DECORATIVE PANEL AND DECORATIVE FLOOR COVERING CONSISTING OF SAID PANELS.

Abstract

In the field of decorative floor coverings, decorative panels are known to have a core layer based on MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) or HDF (High Density Fiberboard) onto which a decorative substrate is bonded to give the panels the 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 also relates to a floor covering consisting of a plurality of interlocking 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 also relates to a floor covering consisting of a plurality of interlocking panels. With the continuous improvement in people's living standards, the requirements for living conditions are becoming increasingly demanding, and the market demand for various building and decorative materials is expanding. Flooring panels are widely used in a variety of applications, including bedrooms, parks, car washes, and more. Flooring panels themselves are subject to continuous improvement, with glued panels and vinyl rolls increasingly being replaced by interlocking panels. These interlocking panels are provided with interlocking profiles that significantly facilitate (and) removal. However, a potential drawback of these panels is that they are still less preferred than traditional vinyl rolls in (humid) environments where relatively high hygiene standards are important, such as in hospitals, due to the risk of bacterial growth between the panels.It is necessary to improve existing panels to retain the known benefits of these panels while reducing the risk of bacterial growth and / or growth between the panels, in order to broaden the applicability of the panels. One objective of the invention is to satisfy the need addressed above. The foregoing objective of the invention is achieved by providing 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 at least one antimicrobial substance is applied as a coating on at least a portion of the first coupling profile and / or at least a portion of the second coupling profile. Preferably, the mating profiles are an integral part of the core and / or are formed (shaped) within the core material. The application of at least one antimicrobial substance significantly reduces the risk of bacterial growth and / or microbial habit formation on the panel and between interlocking panels, thereby enhancing the panels' health and safety and expanding their applicability. In a preferred embodiment, the antimicrobial substance is at least one antimicrobial substance selected from the group consisting of: l-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-l,3-dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-lH-l,2,4-triazole (Propiconazole); methyl (benzothiazol-2-ylthio)thiocyanate (TCMTB); l-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-3-(l,2,4-triazol-l-ylmethyl)pentan-3-ol (Tebuconazole); l-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-l,3-dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-lH-l,2,4-triazole (Propiconazole); 2-butyl-benzo[d]isothiazol-3-one (BBIT); 2-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-ona (OIT); 2-thiazol-4-yl-lH-benzoimidazol (Tiabendazol); 3-yodo-2-propinylbutylcarbamato (IPBC); 4,5-Dichloro-2-octylisothiazol-3(2H)-ona (DCOIT); 10,10-oxibisfenoxarsina (OBPA); Carbendazim; Chlorocresol; Fludioxonil; N-(tricloromethylthio)phthalimide (Folpet); p-[(diidomethyl)sulfonyl]toluene; Pirithiona de zinc (pirithiona de Zinc (Zpt)); Terbutrina;y Tiram Preferably, at least one antimicrobial agent is formed from zinc pyrithione (or zinc pyrithione), which is a zinc coordination complex. It has fungistatic (i.e., inhibits fungal cell division) and bacteriostatic (inhibits bacterial cell division) properties. Alternatively, at least one antimicrobial agent is based on and / or can be formed from N-butyl,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (BBIT) and is recommended for use in demanding and challenging applications, especially those exposed to high levels of UV radiation. It is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial used to prevent fungal, bacterial, and algal deterioration of polymers such as PVC, polyurethane, silicone, polyolefin, polyester, and acrylic cores used in flooring panels. Preferably, a mixture of different antimicrobial substances is used, which can significantly improve long-term panel protection, particularly when antimicrobial substances with different solubility profiles in water and / or the plasticizer are used. For example, a mixture of BBIT and Zpt provides significantly better panel protection than using OBPA as the sole antimicrobial substance. These mixed antimicrobial substances are specifically used to outperform water-soluble antimicrobial plasticizers in applications where antimicrobial leaching could shorten the service life of flexible vinyl products (PVC products). The panel according to the invention may incorporate one or more of the following layers, which are typically arranged as seen from top to bottom: 1) A protective coating: this imparts shine and provides wear resistance. Typically, this layer is not susceptible to microbial growth; 2) A substrate layer beneath the protective coating, which can be, for example, a layer of PVC foam: this provides a cushioning effect to the panel, but also provides an environment for bacterial growth. 3) An intermediate felt layer: This layer can be used to control moisture transfer and is configured to absorb moisture. Typically, this layer contains food for microorganisms; 4) Backing layer: This layer is frequently used to control strength and moisture and is typically formed by a foam layer that is susceptible to microbial growth; 5) An adhesive layer: this layer typically provides significant amounts of nutrition for the microorganisms. A subfloor supporting the panel is frequently made of concrete or wood and can also be a source of moisture from the bottom up to the panel. Most of the aforementioned components benefit from antimicrobial additives. Preferably, the core is composed at least partially of at least one polymer and / or at least one plasticizer. This polymer can be based on a renewable source (also called bio-based plastic) and / or can be formed from a biodegradable polymer and / or a recycled polymer. Examples of suitable, typically non-biodegradable, bio-based plastics are bio-based polyethylene (bio-PE), bio-based polyethylene terephthalate (bio-PET), or polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT). Examples of suitable, typically biodegradable, bio-based plastics are 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 the polymer matrix material and an elastic material, which are 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, which are typically determined primarily by the elastic particles, and processing properties, which are typically determined primarily by the matrix material. The matrix material is also referred to as the hard core phase, and the dispersed elastic particles are frequently referred to as the soft core phase. 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 crosslinked polymer. In a crosslinked polymer, separate polymer chains are linked together (crosslinked), typically resulting in a single macromolecule. These chemical crosslinks can be normal crosslinks, which are covalent and chemically bond the polymer chains together into a single molecule.However, chemical crosslinks can also be, and are preferably, formed by reversible crosslinks, which use non-covalent, or secondary, interactions between polymer chains to link them together. These interactions include hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds. 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 used to prepare polypropylene impact blends having a flow rate (MFR) of approximately 0.001 to approximately 500 g / 10 min (230 °C, 2160 g load according to 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 of approximately 20 to approximately 200 g / 10 min, and even more preferably of 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 that are more than 90% 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 regimes to provide an impact polypropylene blend that has the desired mechanical property characteristics. As used herein, the term isotactic polypropylene is intended to include homopolypropylene, as well as propylene-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, for example, to a polypropylene composition, which constitutes the polymer matrix material. The term elastomer and its derivatives will be used interchangeably with the term rubber and its corresponding derivatives. Examples of ethylene-propylene rubbers (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 aforementioned characteristics 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 specification and in the appended claims, the term ethylene-propylene rubber (abbreviated as EPR) is intended to encompass all the aforementioned types of rubbers, specifically EPR, EPM, or EPDM, as well as mixtures thereof. While any of the EPRs described above can be advantageously employed in the present invention, EPRs with lower Tg (glass transition temperature) 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, which consist of 80 wt% i-PP and 20 wt% EPR, are significantly improved by reducing the Tg of the EPR. As the Tg of such 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, stiffness, as measured by heat distortion temperature (HDT) and flexural modulus, remains essentially unchanged. Therefore, the preferred EPRs of the present invention will have the lowest Tg achievable for a given EPR. