An antimicrobial polymer stable to aqueous hydrolysis contains a phenolic antimicrobial agent covalently bounded to one or more polymerized ethylenically unsaturated monomer units, preferably through an imide and/or amide group The phenol group is permanently covalently bonded to the main chain of the biocidal polymer through a stable imide and/or amide bond The polymer prevents microbial colonization in or on a substrate material, e g a building material, such as a shingle or gypsum board, while also killing fungi on its surface, or plastics, e g polyvinyl chloride materials, and can be delivered alone or with a drug in a delivery system.Selon linvention, un polymère antimicrobien stable face à une hydrolyse aqueuse contient un agent antimicrobien phénolique lié de manière covalente à au moins une unité monomère insaturée éthyléniquement polymérisée, de préférence, par le biais dun groupe dimide et/ou damide.