Nowadays the fabrics produced from cotton fibers have the largest share in the textile market. However, their crease-resistance is not satisfactory to meet the contemporary requirements for “easy-care” textile materials. The conventional durable press finishes improving the crease-resistance of cotton fabrics are mostly achieved on the basis of a condensation reaction at high temperature between formaldehyde based N-methylol compounds, such as Di-Methylol Dihydroxy Ethylene Urea (DMDHEU) or its derivatives and cotton. However, the formaldehyde, which is released during the fixation procedure, has been identified as a potential human carcinogen. In the last two decades many efforts have been made to develop formaldehyde- free crosslinking agents. The most promising formaldehyde free reagents, nevertheless the polycarboxylic acids are 1,2,3,4 BTCA and polymers of maleic acid. Predominantly 1,2,3,4 BTCA is high cost than Polymaleic acid, so commercial application is an intricate. The reaction with the cellulose substrate proceeds ester crosslinking, catalyzed by sodium hypophosphite.

This present work dealt with the application of Polymaleic Acid and its impact on various properties of cotton such as Crease resistance angle (CRA), tensile strength, tearing strength and abrasion resistance were investigated. Finally PMA treacted fabric was compare with DMDHEU Treated fabrics.