Les matériaux composites sont utilisés dans le domaine maritime depuis des dizaines d’années que ce soit par exemple pour les éoliennes offshore ou encore les navires militaires étant donné leurs propriétés intrinsèques avantageuses pour de telles applications (faible masse, faible signature magnétique ...). Jusqu’ici les composites employés sont surtout composés de fibres de verre et de matrice polyester. Cependant, les demandes croissantes de navires toujours plus légers et rapides conduisent peu à peu les industriels à se tourner vers les composites à haute performance composés de fibres de carbone et de matrice époxyde. L’utilisation de cette nouvelle génération de matériau nécessite de connaître l’influence de l’endommagement plan, qui peut être d’origine hydrique ou mécanique, sur leur tenue hors-plan. Cette étude a montré une diminution importante de l’enveloppe de rupture du matériau étudié lorsqu’il a séjourné en eau de mer jusqu’à saturation. La résistance en traction hors-plan du composite n’est quant à elle que très peu affectée par la présence de fissures transverses dans le matériau, quel que soit son état de vieillissement. Des travaux ont également été menés sur des assemblages composites collés et mis en avant à la fois la chute de la tenue de l’assemblage due à la présence d’eau de mer dans la matrice époxyde, mais également la nécessité de la prise en compte du couplage endommagement plan/endommagement hors-plan pour la prédiction de la tenue hors-plan de tels assemblages. Enfin, différentes méthodes de prédiction ont été utilisées pour valider les résultats expérimentaux confirmant ainsi l’importance de la prise en compte de l’endommagement plan sur la tenue hors-plan des composites et des assemblages composites collés. / Composite materials have been used in marine applications for decades for offshore windmills or even battleships because of its intrinsic properties which are assets for such applications (low weight, low magnetic signature...). Until now the composites used are almost made of glass fibers and polyester matrix. However the increasing demand for faster and lighter ships gradually leads manufacturers to turn to high performance composites made of carbon fibers and epoxy matrix. Using this new generation of material requires knowing the influence of the in-plane damage which can be due to water or mechanical damage on its out-of-plane strength. This study has shown a significant reduction of the out-of-plane failure envelope of the studied material after an extended stay in seawater until the saturation point.The out-of-plane tensile strength of the composite is very little affected by transverse cracking in the material whatever the aging state. Work has also been carried out on composite bonded assemblies and pointed out, on the one hand, the drop of the assembly strength because of the water aging and, on the other hand, the necessity to take into account the coupling between in-plane and out-of-plane damage for the prediction of the out-of-plane strength of such assemblies. Finally, different methods of prediction have been used to validate the experimental results confirming the importance to take into account the in-plane damage to predict the out-of-plane strength of composites and composite bonded assemblies.

La dégradation des contacts tribologiques sous une sollicitation de fretting est un phénomène complexe lié à l’interaction entre deux corps sous une faible amplitude de débattement, ce qui limite la durée de vie des pièces de manière significative. La lubrification solide est de plus en plus utilisée dans les applications tribologiques pour réduire les frottements et protéger la surface du substrat contre l'usure par fretting. La performance du revêtement dépend de nombreux facteurs tels que les conditions de sollicitation, les propriétés du substrat, du contre-corps et du revêtement et l'adhérence entre le revêtement et le substrat. Les objectifs de cette thèse sont de discuter le frottement et le comportement en usure du revêtement sous différentes conditions et d'analyser l'effet des paramètres d’essai sur le coefficient de frottement et la durée de vie du revêtement, ce qui peut être effectivement utile pour l'évaluation de la qualité des revêtements. Les tests de fretting sont menés pour comprendre les relations entre le comportement tribologique d'un vernis à base de MoS2 et les conditions d’essai. Le revêtement est étudié pour différentes valeurs de force de contact, amplitude de déplacement, configuration de contact, position du revêtement, nature du substrat et épaisseur. L'effet de chaque facteur est évalué par l'analyse de variance. L'analyse de régression est utilisée pour prévoir la performance du revêtement. L'observation de l'évolution de la trace d’usure est réalisée pour expliquer l’importance des facteurs et les coefficients dans les équations de prédiction. En outre, l'analyse de fiabilité est utilisée pour décrire et prévoir le taux de survie du revêtement sous certaines conditions d’essai. Enfin, un modèle linéaire de durée de vie est évalué afin de prendre en compte l'amplitude de déplacement variable. / Fretting wear is considered as a complex wear phenomenon related to interaction between two sliding bodies under very low displacement amplitude, which limits the lifetime of elements significantly. Solid lubricant is more and more applied in tribological applications to reduce friction and protect the substrate surface from fretting wear. The performance of coating depends on many factors such as running conditions, properties of substrate, counterbody and coating, and adhesion between coating and substrate. The objectives of this thesis are to discuss the friction and wear behavior of the coating under different running conditions, and to analyze the effect of test parameters on the friction coefficient and lifetime of the coating, which can be effectively helpful for the evaluation of quality of the coating. Fretting experiments are carried out to understand the relationships between the tribological behavior of a MoS2 based varnish coating and running conditions. The coating is investigated under different contact forces, different displacement amplitudes, different contact configurations, different coating positions, different substrates and different thicknesses. The rank of effect of factors is evaluated by the analysis of variance. Regression analysis is used to predict the performance of coatings under certain running conditions. The observation of evolution of wear scar is applied to explain the rank of factor and coefficients in the prediction equations. Furthermore, the reliability analysis is used to describe and predict the survival rate of coatings under certain running conditions. Finally, a linear model for lifetime is assessed in order to take into account variable displacement amplitude.