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of a polymer can be conveniently measured using well-known methods in the art, such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) or dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMTA). As used herein, Tg refers 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 when the ethylene content falls below this range. Those skilled in the art will understand that the relationship between Tg and ethylene content can be easily measured and is a smooth, continuous function. Therefore, there is no well-defined point above or below which Tg changes abruptly as the ethylene content changes. 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 catalysts based on vanadium or metallocene, 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, where the term approximately is 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 with a density equal to or greater than 0.940 g / cc. The high-density polyethylenes that can be used as the matrix material for high-density polyethylene (hereinafter referred to as HDPE) in the present invention preferably include 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, 1-4-methylpentene, 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 index 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, with a further preference for 0.1 to 10 g / 10 min. The molecular weight distribution (MWD) of HDPE is not critical; however, if the melt index of the HDPE is particularly low, it may be more convenient to use HDPE with a broader MWD that is more shear-thinning 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 index, 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 (hereinafter referred to as the ethylene-propylene copolymer or EPC) may 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 weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the ethylene-propylene copolymer is preferably in the range of approximately 50,000 to approximately 500,000, more preferably from approximately 75,000 to approximately 300,000, and most preferably from approximately 100,000 to approximately 200,000. The ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPC) of the invention can be prepared using metallocene or conventional Ziegler-Natta 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 polymerization conditions and in a ratio that yields 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 dimethyl dimethylsilanyl bis(indenyl) hafnium. Alternatively, the EPC of the invention can be prepared by using a conventional Ziegler-Natta catalyst which 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 (AlH2S), and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). The panel according to the invention, in particular the panel core, may comprise cellulose-based particles, particularly lignocellulose-based particles, and 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 fibers or hemp fibers, before blending them with the (initially fluid) polymer. The compressive strength and other mechanical properties of treated wood fiber composites are superior to those of untreated fibers. Chemicals such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calcium chloride (CaCl₂), and aluminum sulfate (Ah(SO₄)₃), sometimes also called mineralizing agents (mineralizers), typically improve the compatibility of the core and plant-based aggregates. Complex minerals such as AkCSCLh + Ca(OH)₂ can also be applied.When Al₁₂(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 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 caused by Ah(SO₄)₃, and improving the workability of the mixture. Mineralization of the wood aggregate also 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 can also be assumed that at least some of the cellulose-based particles are formed from wood dust, shavings, wood wool, and / or wood chips. Other natural fibers, such as hemp, can also be used instead of wood. The hemp-enriched polymer also exhibits relatively good thermal insulation properties, excellent water-resistance, high acoustic capabilities, and good fire resistance. In this case, hemp cuttings are typically used as the coarse aggregate (basic component). As with wood, the hemp cuttings are preferably mineralized with Ah(SO4)3, neutralized with Ca(OH)2, and mixed with the polymer (initially fluid / liquid). Preferably, the core and / or backing layer comprise at least one filler selected from the group consisting of: a mineral, preferably calcium carbonate; a pigment; a modifier; and 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 can 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) has been found to facilitate and even promote the self-degradation of said polymer-based core, particularly a polymer, 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 emits two main volatile compounds, CO2 and acetic acid, which creates a porous structure in the core.CMC also reacted with sodium silicate (NaOH) 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 and 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 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 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 is typically up to (and including) 0.5% by weight. The core primarily comprises fatty acids. The fatty acids can penetrate through channels (pores) of the raw minerals (if applicable) prior to milling, and will facilitate (the efficiency) of the milling process 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. Typically, the core comprises at least one polymer, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and / or polyurethane (PUR), and / or a thermoplastic polyolefin. The polymer used may be virgin, recycled, and / or a mixture of virgin and / or recycled polymer material. Preferably, only one polymer material is used to facilitate subsequent recyclability. The PS may be in the form of expanded polystyrene (EPS) to further reduce the panel's density, leading to cost savings and easier handling. Other polymers, particularly thermoplastics, may also be used. Rubber particles may also be dispersed within at least one core to enhance flexibility to some extent.At least one polymer, if applicable, may be applied within the core in the form of a sheet (closed layer), a mesh (woven), non-woven material, and / or as separate polymer particles (such as fibers, beads, spheres, etc.). If a polymer layer is applied, it is preferably surrounded on both sides by composite material and thus preferably inserted within the core. 