Abstract: The invention provides fumed silica comprising aggregates that have an aggregate size and a surface area that satisfy particular formulas relating aggregate size to surface area, as well as aggregates that exhibit particular viscosity, power law exponent index, and/or elastic modulus characteristics when dispersed in liquid media. The invention also provides processes of preparing such fumed silica by combining a silica precursor with a stream of combustible gas, combusting the stream, and producing a stream of combusted gas and fumed silica particles, wherein dopants are introduced, the time/temperature profile, or history, of the stream of combusted gas and fumed silica particles is adjusted to allow for post-quench aggregate growth, and/or additional silica precursor is introduced into the stream of combusted gas.

Abstract: The invention provides fumed silica comprising aggregates that have an aggregate size and a surface area that satisfy particular formulas relating aggregate size to surface area, as well as aggregates that exhibit particular viscosity, power law exponent index, and/or elastic modulus characteristics when dispersed in liquid media. The invention also provides processes of preparing such fumed silica by combining a silica precursor with a stream of combustible gas, combusting the stream, and producing a stream of combusted gas and fumed silica particles, wherein dopants are introduced, the time/temperature profile, or history, of the stream of combusted gas and fumed silica particles is adjusted to allow for post-quench aggregate growth, and/or additional silica precursor is introduced into the stream of combusted gas.