AbstractElectron beam surface melting has been carried out on a complex aluminium bronze, CA104. The structural changes have been studied using optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and X -ray diffraction analysis. The effect of surface melting on hardness, rolling–sliding wear resistance and friction coefficient, and electrochemical corrosion properties has been investigated. It was found that the surface melting transformed the originalα+ K structure into a martensitic one. Consequently, the hardness was almost doubled in the melted region. Subsequent tempering further increased the hardness. When running against a hardened steel in dry rolling–sliding wear both the weight loss and the coefficient of friction were reduced by surface melting. Electrochemical corrosion tests also showed an improvement in corrosion resistance in simulated cooling water after surface treatment.