Abstract: A method of rendering masonry architectural building materials water repellent by incorporating into the masonry architectural building material an additive which is a mixture of (i) a water soluble silane coupling agent and (ii) an emulsion which includes water, at least one surfactant, and a siloxane fluid. The siloxane fluid is one of a linear methylhydrogen siloxane polymers, linear methylhydrogen-methylalkyl siloxane copolymers, methylhydrogen cyclosiloxane polymers, or methylhydrogen-methylalkyl cyclosiloxane copolymers. An inorganic porous mineral substrate including the mixture is also disclosed.

Abstract: Mineral slurries are effectively dewatered by a process employing an aminofunctional silicone emulsion as a dewatering aid. The process provides for mixing the dewatering aid with the aqueous mineral slurry and thereafter separating the treated slurry into a mineral portion and an aqueous portion. The use of the aminofunctional silicones provide for reduced moisture content and/or increased production rate in a mineral slurry dewatering process.

Abstract: Mineral slurries are effectively dewatered by a process employing a water-soluble or water dispersible silicone glycol as a dewatering aid. The process provides for mixing the dewatering aid with the aqueous mineral slurry and thereafter separating the treated slurry into a mineral portion and an aqueous portion. The use of the silicone glycol provides for reduced moisture content and/or increased production rate in a mineral slurry dewatering process.