THE DECORATIVE PANEL SUITABLE FOR ASSEMBLING A FLOOR, CEILING OR WALL COVERING BY INTERCONNECTING A PLURALITY OF SAID PANELS WITH EACH OTHER, AND DECORATIVE COVERING OF SAID INTERCONNECTED PANELS.

Abstract

The invention relates to a decorative panel suitable for assembling a floor, ceiling, or wall covering by interconnecting a plurality of such panels with each other, wherein the panel has a substantially flat upper surface and a substantially flat lower surface, at least four substantially linear side edges of which at least one pair of side edges are provided with interconnecting coupling means for interconnecting one panel with another, the panel having a sheet structure comprising a core layer having an upper side and a lower side and a decorative upper layer connected to the upper side of the core layer, wherein the core layer comprises a layer of a cementitious mineral material including a cement and a dispersant.The invention further relates to a decorative covering, in particular a decorative floor covering, a decorative ceiling covering or a decorative wall covering, comprising a plurality of interconnected decorative panels.

Description

THE DECORATIVE PANEL SUITABLE FOR ASSEMBLING A FLOOR, CEILING OR WALL COVERING BY INTERCONNECTING A PLURALITY OF SAID PANELS WITH EACH OTHER, AND DECORATIVE COVERING OF SAID INTERCONNECTED PANELS The present invention relates to a decorative panel suitable for assembling a floor, ceiling or wall covering by interconnecting a plurality of said panels together, as well as to a decorative covering constructed from said interconnected panels. In particular, the invention relates to a decorative panel having a substantially flat upper surface and a substantially flat lower surface, at least four substantially linear side edges of which at least one pair of side edges are provided with interconnecting coupling means for interconnecting one panel with another, the panel having a sheet structure comprising a core layer having an upper side and a lower side and a decorative upper layer connected to the upper side of the core layer, wherein the core layer comprises a layer of a cementitious mineral material. A key advantage of using cementitious mineral material as a core layer is its superior stability to the panel when subjected to temperature fluctuations during regular use, compared to a core layer made of thermoplastic material. An additional advantage over thermoplastic material is that the mineral material is fire-resistant. Furthermore, considering its practical applications, the mineral material can offer desirable properties in terms of thermal insulation, sound absorption, and compressive strength. One disadvantage of cementitious mineral material is that the manufacturing process is time-consuming and energy-intensive, as the material is made from a slurry containing cement mixed with water that is poured into a mold to form a uniform layer, which is subsequently allowed to set, or harden, at a high temperature, where hydrated cement complexes are formed and excess water is removed by heat. In this context, substantial costs are saved by minimizing the excess water used in the process. However, reducing the amount of water will compromise the flowability of the grout, which should be avoided given the requirement that the layer can spread uniformly throughout the mold. acfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi To alleviate the above problem, the invention proposes a decorative panel suitable for assembling a floor, ceiling, or wall covering by interconnecting a plurality of said panels with each other, wherein the panel has a substantially flat upper surface and a substantially flat lower surface, at least four substantially linear side edges of which at least one pair of side edges are provided with interconnecting coupling means for interconnecting one panel with another, the panel having a laminar structure comprising a core layer having an upper side and a lower side and a decorative upper layer connected to the upper side of the core layer, wherein the core layer comprises a layer of a cementitious mineral material including a cement and a dispersant. To allow for a reduced amount of water in the grout during the preparation of the cementitious mineral layer, a dispersant is added to the water and cement grout. This dispersant promotes the homogeneous dispersion of the solid matter in the suspension and achieves sufficient grout fluidity with lower water contents. In effect, the water used in the grout can be reduced by up to 40%, while still creating a sufficiently fluid grout. In the field, the dispersant is also known as a superplasticizer or simply 'plasticizer'. The dispersant or superplasticizer, as used in the present context of mineral slurries, is therefore a compound that must be distinguished from another well-known type of plasticizer that is used in (thermo)plastics to decrease the attraction between individual polymer chains and make the plastics more flexible and durable. Even so, when a dispersant is used in the current context of mineral slurries, the entire physical chemistry of the subsequent setting process of the cementitious mineral material is altered due to the reduced water content. For example, the setting time of the material may be lengthened, and the adhesion of the core layer to a decorative top layer may be prevented. In particular, it should be noted that when the material has a foam structure containing air bubbles, the size of the air bubbles may change, and therefore the overall compressive strength of the material could be compromised. Therefore, in the panel according to the invention, the dispersant preferably comprises polycarboxylate ethers (PCE), and preferably comprises lignosulfonate (LS) as a second dispersant. acfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi It was found that the use of this dispersant, especially when mixed with the second dispersant, does not compromise the strength of a core layer of the cementitious mineral material and thus provides a suitable layer for producing a decorative panel with the properties required for its intended use. Furthermore, even when the mineral material has a foam structure, the size of the air bubbles was found to be adequately controllable. When the two aforementioned dispersant compounds are applied, it is particularly effective when the lignosulfonate content is in the range of 1.0 to 30% by weight of the total weight of polycarboxylate ethers and lignosulfonate, and preferably in the range of 5.0 to 30% by weight of said total weight. More preferably, in the decorative panel according to the invention, the weight content