Solvent induced shape changes in liquid crystal elastomers

Liquid crystal elastomers are exceptionally responsive due to coupling between orientational order and mechanical strain.~ Changes in orientational order can give rise to mechanical deformations. Orientational order can be changed by a variety of excitations, including chemical concentration fields.~We have studied the dynamics of shape changes in LCE samples due to exposure to organic solvents and solvent vapors.~Unlike isotropic elastomers, which simply swell, LCEs show dramatic anisotropic shape changes when exposed to solvents.~We present results for the excitation and relaxation dynamics of shape changes for a variety of materials in response to the presence of different solvents.~ The absorption of solvents can cause a nematic-paranematic phase transition.~ We discuss possible applications