La plateforme ferrocène est fréquemment utilisée en chimie de coordination et en catalyse pour son excellente résistance aux conditions de réaction poussées. Le squelette ferrocène permet de maîtriser l’agencement de plusieurs groupes fonctionnels d’intérêt. Des ansa-ferrocènes et des ferrocènes à conformation contrainte, permettant par leur structure de contrôler une proximité des groupes fonctionnels, ont été décrits.La première partie de cette thèse traite de la synthèse de cyclopentadiényles borylés disubstitués et de leur réaction d’assemblage pour la formation de métallocènes borylés à conformation contrainte. Des analyses par RMN et des calculs par DFT ont permis de mettre en évidence la diastéréosélectivité inédite de la synthèse.À partir de cette approche, la deuxième partie traite de l’agencement de fonctions acides/bases de Lewis sur une plateforme ferrocénique à conformation contrainte. La synthèse de cyclopentadiényles (P/B) trisubstitués a été initiée. La synthèse de ligands ambiphiles (P/B) par assemblage de cyclopentadiénures et l’influence des tertio-butyles sur leur conformation ont été explorées. Une nouvelle forme de couplage de spin à trois centres sans liaison covalente, impliquant la lacune du bore dans la transmission de spin 31P31P, a été observée en RMN pour un P,P,B-ferrocène très original.La troisième partie traite de la synthèse de ferrocènes (P/B) et (N/B) à conformation contrainte. La voie de synthèse alternative et diastéréosélective proposée s’est révélée efficace alors que le rôle des tertio butyles dans le contrôle conformationnel a été démontré. L’étude de leur réactivité de type paire frustrée de Lewis a été initiée avec le CO2. / Ferrocene platforms are useful in coordination chemistry and catalysis thanks to their robustness and versatile functionalization. Ferrocene backbone allows the implantation of several key functional groups in a restricted space, inducing close proximity and potential polyfunctional cooperation (see for instance ferrocenyl polyphosphine chemistry). Ansa ferrocene and ferrocene bearing conformational control inducing groups maximizing the proximity of key groups have been widely reported.The first part of this thesis focuses on the synthesis of new borylated cyclopentadienyl, and their use in formation of borylated metallocenes bearing conformational constraints. NMR analysis and DFT calculation exhibits the diastereoselectivity of assembly reaction.The second part deals with the arrangement of several Lewis acids and bases on a constraint ferrocene platform. Synthesis of trisubstituted cyclopentadienyl (P/B) has been initiated. Synthesis of ambiphilic ligands (P/B) by assembly reaction of cyclopentadienides and the influence of tert-butyl groups on their conformation have been explored. A new 31P31P spin coupling transmitted “through-space (nonbonded spin-spin coupling transmission) involving for the first time an empty orbital has been observed.The third part describes the synthesis of heteroannular (P/B) and (N/B) ferrocene directly from ferrocene functionalization. An efficient and diastereoselective synthesis has been developed and the influence of tert-butyl groups on the conformational control has been highlighted in both solid and solution state. Studies of the frustrated Lewis pair reactivity of these new ambiphilic ligands have been initiated by addition of CO2.

