Preliminary investigations about effects of Zr, Sc and Ce additions on as-cast microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-3Sn-1Mn (wt.%) magnesium alloy

► Adding 0.43 wt.% Zr or 0.87 wt.% Ce to the Mg-3Sn-1Mn alloy can refine the grains. ► Adding 0.36 wt.% Sc or 0.87 wt.% Ce to the Mg-3Sn-1Mn alloy can improve the tensile properties. ► Adding 0.36 wt.% Sc or 0.87 wt.% Ce to the Mg-3Sn-1Mn alloy can improve the creep properties. ► Adding 0.43 wt.% Zr to the Mg-3Sn-1Mn alloy can improve the tensile properties.