<![CDATA[This study investigates the effect of natural Pahae zeolite as a locally sourced mineral filler on the mechanical and physical properties of areca nut fiber–polyester composite boards. The novelty lies in combining natural Pahae zeolite with areca nut fiber to integrate organic fiber reinforcement and inorganic mineral filling. Composite boards were fabricated using polyester resin, areca nut fiber, and natural Pahae zeolite ratios of 60:40:0, 60:30:10, 60:20:20, 60:10:30, and 60:0:40 by hot pressing. The optimum composition was 60:10:30, yielding the highest Modulus of Rupture (MoR) of 177.3 MPa, Modulus of Elasticity (MoE) of 875.08 MPa, and compressive strength of 212.66 MPa. Increasing zeolite content also affected density and moisture content, while excessive zeolite addition (40 wt%) reduced mechanical performance, potentially due to particle agglomeration and increased brittleness. SEM–EDX analysis revealed morphological changes and increased Si and Al contributions with increasing zeolite content. All MoR values exceeded the minimum requirements of SNI 03-2105-2006 and JIS A 5908:2003, whereas the MoE values did not meet the applicable requirements. These findings demonstrate the potential of natural Pahae zeolite as a locally sourced mineral filler for natural fiber–polyester composites and its role in improving flexural performance at an appropriate composition.]]>
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