NL2034241B1

NL2034241B1 - Method and device for determining the durability of a floor panel

Info

Publication number: NL2034241B1
Application number: NL2034241A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Boon Sven; Van Poyer Tom; Luc Martine Baert Thomas
Original assignee: Cfl Holding Ltd
Priority date: 2023-03-01
Filing date: 2023-03-01
Publication date: 2024-09-09

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and device for determining the durability based upon a surface property such as the gloss level and surface roughness of a floor panel. The method thereto includes the provision of at least one floor panel, and determining at least one initial surface property (such as at least one initial gloss level and at least one initial surface roughness) of at least part of the upper surface of the panel, subjecting at least part of the upper surface of the panel to a predetermined number of repetitive contact cycles with at least one abrading element and determining at least one final surface property (such as at least one final gloss level and at least one final surface roughness) of at least part of the upper surface of the panel. The difference between at least one initial surface property and at least one final surface property is a measure for the durability.

Description

Method and device for determining the durability of a floor panel

The invention relates to a method for determining the durability based upon the gloss level and surface roughness of a floor, ceiling, or wall panel. The invention also relates to a device for determining the durability of a floor, ceiling, or wall panel.

Many factors affect the deterioration of surface properties in a resilient floor panel and a prevalent one is the gloss deterioration during use. In view thereof, it is necessary and helpful to analyse surface changes in floor panels and floor coverings in order to provide data on how to improve the durability of the coatings used thereon. Conventional test methods particularly for gloss measurement as such are usually simple, can be carried out using affordable equipment and provide satisfactory accuracy. For measurement of gloss, there are already known standard techniques exist such as BS 3900 - D5 (Methods of test for paints: Measurement of specular gloss of non-metallic paint films), ASTM D523 (standard test method for specular gloss) and ISO 2813 for paints and varnishes. However, a method for the analysis of surface changes pertaining to gloss level specifically for floor panels and floor coverings is yet to be systematized. One known test method is EN 16094, the so-called Martindale micro-scratch test, which applies a force of 4-6N through a standard abrasive pad onto the surface of a flooring and subjects it to 160 revolutions of movement, providing scratches onto the tested surface. The test method further provides a measurement on the scratches present on the surface after the test, and the change in gloss level. The problem with the current test method is that it relies on an abrasive pad applying micro scratches onto the surface of the floor, thereby reducing its gloss level by increasing its surface roughness. This is not realistic and not in line with real life observations as in general, the surface gloss of a flooring increases after use, such as by foot traffic, wheelchair or cart traffic, repeated brushing or cleaning and the like.

Another surface property which deteriorates at the same rate during use is the claimed slip resistance of the resilient flooring surface. Known test methods to measure slip resistance (such as DCOF, SCOF, COF, BPT, P-rating, R-Rating etc) measure the performance of the flooring surface only at time of testing. There is currently no test method to identify the change of claimed slip resistance of a floor panel during or after use, causing a significant risk to consumers as there is no means of identifying how long the slip resistance of a floor can be maintained during its lifetime or use.

Itis therefore an object of this invention to provide a method that is specially designed for use in measuring changes in gloss level and/or slip resistance, or surface roughness, and thus the durability of a floor, ceiling, or wall panel.

Basically, there is need for a standardized indication of how a floor will perform after being subjected to real life use.

The invention thereto provides a method for determining the durability of a floor panel, wall panel or ceiling panel, based upon an at least one surface property , comprising the subsequent steps of: a) providing at least one panel, said panel comprising an upper surface; b) determining at least one initial surface property of at least part of the upper surface of the panel; c) subjecting at least part of the upper surface of the panel to a predetermined number of repetitive contact cycles with at least one abrading element; d) determining the at least one final surface property of at least part of the upper surface of the panel; and e) determining a delta parameter by calculating the difference between at least one initial surface property and at least one final surface property.

