The nanocomposites based on water glass matrix were attempted in the study. Nanoparticles of ZnO, Al2O3 or MgO in organic solutions

were applied into water glass matrix in the amounts of: 1.5; 3; 4 or 5 mas. %. Wettability of the quartz sad by the nanocomposites based on

water glass matrix was determined by testing changes of the wetting angle θ in time τ for the system: quartz – binder in non-stationary

state, by means of the device for measuring wetting angles. Wettability measurements were carried out under isothermal conditions at an

ambient temperature (20 – 25 oC). The modification improves wettability of quartz matrix by water glass, which is effective in improving

strength properties of hardened moulding sands. Out of the considered modifiers in colloidal solution of propyl alcohol water glass

modified by MgO nanoparticles indicated the smallest values of the equilibrium wetting angle θr. This value was equal app. 11 degrees and

was smaller no less than 40 degrees than θr value determined for not modified water glass. Viscosity η of nanocomposites based on water

glass matrix was determined from the flow curve, it means from the empirically determined dependence of the shearing stress τ on shear

rate γ: τ = f (γ) (1), by means of the rotational rheometer. Measurements were carried out at a constant temperature of 20 oC. The

modification influences the binder viscosity. This influence is conditioned by: amount of the introduced modifier as well as dimensions and

kinds of nanoparticles and organic solvents. The viscosity increase of the modified binder does not negatively influence its functional

properties.

The aim of the study was to determine the applicability of a new product added to water glass-containing foundry sands hardened with

ethylene glycol diacetate. The new additive designated by the symbol "B" is a composition of aqueous solutions of modified polyalcohols,

improving the sand knocking out properties. The scope of studies included testing various mechanical and technological properties

of foundry sand mixtures, such as permeability, friability, life cycle of cores and knocking out properties.

In the technological studies, two types of water glass with different values of the silica modulus and density, designated as R145 and R150,

were used. Moulding sands were prepared with the additive "B". For comparison, reference sands with water glass but without the additive

"B" were also made. In Part I of the article, the results of studies of the effect of additive "B" on the properties of foundry sands with water

glass hardened by CO2 blowing were discussed.