile 8 comprises a first downward tongue 81 , at least one first downward flank 82 and a first downward groove 83 formed in between the downward tongue 81 and the downward flank 82. The second coupling profile 8 further comprises at least one second locking element 84. The second locking element 84 of the shown embodiment is provided at the downward flank 82. Preferably, the first locking element 74 and the second locking element 84 are complementary locking elements such that upon coupling of two of such tile panels 1 the locking elements 74, 84 engage interlockingly in the horizontal direction and / or in the vertical direction. DLC 13 can be provided in, preferably impregnated into or coated onto, at least a portion of an upper surface of at least one coupling profile. In the shown embodiment, the second coupling profile 8 comprises DLC 13, in particular comprises impregnated DLC 13.

[0162] Figure 3 shows a transversal cross-section of the third coupling profile 5 at a third tile panel side edge 3 and the fourth coupling profile 6 at an opposing fourth tile panel side edge 4. The third coupling profile 3 comprises a sideward tongue 20, at least one second downward flank 21 , and at least one second downward groove 22 formed between the sideward tongue 20 and the second downward flank 21 . The fourth coupling profile 6 comprises a third groove 63, an upper lip 61 , and a lower lip 62. The third groove 63 is configured to accommodate at least a part of the sideward tongue 20 of a further tile panel 1 . The third groove 63 is configured to actively co-act with a sideward tongue 20 of another tile panel 1 , in a coupled condition of such tile panel 1 . The decorative top structure 12 of the shown embodiment comprises a bevel 16 and / or an imitation grout-line. In the shown embodiment the tile panel 1 comprises a bevel 16 at the side of a fourth tile panel edge 4. The bevel 16 comprises an exposed top surface 17. The exposed top surface 17 may have a different colour than the top section of the decorative top structure 12, preferably to form an imitation grout line between coupled tile panels 1. The upper surface of the bevel 16, in particular the exposed top surface 17, can comprise DLC 13. In the shown embodiment, the coupling profiles 5, 6 are provided with DLC. In particular, at least one coupling profile 5, 6 is provided with a coating comprising DLC. The coating comprising DLC 13 can be provided on at least a part of at least one coupling profile. In the shown embodiment, a coating comprising DLC is provided on at least a part of a distant side of the upper lip 61 , an upper surface of the upper lip 61 , on the third groove 63, the lower lip 62, the second downward flank 21 , the second downward groove 22 and on the sideward tongue 20. It is imaginable that the coating comprising DLC is provided on at least a part of the first coupling profile 9 and / or second coupling profile 10. The core layer 2 comprises an upper side 2a and a lower side 2b. The shown embodiment, comprises a layer comprising DLC 13 provided on the upper side 2a of the core layer 2. At the lower side 2b of the core layer 2 a backing layer 14 is affixed. It imaginable that the backing layer 14 comprises DLC 13 to improve resistance against wear and / or against corrosion and / or to provide chemical stability. The decorative top structure 12 comprises a laminated structure. In the shown embodiment, the laminated decorative top structure 12 comprises multiple layers 12a, 12b, wherein at least one of the layers comprises DLC. Several non-limitative embodiments of these layers 12a, 12b will be further described below.

[0163] In a first embodiment, layer 12a is a substantially transparent or translucent top layer, which comprises DLC. In this embodiment wherein layer 12a is a transparent or translucent layer comprising DLC, layer 12b may comprise a decorative layer comprising a decorative visual print, in particular a thermoplastic or paper film carrying a, preferably digitally printed, decorative image. The DLC comprising top layer 12a serves as a protective layer, such as a finishing layer, and / or a wear layer, positioned on top of said decorative layer.

[0164] In a second embodiment, the layer 12a is a transparent or translucent finishing layer and layer 12b comprises DLC for providing the desired mechanical properties to the panel such as scratch-resistance or indentation resistance.

[0165] In another embodiment a third layer 12c (not shown) is applied on top of the top layer 12a, such that the decorative top structure 12 comprises a decorative visual print layer 12b, at least one substantially transparent or translucent or translucent wear layer applied on top of said print layer 12b, and at least one substantially transparent or translucent of translucent top coating layer 12c (not shown) applied on top of said at least one wear layer 12a, wherein at least one wear layer and / or at least one top coating layer comprises DLC.

