Near spherical α-Mg dendrite morphology and high damping of low-temperature casting Mg-1wt.%Ca alloy

► A good damping performance of Mg-1%Ca alloy with near spherical α-Mg could be obtained by using the low-temperature casting method. ► The primary α-Mg dendrite with morphology and crystallography predominance benefit the damping properties. ► Low-temperature casting method would open a new window to develop better damping performance of magnesium alloys.