Analysis of high strength composite structure developed for low-carbon-low-manganese steel sheet by laser surface treatment

•High-strength layered structure was developed by applying laser surface treatment on a low C-Mn steel.•Hardness improved by 150% due to formation of a mixture of hard phases.•Significant improvements in both Yield Strength (40–44%) and Ultimate Tensile Strength (19–21%).•Distinguishable improvements in Young’s modulus.•Crystallographic texture is the primary reason for improvements of Young’s modulus and r-bar value.