Improved age-hardening behavior of Mg-Sn-Mn alloy by addition of Ag and Zn

► Age-hardening response of Mg-Sn-Mn alloy is enhanced by Ag and Ag + Zn. ► Ag promotes the nucleation and growth of the major Mg2Sn precipitates. ► Zn refines the Mg2Sn, promotes the formation of the blocky Mg54Ag17 phase. ► Ag segregates in the Mg2Sn precipitates. ► A new orientation relationship between Mg54Ag17 with α-Mg is discovered.