Panel and system for constructing a floor or wall covering

Abstract

The invention relates to a panel for constructing a floor or wall covering. The invention also relates to a support element for use in such panel. The invention further relates to a system comprises a plurality of panels according to the invention, in particular to construct or form a floor or a wall covering.

Description

The invention relates to a panel for constructing a floor or wall covering. The invention also relates to a support element for use in such panel. The invention further relates to a system comprises a plurality of panels according to the invention, in particular to construct or form a floor or a wall covering. Ceramic tiles are widely used as a floor and wall covering in both residential and commercial applications. Ceramic tiles are available in a nearly unlimited color palette and may be installed in an equally unlimited number of designs. This tile is often a top choice for floor and wall coverings because of its waterproofness, great durability and aesthetic qualities. When tiles are installed, they are generally Iaid side by side on a surface such as a floor or wall. Typically, an adhesive compound is used as a base to attach the tiles to a supporting surface, after which grout is spread over and between the tiles to further bind the tiles to the supporting surface and to fill spaces between adjacent tiles. Due to the time and labor involved in tile installation, it is typically quite costly to have tile professionally installed. Accordingly, many homeowners desire to install tile in their own homes. Unfortunately, this is an extremely tedious process, and many homeowners do not wish to spend the time necessary for a satisfactory installation. In recent years, manufactures have attempted to produce do-it- yourself tile solutions that are easier to install. A difficulty, however, is that a click profiling section cannot be directly accomplished at the edges of the ceramic tiles, due to the hardness and brittleness of the material. In fact, the profiling processing cannot be performed directly on the ceramic since, during the profiling process, the milling cutters fail to affect and shape the profile to obtain the aforesaid connection system with the decimal tolerance required by the market of laminate flooring, LVT, or wooden parquet. In addition, the profiling can chip the ceramic material and give rise to breakages / abrasions / cracks or fissures so as to compromise the aesthetic appearance of the profiled element and the traction connection / sealing of the click joint. There is demand for floor panels which are strong, resistant to impact, sound dampening, stable under several conditions, and easy-to-install. It is a first goal of the present invention to provide a prefabricated panel or tile with a ceramic or equivalent top layer, and which can be installed in a relativity simple manner, preferably without using glue and / or grout. It is a second goal of the present invention to provide a prefabricated multilayer sound-dampening panel or sound-dampening tile with a ceramic or equivalent top layer. lt is a third goal of the present invention to provide an improved prefabricated multilayer panel with a ceramic or other hard top layer. lt is a fourth goal of the present invention to provide a prefabricated multilayer panel or with a ceramic or other top layer configured to be mechanically interconnected with other panels or tiles. At least one of these goals can be achieved by providing a panel for constructing a floor or wall covering, comprising: at least one binder selected from elastomeric and thermoplastic binders; natural particles, particularly natural fibers, dispersed in said binder; preferably water; and at least one decorative top layer which is affixed, either directly or indirectly, to the upper surface of the support element, wherein the top layer is at least partially made of at least one material chosen from the group consisting of: ceramic, stone, steel, concrete, mineral porcelain, glass, mosaic, granite, limestone and marble. The composite material, also referred to as bio-composite material, is preferably flexible. The composite material preferably has a compressive strength of at least 800 kPa, preferably at least 900 kPa, more preferably at least 1000 kPa. This combination of flexibility and strength allows for easier installation while maintaining durability under load. Moreover, contrary to e.g. cork, the composite material of the support element having this flexibility and relatively high compressive strength (compared to cork) will not be inclined to break during normal load (and normal use), which will therefore prevent the formation of acoustic bridges to a subfloor, as a result of which an adequate sound dampening effect can be secured. Moreover, the cost price of the composite material of the support element is typically below the cost price of a support element which would be composed of cork. The binder preferably comprises an elastomer, such as rubber and / or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In some embodiments, the binder comprises natural rubber. The use of elastomeric binders contributes to the panels flexibility and resilience. The rubber, if applied, is preferably at least one rubber chosen from the group consisting of: natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylene- propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM), nitrile rubber (NBR), and recycled rubber. Natural rubber (NR), with its high elasticity and abrasion resistance, provides a durable and flexible layer to absorb impact and reduce noise. Styrene- butadiene rubber (SBR) offers cost-effective impact resistance and abrasion protection, making it ideal for general-purpose applications. Ethylene-propylene- diene monomer rubber (EPDM) excels in weather, heat, and UV resistance, making it suitable for outdoor floor or wall panels. Nitrile rubber (NBR), known for its superior oil and chemical resistance, is ideal for panels in industrial or chemical- prone environments. Finally, recycled rubber is an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice, offering excellent impact and sound absorption for sustainable floor or wall panel systems. The TPE, if applied, is preferably at least one TPE chosen from the group consisting of: styrene based TPE (SBS, SEBS), polyolefin elastomers (POE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), and recycled TPE. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) may be advantageously used in the support element due to its versatile properties. Styrene-based TPEs (SBS, SEBS) provide high flexibility, softness, and sound-dampening, making them ideal for residential or gym flooring panels. Polyolefin elastomers (POE) are lightweight and resistant to impact, offering excellent insulation and durability for subfloor or wall applications. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) stands out for its superior wear resistance, elasticity, and tear strength, making it perfect for heavy-traffic areas or industrial panels. Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) combine the elasticity of rubber with the ease of thermoplastic processing, excelling in outdoor applications due to their resistance to heat, UV, and weathering. Lastly, recycled TPEs are an eco-friendly and cost-efficient option, providing moderate mechanical properties for sustainable floor or wall panel systems. The binder may be at least partially crosslinked, which can enhance the overall strength and durability of the composite material. Crosslinking in rubbers and TPEs enhances their mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties, making them highly suitable as support elements for rigid top layers in floor or wall panels. The three- dimensional network formed during crosslinking improves elastic recovery, allowing the material to deform under stress and return to its original shape, which is critical for impact absorption and durability. lt also increases tensile strength, wear resistance, and fatigue resistance, ensuring long-term integrity in high-traffic or heavy-load applications. Crosslinking enhances heat and chemical resistance, making these materials ideal for environments exposed to temperature fluctuations or harsh substances, such as outdoor areas or industrial settings. Additionally, it provides superior dimensional stability, reducing creep or deformation