DECORATIVE PANEL, AND DECORATIVE FLOOR COVERING CONSISTING OF SAID PANELS.

Abstract

In the field of decorative floor coverings, decorative panels are known that have a core layer of MDF (medium-density fiberboard) or HDF (high-density fiberboard) on the top surface, onto which a decorative substrate is bonded to give the panels a desired appearance. The invention relates to a panel, in particular a decorative panel, a floor panel, a ceiling panel, or a wall panel. The invention further relates to a floor covering consisting of a plurality of mutually bonded panels.

Description

DECORATIVE PANEL, AND DECORATIVE FLOOR COVERING CONSISTING OF SAID PANELS The invention relates to a panel, in particular a decorative panel, a floor panel, a ceiling panel, or a wall panel. The invention further relates to a floor covering consisting of a plurality of mutually coupled panels. Phthalate esters are widely used as plasticizers for polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The alcohols from which plasticizing esters are manufactured are generally obtained by either oligomerization of olefins followed by hydroformylation or by hydroformylation of olefins to form aldehydes followed by aldehyde dimerization, usually via an aldol reaction. Therefore, the alkyl groups of the esters vary in size and structure depending on the process and raw materials used to produce the alcohols. The size and structure of the alkyl group help determine the volatility and gelation temperature of the plasticizer and are therefore chosen according to the application in which the plasticized PVC is to be used. There is a constant need to improve the properties of plasticizers to provide PVC compositions with enhanced properties.There is also a need for alternative plasticizers. In addition, there is a need to improve the properties of plasticizers. It is an objective of the invention to satisfy at least one of the needs addressed above. The aforementioned objective of the invention is achieved by providing a panel according to claim 1. The plasticizers belonging to group (A) have the advantage over conventional plasticizers used in flooring panels in that the claimed plasticizers are relatively safe to use and / or less toxic, making these plasticizers very suitable for incorporation into the decorative panel, particularly in the core (and / or another layer) of the decorative panel. It has been surprisingly found that high molecular weight (HMW) orthophthalates, which have an alkyl chain with seven (C7) or more carbon atoms, particularly from seven (C7) to ten (C10) carbon atoms, in the main chain, are significantly safer than low molecular weight orthophthalates, which have from three to six carbon atoms in the main chain.One of the causes of this positive technical effect is the considerably slower diffusion rate compared to classic plasticizers. It is quite conceivable that the core (and / or other layer) of the panel according to the invention comprises a plurality of different plasticizers selected from group (A). It is further conceivable that the core and / or other layer of the panel comprises at least one (primary) plasticizer selected from group (A) and at least one other (secondary) plasticizer, in particular at least one additional plasticizer selected from group (B) consisting of: DOTP, DINP, and DIDP. Preferably, the plasticized layer, in particular the core, comprises 100 parts of polyvinyl chloride and from 20 to 200 parts of total plasticizer. The plasticized layer, in particular the core, preferably comprises at least one compatibilizer to improve the compatibility between the at least one polymer and the at least one plasticizer. Preferably, the core is at least partially composed of at least one polymer. This polymer may be based on a renewable source (also referred to as 'bio-based plastic') and / or may be formed from a biodegradable polymer and / or a recycled polymer. Examples of suitable bio-based plastics—typically non-biodegradable—include bio-based polyethylene (bio-PE), bio-based polyethylene terephthalate (bio-PET), or polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT). Examples of suitable bio-based plastics—typically biodegradable—include polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and starch.Preferably, the polymer is a polyolefin and / or at least one thermoplastic, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), isotactic polypropylene, polybutylene, and / or a copolymer, preferably an ethylene-propylene copolymer. These polymeric materials are typically relatively easy to melt and easy to process, for example, by extrusion. It may be preferable for the core to comprise an alloy of a polymer matrix and elastic particles dispersed within that matrix, where the elastic particles are bonded to the polymer matrix by a covalent bond. Therefore, the core material is not a mechanically produced mixture, but rather a chemically produced alloy of at least two compounds, specifically a polymer matrix material and an elastic material, chemically bonded together. This chemical (atomic covalent) bonding typically occurs during the production process of the core composition. This results in the formation of a block copolymer, which is thermally stable, durable, and also provides the core with the desired flexibility (elasticity) and impact resistance.Furthermore, the resulting mixture strikes a balance between functional properties, typically determined primarily by the clastic particles, and processing properties, typically determined primarily by the matrix material. The matrix material is further referred to as the hard core phase, and the dispersed elastic particles are often referred to as the soft core phase. ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ Elastic particles have greater elasticity than the matrix material. Typically, elastic particles comprise at least one elastomer. An elastomer is a relatively flexible polymer. More specifically, an elastomer is typically a polymer with viscoelasticity (i.e., both viscosity and elasticity) and commonly has relatively weak intermolecular forces, a generally low Young's modulus, and high failure strain compared to other materials. The elastomer may be a cross-linked polymer. In a cross-linked polymer, separate polymer chains are joined together (cross-linked), typically resulting in a single macromolecule. These chemical cross-links can be normal cross-links, which are covalent and chemically bind the polymer chains together into a single molecule.However, chemical crosslinks can also be, and preferably are, reversible crosslinks, which use non-covalent, or secondary, interactions between polymer chains to bind them together. These interactions include hydrogen bonding and ionic bonding. The advantage of using non-covalent interactions to form crosslinks is that when the material is heated, the crosslinks break. This allows the material to be processed and, more importantly, recycled, and when the molten material cools again, the crosslinks reform. Examples of suitable polymers are polyisoprene, natural rubber, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene, and polyurethanes. Preferably, the elastic particles comprise ethylene-propylene rubber and / or ethylene-octene rubber and / or ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM). These materials have relatively good elastic and processing properties. Preferably, any isotactic polypropylene (i-PP) conventionally employed in the preparation of polypropylene impact blends having a melt flow rate (MFR) of approximately 0.001 to approximately 500 g / 10 min. (230 °C, 2160 g charge per ASTM D 1238) may be used in the panel core compositions according to this invention to form the polymer matrix. Preferably, the isotactic polypropylene shall have an MFR of approximately 0.01 to approximately 200 g / 10 min., more preferably approximately 20 to approximately 200 g / 10 min., and still more preferably approximately 80 to approximately 200 g / 10 min. As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term "approximately" means that the values ​​stated need not be exact and may be 10% greater or less than the value shown.Typically, solid isotactic polypropylenes are preferably used in the impact polypropylene composition of the present invention, i.e., polypropylenes with more than 90% ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ insoluble in hot heptane. The specific density of the polypropylene is not critical. The preferred isotactic polypropylenes are typically crystalline and have densities ranging from approximately 0.90 to approximately 0.94 g / cc. Furthermore, the core composite material, also referred to as the alloy, may include several polypropylenes with different melt flow rates to provide an impact polypropylene blend with the desired mechanical properties.As used in this description, the term isotactic polypropylene is understood to include homopolypropylene, as well as propylene and ethylene copolymers containing up to 8 percent by weight of polymerized ethylene or other alpha-olefins. Ethylene-propylene rubbers (EPR) can be used to make up at least a portion of the elastic particles. An EPR is suitable for blending and covalently bonding to, for example, a polypropylene composition, which constitutes the polymer matrix material. The term elastomer and its derivatives shall be used interchangeably with the term rubber and its derivatives. Examples of ethylene-propylene rubbers (EPR) that are particularly useful in the present invention include saturated ethylene-propylene binary copolymer rubbers (EPM) and non-conjugated ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubbers (EPDM), which have the characteristics mentioned above and contain from approximately 1 to approximately 5 percent by weight of a diene such as 5-ethylidene-2-norborene, 5-methylene-2-norborene, 1,4-hexadiene, dicyclopentadiene (DCPD), and the like. As used in this patent description and in the appended claims, the term ethylene-propylene rubber (abbreviated as EPR) is intended to encompass all the aforementioned types of rubber, specifically EPR, EPM, or EPDM, as well as mixtures thereof. Although any of the EPRs described above can be advantageously employed in the present invention, EPRs with lower Tg (glass transition temperature) values ​​are preferred. This is because lower Tg EPRs perform better in simple binary blends of i-PP and EPR. For example, the Izod and Gardner impact properties of ICPs consisting of 80 wt% i-PP and 20 wt% EPR are significantly improved by reducing the Tg of the EPR. As the Tg of such binary blends of i-PP and EPR decreases from approximately -37 to approximately -50 °C, the Gardner impact measured at -29 °C increases. At the same time, the stiffness, as measured by the heat distortion temperature (HDT) and the flexural modulus, ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ, remains essentially unchanged. Therefore, the most preferred EPRs of the present invention will have the lowest Tg that can be achieved for a given EPR. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of a polymer can be conveniently measured by methods well known in the art, for example, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) or dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMT). As used herein, Tg shall be understood to refer to the Tg value obtained using the DMTA method based on the tan δ peak, which is well known in the art. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of an EPR can be easily controlled by varying its ethylene content. The lowest Tg for commercially produced EPRs, approximately -50°C, occurs within a range of approximately 35 to approximately 70 percent ethylene by weight. Above this range, Tg increases due to the development of polyethylene crystallinity. Similarly, Tg also increases due to the development of polypropylene crystallinity as the ethylene content falls below this range. Those skilled in the art will understand that the relationship between Tg and ethylene content is easily measured and is a continuous, smoothly curved function. Therefore, the point above or below which Tg changes abruptly as the ethylene content changes is not well defined. Furthermore, the catalyst used to produce the EPR will determine the ethylene content required to achieve the lowest Tg value.For example, when using single-site vanadium- or metallocene-based catalysts, the EPR with the lowest Tg will have an ethylene content of approximately 45–55 wt%, with a Tg of approximately -50 °C. On the other hand, with traditional titanium-based Ziegler-Natta catalysts, which are generally multi-site, the EPR with the lowest Tg will have an ethylene content of approximately 65–68 wt% and a Tg of approximately -47 °C. