Abstract: Binders for strengthening textile fiber structures and based on aqueous, self-crosslinking vinyl ester dispersions having a reduced formaldehyde content or containing no formaldehyde. The low content of free formaldehyde in the dispersion is achieved by partial or complete substitution of the crosslinking comonomers containing N-methylol groups by vinylalkoxysilanes as crosslinking agents. Non-woven treated with these formaldehyde-free or low formaldehyde binder systems are distinguished by high strength values and excellent solvent resistance.