A binder composition, obtained by polymerizing acrylic acid monomer in water in the presence of a cure accelerator comprising an alkali metal salt of a phosphorous-containing inorganic acid to form a low molecular weight polyacrylic acid and subsequently reacting said low molecular weight polyacrylic acid with a polyhydroxy crosslinking agent in a crosslinking step to make a composition suitable for use as a component in a binder for fiberglass. A significant improvement involves conducting the crosslinking step in the absence of added catalyst. Moreover, satisfactory results are obtained in the absence of conventional undesirable sulfur odors.