The phase formation in the laser irradiation area from xAl(2)O(3)-yTiO(2) compacts and the properties of the surface layer have been investigated by the XRD, IR, and SEM methods. Main phases precipitating from eutectic melt are tialite, corundum, and rutile. A high temperature on the surface of specimens leads to the development of dissociation processes of these compounds and molecules of the gaseous medium. As dissociation products fly apart and pass through different temperature zone, there are formed different metal oxides, metal hydroxides, and thermolysis products. When these different oxides are deposited on the surface of the ceramic, they form layers with different adhesion degrees. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.