Silicates in solution are virtually the only inorganic materials used as adhesives. They are particularly suitable due to their exceptional bonding capacity, resulting from the rapid transition to a semi-solid state after a modest release of water. The action of the silicate can be divided into two categories: one in which the silicate acts as a binder and the other in which the cementing effect of the silicate is reinforced by chemical reactions. In the production of cardboard tubes using spiral or parallel machines, the silicate is applied by cascading, rolling, or immersion.
Silicates are also modified with additives that enhance their properties depending on the type of winding machine, operational conditions, or Cobb values of the paper used.