It remains a challenge to achieve surface nanocrystallization and solution strengthening simultaneously on the surface of stainless steel. Herein, a novel method employing composite electron beam treatment was developed to address this difficulty, and a comprehensive study on the phase evolution and mechanical properties of stainless steel was conducted. The findings indicate that a significant amount of nanocrystals and Fe Cr solid solution is generated as a result of the combined electron beam treatment on the modified layer on the surface of stainless steel. The hardness of the modified layer increases threefold owing to surface nanocrystallization, solid solution strengthening, and the presence of dislocation barriers. Furthermore, there was a notable decrease in wear volume, which decreased from 0.0128mm 3 to 0.0064mm 3, a substantial reduction of 50 % compared to the pristine. The present work presents a novel approach for the production of nanocrystals on stainless steel surfaces with exceptional durability.