Used as a crosslinking agent in water-based coatings, adhesives, and textile finishes to improve durability, water resistance, and tensile strength. Enhances film formation and adhesion in emulsion polymers. Commonly applied in paper sizing and leather treatments to improve wet strength and stiffness. Also utilized in the synthesis of functional polymers for controlled release systems and hydrogels due to its reactivity with hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. Requires careful handling as it can release formaldehyde under heat or acidic conditions.