of the dispersant relative to the weight of the cement is at most 1%, possibly at most 0.5%. This relatively low content has already proven to be sufficiently effective in reducing the water content when preparing cementitious mineral material from grout. In particular, it is preferred in the panel according to the invention that the cement be a calcium-based cement, a calcium silicate-based cement and / or a magnesium-based cement. Furthermore, in the panel according to the invention, it is particularly preferred that the cementitious mineral material include particulate material dispersed within it. In this material, the cement acts as a binder for the particulate material. Examples of attractive cementitious mineral materials in the panel according to the invention are materials composed of concrete, magnesia, aerated concrete and / or gypsum. It is preferred that in the panel according to the invention the core layer comprises at least 50% by weight, preferably between 50 and 90% by weight, of cementitious mineral material. According to a preferred feature of the panel of the invention, a reinforcing layer is included in the core layer. In a preferred embodiment of the panel according to the invention, a waterproof layer is situated between the core layer and the top layer, preferably in the form of a waterproof adhesive that bonds the top layer onto the core layer. With respect to the preferred cementitious mineral materials covered by the invention, the following sections present the invention in more detail for each preferred material, namely, aerated concrete, magnesia, and gypsum. QCfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi AERATED CONCRETE In the panel according to the invention, it is preferred that the cementitious mineral material comprises or consists of aerated concrete (cellular concrete) which is composed of a matrix of concrete material in which there are cell-shaped air pockets, where - either the cells of aerated concrete constitute 60 to 85% by volume of the total volume of aerated concrete, or - The density of aerated concrete is in the range of 400 to 800 kg / m3. Typically, aerated concrete is produced by autoclaving a concrete mix at high temperature and pressure. In an earlier stage, the concrete mix is ​​commonly produced by mixing a cement and water slurry with a dispersant, pouring the slurry into a mold, and allowing the mixture to set at an elevated temperature. The core layer containing aerated concrete gives the panel attractive properties, such as relatively low weight, adequate thermal insulation, and good sound absorption. Furthermore, it has sufficient strength for its intended use. To further reinforce these advantageous properties, it is preferred that the cells of the aerated concrete be mostly of the closed cell type, the majority being preferably at least 80%, with the maximum preference at least 90% of the cells. Furthermore, in order to reinforce these advantages, it is preferred that most of the cells in aerated concrete be small enough to absorb water by capillary action. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the panel where the core layer is based on aerated concrete, the cement is a calcium silicate hydrate mineral, such as tobermorite, i.e., Ca5SI6Oi6(OH)2-4H2O and / or Ca5SI6(O,OH)i8-5H2O. In another, even more preferred embodiment of the panel according to the invention, a particulate material is dispersed in the aerated concrete, wherein the particulate material comprises sand, pulverized fuel ash, fly ash, lime and / or aluminum oxide powder. In addition, or alternatively, the particulate material may comprise cellulose-based particles, preferably lignocellulose-based particles such as wood particles. In particular, it is preferred that at least some of the cellulose-based particles be fibers. The additional or alternative particulate material that can be included in the cementitious mineral material are the so-called cementitious materials, which include ground granulated blast furnace slag, silica fume, natural pozzolans, metakaolin, and calcined shale or clay. QCfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi Cellulose-based particles in the form of wood particles can be wood dust, wood shavings, wood wool, and / or wood chips. Instead of wood, another source of natural fibers, such as hemp, can be used. In a preferred embodiment, the core comprises at least one reinforcing layer, such as a textile layer, a cellulose layer (particularly a paper layer), a carbon fiber layer, and / or a fiberglass layer. The reinforcing layer may be woven or non-woven. In a more preferred embodiment, the core comprises at least two cementitious mineral layers, wherein at least one reinforcing layer is situated between the two cementitious layers. In this case, the core typically comprises three (or more) core layers. It is conceivable that at least one reinforcing layer is embedded within one or more cementitious mineral layers and / or may subdivide a cementitious mineral layer into two (virtual) cementitious mineral (sub)layers. It is conceivable that the cementitious mineral material partially or completely permeates the voids formed in the reinforcing layer. MAGNESIA In the panel according to the invention, it is preferred that the cementitious mineral material comprises or consists of magnesia comprising a magnesia cement based on at least one of the following compounds: magnesium oxide and / or magnesium hydroxide, both preferably in hydrated form; magnesium chloride; magnesium oxychloride; 5Mg(OH)2· MgCl2· 8H2O; Mg2(OH)ClCO3'3H2O; magnesite, in particular hydromagnesite (Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2-4H2O); dihydrogen monoammonium phosphate (NH4H2PO4); struvite (NH4MgPO4*6H2O) and / or dittmarite (NH4MgPO4*H2O) MgHPO4; monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4); magnesium potassium phosphate hexahydrate (MgKPO4*6H2O); at least one borate; magnesium sulfate, in particular epsomite mineral heptahydrate sulfate (MgSO4 7H2O); 5Mg(OH)2«MgSO4*3H2O (phase 513) and / or 3Mg(OH)2«MgSO4*8H2O (phase 318); 5Mg(OH)2«MgSO4*5H2O (phase 515) and / or Mg(OH)2*MgSO4'7H2O (phase 517). acfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi The aforementioned types of magnesia offer attractive properties to the panel, such as relatively low weight, adequate thermal insulation, and good sound absorption. Furthermore, it has sufficient strength for its intended use. Typically, magnesia is produced by mixing a slurry of magnesia cement and water with dispersant, pouring the slurry into a mold, and allowing the mixture to set at an elevated temperature. Preferably, in the panel according to the