This treatment was applied to bleached softwood kraft pulp handsheets in an effort to improve physical strength of paper. Paper strength was improved by esterification of cellulose and polycarboxylic acid. Because hydrogen bond of carboxyl group is stronger than that of hydroxyl group, polycarboxylic acid forms stronger hydrogen bond than cellulose does. 1,2,3,4,-cyclopentanetetracarboxylic acid (CPTA) and sodium dihydrogen phosphate ($NaH_2O_4$) were used as polycarboxylic acid and catalyst, respectively This reaction was confirmed by the weight gain of the handsheets, by FTIR spectrum and by changes in mechanical properties of sheets. Wet tensile strength was improved when handsheets were treated with polycarboxylic acid. However, tear strength and burst strength decreased.