Optimization of mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of Zn-0.4Mn-0.8Li alloy using the hot rolling process

•The multi-scale structured Zn-0.4Mn-0.8Li alloy was fabricated by hot rolling.•The cooperation of coarse grains and fine grains was found to improve the strength and guarantee the ductility of Zn-0.4Mn-0.8Li alloy significantly.•The activation of {10-12} tensile twinning further promoted the enhancement of the mechanical strength of Zn-0.4Mn-0.8Li alloy.