[0166] Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another possible embodiment of coupling profiles 41 , 42 of a tile panel according to the invention. A fifth coupling profile 41 comprises at least one third downward flank 43, a second downward tongue 44 and at least one third downward groove 45 formed between the second downward tongue 44 and the third downward flank 43. The fifth coupling profile 41 comprises an elastic insert 50 located above the second downward tongue 44. The elastic insert 50 extends beyond an edge 51 formed by the decorative top structure 12. The elastic insert 50 is in an uncoupled state downwardly inclined. The sixth coupling profile 42 comprises a fourth groove 46, a second upper lip 48 and a second lower lip 47. An upwardly inclined surface 49 is formed between the second lower lip 48 and the fourth groove 46. The upwardly inclined surface 49 is configured to be in contact with the elastic insert 50 when adjacent tile panels are coupled. Adjacent tile panels can be coupled by means of a vertical ‘drop-down’ movement of one side edge of a first tile panel towards the side edge of a neighbouring tile panel. The tile panel further comprises DLC 13. It is imaginable that the core layer 2 comprises DLC 13. It is imaginable that the fifth 41 and / or the sixth coupling profile 42 comprises DLC 13. A centreline C divides the core layer 2 in an upper section 52a and a lower section 52b. The core layer 2 comprises DLC 13 in the upper section 52a and / or the lower section 52b. In the shown embodiment comprises the fifth coupling profile 41 comprises DLC 13 in the upper section 52a of the core layer 2. The sixth coupling profile 42 comprises DLC 13 in the lower section 52b of the core layer 2.

[0167] Figure 5 shows a method for manufacturing a tile panel 1 according to the present invention. In step A) a core layer 2 is provided. In step B) a decorative top structure 12 is prepared by printing a decor onto a carrier layer 12a (also referred to as substrate layer). The decor may be printed onto the carrier layer 12a by means of a (digital) printer 50. The carrier layer 12a (substrate layer 12a) is typically a polymer film or paper film. The printed decor is also referred to as a decorative ink layer. Subsequently, the printed ink layer is cured and / or dried (not shown). Thereafter, the decorative top structure 12 is adhered onto the core layer 2. In this example, the decorative top structure 12 is adhered onto the core layer 2 by means of a roller 51. However, one or more other methods for adhering a decorative top structure 12 onto the core layer 2 are possible such as gluing, and / or fusing, and / or calendaring and / or applying pressure and / or temperature onto at least one of the, and preferably both, the core layer 2 and the decorative top structure. In step C) a first tile panel edge 59 is provided with a first coupling profile 57, and a second tile panel edge 56, preferably opposite to the first tile panel edge 59, is provided with a second coupling profile 58 being designed to engage i nterlocki ngly with said first coupling profile 57 of an adjacent tile panel, in horizontal direction and / or in vertical direction. In step D) DLC 13 is provided on a desired tile panel structure, such as the core layer 2 and / or the decorative top structure 12, in particular a (digitally) printed decorative layer and / or wear layer, and / or a coupling profile 57, 58 of the tile panel, by a deposition system 100. Preferably, the DLC layer 13 is deposited onto a nanotextured and / or microtextured surface of an underlying layer to enhance the bonding of the DLC layer 13. The deposition system 100 uses a high-energy deposition process. In the shown embodiment, either during or after step A) the core layer 2 is placed in the deposition system 100 and / or during or after step B) the core layer 2 with an affixed decorative top layer 12 is placed in the deposition system 100 and / or during or after step C) the tile panel is placed in the deposition system 100. The shown deposition system 100 comprises a vacuum chamber 101 , wherein the tile panel structure is placed. The vacuum chamber 101 comprises a gas line 105 configured to give a process gas access to the vacuum chamber 101. The process gas comprises carbon and / or hydrocarbon. Preferably, the process gas is acetylene as this process gas has a relative fast deposition rate of around 60 nm / s. Other precursor gases are, for example, methane and toluene. The advantage of a relative fast deposition rate is a decrease in deposition time resulting in a decrease in heat load on the desired tile panel structure. The desired tile panel structure is placed on a first electrode 103. A second electrode 104 opposes the first electrode 103, wherein the first electrode 103 and the second electrode 104 have an opposite charge. A negative voltage on the electrode 103 is created, optionally by the application of a radiofrequency generator 107. A plasma 106 is created between the first electrode 103 and the second electrode 104. The plasma 106 comprises (hydro)carbon ions to be deposited on the desired tile panel structure. Preferably the first electrode 103 is negatively charged and the second electrode 104 is positively charged, such that positively charged (hydro)carbon ions can be deposited on the desired tile panel structure. Upon deposition of (hydro)carbon ions, a DLC coating will be formed and / or adhered on the desired tile panel structure. Step D) can (also) be performed after step C) to provide at least a part of at least one coupling profile with a DLC coating and to prevent unnecessary wear of the milling tools used to create the coupling profile(s).As the DLC coating is relatively hard, milling of a DLC coated tile panel may lead to accelerated wear of the milling tools and / or further equipment used for this milling step.