The method according to the invention enables a way to determine the durability of a floor panel which is in line with real life use. In some embodiments, the method for determining the durability based upon at least one surface property such as, but is not limited to, a gloss level and/or a surface roughness of a floor, ceiling, or wall panel can also be referred to as the Boon Shine testing method. The difference in the measured initial and final surface property such as the initial and the final gloss level and/or surface roughness indicates a measure for the durability of the floor panel. The data obtained via the method, such as for example the determined difference between the initial gloss level and the final gloss level and/or the difference between the initial surface roughness and the final surface roughness, can be applied for further improving the durability of the panel. Hence, it is conceivable that based upon the determined parameter differences in at least one surface property such as gloss level and/or surface roughness, the type of coating and/or the surface structure of the floor panel can be adapted.

In a further preferred embodiment, the delta parameter between the initial surface property and the final surface property is determined in percentage. it is also imaginable that the difference or delta parameter between, for example, the initial surface roughness and the final surface roughness is determined in percentage.

The use of percentage value(s) can contribute to easy interpretation of the results, and therefore for analysing whether the desired conditions are met. It is for example conceivable that the durability of the floor panel is classified as acceptable if the parameter difference between the initial surface property and the surface property is equal to or less than 25%, preferably less than 20%, more preferably less than 15%. For example, if the parameter difference or a surface roughness difference between the initial surface roughness and the final surface roughness is equal to or less than 25%, preferably less than 20%, more preferably less than 15%. Depending on the type of floor panel and/or the intended use, further boundary values could be applicable. It is, for example, conceivable that the durability of the floor panel is classified as acceptable if the gloss level difference between the initial gloss level and the final level equal to or less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5% and/or if the surface roughness difference between the initial surface roughness and the final surface roughness is equal to or less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%.

Itis conceivable that the surface parameter is not limited to gloss level and/or surface roughness. The surface parameters can be chosen from the group comprising of surface roughness, Ra, Rz, BPT ISO BS 7976-2, COF, SCOF, gloss level, scratch resistance ISO 1518, scuff resistance, or combinations thereof.

The parameter percent difference or delta parameter is preferably determined via the formula:

Aperen = [RSC PrOPEVEY pinal 21/008 PIETY pe] 100%

Surface props nest i

When the measured surface property is a gloss level, then it is also possible that the gloss level is indicated in classes. For example, when the parameter percent difference or a gloss level difference between the initial gloss level and the final level equal to or less than 10% is a first gloss level class G1, a gloss level difference between the initial gloss level and the final level in the range of 10% to 20 % is a second gloss level class G2, a gloss level difference between the initial gloss level and the final level in the range of 20% to 30 % is a third gloss level class

G3, a gloss level difference between the initial gloss level and the final level in the range of 10% to 20 % is a fourth gloss level class G4, a gloss level difference between the initial gloss level and the final level above 40 % is a fifth gloss level class G5. This is also shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Gloss Level Classes

