Gradient-grained Fe was synthesized by SMGT and its microstructures were examined.
Gradient-grained Fe shows apparent strain hardening at strain rates up to 104 s−1.
The extra hardening is due to the back stress hardening in the gradient-grained Fe.
Dynamic SRS of gradient-grained Fe is larger than that of coarse-grained Fe.
Enhanced SRS is due to the increased dislocation density by gradient structure.