invention, the magnesia further comprises particulate material dispersed in the magnesia, said particulate material preferably comprising cellulose-based particles. In particular, it is preferred that the cellulose-based particles comprise lignocellulose, such as wood material, and more preferably at least a portion of the cellulose-based particles are fibers. In addition, magnesia may also comprise at least one filler selected from the group consisting of: steel, glass, polypropylene, wood, acrylic, alumina, curauá, coal, cellulose, coconut, kevlar, nylon, perlon, polyethylene, PVA, rock wool, sisal, and fique. It is preferred that in the panel according to the invention, the magnesia layer has at least a partially foamed structure containing pores. The foamed structure of the magnesia layer also contributes to the relatively low weight, adequate thermal insulation and good sound absorption of the panel. The foamed structure may comprise open pores (cells) and / or closed pores (cells), where preferably the majority of the pores are of the closed type. AND SO In the panel according to the invention, it is preferred that the cementitious mineral material comprises or consists of gypsum comprising hydrated plaster according to the structural formula CaSO4-2H2O. In the mineral structure of gypsum, a partially dehydrated form of gypsum, namely CaSO4-xH2O, where x varies from 0 to 0.6, acts as a cement. This dehydrated form of gypsum is also known as plaster of Paris. Typically, plaster is produced by mixing a homogeneous slurry of plaster, water and dispersant, pouring the slurry into a mold and allowing the mixture to set at an elevated temperature. acfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi Furthermore, it is preferred that in the panel according to the invention, the gypsum has a foamed structure containing pores. The foamed structure can be achieved by adding a foaming agent to the initial slurry, such as alkyl sulfate and / or alkyl ether sulfate. In this way, a foamed plaster can be obtained that has a relatively low density of 650 to 850 g / cm3. It is preferred that in the panel according to the invention, the total dispersant content in the gypsum be from 0.05% by weight to 0.5% by weight. This interval was found to be the most effective for obtaining the advantages described above. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS Some preferred general features of the panel according to the invention relate to: the top layer comprising at least one decorative layer and at least one transparent wear layer covering said decorative layer; the panel comprising a backing layer attached to a lower side of the core layer; the thickness of the panel, which is between 3 and 10 mm; the panel has a rectangular outline, comprising four side edges; The pair of side edges of the panel are opposite side edges. Preferably, in the panel according to the invention, the top layer comprises at least one decorative layer and at least one transparent wear layer coating said decorative layer. A suitable wear layer in this context has a melting point above 100 degrees Celsius and is preferably made of polyurethane. The decorative layer will be visible and used to give the panel an attractive appearance. To this end, the decorative layer can have a design pattern, such as a wood grain pattern, a mineral grain pattern resembling marble, granite, or any other natural stone grain, or a color pattern, a blend of colors, or a single color, to name just a few design possibilities. The decorative top layer is preferably a printed decorative top layer. This means that a printed decorative image is applied to the top layer by painting and / or printing (inkjet), particularly digital printing. The decorative image can be printed directly onto the top of the core. However, it is typically preferred that the printed decorative top layer comprise a base layer or film, particularly a thermoplastic base layer or thermoplastic film, onto which a decorative image is printed. Before or after the printing stage, the base layer is bonded, directly or indirectly, to the core, for example, by fusing or gluing. Preferably, the decorative top layer only covers at least a portion of the top side of the core layer; the side walls and the back surface of the core are preferably substantially free of said decorative top layer. In particular, it is preferred that the interconnection coupling means on the panel be implemented as follows: In the panel according to the invention, the interconnecting coupling means include, respectively, a first and a second coupling profile on a first and second respective side edges of the pair of side edges, wherein the first coupling profile comprises: • an upward-facing tab, • at least one upward-facing flank located at a distance from the upward-facing tab, • an upward-facing groove formed between the upward-facing tab and the upward-facing flank wherein the upward-facing groove is adapted to receive at least a portion of a downward-facing tab of a second mating profile of another identical panel, and • preferably at least a first locking element, preferably provided on a side distant from the upward-facing tab opposite the upward-facing flank, and wherein the second mating profile comprises: • a first downward-facing tab, • at least one first downward-facing flank located at a distance from the downward-facing tab, • a first downward-facing groove formed between the downward-facing tab and the downward-facing flank, wherein the downward-facing groove is adapted to receive at least a portion of an upward-facing tab of a first coupling profile of another identical panel, and • preferably at least one second locking element adapted to act in conjunction with a first locking element of another identical panel, said second locking element being preferably provided on the downward-facing flank. Preferably, the first locking element comprises a protrusion and / or a cavity, and the second locking element comprises a protrusion and / or a cavity. The protrusion is commonly adapted to be received, at least partially, in the cavity of an adjacent coupled panel in order to achieve a locked coupling, preferably a vertically locked coupling. It is also conceivable that the first locking element and the second locking element are not formed by a protrusion-cavity combination, but by another combination of profiled surfaces acting together and / or high-friction contact surfaces.In this last modality, the at least one locking element of the first locking element and the second locking element can be formed by a contact surface (flat or otherwise) composed of a plastic material, optionally