Heterogeneous fiberous structured Mg-Zn-Zr alloy with superior strength-ductility synergy

•The heterogeneous fiberous structured ZK60 Mg alloy was obtained by conventional extrusion method with high yield strength of ∼ 345 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of ∼ 370 MPa and high tensile strain of ∼ 20.5%, superior than most ZK60 Mg alloys reported so far.•The excellent mechanical properties were mainly attributed to the heterogeneous fiberous structure that was characterized by alternating coarse- and fine-grain layers, nanoscale precipitates and profuse < c + a > dislocations. The novel heterogeneous fiberous structured ZK60 Mg alloy have achieved superior strength-ductility synergy.•A novel design of alternating coarse- and fine-grain layered structure was considered to be a general strategy for promoting the strength-ductility synergy of hexagonal close-packed (hcp) metals.