INTRODUCTION
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are loosely cross-linked networks of liquid crystal mesogens. External stimuli like heat or light lead to a reversible phase change from a crystalline to an isotropic state. The microscopic reorientation of the mesogens results in a macroscopic deformation of the polymer. The large strain (> 50%) which they can generate upon stimulation makes LCEs an attractive family of polymer-based actuators.