Electron beam surface melting of mild steel with the addition of Ni and SiC is carried out to improve its surface properties. Microstructure of the electron beam molten surface is characterized by scanning electron microscope. Phases are determined using energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. During electron beam melting SiC dissociated partially, interacted with liquid alloy and resulted in martensitic phases after solidi. cation. Maximum hardness is achieved in electron beam molten zone. It is concluded that the formation of martensitic phase and the presence of Si and Ni in the solid solution are responsible for increase in hardness in the molten zone. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.