Hence it is also conceivable that the durability of the floor panel is classified as acceptable if the gloss level glass is G1, G2, G3, G4, G5 and/or a combination thereof. The initial gloss level of the floor panel depends on the type of panel applied. It is for example possible that the panel has a gloss level of at most 4Gu, at most 3Gu or at most 2Gu.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one initial surface property of at least part of the upper surface of the floor panel are determined by taking an average value of at least two separate spot measurements. It is also imaginable that an average value is determined based upon at least five spot measurements, at least 8 spot measurements or at least ten spot measurements. it is further possible that at least one initial gloss level and/or at least one initial surface roughness of at least part of the upper surface of the floor panel are determined by taking an average value of at least two separate spot measurements. It is also conceivable that at least one initial gloss level and/or at least one initial surface roughness of at least part of the upper surface of the floor panel are determined by taking an average value of at least one predetermined 5 region of the floor panel. Such determination may provide a more realistic representation of the actual values. It is conceivable that the measurement is influenced by an incorrect (spot) measurement, wherefore an average value could provide a more accurate result. It is, for example, also possible that the floor panel is divided into at least two areas having central points. At least one surface property such as the initial and final gloss level is then measured for each central point. The upper surface of the panel may also be assigned with at least two points which will serve as the testing points for at least one surface property or gloss levels. The areas can be measured based on the centre or central point of the floor panel. For instance, a first area can be from the centre to a radius of 70 mm extending outwards the centre. The second area can have a radius of 125 mm extending outwards from the end of the first area. In some cases, a third area is preferred too wherein the third area is the area extending at about 75 mm from the end peripheries of the second area. The remaining area not covered by the said first to third areas can then be referred to as a fourth area. It is conceivable that the second area, third area, and/or the fourth area has a doughnut, ring, or washer- shape. The said areas (second area, third area, and fourth area) can also be referred to as annuluses which comprises the region between two concentric circles. One or more testing points can be assigned for each area. In some cases, the first area and the fourth area are deprived of the testing points. it is possible that the panel is provided upon at least one test platform and wherein the test platform and abrading element are mutually displaceable. It is for example possible that the test platform is displaceable and/or that at least one abrading element is displaceable. it is for example imaginable that the test platform is rotatable. In such embodiment, it is conceivable that the test platform is configured to rotate clockwise and anti-clockwise. It is also conceivable that the platform is configured to change the direction of rotation, preferably after a predetermined number of rotations.

In a preferred embodiment, the test platform can provide a rotational speed of at least 10 revolutions per minute, preferably at least 20 revolutions per minute, more preferably at least 30 revolutions per minute. It is for example conceivable that the rotational direction of the test platform is reversed after a predetermined number of revolutions and/or after a predetermined amount of time. The test platform can be configured to rotate within defined time intervals. It was experimentally found that reversion of the rotational direction of the test platform every 50 to 60 revolutions or every 150 to 200 seconds lead to a real-life assessment. It is also conceivable that the test platform is configured to provide a pattern in rotation. The test platform is preferably substantially round and/or circular. A non-limiting example of a test platform is a test platform having a diameter in the range of 600 to 1000 mm, more preferably of substantially 800 mm, preferably with a deviance of +/-5 mm. Where it is referred to the rotational direction the test platform, also the absolute rotation with respect to abrading element can be meant. Hence, it is a conceivable that the test platform is a stationary test platform wherein at least abrading element moves in a preferably rotating manner and/or a sliding motion with respect to the test platform.

At least one abrading element is preferably a displaceable abrading element, in particular a rotatable abrading element. More preferably, at least one abrading element is configured to move in a circular, epicycloidal and/or hypocycloidal path, in particular with respect to the test platform. However, additionally and/or alternatively it is also possible that at least one abrading element is configured to move in a sliding motion in particular for depicting a slipping action. Other non- limiting examples are a dropping motion, gliding motion and/or a rubbing motion.

In a beneficial embodiment, at least one abrading element comprises at least one castor wheel. It is for example possible that at least one abrading element comprises a castor chair setup. Alternatively, and/or additionally, at least one abrading element comprises at least one brush and/or at least one textured contact surface. Non-limiting examples are an abrading element comprising at least one disc of wool or worsted wool, or wire mesh, or a sheet of abrasive paper, sandpaper, granulated sandpaper, grit paper, a (standard) abrasive cloth, rubber and/or leather (shoe)sole and/or a grinding wheel. It is also conceivable that multiple abrading elements are applied. These abrading elements can be different types of abrading element. Preferably, the applied abrading elements are configured to imitate a real-life assessment.

As indicated above, part of the method is subjecting at least part of the upper surface of the panel to a predetermined number of repetitive contact cycles with at least one abrading element. Preferably, the predetermined number of repetitive contact cycles is between 1,000 to 40,000 revolutions. lt is for example conceivable that at least one surface property such as at least one final gloss level and/or at least one final surface roughness of at least part of the upper surface of the panel is determined at or every 1000, 3000, 6000, 10000, 15000, and/or 25000 repetitive contact cycles. It is conceivable that in case multiple surface properties such as final gloss levels and/or final values of surface roughness are determined, is the determined surface properties are referred to set values as intermediate surface properties such as intermediate gloss levels and/or intermediate values of the surface roughness. The number of desired final revolutions is, for example, dependent on the type of test. It is for example possible that the predetermined number of repetitive contact cycles is approximately 10,000 revolutions for residential use, 25,000 revolutions for commercial use, and 35,000 revolutions for extreme use testing.