L’augmentation de la puissance électrique consommée à bord des avions a récemment conduit à introduire des convertisseurs électroniques de puissance à base d'interrupteurs à IGBT dans de nombreuses applications aéronautiques. L'utilisation de ces interrupteurs diffère de leurs emplois traditionnels dans les domaines du ferroviaire ou de l'automobile. En effet, les sollicitations environnementales ainsi que les cycles de commandes électriques sont différents de ceux rencontrés jusqu’alors, ce qui amène à remettre en cause les résultats actuels au sujet de la durée de vie et de la fiabilité de ces interrupteurs. Face à ces interrogations, les sociétés THALES et Hispano-Suiza se sont associées au sein du programme de l’avion plus électrique MODERNE (MODular ElectRical NEtwork) initié par Airbus, en vue de développer des solutions à haut niveau de fiabilité pour des applications aéronautiques sévères. C’est dans ce contexte que prennent place les présents travaux, dont les objectifs sont dans un premier temps de proposer de nouvelles architectures de modules susceptibles de présenter de meilleures performances d’intégration, et dans un second temps d’en étudier la fiabilité. Pour répondre à ces questions, un état de l'art des technologies utilisables a été mené. La confrontation de ses technologies aux contraintes et recommandations aéronautiques a conduit au choix de deux approches d'assemblage, proposées avec un jeu de matériaux sélectionnés pour leurs propriétés physiques et en conformité avec les réglementations sur l’utilisation de matériaux polluants. À l'issue d'une analyse de défaillances, différents développements ont été conduits afin de modéliser et caractériser le comportement thermique, mécanique puis à défaillance des modules. Des modèles Éléments Finis de structures représentatives des solutions proposées ont alors été mis au point et exploités pour l'élaboration de règles de conception, sur la base de plans d'expériences couplés à de la simulation numériques. Les informations générées ont servi à la conception de trois prototypes destinés à des applications différentes. Les performances de ces prototypes ont été évaluées, notamment leurs fiabilités obtenues par des calculs mécano-fiabilistes ayant permis l'optimisation de la conception des différents modules. / Within the framework of the electric plane programs, the aircraft industry is facing higher demands of electric power, fact which involves an increasing use of IGBT modules in aeronautical power converters. Although such modules have been well studied and known in railway and the automotive domains, they will be subjected to stresses and operational cycles specific to the aeronautical environment. Consequently, this requires manufacturers to answer some questions about their lifetime and reliability issues. Faced with these questions, THALES and Hispano-Suiza have associated in the more electric aircraft project launched by Airbus (MODERNE - MODular ElectRical NEtwork), with the aim of developing high reliability solutions for harsh aeronautic applications. This work takes place in this context, with the objectives of proposing power modules architectures likely to exhibit better performances and integration level, and then study the reliability of different prototypes. To answer these questions, technological studies of the possible packaging and connecting solutions, faced with aeronautical stresses and requirements led to the choice of two basic assembling approaches. A set of materials selected for their physical properties and their compliance with polluting materials regulations was also proposed. The potential failure modes of these solutions were pointed out and taken into account within experimental and numerical developments, to model and characterize the thermal, mechanical and failure behaviour of the modules. Then, different Finite Element models representative of the proposed technologies structures were developed and investigated for defining design rules on the basis of Designs of Experiments. The whole knowledge generated by the simulations was used to design three prototypes of IGBT module for different applications. The performance of these prototypes have been evaluated and compared to the requirements, including their reliability obtained by mechanical calculations coupled with probabilistic methods which led to their optimization.

