Isotope B10 has the property to capture neutrons produced by nuclear reactions. Natural boron contains about 19.9 at% or 18.45 wt% of B10 isotope, the remaining being B11 isotope.

NUCL 18.10 B4 grade is a 304 stainless steel obtained by ingot casting and alloyed with 1 to 1,24 wt% natural boron additions.

In order to avoid ferrite grain which reduces the ductility of the alloy, NUCL 18.10 B4 grade has been overalloyed in Nickel when compared to 304 grades.

Molybdenum additions are sometimes considered to increase the corrosion resistance properties. The ingots rolled into plates are considered for nuclear applications (transport, casks, storage -in pools) of nuclear (waste) products.

For specific purposes, some other grades are sometimes used. The boron content may thus be included in the 0.2-2 weight % range or/and alloys obtained by powder metallurgy (A type). INDUSTEEL produce 18-10 B type boron alloyed grades. B type means conventional wrought metallurgical practice. Among the family of boron enriched 304 grades, NUCL 18-10 B4 grade is the most commonly used.