Physical properties of fly ash filled unsaturated polyester composites in both uncured and cured states have been studied with special reference to the effect of degree of loading, nature of filler surface, and surface treatment of filler. The effect of filler surface on curing and oil absorption characteristics of filler were also examined. In the uncured state, sedimentation rate test and viscosity measurement for fly ash reinforced composites were performed. For cured fly ash filled unsaturated polyester composites, tensile properties decreased with the addition of fly ash particles whereas surface treatment led to improved mechanical properties and resistance to swelling. In terms of dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, effects of both filler and surface treatment on loss factor (tan δ) were discussed. Tan δ value and damping temperature range increased to the 15% fly ash addition. The composite having 15% unsilanized fly ash was found to have the highest tan δ and damping temperature range together with maximum performance in terms of tensile properties and swelling behavior. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 77: 1128–1136, 2000