The MAB phases are a group of ternary borides with stacking transition metal boride sublattices (M-B) and Al or Zn interleaves (A). They exhibit intrinsic laminated crystal structures. Textured bulk \(\hbox {Mn}_2\) \(\hbox {AlB}_2\) samples were fabricated to study the compressive behavior of \(\hbox {Mn}_2\) \(\hbox {AlB}_2\) at quasi-static and dynamic strain rates in relation to its global orientation (b-axis). The grain orientation and its indicator were obtained using X-ray diffraction. The quasi-static compressive strengths were measured using a conventional load frame at a strain rate of 10 \(^{-3}\) \(\mathrm {s^{-1}}\) . Dynamic compressive strengths were obtained using a Kolsky (split-Hopkinson) bar at strain rates up to 10 \(^3\) \(\mathrm {s^{-1}}\) . When loading parallel to the b-axis ( \({\parallel }\) b-axis), the quasi-static compressive strength was 1285 ± 80 MPa and was the highest value among the two strain rates and two orientations investigated. Under quasi-static conditions, the compressive strength at failure of the \({\parallel }\) b-axis was 12% higher than loading perpendicular to the b-axis orientation ( \({\perp }\) b-axis), respectively. Under the dynamic regime, the compressive strengths of both orientations were about 10% lower concerning their quasi-static values, in contrast to what has been seen in similar MAX phase (layered hexagonal metal carbides and nitrides) highly-oriented investigations. In-situ deformation imaging and post-mortem scanning electron microscopy suggest that the pre-existing microcrack distribution and a difference in the fracture mechanisms could be responsible for the lack of anisotropic solid behavior.
