Method for producing a cross-linked siloxane network

A method for producing a cross-linked siloxane network, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a first part comprising (i) a first siloxane compound comprising at least two cyclic siloxane moieties, (ii) an inorganic particulate material, and (iii) an aminosilane compound, wherein, optionally, at least a portion of the aminosilane compound is disposed on the surface of the inorganic particulate material;
• (b) providing a second part, the second part comprising a hydroxide salt;
• (c) combining the first part and the second part to produce a reaction mixture;
• (d) heating the reaction mixture to a temperature sufficient for the hydroxide salt to open the ring of the cyclic siloxane moiety;
• and
• (e) maintaining the reaction mixture at an elevated temperature so that at least a portion of the opened cyclic siloxane moieties react to produce a cross-linked siloxane network.