separated, configured to generate friction with the other locking element of another panel in a hooked (coupled) condition. It is further within the scope of the invention that the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile are configured such that in the coupled condition there is a pretension, which forces the coupled panels at their respective edges towards each other, wherein this is preferably achieved by applying the overlapping contours of the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile, in particular the overlapping contours of the downward-facing tongue and the upward-facing groove and / or the overlapping contours of the upward-facing tongue and the downward-facing groove, and wherein the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile are configured such that the two of said panels can be coupled to each other by means of a folding movement and / or a vertical movement, so that, in the coupled condition,At least a portion of the downward-facing tab of the second part of the coupling is inserted into the upward-facing groove of the first part of the coupling, such that the downward-facing tab is held by the first part of the coupling and / or the upward-facing tab is held by the second part of the coupling. Preferably, the up-facing side of the tongue oriented towards the up-side is the inside of the up-facing tongue, and the up-facing side opposite the up-side is the outside of the up-facing tongue. The down-facing side of the tongue oriented towards the down-side is the inside of the down-facing tongue, and the down-facing side opposite the down-side is the outside of the down-facing tongue. At least a portion of the inside of the up-facing tongue slopes towards or away from the up-side. In this way, either a closed-groove or an open-groove mating can be achieved between the panels, depending on the slope direction of the insides of the up-facing and down-facing tongues. acfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi Furthermore, in the panel according to the invention, the panel comprises at least a third coupling profile and at least a fourth coupling profile located respectively on a third edge of the panel and a fourth edge of the panel, wherein the third coupling profile comprises: • a side tab extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the panel, • at least a second downward flank located at a distance from the side tab, and • a second downward groove formed between the side tab and the second downward flank, wherein the fourth mating profile comprises: • a third slot configured to accommodate at least a portion of the side tab of the third coupling profile of a second identical panel, said third slot being defined by an upper flange and a lower flange, wherein said lower flange is provided with an upward locking element, wherein the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are configured such that the third and fourth coupling profiles of the two identical panels can be coupled together by means of a twisting motion, involving at least a portion of the side tab of a first panel being inserted into the third slot of the other identical panel, and wherein at least a portion of the upward locking element of the other panel is inserted into the downward second slot of the first panel. Preferably, at least a portion of each coupling profile is integrally formed with the core. It is conceivable that the coupling profiles are formed entirely by profiling the edges of the core layer(s). The invention also relates to a decorative covering, in particular a decorative floor covering, a decorative ceiling covering, or a decorative wall covering, comprising a plurality of decorative panels joined together according to the invention. The covering may also be suitable for installation on vertical corners, such as inside corners of intersecting walls, furniture pieces, and outside corners, such as entrances. The preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the set of non-limiting clauses set forth below: Clauses acfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi 1. A decorative panel suitable for assembling a floor, ceiling, or wall covering by interconnecting a plurality of said panels together, wherein the panel has a substantially flat upper surface and a substantially flat lower surface, at least four substantially linear side edges of which at least one pair of side edges are provided with interconnecting coupling means for interconnecting one panel with another, the panel having a laminar structure comprising at least one core layer having an upper side and a lower side and a decorative top layer, in particular a printed decorative top layer, connected either directly or indirectly to the upper side of the core layer, wherein the core layer comprises a layer of a cementitious mineral material including a cement and a dispersant. 2. The decorative panel according to clause 1, wherein the dispersant comprises polycarboxylate ethers (PCE), and preferably comprises lignosulfonate (LS) as a second dispersant. 3. The decorative panel according to clause 2, wherein the lignosulfonate content is in the range of 1.0 to 30% by weight of the total weight of polycarboxylate ethers and lignosulfonate, and preferably in the range of 5.0 to 30% by weight of said total weight. 4. The decorative panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the weight content of the dispersant in relation to the weight of the cementitious mineral material is at most 1%, possibly at most 0.5%. 5. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, where the cement is a calcium-based cement, a calcium silicate-based cement and / or a magnesium-based cement. 6. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, where the cementitious mineral material includes particulate material that is dispersed in the cementitious mineral material. 7. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the cementitious mineral material is composed of concrete, magnesia, aerated concrete and / or gypsum. 8. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the core layer comprises at least 50% by weight, preferably between 50 and 90% by weight, of cementitious mineral material. 9. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, where a reinforcement layer is included in the core layer. QCfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi 10. The panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein a waterproof layer is situated between the core layer and the top layer, preferably in the form of a waterproof adhesive that bonds the top layer to the core layer. 