The maximum temperature limit at which liquid boils explosively is called the superheat limit of liquids. Using the droplet explosion technique, the superheat limit of several hydrocarbons and their mixtures was measured. The dynamic behavior of the bubble formed from the fully evaporated droplet at its superheat limit was investigated by measuring the far-field pressure signal from the bubble and by visualizing its behavior. The evaporation process of a droplet and the evolution of the bubble from the evaporated droplet were also studied theoretically by using an appropriate bubble nucleation and dynamics model. It was found that the superheat limit of liquids could be accurately predicted when correct vapor-liquid equilibrium data for the liquids were provided. The calculated far-field pressure signals, which indicate thermal damping, are in good agreement with observed one until the bubble disintegrates. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.