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the EPR of the present invention shall have a polymerized ethylene content of approximately 35 to approximately 70 percent by weight, the term approximately being used to indicate that variation above 70 percent or below 35 percent is acceptable, provided that the Tg of the EPR is within 5 degrees of the minimum value obtainable with the catalyst employed.High-density polyethylenes, traditionally known as HDPE, are defined herein to include those polyethylenes where the density is equal to or greater than 0.940 g / cc. The high-density polyethylenes that can be used as the matrix material of the high-density polyethylene (hereinafter HDPE) in the present invention include, preferably, those having a density of 0.940 g / cc or greater, preferably 0.945 g / cc or greater, more preferably 0.950 g / cc or greater, and most preferably 0.955 g / cc or greater. Such HDPEs generally include ethylene homopolymers and ethylene copolymers with alpha-olefins (preferably having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably from 3 to 8 carbon atoms). The preferred alpha-olefins are propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-4methylpentene, and 1-octene.The processes for manufacturing such polymers are well known in the art and include, for example, gas-phase, suspension, and solution polymerization processes. The melt value of HDPE, determined under conditions E according to ASTM D 1238, is generally 0.10 to 300 g / 10 min, preferably 0.1 to 100 g / 10 min, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 g / 10 min. The molecular weight distribution (MWD) of HDPE is not critical, although if the melt value of the HDPE is particularly low, it may be more desirable to use HDPEs with broader MWDs that are more pseudoplastic and less viscous under extrusion conditions to facilitate melt blending. One such HDPE that has been found suitable is Exxon HDZ-126, which has a melt value, as defined above, of approximately 0.35 g / 10 min. and a density of 0.957 g / cc. As mentioned above, an ethylene-propylene copolymer (hereafter referred to as either the ethylene-propylene copolymer or EPC) can be used as the matrix material in the panel according to the present invention. This EPC preferably comprises from approximately 10 to approximately 30 percent by weight of polymerized ethylene and from approximately 90 to approximately 70 percent by weight of polymerized propylene. Preferably, the ethylene-propylene copolymer shall have a polymerized ethylene content of approximately 14% to approximately 27% by weight, and more preferably from approximately 14% to approximately 20% by weight.The weighted average molecular weight (Mw) of the ethylene-propylene copolymer is preferably in the range of approximately 50,000 to approximately 500,000, with a higher preference of approximately 75,000 to approximately 300,000, and with a maximum preference of approximately 100,000 to approximately 200,000. The ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPC) of the invention can be prepared using conventional methanol or Ziglcr-Natta type catalysts. In either case, the polymerization can be carried out in gas-phase, solution, or suspension polymerization processes. For example, a satisfactory process for preparing the ethylene-propylene copolymer comprises contacting ethylene and propylene monomers, under conditions of ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ polymerization and in a ratio such as to give the desired polymerized composition, with a metallocene catalyst that produces isotactic polypropylene having a tacticity greater than approximately 80 percent. An example of a metallocene catalyst is activated hafnium dimethyl dimethylsilanyl bis(indenyl). Alternatively, the EPC of the invention can be prepared by using a conventional Ziegler-Natta catalyst that can produce similar isotactic polypropylenes.The core preferably comprises at least one mineralizer selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calcium chloride (CaCh), aluminum sulfate (Ah(SO4)3), and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). The panel according to the invention, particularly the core, may comprise cellulose-based particles, particularly lignocellulose-based particles, in particular fibers. Preferably, the cellulose-based particles comprise wood, straw, and / or hemp. Previous research shows that wood and hemp are chemically heterogeneous and their components can be divided into two groups: structural components of high molecular weight natural polymeric substances (cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin), which are the main components of the cell wall, and low molecular weight non-structural components (extractive and inorganic components).Both wood and wood fibers comprise many chemical components, but sugar has been found to be the primary inhibitor of core hydration. Various chemical treatments are preferentially applied to natural fibers, such as wood or hemp fibers, before blending them with the (initially fluid) polymer. The compressive strength and other mechanical properties of treated wood fiber composites are higher than those of untreated fibers. Chemicals such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calcium chloride (CaCh), and aluminum sulfate (Ah(SO4)3), sometimes also referred to as mineralizing agents (mineralizers), typically improve the compatibility of core and plant-based aggregates. Complex mineralizers such as Ah(SO4)3 + Ca(OH)2 may also be applied.When Ah(SO4)3 is used as a mineralizer, it prevents the release of sugar from organic aggregates and reduces hygroscopicity and water absorption. Ah(SO4)3 in its hydrate form is characteristic of an acidic reaction in water, while calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] is characteristic of an alkaline reaction in water. Mineralization is achieved by enhancing the efficiency of Ah(SO4)3, at least partially neutralizing the acidic environment created by Ah(SO4)3, and improving the functionality of the mixture. Furthermore, the mineralization of the wood aggregate leads to improved adhesion between the wood particles and the polymer, resulting in a more stable and coherent polymer. As mentioned previously, at least some of the cellulose-based particles are formed from fibers. It is also conceivable that at least some of the cellulose-based particles are formed from wood dust, shavings, wood wool, and / or wood chips. Instead of wood, other natural fibers, such as hemp, can also be used. The hemp-enriched polymer also exhibits relatively good thermal insulation properties, excellent water-resistance, high acoustic capabilities, and good fire resistance. Here, hemp chips are typically used as the coarse aggregate (basic component). As with wood, the hemp chips are preferentially mineralized by AlSCUh, neutralized with Ca(OH)2, and mixed with the polymer (initially fluid / liquid). Preferably, the core and / or backing layer comprises at least one filler selected from group (C) consisting of: a mineral, preferably calcium carbonate; a pigment; a modifier; fibers, such as glass fibers, wood, straw, and / or hemp. The fibers may be loose fibers and / or interconnected fibers, resulting in a woven or non-woven layer. The core preferably comprises at least one additional filler selected from the group consisting of: steel, glass, polypropylene, wood, acrylic, alumina, curaua, carbon, cellulose, coconut, Kevlar, nylon, perlon, polyethylene, PVA, rock wool, sisal, and fique. This may further increase the panel's strength and / or water resistance and / or fire-resistant properties. Preferably, the core comprises sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). The addition of CMC to the core (during production) was found to facilitate and even promote the self-degradation of the polymer-based core, particularly in an alkaline aqueous environment at elevated temperatures (200 °C or higher). This will therefore improve the panel's biodegradability. At this elevated temperature, the CMC emitted two main volatile compounds, CO2 and acetic acid, creating a porous structure within the core. The CMC further reacted with sodium silicate (NaOH), if applied, to form three water-insensitive solid reaction products: disodium glycolate salt, sodium glucoside salt, and sodium bicarbonate. Other water-sensitive solid reaction products, such as sodium polysilicate and sodium carbonate, were derived from sodium silicate hydrolysates. Preferably, the core comprises silica fume. Silica fume, also known as microsilica, is an amorphous (non-crystalline) polymorph of silicon dioxide, silica. It is an ultrafine powder collected as a byproduct of silicon and ferrosilicon alloy production and typically consists of spherical particles with an average particle diameter of 150 nm. By incorporating silica fume into the core, particularly the polymer, water resistance as well as flame-retardant properties can be significantly improved. However, silica fume can affect the compressive strength of the core; therefore, the amount of silica fume is preferably limited to 10% or less by weight. The core may comprise iron oxide (Fe₂O₃), preferably in an amount of less than 6% by weight. The iron oxide imparts color to the core. Furthermore, at very high temperatures, the iron oxide reacts chemically with calcium and aluminum, which may also be present in the core, to form tricalcium aluminoferrite, which material improves the hardness and strength of the core. Preferably, the amount of alumina (Al₂O₃) in the core is between 3 and 8% by weight. Preferably, the amount of calcium sulfate required for the aforementioned reaction will typically be up to (and including) 0.5% by weight. The core primarily comprises fatty acids. The fatty acids can penetrate through channels (pores) of raw minerals (if applied) prior to milling, and will facilitate the milling process (efficiency) for producing mineral-based core powder. The core may comprise at least one alkali metal sulfate, such as magnesium sulfate. This will commonly accelerate the core production process. Preferably, the core comprises perlite, preferably expanded (foamed) perlite. Perlite is an amorphous volcanic glass with a relatively high water content, typically formed by the hydration of obsidian. Perlite has the unusual property of expanding greatly when sufficiently heated, which could significantly reduce the core density, and therefore the density of the panel as a whole. It is preferred that the core also comprises foamed perlite of varying particle sizes. Closed-cell foamed perlite can lead to a porosity (of perlite) of 30–40%. Such perlite can be pre-treated with silicone solutions, sodium silicates, potassium silicates, and lithium silicates. The core may further comprise one or more additive materials, advantageously including surfactants (SAS) such as methylcellulose, Badimol plasticizers, and other active cationic SAS to improve the rheological properties of the mixture. The core may also comprise bentonite, a finely ground natural product, adapted to enhance the rheological and waterproofing characteristics of the panel. ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ The core may further comprise at least one flame retardant additive. This flame retardant additive is preferably formed from an organohalogen compound. Such compounds are capable of eliminating reactive H and OH radicals during a fire. The organohalogen compound preferably comprises bromine and / or chlorine. From a fire retardancy standpoint, an organobromine compound such as PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ether) is recommended over an organochlorine compound such as PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl). Other examples of applicable brominated compounds are: Tetrabromobisphenol A, decabromodiphenyl ether (Deca), octabromodiphenyl ether, tetrabromodiphenyl ether, hexabromodiphenyl ether, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), tribromophenol, bis(tribromophenoxy) ethane, tetrabromobisphenol A polycarbonate oligomer (TBBA or TBBPA), tetrabromobisphenol A epoxy oligomer (TBBA or TBBPA), and tetrabromophthalic acid anhydride.Other examples of applicable chlorinated compounds include: chlorinated paraffin, bis(hexachlorocyclopentadiene) cyclooctane, dodecachloride pentacyclodecane (dechlorane), and 1,2,3,4,7,8,9,10,13,13,14,14-dodecachloro-1,4,4a,5,6,6a,7,10,10a,11,12,12a-dodecahydro-1,4,7,10dimethanodibenzo[a,e]cyclooctene (dechlorane Plus). Although halogenated flame retardants are particularly effective, they generally have the drawback of potentially producing toxic smoke in the event of a fire. Therefore, the application of one or more alternative, less toxic fire retardant additives, including intumescent substances (foaming agents), may also be considered. The operating principle of these alternative additives is based on the formation of a foam layer that acts as an oxygen barrier and therefore also has a fire-retardant effect. Such intumescent additives generally comprise melamine or a salt derived from it.An example of this is a mixture of polyphosphates (acid donor) in conjunction with melamine (foaming agent) and a carbon donor such as dipentaerythritol, starch, or pentaerythritol. Gaseous products such as carbon dioxide and ammonia are formed in the event of a fire. The resulting foam layer is stabilized by crosslinking, similar to vulcanization. Other examples of applicable, relatively environmentally friendly melamine-based additives include melamine cyanurate, melamine polyphosphate, and melamine phosphate. To save weight, and therefore costs, it can be advantageous for the core to be at least partially foamed. The foamed structure may comprise open pores (cells) and / or closed pores (cells). The at least one reinforcing layer is preferably a non-woven or woven layer, in particular a fabric, for example, made of fiberglass and / or textile. It can have a thickness of 0.2 ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ - 0.4 mm. It is further conceivable that each tile comprises a plurality of the base layer (commonly thinner) stacked one on top of the other, wherein at least one reinforcing layer is situated between two adjacent base layers. Preferably, the density of the reinforcing layer is between 1000 and 2000 kg / m³, preferably between 1400 and 