Mini-emulsion polymerization was widely noted for their unique features such as high system stability，long nucleation period，moderate polymerization rate and no diffusion of monomers through the aqueous phase. With the in-depth research on the components of mini-emulsion polymerization，homogenization technology and the mechanism of mini-emulsion polymerization，the application of mini-emulsion polymerization was becoming more and more widespread. The preparation process，stabilization mechanism，system composition and polymerization kinetics of mini-emulsion were summarized in this paper. Additionally，the recent research progresses of mini-emulsion polymerization in various fields of application were reviewed，and hydrophobic polymer emulsions，polyurethane-acrylate（PUA）emulsions，etc. could be applied in anticorrosive，waterproof，and peelable coatings. The application of mini-emulsion polymerization was moving toward multifunctionality.