Microstructural evolution of indirect-extruded ZK60 alloy by adding Ce

► ZK60 alloys with/without Ce addition were produced via indirect extrusion process. ► The volume fraction of non-DRXed grains was greatly decreased by addition of Ce. ► The Ce addition led to basal texture weakening and compressive yield strengthening. ► It was attributed to the particle stimulated nucleation at Mg-Zn-Ce particles.