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 significantly when heated sufficiently, which could substantially reduce the core density, and therefore the overall panel density. It is preferred that the core also comprises foamed perlite of varying particle sizes. Closed-cell foamed perlite can achieve a porosity of 30 to 40%. Such perlite can be pre-treated with silicone solutions or sodium, potassium, 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 rheology of the mixture. The core may also comprise bentonite, a finely ground natural product, which is suitable for enhancing the rheological and waterproofing characteristics of the panel. The core may also comprise at least one flame retardant additive. This flame retardant additive is preferably formed from an organohalogen compound. Such compounds can eliminate reactive H and OH radicals during a fire. The organohalogen compound preferably comprises bromine and / or chlorine. An organobromine compound such as PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ether) is recommended from a fire retardancy standpoint 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, Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), Tribromophenol, Bis(tribromophenoxy)ethane, Tetrabromobisphenol A oligomer polycarbonate (TBBA or TBBPA), Tetrabromobisphenol A oligomer epoxy (TBBA or TBBPA), and Tetrabromophthalic acid anhydride.Other examples of applicable chlorinated compounds include: Chlorinated paraffin, Bis(hexachlorocyclopentadiene)cyclooctane, Pentacyclodecane dodecachloride (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 flame retardant additives, including intumescent (foaming) agents, may also be considered. The operating principle of these alternative additives is based on the formation of a foam layer which acts as an oxygen barrier and therefore also has a flame-retardant effect. These intumescent additives generally comprise melamine or a salt derived from it.An example of this is a mixture of polyphosphates (acid donor) combined with melamine (foaming agent) and a carbon donor such as dipentaerythritol, starch, or pentaerythritol. Gaseous products such as carbon dioxide and ammonia gas 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). Although the core(s) can be provided with one or more plasticizers, such as phthalates, to provide more flexibility to the core(s) (and the panel as such), it is preferred that each composite be free of plasticizers in order to increase the rigidity of the panel core, which is also environmentally favorable. At least one reinforcing layer is preferably a non-woven or woven layer, in particular a fabric, for example, made of fiberglass. It may have a thickness of 0.2 to 0.4 mm. Alternatively, each tile may comprise a plurality of the (usually thinner) base layer 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 may comprise 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 assumed that at least one core will have 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 can be envisioned that the core is provided with a waterproof coating that substantially covers at least one core. This can further enhance the panel's waterproofing properties. 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 A and B, which are transported in separate containers and combined to form a mixture in which vulcanization is initiated by the solidification of the components into a membrane. Component A comprises an aqueous latex of natural or synthetic rubber, and component B comprises an oil carrier in which a vulcanizing agent is dispersed to cure the rubber in component A, and a hygroscopic agent is dispersed to chemically bind the water in component A.Component A preferably comprises an operational latex stabilizer to increase the shelf life of the latex by controlling the initial pH of the latex components. It has also been found that additions of potassium hydroxide (KOH) dissolved in minimal amounts to Component A can extend 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 A of the invention may comprise from 0 to 2.5 phr (per 100 parts of rubber). Component B contains, among other things, an oil carrier fluid for the vulcanizing agent and the hygroscopic agent.In preferred embodiments, the carrier fluid is a mixture of hydrocarbon oils, such as a blend of both aromatic and paraffinic compositions. The aromatic oils, which preferentially enhance the rubber particles, are generally more viscous. The fluidity 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 12 may also contain a proportion of bitumen, either oxidized or penetration grade. The level of aromatic oil is not likely to be less than 50% of the carrier fluid, and the bitumen is not likely to be more than 30%. However, the presence of bitumen is not critical to the invention.The use of a synthetic or natural hard resin is also optional. The carrier oil 12 will comprise 20–60% by total weight of the formulation (when components A and B are combined). Component B 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 (ZIX) and zinc dibutyl dithiocarbamate dibutylamine complex (ZDBCX) as accelerators. These can be used in the preferred ranges, respectively, of 0.5 to 15.0 phr (sulfur packs based on parts per hundred of rubber), 0.5 to 20.0 phr (ZnO), 0.1 to 5.0 phr (ZIX), and 0.1 to 5.0 phr (ZDBCX). It is believed that other known vulcanizing agents and / or packages are suitable for use in the invention.Component B may also comprise a hygroscopic or desiccant agent to chemically absorb water from component A. 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, high-alumina core, calcium sulfate core (plaster of Paris), or magnesium oxychloride core, 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 may be possible, meaning less than stoichiometric amounts of the hygroscopic agent used. The hygroscopic agent, depending on the one chosen, may comprise 10–50% of the total formulation system. Component B may also 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 rheological properties, although other options could be employed, such as organo-treated bentonite clays, fumed silica, polymer fibers, ground rubber, powdered fly ash, hollow glass microspheres, and hydrogenated castor oils. The amount of rheology modifiers, depending on the material selected, could range from 0.5 to 25%.0% by weight of total solids in the formulation system (components A and B combined). It is also envisioned that a waterproof layer be placed between the core and the upper structure. This can further improve the panel's waterproof properties. The waterproof layer can have the same composition as the waterproof coating described above, but it can also be formed from a polymer layer, such as a PVC layer. It is not unlikely that the core will comprise multiple reinforcing layers. For example, at least one first reinforcing layer can be located in an upper portion of the core, and at least one second reinforcing layer can be located in a lower portion of the core. The core can be imagined as comprising a laminate of cores, which are stacked directly and / or indirectly on top of each other. The cores can have an identical composition, although they can also have mutually different compositions, which allows the properties of each core to be modified and adapted for its own main function (for example, sound dampening, providing strength, providing flexibility, etc.). The top structure is preferably bonded to the core by means of a waterproof adhesive. This protects the core(s) from water applied to the top structure, making the panel as a whole more waterproof. Furthermore, this prevents the top structure from easily separating from the core. The waterproof adhesive is preferably a methoxysilyl-based adhesive, more preferably a dimentoxysilyl and / or trimethoxysilyl adhesive. More preferably, this methoxysilyl-based adhesive is modified with acrylic. Polypropylene glycol is preferably used as a plasticizer in this adhesive. Preferably, the adhesive further comprises at least one of the following ingredients: at least one silane (acting as a moisture remover and / or adhesion promoter), a catalyst, for example, DOT (diotyltin), at least one antioxidant, and at least one mineral filler, such as calcium carbonate.Ideally, all the ingredients mentioned above are present in the adhesive (waterproof). This adhesive is typically a 1K adhesive. The top 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 will be 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, color combination, or a single color, to name just a few design possibilities. Custom appearances are also possible, which are frequently achieved by digital printing during the panel production process.The decorative top structure can also be formed by at least one layer, preferably a polymer layer or a paper layer. The polymer layer or the paper layer is typically printed. The (printed) polymer layer or the (printed) paper layer can be bonded to the core. In this case, the core can comprise and / or be composed of plasticized or unplasticized polymer, or, alternatively, it can comprise and / or be composed of a mineral material, such as magnesium oxide. In an alternative embodiment, the decorative top structure is omitted from, 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 an upper side and a lower 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 inserted into said core. Preferably, the panel comprises a backing layer bonded to the rear side of the core. Preferably, 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 can be manufactured include polyethylene, cork, polyurethane, and ethylene-vinyl acetate. The thickness of a polyethylene backing layer is, for example, typically 2 mm or less. The backing layer commonly provides additional robustness, dimensional stability, and / or impact resistance to the panel, thereby increasing its durability. In addition, the (flexible) backing