The shear-induced crystallization behavior in isotactic polypropylene (iPP) composite melt containing short aramid fibers was investigated by means of WARD (wide-angle X-ray diffraction) and SAXS (small-angle X-ray scattering) techniques using synchrotron radiation. The study was carried out in a post-shear isothermal crystallization mode at temperatures of 140-160 degrees C. Parameters pertaining to the crystallization morphology and kinetics were analyzed, including total crystallinity, orientated crystalline and amorphous fractions, dimensions of the formed shish-kebab structure, as well as induction time and rate of crystallization. The individual contributions of shear and fibers were evaluated and the combined effect was compared. The results clearly indicated that the effect is synergistic rather than additive. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.