Enhancing the Self‐Healing Properties of Bitumen Using Waste Polyethylene With Ethylene‐Vinyl Acetate as a Compatibilizer

ABSTRACT This study systematically investigates the synergistic enhancement of self‐healing properties in bitumen through the incorporation of waste polyethylene (WPE) and ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) as a compatibilizer. A series of modified bitumen samples with varying WPE/EVA ratios were prepared via high‐shear melt‐blending. Comprehensive characterization was conducted, including morphological analysis, chemical structure examination, conventional tests, storage stability assessment, viscoelastic rheology, and self‐healing efficiency quantification. The results demonstrate that EVA effectively compatibilizes the inherently immiscible WPE and bitumen, leading to a finely dispersed and homogenous morphology with strong interfacial adhesion. This optimized microstructure not only ensures excellent storage stability (ΔT < 2.2°C) but also significantly improves the stiffness (complex modulus up to 5.95 MPa at 0.1 rad/s) and thermal resistance (softening point up to 57.1°C). Most notably, the ternary system with 3 wt% WPE and 3 wt% EVA achieved a remarkable self‐healing efficiency of 45.8%, which is 60% higher than that of neat bitumen, attributed to a synergistic mechanism combining bitumen capillary flow and polymer‐induced elastic recovery. This work presents a sustainable and high‐performance pavement binder that valorizes plastic waste while concurrently enhancing mechanical properties and autonomous healing capability.