Polyacrylontrile fiber was modified with argon low temperature plasma by RF glow discharge at 240 mTorr, 40 W to investigate the surface morphological changes and mechanical characteristics such as elongation, tenacity, and modulus. Analysis of the SEM images revealed that the plasma treatment resulted in significant ablation on the surfaces rendering a severe crack formation. The morphological changes were evident with short treatment time of argon plasma although longer treatment time damaged the surface more severely. The mechanical characteristics such as tenacity and elongation were deteriorated due to the plasma treatment. The tenacity of the fiber treated with argon-plasma for 5 min showed a decreased value up to 21.9 % when compared to the untreated fiber. While the corresponding initial modulus(0 - 1 %) increased markedly up to 44.3 %.