Abstract. The association processes in physical gels and physical networks with smal amount of stickers are compared on the basis of the generalization of literature data and our own results on the gels of gelatine, PVA and olygocarbodiimides as well as on the physical network formation in poly(dimethylcarbosi1oxane) with side COOH groups. The measurement of the rheological properties is used as a main method of the association evaluation. The role of the rearrangement of the intra-to intermolecular bonds and of the thermodynamic quality of the solvent in the process of physical network formation is emphasized.