over time, and improves sound and vibration dampening by dissipating energy more effectively. Examples include vulcanized rubbers like NR, SBR, and EPDM, which offer excellent elasticity and durability, and TPVs, a type of TPE with crosslinked rubber particles that combine the benefits of crosslinking with easier processing and recyclability. These properties ensure that crosslinked rubbers and TPEs deliver reliable, long-lasting performance in demanding flooring and wall panel systems. Additionally or alternatively, the support element may comprise at least one (other) thermoplastic material, preferably at least one thermoplastic material that is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), poly(ethylene 2,5- furandicarboxylate) (PEF), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and mixtures of two or more of these thermoplastic materials. The support element is designed to be flexible, which allows it to conform to minor subfloor imperfections and facilitates easier cutting and handling during installation. Moreover, this flexibility allows adjacent support elements to form-fittingly abut each other without leaving gaps, which is in favour of the sound dampening properties of a system composed of a plurality of panels according to the invention. Typically, the top layer has a Mohs hardness of at least 4. For example, the Mohs hardness of the top layer is typically 7 in case the top layer comprises ceramic, 5.5 in case the top layer comprises glass and at least 4.5 in case steel is used. The top layer is preferably a hard tile. The top layer preferably has a thickness of at least 3 mm and may e.g. range from 3 mm to 30 mm in thickness. In another embodiment, the top layer may range from 3 mm to 25mm in thickness. Tn yet another embodiment, the top layer may range from 3 mm to 15mm in thickness, or from 3 mm to 12 mm, or from 3 mm to 10 mm, or from 3 mm to 8 mm, or from 3 mm to 6 mm in thickness. The support elements typically has a lower Mohs hardness compared to the top layer. Preferably, the support element has a Mohs hardness of less than 4, preferably less than 3, more preferably less than 2. The Mohs hardness is measured by using the Mohs hardness test: the Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a qualitative ordinal scale characterizing scratch resistance of various minerals through the ability of harder material to scratch softer material. The Mohs hardness scale is in the range 1 to 10. The Shore A hardness of the support element is preferably less than 90, and preferably more than 45. This range of hardness provides a balance between flexibility and durability. The Shore A hardness of a material is measured using a durometer, a specialized instrument designed to test the hardness of soft, elastic materials like rubbers and thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), and is preferably measured by applying the international standard ASTM D2240. The tear strength of the support element may be situated between 55 and 75 N / mm, offering good resistance to tearing during installation and use. The natural particles in the composite material may include cotton fibers, particularly recycled cotton fibers. This use of recycled materials, preferably obtained from recycled jeans, contributes to the environmental sustainability of the product. The natural particles may comprise a mixture of plant fibers (e.g., cotton fibers) and natural particle dust (e.g., plant dust, cotton dust). The plant fibers may have an average length of between 1 and 20 mm, particularly between 1 and 5 mm. The natural particle dust, if applied, may have an average size of between 1 and 100 microns. These size ranges allow for optimal distribution and bonding within the composite material. Additionally, or alternatively, animal leather fibers may also be used as natural particles in the composite material. These may be mixed with natural particle dust, such as animal leather dust or leather buffing dust. The animal leather fibers may have an average length of between 0.5 and 5 mm, while the natural particle dust, if applied, may have an average size of between 0.1 and 500 microns. It was found that the addition of the leather buffing dust (as filler) to a rubber material of the support element brings improvement in mechanical properties and increase in resistance to thermal ageing and crosslink density of vulcanizates, such as carboxylated butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber-(XNBR) and butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber (NBR). Animal leather particles, in particular fibers and / or dust, comprise crosslinked collagen, typically in a three-dimensional structure. However, untreated leather fibers are of acidic nature and typically affects the vulcanization of rubber in the support element. Hence, it is preferred to neutralize the leather (if not already done), before using this leather particles as a filler in the support element. Treatment of leather with too alkaline substances, like NaOH, could affect the rubber as these alkaline substances react with collagen and therefore destroy the collagen structure. It was found that a more neutral treatment, for example by using a urea solution, leads to the best property improvements of the leather particles and their bonding interface with the rubber matrix material of the support element. The natural particles, particularly the natural fibers, are preferably at least partially encapsulated by the binder. This encapsulation improves the overall strength and water resistance of the composite material. Additionally or alternatively, the natural particles may include a wide variety of plant-based fibers, such as coir, kapok, jute, flax, hemp, kenaf, ramie, sisal, abaca (manila hemp), pineapple, banana, palm, bagasse, straw, bamboo, grass, and / or seagrass particles. This variety allows for customization of the composite material's properties and the use of locally available resources. The plant particles used in the composite material may comprise at least 60% by weight of cellulose, with a cellulose crystallinity of at least 80% by weight of the total amount of cellulose. This high cellulose content contributes to the material's strength and dimensional stability. The plant particles may comprise less than 20% by weight of lignin, which lignin is crosslinked and relatively brittle which may affect the material's properties and processing characteristics. Additionally, or alternatively, wood flour and / or wood fibers may be included as part of the natural particles, offering additional options for material composition and properties. The composite material may also include synthetic fibers, such as polyester, nylon, polypropylene, aramid, polyethylene, acrylic, carbon, glass, or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers. These synthetic fibers can be used to enhance specific properties of the composite material. Synthetic fibers that can be added to the, preferably elastomeric, matrix material of the support element, may enhance specific properties of the support element, such as tensile strength, impact resistance, durability, and dimensional stability while complementing the natural fibers. Polyester and nylon offer flexibility and resilience, polypropylene and polyethylene improve chemical resistance and lightweight characteristics, aramid fibers provide exceptional strength and heat resistance, and glass fibers enhance stiffness and thermal stability. The choice of synthetic fiber depends on the desired mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of the composite material. The support element may contain sulfur and zinc oxide, which can act as vulcanizing agents if rubber binders are used, improving the material's strength and durability. ln vulcanization, sulfur and zinc oxide work together to enhance the crosslinking process of rubber. Sulfur is the primary vulcanizing agent, forming crosslinks between the rubber's polymer chains to improve elasticity, strength, and durability. Zinc oxide acts as an activator, reacting with accelerators and sulfur to form intermediate complexes that speed up and facilitate the crosslinking reaction. This combination ensures efficient vulcanization, resulting in a rubber material with improved mechanical properties, heat resistance, and resilience. The composite material may include inert mineral fillers. Preferably at least one mineral filler is chosen from the group consisting