layer may enhance the acoustic properties (sound dampening) of the panel. In one particular embodiment, the backing layer is provided with at least one plasticizer.One can imagine that a backing layer is provided with at least a microbial-based coating to prevent and / or impede bacterial growth under the panels once installed. Preferably, at least one reinforcing layer extends across 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 a top and bottom profile, a preferred example of which is given below. The advantage of applying the reinforcing layer to only one mating profile, typically the aforementioned bottom profile, and therefore not to the complementary mating profile, typically the aforementioned top profile, is that the flexibility of one profile (the top profile) is greater than the flexibility of the other (the bottom 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 ascending tongue, • at least one ascending flank located at a distance from the ascending tongue, • an ascending groove formed between the ascending tongue and the ascending flank wherein the ascending groove is adapted to receive at least a portion of a descending tongue from a second mating profile of an adjacent panel, and • at least one first locking element, preferably provided on a side distant from the ascending tongue and oriented in the opposite direction to the ascending flank, and preferably the second (complementary) mating profile comprises: • a first downward tongue, • at least a first downward flank located at a distance from the downward tongue, • 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 for coercion with a first locking element of an adjacent panel, said second locking element being preferably provided on the downward flank. Preferably, the first locking element comprises a protrusion and / or a cavity, and the second locking element comprises a protrusion and / or a cavity. The protrusion is commonly adapted to be received at least partially in the cavity of an adjacent mating panel in order to achieve a locked coupling, preferably a vertically locked coupling. It is also conceived that the first locking element and the second lock are not formed by a protrusion-cavity combination, but by another combination of coactive profiled surfaces and / or high-friction contact surfaces.In this latter configuration, at least one locking element of the first locking element and the second locking element can be formed by a contact surface (flat or otherwise shaped) made of a plastic material, optionally separate, which is configured to generate friction with the other locking element of another panel in the assembled (coupled) state. Examples of plastics suitable for generating friction include: Acetal (POM), being rigid and strong with good slip resistance, 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) is a high-temperature thermoplastic with good chemical and fire 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 retardant, 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) is inherently flame retardant with good physical, chemical, and wear resistance properties. Polycarbonate (PC) 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. 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 can be imagined that the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile are configured so that in the coupled state there is a pretension, which forces the coupled panels at their respective edges against 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 downswing tab and the upswing groove and / or overlapping contours of the upswing tab and the downswing groove, and wherein the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile are configured such that the two of said panels can be coupled to each other by means of a folding motion and / or a vertical motion, such that, in the coupled state, at least a portion of the downswing tab of the second coupling portion is inserted into the upswing groove of the first coupling portion,so that the descending tongue is held by the first coupling part and / or the ascending tongue 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 descending flank located a distance from the side tongue, and • a second descending groove formed between the side tongue and the second descending 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 flange and a lower flange, wherein said lower flange is provided with an upward locking element, wherein the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are configured so that two of said panels can be coupled together by means of a twisting motion, wherein, in the coupled state: at least a portion of the side tab of a first panel is inserted into the third slot 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 slot of said first panel. The panel, typically the core, and in particular at least one core, preferably comprises recycled material. The recycled material typically relates to the reuse of leftover material resulting from previous production processes (panels). Preferably, at least one groove, and preferably each groove, is treated with at least one antimicrobial substance. This provides a robust barrier against bacteria, fungi, etc. 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 also relates to a decorative covering, in particular a decorative floor covering, decorative ceiling covering, or decorative wall covering, comprising a plurality of decorative panels that interlock according to the invention. The covering can also be installed on vertical corners, such as inside corners of intersecting walls, furniture, 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 called 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 descending along with, the plane defined by the panels. 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 yet 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 to 5c show a cross-section of two multipurpose panels as shown in Figures 1a, 2a or 3a in a first, second and third coupled state respectively; • Figures 6a to 6c show a cross-section of two multipurpose panels with alternative coupling profiles in a first, second, and third coupled state, respectively; and • Figures 7a to 7c show a cross-section of two multipurpose panels with other alternative coupling profiles in a first, second, and third coupled state, 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, respectively, with first, second, and third coupling profiles (104, 105, 106). The first coupling profile (104) and the third coupling profile (106) are configured such that two of said 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 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 selected as desired. 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) is 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 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). The different panel patterns (111, 112) are created in the present description 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) described herein are 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 angle or rotation 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 done by lowering 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 vertical and horizontal 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. 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 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 mirrored edge pairs shown for the different types of panels (201, 202) are formed by a second and third edge (102, 103). However, it is equally possible for the mirrored edge pairs to be formed by a first and third edge (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) enclose either an acute angle (203) or an obtuse angle (204).In this specific form, the first and second edges (101, 102) respectively enclose an obtuse angle (204) of the same size, while the second and third edges (102, 103) respectively enclose an acute angle (203) of the same size. The difference in the panel configuration and the parallelogram-shaped contour (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 previously discussed, the multipurpose panels (201, 202) that are part of this multipurpose panel system (200) come in two different (mirrored) types / configurations.While 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 opposing edges composed of a first edge (101) and a third opposing edge (103) and a second pair of opposing edges composed of a second edge (102) and a third opposing edge (103), where 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), 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) that connect 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 those 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 forms 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 forms part of the other non-corresponding pair of opposite edges (102, 103). The result is a multi-purpose, interconnected 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 yet another embodiment of a multipurpose panel system (300) according to the invention. Apart from 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 positioned in the present description 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), consequently, 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 folding motion. vertical. 