*2.1.2. Purification of as-received TLCP*

The as-received dried TLCP powder was dissolved into chloroform and followed by mechanically stirred at room temperature overnight. The deionized water was added to the mixture and was mechanically stirred for several minutes. Water extraction was repeated several times to remove any water soluble content, e.g. pure sebacic acid; the subsequent solution was subjected to centrifugal separation (KUBOTA 2010, Japan) at a speed of 3,800 rpm for 1800 seconds. Three layers of solution were obtained. The bottom layer was a brownish precipitate which was believed to be a mixture of HBA, HBA rich TLCP, catalyst or other heavier components in the TLCP powder. The top layer was a white cloudy layer, which was believed to be a SA rich TLCP component. The middle colorless portion was extracted. To obtain more thorough purification, the whole centrifugal separation and extraction processes were repeated several times. The TLCP powder was precipitated out by dropping the extracted solution into methanol. The TLCP fine powder was filtered out and dried at 120 oC for 3 days to remove any residual solvent contents.
