The microstructure of a laser treated Al(18)B(4)O(33)w/2024Al composite has been investigated using transmission electron microscope (TEM), low-angle (glancing angle) X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Various surface microstructures were observed in the laser treated composite. The Al18B4O33 whisker on the surface of the composite was decomposed during laser surface melting, various decomposition products were studied in the laser treated composite. Eutectic phases and the precipitation in the matrix of the composite with laser-treated were observed. The main phases detected in the molten zone were aluminum and decomposition products Al2O3. The effect of laser treatment on the hardness of the composite was also examined. A surface hardness of 400 Hv was noted. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.