non - woven bioactive , water and alcohol - repellent medical fabrics are described . the fabric is provided with a bioactive finish which is substantive on the fabric and is able to destroy migrating and cross - contaminating bacteria , algae and fungi . the bioactive material is 3 -- propyloctadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and is present to the extent of about 0 . 15 to about 1 . 05 % on the basis of the fabric weight . a fluoropolymer provides the necessary alcohol and saline repellency . the described fabrics have numerous medical uses such as surgeon &# 39 ; s gowns , medical drapes , isolation gowns and instrument wraps .