Impurity-free highly efficient surface polishing and modification of high-carbon steel

•Surface finishing and modification of 65 steel were achieved by continuous electron beam process.•A smooth surface was attained and the surface roughness decreased significantly with appropriate scanning frequency.•The microstructure was homogeneous acicular martensite as quenched completely, when the frequency was 400 Hz.•Microhardness and wear resistance of 65 steel surface could be improved greatly.