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 configuration shown, 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 angle or rotation movement of the panel (301) to be installed relative to the already installed panel (301), one or more second edges (102) of the panel (300) to be installed will connect (simultaneously) to a third edge (103) of one or more adjacent panels (301) already installed. This is typically done by lowering or folding the panel (301) to be installed relative to the other panel(s) already installed (301), during which the second edge(s) (102) of the panel (301) to be installed and the third edge (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 relative to the other panel(s) already installed (301) in both the vertical and horizontal 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 a third opposite edge (103) of the panel (100, 201, 202, 301) are visible, having 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 descending flank (401) that is at a distance from the side tongue (400), and a first descending cavity (402) formed between the side tongue (400) and the first descending flank (401).The proximal side (403) of the lateral tab (400) of the first coupling profile (104), which faces the first descending cavity (402), is inclined downwards in the present description in a direction away from the first descending flank (401). However, it is equally possible for the proximal side (403) of the lateral tab (400) to be inclined downwards in a direction towards the first descending flank (401). A first transition zone (404) can be defined between the proximal side (403) of the lateral tab (400) of the first coupling profile (104) and a lower side (405) of the lateral 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 descending cavity (402) is on the panel depicted (100, 201, 202, 301) which slopes 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 co-engage 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 downward 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 cavity (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). This third cavity (430) is defined by an upper flange (431) and a lower flange (432), wherein the lower flange (432) is provided with an upward locking element (433). The proximal side (434) of the upward locking element (433) of the third coupling profile (106), which faces the third cavity (430), is inclined upward in a direction away from the upper flange (431). Alternatively, however, it may be possible for the proximal side (434) of the upward locking element (433) to be inclined upward in a direction toward the upper flange (431).A third transition zone (435) can be defined between the proximal side (434) of the ascending locking element (433) and an upper side (436) of the ascending locking element (433), the third transition zone (435) of which is also curved to follow the first curved transition zone (404). The upper side (436) of the ascending locking element (433) is represented on the panel (100, 201, 202, 301), which slopes downward in the opposite direction from the upper flange (431) of the third coupling profile (106). On the lower side (437) of the lower flange (432) of the third coupling profile (106), there is a cavity (438) that extends to the distal end (439) of the lower flange (432). This cavity (438) allows the lower flange (432) to be bent downward.As previously mentioned, the third mating profile (106) may further comprise a third locking element (440) that can co-act 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 be provided herein on a distal side (441) of the lower flange (432) that faces away from the third cavity (430) and / or on a distal side (442) of the upward locking element (433) that faces away from the third cavity (430). The third locking element (440) can, as shown here, be specifically positioned at a distance from both a lower side (437) of the lower flange (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), which protrusion (443) is adapted to engage at least partially in the first locking groove (408) or a second locking groove (423) of an adjacent mating panel (100, 201, 202, 301) in order to achieve a locked (vertically) mating. The core (452) is provided with at least one reinforcing layer (454), such as a fiberglass (fabric) layer, incorporated (inserted) into the core (452). More particularly, the core comprises at least one polymer and preferably at least one plasticizer. Alternatively, the core comprises a mineral, such as magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, and / or magnesium cement.The panel, and optionally only the coupling profiles, may be provided with at least one antibacterial (antimicrobial) coating and / or antimicrobial substance mixed with the core material and / or the upper structure of the panel. Optionally, an antimicrobial coating may be applied to the upper part of the upper structure, although it may be preferable to avoid exposing the antimicrobial substance to the outside (upper) environment during normal use for health and safety reasons. The core may comprise additional additives, such as calcium carbonate-based particles and / or cellulose dispersed within the polymer (matrix); and, in this embodiment, at least one reinforcing layer (454) inserted within the core.The core shown can be considered as a single layer, although part of it lies above the reinforcing layer (454) and part below it, with both parts being integrally connected by composite material present in the pores of the reinforcing layer. Detailed examples of compositions and additives have already been described extensively in the preceding section. 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, having 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 cross-section description 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 cavity (412) formed between the downward tongue (410) and the second downward flank (411).The proximal side (413) of the descending tab (410) of the second coupling profile (105), which faces the second descending cavity (412), is inclined downwards in the present description in a direction away from the second descending flank (411). However, it is also possible for the proximal side (413) of the descending tab (410) to be inclined downwards in a direction towards the second descending flank (411). A second transition zone (414) can be defined between the proximal side (413) of the descending tab (410) of the second coupling profile (105) and a lower side (415) of the descending tab (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 descending tongue (410), which is oriented in the opposite direction to the second descending cavity (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), an angled wall portion (418) that forms an inward angle to a chamfered and / or curved lower wall portion (419) of said distal side (416) of the descending tongue (410). Therefore, an intermediate vertical wall portion (420) may be present in the present description between the angled 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 descending tongue (410) can also be connected to the lower side (415) of the descending tongue (410).The upper side (421) of the second descending cavity (412) is in the represented panel (100, 201, 202, 301) which slopes 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 co-act with a third locking element (440) of a third coupling profile (106) of an adjacent panel (100, 201, 202, 301) to establish a vertical lock between the panels (100, 201, 202, 301). The second locking element (422) may be provided on the second descending flank (411) of the second coupling profile (105).In the panel currently represented (100, 201, 202, 301), the second locking element (422) comprises at least a second locking slot (423) adapted to receive at least partially the outward protrusion (443) of the third locking element (440) of an adjacent coupled panel (100, 201, 202, 301) in order to achieve a locked (vertically) coupling. 