Discrete nanopores develop in the interfacial regions of polyolefin blends and layered films under tension. They originate from crazelike structures in the early development stage, which later undergo disruption processes with an increase in strain. The disruption processes appear to be triggered by the existence of adjacent ductile polyolefins and their micromechanical deformations. The degree of nanopore development significantly varies among blends and layered systems, depending on several material parameters, such as the interfacial strength. Discrete nanopores are observed more often in metallocene systems and blends than in Ziegler-Natta systems and layered films. Macroscopically, with the development of discrete nanopores, metallocene systems show higher strain to break and significant shear yielding under tension. The disruption mechanism can be used to prepare nanoporous materials or to improve the mechanical performances of polyolefins. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.