Abstract: Artificial seeds, characterized in that they consist of:a meristematic tissue,a support in contact with said meristematic tissue, and preferably surrounding said meristematic tissue on all sides, this support beinga) a solid substance which is not compact and which comprises, in the air and in the dry state, a ratio by volume of air of at least 10%, preferably at least 50%,b) permeable to gases and/or vapors, preferably air- and steam-permeable,c) dry or dryable,a shell made of polymer material and soluble in water, which surrounds the unit composed of support and meristematic tissue,a water-tight film which covers the inside of the shell of polymer material.

Abstract: Polyamide-based molding compositions having enhanced flexibility and resilience, especially at low temperatures, are prepared from (1) semirigid copolyamides prepared from fatty acid dimers, (2) elastomers containing moieties compatible or reactive with such copolyamides (1) and comprising olefinic copolymers bearing carboxyl and/or carboxylate groups, copolyester-amides, polyurethanes, organopolysiloxane and polyurethane block copolymers, and copolymers produced from a latex which comprises suitable functional groups, and, optionally, (3) conventional polyamides.

Abstract: The polyamide polymers, notably the nylons, are effectively heat stabilized, characteristically with good retention of mechanical properties, by formulating therewith stabilizing amounts of (i) at least one lanthanide or yttrium-based compound and (ii) at least one ammonium, or alkali or alkaline earth metal halide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a homogeneous fluid composition which can be shaped, consisting of N-methylpyrrolidone-2, poly-para-phenyleneterephthalamide in an amount of 5 to 7% by weight, relative to the weight of the composition, calcium chloride or lithium chloride, and a tertiary amine with a pK H.sub.2 O equal to at most 6.60, and also to the process for its production. The composition can be shaped directly to form filaments, fibres, films or fibrids which can be used, for example, in the textile industry.

Abstract: The polyamides are fireproofed and, e.g., phosphine-inhibited, by formulating red phosphorus and at least one lanthanide or yttrium compound therewith.