Laser beam partly disperses ZrB2 particle clusters and showing dispersed particles state after matrix solidification.
Laser melting process narrower cellular spacing in composites than AA6061 matrix.
Compared with matrix alloy, crystal orientation near melted layer edge of the composites is almost random duo to heterogeneous nucleation in melt and pinning effect of laser dispersed ZrB2 nanoparticles at solidification front.
Laser melted layer shows better wear properties than matrix and composite without laser melting.