Initiation stage of Ti6Al4V corrosion in H2O2-containing phosphate buffer saline

α + β Ti6Al4V samples were exposed to a phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution containing 1 M of H 2 O 2 for short durations (30 min) to investigate the initial stage of the β phase dissolution. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements and post-mortem scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the samples revealed randomness in the initiation of β phase dissolution. Bright-field transmission electron microscopy (BF-TEM) imaging and scanning kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM) measurements suggested a galvanic coupling between the α and β phases. • Random β phase dissolution after 30-min exposure of Ti6Al4V surfaces to 1 M H 2 O 2 . • Galvanic coupling between cathodic α phase and anodic β phase. • Up to 250 nm defects may appear after 30-min exposure to H 2 O 2 . • Such defects are unlikely to affect mechanical integrity of a dental implant.