Dans ce travail, l’approche de la tectonique moléculaire, basée à la fois sur la reconnaissance moléculaire et le processus itératif d’auto-assemblage à l’état cristallin, a été utilisée pour la formation de réseaux moléculaires de coordination, ainsi que de réseaux moléculaires à base de liaisons hydrogène. La synthèse de nouveaux tectons à base de dérivés de TCA (p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene et p-H-thiacalix[4]arene) offrant des groupements coordinants de type pyridine (avec différentes positions de l’azote sur les noyaux pyridiniques) et de dérivés de TMTCA (tetramercaptothiacalix[4]arene) portant aussi des groupement de type pyridine (avec différentes positions de l’azote sur les noyaux pyridiniques) mais aussi cyano, carboxylates, pyrazole et imidazole a été mise au point. Tous les tectons adoptent la conformation 1,3-alternée, permettant l'obtention de réseaux moléculaire de dimensionalité élevée. Les composés obtenus ont été caractérisés à la fois en solution et à l'état cristallin. Leur aptitude à former des réseaux de coordination en présence de métaux de transition (tels que Ag(I), Hg(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), Co(II), Fe(II)) a été explorée. La possibilité de formation de réseaux à base de liaison hydrogènes a été également testée en utilisant le carboxylate-bisamidinium type de reconnaissance. Beaucoup de nouveaux polymères de coordinations possédant diverses dimensionnalités, en particulier, 3D de type diamant, et certaines réseaux à base de liaisons hydrogènes ont été obtenus. La différence de la connectivité entre TCA et TMTCA vis-à-vis des cations métalliques a été étudiée et discutée. / In this work, the molecular tectonic strategy, based on the molecular recognition together with the iterative self-assembly process in the crystalline phase, has been used for the formation of molecular networks (coordination polymer and H-bonded networks). The synthesis of new tectons based on the TCA derivatives (p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene et p-H-thiacalix[4]arene) offering pyridyl binding sites with different position of N atom in the rings, as well as the TMTCA derivatives (tetramercaptothiacalix[4]arene) bearing pyridyl (also with different position of N atom in the rings), cyano, carboxylate, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl coordinating groups has been achieved. All tectons were fixed in 1,3-alternate conformation, allowing the formation of high dimensionality networks. The structures of obtained tectons were characterized in solution, as well as in the solid state. The propensity of these tectons to form coordination polymers upon the combination with different transition metal cations such as Ag(I), Hg(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), Co(II), Fe(II) has been expoled. The possibility to form the H-bonded networks has also been investigated using the carboxylate-bisamidinium type of recognition pair. New coordination polymers possessing different dimensionalities (especially 3D diamond like) and some H-bonded networks have been obtained. The differences in the connectivity of TCA and TMTCA towards the metal cations have been studied and discussed.

O presente trabalho correlacionou diversas funções de respostas em frequência (FRF) de juntas do tipo simples, coladas e fabricadas em titânio-compósito (resina epóxi reforçada por fibra de carbono). As FRFs produzidas foram investigadas (experimental e numericamente) tanto para juntas intactas como para juntas com falha, estas provenientes, por exemplo, do uso em serviço ou então, com resultado do processamento inadequado de um reparo. Com base nessas análises buscou-se, portanto, subsidiar o desenvolvimento de um sistema de monitoramento estrutural a partir da avaliação de seu comportamento dinâmico, medido pelo uso de pastilhas piezelétricas integradas à estrutura. Para que o respectivo objetivo fosse alcançado. Num primeiro momento, a fim de compreender os fenômenos envolvidos, conduziu-se a atividade de revisão bibliográfica, que baseada na consulta dos trabalhos mais recentes publicados sobre a análise de juntas coladas empregando abordagem numérica, analítica e/ou experimental. Em seguida, foram desenvolvidos modelos computacionais preliminares com solução via Método dos Elementos Finitos (MEF), a fim de se obter as diretrizes mínimas para uma proposta de fabricação das juntas híbridas (metal-compósito). Tal estratégia permitiu reduzir efeitos indesejados, que pudessem comprometer os resultados experimentais. Em posse dos resultados computacionais fabricou-se amostras de juntas metal-compósito com e sem dano. Num primeiro momento, foram realizadas análises numéricas através do desenvolvimento de modelos computacionais (com solução via MEF) das juntas, metal-compósito, monitoradas por transdutores piezelétricos. Em seguida, as juntas híbridas foram submetidas a ensaios experimentais dinâmicos, empregando técnicas de monitoramento com auxílio de transdutores piezelétricos e acelerômetros. Por fim, avaliaram-se potencialidades e limitações dos modelos computacionais desenvolvidos, através de estudos de caso, comparando os resultados experimentais com os resultados numéricos. / The herein proposed research has correlates Frequency Response Functions (FRF) of several hybrid titanium-composite (epoxy resin reinforced with carbon fiber) single lap bonded joints. The FRFs were investigated (numerically and experimentally) for joints with and without failures which may arise as the result of in service events or bad maintenance practices. The result of the dynamic analyses provided by the FRFs has substantiated the proposal of a damage detection method using piezoelectric elements capable which are capable to detect minor alterations on the dynamic behavior of the joint. In order to reach the proposed objective, the first action towards the given objective was study the problem through a bibliographic revision of the research subject, for this purpose the most recent published works related to numerical, analytical and experimental analyses of bonded joints were thoroughly evaluated and segregated. Afterwards, models of the joints were proposed using Finite Element Models (FEM) to obtain a preliminary result of the joints behavior to eventually substantiate the manufacturing processes, reducing the amount of material, time and cost of the experiments. Based upon the results of the FEM the coupons were manufactured with and without damages, using the methods and techniques available on the maintenance field for restoration of composite elements. Before proceed to the comparison between the modeled and experimental results, additional models were proposed using previous work\'s results to get results from the piezoelectric monitored joints. Afterwards, all experimental tests were conducted using accelerometers and piezoelectric elements to provide the means through it the advantages and drawbacks of the proposed monitoring method could be checked, by comparison between the experimental and modeled results.

