The present invention includes a contact medium for use in an evaporative cooler, comprising a corrugated fibrous sheet material comprising at least a top layer and a bottom layer in contact at one or more regions to form at least two channels between the top layer and the bottom layer for air and fluid flow; and a water insoluble thermoplastic compound that impregnates the corrugated fibrous sheet material. The water insoluble thermoplastic compound may have between 1-35 weight percent PVC; 1-20 weight percent PAN; 1-60 weight percent PMA; 1-20 weight percent PAI; and 2-25 weight percent PBA. For example, the composition may have about 2 weight percent PVC; 18 weight percent PAN; 45 weight percent PMA; 15 weight percent PAI; and 20 weight percent PBA.