Excellent ductility and stretch formability of Mg-2Zn-1Mn-0.5Ca-0.1Gd sheet at room temperature

•The present Mg alloy sheet possesses the high ductility (~25%) and super-high IE values(~7.53 mm).•The ZMX21 alloy sheet exhibits a high n value and lower r value.•Weakened ND-splitting texture and high SF are the key role on influencing stretch formability The microstructure, mechanical properties and stretch formability of the Mg-2Zn-1Mn-0.5Ca-0.1Gd alloy (ZMX21) was investigated in present work. The research results show that the alloy exhibits a weakened ND-splitting texture. The Erichsen Index (IE) value of present alloy could reach to 7.59 mm which is higher than the reported references. Such phenomenon was thought originate from the high n value and low r value caused by the weakened split texture and the initiation of non-basal slip. The ZMX21 alloy developed in present work demonstrates a good balance of elongation and stretch formability at room temperature.