11. The panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cementitious mineral material comprises or consists of aerated concrete composed of a matrix of concrete material in which cell-shaped air pockets are found, wherein - either the cells of aerated concrete constitute 60 to 85% by volume of the total volume of aerated concrete, or - The density of aerated concrete is in the range of 400 to 800 kg / mm3. 12. The panel in accordance with clause 11, wherein the cells are mostly of a closed cell type, the majority being preferably at least 80%, with the maximum preference being at least 90% of the cells. 13. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses 11 or 12, wherein most of the cells of the aerated concrete are of a sufficiently small size to absorb water by capillary action. 14. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses 11-13, wherein the cement is a hydrated calcium silicate mineral, such as tobermorite, i.e., Ca5S6O1(OH)2-4H2O and / or Ca5S6(O,OH)18-5H2O. 15. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses 11-13, wherein a particulate material is dispersed in the aerated concrete, wherein the particulate material comprises sand, pulverized fuel ash, fly ash, lime and / or aluminum oxide powder. 16. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses 1-10, wherein the cementitious mineral material comprises or consists of magnesia comprising a magnesia cement based on at least one of the following compounds: magnesium oxide and / or magnesium hydroxide, both preferably in hydrated form; magnesium chloride; magnesium oxychloride; 5Mg(OH)2MgC12-8H2O; Mg2(OH)ClCO3*3H2O; magnesite, in particular hydromagnesite (Mgs(CO3)4(OH)2-4H2O); dihydrogen monoammonium phosphate (NH4H2PO4); acfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi struvite (NH4MgPO4'6H2O) and / or dittmarite (NHUMgPCL'HzO) MgHPO4; monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4); magnesium and potassium phosphate hexahydrate (MgKPC^ófhO); at least one borate; magnesium sulfate, in particular mineral heptahydrate sulfate epsomite (MgSCL VHzO); 5Mg(OH)2«MgSO4'3H2O (ground 513) y / o 3Mg(OH)2'MgSO4«8H2O (ground 318); 5Mg(OH)2*MgSO4*5H2O (ground 515) y / o Mg(OH)2*MgSO4'7H2O (ground 517). 17. The panel in accordance with clause 16, wherein the magnesia further comprises particulate material dispersed in the magnesia, said particulate material preferably comprising cellulose-based particles. 18. The panel according to clause 16 or 17, wherein the cellulose-based particles comprise lignocellulose, such as wood material, and preferably at least some of the cellulose-based particles are fibers. 19. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses 16-18, wherein the magnesia layer has at least a partially foamed structure containing pores. 20. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses 1-10, wherein the cementitious mineral material comprises or consists of gypsum comprising hydrated plaster according to the structural formula CaSO4-2H2O. 21. The panel in accordance with clause 20, wherein the gypsum has a foamed structure containing pores. 22. The panel in accordance with clause 20, wherein the total dispersant content in the gypsum is from 0.05% by weight to 0.5% by weight. 23. The panel according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the interconnecting coupling means include respectively a first and a second coupling profile on a respective first and second side edge of the pair of side edges, wherein the first coupling profile comprises: • an upward-facing tongue, • at least one upward-facing flank located at a distance from the upward-facing tongue, • an upward-facing groove formed between the upward-facing tongue and the upward-facing flank, wherein the upward-facing groove is adapted to receive at least a portion of a downward-facing tongue of a second coupling profile of another identical panel, and QCfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi • at least a first locking element, preferably provided on a side far from the upward-facing tongue opposite the upward-facing flank, and wherein the second mating profile comprises: • a first downward-facing tab, • at least one first downward-facing flank located at a distance from the downward-facing tab, • a first downward-facing groove formed between the downward-facing tab and the downward-facing flank, wherein the downward-facing groove is adapted to receive at least a portion of an upward-facing tab of a first coupling profile of another identical panel, and • at least one second locking element adapted to act in conjunction with a first locking element of another identical panel, said second locking element being preferably provided on the downward-facing flank. 24. The panel in accordance with any of the preceding clauses, wherein the panel comprises at least a third coupling profile and at least a fourth coupling profile located respectively on a third edge of the panel and a fourth edge of the panel, wherein the third coupling profile comprises: • a side tab extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the panel, • at least a second downward flank located at a distance from the side tab, and • a second downward groove formed between the side tab and the second downward flank, wherein the fourth mating profile comprises: • a third slot configured to accommodate at least a portion of the side tab of the third coupling profile of a second identical panel, said third slot being defined by an upper flange and a lower flange, wherein said lower flange is provided with an upward locking element, wherein the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are configured such that the third and fourth coupling profiles of the two identical panels can be coupled together by means of a twisting motion, involving at least a portion of the side tab of a first panel being inserted into the third slot of the other identical panel, and wherein at least a portion of the upward locking element of the other panel is inserted into the downward second slot of the first panel. acfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi 25. The panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the core layer comprises at least one reinforcing layer, such as a textile layer, a cellulose layer, a carbon fiber layer and / or a fiberglass layer. 