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) that is 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. At least one reinforcing layer (454), such as a fiberglass (fabric) layer, inserted into the core (452), is shown again. 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) that is fixed to a lower side (459) of the core (452). Figures 5a to 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 state, respectively. In these figures, it can be seen that in the coupled state, 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 cavity (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 first downward cavity (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 tab (400) of the first coupling profile (104) as described herein can be supported by a lower surface (500) of the third cavity (430) of the third coupling profile (106). The first edge (101) and the third edge (103), in the coupled state, define a first closing surface (501) which is defined as a first vertical plane (502) through the upper edges (503) of the coupled panels (100, 201, 202, 301). Each of the side tab (400) and the third cavity (430) extends through said first vertical plane (502) as described herein. In the modalities shown, the first and third coupling profiles (104, 106) comprise respectively a first and a third locking element (407,440).The first and third locking elements (407,440) are positioned in the present description so that the first locking element (407) is oriented and co-acts with the third locking element (440) of the third coupling profile (106) to achieve a vertical locking effect. Figures 5a to 5c further show that in the coupled state, at least a portion of the downward-facing tab (410) of the second coupling profile (105) is inserted into the third cavity (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 cavity (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, in this description, be supported by a lower surface (500) of the third cavity (430) of the third coupling profile (106).The second edge (102) and the third edge (103), in the coupled state, 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 tongue (410) is thus positioned on one side of said second vertical plane (505), while the third cavity (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 co-acts with the third locking element (440) of the third coupling profile (106) to achieve a vertical locking effect. Figures 6a to 6c show a cross-section of two multipurpose panels (600) with alternative coupling profiles (601, 602, 603) in a first, second, and third coupled state respectively. Where the coupling profiles (104, 105, 106) of the panels (100, 201, 202, 301) shown in Figures 5a to 5c are configured such that in a coupled state, (substantially) no prestress exists between the coupling profiles (104, 105, 106), the coupling profiles (601, 602, 603) of the panels (600) shown in Figures 6a to 6c are configured such that in a coupled state there is a prestress that forces the respective panels (600) at their respective edges (604) against each other. In the configurations shown of the coupling profiles (601, 602, 603), the prestress is the result of a (local) deformation of the coupling profiles (601, 602, 603). Figures 7a to 7c show a cross-section of two multipurpose panels (700) with alternative coupling profiles (701, 702, 703) in a first, second, and third coupled state, respectively. In this embodiment of the third coupling profile (703), there is no cavity on the lower side (705) of its lower flange (704). In the multipurpose panels (700) shown, the first coupling profile (701) further comprises another first locking element (706), which is provided on a distal side (707) of the first coupling profile (701) and extends above at least a portion of the side tab (708). Furthermore, the second coupling profile (702) comprises another second locking element (709), which is provided on a distal side (711) of the descending tongue (710) that is oriented in the opposite direction to the second descending cavity (712).The third coupling profile (703) further comprises a third locking element (713), which is provided on one side (715) of the upper flange (714). In the coupled states shown in Figures 7a and 7b, the additional third locking element (713) is oriented towards the distal side (707) of the first coupling profile (701) of the adjacent panel (700), whereas in the coupled state shown in Figure 7c, the additional third locking element (713) is oriented towards the distal side (711) of the downward tab (710) of the second coupling profile (702) of an adjacent panel (700).Furthermore, Figures 7a to 7c depict the constraint 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 state of two panels (700), defining a tangent TI (716) which encloses an angle Al (717) with a plane (718) defined by the panel (700), whose angle Al (717) is less than an angle A2 (719) enclosed by said plane (718) defined by the panel (700) and a tangent T2 (720) defined by a constraint between an inclined portion of a nearby side! (722) of the ascending locking element (721) oriented towards the third cavity (723) and an inclined part of a proximal side (724) of the descending tongue (710) oriented towards the second descending flank (725) respectively an inclined part of a proximal side (726) of the lateral tongue (708) oriented towards the first descending flank (727). In the coupling profile configurations (701, 702, 703) shown in Figures 7a to 7c, the first coupling profile (701) and the third coupling profile (703), respectively, and the second coupling (702) and the third coupling profile (703), are configured such that in the coupled state, a plurality of distant contact zones (728) are present, wherein a space (729) remains between each pair of adjacent contact zones (728). Specifically, Figures 7a and 7b show that the first descending flank (727) of the first coupling profile (701), a distal side (730) of the ascending locking element (721), and the lower flange (704) of the third coupling profile (703), which face the first descending flank (727), are positioned 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 cavity (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 flange (704) of the third coupling profile (703), which face 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 cavity (712) of the second coupling profile (702). In the embodiments shown in Figures 5a to 7c, the core preferably comprises at least one polymer, such as PVC, and preferably at least one plasticizer. Alternatively, the core comprises a mineral, such as magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, and / or magnesium cement. The panel, and optionally only the core and / or the coupling profiles, may be provided with at least an antibacterial (antimicrobial) coating and / or antimicrobial substance. This substance is preferably mixed with the polymeric material of the core material and / or with the material of the upper structure of the panel. Optionally, an antimicrobial coating may be applied to the upper part of the upper structure, although it may be preferable not to expose the antimicrobial substance to the outside (upper) environment during normal use for health and safety reasons.Preferably, at least one antimicrobial substance is a zinc complex, preferably zinc pyrithione. Preferably, at least one antimicrobial substance is N-butyl-1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (BBIT). Preferably, the panel, in particular the core and / or the upper structure and / or the first coupling profile and / or the second coupling profile, is provided with a mixture of different antimicrobial substances, the mixture preferably comprising a zinc complex, preferably zinc pyrithione, and N-butyl-1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (BBIT). 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 inserted into the core.The core shown can be considered as a single layer, although part of it lies above the reinforcement layer and part below it (454), where both parts are interconnected (integrally) by composite material present in the pores of the reinforcement layer. Detailed examples of compositions and additives 5 have already been described extensively in the preceding section. 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 anyone 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 those skilled in the art. It is understood that the verb "comprender" and its conjugations used in this patent publication mean not only "comprender" (to understand), but also the phrases "contener" (to contain), "consiste substantially en" (to consist substantially of), "forma por" (formed by), and their conjugations.