The panel provided is preferably conditioned at a temperature of approximately 23 degrees Celsius and at a humidity of approximately 50% for at least 24 hours, in particular prior to applying the testing steps. A deviation of 10% for these values is acceptable. Conditioning the panel results in more repeatable and reliable results. It is also conceivable that the floor panel is cut into a desired shape before the tests are performed.

The gloss level, in particular the initial gloss level and the final gloss level, is determined via the method specified in BS 3900 - D5, ASTM D523 and/or ISO 2813. The gloss level can for example be determined by making use of at least one gloss meter, which is preferably capable of measuring at 60° to 85° angles. The gloss meter can be a gloss meter according to ASTM D523. Alternatively, the gloss meter can be any device that can measure the light reflectance, total solar reflectance, specular reflection, or gloss, of a surface such as but not limited to a photometer, a colour sensor and/or a sphere geometry spectrophotometer capable of both specular included (SC!) and specular excluded (SCE) reflectance measurements.

The surface roughness is preferably determined via at least one surface roughness meter. The surface roughness meter can be a device configured for measuring surface profiles and/or roughness of a floor panel. The surface roughness meter could for example comprise at least one 3D Profilometer and/or at least one 3D optical profilometer. The surface roughness meter can be configured to determine the surface roughness via light interferometry, in particular white light interferometry. The surface roughness is preferably measured in Ra and/or Rz in

Um. It is for example possible that the initial surface roughness Rz of the floor panel applied is at least 10 um. lt is also conceivable that the final surface roughness Rz of the floor panel applied is at least 10 um, in particular after the floor panel is subjected to a method according to the present invention. The surface roughness could also be referred to as flatness value.

Additionally and/or alternatively, the method could include the step of determining the abrasion of at least part of the floor panel, in particular of the upper surface of the floor panel. This could, for example, be done by making use of a DIN abrasion tester, a Martindale wear and abrasion tester, rotary steel wool tester, a dry and wet abrasive test and/or Linear Abrasion Testing Equipment.

The panel such as a ceiling, wall panel or floor panel as provided in the method according to the present invention comprises preferably at least one core layer, at least one décor layer and at least one coating layer, wherein the coating layer preferably comprises a slip resistance value between 80 to 110. This can be the initial slip resistance value. It is in particular desirable that the upper surface of the floor panel has a slip resistance value between 80 to 110. The coating layer could, for example, comprise at least one priming layer and at least one top coating. lt is conceivable that the upper surface of the floor panel as provided comprises a surface structure. The surface structure could, for example, have an effect on the gloss level and/or the surface roughness of the floor panel. The panel as provided preferably has a COF slip resistance of at least 0.4 and/or a dry PTV slip resistance of at least 61 in particular when determined via BPT ISO BS 7976-2.

The invention also relates to a method for determining the durability based upon the gloss level and/or surface roughness of a floor, ceiling, or wall panel, comprising the subsequent steps of: a) providing at least one floor panel, said panel comprising an upper surface; b) determining at least one initial gloss level and/or at least one initial surface roughness of at least part of the upper surface of the panel; c) subjecting at least part of the upper surface of the panel to a predetermined number of repetitive contact cycles with at least one abrading element; d) determining at least one final gloss level and/or at least one final surface roughness of at least part of the upper surface of the panel; and e) determining the difference between at least one initial gloss level and at least one final gloss level and/or the difference between at least one initial surface roughness and at least one final surface roughness.

The method can be incorporated in any of the described embodiments of the present invention.

