Laser surface alloying (LSA) of AISI 1020 steel with TiN ceramic particles was carried out in argon and nitrogen environment at different laser scan speeds. The influence of these parameters on the distribution and decomposition of TiN particles in the alloyed layer was investigated using SEM and XRD analysis. Further, the molten pool thermal history during LSA was monitored using an IR pyrometer and the possibility of predicting TiN decomposition from the profile of recorded thermo-cycle is discussed. TiN particles were found to decompose during alloying process in argon environment which was suppressed in case of nitrogen environment. A combination of moderate scan speed and nitrogen environment resulted in a sound quality alloyed layer with uniform TiN distribution and minimum or no TiN decomposition. Further, wear test was carried out to investigate the effect of distribution and decomposition of ceramic particles. © 2021 Elsevier GmbH