DBDS in itself might or might not be corrosive. Some researchers [3] suggest that a DBDS-copper
complex is formed in which the copper is removed from the conductor surface and goes through a series
of reactions in which copper sulfide is then formed on the copper surface. The information presented in
this paper suggests that DBDS degrades through cleaving of the disulfide linkage as the temperature
increases in the oil resulting in the formation of mercaptans. These DBDS breakdown products are very
corrosive. Experiments at 110°C involving DBDS showed corrosion of the copper surface occurs in a
relatively short period. Degradation of DBDS at temperatures lower than 110°C can also occur and in
experiments performed over the past several years corrosive sulfur attack on copper in oils with DBDS
occur at temperatures as low as 80°C in just over 60 days. Subsequent testing of that oil shows a
reduction of DBDS during that time. Other researchers using a combination of copper and paper have
detected the development of copper sulfide at 80°C in the Kraft paper insulation and on the copper
surface [4]. It might be that both processes, as well as others, occur simultaneously