Polymeric composites and methods for preparing the composites are described herein. The polymeric composites can comprise a polymer, an inorganic filler, and a plurality of short length fibers. The polymer in the composites can include homopolymers and copolymers and can also include plastics, resins, elastomers, thermoplastics, thermosets, and hot melts. The inorganic filler can be fly ash. The short length fibers can have an average length of 650 μm or less. Methods for making the polymeric composites are also described.