Based on all the above results, Fig. 5c gives a 2D illustration of the cross-section phase structure deformation
under loading for D65/35.
The soft continuous “net-like” NR phase is likely to cushion the load. The deformed NR phase acts as stress concentrators, which generates a new stress distribution in the matrix material.
At the same time, the PLA phase deformation can effectively dissipate the fracture energy to NR phase through the strong interfaces, resulting in the observed highly improved impact strength.