[0168] Figure 6 shows another possible method for manufacturing a tile panel 1 according to the present invention. In step A) a core layer 2 is provided. In step B) a decorative top structure 12 is prepared by printing a decor onto a carrier layer 12a. The decor is printed onto the carrier layer 12a by means of a (digital) printer 50. Thereafter, the decorative top structure 12 is adhered onto the core layer 2. At least a part of the decorative top structure 12 is adhered onto the core layer 2 by means of a roller 51 and / or a printer and / or a spraying device. Although this step is shown for simplicity reasons as a single step in this figure, in practice this process may be involve a plurality of subsequent process steps, such as applying (i) a - typically white - primer layer, (ii) (digitally) printing a decorative layer on top of said primer layer, (iii) applying at least one, preferably embossed (textured), wear layer on top of said decorative layer, wherein optionally the decorative top structure 12 may define at least one or more recessed bevels and / or grout-lines. Instead of using a primer layer and a (digitally) printed decorative layer on top, one may also use a carrier film, such as a polymeric and / or paper film, bearing a preprinted decorative design, wherein said carrier layer can be glued onto and / or fused onto the core layer. In step C) a first tile panel edge 59 is provided with a first coupling profile 57, and a second tile panel edge 56, preferably opposite to the first tile panel edge 59, is provided with a second coupling profile 58 being designed to engage interlockingly with said first coupling profile 57 of an adjacent tile panel, in horizontal direction and / or in vertical direction. In step D) DLC 13 is provided on a desired tile panel structure such as the core layer 2 and / or the decorative top structure 12 and / or a coupling profile 57, 58 by means of transfer printing. A substrate 65 bearing a DLC film 13 is brought into contact with a desired tile panel structure, such as an upper side 2a of the core layer 2 and / or a decorative top structure 12 and / or a coupling profile 57, 58. The DLC bearing substrate 65 transfers the DLC film to the desired tile panel structure. It is imaginable that the DLC film 13 adheres to the desired tile panel structure upon exerting a pressing force on the DLC bearing substrate 65. The DLC film 13 can for example be adhered to an at least partially uncured core layer 2 and / or decorative top structure 12. Optionally, an adhesive / glue is applied on the surface on which the DLC film is desired to be applied. The DLC bearing substrate 65 can comprise a protecting film (not shown) to protect the DLC film from pollution and / or contamination.

[0169] The above-described inventive concepts are illustrated by several illustrative embodiments. It is conceivable that individual inventive concepts may be applied without, in so doing, also applying other details of the described example. It is not necessary to elaborate on examples of all conceivable combinations of the abovedescribed inventive concepts, as a person skilled in the art will understand numerous inventive concepts can be (re)combined in order to arrive at a specific application. It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the working examples shown and described herein, but that numerous variants are possible within the scope of the attached claims that will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[0170] The ordinal numbers used in this document, like “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, are used only for identification purposes. Hence, the use of the expression “third coupling profile” does therefore not necessarily require the co-presence of a “first coupling profile”.

[0171] The verb “comprise” and conjugations thereof used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only “comprise”, but are also understood to mean the phrases “contain”, “substantially consist of”, “formed by” and conjugations thereof.

