Microstructural evolution and comprehensive properties of Mg-8Li-3Al-2Zn alloy during annealing treatment under various cooling rates

• Cooling rate critically controls the volume fraction of Al-Li phases (AlLi and MgLi2Al) in annealed LAZ832 alloy, with slower cooling increasing their presence. • Solid solution strengthening from Al and Zn dissolution enhances tensile strength but reduces ductility at high solute levels. • Air cooling achieves the best balance of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance, outperforming furnace cooling and offering a compromise over water quenching. • Elevated work function, measured by SPM, correlates with improved corrosion resistance due to solute dissolution.