The invention also relates to a device for determining the durability of a floor panel, wall panel, or a ceiling, in particular by making use of a method according the present invention, said device comprising: - at least one test platform upon which at least one floor panel can be installed; - atleast one abrading element configured for coming into contact with the upper surface of the panel over a predetermined number of repetitive contact cycles; - at least one parameter measurement device configured for determining at least one surface property; wherein the parameter measurement device can for example be at least one gloss meter configured for determining the gloss level of a panel and/or at least one surface roughness meter configured for determining the surface roughness of at least part of a panel; and - at least one control unit which is at least configured for determining the difference between at least one initial surface property, such as initial gloss level and/or initial surface roughness, and at least one final surface property, such as final gloss level and/or final surface roughness.

The device facilitates the application of the method according to the present invention. Any of the technical features applied in the method according to the invention could also be applied for the device according to the invention. It is also possible that the device comprises at least one control unit which is configured to control and/or regulate the movement of at least one test platform and/or at least one abrading element configured. It is also conceivable that at least one control unit is configured to control at least one parameter measurement device such as at least one gloss meter and/or at least one surface roughness meter. lt is possible that the panel is provided upon at least one test platform and wherein the test platform and abrading element are mutually displaceable. It is for example possible that the test platform is displaceable and/or that at least one abrading element is displaceable. It is for example imaginable that the test platform is rotatable. In such embodiment, it is conceivable that the test platform is configured to rotate clockwise and anti-clockwise. It is also conceivable that the platform is configured to change the direction of rotation, preferably after a predetermined number of rotations.

The test platform can be configured to provide a predetermined rotational speed and/or the test platform can be configured to rotate within defined time intervals.

The test platform is preferably substantially round and/or circular. A non-limiting example of a test platform is a test platform having a diameter in the range of 600 to 1000 mm, more preferably of substantially 800 mm, preferably with a deviance of +/-5 mm. The test platform could comprise at least one attachment device for detaching at least one floor panel to the test platform.

It is for example conceivable that the test platform comprises one or more clamping elements for temporarily clamping at least one floor panel to the test platform. The clamping elements can be one or more clamps such as but is not limited to G or C clamps, hand screw clamps, sash clamps, spring clamps, bench clamps, quick action clamps, quick grips, trigger clamps, drill press clamps, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the clamping elements are placed every 30 to 40 degrees around the floor panel. In a possible embodiment, the clamping elements comprise a fixing ring. The use of at least one fixing ring improves the fixing or securing of the floor panel in the test platform. It is preferred that the fixing ring is preferably made of a metal such as steel having a Shore D hardness between 90 to 110. The fixing ring preferably has a thickness between 3 to 5 mm, width between 25 to 30 mm, and an outer diameter between 790 to 810 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the clamping elements are clamped on the panel for securing the said panel to the test platform by first assigning 10 clamping positions in the secured panel. The clamping positions are in a preferred embodiment designated with numbers 1 to 10 that are separated between 30 to 35 degrees apart similar to the divisions in a clock. The clamping elements are then fastened consecutively in a sequence of 1, 7,4, 9, 2, 8, 5, 10, 3, and 6. This ensures a substantially secured fit of the panel to the test platform thus ensuring a more accurate values of the acquired surface property.

In another preferred embodiment, at least one clamping element features a diameter contact point between 18 to 22 mm or a panel contact area between 300 to 320 mm2 to enable an effective securing manner between the clamping element and the panel. Moreover, the torque applied for fastening the said clamping element is preferably between 1 to 3 Nm.