Claims

Claims1 . Tile panel, in particular a floor tile panel, ceiling tile panel or wall tile panel, comprising:- at least one core layer comprising a mixture of at least one polymer material, in particular at least one polymer matrix, and at least one mineral filler, such as chalk and / or talc and- a decorative top structure, either directly or indirectly, affixed on an upper side of said core layer, wherein said decorative top structure comprises: o at least one, preferably printed, more preferably digitally printed, decorative layer, and o at least one protective layer, either directly or indirectly, at least partially covering said printed decorative layer, wherein said protective layer comprises diamond-like carbon (DLC).

2. Tile panel according to claim 1 , wherein at least one layer, in particular at least one other layer than said protective layer, of the tile panel comprises DLC.

3. Tile panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one layer, such as the protective layer, of the tile panel is substantially entirely composed of DLC.

4. Tile panel according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least one core layer comprises DLC.

5. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core layer is entirely composed of a mixture of at least one polymer material, in particular at least one polymer matrix, and at least one filler, preferably a mineral filler, such as chalk and / or talc.

6. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tile panel comprises a plurality of laminated core layers.

7. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core layer comprising said mixture of at least one polymer material, in particular at least onepolymer matrix, and at least one mineral filler, such as chalk and / or talc, is an extruded core layer.

8. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the protective layer partially covers at least one decorative layer.

9. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the protective layer is at least partially transparent and / or translucent.

10. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the protective layer is at least partially opaque.11 . Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the protective layer has a grey, silver, or black colour.

12. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the protective layer has a darker colour than the decorative layer.

13. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative top structure comprises at least one bevel and / or at least one grout-line, wherein said bevel and / or said at least one grout-line comprises DLC, and wherein at least a part of an upper surface of said at least one bevel and / or said at least one groutline is preferably formed or defined by at least one decorative layer.

14. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said protective coating covers at least a part of an upper surface of said bevel and / or said at least one grout-line is provided.

15. Tile panel according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said bevel and / or said at least one grout-line is located at at least one edge of the tile panel and / or mutually connects different edges of the tile panel.

16. Tile panel according to any of claims 13-15, wherein the decorative top structure comprises a base layer, such as a coloured film or primer layer, and at least one printed decorative layer applied on top of said base layer and partiallycovering said decorative layer, such that an exposed portion of said base layer defines at least partially the shape and / or colour of said at least one bevel and / or said at least one grout-line.

17. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said protective layer defines at least a part of a top surface of the tile panel.

18. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a bonding interface between the protective layer and an underlying tile panel layer is a textured bonding interface.

19. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative layer comprises a carrier layer, such as a polymer film and / or a paper layer, bearing a printed decor.

20. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative top structure comprises at least one wear layer, directly or indirectly, covering said at least one decorative layer, wherein said wear layer is covered, directly or indirectly, by said protective coating.21 . Tile panel according to claim 20, wherein said wear layer has an at least partially textured top surface.

22. Tile panel according to claim 21 , wherein said textured top surface is at least partially aligned in register with at least a part of at least one decor image of said printed decorative layer.

23. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one decorative top structure layer comprising DLC is at least partially enclosed in between two other layers of the tile panel, preferably in between two layers of the decorative top structure.

24. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tile panel comprises at least one layer comprising DLC, which layer is at least partiallyembedded into at least one other layer of the tile panel, preferably into at least one other layer of the decorative top structure.

25. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tile panel comprises at least one conductive layer at least partially composed of DLC.

26. Tile panel according to claim 25, wherein the conductive layer defines a part of opposing side edges of the tile panel, preferably wherein in abutting condition or interlocked condition of adjacent tile panels, the conductive layers of adjacent tile panels are interconnected allowing transfer of electrical and / or thermal energy between said tile panels.

27. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tile panel comprises a backing layer affixed, directly or indirectly, to a lower side of the core layer.

28. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or more side edges and / or a bottom surface of the tile panel is / are substantially free from DLC.

29. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tile panel comprises at least one pair of a first coupling profile at a first tile panel edge, and a second coupling profile at a second tile panel edge, wherein said first coupling profile of the tile panel is configured to engage i nterlocki ngly with said second coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel.

30. Tile panel according to claim 29, wherein at least one coupling profile is provided with a coating comprising DLC, wherein said coating is preferably formed by said protective coating covering the decorative layer at least partially.31 . Tile panel according to claim 30, wherein said coating covers at least a portion of an upper surface of at least one coupling profile.