of: calcium carbonate, silica, talc, kaolin, bentonite, magnesium hydroxide, alumina trihydrate, barium sulfate, mica, dolomite, wollastonite, zeolites, pumice, perlite, and vermiculite. These fillers improve mechanical properties, thermal stability, and processing characteristics, while maintaining the eco-friendly aspect of the bio-composite. The choice of filler depends on the desired properties, such as reinforcement, weight reduction, or flame resistance. Moreover, these fillers can help reduce costs of the support element and hence of the panel as such. The weight ratio of natural particles to binder in the support element is designed to be at least 0.25, preferably at least 0.8, more preferably at least 1, and preferably less than 4. This ratio ensures an optimal balance between the natural particles and the binder for strength and flexibility. For example, a ratio falling within this ratio range typically yields to relatively good mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tear strength, and hardness. At a ratio of 1 (+ / - 0.2), it was found that the composite achieves a relatively good balance between the mechanical reinforcement provided by the natural fibers, in particular leather fibers, and the elasticity and flexibility of the elastomeric matrix, in particular rubber matrix, of the support element. Ratios higher than 4 typically leads to a decrease in mechanical properties due to fiber aggregation and reduced flexibility of the rubber chain At least a fraction of the natural particles may be porous, which can contribute to the material's acoustic properties and moisture regulation capabilities. Porous fibers in a bio-composite material of the support element enhance acoustic dampening by effectively absorbing and dissipating sound energy. Their porous structure provides pathways for sound waves to enter, trapping and converting their energy into heat through friction and thermal dissipation. The increased surface area and air pockets of porous fibers improve interaction with sound waves, reducing reflection and reverberation across a broad frequency range. Additionally, their acoustic impedance, closer to that of air, allows sound to penetrate rather than reflect, further improving absorption. Examples of porous natural fibers are: cotton fibers, coir fibers, kapok fibers, hemp fibers, jute fibers, flax fibers, sisal fibers, abaca fibers, wool fibers, kenaf fibers, bamboo fibers, palm fibers, and leather fibers. The water content (moisture content) in the support element is typically limited and less than 10% by weight, preferably less than 5% by weight of the support element. Having some moisture in a composite material made of an elastomeric matrix filled with natural fillers (like plant or leather fibers) can improve flexibility, toughness, and processing. Moisture acts as a plasticizer, enhancing the elasticity of the natural fibers by increasing their molecular mobility, which helps distribute stresses more evenly in the composite. It can also improve fiber-matrix adhesion by slightly swelling the fibers, allowing better mechanical interlocking. Furthermore, during manufacturing, controlled moisture levels can aid in reducing brittleness of natural fillers, improving their dispersion within the elastomeric matrix. However, excessive moisture (> 10% by weight) should be avoided as it may cause voids, hydrolysis, or long-term degradation in some cases. The support element may be provided with flexible, preferably vertical, side edges. This feature can facilitate easier installation and improve water resistance at tight / closed panel joints. The support element may be oversized and / or offset with respect to the decorative top layer, extending beyond at least two side edges, preferably each side edge of the decorative top layer. This oversize and / or offset allows for easier alignment and connection of adjacent panels during installation, and moreover to the formation of grout lines (grout channels) which can be filled with grout mortar. The decorative top structure may be adhered to the support element using at least one adhesive layer, particularly a flexible adhesive layer. This flexibility in the adhesive layer can help accommodate any differences in thermal expansion or contraction between the support element and the top layer. The adhesive layer may comprise a water-based adhesive having a viscosity below 50 Pas at (an application temperature being) room temperature, or a hot melt adhesive, such as a PU hot melt adhesive, having a viscosity below 10 Pas at a(n application) temperature between 120 and 180 °C. These viscosity ranges allow for effective application and penetration of the adhesive. Hence, the adhesive layer may penetrate into the support element and / or the decorative top layer, enhancing the bond strength between the layers. Preferably a flexible adhesive layer is used. This flexibility is important in particular in case the support element and the top layer have different coefficients of thermal expansion or respond differently to changes in humidity. By using a flexible adhesive layer, the panel can accommodate these differences without causing stress or potential separation between the layers. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer is a hot melt adhesive layer. Hot melt adhesives offer several advantages in this application. They can be quickly applied and set, which can speed up the manufacturing process. They also typically provide strong initial tack, which helps hold the layers together during the rest of the manufacturing process. Hot melt adhesives can be formulated to maintain flexibility after cooling, which aligns with the need for a flexible adhesive layer in this panel design. The support element as defined above is typically relatively waterproof, and as the support element is affixed to the typically also waterproof top layer, it is strongly preferred that the coefficients of moisture expansion (CME) of both layers are in the same order of magnitude, and / or preferably aligned with each other. In case these CMEs of both layers mutually strongly differ delamination of damaging of the panels as such could easily occur. Expansion properties (linear expansion and contraction in the plane of the panel) and swelling properties (thickness swelling and shrinkage in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panel) are commonly key parameters in the dimensional stability of the individual layers and of the panel according to the invention as such. Linear expansion values are typically considerably smaller than thickness swelling value. Particularly, linear expansion is considered as the control factor in qualifying the behaviour of the individual layers and of the panel as such when exposed to moisture. The hygroscopic linear expansion of the individual panel layers, in the plane of the panel, is of practical importance for using the panels to create a durably stable floor or wall covering. A flexible adhesive is preferably used to compensate differences in CME. The top layer is typically not, or practically not, susceptible for expansion or contraction due to moisture changes in the direct environment. Hence, the CME of the top layer is typically zero or very close to zero. It is therefore advantageous in case the support element has a linear moisture expansion coefficient of less than 0.015% per% moisture change of the support element. This means that the expansion of the support element in the plane of the panel is less than 0.15mm per m length of the support element in case the moisture content of the support element is changing, typically increasing, with 1%. Preferably, the support element has a first linear moisture expansion coefficient, and wherein the top layer has second linear moisture expansion coefficient, wherein the difference between the first linear moisture expansion coefficient and the second linear moisture expansion coefficient is less than 0.015% per% moisture change. Preferably, the support element has a linear moisture contraction coefficient of less than 0.025% per% moisture change of the support element. This means that the contraction (shrinkage) of the support element in the plane of the panel is less than 0.25mm perm length of the support element in case the moisture content of the support element is changing, typically decreasing, with 1%. Preferably, the support element has a first linear moisture contraction coefficient, and