Effects of lead addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast Mg-4Zn alloys

► Significant improvements on ductility by adding only 1 wt% Pb into the Mg-4Zn alloy. ► Pb additions suppress the formation of the intermetallic compounds, and affect the morphology of intermetallic particles. ► Pb distributes in α-Mg matrix at solid solution state.