A powder metal compact is disclosed. The powder compact includes a substantially elongated cellular nanomatrix comprising a nanomatrix material. The powder compact also includes a plurality of substantially elongated dispersed particles comprising a particle core material that comprises Mg, Al, Zn or Mn, or a combination thereof, dispersed in the cellular nanomatrix. The powder compact further includes a bond layer extending throughout the cellular nanomatrix between the dispersed particles, wherein the cellular nanomatrix and the dispersed particles are substantially elongated in a predetermined direction.