Atleast one abrading element is preferably a displaceable abrading element, in particular a rotatable abrading element. More preferably, at least one abrading element is configured to move in a circular, epicycloidal and/or hypocycloidal path, in particular with respect to the test platform. However, additionally and/or alternatively it is also possible that at least one abrading element is configured to move in a sliding motion in particular for depicting a slipping action. Other non- limiting examples are a dropping motion, gliding motion and/or a rubbing motion. in a beneficial embodiment, at least one abrading element comprises at least one castor or castor wheel. It is for example possible that at least one abrading element comprises a castor chair setup. Preferably, at least one castor preferably has a diameter between 45 to 55 mm and a width between 15 to 25 mm. The said castor also has at least one castor thread comprising a radius between 120 to 140 mm, or preferably between 125 to 135 mm. The said castor, in some embodiments, has a crank distance between 10 to 30 mm, or preferably between 15 to 25 mm, or more preferably between 18 to 22 mm. Preferably, the distance between castors or castor mountings is between 215 to 235 mm, or more preferably between 220 to

230 mm. In another preferred embodiment, the at least one abrading element or at least one castor is made of polyamide with a Shore D hardness between 80 to 100, or more preferably between 85 to 95, or most preferably between 88 to 92. To ensure the accuracy of the surface property measurement, the castor is preferably replaced after at least 3,000,000 cycles, or more preferably after at least 2,500,000 cycles, or most preferably after 2,000,000 cycles.

Alternatively, and/or additionally, at least one abrading element comprises at least one brush and/or at least one textured contact surface. Non-limiting examples are an abrading element comprising at least one disc of wool or worsted wool, or wire mesh, or a sheet of abrasive paper, sandpaper, granulated sandpaper, grit paper, a (standard) abrasive cloth, rubber and/or leather (shoe)sole and/or a grinding wheel.

It is also conceivable that multiple abrading elements are applied. These abrading elements can be different types of abrading element.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one parameter measurement device is a device configured to measure, acquire, or determine a surface property of at least a part of the surface of a panel such as, but is not limited to surface roughness, Ra,

Rz, BPT ISO BS 7976-2, COF, SCOF, gloss level, scratch resistance ISO 1518, scuff resistance, or combinations thereof.

The gloss meter can for example be a gloss meter according to ASTM D523.

Alternatively, the gloss meter can be any device that can measure the specular reflection, or gloss, of a surface such as but not limited to a photometer, a colour sensor and/or a sphere geometry spectrophotometer capable of both specular included (SCI) and specular excluded (SCE) reflectance measurements.

The surface roughness meter can for example be a device configured for measuring surface profiles and/or roughness of a floor panel. The surface roughness meter could for example comprise at least one 3D Profilometer and/or at least one 3D optical profilometer. The surface roughness meter can be configured to determine the surface roughness via light interferometry, in particular white light interferometry.

The device can further comprise at least one cleaning element which is for example configured for removing contaminations from the floor panel and/or for absorbing dust from the floor panel.

Ina preferred embodiment, the device for determining the durability of a panel such as a ceiling, wall panel, or floor panel, in particular by making use of a method according the present invention, can be integrated to the manufacturing process of producing the said floor, ceiling, or wall panels. This ensures that the said floor, ceiling, or wall panels adheres to test standards such as but is not limited to BS 3900 - D5 (Methods of test for paints: Measurement of specular gloss of non- metallic paint films), ASTM D523 (standard test method for specular gloss), ISO 2813 for paints and varnishes, EN 16094 or the so-called Martindale micro-scratch test, and test methods to measure slip resistance (such as DCOF, SCOF, COF,

BPT, P-rating, R-Rating etc).

The invention also relates to a floor panel having a durability tested via a method according to the present invention and/or via a device according to the present invention in particular wherein the gloss level difference between the initial gloss level and the final level equal to or less than 20% and/or wherein the surface roughness difference between the initial surface roughness and the final surface roughness is equal to or less than 20%. Such panel wherein the durability is classified as any of the further indicated preferred embodiments is also conceivable. Within the scope of this invention, where it is referred to a floor panel, additionally or alternatively a wall panel could be meant too. 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.

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.

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

When it is referred to reinforcing layer also a reinforcing element can be meant, or vice versa.

