Abstract: A binder composition for asbestos fibers comprises a latex blend in which the dispersed phase comprises (1) from about 80 to 99.5 weight percent of a synthetic rubber and (2) from about 0.5 to 20 weight percent of a highly carboxylated polymer. The highly carboxylated polymer is a copolymer or terpolymer containing (1) an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid, (2) an alkyl ester of an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid, and optionally (3) an ethylenically unsaturated organic monomer which is copolymerizable with monomers (1) and (2) to form a stable latex.