wherein the top layer has second linear moisture contraction coefficient, wherein the difference between the first linear moisture contraction coefficient and the second linear moisture contraction coefficient is less than 0.025% per% moisture change. In a preferred embodiment, the support element has a thickness swelling coefficient of less than 0.6% per% moisture change of the support element. This means that the expansion of the support element, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panel, is less than 0.0006mm permm thickness of the support element in case the moisture content of the support element is changing, typically increasing, with 1%. Preferably, the support element has a first thickness swelling coefficient, and wherein the top layer has second thickness swelling coefficient, wherein the difference between the first thickness swelling coefficient and the second thickness swelling coefficient is less than 0.6% per% moisture change. Preferably, the support element has a thickness shrinkage coefficient of less than 05% per% moisture change of the support element. This means that the thickness reduction of the support element is less than 0.0005mm permm thickness of the support element in case the moisture content of the support element is changing, typically decreasing, with 1%. Preferably, the support element has a first thickness shrinkage coefficient, and wherein the top layer has a second thickness shrinkage coefficient, wherein the difference between the first thickness shrinkage coefficient and the second thickness shrinkage coefficient is less than 05% per% moisture change. Both for the top layer and for the support element, the moisture expansion can be determined by applying the test described in ISO 10545. The above moisture-related properties ensure that the panel remains stable and flat under varying humidity conditions, reducing the risk of warping, separation, or gap formation. The support element may have a density of at least 1000 kg / m3, preferably at least 1100 kg / m3, more preferably at least 1200 kg / m3. This relatively high density contributes to the panel's stability and sound insulation properties. The support element may consist of a single material layer, simplifying manufacturing and ensuring uniform properties throughout its thickness. The support element may have a thickness between 2 and 12 mm, preferably between 2 and 10 mm, more preferably between 2 and 6 mm. This range of thicknesses provides adequate strength and sound insulation while maintaining a relatively low profile. The support element may be designed either with or without interconnecting coupling profiles for joining adjacent panels. When present, these profiles may lock the panels in horizontal and / or vertical direction. To this end preferably at least one pair of opposed side edges of the support element is provided with interconnecting coupling means for interconnecting adjacent panels. This enables easier constructing of a floor or wall covering of a plurality of panels according to the present invention. Partly because of the relatively high density of the support element, it is possible to provide the side edges of the support element with interconnecting coupling means. Non-limiting examples of possible interconnecting coupling means are described hereinafter. It is for example conceivable that the support element is provided with complementary coupling means, such as a tongue and groove. The tongue and groove may e.g. be coupled by means of a horizontal movement and / or vertical movement and / or angling movement (turning movement). In a more specific embodiment, the interconnecting coupling means may e.g. include respectively a first and a second coupling profile at a respective first and second side edge of the pair of side edges, wherein the first coupling profile comprises: ° an upward tongue, ° at least one upward flank lying at a distance from the upward tongue, ° an upward groove formed in between the upward tongue and the upward flank wherein the upward groove is adapted to receive at least a part of a downward tongue of a second coupling profile of another, identical panel, and ° at least one first locking element, preferably provided at a distant side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward flank, and wherein the second coupling profile comprises: ° a first downward tongue, ° at least one first downward flank lying at a distance from the downward tongue, ° a first downward groove formed in between the downward tongue and the downward flank, wherein the downward groove is adapted to receive at least a part of an upward tongue of a first coupling profile of another, identical panel, and ° at least one second locking element adapted for co-action with a first locking element of the other identical panel, said second locking element preferably being provided at the downward flank. Preferably, the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile are configured such that the first and second coupling profiles of two identical panels can be coupled to each other by means of a lowering or vertical movement, which involves at least a part of the downward tongue of a first panel being inserted into the upward groove of the other identical panel, and wherein at least a part of the upward tongue of the other panel is inserted into the downward groove of the first panel. An inside of the upward tongue (facing the upward flank) and the inside of the downward tongue (facing the downward flank) may be in contact in coupled condition, to transfer forces between them, in particular from the upward tongue to the downward tongue. The insides of the tongues may be in contact at tongue contact surfaces, wherein the tongue contact surfaces may be inclined. The inclination may be such that a portion of the inside of the upward tongue is inclined towards the flank, such that a tangent line from the tongue contact surface intersects with the inner vertical plane above the tongue contact surface. Alternatively the inclination may be such that a portion of the inside of the tongue is inclined away from the upward flank, such that a tangent line from the tongue contact surface intersects with the inner vertical plane below the tongue contact surface. These are closed groove and open groove systems respectively. Closed groove systems provide for an improved (drop-)locking, but are more difficult to couple, whereas open groove systems are easier to couple but do not provide the additional vertical locking of a closed groove system. Furthermore, in the panel according to the invention, the panel may comprise at least one third coupling profile and at least one fourth coupling profile located respectively at a third panel edge and a fourth panel edge, wherein the third coupling profile comprises: ° a sideward tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the panel, ° at least one second downward flank lying at a distance from the sideward tongue, and ° a second downward groove formed between the sideward tongue and the second downward flank, wherein the fourth coupling profile comprises: ° a third groove configured for accommodating at least a part of the sideward tongue of the third coupling profile of a second identical panel, said third groove being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, wherein said lower lip is provided with an upward locking element, wherein the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are configured such that the third and fourth coupling profiles of two identical panels can be coupled to each other by means of a turning movement, which involves at least a part of the sideward tongue of a first panel being inserted into the third groove of the other identical panel, and wherein at least a part of the upward locking element of the other panel is inserted into the second downward groove of the first panel. Preferably, the panel comprises, at a first pair of opposed side edges, a first and a second coupling profile, wherein the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile are configured such that the first and second coupling profiles of two identical panels can be coupled to each other by means of a vertical movement, and wherein the panel comprises, at a second pair of opposed edges, a third coupling profile and a fourth coupling profile, wherein the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile are configured such that the third and fourth