LIGHT AND ELECTRON-MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF INDIAN PASHMINA (CASHMERE) FIBER

Light and electron microscopy of Indian pashmina fibre (cashmere) was studied. Depth of hair follicles (primaries) was more than double to t hat of pashmina fibres (secondaries). Horizontal sections of skin show ed trio of primaries, secondaries, sweat and sebaceous glands and erec tor muscle. The central primary follicle was generally larger than the lateral primaries. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of fibres h ad pointed tip, shaft and root papilla. The root papillae varied from kidney to wedge shape. Fibre shafts were 9 to 10 pm thick, but most of the fibres were 12 to 16 pm thick. The shaft was distinct, smooth, en circled by scales, rolled impressions of it revealing the form of wave d mosaic pattern. Tip of fibre showed a tapering end with iu surface u neven and rough. Wax-like amorphous secretory product was observed on root papillae, shaft and tip. Transmission Electron Microsopy (TEM) sh owed that pashmina fibres were almost circular in cross-section, and c omprised cuticle and cortex. The cuticle and cortex were dearly demarc ated by a thin electron dense zone. Cortex contained cords of epiderma l cells without marked nuclei. The ortho- and para-cortical zones coul d not be differentiated.