26. The panel according to clause 25, wherein the core layer comprises at least two layers of a cementitious mineral material including a cement and a dispersant, wherein at least one reinforcing layer is situated between the two layers of a cementitious mineral material 27. The panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein at least a part of each coupling profile is integrally formed with the core. 28. The panel, in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, the printed decorative top layer covers only at least a portion of the top side of the core layer, 29. The panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the upward-facing side of the tongue oriented toward the upward flank is the inside of the upward tongue and the upward-facing side of the tongue opposite the upward flank is the outside of the upward tongue, and wherein the downward-facing side of the tongue oriented toward the downward flank is the inside of the downward tongue and the downward-facing side of the tongue opposite the downward flank is the outside of the downward tongue, wherein at least a portion of the inside of the upward tongue slopes toward or away from the upward flank, and wherein at least a portion of the inside of the downward tongue slopes toward or away from the downward flank. 30. The panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the printed decorative layer comprises a base layer or film, on which a decorative image is printed. 31. The decorative covering, in particular a decorative floor covering, a decorative ceiling covering, or a decorative wall covering, comprising a plurality of interconnected decorative panels according to any of clauses 1-30. The invention shall be further explained with reference to the accompanying Figures, wherein: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a panel according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a cross-section of a panel according to the invention; Figures 3 and 4 show in cross section two modes of panel coupling profiles that are interconnected according to the invention; Figure 5 shows a longitudinal cross-section of a panel according to the invention; Figure 6 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional modality of panel coupling profiles that interconnect according to the invention. acfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi Figure 1 shows a decorative panel 1 whose top side 2 is provided with a decorative top layer 12. The panel has a rectangular shape with a length extending longitudinally along line BB and a width extending transversely along line AA. At lateral edges 9 or 10, a first coupling profile 7 or a second coupling profile 8 is provided. At lateral edges 3 or 4, a third coupling profile 5 or a fourth coupling profile 6 is provided. Figure 2 shows a cross-section of a panel 1 shown in Figure 1, along line AA. The panel 1 has a core layer 10 made from an aerated concrete layer containing small, closed-cell air bubbles 11. A decorative top layer 12 is adhered to the upper side of the aerated concrete layer 10, preferably by means of a thin, waterproof adhesive layer. A backing layer is adhered to the lower side of the aerated concrete layer 10. The side edges 3 or 4 are provided with a third coupling profile 5, or a fourth coupling profile 6. As a variant of panel 1, core layer 10 can alternatively be a foamed magnesia layer or a foamed gypsum layer. Figure 3 shows the third and fourth coupling profiles 5 and 6, as depicted in Figure 2, in detail when two panels 1 and 1' are connected to each other. The third coupling profile 5 of panel 1' comprises a side tab 51 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the top side of the panel, a second downward flank 53 located at a distance from the side tab 51, and a second downward groove 54 formed between the side tab 51 and the second downward flank 53. The fourth coupling profile 6 of panel 1 comprises a third groove 61 configured to accommodate at least a portion of the side tab 51 of the third coupling profile 5 of a second identical panel 1', said third groove 61 being defined by an upper flange 62 and a lower flange 63, wherein said lower flange is provided with an upward locking element 64. In the situation shown in Figure 3, the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile 6 are configured so that the respective panels 1 and 1' can be coupled together by means of a twisting motion as indicated by arrow T, which implies that the side tab of panel 1' is inserted into the third slot of the other identical panel 1, where the upward locking element 64 of panel 1 is inserted into the second downward slot 54 of panel 1'. acfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi Figure 4 shows, analogously to Figure 3, a different design of the coupling profiles 5 and 6, which have rounded features on the tongue 51 and the third groove 61. The pivoting movement for the coupling can also be called a hinge movement in this alternative to Figure 3. All other functional features and their numbers are the same as those already defined for Figure 3. Figure 5 shows a longitudinal cross-section of panel 1 shown in Figure 1, along line BB. Panel 1 has a core layer 10 made from a layer of aerated concrete, which contains small, closed-cell air bubbles. A decorative top layer 12 is bonded to the top side of the aerated concrete layer 10. At the lateral edges 9 or 10, a first coupling profile 7 or a second coupling profile 8 is provided. The first coupling profile 7 comprises an upward-facing tongue 71, an upward-facing flank 72 located at a distance from the upward-facing tongue 71, an upward-facing groove 73 formed between the upward-facing tongue 71 and the upward-facing flank 72 wherein the upward-facing groove 73 is adapted to receive at least a portion of a downward-facing tongue 81 of a second coupling profile 8 of another identical panel, and at least a first locking element 75, preferably provided on a side distant from the upward-facing tongue 71 opposite the upward-facing flank 72. The second coupling profile 8 comprises a first downward-facing tab 81, a first downward-facing flank 82 located at a distance from the downward-facing tab 81, a first downward-facing groove 83 formed between the downward-facing tab 81 and the downward-facing flank 82, wherein the downward-facing groove 83 is adapted to receive at least a portion of an upward-facing tab 71 of a first coupling profile 7 of another identical panel, and a second locking element 85 adapted to act in conjunction with a first locking element 75 of the other identical panel, which is provided on the downward-facing flank 82. Figure 6 shows how the first and second coupling profiles 7 and 8 of a panel can interact when the respective profiles 7 and 8 of panel 1 are connected, as shown on the far left. Panel 1' moves vertically downwards by this means, where profiles 7 and 8 couple together by receiving the upward-facing tab 71 in the downward-facing groove 83 and receiving the downward-facing tab 81 in the upward-facing groove 73.

