The methods of Mossbauer spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to st
udy the effect of laser alloying with chromium on the structure and mechani
cal properties of a 8Kh4GV2FN2S2Yu-type steel. The distributions of the all
oying elements in the solidified remelted layer were determined. A segregat
ion of alloying elements was observed. Zones consisting of carbides and int
ermetallics as well as zones enriched with alloying elements and depleted o
f them were found at grain boundaries. Some thermodynamic assumptions were
used to describe the atomic distributions in the alloy. The dispersity of t
he structure was found to be governed by the diffusion paths of some alloyi
ng elements, their segregation at grain boundaries with the formation of zo
nes consisting of carbides and intermetallics, and the melt-quenching rate
(similar to 10(6) K/s). The microhardness of the steel increases insignific
antly due to laser alloying, whereas the wear resistance increases by a fac
tor of two.