32. Tile panel according to any of claims 30-31 , wherein said first coupling profile of the tile panel is configured to engage i nterlocki ngly with said second coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel, in horizontal direction and / or in vertical direction, wherein the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile are preferably configured such that two of such tile panels can be coupled to each other by means of a fold-down and / or angling down movement.

33. Tile panel according to any of claims 30-32, wherein the first coupling profile comprises:• an upward tongue,• at least one upward flank lying at a distance from the upward tongue,• an upward groove formed in between the upward tongue and the upward flank wherein the upward groove is adapted to receive at least a part of a downward tongue of a second coupling profile of an adjacent panel, and• optionally at least one first locking element, preferably provided at a distant side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward flank, and wherein the second coupling profile comprises:• a first downward tongue,• at least one first downward flank lying at a distance from the downward tongue,• a first downward groove formed in between the downward tongue and the downward flank, wherein the downward groove is adapted to receive at least a part of an upward tongue of a first coupling profile of an adjacent panel, and• optionally at least one second locking element adapted for co-action with a first locking element of an adjacent panel, said second locking element preferably being provided at the downward flank.

34. Tile panel according to claim 33, wherein at least a part of a side of the upward tongue facing the upward flank is upwardly inclined towards the upward flank, and wherein at least a part of a side of the downward tongue facing the downward flank is downwardly inclined towards the downward flank.

35. Tile panel according any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one pair of opposing third and fourth side edges is respectively provided with third andfourth coupling profiles, configured such that the third coupling of the third side edge of a tile panel can be coupled to the fourth coupling profile of the fourth side edge of another tile panel.

36. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a third tile panel edge comprises a third coupling profile, and a fourth tile panel edge, preferably opposite to the fourth tile panel edge, comprising a fourth coupling profile being designed to engage i nterlocki ngly with said third coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel, in horizontal direction and / or in vertical direction, wherein the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are preferably configured such that two of such tile panels can be coupled to each other by means of an angling down movement and / or a sliding movement.

37. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tile panel comprises at least one third coupling profile and at least one fourth coupling profile located respectively at a third tile panel edge and a fourth tile panel edge, wherein the third coupling profile comprises:• a sideward tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the core layer,• at least one second downward flank lying at a distance from the sideward tongue, and• a second downward groove formed between the sideward tongue and the second downward flank, wherein the fourth coupling profile comprises:• a third groove configured for accommodating at least a part of the sideward tongue of the third coupling profile of an adjacent panel, said third groove being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, wherein said lower lip is provided with an upward locking element, wherein the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are configured such that two of such tile panels can be coupled to each other by means of a turning movement, wherein, in coupled condition: at least a part of the sideward tongue of a first tile panel is inserted into the third groove of an adjacent, second tile panel, and wherein at least a part of the upward locking element of said second tile panel is inserted into the second downward groove of said first tile panel.

38. Tile panel according to any claims 35-37, wherein at least one coupling profile of the third coupling profile and fourth coupling profile is provided with a coating comprising DLC.

39. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel is amorphous.

40. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel is formed by tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C).41 . Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel comprises sp3bonded (a bonded) carbon atoms and sp2bonded (IT bonded) carbon atoms.

42. Tile panel according to claim 41 , wherein the sp3 / sp2ratio of sp3bonded (a bonded) carbon atoms and sp2bonded (IT bonded) carbon atoms is larger than 1 .

43. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel comprises at least one dopant.

44. Tile panel according to claim 43, wherein at least one dopant is a non- metallic dopant, preferably chosen from the group consisting of: silicon (Si), nitrogen (N), boron (B), oxygen (O), fluorine (F), hydrogen (H), sulphur (S), or a combination thereof.

45. Tile panel according to claim 43 or 44, wherein at least one dopant is a metallic dopant, preferably chosen from the group consisting of: iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), gold (Au), aluminium (Al), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), vanadium (V), or a combination thereof.

46. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel comprises dispersed nanoparticles.

47. Tile panel according to claim 46, wherein the nanoparticles comprise silver (Ag), titanium dioxide (TiO2), tungsten trioxide (WO3), and / or molybdenum trioxide (M0O3).

48. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tile panel, in particular the decorative top structure, comprises at least one layer at least partially composed of DLC, wherein the thickness of this layer is between 0.01 pm and 10 pm.

49. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel has a hardness in the range from 5 to 40 GPa.

50. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel has a friction coefficient smaller than 0.4, preferably a friction coefficient smaller than 0.1 .51 . Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a fraction of the DLC used in the tile panel has an optical band gap of at least 2.5 eV.

52. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative top structure comprises a textured upper surface.

53. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core layer comprises at least one embedded layer comprising DLC.

54. Tile panel according to claim 53, wherein a centreline divides the core layer into an upper section and a lower section, wherein said layer comprising DLC is situated in the upper section and / or lower section of the core layer.

55. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one tile panel layer, preferably the core layer, comprises at least one polymer material, in particular at least one polymer matrix, preferably at least one thermoplastic material, which is at least partially composed of a polymer that is selected from the group consisting of: polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), thermoplasticpolyurethane (TPU), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), , and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

56. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one tile panel layer, preferably the core layer, comprises at least one polymer material, in particular at least one polymer matrix, which is at least partially composed of at least one polyester, preferably a homopolyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyethylene furanoate (PEF), and / or a copolyester, such as polyethylene furanoate terephthalate (PEFT) or polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified PETG).

57. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one tile panel layer, preferably the core layer, comprises at least one additive chosen from the group consisting of: talc, chalk, wood, graphene, graphite, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, calcined clay, porcelain, iron oxide, at least one fatty acid salt, glass particles, glass fibres, carbon particles, silicon particular, a mineral filler, rice, a natural filler, a polymer, such as an elastomer and / or latex.

58. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one tile panel layer, preferably the core layer, comprises wood and / or a wood-based material, such as MDF or HDF.

59. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one tile panel layer, preferably the core layer, comprises graphene and / or a derivate of graphene.

60. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tile panel is free of glass.61 . Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the protective coating is 20 micron or less, preferably 10 micron or less.

62. Tile panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the printed decorative layer is an opaque layer.

63. Decorative covering consisting of a plurality of, preferably interlocked, tile panels according to any of the preceding claims.

64. Method for manufacturing a tile panel, preferably a tile panel according to any of the claims 1 -62, comprising the steps of:A) providing a core layer;B) creating and / or affixing, either directly or indirectly, a decorative top structure on an upper side of the core layer,C) optionally providing a first tile panel edge with a first coupling profile, and a second tile panel edge, preferably opposite to the first tile panel edge, with a second coupling profile being designed to engage interlock! ngly with said first coupling profile of an adjacent tile panel, in horizontal direction and / or in vertical direction, wherein the core layer provided during step A) and / or the decorative top structure step B) and / or the coupling profiles optionally provided during step C) comprises diamond-like carbon (DLC) and / or is / are subsequently provided with a DLC comprising layer, in particular a DLC comprising protective coating, in subsequent method step D).

65. Method according to claim 64, wherein during step D) DLC is provided by using a high-energy deposition process and / or by chemical vapour deposition (CVD), preferably plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD), and / or by physical vapour deposition (PVD) and / or by means of transfer printing.

66. Method according to claim 64 or 65, wherein during step B) an upper surface of the decorative top structure, on top of which the DLC comprising layer is to be deposited during step D), is textured, for example by subjecting said upper surface to a plasma treatment and / or embossing process and / or etching process.

67. Method according to any of claims 64-66, wherein step D) is performed under vacuum, preferably by using a vacuum chamber.

68. Method according to any of claims 64-67, wherein step D) is performed at room temperature and / or a temperature below 60 degrees Celsius.

69. Method according to any of claims 64-68, wherein during step C) the coupling profiles are realized by means of milling.

70. Method according to any of claims 64-69, wherein during step B) the formation of the decorative top structure comprises the sub-steps of: i. optionally applying a primer layer or base layer onto the core layer ii. applying a decorative layer onto said optionally applied primer layer or base layer and / or directly onto the core layer, wherein said decorative layer is preferably at least partially realized by means of printing, such as digital printing, and ill. optionally applying at least one transparent wear layer on top of said decorative layer.

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