Abstract: The 2A12 aluminum alloys were prepared by powder metallurgy technology with the addition of rare earth element Y in the mass fraction of 0, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% in this study. The effects of Y addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 2A12 aluminum alloy were investigated by the metallographic analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy spectrum analysis, and mechanical properties tests, and the distribution characteristics of Y in aluminum alloy were studied. The results show that, when the mass fraction of rare earth element Y is 0.2%, the 2A12 alloys achieve the highest tensile strength and the best plasticity. The Y addition can inhibit the grain growth of aluminum alloy during sintering. In addition, most of Y is distributed in the grain boundary of aluminium matrix as YAl, Cu₂Y, and YAl₂, and a small part of Y is dissolved into the aluminum matrix.