Objective To improve the tribological performance of AISI316 stainless steel. Methods A boron modified layer was successfully prepared on the surface of AISI316 stainless steel using double glow plasma alloying technology with FeB compound solid as the precursor. The microstructure, composition, phase structure and micro-hardness of the boronized layer were characterized, and the friction and wear behavior of the modified layer was investigated under dry sliding friction conditions. Results The study showed that, a dense, uniform and continuous modified layer, mainly composed of Mo2B and FeB phase, was formed on the surface of AISI316 stainless steel after boronizing treatment. The modified layer had higher hardness (964HV0. 1) , which was 3 times higher than that of the substrate, and the wear resistance was significantly improved compared with the substrate. Conclusion Preparation of boron modified layer on the surface of AISI316 stainless steel could significantly improve the hardness and the tribological performance of the substrate material.