Claims

Conclusions

1. A method for determining the durability of a floor panel, wall panel or ceiling panel, based on at least one surface property, comprising the steps of: a) providing at least one panel, said panel comprising a top surface; b) determining at least one initial surface property of at least a portion of the top surface of the panel; c) subjecting at least a portion of the top surface of the panel to a predetermined number of repetitive contact cycles with at least one abrasive element; d) determining at least one final surface property of at least a portion of the top surface of the panel; and e) determining a delta parameter by calculating the difference between at least one initial surface property and at least one final surface property.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the delta parameter is determined via the following formula: AParameterth = [Copervickecioenschepuncnse opper ak eeigenschaP sane 100%

3. Method according to claim 1 and 2, wherein at least one surface property is selected from the group comprising surface roughness, Ra, Rz, BPT ISO BS 7976-2, COF, SCOF, gloss level, scratch resistance ISO 1518, wear resistance, or combinations thereof.

4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the durability of the panel is classified as acceptable if the delta parameter between the initial surface property and the final surface property is equal to or less than 20%.

5. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one initial surface property and/or at least one final surface property of at least a portion of the upper surface of the panel are determined by taking an average value of at least two spot measurements or preferably at least five spot measurements.

6. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the panel is provided on at least one test platform and wherein the test platform and the abrasive element are movable relative to each other.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the test platform is rotatable.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the test platform can provide a rotational speed of at least 20 revolutions per minute.

9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one abrasive element is a movable abrasive element, in particular a rotatable abrasive element.

10. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one abrasive element is configured to move in a circular, epicycloidal and/or hypocycloidal path.

11. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one abrasive element comprises at least one castor wheel.

12. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined number of repetitive contact cycles of step c) is between 1,000 and 40,000 revolutions.

13. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the panel provided is maintained at a temperature of approximately

23 degrees Celsius and conditioned at a humidity of approximately 50%.

14. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface property such as a gloss level is determined by the method specified in BS 3900 — D5, ASTM D523 and/or ISO 2813.

15. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the panel as provided comprises at least one core layer, at least one decorative layer and at least one coating layer, the coating layer comprising a slip resistance value between 80 and 110.

16. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper surface of the panel as provided comprises a surface structure.

17. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the panel as provided has a COF slip resistance of at least 0.4 and/or a dry PTV slip resistance of at least 61, in particular when determined via BPT ISO BS 7976-2.

18. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the panel comprises at least ten clamping positions designated 1 to 10 and spaced apart by between 30 and 35 degrees; and in particular wherein a plurality of clamping elements are successively secured in a sequence of 1, 7,4, 9, 2, 8, 5, 10, 3 and 6.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein at least one clamping element further comprises at least one mounting ring configured to secure or fasten the panel to the test platform, the mounting ring preferably being made of a metal such as steel having a Shore D hardness between 90 and 110.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the mounting ring has a thickness of between 3 and 5 mm, a width of between 25 and 30 mm and an outer diameter of between 790 and 810 mm.

21. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein at least one clamping element has a contact point diameter of between 18 and 22 mm or a panel contact surface of between 300 and 320 mm?; and wherein the torque applied to fasten said clamping element is between 1 and 3 Nm.

22. Device for determining the durability of a floor panel, wall panel or ceiling panel, in particular by using a method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising: - at least one test platform on which at least one panel can be installed; - at least one abrasive element configured to come into contact with the upper surface of the panel for a predetermined number of repetitive contact cycles; - at least one parameter measuring device configured to determine at least one surface property of a panel; and - at least one control unit configured at least to determine the difference between at least one initial surface property and at least one final surface property.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the parameter measuring device is at least one gloss meter configured to determine the gloss level of a panel and/or at least one surface roughness meter configured to determine the surface roughness of at least a portion of the panel.

24. Apparatus according to claim 23, wherein at least one control unit is configured at least to determine the difference between an initial gloss level and/or initial surface roughness and a final gloss level and/or final surface roughness.

25. An apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 24, comprising at least one cleaning element configured to remove contaminants from the panel.