Swellable devices based on renewable raw materials and methods of using in wellbores

An apparatus comprising an expandable and porous filtration member having a body constructed of a composite comprising a polymer hydrogel, a rubber binder, and a filler, wherein the body has a first volume and expandable to a second volume upon contacting with a fluid comprising water, the filler comprises one or more of the following:

• wood particles;
• wood strands;
• wood chips;
• wood flakes;
• wood shavings;
• walnut shell fragments;
• or corn cob fragments;
• and
• wherein the body of the expandable and porous filtration member filters fluid that passes therethrough.