coupling profiles of two identical panels can be coupled to each other by means of a turning movement. An exposed upper surface and / or the entire upper surface of the support element may be provided with a coating, preferably comprising at least one silane coupling agent. Coating a bio-composite surface of the support element with silane coupling agents, such as APTES, GPTMS, VTMS, MPTS, or OTES, significantly enhances the bonding of grout mortar by improving interfacial adhesion through chemical bonding between the organic bio-composite and inorganic grout. Moreover, the use of silane coupling agents in between the support element and the top layer can significantly improve the adhesion between the support element and the top layer. These agents also provide hydrophobic properties, reducing water absorption and preventing moisture-related degradation, while reactive functional groups increase compatibility with cementitious materials. Additionally, the treatment improves durability, mechanical performance, and resistance to environmental factors like temperature fluctuations and chemicals, ensuring a robust and long-lasting grout layer on the bio-composite surface. Additionally or alternatively to silane coupling agents, other options for enhancing adhesion between a bio-composite surface and grout mortar include epoxy-based coatings, polyurethane (PU) coatings, and acrylic primers, which provide strong bonding and chemical resistance. Phosphate-based treatments and latex or styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) primers improve adhesion and flexibility, while mechanical surface treatments like sandblasting or etching create textures for mechanical interlocking. Advanced methods such as plasma or corona treatment modify surface energy, and nanoparticle-based coatings enhance roughness and chemical compatibility. Organic acid treatments, like citric acid, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) coatings also offer effective alternatives, promoting better adhesion and moisture resistance. These approaches can be tailored to optimize bonding strength, durability, and environmental resistance. The panel is designed to have good acoustic properties, with a sound absorption coefficient (01) of at least 0.4 and a sound transmission loss (STL) of at least 35 dB at sound frequencies of at least 250 Hz. A sound absorption coefficient of 0.4 ensures that the panel absorbs at least 40% of incident sound energy, reducing reverberation and improving acoustic comfort in enclosed spaces. The high STL of 35 dB minimizes the transmission of sound through the panel, significantly reducing noise transfer between rooms or floors. This property is particularly important for reducing the transmission of speech and othercommon indoor sounds between rooms or between floors in a building. These characteristics make the panel particularly suitable for multi-story buildings or noise-sensitive areas, such as offices, residential complexes, or hospitals, where controlling sound reflections and isolating noise are critical for comfort, productivity, and privacy. Additionally, these properties contribute to compliance with building standards for noise control, enhancing the overall value and functionality of the construction. The top layer may have a thickness between 2 and 20 mm, preferably between 2.5 and 10 mm, more preferably between 3 and 6 mm. This range of thicknesses allows for durability of the decorative surface while maintaining compatibility with various installation methods. The top layer, which provides the decorative surface of the panel, has a thickness between 2 and 20 mm, preferably between 2.5 and 10 mm, more preferably between 3 and 6 mm. This range of thicknesses allows for a balance between durability and weight. The thicker end of this range provides excellent durability and can withstand heavy wear, making it suitable for high-traffic commercial applications. The thinner end of the range reduces the overall weight of the panel, which can be beneficial for easier handling and installation, and may be suitable for residential or light commercial use. These features work together to create a panel that not only provides the aesthetic appeal of ceramic or stone, but also offers improved acoustic performance, durability, and ease of installation compared to traditional tile or stone flooring. The combination of the flexible, sound-absorbing support element with the durable top layer, all held together with a flexible adhesive, results in a product that can meet the demands of modern construction while providing comfort and style to the end user. The compressive strength of the support element is measured by determining the maximum compressive load a material can withstand before failing. The procedure typically involves applying a compressive force to a test specimen under controlled conditions using a universal testing machine (UTM). To measure compressive strength, a test specimen (e.g., cube, cylinder, or prism) is prepared according to standardized dimensions and surface conditions. The specimen is placed in a universal testing machine (UTM), and a compressive force is gradually applied at a controlled rate until failure occurs. The maximum load (Pmax) is recorded, and the compressive strength (fc) is calculated using the formula fc: Pmax / A, where A is the cross-sectional area of the specimen. Multiple specimens are tested to ensure reliability, and the average strength is reported. This method is guided by standards such as ISO 604, ASTM D695, ISO 14126 and / orASTM D3410. The invention also relates to a support element for intended use and / or the use of such a support element in a panel according to the invention. The invention further relates to a system for constructing a floor or wall covering comprises a plurality of panels according to the invention, wherein adjacent support elements abut each other, and wherein adjacent support elements are preferably mechanically connected to each other. Preferably, the support element of each panel is oversized with respect to the decorative top layer of said panel, such that gaps are formed in between adjacent decorative top structures of the system, wherein said gaps are preferably at least partially filled by means of a grout material. The invention will be further elucidated based upon the following non-limitative figures. Herein shows: figure 1 an exploded perspective view of a panel according to the present invention; figure 2a and 2b cross sectional view of panels according to the present invention; Within these figures, similar reference signs correspond to similar or equivalent features or elements; figure 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of another decorative panel according to the invention; figure 4 on a larger scale shows a cross section along the line lV-lV of Figure 3; and Figure 5 on a larger scale shows a cross section along the line V-V of Figure 5. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a panel 1 according to the present invention. The panel is configured for constructing a floor or wall covering, and comprises a substantially flat support element 2 which comprises an upper surface 3, a lower surface 4, a first pair of opposed side edges 5a, 5b and a second pair of opposed side edges 7a, 7b. Further a decorative top layer 6 is configured to be affixed to the upper surface 3 of the support element 6. The support element 2 comprises wood fibers and / or plant fibers, and at least one binder has a density of at least 1000 kg / m3. In the shown embodiment, a backing layer 9 is attached to the lower surface 4 of the support element. It is to be understood that, in other embodiments, the support element 2 may assume various shapes, different from the shown rectangular shape. For example, the support element 2 may have diamond or square shape. ln further embodiments, the support element 2 may be a polygon with a number of sides greater than four. Also in this case the opposed side edges 5a, 5b , 7a, 7b are consecutive one to the other and alternate in sequence to each other. Typically, the support element 2 has a thickness between 2 and 12 millimeters, preferably between 2 and 10 millimeters. In the shown embodiment, the support element 2 is provided with interconnecting coupling means 10. The coupling means 10 are in the shown embodiment a combination of a female coupling part 11 and a male counter coupling part 12. The support