1900 kg / m³, and more preferably between 1400 and 1700 kg / m³. At least one reinforcing layer may comprise natural fibers, such as jute. At least one reinforcing layer comprises synthetic fibers, in particular polymeric fibers, such as nylon fibers. Preferably, the core comprises at least 50% by weight, preferably between 50 and 90% by weight, of polymer. Preferably, the core comprises between 1 and 15% by weight of cellulose-based fibers. Preferably, the core comprises between 0 and 3% by weight of pearlite. Preferably, the core comprises between 1 and 8% by weight of reinforcing layer. In a preferred embodiment, at least one core has a density greater than 1 kg / m³. This relatively high density will typically result in strong and rigid panels. However, it is also conceivable that at least one core has a density less than 1 kg / m³, leading to weight savings and therefore reduced transport and handling costs. The lower density can be achieved, for example, by applying one or more foamed ingredients, such as expanded perlite, expanded polystyrene, etc. It is conceivable that the core is provided with a waterproof coating that substantially covers at least one core. This can further improve the waterproofing properties of the panel as such. To this end, the waterproof coating can be a two-component, liquid-applied waterproofing formulation for application as a liquid to at least one core (the outer surface of at least one). Typically, this coating comprises: separate components I and II that are transportable in separate containers and are combinable to form a mixture in which vulcanization is initiated, solidifying the components into a membrane, wherein component I comprises an aqueous latex of a natural or synthetic rubber and component II comprises an oil carrier in which a vulcanizing agent is dispersed to cure the rubber in component I, and a hygroscopic agent is dispersed to chemically bind the water in component I.Component I preferably comprises an operational latex stabilizer to increase the shelf life of the latex by controlling the initial pH of the latex components. It is further found that additions of potassium hydroxide (KOH) dissolved in minimal amounts to Component I can lengthen the setting time, but excessive amounts can destabilize and cause premature gelation of the latex. Therefore, a preferred addition rate is up to 1.5 parts per 100 parts of rubber. It is believed that other high-pH additives, such as ammonia or sodium hydroxide (NaOH), can be used. Accordingly, an illustrative Component I of the invention may comprise from 0 to 2.5 phr (per 100 parts of rubber). Component II contains, among other things, an oil carrier fluid for the vulcanizing agent and the hygroscopic agent.In preferred embodiments, the oil carrier fluid is a mixture of hydrocarbon oils, such as a blend of both aromatic and paraffinic compositions. Aromatic oils, which preferentially swell rubber particles, are generally more viscous. Flow can be controlled by adding lower-viscosity paraffinic oils, which also serve to adjust the setting time of the composition. In other illustrative embodiments, synthetic liquid plasticizers such as phthalates, adipates, or other commonly used rubber plasticizers may be used. The carrier fluid may also contain a proportion of bitumen, either oxidized or penetrating grade. The level of aromatic oil is not likely to be less than 50% of the oil carrier fluid, and the bitumen no more than 30%. However, the presence of bitumen is not critical to the invention. The use of a hard synthetic or natural resin is also optional.The oil carrier fluid shall comprise 20-60% by total weight of the formulation (when components I and II are combined). Component II typically contains a vulcanizing agent or package. Preferably, the vulcanizing package comprises elemental sulfur as the sulfur donor for the system, zinc oxide as a vulcanization activator, and a mixture of zinc isopropyl xanthate (ZTX) and zinc dibutyl dithiocarbamate dibutylamine complex (ZDBCX) as accelerators. These may be used in the preferred ranges, respectively, 0.5 to 15.0 phr (parts of sulfur to one hundred parts of rubber), 0.5 to 20.0 phr (ZnO), 0.1 to 5.0 phr (ZTX), and 0.1 to 5.0 phr (ZDBCX). It is believed that other known vulcanizing agents and / or packages should be suitable for use in the invention. Component B may further comprise a hygroscopic or desiccant agent for chemically binding the water from component I.The preferred hygroscopic agent is calcium oxide. Other hygroscopic agents may include other metal oxides that react with water to form hydroxides, for example, magnesium, barium, etc. Hydraulic cores, such as Portland cement core, high-alumina core, calcium sulfate core (plaster of Paris), magnesium oxide core, or magnesium oxychloride, may also be used. The hygroscopic agent may further comprise anhydrous salts that absorb significant proportions (25% or more) of their own weight of water, such as borax. The weight of the hygroscopic agent is chosen to effectively dehydrate the latex, preferably with a slight excess to ensure that the water binds. However, partial desiccation of the latex, i.e., using less than the stoichiometric amounts of the hygroscopic agent, may be acceptable.The hygroscopic agent, depending on the one chosen, may comprise 10–50% of the total formulation system. Component B may further comprise one or more rheology modifiers. Preferably, a combination of montmorillonite clay (activated with a chemical activator) and stearate-coated calcium carbonate is used to achieve the desired balance of rheology properties, although other options, such as organically treated bentonite clays, fumed silica, polymer fibers, ground rubber, powdered fly ash, hollow glass microspheres, and hydrogenated castor oils, could be employed. The amount of rheology modifiers, depending on the material chosen, could comprise 0.5–25.0% by weight of total solids in the formulation system (components I and II combined). It is also conceivable that a waterproof layer is placed between the core and the upper structure. This can further improve the panel's waterproofing properties. The waterproof layer may have the same composition as the waterproof coating described above, but it may also consist of a polymer layer, such as a PVC layer. It is not unlikely that the core comprises multiple reinforcing layers. For example, at least one first reinforcing layer may be located in an upper portion of the core, and at least one second reinforcing layer may be located in a lower portion of the core. It is conceivable that the core comprises a laminate of cores, which are stacked either directly and / or indirectly on top of each other. The cores may have an identical composition, although they may also have mutually different compositions, allowing the properties of each core to be modified and adapted to its own primary function (for example, sound dampening, providing strength, providing flexibility, etc.). The top structure is preferably bonded to the core using a waterproof adhesive. This protects the core(s) from water applied to the top structure, making the panel more waterproof. Furthermore, this prevents the top structure from easily separating from the core. The top (decorative) structure preferably comprises at least one decorative layer and at least one transparent wear layer covering the decorative layer. A lacquer or other protective coating may be applied over the wear layer. A finishing layer may be applied between the decorative and wear layers. The decorative layer will be visible and used to give the panel an attractive appearance. To this end, the decorative layer may have a design pattern, which could be, for example, a wood grain pattern, a mineral vein pattern resembling marble, granite, or any other natural stone veining, or a color pattern, a blend of colors, or a single color, to name just a few design possibilities. Custom appearances are also conceivable, often achieved by digital printing during the panel production process.The decorative top structure can also be formed by a single layer. In an alternative embodiment, the decorative top structure is omitted, and therefore not applied, to the panel according to the invention. In this latter embodiment, the decorative panel, in particular a floor panel, ceiling panel, or wall panel, comprises: a core provided with a top side and a bottom side, a first panel edge comprising a first coupling profile, and a second panel edge comprising a second coupling profile designed to interlock with said first coupling profile of an adjacent panel, both horizontally and vertically, wherein said core comprises: at least one core comprising: at least one polymer, cellulose-based particles dispersed in said polymer; and at least one reinforcing layer embedded in said core. Preferably, the panel comprises a backing layer fixed, directly or indirectly, to a rear side of the core. Preferably, the at least one backing layer is made at least partially of a flexible material, preferably an elastomer. The thickness of the backing layer typically ranges from approximately 0.1 to 2.5 mm. Non-limiting examples of materials from which the backing layer may be made include polyethylene, cork, polyurethane, and ethylene vinyl acetate. The thickness of a polyethylene backing layer, for example, is typically 2 mm or less. The backing layer commonly provides additional robustness, dimensional stability, and / or impact resistance to the panel as such, thereby increasing the panel's durability. In addition, the (flexible) backing layer may enhance the acoustic (sound-damping) properties of the panel. The backing layer preferably comprises at least one polymer and at least one plasticizer selected from group (A). The backing layer may further comprise a plurality of different plasticizers selected from group (A). It is conceivable that at least one polymer and / or at least one plasticizer used in the backing layer is a recycled and / or bio-based material. Preferably, at least one polymer of the backing layer is formed from a polymer selected from the group consisting of: PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PUR (polyurethane), PVB (polyvinyl butyral), polyolefin, in particular PE or PP. The backing layer may comprise an additional plasticizer selected from group (B) consisting of: DOTP, DINP, DIDP. Preferably, the backing layer comprises 100 parts of polyvinyl chloride and from 20 to 200 parts of total plasticizer.Preferably, at least one reinforcing layer extends on only one mating profile of the first and second mating profiles. This can be achieved by designing the first and second mating profiles to form a vertically extending tongue-and-groove (folding) connection, typically by using an upper and a lower profile, a preferred example of which will be given below. The advantage of applying the reinforcing layer to only one mating profile, typically the lower profile mentioned above, and therefore not to the complementary mating profile, typically the upper profile mentioned above, is that the flexibility of one profile (the upper profile) is greater than the flexibility of the other (the lower profile).This typically means that the upper profile is easier to deform than the lower profile, and this is particularly advantageous in case deformation is needed to create a coupling between the coupling profiles. Preferably, the first coupling profile comprises: • an upward-facing tab, • at least one rising flank located at a distance from the upward-facing tab, • an upward-facing groove formed between the upward-facing tab and the rising flank wherein the upward-facing groove is adapted to receive at least a portion of a downward-facing tab from a second mating profile of an adjacent panel, and • at least one first locking element, preferably provided on a distant side of the upward-facing tab oriented away from the rising flank, and preferably the second (complementary) mating profile comprises: • a first downward-facing tab, • at least a first downward flank located at a distance from the downward-facing tab, • a first downward-facing groove formed between the downward-facing tab and the downward flank, wherein the downward-facing groove is adapted to receive at least a portion of an upward-facing tab of a first mating profile of an adjacent panel, and • at least a second locking element adapted to cooperate with a first locking element of an adjacent panel, said second locking element being preferably provided on the downward flank. ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ Preferably, the first locking element comprises a protrusion and / or a recess, and the second locking element comprises a protrusion and / or a recess. The protrusion is commonly adapted to be received at least partially in the recess of an adjacent mating panel in order to achieve a locked coupling, preferably a vertically locked coupling. It is further conceivable that the first locking element and the second locking element are not formed by a protrusion-recess combination, but by another combination of cooperating profiled surfaces and / or high-friction contact surfaces.In this latter embodiment, at least one locking element of the first locking element and the second locking element may be formed by a contact surface (flat or otherwise shaped) composed of a plastic material, optionally separate, configured to generate friction with the other locking element of another panel in a mated (engaged) condition. Examples of plastics suitable for generating friction include: Acetal (POM), which is rigid and strong with good creep resistance. It has a low coefficient of friction, remains stable at high temperatures, and offers good resistance to hot water; Nylon (PA), which absorbs more moisture than most polymers, actually improves impact resistance and overall energy absorption qualities as it absorbs moisture. Nylons also have a low coefficient of friction, good electrical properties, and good chemical resistance. Polyphthalamide (PPA). This high-performance nylon has improved temperature resistance and lower moisture absorption. It also has good chemical resistance; Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), which is a high-temperature thermoplastic with good chemical and flame resistance combined with high strength. PEEK is a favorite in the aerospace industry; Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), which offers a balance of properties including chemical and high temperature resistance, flame retardancy, flowability, dimensional stability, and good electrical properties; Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), which is dimensionally stable and has high thermal and chemical resistance with good electrical properties; Thermoplastic polyimide (TPI) that is intrinsically flame retardant with good physical, chemical, and wear resistance properties. ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ Polycarbonate (PC), which has good impact resistance, high heat resistance, and good dimensional stability. PC also has good electrical properties and is stable in water and mineral or organic acids; and Polyetherimide (PEI) maintains strength and rigidity at elevated temperatures. It also has good long-term heat resistance, dimensional stability, inherent flame retardancy, and resistance to hydrocarbons, alcohols, and halogenated solvents. It is conceivable that the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile are configured such that, in the coupled condition, there is a pretension that forces the coupled panels at their respective edges towards each other, wherein this is preferably achieved by applying overlapping contours of the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile, in particular overlapping contours of the tongue facing down and the groove facing up and / or overlapping contours of the tongue facing up and the groove facing down, and wherein the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile are configured such that the two of these panels can be coupled to each other by means of a folding motion and / or a vertical motion, such that, in the coupled condition,At least a portion of the downward-facing tab of the second coupling part is inserted into the upward-facing groove of the first coupling part, such that the downward-facing tab is held by the first coupling part and / or the upward-facing tab is held by the second coupling part. In a preferred embodiment, the panel comprises at least a third coupling profile and at least a fourth coupling profile located respectively on a third panel edge and a fourth panel edge, wherein the third coupling profile comprises: • a side tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the core, • at least a second downward flank located a distance from the side tongue, and • a second downward groove formed between the side tongue 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 an adjacent panel, said third slot being defined by an upper lip ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ 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 so that two such panels can be coupled together by means of a twisting motion, wherein, in the coupled condition: at least a portion of the side tab of a first panel is inserted into the third slot of a second, adjacent panel, and wherein at least a portion of the upward locking element of said second panel is inserted into the downward second slot of said first panel. The panel, typically the core, and in particular at least one core, preferably comprises recycled material. Recycled material typically refers to reusing leftover material resulting from previous production processes (panels). The core is preferably at least 3 mm thick, preferably at least 4 mm, and even more preferably at least 5 mm. The panel thickness is typically between 3 and 10 mm, preferably between 4 and 8 mm. The invention further relates to a decorative covering, in particular a decorative floor covering, decorative ceiling covering, or decorative wall covering, comprising a plurality of decorative panels joined together according to the invention. The covering can also be installed on vertical corners, such as inside corners of intersecting walls, furniture pieces, and outside corners, such as entrances. The ordinal numbers used in this document, such as “first,” “second,” and “third,” are used for identification purposes only. Therefore, the use of the expressions “third locking element” and “second locking element” does not necessarily require the co-presence of a “first locking element.” The decorative panels according to the invention may also be referred to as decorative tiles. Complementary coupling profiles are understood to be those that can cooperate with each other. However, for this purpose, the complementary coupling profiles do not necessarily have to have complementary shapes. Vertical locking is understood to be locking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panel. Horizontal locking is understood to be locking in a direction perpendicular to the respective mating edges of two panels and parallel to or intersecting with the plane defined by the panels. ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ Several modalities of the invention are set forth in the non-limiting clauses presented below. 1. Decorative panel, in particular a floor panel, ceiling panel or wall panel, comprising: a core provided with an upper side and a lower side, a decorative upper structure fixed to said upper side of the core, a first panel edge comprising a first coupling profile, and a second panel edge comprising a second coupling profile designed to interlock with said first coupling profile of an adjacent panel, both horizontally and vertically, wherein said panel, in particular said core and / or at least one other panel layer, comprises at least one plasticizer selected from group (A) consisting of: • An orthophthalate with an alkyl chain backbone having at least 7 carbon atoms, in particular DPHP (bis(2-propylheptyl phthalate)), DIUP (disoundecyl phthalate), or DTDP (disotridecyl phthalate); diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP); • A terephthalate, preferably (DOTP (dioctyl terephthalate); • A cyclohexanoate, preferably DC9CH (cyclohexanoate diester); • A citrate, preferably ATBC (includes tributylacetyl citrate), tripentyl acetyl citrate (ATPC), trihexylacetyl citrate (ATHC), triheptyl acetyl citrate (ATHC), trioctyl acetyl citrate (ATOC), trinonylacetyl citrate (ATNC); • An adipate, preferably DOA (dioctyl adipate) or bis(2-ethylhexyl adipate), • A phosphate ester, preferably TPP (triphenyl phosphate); • An azelate, preferably DiDA (diisodecyl adipate) or dioctyl azelate or di-2-ethylhexyl azelate; • A trimellitate, preferably TOTM (tris (2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate), tributyl trimellitate (TBTM), triisobutyl trimellithate (TiBTM), triethylhexyl trimellitate (TEHTM), triisononyl trimellitate (TINTM); • A dibenzoate, preferably ODEDB (oxydiethylene dibenzoate) or OXPDB (oxydipropyl benzoate); • 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid; and • PVB (polyvinyl butyral). ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ 2. Panel in accordance with clause 1, wherein the core comprises a plurality of different plasticizers selected from group (A). 3. Panel in accordance with clause 1 or 2, wherein at least one polymer and / or at least one plasticizer used in the core is a recycled material. 4. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein at least one polymer and / or at least one plasticizer used in the core is bio-based material. 5. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein at least one core polymer is formed from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). 6. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein at least one core polymer is formed by PUR (polyurethane). 7. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein at least one core polymer is formed by PVB (polyvinyl butyral). 8. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein at least one core polymer is formed from a polyolefin, in particular PE or PP. 9. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein at least one core polymer is formed from polystyrene, preferably expanded polystyrene. 10. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the core comprises an additional plasticizer selected from group (B) consisting of: DOTP, DINP, DIDP. 11. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the core comprises 100 parts of polyvinyl chloride and 20 to 200 parts of total plasticizer. 12. Panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the core comprises at least one compatibilizer to improve the compatibility between the at least one polymer and the at least one plasticizer. 13. Panel according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the panel comprises a backing layer applied, directly or indirectly, to a rear surface of the core, wherein said backing layer comprises at least one polymer and at least one plasticizer selected from group (A). 14. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the backing layer comprises a plurality of different plasticizers selected from group (A). 15. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein at least one polymer and / or at least one plasticizer used in the backing layer is a recycled material. ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ 16. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein at least one polymer and / or at least one plasticizer used in the backing layer is a bio-based material. ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ 17. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein at least one polymer of the backing layer is formed by PVC (polyvinyl chloride). 18. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein at least one polymer of the backing layer is formed by PUR (polyurethane). 19. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein at least one polymer of the backing layer is formed by PVB (polyvinyl butyral). 20. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein at least one polymer of the backing layer is formed by a polyolefin, in particular PE or PP. 21. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the backing layer comprises an additional plasticizer selected from group (B) consisting of: DOTP, DINP, DIDP. 22. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the backing layer comprises 100 parts of polyvinyl chloride and 20 to 200 parts of total plasticizer. 23. Panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the core comprises at least one compatibilizer to improve the compatibility between the at least one polymer and the at least one plasticizer. 24. Panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the core and / or backing layer comprises at least one filler selected from group (C) consisting of: a mineral, preferably calcium carbonate; a pigment, a modifier, fibers. 25. Panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the core and / or backing layer comprises cellulose-based particles, preferably comprising lignocellulose, such as wood or hemp. 26. Panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the core comprises at least one additional filling selected from group (D) consisting of: steel, glass, polypropylene, wood, acrylic, alumina, curaua, carbon, cellulose, coconut, kevlar, nylon, perlon, polyethylene, PVA, rock wool, sisal, and fique. 27. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein at least one core polymer is foamed. 28. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the core comprises perlite, preferably expanded perlite. 29. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the core comprises at least one fire-retardant additive. 30. Panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the panel comprises at least one reinforcing layer, preferably a non-woven layer or a woven layer, in particular a fabric. 31. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises fiberglass. 32. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises natural fibers, such as jute. 33. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises synthetic fibers, in particular polymeric fibers. 34. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein at least one reinforcing layer is embedded in the core. 35. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the core comprises between 1 and 15% by weight of cellulose-based fibers. 36. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the core comprises between 0 and 3% by weight of perlite. 37. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the core comprises between 1 and 8% by weight of reinforcement layer. 38. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein at least one core has a density greater than 1 kg / m3. 39. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein at least one core has a density less than 1 kg / m3. 40. Panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the core is provided with a waterproof coating that substantially covers at least one core. 41. Panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein an upper surface of the core is covered by a barrier layer that is substantially impermeable to at least one plasticizer used in the core. 42. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein a waterproof layer is located between the core and the upper structure. 43. Panel according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the panel comprises a plurality of reinforcement layers, wherein, preferably, at least a first reinforcement layer ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ is located in an upper portion of the core, and wherein at least a second reinforcement layer is located in a lower portion of the core. 44. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the core comprises a laminate of cores, which are stacked either directly and / or indirectly with each other. 45. Panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the core comprises a laminate of cores, wherein the composition of at least two cores is mutually different. 46. ​​Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the upper structure is attached to the core by means of a waterproof adhesive. 47. Panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the upper structure comprises at least one decorative layer and at least one transparent wear layer covering said decorative layer. 48. Panel in accordance with clause 47, wherein the wear layer has a melting temperature above 100 degrees Celsius, wherein the wear layer is preferably made of polyurethane. 49. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein at least one reinforcement layer extends over a single coupling profile of the first and second coupling profile. 50. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, wherein the thickness of the panel is between 2 and 10 mm, preferably between 3 and 10 mm. 51. Panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first coupling profile comprises: • an upward-facing tab, • at least one rising flank located at a distance from the upward-facing tab, • an upward-facing groove formed between the upward-facing tab and the rising 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 an adjacent panel, and • at least one first locking element, preferably provided on a distant side of the upward-facing tab oriented away from the rising flank, and wherein the second mating profile comprises: • a first downward tongue, • at least a first downward flank located at a distance from the downward tongue, ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ • a first downward groove formed between the downward tongue and the downward flank, wherein the downward groove is adapted to receive at least a portion of an upward tongue of a first mating profile of an adjacent panel, and • at least a second locking element adapted to cooperate with a first locking element of an adjacent panel, said second locking element being preferably provided on the downward flank. 52. 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 panel edge and a fourth panel edge, wherein the third coupling profile comprises: • a side tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the core, • at least a second downward flank located a distance from the side tongue, and • a second downward groove formed between the side tongue 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 an adjacent panel, said third slot 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 so that two such panels can be coupled together by means of a twisting motion, wherein, in the coupled condition: at least a portion of the side tab of a first panel is inserted into the third slot of a second, adjacent panel, and wherein at least a portion of the upward locking element of said second panel is inserted into the downward second slot of said first panel. 53. Panel in accordance with one of the above clauses, where the panel is flexible or scmiflcxiblc. 54. Panel according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the core comprises a mixture of three types of terephthalate-based material; and epoxidized oil, ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ wherein the weight ratio of the terephthalate-based material and the epoxidized oil is preferably from 99:1 to 1:99. 55. Panel in accordance with one of the preceding clauses, wherein the core comprises oil, preferably epoxidized oil, more preferably at least one epoxidized oil selected from group (E) consisting of: epoxidized soybean oil, epoxidized castor oil, epoxidized linseed oil, epoxidized palm oil, epoxidized stearic acid, epoxidized oleic acid, epoxidized resin oil, epoxidized linoleic acid or mixtures thereof. 56. Decorative cladding, in particular a decorative floor covering, decorative ceiling covering, or decorative wall covering, comprising a plurality of decorative panels mutually coupled in accordance with any of clauses 1-55. The invention will be clarified on the basis of non-limiting illustrative embodiments shown in the following figures, where: • The Figure shows a schematic representation of a multipurpose panel for use in a multipurpose panel system according to the invention; • Figure Ib shows a schematic representation of a multipurpose panel system comprising a plurality of multipurpose panels as shown in Figure 1a; • Figure 2a shows a schematic representation of two different types of multipurpose panels for use in another modality of a multipurpose panel system according to the invention; • Figure 2b shows a schematic representation of a multipurpose panel system comprising a plurality of multipurpose panels as shown in Figure 2a; • Figure 3a shows a schematic representation of a multipurpose panel for use in another modality of a multipurpose panel system according to the invention; • Figure 3b shows a schematic representation of a multipurpose panel system comprising a plurality of multipurpose panels as shown in Figure 3a; • Figure 4a shows a cross-section along line AA of a multipurpose panel as shown in Figures 1a, 2a or 3a; • Figure 4b shows a cross-section along line BB of a multipurpose panel as shown in Figures 1a, 2a or 3a; • Figures 5a-5c show a cross-section of two multipurpose panels as shown in Figures 1a, 2a or 3a in a first, second and third coupled condition respectively; ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ • Figures 6a-6c show a cross-section of two multipurpose panels with alternative coupling profiles in a first, second and third coupled condition respectively; and • Figures 7a-7c show a cross-section of two multipurpose panels with additional alternative coupling profiles in a first, second and third coupled condition respectively. The figure shows a schematic representation of a multi-purpose decorative panel (100) for use in a multi-purpose panel system (110) according to the invention. The figure shows a panel (100) comprising a first pair of opposing edges consisting of a first edge (101) and a third opposing edge (103), and a second pair of opposing edges consisting of a second edge (102) and a third opposing edge (103). The first, second, and third edges (101, 102, 103) are provided with first, second, and third coupling profiles (104, 105, 106), respectively. The first coupling profile (104) and the third coupling profile (106) are configured so that two such panels (100) can be coupled together at the first and third edges (101, 103) by means of a twisting motion.Furthermore, the second coupling profile (105) and the third coupling profile (106) are configured so that the two such panels (100) can be coupled together at their second and third edges (102, 103) by means of a folding and / or vertical movement. The proportional relationship between the width and length of the panel (100) can be chosen at will. The figure shows only one of the many possibilities where the panel has a top side (107) with a rectangular outline (108). However, it is also possible for the width and length of the panel (100) to be the same, so that the panel (100) has a top side (107) with a square outline. Figure 1b shows a schematic representation of a multipurpose panel system (110) comprising a plurality of multipurpose panels (100) as shown in Figure 1a. Although each of the panels (100) are equivalent, having a first pair of opposite edges consisting of a first edge (101) and a third opposite edge (103) and a second pair of opposite edges consisting of a second edge (102) and a third opposite edge (103), the panels (100) can, due to the compatibility of the coupling profile of the third edge (103) with the coupling profile of both the first and second edges (101, 102), be joined in different ways, resulting in differential panel patterns (111, 112) within a multipurpose panel system (110).In the represented multipurpose panel system (110) where the individual panels (110) have a top side (107) with a rectangular outline (108), the panels (100) each have a long side (113) and a short side (114). Different panel patterns (111, 112) are created by the present ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ by coupling a first panel pattern (111) of interconnected panels (100), having its long side (113) connected to the long side (113) of an adjacent panel (100), to a second panel pattern (112) of interconnected panels (100), having its long side (113) connected to the long side (113) of an adjacent panel (100) and its short side (114) connected to the short side (114) of another adjacent panel (100).The first and second panel patterns (111, 112) are hereby rotated relative to each other such that the long sides (113) of the panels (100) of the first panel pattern (111) are at a 90-degree angle to the long sides (113) of the panels (100) of the second panel pattern (112). This coupling between the different panel patterns (111, 112) is made possible by connecting the short sides (114) of the panels (100) of the first panel pattern (111) to the long sides (113) of the panels (100) of the second panel pattern (112). The installation of the panel system (110) can be carried out by tilting down the first edge (101) of a panel (100) to be installed with respect to a third edge (103) of an already installed panel (100), which will commonly block each other such panels (100) in both the vertical and horizontal directions.During this tilting or rotating movement of the panel (100) to be installed relative to the panel already installed (100), the second edge (102) of the panel (100) to be installed will connect (simultaneously) to the third edge (103) of another panel already installed (100). This is typically achieved by reducing or folding the panel (100) to be installed relative to the other panel already installed (100), during which the second edge (102) of the panel (100) to be installed and the third edge (103) of the other panel already installed (100) will be cut (compressed) against each other. This results in the panel (100) to be installed being locked relative to the other panel already installed (100) in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Figure 2a shows a schematic representation of two different types of multipurpose panels (201, 202) for use in another embodiment of a multipurpose panel system (200) according to the invention. Just like the multipurpose panel (100) shown in Figure 1a, each of these panels (201, 202) comprises a first pair of opposite edges consisting of a first edge (101) and a third opposite edge (103) and a second pair of opposite edges consisting of a second edge (102) and a third opposite edge (103).Again, the first, second, and third edges (101, 102, 103) are provided respectively with the first, second, and third coupling profiles (104, 105, 106), wherein the first coupling profile (104) and the third coupling profile (106) are configured so that two panels (201, 202) can be coupled together at the first and third edges (101, 103) by means of a twisting motion, and the second coupling profile (105) and the third coupling profile (106) are configured so that the two panels (201, 202) can be coupled together at the second and third edges (102, 103) by means of a folding motion ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ and / or a vertical motion.This time, however, there are two different types of panels (201, 202), where the coupling profiles (105, 106) of a pair of opposite edges (102, 103) in the first type of panel (201) are arranged as an inverted mirror image with respect to the coupling profiles (105, 106) of the corresponding pair of opposite edges (102, 103) in the second type of panel (202). Note that the represented edge pairs of the different panel types (201, 202) that are inverted mirror images are formed by a second and third edge (102, 103). However, it is equally possible for the inverted mirror edge pairs to be formed by the first and third edges (101, 103). Furthermore, the multipurpose panels (201, 202) for use in this multipurpose panel system (200) have a top side (107) with a parallelogram-shaped outline (208). Two contiguous edges (101, 102, 103) of these panels (201, 202) therefore enclose either an acute angle (203) or an obtuse angle (204).In this specific form, the first and second edges (101, 102) with respect to the third edge (103) enclose an obtuse angle (204) of the same size, while the first and third edges (101, 103) with respect to the second and third edges (102, 103) enclose an acute angle (203) of the same size. The difference in the panel configuration and the parallelogram-shaped outline (208) of its upper side (107) allows these panels (201, 202) to form a chevron pattern (205) in a joined state. Figure 2b shows a schematic representation of a multipurpose panel system (200) comprising a plurality of multipurpose panels (201, 202) as shown in Figure 2a. As discussed above, the multipurpose panels (201, 202) that are part of this multipurpose panel system (200) come in two different (mirrored) types / configurations.Although the difference in panel configuration and the parallelogram shape of its upper surface (107) allows these panels (201, 202) to form a chevron pattern (205) in a joined state, having a first pair of opposite edges consisting of a first edge (101) and an opposite third edge (103) and a second pair of opposite edges consisting of a second edge (102) and an opposite third edge (103), wherein the coupling profile (106) of the third edge (103) is compatible with the coupling profile (104, 105) of both the first and second edges (101, 102), it allows the panels (201, 202) to be joined in different ways as well, resulting in differential panel patterns (206, 207) within an interconnected multipurpose panel system (200).As in the multipurpose panel system (110) shown in Figure 1b, the different panel patterns (206, 207) are created by coupling a first panel pattern (206) of interconnected panels (201, 202) to a second panel pattern (207) of interconnected panels (201, 202). Within these separate panel patterns (206, 207), each panel (201, 202) has each of its pairs of opposite edges (101, 103; 102, 103) connected to the edges (101, 102, 103) of adjacent panels (201, 202) that are part of a corresponding pair of opposite edges (101, 103; 102, 103) of such adjacent panels (201, 202).However, the coupling of the first and second panel patterns (206, 207) is achieved by connecting a panel (201, 202) of the first panel pattern (206) with an edge (101, 103) that is part of a pair of opposite edges (101, 103) to a panel (201, 202) of the second panel pattern (207) with an edge (102, 103) that is part of the other, non-corresponding pair of opposite edges (102, 103). The result is an interconnected, multi-purpose panel system (200), comprising two different panel patterns (206, 207) rotated 90 degrees relative to each other. The installation of the panel system (200) shown in Figure 2b is typically analogous to the installation of the panel system (110) shown in Figure 1b. Figure 3a shows a schematic representation of a multipurpose panel (301) for use in another embodiment of a multipurpose panel system (300) according to the invention. In addition to the multipurpose panels (100, 201, 202) shown in Figures 1a and 2a, each of these panels (301) comprises three pairs of opposing edges and has a top side (107) with a regular hexagonal outline (302). The first pair of opposing edges consists of a first edge (101) and a third opposing edge (103). The second and third pairs of opposing edges each consist of a second edge (102) and a third opposing edge (103). The first, second, and third edges (101, 102, 103) are hereby positioned such that the third edges (103) are directly adjacent to each other and the second edges (102) are on both edges adjacent to the first edge (101). The second edges (102), as a consequence, are not adjacent to each other.The similarity between these multipurpose panels (301) and the multipurpose panels (100, 201, 202) shown in Figures 1a and 2a is, however, that the first, second, and third edges (101, 102, 103) are provided respectively with the first, second, and third coupling profiles (104, 105, 106), wherein the first coupling profile (104) and the third coupling profile (106) are configured so that two panels (301) can be coupled together at the first and third edges (101, 103) by means of a twisting motion, and the second coupling profile (105) and the third coupling profile (106) are configured so that the two panels (301) can be coupled together at the second and third edges (102, 103) by means of a folding motion and / or a vertical motion. Figure 3b shows a schematic representation of a multipurpose panel system (300) comprising a plurality of multipurpose panels (301) as shown in Figure 3a. In the panel formation depicted, the panels (301) are all oriented identically. Installation of the panel system (300) can be carried out similarly to the panel systems (110, 200) of Figures 1b and 2b. By tilting the first edge (101) of a panel (301) to be installed downwards with respect to a third edge (103) of an already installed panel (301), the panels (301) will typically lock into each other in both the vertical and horizontal directions.During this tilting or rotating movement of the panel (301) to be installed with respect to the panel already installed (301), one or more second edges (102) of the panel (300) to be installed will be connected (simultaneously) to a third edge (103) of one or more other adjacent panels (301), already installed, which is typically done by reducing or folding the panel (301) to be installed with respect to the other panel(s) (301) already installed, during which said second edge(s) (102) of the panel (301) to be installed and the third edge(s) (103) of the other panel(s) already installed (301) will be cut (compressed) against each other. This results in the panel (301) to be installed being locked with respect to the other panel(s) already installed (301) in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Figure 4a shows a cross-section along line AA of a multipurpose panel (100, 201, 202, 301) as shown in Figures 1a, 2a or 3a. In the figure, the first edge (101) and an opposite third edge (103) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301) are visible, which have a first coupling profile (104) and a third coupling profile (106) respectively. The first coupling profile (104) comprises a side tongue (400) extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side (107) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301), at least a first downward flank (401) located at a distance from the side tongue (400), and a first downward recess (402) formed between the side tongue (400) and the first downward flank (401).The proximal side (403) of the side tab (400) of the first coupling profile (104), which faces the first downward recess (402), slopes downwards in a direction away from the first downward flank (401). However, it is equally possible for the proximal side (403) of the side tab (400) to slope downwards in a direction towards the first downward flank (401). A first transition zone (404) can be defined between the proximal side (403) of the side tab (400) of the first coupling profile (104) and a lower side (405) of the side tab (400) of the first coupling profile (104), the first transition zone (404) of which is curved in this case. The upper side (406) of the first downward recess (402) is on the panel depicted (100, 201, 202, 301) inclined downwards towards the first descending flank (401).The first coupling profile (104) may further comprise a first locking element (407) which, in a coupled position, can cooperate with a third locking element (440) of a third coupling profile (106) of an adjacent panel (100, 201, 202, 301). This first locking element (407) may be provided on the first falling flank (401) of the first coupling profile (104). In the panel currently represented (100, 201, 202, 301), the first locking element (407) comprises at least one first locking slot (408). The third coupling profile (106) comprises a third recess (430) configured to accommodate at least a portion of the side tab (400) of the first coupling profile (104) of an additional panel (100, 201, 202, 301), said third recess (430) being defined by an upper lip (431) and a lower lip (432), wherein said lower lip (432) is provided with an upward-facing locking element (433). The proximal side (434) of the upward-facing locking element (433) of the third coupling profile (106), which faces the third recess (430), is inclined upward in a direction away from the upper lip (431). However, as an alternative, it may be possible for the proximal side (434) of the upward-facing locking element (433) to be inclined upward in a direction toward the upper lip (431).A third transition zone (435) can be defined between the proximal side (434) of the upward locking element (433) and an upper side (436) of the upward locking element (433), the third transition zone (435) of which is curved in this case to follow the first curved transition zone (404). The upper side (436) of the upward locking element (433) is shown in the panel (100, 201, 202, 301) and is inclined downward in a direction away from the upper lip (431) of the third coupling profile (106). On the lower side (437) of the lower lip (432) of the third coupling profile (106), there is a recess (438) that extends to the distal end (439) of the lower lip (432). This recess (438) allows the lower lip (432) to be bent downward.As previously mentioned, the third mating profile (106) may further comprise a third locking element (440) that can cooperate with the first locking element (407) of the first mating profile (104) of an adjacent panel (100, 201, 202, 301) to establish a vertical lock between the mated panels (100, 201, 202, 301). The third locking element (440) may therefore be provided on a distal side (441) of the lower lip (432) that faces away from the third recess (430) and / or on a distal side (442) of the upward locking element (433) that faces away from the third recess (430). The third locking element (440) can, as depicted here, be specifically positioned at a distance from both a lower side (437) of the lower lip (432) and an upper side (436) of the upward locking element (433).In the panel currently represented, the third locking element (440) comprises at least one outward protrusion (443), said outward protrusion (443) being adapted to be received at least partially in the first locking groove (408) or a second locking groove (423) of an adjacent mated panel (100, 201, 202, 301) in order to effect a locked (vertically) mating. The core (452) is provided with at least one reinforcing layer (454), such as a fiberglass (fabric) layer, incorporated (embedded) in the core (452). More particularly, the core comprises at least one polymer, and at least one plasticizer selected from group (A) consisting of: • An orthophthalate with an alkyl chain backbone having at least 7 carbon atoms, in particular DPHP (bis(2-propylheptyl phthalate)), DIUP (disoundecyl phthalate), or DTDP (disotridecyl phthalate); • A terephthalate, preferably (DOTP (dioctyl terephthalate); • A cyclohexanoate, preferably DC9CH (cyclohexanoate diester); • A citrate, preferably ATBC (includes tributylacetyl citrate), tripentyl acetyl citrate (ATPC), trihexylacetyl citrate (ATHC), triheptyl acetyl citrate (ATHC), trioctyl acetyl citrate (ATOC), trinonylacetyl citrate (ATNC); • An adipate, preferably DOA (dioctyl adipate) or bis(2-ethylhexyl adipate), • A phosphate ester, preferably TPP (triphenyl phosphate); • An azelate, preferably DiDA (diisodecyl adipate) or dioctyl azelate or di-2-ethylhexyl azelate; • A trimellitate, preferably TOTM (tris (2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate), tributyl trimellitate (TBTM), triisobutyl trimellithate (TiBTM), triethylhexyl trimellitate (TEHTM), triisononyl trimellitate (TINTM); • A dibenzoate, preferably ODEDB (oxydiethylene dibenzoate) or OXPDB (oxydipropyl benzoate); • 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid; and • PVB (polyvinyl butyral). The core may comprise additional additives, such as calcium carbonate and / or cellulose-based particles dispersed in the polymer (matrix); and, in this embodiment, at least one reinforcing layer (454) embedded in the core. The core shown may be considered as a single layer, although one layer is located above the reinforcing layer (454) and another layer is located below the reinforcing layer (454), where both parts are interconnected (integrally) by composite material present in the pores of the reinforcing layer. Detailed examples of compositions and additives have already been comprehensively described above. ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ Figure 4b shows a cross-section along line BB of a multipurpose panel (100, 201, 202, 301) as shown in Figures 1a, 2a or 3a. In the figure, the second edge (102) and another opposite third edge (103) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301) are visible, which have a second coupling profile (105) and a third coupling profile (106) respectively.Where the third coupling profile (106) coincides with the third coupling profile (106) provided on the third adjacent edge (103) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301), whose features are given above in the description of the cross section along line AA of the multipurpose panel (100, 201, 202, 301), the second coupling profile (105) comprises a downward tongue (410) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper side (107) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301), at least a second downward flank (411) located at a distance from the downward tongue (410), and a second downward rebate (412) formed between the downward tongue (410) and the second downward flank (411).The proximal side (413) of the downward tongue (410) of the second coupling profile (105), which faces the second downward recess (412), is inclined downwards in a direction away from the second downward flank (411). However, it is also possible for the proximal side (413) of the downward tongue (410) to be inclined downwards in a direction towards the second downward flank (411). A second transition zone (414) can be defined between the proximal side (413) of the downward tongue (410) of the second coupling profile (105) and a lower side (415) of the downward tongue (410) of the second coupling profile (105), the second transition zone (414) of which is curved in this case.A distal side (416) of the downward tongue (410), oriented away from the second downward rebate (412), comprises at least a vertical upper wall portion (417) adjacent to the upper side (107) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301), and, adjacent to and located below said vertical upper wall portion (417), a sloping wall portion (418) inwardly sloping to a chamfered and / or curved lower wall portion (419) of said distal side (416) of the downward tongue (410). An intermediate vertical wall portion (420) may be present hereon between the sloping wall portion (418) and the chamfered and / or curved lower wall portion (419). The lower wall portion (419) of the distal side (416) of the downward tongue (410) can be further connected to the lower side (415) of the downward tongue (410).The upper side (421) of the second downward recess (412) is on the represented panel (100, 201, 202, 301) inclined downwards towards the second descending flank (411). The second coupling profile (105) may further comprise at least a second locking element (422) which, in a coupled position, can cooperate with a third locking element (440) of a third coupling profile (106) of an adjacent panel (100, ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ). 201, 202, 301) to establish a vertical lock between the panels (100, 201, 202, 301). The second locking element (422) may be provided herein on the second downward flank (411) of the second mating profile (105). In the panel currently represented (100, 201, 202, 301), the second locking element (422) comprises at least a second locking groove (423) adapted to receive at least partially the outward protrusion (443) of the third locking element (440) of an adjacent mated panel (100, 201, 202, 301) in order to effect a locked (vertically) mating. The coupling profiles (104, 105, 106) of each of the multipurpose panels (100, 201, 202, 301) shown in Figures 4a and 4b are provided with chamfers (bevels) (450) on or near the top side (107) of the panels (100, 201, 202, 301). The panels (100, 201, 202, 301) comprise a top substrate (451) fixed to a top side (453) of a core (452) to which the first, second, and third coupling profiles (104, 105, 106) are integrally connected. The at least one reinforcing layer (454), such as a fiberglass (fabric) layer, as embedded in the core (452), is again shown. Both Figure 4a and Figure 4b show that this reinforcement layer (454) is present only in one of the two complementary coupling profiles.The upper substrate (451) comprises a decorative layer (455), an abrasion-resistant wear layer (456) covering said decorative layer (455), and a transparent finish layer (457) situated between the decorative layer (455) and the wear layer (456). The panels (100, 201, 202, 301) further comprise a backing layer (458) fixed to a lower side (459) of the core (452). Figures 5a-5c show a cross-section of two multipurpose panels (100, 201, 202, 301) as shown in Figures 1a, 2a, or 3a in a first, second, and third coupled condition, respectively. In these figures, it can be seen that in the coupled condition, at least a portion of the side tab (400) of the first coupling profile (104) of one panel (100, 201, 202, 301) is inserted into the third recess (430) of the third coupling profile (106) of an adjacent panel (100, 201, 202, 301), and at least a portion of the upward locking element (433) of the third coupling profile (106) is inserted into the downward first recess (402) of the first coupling profile (104).To establish a fixation in the mutual position of the first coupling profile (104) and the third coupling profile (106), a lower side (405) of the side tongue (400) of the first coupling profile (104) can be supported by a lower surface (500) of the third rebate (430) of the third coupling profile (106). The first edge (101) and the third edge (103), in the coupled condition, define a first closing surface (501) defined as a first vertical plane (502) through the upper edges (503) of the coupled panels (100, 201, 202, ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ). 301) Each of the side tab (400) and the third rebate (430) extends through said first vertical plane (502). In the embodiments shown, the first and third coupling profiles (104, 106) comprise, respectively, a first and third locking element (407, 440). The first and third locking elements (407, 440) are positioned such that the first locking element (407) is oriented and cooperates with the third locking element (440) of the third coupling profile (106) to effect a vertical locking effect. Figures 5a-5c further show that in the coupled condition, at least a portion of the downward-facing tab (410) of the second coupling profile (105) is inserted into the third recess (430) of the third coupling profile (106), and at least a portion of the upward-facing locking element (433) of the third coupling profile (106) is inserted into the second downward-facing recess (412) of the second coupling profile (105). To establish a fix in the mutual position of the second coupling profile (105) and the third coupling profile (106), a lower side (415) of the downward-facing tab (410) of the second coupling profile (105) can hereby be supported by a lower surface (500) of the third recess (430) of the third coupling profile (106).The second edge (102) and the third edge (103), in the coupled condition, define a second closing surface (504) that defines a second vertical plane (505) through the upper edges (503) of the coupled panels (100, 201, 202, 301). The downward-facing tongue (410) is hereby positioned on one side of said second vertical plane (505), while the third rebate (430) extends through said second vertical plane (505). In the embodiments shown, the second coupling profile (105) further comprises a second locking element (422). Said second locking element (422) is oriented and cooperates with the third locking element (440) of the third coupling profile (106) to achieve a vertical locking effect. Figures 6a-6c show a cross-section of two multipurpose panels (600) with alternative coupling profiles (601, 602, 603) in a first, second, and third coupled condition, respectively. Whereas the coupling profiles (104, 105, 106) of the panels (100, 201, 202, 301) shown in Figures 5a-5c are configured such that in a coupled condition, (substantially) there is no pretension between the coupling profiles (104, 105, 106), the coupling profiles (601, 602, 603) of the panels (600) shown in Figures 6a-6c are configured such that in a coupled condition there is a pretension, which forces the respective panels (600) at their respective edges (604) toward each other. In the shown modalities of the coupling profiles (601, 602, 603), the prestress is the result of a (local) deformation of the coupling profiles (601, 602, 603). ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ Figures 7a-7c show a cross-section of two multipurpose panels (700) with additional alternative coupling profiles (701, 702, 703) in a first, second, and third coupled condition, respectively. In this embodiment of the third coupling profile (703), there is no recess on the lower side (705) of its lower lip (704). In the multipurpose panels (700) shown, the first coupling profile (701) further comprises another first locking element (706), provided on a distal side (707) of the first coupling profile (701), which is located above at least a portion of the side tab (708). In addition, the second coupling profile (702) comprises another second locking element (709), provided on a distal side (711) of the downward-facing tab (710) which is oriented away from the second downward-facing recess (712).The third coupling profile (703) further comprises another, third, locking element (713), provided on one side (715) of the upper lip (714). In the coupled conditions shown in Figures 7a and 7b, the additional third locking element (713) is oriented to the distal side (707) of the first coupling profile (701) of the adjacent panel (700), whereas in the coupled condition shown in Figure 7c, the additional third locking element (713) is oriented to the distal side (711) of the downward-facing tab (710) of the second coupling profile (702) of an adjacent panel (700).Also depicted in Figures 7a-7c is the cooperation between the first or second additional locking element (706, 709) and the third additional locking element (713) to create a vertical locking effect in the coupled condition of two panels (700), defining a tangent TI (716) enclosing an angle Al (717) with a plane (718) defined by the panel (700), where angle Al (717) is smaller than an angle A2 (719) enclosed by said plane (718) defined by the panel (700), and a tangent T2 (720) defined by a cooperation between an upwardly inclined portion of a proximal side (722) of the locking element (721) facing the third rebate (723) and a downwardly inclined portion of a proximal side (724) of the tab (710) facing the second descending flank (725) with respect to a inclined part of a proximal side (726) of the lateral tongue (708) that is oriented towards the first descending flank (727). In the coupling profile modalities (701, 702, 703) shown in Figures 7a-7c, the first coupling profile (701) and the third coupling profile (703) with respect to the second coupling (702) and the third coupling profile (703) are configured so that in the coupled condition there are a plurality of distant contact zones (728), where between each pair of adjacent contact zones (728) there remains a space (729). Specifically, Figures 7a and 7b show that the first descending flank (727) of the first coupling profile (701) and a distal side (730) of the upward locking element (721) and the lower lip (704) of the third coupling profile (703), which are oriented to the first descending flank (727), are placed at a distance from each other.Additionally, the upper side (731) of the upward locking element (721) of the third coupling profile (703) is positioned at a distance from the upper side (733) of the first downward recess (732) of the first coupling profile (701). Figure 7c shows that the second downward flank (725) of the second coupling profile (702), a distal side (730) of the upward locking element (721), and the lower lip (704) of the third coupling profile (703), which faces the second downward flank (725), are positioned at a distance from each other. Furthermore, the upper side (731) of the upward locking element (721) of the third coupling profile (703) is positioned at a distance from the upper side (734) of the second downward recess (712) of the second coupling profile (702). In the forms according to Figures 5a-7c, the core material where said core comprises: or at least a polymer, or at least a plasticizer selected from group (A) which consists of: • An orthophthalate with a dorsal spine of the carbon chain that holds at least 7 carbon atoms, in particular DPHP (bis(2-propylheptyl phthalate)), DIUP (disoundecyl phthalate), or DTDP (disotridecyl phthalate); diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP); • A terephthalate, preferably (DOTP (dioctyl terephthalate); • A cyclohexanoate, preferably DC9CH (cyclohexanoate diéster); • A citrate, preferably ATBC (includes tributylacetyl citrate), tripethylacetyl citrate (ATPC), trihexylacetyl citrate (ATHC), triheptylacetyl citrate (ATHC), trioctylacetyl citrate (ATOC), trinonylacetyl citrate (ATNC); • An adipate, preferably DOA (dioctyl adipate) or bis(2-ethylhexilo adipate), • A phosphate ester, preferably TPP (triphenyl phosphate); • An azelate, preferably DiDA (diisodecyl adipates) or dioctyl azelate or di-2-ethylhexyl azelate; • A trimellitate, preferably TOTM (tris(2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate), tributyl trimellitate (TBTM), triisobutyl trimellitate (TiBTM), trictylhcxyl trimellitate (TEHTM), triisononyl trimellitate (TINTM); • A dibenzoate, preferably ODEDB (oxydiethylene dibenzoate) or OXPDB (oxydipropyl benzoate); ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ • 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid; and • PVB (polyvinyl butyral). Additional possible and / or advantageous core compositions have been described exhaustively above. The inventive concepts described above are illustrated by various illustrative methods. It is conceivable that individual inventive concepts can be applied without also applying other details of the described example. It is not necessary to provide examples of all conceivable combinations of the inventive concepts described above, since a person skilled in the art will understand that numerous inventive concepts can be (re)combined to arrive at a specific application. It will be evident that the invention is not limited to the working examples shown and described in the present description, but that numerous variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims which will be obvious to a person skilled in the art. It is understood that the verb “comprender” and its conjugations used in this patent publication 15 mean not only “comprender”, but also the phrases “contener”, “consiste substantially de”, “formado por” and conjugations thereof. ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ

Claims

1. A decorative panel, in particular a floor panel, ceiling panel, or wall panel, comprising: a core provided with an upper side and a lower side, a decorative upper structure fixed to said upper side of the core, a first panel edge comprising a first coupling profile, and a second panel edge comprising a second coupling profile designed to interlock with said first coupling profile of an adjacent panel, both horizontally and vertically, wherein said core comprises: or at least one polymer, or at least one plasticizer selected from group (A) consisting of: • An orthophthalate with an alkyl chain backbone having at least 7 carbon atoms, in particular DPHP (bis(2-propylheptyl phthalate)), DIUP (disoundecyl phthalate), or DTDP (disotridecyl phthalate); diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP);• A terephthalate, preferably DOTP (dioctyl terephthalate); • A cyclohexanoate, preferably DC9CH (cyclohexanoate diester); • A citrate, preferably ATBC (includes tributylacetyl citrate), tripentyl acetyl citrate (ATPC), trihexylacetyl citrate (ATHC), triheptyl acetyl citrate (ATHC), trioctyl acetyl citrate (ATOC), trinonylacetyl citrate (ATNC); • An adipate, preferably DOA (dioctyl adipate) or bis(2ethylhexyl adipate), • A phosphate ester, preferably TPP (triphenyl phosphate); • An azelate, preferably DiDA (diisodecyl adipate) or dioctyl azelate or di-2-ethylhexyl azelate; • A trimellitate, preferably TOTM (tris (2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate), tributyl trimellitate (TBTM), triisobutyl trimellithate (TiBTM), triethylhexyl trimellitate (TEHTM), triisononyl trimellitate (TINTM);ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γίΛΐ • A dibenzoate, preferably ODEDB (oxydiethylene dibenzoate) or OXPDB (oxydipropyl benzoate); • 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid; and • PVB (polyvinyl butyral).; 2. Panel according to claim 1, wherein the core comprises a plurality of different plasticizers selected from group (A).

3. Panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one polymer and / or at least one plasticizer used in the core is a recycled material. ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ 4. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one polymer and / or at least one plasticizer used in the core is bio-based material.

5. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core is formed from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) at least one polymer 6. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core is formed from PUR (polyurethane). at least one polymer 7. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core is formed from PVB (polyvinyl butyral) at least one polymer 8. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core is formed from a polyolefin, in particular PE or PP, minus a polymer 9. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core is formed from polystyrene, preferably expanded polystyrene, or at least one polymer 10. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises an additional plasticizer selected from group (B) consisting of: DOTP, DINP, DIDP.

11. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises 100 parts of polyvinyl chloride and 20 to 200 parts of total plasticizer.

12. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises at least one compatibilizer to improve the compatibility between the at least one polymer and the at least one plasticizer.

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

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

15. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one polymer and / or at least one plasticizer used in the backing layer is a recycled material.

16. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one polymer and / or at least one plasticizer used in the backing layer is a bio-based material.

17. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one polymer of the backing layer is formed by PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

18. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one polymer of the backing layer is formed by PUR (polyurethane).

19. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one polymer of the backing layer is formed by PVB (polyvinyl butyral).

20. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one polymer of the backing layer is formed from a polyolefin, in particular PE or PP. ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ 21. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the backing layer comprises an additional plasticizer selected from group (B) consisting of: DOTP, DINP, DIDP.

22. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the backing layer comprises 100 parts of polyvinyl chloride and from 20 to 200 parts of total plasticizer.

23. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises at least one compatibilizer to improve the compatibility between the at least one polymer and the at least one plasticizer.

24. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core and / or backing layer comprise at least one filler selected from group (C) consisting of: a mineral, preferably calcium carbonate; a pigment, a modifier, fibers.

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

26. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises at least one additional filling selected from group (D) consisting of: steel, glass, polypropylene, wood, acrylic, alumina, curaua, carbon, cellulose, coconut, kevlar, nylon, perlon, polyethylene, PVA, rock wool, sisal, and fique.

27. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core polymer is foam.

28. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises perlite, preferably expanded perlite. ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γίΛΐ 29. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises at least one flame-retardant additive.

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

31. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises glass fiber.

32. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises natural fibers, such as jute.

33. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises synthetic fibers, in particular polymeric fibers.

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

35. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises between 1 and 15% by weight of cellulose-based fibers.

36. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises between 0 and 3% by weight of perlite.

37. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises between 1 and 8% by weight of reinforcing layer.

38. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core has a density greater than 1 kg / m3.

39. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core has a density less than 1 kg / m3.

40. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core is provided with a waterproof coating that substantially covers at least one core.

41. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an upper surface of the core is covered by a barrier layer that is substantially impermeable to at least one plasticizer used in the core.

42. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a waterproof layer is located between the core and the upper structure.

43. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises a plurality of reinforcement layers, wherein, preferably, at least a first reinforcement layer is located in an upper portion of the core, and wherein at least a second reinforcement layer is located in a lower portion of the core.

44. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises a laminate of cores, which are stacked either directly and / or indirectly with each other.

45. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises a laminate of cores, wherein the composition of at least two cores is mutually different.

46. ​​Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper structure is adhered to the core by means of a waterproof adhesive.

47. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper structure comprises at least one decorative layer and at least one transparent wear layer covering said decorative layer. ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ 48. Panel according to claim 47, wherein the wear layer has a melting temperature above 100 degrees Celsius, wherein the wear layer is preferably made of polyurethane.

49. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one reinforcing layer extends over a single coupling profile of the first and second coupling profile.

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

51. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupling profile comprises: • an upward-facing tongue, • at least one rising flank located at a distance from the upward-facing tongue, • an upward-facing groove formed between the upward-facing tongue and the rising 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 an adjacent panel, and • at least one first locking element, preferably provided on a distant side of the upward-facing tongue oriented away from the rising 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 least a portion of an upward-facing tab of a first mating profile of an adjacent panel, and at least a second locking element adapted to cooperate with a first locking element of an adjacent panel, said second locking element being preferably provided on the downward flank. ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ, 52. A panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises at least a third coupling profile and at least a fourth coupling profile located respectively on a third panel edge and a fourth panel edge, wherein the third coupling profile comprises: • a side tab extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the core, • at least a second downward flank located a distance from the side tab, and • a second downward groove formed between the side tab and the second downward 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 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 so that two such panels can be coupled together by means of a rotational movement, wherein, in the coupled condition: at least a portion of the side tab of a first panel is inserted into the third groove of an adjacent second panel, and wherein at least a portion of the upward locking element of said second panel is inserted into the downward second groove of said first panel.

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

54. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises a mixture of three types of terephthalate-based material and epoxidized oil, wherein the weight ratio of the terephthalate-based material to the epoxidized oil is preferably from 99:1 to 1:

99. ncQzon / i ζηζ / α / γ 55. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises oil, preferably epoxidized oil, more preferably at least one epoxidized oil selected from group (E) consisting of: epoxidized soybean oil, epoxidized castor oil, epoxidized linseed oil, epoxidized palm oil, epoxidized stearic acid, epoxidized oleic acid, epoxidized resin oil, epoxidized linoleic acid, or mixtures thereof.

56. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). 10 57. Panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of: silica fume, iron oxide, fatty acids, and alkali metal sulfate, in particular magnesium sulfate.

58. Decorative covering, in particular a decorative floor covering, decorative ceiling covering, or decorative wall covering, comprising a plurality of decorative panels mutually coupled according to any of claims 1-57.