Abstract: The use of polyether hydroxycarboxylate copolymers in textile manufacturing and treating processes. The polyether hydroxycarboxylate copolymer has the structure wherein M+ is a cation wherein M is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, ammonia, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, zinc, copper, organic amines, amino acids, and amino saccharides; R1 is the residue of an ethylenically unsaturated comonomer having at least one functional group which is selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid and phosphonic acid; R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; n is from about 2 to about 100; X1 and X2 are independently 0 or 1; a is from 0 to 100 mole percent; and b is from 100 to 0 mole percent, provided that (a+b) is 100 mole percent.

Abstract: A method for imparting permanent press properties to a textile containing cellulose fibers. The method involves applying an aqueous solution of a (hydroxyalkyl)urea and/or a .beta.-hydroxyalkyl amide crosslinking agent to a textile, and heating the textile at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient time to react the crosslinking agent with the textile wherein water is removed from the textile, to impart permanent press properties to the textile. The crosslinking agent is free of formaldehyde. The method of the present invention provides permanent press properties to textiles treated therewith and increases the resistance of such textiles to future laundering abrasion. Such treated textiles display a significant reduction in wrinkles compared with nontreated textiles. Moreover, the treated textiles have a tactile sensation of feeling soft and retain their smoothness after laundering.