element 2 and the top layer 6 can be mutually affixed via an adhesive layer (not shown). Figures 2a and 2b show a cross sectional view of panels 1 according to the present invention. It can be seen that two adjacent panels 1 can be interconnected via the coupling means 10. The thickness Ht of the top layer 6 is larger than the thickness Hs of the support element 2. It can be seen that the top layer 6 does not protrudes outside the perimeter of the upper surface 3 of the support element 2. Figure 2b shows an embodiment, wherein, in an assembled condition, the adjacent panels 1 are arranged such that a predetermined distance D is defined between the side surfaces 8 of the top layers 6. The distance D can for example be between 0 and 4 millimeters, and preferably between 1 and 2.5 millimeters. Once the floor or wall covering is provided, it is possible to seal the distance D between two adjacent panels, for example with sealing means. This can for example be done with resins for joints which are typically used in the construction industry such as water-based resins, epoxy and / or cement resins. Figure 3 shows a top view of another embodiment of a decorative panel 21, such as a floor panel, according to the invention. The floor element 21 comprises a decorative tile 22, acting as top layer, disposed above an oversized support element 23. The support element 23 extends beyond all side edges of the tile 22. As illustrated, the panel 21 has a rectangular elongated shape. Preferably, the panel 21 comprises a superficial area of less than 1.5 sqm, preferably less than 1 sqm, and more preferably less than 0.4 sqm. For example, the decorative tile 22 comprises edges with a maximum length L of less than 1.5 m, preferably less than 0.9 m. The decorative tile 22 has a decorative upper face 24 which can include a variety of textures, designs, and colors. In the illustrated example, the decorative tile 22 is formed by a ceramic tile, such as red body ceramic tile or a porcelain tile. The decorative tile 22 may include a background coating, such as a glaze, covering at least part of the upper surface of the tile 22. This coating is adapted to receive an printed decorative layer on top, which print layer is optionally covered by a protective coating, which at least partially covers the decor and is transparent or translucent. In the embodiment shown, this laminate of layers is not applied on top. In practice this Iaminate of layers is not always needed as the tile as such may have a decorative character. Figure 2 indicates the oversize D1 at both sides. This oversize D1 may have equal widths at opposite sides but may also have mutually different widths. The oversize leads to exposed upper surface portions of the support element 23. This exposed upper surface portions may optionally be covered by a coating, such as a silane coupling agent, preferably to improve adhesion of grout mortar material applied on top when creating a floor covering or wall covering of a plurality of adjacent panels 21. As also indicated in figure 2, the decorative tile 22 has a thickness T1 ranging from 4 to 15 mm, such as 6 mm, preferably greater than 7 mm, such as 8 or 10 mm, while the support element 23 has a thickness T2 which is less than the thickness T1 of the tile 22. The thickness T2 . preferably ranges from 2 to 7 mm, ideally less than 6 mm, and more preferably about 4mm or less. The support element 23, in this example, comprises at least one binder selected from the group consisting of: an elastomeric binder, such as rubber or another thermosetting material; and a thermoplastic binder, such as a thermoplastic elastomer. The binder typically acts as matrix material. The support element 23 further comprises natural particles, in particular natural fibers, dispersed in said binder, wherein at least one type of natural particles is chosen from the group consisting of: plant particles, wood particles, and animal particles. At least a fraction of the natural particles is formed by natural fibers. At least a fraction of the natural particles is formed by porous particles. Preferably, the support element further comprises (some) water. As indicated in figures 4 and 5 the support element 23 may be provided with coupling profiles at the longitudinal edges and the short edges. It is however also imaginable that the longitudinal edges and the short edges are free of coupling profiles or that only one pair of edges of the longitudinal edges and the short edges is provided with coupling profiles. In figure 4, it is shown that Iongitudinal edges 25 equipped with first coupling elements 25a and 25b configured for mechanical coupling with corresponding coupling elements of an adjacent panel 21. In the example shown, the coupling elements 25a and 25b include complementary male and female parts positioned on opposite longitudinal edges 25. These first coupling elements 25a and 25b are designed for coupling via an angling motion around a horizontal axis parallel to the longitudinal edges 25. The male and female parts are shaped as a tongue 25a and groove 25b, respectively. As indicated above, the exposed upper surface of the support element 23 at the longitudinal edges 25 extends as seen from a top view with respect to the decorative tile 22 by a distance D1, which may or may not be equal on both sides. For example, D1 may exceed 0.5 mm, preferably more than 0.75 mm, such as approximately 1.5 mm. Figure 4 further shows an intermediate adhesive layer 27 located between the decorative tile 22 and the support element 23. This adhesive layer is preferably a flexible adhesive layer 27. The adhesive layer 27 preferably comprises a resin material, such as a thermosetting or thermoplastic resin. Examples of thermosetting resins include epoxy, polyurethane, cyanoacrylate, or acrylic resins, while thermoplastic options include hot melts, polyester thermoplastics, or vinyl. The adhesive layer 27 may penetrate into the decorative tile 22 and / or the support element 23. Grooves (not shown) may be included in the support element 23 to collect any overflow resin from the intermediate layer 27, preventing interference with the coupling elements 25a and 25b. These grooves may run parallel to the edges 25 of the decorative layer 22. They may also extend along the short edges of the panel 21 . Figure 5 indicates that the support element 23 includes short edges 26 equipped with complementary second coupling elements 26a and 26b. These elements enable mechanical coupling with corresponding elements of an adjacent floor element 21 via a downward translational motion. The support element 23 also extends beyond the decorative Iayers side edges by a distance D2, which may or may not be equal on both sides. For example, D2 may exceed 0.5 mm, preferably more than 0.75 mm. The above-described inventive concepts are illustrated by several illustrative embodiments. It is conceivable that individual inventive concepts may be applied without, in so doing, also applying other details of the described example. It is not necessary to elaborate on examples of all conceivable combinations of the above- described inventive concepts, as a person skilled in the art will understand numerous inventive concepts can be (re)combined in order to arrive at a specific application. It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the working examples shown and described herein, but that numerous variants are possible within the scope of the attached claims that will be obvious to a person skilled in the art. When it is referred to a panel, also the term tile or prefabricated element could be used. The verb comprise and conjugations thereof used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only comprise, but are also understood to mean the phrases contain, substantially consist of, formed by, is and conjugations thereof, and vice versa. It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to a component is intended also to include composition of a plurality of components. References to a composition comprising a constituent may be intended to include other constituents in addition to the one named. ln other words, the terms a, an, and the do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. As used herein, the term and / or may mean and, it may mean or, it may mean exclusive-or, it may mean one, it may mean some, but not all, it may mean neither, and / or it may mean both. The term or is intended to mean an inclusive or- 5

