Abstract: The distribution of residual austenite in the laser hardening laver on the gray cast iron and the change in the amount of residual austenite during sliding wearing have been investigated by X-ray diffractometer.The thin foils of the hardening layer worn down have been observed by electron microscopy.It was revealed that two types of martensite are strain-induced by slid- ing wearing under load of 1.72 MPa on the hardening layer of residual austenite.The strain induced martensite is profitable to improve the sliding wearing resistance.

Key words: laser surface modification, gray cast iron, residual austenite, martensite, wear resistance