Claims

1. Decorative panel, in particular 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 at least one antimicrobial substance is applied as a coating on at least a portion of the first coupling profile and / or at least a portion of the second coupling profile.

2. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile form an integral part of the core.

3. The panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one antimicrobial substance is dispersed within the core and / or upper structure.

4. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one antimicrobial substance is applied as a coating over the core and / or the upper structure.

5. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one antimicrobial substance is applied as a coating on a surface of the first coupling profile configured to face the second coupling profile of an adjacent panel, in the coupled state.

6. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one antimicrobial substance is applied as a coating on a surface of the second coupling profile configured to face the first coupling profile of an adjacent panel, in the coupled state.

7. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one antimicrobial substance is a zinc complex, preferably zinc pyrithione.

8. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one antimicrobial substance is N-butyl-l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (BBIT).

9. The panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the panel, in particular said core and / or said upper structure and / or the first coupling profile and / or the second coupling profile is provided with a mixture of different antimicrobial substances, said mixture preferably comprising a zinc complex, preferably zinc pyrithione and N-butyl-1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (BBIT).

10. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises at least one polymer.

11. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises at least one plasticizer.

12. The panel according to claim 10 or 11, wherein at least one polymer and / or at least one plasticizer used in the core is a recycled material.

13. The panel according to one of claims 10-12, wherein at least one polymer and / or at least one plasticizer used in the core is bio-based material.