L’essai de type simple recouvrement est très largement utilisé dans l’industrie automobile pour évaluer la compatibilité entre une tôle d’acier et une colle. Dans ce cadre, deux critères de validation ont été définis par les constructeurs automobiles : un chargement à rupture minimum, et un facies de rupture cohésif. La rupture au niveau de l’interface colle/acier (rupture interfaciale), ne permet pas d’attester d’une bonne adhésion entre la colle et la tôle, elle n’est donc pas acceptée. Ainsi dans certains cas, l’assemblage n’est pas validé à cause de son faciès de rupture, même s’il démontre une résistance mécanique élevée. Une meilleure compréhension du phénomène de rupture interfaciale permettrait d’adapter le cahier des charges des constructeurs automobiles. Le premier objectif de la thèse a été de comprendre les mécanismes de rupture qui peuvent engendrer une rupture interfaciale. Des études expérimentales et numériques ont montré que la rigidité de la tôle a une forte influence sur la cinématique de déformation de l’éprouvette (rotation, plasticité de la tôle, effet de bords), et qu’elle influe beaucoup sur le faciès de rupture. La déformation plastique de la tôle semble être un paramètre-clef favorisant la rupture interfaciale. En effet, une étude à l’échelle microscopique sur la structure hétérogène du revêtement galvanique de la tôle a mis en évidence la présence de déformations localisées très importantes, qui semblent capable d’endommager l’interface collée. Le second objectif de la thèse a été de caractériser mécaniquement une interface tôle/adhésif. Deux méthodes complémentaires ont été proposées. La première consistait à caractériser l’interface dans des conditions « pures » de sollicitation, grâce à l’essai Arcan modifié. La seconde méthode a permis d’évaluer la capacité de l’interfaces à résister à un effet de bord, grâce à un essai de flexion trois points sur une éprouvette en coin. / The single lap-shear test is widely used by carmakers to characterize the adhesion of bonded joints. Two criteria govern the validation of the adhesion properties in the bonded joints: the shear strength and the failure mode which has to be cohesive. However, in some special cases, particularly when thin mild galvanized steel substrates were bonded with structural toughened adhesive, an interfacial pattern is obtained instead of cohesive failure. So the bonded assembly is not accepted even if its shear load at failure is high. A better understanding of the interfacial failure is required to adapt the carmakers specifications. The first objective of the PhD thesis was to analyze the critical phenomenon which favor the interfacial failure during single lap test. Substrate rigidity has significant effect on the failure pattern, because it influences the kinematic of deformation of the sample (rotation, steel plasticity, edge effect). Steel plasticity has been identified as a key factor for interfacial failure. The galvanized coating of the steel has a heterogeneous structure, which generate significant heterogeneous strain that could damage the interface. The second objective was to characterize the strength of the substrate-adhesive interface. Two methods have been proposed. The first one enable to measure the strength of an interface which homogeneous loading without edge effect (modified Arcan test). In the second method, the interface capability to resist to edge effects has been assessed. Thus, three different interfaces have been characterized using a three point bending test and thanks to an optical microscopy in situ analysis.

