Laser controlled melting of pre-treated zirconia surface

► Dense layer formed at surface vicinity composes of fine grains and TiC particles. ► ZrN and ZrC compounds are formed in the surface region. ► Microhardness of laser treated surface increases. ► Residual stress formed at surface vicinity is on the order of −1.6 GPa. ► Fracture toughness of laser treated surface reduces to almost 70%.