Fretting-corrosion behavior of β titanium alloys in simulated synovial fluid

► Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr and Ti-13Nb-13Zr recover their passivity during fretting at OCP. ► Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr regains its passive state during fretting at a passive potential. ► At passive potential the response of Ti-13Nb-13Zr depends on the wear volume. ► The recovery of passivity during fretting is linked to the cessation of wear. ► Synovial constituents do not affect the electrochemical response.