Influence of Y/CeMM ratio on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg95Zn2(Y,CeMM)3 alloys

► Influence of Y/CeMM ratio on the formation of intermetallic and ordered second phases. ► High Y/CeMM ratio increases volume fraction of LPS-phase. ► LPS-phase formation reduces grain size of magnesium matrix. ► Strength and ductility are maximized as the Y/CeMM ratio is raised. ► Cracking of brittle intermetallic Mg12RE phase is assumed by LPS-phase particles.