Claims

1. Panel for the construction of a floor or wall covering, comprising: - at least one flat load-bearing element comprising: a top surface and a undersurface, where the supporting element is at least partially of a is manufactured from composite material, whereby the composite material comprises: 0 at least one binding agent selected from the group consisting of: a elastomer binder and a thermoplastic binder, or natural particles, in particular natural fibers, which in mentioned binder dispersed, whereby at least one type of natural particles selected is from the group consisting of: plant particles, wood particles and animal particles, and 0 water; where said composite material is flexible and has a compressive strength of at least has 800 kPa, and - at least one decorative top layer that, either directly or indirectly, is attached to the upper surface of the supporting element is attached, whereby the top layer at least partially of at least one material selected from the group consisting of: ceramics, stone, concrete, mineral porcelain, glass, mosaic, granite, limestone and is made of marble 2. Panel in accordance with claim 1, where the binder is an elastomer, such as includes rubber and / or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

3. Panel pursuant to claim 1 or 2, where the binder is rubber, in the includes special natural rubber.

4. Panel in accordance with one of the preceding claims, where the binding agent is at least partially cross-linked.

5. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the supporting element is flexible.

6. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the load-bearing element a value on the Mohs hardness scale of less than 3, at preference has less than 2.

7. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the bearing element a Shore A hardness of less than 90, and preferably more than has 45.

8. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the the tear strength of the supporting element is between 55 and 75 N / mm.

9. Panel in accordance with one of the preceding claims, whereby at least one fraction of natural particles from cotton fibers, in particular recycled cotton fibers is formed.

10. Panel in accordance with one of the preceding claims, whereby at least one fraction of natural particles by a mixture of plant fibers, in the particularly cotton fibers, and dust of natural particles, in particular plant dust, preferably cotton fabric, is shaped.

11. Panel according to claim 9 or 10, where the plant fibers, in the particularly the cotton fibers, an average length of between 1 and 20 mm, in the particularly have between 1 and 5 mm; and where the dust of natural particles, in in particular the plant dust, preferably the cotton dust, if applicable, has an average size of between 1 and 100 microns.

12. Panel in accordance with one of the preceding claims, whereby at least one fraction of the natural particles formed by fibers of animal leather.

13. Panel in accordance with one of the preceding claims, whereby at least one fraction of the natural particles through a mixture of animal leather fibers and dust of natural particles, in particular dust from animal leather, more in the special material formed from the polishing of leather.

14. Panel pursuant to claim 12 or 13, where the fibers of animal leather a have an average length of between 0.5 and 5 mm, and where the dust of natural particles, in particular animal leather dust, where applicable, has an average size of between 0.1 and 500 microns.

15. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, where the natural particles, in particular the natural fibers, at least partially by the mentioned binder be encapsulated.

16. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, where the natural particles of at least one natural fiber selected from the group consisting of: cotton fiber, coconut fiber, kapok fiber, jute fiber, flax fiber, hemp fiber, kenaf fiber, ramie fiber, sisal fiber, abaca (Manila hemp) fiber, pineapple fiber, banana fiber, palm fiber, bagasse fiber, straw fiber, bamboo fibers, grass fibers and / or seagrass particles include.

17. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, where the natural particles include plant-based particles containing at least 60 weight% cellulose include.

18. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, where the natural particles include plant particles that comprise cellulose with a cellulose crystallinity comprise at least 80 weight% of the total amount of cellulose.

19. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, where the natural particles include plant particles containing less than 20 weight% lignin include.

20. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, where the natural particles include plant particles comprising wood flour and / or wood fibers.

21. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, where the natural particles animal particles include those learning particles, in particular learning fibers include.

22. Panel according to conclusion 21, where the learning particles, in particular the fibers of animal leather, urea-treated particles of animal leather, in the are special fibers of animal leather treated with urea.

23. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the composite material synthetic fibers, preferably at least one synthetic fiber selected from the group consisting of: polyester fiber, nylon fiber, polypropylene fiber, aramid fiber, polyethylene fiber, acrylic fiber, carbon fiber, includes glass fiber, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber.

24. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the comprises carrier element sulfur and preferably zinc oxide.

25. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the composite material with at least one inert mineral filler, such as calcium carbonate and / or includes talk.

26. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the weight ratio of natural particles and binder in the carrier element at at least 0.25, preferably at least 0.8, more preferably at least 1, and at preference is less than 4.

27. Panel in accordance with one of the preceding claims, whereby at least one fraction of the natural particles is porous.

28. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the supporting element is provided with flexible, preferably vertical, side edges.

29. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the load-bearing element is too large relative to the decorative top layer.

30. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the supporting element relative to each side edge of the decorative top layer extends.

31. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, where the decorative superstructure by means of at least one adhesive layer on the supporting element is glued.

32. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, where the decorative superstructure by means of at least one adhesive layer, in particular at at least one flexible adhesive layer is adhered to the support element.

33. Panel in accordance with claim 32, where the adhesive layer is an adhesive on water-based with a viscosity of less than 50 Pa-s at room temperature and / or a hot melt adhesive, such as a PU hot melt adhesive with a viscosity of lower than comprises 10 Pa-s at a temperature between 120 and 180 °C.

34. Panel according to claim 32 or 33, where the adhesive layer in the penetrates the load-bearing element and / or the decorative top layer.

35. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the supporting element a linear moisture expansion coefficient of less than 0.015% per% has a change in moisture content of the supporting element.

36. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the supporting element has a first linear moisture expansion coefficient, and where the upper layer has a second linear moisture expansion coefficient, where the difference between the first linear moisture expansion coefficient and the second linear moisture expansion coefficient is less than 0.015% per % change in moisture.

37. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the supporting element a linear moisture contraction coefficient of less than 0.025% per% has a change in moisture content of the supporting element.

38. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the supporting element has a first linear moisture contraction coefficient, and where the upper layer has a second linear moisture contraction coefficient, where the difference between the first linear moisture contraction coefficient and the second linear moisture contraction coefficient is less than 0.025% per % change in moisture.

39. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the supporting element a thickness swelling coefficient of less than 0.6% per% has a change in moisture content of the supporting element.

40. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the load-bearing element has a first thickness swelling coefficient, and where the top layer has a second thickness swelling coefficient, where the difference between the first thickness swelling coefficient and the second thickness swelling coefficient less than 0.6% amounts to per % change in humidity.

41. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the load-bearing element a thickness shrinkage coefficient of less than 0.5% per% has a change in moisture content of the supporting element.

42. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the load-bearing element has a first thickness shrinkage coefficient, and where the top layer a has the second thickness shrinkage coefficient, where the difference between the first thickness shrinkage coefficient and the second thickness shrinkage coefficient less than 0.5% per% moisture change amounts to 43. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the load-bearing element a density of at least 1000 kg / m3, preferably at least 1100 kg / m3, or preferably at least 1200 kg / m3.

44. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the load-bearing element consists of a single layer of material.

45. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the load-bearing element a thickness between 2 and 12 mm, preferably between 2 and 10 mm, more preferably has between 2 and 6 mm.

46. ​​Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the load-bearing element free of interconnecting coupling profiles for mutual connecting adjacent panels is.

47. Panel according to one of claims 1 to 45, where at least one pair of opposite side edges of the load-bearing element of mutually connecting coupling profiles provided for connecting adjacent panels is.

48. Panel according to conclusion 47, where the panel, at a first few opposite side edges, comprises a first and a second coupling profile, whereby the first coupling profile and the second coupling profile such that are configured such that the first and second coupling profiles consist of two identical panels together by means of a vertical or horizontal movement can be coupled, and where the panel, with a second pair opposite side edges, a third coupling profile and a fourth coupling profile comprises, whereby the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile such that are configured such that the third and fourth coupling profiles of two identical panels together by means of a rotating or horizontal movement can be linked.

49. Panel in accordance with one of the preceding conclusions, involving a free-standing The upper surface of the supporting element is provided with a coating, whereby said coating preferably with at least one silane coupling agent such as 3- aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS), vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS), methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS) and / or octyltriethoxysilane (OTES).

50. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the supporting element and the top layer interconnected by an adhesive layer be connected.

51. Panel according to claim 50, where the adhesive layer is a flexible layer, designed to accommodate differences in expansion between the load-bearing element and the top layer resist 52. Panel according to claim 50 or 51, where the adhesive layer a is hot melt adhesive layer.

53. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, whereby the the sound absorption coefficient of the supporting element (01) is at least 0.

4.

54. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, where the loss of sound transmission (STL) at least 35 dB at sound frequencies of at least 250 amounts to Hz.

55. Panel according to one of the preceding conclusions, where the top layer a thickness between 2 and 20 mm, preferably between 2.5 and 10 mm, more preferably has between 3 and 6 mm.

56. Supporting element for intended use in a panel according to one of the previous conclusions.

57. System for constructing a floor or wall covering comprising a multitude of panels according to one of conclusions 1 to 55, where adjacent load-bearing elements lie against each other, and where adjacent load-bearing elements are preferably mechanically connected to each other.

58. System according to claim 57, where the load-bearing element of each panel at is too large in relation to the decorative top layer of said panel, so that there spaces between adjacent decorative superstructures of the system be formed, whereby said spacing is preferably at least be partially filled by means of a jointing material.

Images