14. The panel according to one of claims 10-13, wherein at least one core polymer is formed from PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

15. The panel according to one of claims 10-14, wherein at least one core polymer is formed from PUR (polyurethane).

16. The panel according to one of claims 10-15, wherein at least one core polymer is formed from PVB (polyvinyl butyral).

17. The panel according to one of claims 10-16, wherein at least one core polymer is formed from a polyolefin, in particular PE or PP.

18. The panel according to one of claims 10-17, wherein at least one core polymer is formed from polystyrene, preferably expanded polystyrene.

19. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of: DOTP, D1NP, D1DP.

20. The 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.

21. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises at least one compatibilizer for improving the compatibility between at least one polymer and at least one plasticizer.

22. The 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, optionally, at least one plasticizer.

23. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support layer comprises a plurality of different plasticizers.

24. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one polymer and / or at least one plasticizer used in the support layer is a recycled material.

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

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

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

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

29. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one polymer of the support layer is formed from a polyolefin, in particular PE or PP.

30. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the backing layer comprises a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of: DOTP, DINP, DIDP.

31. The panel according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the antimicrobial substance is at least one chosen antimicrobial substance from the group consisting of: l-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-l,3-dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-lH-4-triazole (2,4-propicontriazole); (benzothiazol-2-ylthio) methyl thiocyanate (TCMTB); l-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-3-(l,2,4-triazol-l-ylmethyl)pentan-3-ol (Tebuconazole); l-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-l,3-dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-lH-l,2,4-triazole (Propiconazole); 2-butyl-benzo[d]isothiazol-3-one (BBIT); 2-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (OIT); 2-thiazol-4-yl-lH-benzoimidazole (Thiabendazole); 3-iodo-2-propynylbutylcarbamate (IPBC); 4,5-Dichloro-2-octylisothiazol-3(2H)-one (DCOIT)); 10,10-oxybisphenoxarsine (OBPA); Carbendazim; Chlorocresol; Fludioxonil; N-(trichloromethylthio)phthalimide (Folpet); p- [(diy odo methyl) sulfonyl] toluene; Zinc pyrithione (Zinc pyrithione (Zpt)); Best; y Oyster RQ / RQn / LZnZ / q / YIAI 32. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core and / or the support layer comprise at least one filler selected from the group consisting of: a mineral, preferably calcium carbonate; a pigment, a modifier, fibers.

33. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core and / or support layer comprise cellulose-based particles, preferably comprising lignocellulose, such as wood or hemp.

34. The panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises at least one additional filler selected from the group consisting of: steel, glass, polypropylene, wood, acrylic, alumina, curaua, carbon, cellulose, coconut, kevlar, nylon, polyethylene, PVA, rock wool, sisal, and fique.

35. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core polymer is foamed.

36. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises pearlite, preferably expanded pearlite.

37. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises at least one flame retardant additive.

38. The 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.

39. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises glass fiber.

40. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises natural fibers, such as jute.

41. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises synthetic fibers, in particular polymeric fibers.

42. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one reinforcing layer is inserted into the core.

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

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

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

46. ​​The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one core has a density greater than 1 kg / m3.

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

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

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

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

51. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises a plurality of reinforcing layers, wherein, preferably, at least a first reinforcing layer is located in an upper portion of the core, and wherein at least a second reinforcing layer is located in a lower portion of the core.

52. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises a laminate of cores, which are stacked directly and / or indirectly on top of each other.

53. The 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.

54. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper structure is adhered to the core by means of a waterproof adhesive, preferably a methoxysilyl-based adhesive.

55. The panel according to 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.

56. The panel according to claim 55, wherein the wear layer has a melting temperature above 100 degrees Celsius, wherein the wear layer is preferably made of polyurethane.

57. The 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 profiles.

58. The 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.

59. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupling profile comprises: • an upward tongue, • at least one upward flank located at a distance from the upward tongue, • an upward groove formed between the upward tongue and the upward flank, wherein the upward groove is adapted to receive at least a portion of a downward tongue of a second coupling profile of an adjacent panel, and • at least one first locking element, preferably provided on a side distant from the upward tongue and oriented in the opposite direction to the upward flank, and wherein the second coupling profile comprises: • a first downward tongue, • at least one first downward flank located at a distance from the downward tongue, • a first downward groove formed between the downward tongue and the downward flank,wherein the descending groove is adapted to receive at least a portion of an ascending tab of a first mating profile of an adjacent panel, and • at least a second locking element adapted for coercion with a first locking element of an adjacent panel, said second locking element being preferably provided on the descending flank.

60. The 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 descending flank located a distance from the side tab, and • a second descending groove formed between the side tab and the second descending 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 flange and a lower flange,wherein said lower flange is provided with an upward locking element, wherein the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are configured so that two of said panels can be coupled together by means of a rotational movement, wherein, in the coupled state: 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 second downward groove of said first panel.

61. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel is rigid, flexible or semi-flexible.

62. The panel according to 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 and the epoxidized oil is preferably from 99:1 to 1:

99.

63. The 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 the group 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.

64. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide and / or magnesium-based cement.

65. The panel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC).

66. The panel according to any one 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.

67. The decorative cladding, in particular a decorative floor covering, decorative ceiling covering or decorative wall covering, comprising a plurality of decorative panels that are mutually coupled according to any of claims 1-66.