Claims

1. A decorative floor panel suitable for assembling a floor covering by interconnecting a plurality of said panels with each other, wherein the panel has a substantially flat upper surface and a substantially flat lower surface, at least four substantially linear side edges of which at least one pair of side edges are provided with interconnecting coupling means for interconnecting one panel with another, the panel having a sheet structure comprising at least one core layer having an upper side and a lower side and a printed decorative upper layer connected, directly or indirectly, to the upper side of the core layer, wherein a first side edge of the panel comprises a first coupling profile, and a second side edge of the panel comprises a second coupling profile designed to interconnect with a first coupling profile of a second identical panel,both horizontally and vertically, wherein the first coupling profile comprises: • an upward-facing tongue, • at least one upward-facing flank located at a distance from the upward-facing tongue, • an upward-facing groove formed between the upward-facing tongue and the upward-facing flank, wherein the upward-facing groove is adapted to receive at least a portion of a downward-facing tongue of a second coupling profile of another identical panel, and • preferably at least one first locking element, preferably provided on a side distant from the upward-facing tongue opposite the upward-facing flank, and wherein the second coupling profile comprises: • a first downward-facing tongue, • at least one first downward-facing flank located at a distance from the downward-facing tongue, • a first downward-facing groove formed between the downward-facing tongue and the downward-facing flank, wherein the downward-facing groove is adapted to receive at leasta portion of an upward-facing tab of a first coupling profile of another identical panel, and • preferably, at least a second locking element adapted to act in conjunction with a first locking element of another identical panel, said second locking element being preferably provided on the downward flank, acfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi wherein a third side edge of the panel comprises a third coupling profile, and a fourth side edge of the panel comprises a fourth coupling profile designed to interconnect with a third coupling profile of another identical panel, both horizontally and vertically, wherein the third coupling profile comprises: • a side tab extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the panel, • at least a second downward-facing flank located at a distance from the side tab,and • a second downward-facing groove formed between the side tab and the second downward-facing flank, wherein the fourth coupling profile comprises: • a third groove configured to accommodate at least a portion of the side tab of the third coupling profile of a second identical panel, said third groove being defined by an upper flange and a lower flange, wherein said lower flange is provided with an upward-facing locking element, wherein the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are configured such that the third and fourth coupling profiles of the two identical panels can be coupled to each other by means of a twisting motion, involving at least a portion of the side tab of a first panel being inserted into the third groove of the other identical panel, and wherein at least a portion of the upward-facing locking element of the other panel is inserted into the second downward-facing groove of the first panel,wherein the core layer comprises at least one layer of a cementitious mineral material including a cement and a dispersant.

2. The decorative panel according to claim 1, wherein the dispersant comprises polycarboxylate ethers (PCE), and preferably comprises lignosulfonate (LS) as a second dispersant.

3. The decorative panel according to claim 2, wherein the lignosulfonate content is in the range of 1.0 to 30% by weight of the total weight of polycarboxylate ethers and lignosulfonate, and preferably in the range of 5.0 to 30% by weight of said total weight. acfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi 4. The decorative panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight content of the dispersant relative to the weight of the cementitious mineral material is at most 1%, possibly at most 0.5%.

5. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cement is a calcium-based cement, a calcium silicate-based cement and / or a magnesium-based cement.

6. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cementitious mineral material includes particulate material dispersed in the cementitious mineral material.

7. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cementitious mineral material is composed of concrete, magnesia, aerated concrete and / or gypsum.

8. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core layer comprises at least 50% by weight, preferably between 50 and 90% by weight, of cementitious mineral material.

9. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a reinforcing layer is included in the core layer.

10. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a waterproof layer is situated between the core layer and the top layer, preferably in the form of a waterproof adhesive that bonds the top layer to the core layer.

11. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cementitious mineral material comprises or consists of aerated concrete comprising a concrete material matrix in which cell-shaped air pockets are located, wherein - either the cells of the aerated concrete constitute 60 to 85% by volume of the total volume of the aerated concrete, or - the density of the aerated concrete is in the range of 400 to 800 kg / m³. acfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi 12. The panel according to claim 11, wherein the cells are mostly of a closed cell type, the majority being preferably at least 80%, with the highest preference being at least 90% of the cells.

13. The panel according to one of the preceding claims 11 or 12, wherein most of the cells of the aerated concrete are of a sufficiently small size to absorb water by capillary action.

14. The panel according to one of the preceding claims 11-13, wherein the cement is a hydrated calcium silicate mineral, such as tobermorite, i.e., CasSi6Oi6(OH)2-4H2O and / or Ca5Si6(O,OH)i8-5H2O.

15. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims 11-13, wherein a particulate material is dispersed in the aerated concrete, wherein the particulate material comprises sand, pulverized fuel ash, fly ash, lime and / or aluminum oxide powder.

16. The panel according to any one of claims 1-10 above, wherein the cementitious mineral material comprises or consists of magnesia comprising a magnesia cement based on at least one of the following compounds: magnesium oxide and / or magnesium hydroxide, both preferably in hydrated form; magnesium chloride; magnesium oxychloride; - 5Mg(OH)2MgC12-8H2O; - Mg2(OH)ClCO3*3H2O; magnesite, in particular hydromagnesite (Mgs(CO3)4(OH)2'4H2O); dihydrogen monoammonium phosphate (NH4H2PO4); struvite (NH4MgPO4*6H2O) and / or dittmarite (NH4MgPO4*H2O) - MgHPO4; monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4); magnesium potassium phosphate hexahydrate (MgKPO4*6H2O); at least one borate; acfrcnn / zznz / E / YiAi magnesium sulfate, in particular mineral epsomite heptahydrate sulfate (MgSO4-7H2O); - 5Mg(OH)2*MgSO4*3H2O (phase 513) and / or 3Mg(OH)2*MgSO4*8H2O (phase 318); - 5Mg(OH)2*MgSO4*5H2O (phase 515) and / or Mg(OH)2«MgSO4*7H2O (phase 517).

17. The panel according to claim 16, wherein the magnesia further comprises particulate material dispersed in the magnesia, said particulate material preferably comprising cellulose-based particles.

18. The panel according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the cellulose-based particles comprise lignocellulose, such as wood material, and preferably at least a portion of the cellulose-based particles are fibers.

19. The panel according to one of the preceding claims 16-18, wherein the magnesia layer has at least one partially foamed structure containing pores.

20. The panel according to one of the preceding claims 1-10, wherein the cementitious mineral material comprises or consists of gypsum comprising hydrated plaster according to the structural formula CaSO4-2H2O.

21. The panel according to claim 20, wherein the gypsum has a foamed structure containing pores.

22. The panel according to claim 20, wherein the total dispersant content in the gypsum is from 0.05% by weight to 0.5% by weight.

23. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core layer comprises at least one reinforcing layer, such as a textile layer, a cellulose layer, a carbon fiber layer and / or a glass fiber layer.

24. The panel according to claim 23, wherein the core layer comprises at least two layers of a cementitious mineral material including a cement and a dispersant, wherein at least one reinforcing layer is situated between the two layers of a cementitious mineral material.

25. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of each coupling profile is integrally formed with the core.

26. In the panel according to one of the preceding claims, the printed decorative top layer covers only at least a portion of the top side of the core layer.

27. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upward-facing side of the tab oriented towards the upward flank is the inside of the upward tab and the upward-facing side of the tab opposite the upward flank is the outside of the upward tab, and wherein the downward-facing side of the tab oriented towards the downward flank is the inside of the downward tab and the downward-facing side of the tab opposite the downward flank is the outside of the downward tab, wherein at least a portion of the inside of the upward tab slopes towards or away from the upward flank, and wherein at least a portion of the inside of the downward tab slopes towards or away from the downward flank.

28. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the printed decorative layer comprises a base layer or film, on which a decorative image is printed.

29. The decorative floor covering, comprising a plurality of interconnected decorative panels according to any of claims 1-28.