Here, we reported the successful surface modification with silicon electrode via electrical discharging. During the modification procedure, metallurgy reaction occurred between silicon electrode and workpiece materials, in which kerosene was discomposed and a strengthened layer was obtained on the surface of workpiece materials. The influence of processing parameters on the modified layer was also investigated. Our experimental results elucidated that an amorphous nano-crystalline alloy layer can be fabricated on the surface of 65Mn steel (ASTM:1566) in a controllable way. By forming a strengthened nano-layer, the hardness of 65Mn steel as well as the wear and corrosion resistance was obviously enhanced. In addition, a homogenous strengthened nano-layer can be formed by utilizing ultrasonic vibration of silicon electrode. (C) 2010 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.