Methods for making composite products are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the method can include combining a plurality of lignocellulose substrates and one or more free radical precursors to produce a mixture of the lignocellulose substrates and the one or more free radical precursors. The method can also include maintaining the mixture at a temperature less than 60° C. for at least 10 minutes while retaining at least 11 wt % of the one or more free radical precursors charged to the mixture. The method can then include heating the mixture comprising at least 11 wt % of the one or more free radical precursors charged to the mixture to a temperature of at least 60° C. to about 300° C. to produce a composite product. The composite product can have a density less than 1 g/cm3 and an internal bond strength of at least 0.35 MPa.