A self-reactive, modified acrylic emulsion. Very firm hand as well as excellent durability to washing and dry cleaning are characteristics of nonwovens and fabrics treated with this. It does not require the addition of a nitrogenous or other type of external cross linking agent. However, the cross linking of this can be expedited by the addition of an acid or latent acid catalyst. It can be used in a diverse range of applications which require stiffness and durability such as interlining, fiberfill, filtration and battery separators.