In order to improve the purity of steel castings, the use of special reactive coatings on carbon-bonded ceramic foam filters was explored. Carbon nanotubes were dispersed in water by means of ultrasonic treatment, using xanthan gum to stabilize the nanotubes in suspension and control the rheological behavior. The coatings were applied by cold spraying and binding was achieved during heat treatment in reducing atmosphere, thanks to an artificial pitch added to the slurry. The coated filters were successfully immersed in molten steel for different times. The thickness of the first alumina layer generated at the interface was independent of the immersion time: concentration gradients through its thickness suggested that the formation of this structure is limited by diffusion. Investigation of the steel after solidification by means of ASPEX showed that the presence of the coating influenced the size as well as the chemical composition of the remaining inclusions. Nano-coated filters had the best filtration efficiency (up to 95% for alumina inclusions after 10 s), but longer tests resulted in worse performance. In addition, coatings based on calcium aluminates in combination with carbon showed an efficiency greater than 97% for steel samples taken directly from the melt.

The sublevel caving mining method is a mass production method with potentially very low operational costs. The success of this method is dependent on, among other factors, the cavability of the orebody and the overlying rock mass. However, caving of the surrounding rock mass also results in deformations in the cap rock as well as on the ground surface above the orebody being mined. From this follows that any existing infrastructure on the ground surface must be relocated as not to be affected by the mining-induced deformations.This thesis work was undertaken to bring about a better understanding of the rock mass behavior in the cap rock of non-daylighting orebodies, with particular application to the Printzsköld orebody as part of the LKAB Malmberget Mine. Rock testing, field observations and underground mapping was conducted to characterize the rock mass in the caving environment. A methodology for identifying the caving front based on seismic monitoring data was derived by studying the Fabian orebody (which has caved to surface), and using laser scanning data for validation. The methodology was then applied to the Printzsköld orebody to identify the caving front.Numerical modeling was performed for various scenarios of the rock mass as mining proceeded. Modeling included (i) stress analysis to understand stress changes and their effects on the rock mass behavior, (ii) discontinuum numerical modeling to quantify the influence of large-scale geological structures on the cave progression, and (iii) discontinuum cave modeling to simulate possible cave mechanisms in the cap rock more explicitly. Laser scanning together with seismic event data were used to calibrate the numerical models.The numerical simulation results showed that as mining progresses, the cap rock and hangingwall were exposed to stress changes that resulted in yielding. Two failure mechanisms were predominantly at play (i) shear failure (dominant in the cap rock) and (ii) tensile failure (dominant in the hangingwall). The presence of the large-scale structures affected thenearfield stresses through slip along the cave boundaries. The effect of the structures on the far field stresses were less significant.Discontinuum modeling to explicitly simulate failure and caving involved simulating the rock mass as a jointed medium using Voronoi tessellations in 2D, and bonded block modeling (BBM) in 3D. Both the 2D and the 3D modeling results showed fair agreement when comparing the inferred boundary of the seismogenic zone, with that identified from seismic monitoring data. Predictive numerical modeling was conducted for future planned mining to assess future cave development in the cap rock. The results from 3D modeling indicated that cave breakthrough for the Printzsköld orebody is expected when mining the 1023 m level, corresponding to approximately year 2022, as per current mining plans. The 2D model was non-conservative with cave breakthrough predicted to occur when mining the 1109 m level, corresponding to the year 2028.The estimated boundary between the seismogenic and yielded zones, as defined in the Duplancic and Brady conceptual model of caving, was coinciding with, or was close to, the cave boundary in the Printzsköld orebody. This may imply that in some areas the yielded zone was not present and that the Duplancic and Brady model may not be universally applicable. Additional work is required to verify this indication, as well as to fine-tune the modeling methodology.

Cement bonded particleboards contain organic base and as they are set outside, extreme weather condition, such as frost, chemical defrosting substances or sulphates, cause their degradation. The presence of the organic base in the matrix of the material could be the reason why there is higher probability of degrading when compared with materials containing an inorganic base. It could be partially eliminated by an appropriate surface modification of the slab, which main goal is to weaken the impact of an aggressive environment and to extend the lifespan of the board. On the other hand, the surface modifications based on a polymer base are prone to degrade because of other unfavourable conditions such as UV radiation when compared with the cement bonded particleboard. The classification of the surface modifications and the way of their degradation caused by the aggressive environment in real applications are presented in the theoretical part of the thesis. In the experimental part, appropriate methodical ways of testing the resistance of cement bonded particleboard’s coating system were chosen. Then, the testing and comparing of the physical, mechanical and aesthetic properties of different types of coatings were done. Moreover, a spectrophotometric analysis of the colour shade changes for the different aggressive environment were carried out. Furthermore, microstructures of chosen surface modifications were assessed by using an optical and an electron microscope.