Abstract: The invention relates to antimicrobial non-cross-linked polymers which are constituted of an ester and/or amide resin to which quaternary ammonium salts are bound by a covalent bond which is potentially reactive with water, the quaternary ammonium content being at least 1 M/kg, a well as to the use thereof for the preparation of a material having antimicrobial properties and to their methods of preparation.