Abstract: In this paper, two types of modification methods to improve the ablative resistance of phenolic resin were reviewed, i.e., inorganic element and structural modifications. The inorganic element modification involved the introduction of boron or molybdenum elements, with the latter being more effective. The structure modification included the attachment of aryl phenol, benzoxazine, maleimide, cyano, or alkynyl groups. The synthesis and ablation resistance of the structural modified phenolic resins were summarized. These groups could generally improve the ablative resistance, however, the alkynyl group may resulted in higher curing temperature and was seldom employed.

Key words: ablative property, phenolic resin, modify, new structure