Grafting polymerization of acrylic monomers onto cellulose chains possesses a great potential for tailoring the properties of cellulose-based materials. In this article, some results concerning the grafting polymerization of ethyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate (EA/MMA) 75/25 wt % on cotton fabrics are reported. The effectiveness of the grafting process as a method for the mechanical reinforcement of cotton without any modification of its handle is discussed. In addition, SEM observations were carried out to check the morphological modification occurring on cotton after the grafting reaction. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 118: 372-377, 2010