Abstract:The development history, species, the synthesis mechanism and progress of phenol-formaldehyde resin were summarized. Because lignin molecule has phenolic hydroxyl group and aldehyde group, the use of lignin can not only improve the adhesive properties, but also reduce the dosage of phenol and formaldehyde emission. The purposes of waste utilization and the environmental protection are achieved by this method. The research progress of new modified phenol-formaldehyde resin was mainly discussed, especially for lignin modified phenol-formaldehyde resin. The development trend and prospect of new type phenol-formaldehyde resin composite were forecasted.