Stiff container scientist created using carbon instead of boron (6)

I believe the answer is:

coffin

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'stiff container' is the definition.
'coffin' can be an answer for 'container' (coffin is a kind of container). I am not sure about the 'stiff' bit.

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for coffin that I've seen before include "Box for a corpse" , "Casket for the dead" , "Casket for a corpse" , "Box for burial" , "Box for the dead" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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